November 14, 2003 at 4:39 PM

I just got news that Connie is ok and is taking it easy at home. I feel like I can finally breathe again and that my prayers have been answered. I can not begin to explain what a relief it is to know she is ok but Im still deeply concerned and I still pray for her every day, I can't begin to imagine what its like to have MS.

Last week I started working a second job like I said I would. Of course that means I dont have as much time to practice but Im in good spirits because its good to get out of the house and Ill have extra money plus Im making new friends and Im still making progress anyways, Im doing this violin thing for me.

I now have half of the first page of The (immortal) Bach Chaconne memorized. Progress has been very slow but I feel like Im making headway and I think that once you get through the beginning it gets alot easier so I am pleased with my progress even though I have been progressing slowly. Its really starting to sound good too but its also really hard to make it sound smooth and natural, over time and much practice Im sure it will sound even better, the hard part is figuring out how to play it and once I know that practice becomes fun. Reading music is such a chore for me and I have to read something three times before Im ready to start playing: partially because of my dyslexia and also partly because Im a little obsessive compulsive by nature.

I have also been playing alot of guitar lately, tons of Bach mostly from the lute suites. Maybe one say Ill record some of them with guitar and violin as per my own transcriptions. I also have been working on learning some new jazz tunes like "Misty" and "There Will Never Be Another You". I also want to learn "Close to You" by The Carpenters for nostalgic purposes, it was one of those records mom had when I was growing up and I just love the song. I think about Karen Carpenter and what an angel of a voice she had and of how she died. I also remember seeing a documantary on tv that revealed a troubled married life and varous divorces, she must have been a truly tortured artist. Yes it seems when a person's art affetcts me deeply I want to know about their life and I want to get to know them better. There is also some stuff I want to learn by John McLaughlin, Ralph Towner, Bill Connors, Al Dimeola, Bill Evans, John Coltrane, and that wonderful ballad by Liz Story called "My Heart, Your Heart" oh that song just kills me. Beleieve it or not theres this speed metal tune Id love to learn on violin that would be a blast to play. Yes, it seems I like all styles of music indeed.

It is starting to get cold here and I found out While watching the news that the tires on your car loose between 10 and 20 psi of air when it gets cold outside. Then it suddenly occured to me that it is not a good idea to drive 90mph on the highway with dangerously low tires, someone upstairs must be watching out for me and I sense that it is for a reason (babies maybe?)

Guess Ill talk to you folks soon, same bat time, same bat channel, and practise as much as you can without straining your hand...

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November 14, 2003 at 4:39 PM

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