missmyariley - Tumblr blog

[missmyariley]

“I’d like to play too.”  Scooting back from the table I started to clear the dishes. I rinsed them, and loaded the dishwasher. Setting it to run after we went to bed. Once I was done I grabbed what was left of my drink and headed into the living room with Corey close behind. “Netflix it is.” We decided on a movie, and .cuddled up on the couch. The light in here was dim, and it was very relaxing after a long night with the kids. “I am really glad you came. I think this is going to be a really fun visit.”

School Is Out

It was the last day for our group. One by one my children packed up their instruments, and gathered their music books. We had made such progress this year. Tomorrow night was the big recital.  Some of them had solos, we had three duets, and then there were the 4 group numbers. Looking at them people would be surprised at the level of skill gathered in the small room.

Saying our goodbyes, I waited exchanging pleasantries with each parent as they retrieved their child.

I was done until the new year. I would meet again with my kids on the 2nd of January. I loved my job at the university. Working with Professor Blaisell, trying to find new ways to tap into the talents of each young mind here was a dream come true for me. I got to help the children through music, my greatest joy in life.

Music was what made things make sense to me. I heard music in everything. Something that very few people could completely comprehend. I didn’t think I was better because of it, and I did all I could to make sure the children understood their gifts made them no more or less than others. They were each unique. They all had different means of communicating.  Not all of them could hear like I did. I didn’t think as each of them did. We all brought an interesting, fresh perspective to the group. It was fascinating to hear some of their outlooks. All too often people are so busy telling children things, they forget to listen. 

As the last child departed, I packed up my own guitars, then grabbed my laptop, carefully securing it in my bag. I picked up my sheet music, and tucked it in a folder, sliding it in beside the small gadget.

Looking around I smiled. We were playing tomorrow night in the park. Surrounded by the lovely lights. Christmas would be in the air. The next time I returned it would be 2018.  Another year. I hoped it would bring good things for us all.

Wandering to my car, I smiled as I slid each guitar case into the back seat. I set the messenger bag with my laptop down in the passenger seat. Starting the car, I tried to decide what to pick up for dinner before heading home. Corey would be arriving in the next few days, and I looked forward to experiencing the holiday with him. My parents were still out of the country, and the King of Georgia still refused to let Tasha have any contact.

Corey, in some strange way, had become my family. I say strange because he lived a good distance away, and we didn’t see each other as much as either of us would like. We spoke daily, in one way or another. Text, email, phone. It wasn’t the same as being in the same place however. Corey was working on his own music. He was extraordinarily talented. I was sure one day he would play in a big venue. 

Smiling as I thought of him, I headed out of the lot, turning toward a small pizza place I knew. I would buy a couple of slices and then head home. I was excited, and I knew I would have problems sleeping. That always happened when I was excited. My body was buzzing with an anxious melody. I hummed quietly along with it. 

[missmyariley]

I loved all of Corey’s ideas. I loved to see the city’s decorations, the park was gorgeous this time of year. The Cathedral was said to have beautiful music this time of year. I had heard Handel’s Messiah was being performed at night.  Jackson Square was one of my favorite places to visit. “We could take our guitars and sing. I have never done that, not more than humming a few bars when I compose, but I think with you there I could. Just an idea.”

I ate my fries, the cheese, meat, and gravy the perfect compliment to the crispy golden potatoes underneath. Joe checked on us a few times throughout the meal, and I smiled and thanked him as he refilled Corey’s Coke.  “We can get you all settled in tonight, and visit, then decide in the morning. If that sounds like a plan to you.” Wiping my mouth as I finished up my plate, I rubbed my stomach. “So good!”

School Is Out

It was the last day for our group. One by one my children packed up their instruments, and gathered their music books. We had made such progress this year. Tomorrow night was the big recital.  Some of them had solos, we had three duets, and then there were the 4 group numbers. Looking at them people would be surprised at the level of skill gathered in the small room.

Saying our goodbyes, I waited exchanging pleasantries with each parent as they retrieved their child.

I was done until the new year. I would meet again with my kids on the 2nd of January. I loved my job at the university. Working with Professor Blaisell, trying to find new ways to tap into the talents of each young mind here was a dream come true for me. I got to help the children through music, my greatest joy in life.

Music was what made things make sense to me. I heard music in everything. Something that very few people could completely comprehend. I didn’t think I was better because of it, and I did all I could to make sure the children understood their gifts made them no more or less than others. They were each unique. They all had different means of communicating.  Not all of them could hear like I did. I didn’t think as each of them did. We all brought an interesting, fresh perspective to the group. It was fascinating to hear some of their outlooks. All too often people are so busy telling children things, they forget to listen. 

As the last child departed, I packed up my own guitars, then grabbed my laptop, carefully securing it in my bag. I picked up my sheet music, and tucked it in a folder, sliding it in beside the small gadget.

Looking around I smiled. We were playing tomorrow night in the park. Surrounded by the lovely lights. Christmas would be in the air. The next time I returned it would be 2018.  Another year. I hoped it would bring good things for us all.

Wandering to my car, I smiled as I slid each guitar case into the back seat. I set the messenger bag with my laptop down in the passenger seat. Starting the car, I tried to decide what to pick up for dinner before heading home. Corey would be arriving in the next few days, and I looked forward to experiencing the holiday with him. My parents were still out of the country, and the King of Georgia still refused to let Tasha have any contact.

Corey, in some strange way, had become my family. I say strange because he lived a good distance away, and we didn’t see each other as much as either of us would like. We spoke daily, in one way or another. Text, email, phone. It wasn’t the same as being in the same place however. Corey was working on his own music. He was extraordinarily talented. I was sure one day he would play in a big venue. 

Smiling as I thought of him, I headed out of the lot, turning toward a small pizza place I knew. I would buy a couple of slices and then head home. I was excited, and I knew I would have problems sleeping. That always happened when I was excited. My body was buzzing with an anxious melody. I hummed quietly along with it. 

[missmyariley]

Everything here was so easy, and when Corey joked about finding me here, I nodded and shrugged. “For late dinner, or early breakfast. Not on the weekends though. It gets too crowded. I love that it’s not too bright, that the music is good. The people that work here are kind, but rarely intrusive. I guess you could say it’s one of my favorite places in the city.”  Looking at your food I smiled, then getting a forkful of my own, I offered you a bite. It seemed like the natural thing to do for me, so I went with it. I tended to do that a lot. Acting on impulse. I was at ease enough around you that I found it easy to be myself. Generally at school, and around my student’s parents, I concentrated heavily on my behavior, not wanting them to question my abilities. It was exhausting to be so stifled. “Tell me about things you might like to do while you’re here.”

School Is Out

It was the last day for our group. One by one my children packed up their instruments, and gathered their music books. We had made such progress this year. Tomorrow night was the big recital.  Some of them had solos, we had three duets, and then there were the 4 group numbers. Looking at them people would be surprised at the level of skill gathered in the small room.

Saying our goodbyes, I waited exchanging pleasantries with each parent as they retrieved their child.

I was done until the new year. I would meet again with my kids on the 2nd of January. I loved my job at the university. Working with Professor Blaisell, trying to find new ways to tap into the talents of each young mind here was a dream come true for me. I got to help the children through music, my greatest joy in life.

Music was what made things make sense to me. I heard music in everything. Something that very few people could completely comprehend. I didn’t think I was better because of it, and I did all I could to make sure the children understood their gifts made them no more or less than others. They were each unique. They all had different means of communicating.  Not all of them could hear like I did. I didn’t think as each of them did. We all brought an interesting, fresh perspective to the group. It was fascinating to hear some of their outlooks. All too often people are so busy telling children things, they forget to listen. 

As the last child departed, I packed up my own guitars, then grabbed my laptop, carefully securing it in my bag. I picked up my sheet music, and tucked it in a folder, sliding it in beside the small gadget.

Looking around I smiled. We were playing tomorrow night in the park. Surrounded by the lovely lights. Christmas would be in the air. The next time I returned it would be 2018.  Another year. I hoped it would bring good things for us all.

Wandering to my car, I smiled as I slid each guitar case into the back seat. I set the messenger bag with my laptop down in the passenger seat. Starting the car, I tried to decide what to pick up for dinner before heading home. Corey would be arriving in the next few days, and I looked forward to experiencing the holiday with him. My parents were still out of the country, and the King of Georgia still refused to let Tasha have any contact.

Corey, in some strange way, had become my family. I say strange because he lived a good distance away, and we didn’t see each other as much as either of us would like. We spoke daily, in one way or another. Text, email, phone. It wasn’t the same as being in the same place however. Corey was working on his own music. He was extraordinarily talented. I was sure one day he would play in a big venue. 

Smiling as I thought of him, I headed out of the lot, turning toward a small pizza place I knew. I would buy a couple of slices and then head home. I was excited, and I knew I would have problems sleeping. That always happened when I was excited. My body was buzzing with an anxious melody. I hummed quietly along with it. 

[missmyariley]

It was fairly late, and on a week night just days before Christmas, Belle’s wasn’t too crowded. I loved how the neon lights of the place lit the back corner booth as we sat down. Joe, our waiter, had taken our drink orders. I had ordered a strawberry shake, and thanked our server. He was always really nice, and the owner didn’t mind when I sat in the booth alone, if it was quiet, with my laptop, mixing music the kids had played in class. I often made recordings for their parents so they could see the progress. “Their burgers are really great, the fried PB&J is amazing, the debris fries are my favorite, and the Elvis’d pancakes look pretty good too. A lot of people rave about them.” Grinning I ordered the fries when Joe came back, looking across at Corey to see what he would choose,

School Is Out

It was the last day for our group. One by one my children packed up their instruments, and gathered their music books. We had made such progress this year. Tomorrow night was the big recital.  Some of them had solos, we had three duets, and then there were the 4 group numbers. Looking at them people would be surprised at the level of skill gathered in the small room.

Saying our goodbyes, I waited exchanging pleasantries with each parent as they retrieved their child.

I was done until the new year. I would meet again with my kids on the 2nd of January. I loved my job at the university. Working with Professor Blaisell, trying to find new ways to tap into the talents of each young mind here was a dream come true for me. I got to help the children through music, my greatest joy in life.

Music was what made things make sense to me. I heard music in everything. Something that very few people could completely comprehend. I didn’t think I was better because of it, and I did all I could to make sure the children understood their gifts made them no more or less than others. They were each unique. They all had different means of communicating.  Not all of them could hear like I did. I didn’t think as each of them did. We all brought an interesting, fresh perspective to the group. It was fascinating to hear some of their outlooks. All too often people are so busy telling children things, they forget to listen. 

As the last child departed, I packed up my own guitars, then grabbed my laptop, carefully securing it in my bag. I picked up my sheet music, and tucked it in a folder, sliding it in beside the small gadget.

Looking around I smiled. We were playing tomorrow night in the park. Surrounded by the lovely lights. Christmas would be in the air. The next time I returned it would be 2018.  Another year. I hoped it would bring good things for us all.

Wandering to my car, I smiled as I slid each guitar case into the back seat. I set the messenger bag with my laptop down in the passenger seat. Starting the car, I tried to decide what to pick up for dinner before heading home. Corey would be arriving in the next few days, and I looked forward to experiencing the holiday with him. My parents were still out of the country, and the King of Georgia still refused to let Tasha have any contact.

Corey, in some strange way, had become my family. I say strange because he lived a good distance away, and we didn’t see each other as much as either of us would like. We spoke daily, in one way or another. Text, email, phone. It wasn’t the same as being in the same place however. Corey was working on his own music. He was extraordinarily talented. I was sure one day he would play in a big venue. 

Smiling as I thought of him, I headed out of the lot, turning toward a small pizza place I knew. I would buy a couple of slices and then head home. I was excited, and I knew I would have problems sleeping. That always happened when I was excited. My body was buzzing with an anxious melody. I hummed quietly along with it. 

[missmyariley]

“I am glad you made it safely, and that you didn’t speed.”  My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. It didn’t  take long to do my part of the cleanup once the last of my children were gone. I wasn’t responsible for the chairs. Some of the workers from the school were taking those back, and I thanked them for their help,

Once I had the chair covers and ribbons packed up, and the leftover snacks I had made in containers, I set to picking the trash I could see up. The process took thirty minutes in total, and Corey was sweet and helped me. As we carried the boxes toward my car, I hit  the button on my key fob, and the hatchback released. “I am so glad you got to hear them. It means so much to me.” Turning to look at him once everything was secured, I smiled. “Are you hungry? We can hit someplace on the way home if that’s okay. “ I really didn’t want either of us to have to cook instead of enjoying each other’s company.

School Is Out

It was the last day for our group. One by one my children packed up their instruments, and gathered their music books. We had made such progress this year. Tomorrow night was the big recital.  Some of them had solos, we had three duets, and then there were the 4 group numbers. Looking at them people would be surprised at the level of skill gathered in the small room.

Saying our goodbyes, I waited exchanging pleasantries with each parent as they retrieved their child.

I was done until the new year. I would meet again with my kids on the 2nd of January. I loved my job at the university. Working with Professor Blaisell, trying to find new ways to tap into the talents of each young mind here was a dream come true for me. I got to help the children through music, my greatest joy in life.

Music was what made things make sense to me. I heard music in everything. Something that very few people could completely comprehend. I didn’t think I was better because of it, and I did all I could to make sure the children understood their gifts made them no more or less than others. They were each unique. They all had different means of communicating.  Not all of them could hear like I did. I didn’t think as each of them did. We all brought an interesting, fresh perspective to the group. It was fascinating to hear some of their outlooks. All too often people are so busy telling children things, they forget to listen. 

As the last child departed, I packed up my own guitars, then grabbed my laptop, carefully securing it in my bag. I picked up my sheet music, and tucked it in a folder, sliding it in beside the small gadget.

Looking around I smiled. We were playing tomorrow night in the park. Surrounded by the lovely lights. Christmas would be in the air. The next time I returned it would be 2018.  Another year. I hoped it would bring good things for us all.

Wandering to my car, I smiled as I slid each guitar case into the back seat. I set the messenger bag with my laptop down in the passenger seat. Starting the car, I tried to decide what to pick up for dinner before heading home. Corey would be arriving in the next few days, and I looked forward to experiencing the holiday with him. My parents were still out of the country, and the King of Georgia still refused to let Tasha have any contact.

Corey, in some strange way, had become my family. I say strange because he lived a good distance away, and we didn’t see each other as much as either of us would like. We spoke daily, in one way or another. Text, email, phone. It wasn’t the same as being in the same place however. Corey was working on his own music. He was extraordinarily talented. I was sure one day he would play in a big venue. 

Smiling as I thought of him, I headed out of the lot, turning toward a small pizza place I knew. I would buy a couple of slices and then head home. I was excited, and I knew I would have problems sleeping. That always happened when I was excited. My body was buzzing with an anxious melody. I hummed quietly along with it. 

[missmyariley]

I knew I didn’t want him to go, and I shook my head as the children wandered off. Leading him by the hand I spoke softly. “We need to stay until most of the others leave.” Not wanting to abandon those that were kind enough to come see us, I smiled and greeted people we pass. Introducing Corey when I thought it was appropriate.

I was happy that Corey was here. Immediately I felt more settled. He had this way of grounding me like no other could.  “Was your trip pleasant? Did it take you long? Did you drive?”

School Is Out

It was the last day for our group. One by one my children packed up their instruments, and gathered their music books. We had made such progress this year. Tomorrow night was the big recital.  Some of them had solos, we had three duets, and then there were the 4 group numbers. Looking at them people would be surprised at the level of skill gathered in the small room.

Saying our goodbyes, I waited exchanging pleasantries with each parent as they retrieved their child.

I was done until the new year. I would meet again with my kids on the 2nd of January. I loved my job at the university. Working with Professor Blaisell, trying to find new ways to tap into the talents of each young mind here was a dream come true for me. I got to help the children through music, my greatest joy in life.

Music was what made things make sense to me. I heard music in everything. Something that very few people could completely comprehend. I didn’t think I was better because of it, and I did all I could to make sure the children understood their gifts made them no more or less than others. They were each unique. They all had different means of communicating.  Not all of them could hear like I did. I didn’t think as each of them did. We all brought an interesting, fresh perspective to the group. It was fascinating to hear some of their outlooks. All too often people are so busy telling children things, they forget to listen. 

As the last child departed, I packed up my own guitars, then grabbed my laptop, carefully securing it in my bag. I picked up my sheet music, and tucked it in a folder, sliding it in beside the small gadget.

Looking around I smiled. We were playing tomorrow night in the park. Surrounded by the lovely lights. Christmas would be in the air. The next time I returned it would be 2018.  Another year. I hoped it would bring good things for us all.

Wandering to my car, I smiled as I slid each guitar case into the back seat. I set the messenger bag with my laptop down in the passenger seat. Starting the car, I tried to decide what to pick up for dinner before heading home. Corey would be arriving in the next few days, and I looked forward to experiencing the holiday with him. My parents were still out of the country, and the King of Georgia still refused to let Tasha have any contact.

Corey, in some strange way, had become my family. I say strange because he lived a good distance away, and we didn’t see each other as much as either of us would like. We spoke daily, in one way or another. Text, email, phone. It wasn’t the same as being in the same place however. Corey was working on his own music. He was extraordinarily talented. I was sure one day he would play in a big venue. 

Smiling as I thought of him, I headed out of the lot, turning toward a small pizza place I knew. I would buy a couple of slices and then head home. I was excited, and I knew I would have problems sleeping. That always happened when I was excited. My body was buzzing with an anxious melody. I hummed quietly along with it. 

[missmyariley]

As one of the ushers delivered the flowers, I smiled leaning to inhale their scent. They were lovely, and my gaze lifted to scan the crowd. There, toward the back, was Corey. Bending down I whispered to several of my children, then stood to speak to their parents. After a moment, myself and four of them moved toward my visitor.

Corey had come to surprise me, and I wanted him to meet some of my extraordinary students. They were excited to meet him as well. I was glad the music that was piped in was soft, and the lights were still low.  As I moved to stand before him, I smiled. “I wasn’t expecting to see you yet. I’m so glad you are here.” I introduced him to all the kids. Letting them greet him before sending them back to their moms and dads.

School Is Out

It was the last day for our group. One by one my children packed up their instruments, and gathered their music books. We had made such progress this year. Tomorrow night was the big recital.  Some of them had solos, we had three duets, and then there were the 4 group numbers. Looking at them people would be surprised at the level of skill gathered in the small room.

Saying our goodbyes, I waited exchanging pleasantries with each parent as they retrieved their child.

I was done until the new year. I would meet again with my kids on the 2nd of January. I loved my job at the university. Working with Professor Blaisell, trying to find new ways to tap into the talents of each young mind here was a dream come true for me. I got to help the children through music, my greatest joy in life.

Music was what made things make sense to me. I heard music in everything. Something that very few people could completely comprehend. I didn’t think I was better because of it, and I did all I could to make sure the children understood their gifts made them no more or less than others. They were each unique. They all had different means of communicating.  Not all of them could hear like I did. I didn’t think as each of them did. We all brought an interesting, fresh perspective to the group. It was fascinating to hear some of their outlooks. All too often people are so busy telling children things, they forget to listen. 

As the last child departed, I packed up my own guitars, then grabbed my laptop, carefully securing it in my bag. I picked up my sheet music, and tucked it in a folder, sliding it in beside the small gadget.

Looking around I smiled. We were playing tomorrow night in the park. Surrounded by the lovely lights. Christmas would be in the air. The next time I returned it would be 2018.  Another year. I hoped it would bring good things for us all.

Wandering to my car, I smiled as I slid each guitar case into the back seat. I set the messenger bag with my laptop down in the passenger seat. Starting the car, I tried to decide what to pick up for dinner before heading home. Corey would be arriving in the next few days, and I looked forward to experiencing the holiday with him. My parents were still out of the country, and the King of Georgia still refused to let Tasha have any contact.

Corey, in some strange way, had become my family. I say strange because he lived a good distance away, and we didn’t see each other as much as either of us would like. We spoke daily, in one way or another. Text, email, phone. It wasn’t the same as being in the same place however. Corey was working on his own music. He was extraordinarily talented. I was sure one day he would play in a big venue. 

Smiling as I thought of him, I headed out of the lot, turning toward a small pizza place I knew. I would buy a couple of slices and then head home. I was excited, and I knew I would have problems sleeping. That always happened when I was excited. My body was buzzing with an anxious melody. I hummed quietly along with it. 

[missmyariley]

I stood under the twinkling lights that  surrounded the stage that had been set up for my children. I had to admit it was beautiful. There were tables, with splendid Christmas decorations, where the audience would be served cocoa, coffee, tea, and a varieties of cookies.

All of the kids, who had just settled into their chairs which were decorated in cream colored satin cloth, were dressed in their Christmas finery, You could see them scanning the crowds, looking for the familiar faces of their loved ones. In the crowd I recognized two of my friends from Hope House, the Alpha from the Were Rescue Center and his gal. I was happy they had received my invitations and come to join us. My kids needed the positive energy. 

As the last of the audience took their seats, I made my way to where my class sat, whispering to them. “Focus on me. Remember to watch your tempo. Close your eyes if it helps. You’re going to be fabulous. Smile. I’ll be right here.”

Turning to face the audience, I ignored my own nerves. “Welcome ladies and gentleman. I am very excited to introduce you to a group of talented young musicians. We are part of a program at the University, that works with children with very different levels of Autism, tying them all together by their love of music.

We chose this venue, because unlike an auditorium, it is softer lighting. Loud noises are less likely to echo. Also because we believe, everything around us omits it’s own melody.  That being said, I would like to ask that you please refrain from using flashes. Some of us are very sensitive to bright lights. I would also ask that you refrain from cheering or applauding between pieces. While we love how excited you are for our performances, some of us have very keen hearing, and loud noises make us uneasy.  At the end by all means show your appreciation for the talent of these exceptional children, but please keep the volume to a minimum. We often applaud each other using the ASL sigh for applause.” Lifting my hands I turned my palms toward the crowd, spreading my fingers, and rotating my hands slightly from side to side. “This allows the children to know how  much you enjoyed the music, without anyone being overwhelmed.”

And now, if you would sit back and enjoy we would like to delight you with Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. This, unlike most of Bach’s works, was not one piece, but six. Often it would be played a cantata at a time between Christmas and the sixth of January.  We hope you enjoy our rendition.

Sitting in the middle chair, surrounded my my kids, I gave them all a smile as I took my bass and the bow from it’s stand. Quietly I whispered. “Deep Breaths.  3...2...1...” Starting to play, I glanced at each child, half of them had their eyes closed, and the rest were looking at me. We were off to a fabulous start as the music filled the air, I lead the young talent around me, into our sanctuary, one that was built in our minds, made brick by brick from each note we played.

School Is Out

It was the last day for our group. One by one my children packed up their instruments, and gathered their music books. We had made such progress this year. Tomorrow night was the big recital.  Some of them had solos, we had three duets, and then there were the 4 group numbers. Looking at them people would be surprised at the level of skill gathered in the small room.

Saying our goodbyes, I waited exchanging pleasantries with each parent as they retrieved their child.

I was done until the new year. I would meet again with my kids on the 2nd of January. I loved my job at the university. Working with Professor Blaisell, trying to find new ways to tap into the talents of each young mind here was a dream come true for me. I got to help the children through music, my greatest joy in life.

Music was what made things make sense to me. I heard music in everything. Something that very few people could completely comprehend. I didn’t think I was better because of it, and I did all I could to make sure the children understood their gifts made them no more or less than others. They were each unique. They all had different means of communicating.  Not all of them could hear like I did. I didn’t think as each of them did. We all brought an interesting, fresh perspective to the group. It was fascinating to hear some of their outlooks. All too often people are so busy telling children things, they forget to listen. 

As the last child departed, I packed up my own guitars, then grabbed my laptop, carefully securing it in my bag. I picked up my sheet music, and tucked it in a folder, sliding it in beside the small gadget.

Looking around I smiled. We were playing tomorrow night in the park. Surrounded by the lovely lights. Christmas would be in the air. The next time I returned it would be 2018.  Another year. I hoped it would bring good things for us all.

Wandering to my car, I smiled as I slid each guitar case into the back seat. I set the messenger bag with my laptop down in the passenger seat. Starting the car, I tried to decide what to pick up for dinner before heading home. Corey would be arriving in the next few days, and I looked forward to experiencing the holiday with him. My parents were still out of the country, and the King of Georgia still refused to let Tasha have any contact.

Corey, in some strange way, had become my family. I say strange because he lived a good distance away, and we didn’t see each other as much as either of us would like. We spoke daily, in one way or another. Text, email, phone. It wasn’t the same as being in the same place however. Corey was working on his own music. He was extraordinarily talented. I was sure one day he would play in a big venue. 

Smiling as I thought of him, I headed out of the lot, turning toward a small pizza place I knew. I would buy a couple of slices and then head home. I was excited, and I knew I would have problems sleeping. That always happened when I was excited. My body was buzzing with an anxious melody. I hummed quietly along with it. 

[missmyariley]

School Is Out

It was the last day for our group. One by one my children packed up their instruments, and gathered their music books. We had made such progress this year. Tomorrow night was the big recital.  Some of them had solos, we had three duets, and then there were the 4 group numbers. Looking at them people would be surprised at the level of skill gathered in the small room.

Saying our goodbyes, I waited exchanging pleasantries with each parent as they retrieved their child.

I was done until the new year. I would meet again with my kids on the 2nd of January. I loved my job at the university. Working with Professor Blaisell, trying to find new ways to tap into the talents of each young mind here was a dream come true for me. I got to help the children through music, my greatest joy in life.

Music was what made things make sense to me. I heard music in everything. Something that very few people could completely comprehend. I didn’t think I was better because of it, and I did all I could to make sure the children understood their gifts made them no more or less than others. They were each unique. They all had different means of communicating.  Not all of them could hear like I did. I didn’t think as each of them did. We all brought an interesting, fresh perspective to the group. It was fascinating to hear some of their outlooks. All too often people are so busy telling children things, they forget to listen. 

As the last child departed, I packed up my own guitars, then grabbed my laptop, carefully securing it in my bag. I picked up my sheet music, and tucked it in a folder, sliding it in beside the small gadget.

Looking around I smiled. We were playing tomorrow night in the park. Surrounded by the lovely lights. Christmas would be in the air. The next time I returned it would be 2018.  Another year. I hoped it would bring good things for us all.

Wandering to my car, I smiled as I slid each guitar case into the back seat. I set the messenger bag with my laptop down in the passenger seat. Starting the car, I tried to decide what to pick up for dinner before heading home. Corey would be arriving in the next few days, and I looked forward to experiencing the holiday with him. My parents were still out of the country, and the King of Georgia still refused to let Tasha have any contact.

Corey, in some strange way, had become my family. I say strange because he lived a good distance away, and we didn’t see each other as much as either of us would like. We spoke daily, in one way or another. Text, email, phone. It wasn’t the same as being in the same place however. Corey was working on his own music. He was extraordinarily talented. I was sure one day he would play in a big venue. 

Smiling as I thought of him, I headed out of the lot, turning toward a small pizza place I knew. I would buy a couple of slices and then head home. I was excited, and I knew I would have problems sleeping. That always happened when I was excited. My body was buzzing with an anxious melody. I hummed quietly along with it. 

[missmyariley]

This would look beautiful on you, Mrs. Alexander.

Stephane Rolland

[missmyariley]

For my class.

[missmyariley]

Costume perhaps, dunk tank no! Unless you already volunteered?

[missmyariley]

Awe. I would swing by and see you too. *smiles*

[missmyariley]

Then perhaps I should come visit it?

[missmyariley]

Yep. A whole year. How is it coming along?

[missmyariley]

[missmyariley]