Happy Friday, friends!
We’ve just returned from a trip to Brazil—nearly 30 years in the making. I’d long dreamed of reuniting with our childhood exchange student, Lucila, from São Paulo. I always told her I’d visit someday, and that day finally came.
I love everything about this photo—a beautiful old building nestled in a festive street scene, with a produce vendor set up at its base.
It was taken in the “old town” area of São Luís, the capital and largest city of Maranhão, a state in northern Brazil.
If you’re curious for more, I’ve shared plenty of fun moments from the past few weeks over on Instagram and Facebook. I also hope to blog a bit about it here in the coming months.
For now, enjoy this small, colorful snippet in time.
Wishing you a bright, joyful, and refreshing start to the school year. Enjoy this month’s finds!
~Amy
1
If you’ve been curious at all about the Keyboard Games books by Marilyn Lowe, there is now a wonderful little sampler available.
2
Shouting my agreement along with teacher friend Christina Whitlock in her most recent podcast episode on Common Distractions in Piano Teaching. (Beyond Measure Podcast)
3
As the numbers go up in our age, my husband and I are recognizing the importance of funneling our food funds into healthier options where we can. Five years ago, after traveling to Alaska, we almost subscribed to a wild-caught, sustainable Alaska seafood box, but we weren’t mentally ready at the time for the investment. This summer, we went for it and love the quality of produce and flexibility of the subscription.
Here’s a link to get $50 off your first box (yes, I will get a little affiliate kickback, but I’m only recommending what we already use!).
4
A fun topic: Lessons for Piano Teachers from Learning to Knit (Nicola Cantan | Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast – Episode #351).
It reminds me of this one I did last year: Lessons on Learning from 365 Days of Duolingo (Amy Chaplin | The Piano Pantry Podcast – Episode #131)
P.S. In case you’re curious: After 565+ days on Duolingo, I finally gave up my streak and switched to Mango—and I love it so much more! While Duolingo has its fun aspects, I found that it doesn’t really teach you well. It’s better suited for those who need extra reinforcement and practice, rather than for learning from scratch. Mango, on the other hand, breaks things down with clear, focused repetition—and that’s been a game-changer for me.
P.P.S. Before purchasing, check with your local library—ours offers free access through their subscription!
5
I’ve been on a “Method” brand kick. Most recently, their Antibacterial Toilet Bowl Cleaner and the Bamboo-scented Antiback Cleaner (the scent is amazing!).
I can’t get them in my local store, but you can (of course!) get them on Amazon. LOL
6
Earlier this month, I sent out a food-focused segment to those on my email list, highlighting recipes that feature tomatoes. If you missed it, you can view that email here. (Not subscribed? You can do so here.)
7
As part of my work with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), I recently became aware of Dove’s “Kids’ Self-Esteem” project. There are resources for youth leaders, parents, mentors & guardians, educators, and more. If you work with kids in any kind of supportive capacity in this way, it could be useful!
8
Some of my favorite reads this year thus far include:
Memoirs
Be Ready When the Luck Happens (Ina Garten)
The Third Gilmore Girl (Kelly Bishop)
Psychological Thrillers
Watching You (Lisa Jewell)
Behind Closed Doors (B.A. Paris)
The Woman in the Window (A.J. Finn)
Historical Fiction
True Colors (Kristin Hannah)
The Women (Kristin Hannah)
Glory Over Everything (Kathleen Grissom)–while it could stand alone, you’ll enjoy it more if you read The Kitchen House first, as Glory Over Everything continues the story of the characters in The Kitchen House.
9
What studio music teacher doesn’t love a good tour of other teachers’ studios (and especially sheet music organization)?! Check out this huge “tour” video compiled by MTNA.
2 Responses
I’m enjoying “Mango” also through my library. I’m studying Italian.
Awesome, that’s so great to hear someone is enjoying it as well!