Happy Friday, friends!
While the weather is still gorgeous, I wanted to take my “Little Sister” on one of mine and Drew’s favorite summer outings—Pizza on the Farm. We don’t get there every year since it’s not local, but there’s a family farm about an hour from us that opens to the public on Friday nights during the warmer months to serve wood-fired pizza.
They only provide the pizza, so you have to bring all your own gear. We usually pack picnic blankets, a cooler with drinks, and enjoy an evening outside, soaking in the beauty of nature.
This time, we were lucky they had a band playing. Sometimes they even invite a guest chef to feature a special pizza for the night.
I’m not sharing this just because it’s a fun little tradition—and I don’t expect you to get excited about wood-fired pizza like I do (ha!). I’m sharing it to encourage you: if this is a season in your life where you could open up some margin to support a kiddo who could use a little extra love, I hope you’ll consider volunteering with an organization like Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS).
It’s truly been one of the greatest blessings of my life. My Little Sister and I are now in our fifth year together. We started with three years in the Lunch Buddy program, where I visited her once a week at school to eat lunch. Now, we’ve just completed our first year in the Community-Based program, which allows us to spend time together outside of school—at least twice a month, often more.
We’ve been matched well (she loves cooking with me :-). She doesn’t give me full smiles for photos anymore, like she used to, though. Perhaps it’s just her age (she’s 12), or maybe there are other factors at play. I’m praying it’s just a phase. But either way, this is part of the reason why I do this—and why I hope you’ll consider it too.
Yes, we impact a lot of students through our teaching, but this kind of connection is something so much more personal and direct. At least, it has been for me.
Enjoy today’s finds!
1
If I got you thinking about volunteering, start out by listening to this podcast by Jaci Mrazek on The Scrappy Piano Teacher podcast: When Volunteering Fits Your Season (episode 54)
While I’m here, here’s another one I enjoyed from Jaci recently (the topic is right up my alley in this season and may be for you as well). Your Studio, Your Limits: Rethinking Student Numbers
2
Natalie is celebrating 20 years of the Music Matters Blog! Wow – show her some love!
3
A thought-provoking article: Why Do Children Hate Music Lessons? I Love Music Lessons but Not How It’s Taught (The Honest Broker)
4
I’ve been in a cooking slump ever since we returned from Brazil, and we still have tomatoes coming out of our ears (there’s just two of us, and my husband planted like 15 plants – geesh). I’m pretty sure we’ve had tomato at least one meal every day for the past month, and I am about tomatoed out.
I will say, though, that a fat slice of beefsteak tomato on a nice soft bun with this amazing Pesto Chicken Salad was SO GOOD. I’m really picky about any kind of “salads” that aren’t actually salads (chicken salad, ham salad, potato salad, you get the gist), but this one is worth it. So yummy!
5
One of my newest favorite albums on Spotify: Psalms by Sandra McCracken
6
Piano Safari has a new website design. Take the tour here.
7
Casual sneakers have been my footwear-of-choice for a long time. I came across these on Amazon this time last year and would recommend them ten times over! While they’re designed to be worn as a slip-on (the heel part lies flat), I never wear them that way myself. They have just enough of a built-in arch, I can wear them comfortably for semi-long walking trips if needed too. Good footwear is where I place my money when it comes to clothes. Other than that, I frequent my consignment shop!
8
Another podcast to recommend (sorry–I listen to a lot!). It’s a good one, though!
Eric Bluestine, author of the popular book The Ways Children Learn Music, now hosts a podcast called Helping Children Audiate Music. (P.S. I met him at the GIML Conference a few years ago and was, of course, all googly-eyed fan-girl-like LOL)
4 Responses
Aww, thanks for the shout out, Amy. You’re so sweet!
You’re welcome!
Hi Amy,
I am returning to music and teaching after a few years detour as a classroom teacher. I love your blog and your joy for life in general! I was wondering if I could email you a few questions about your studio and how you acquired students?
Be blessed!
Emily
Hi, Emily, welcome to the world of piano teaching! I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying the content I share. I just dropped you an email regarding your question. 🙂