Playing By Ear as a way of life
I was outside in the morning sun watering the garden and thought back on all the mornings my mother experienced the same sun, air, and morning dew. I was ‘channeling’ my mother who just died a few day ago. I want to jot down a few of the thoughts coalescing out of this stream of consciousness while they are fresh…
The popular version of channeling is the notion that… Continue reading ‘‘Channeling’: Living With The Dead’
Dear Friends of Esther,
Esther Abbott, Carl’s mother, passed away on Friday, August 22nd, at home. Her last days were incredible. She said she wanted to die for she had had a wonderful life, had done all she wanted to do, and was ready to go. She didn’t want to eat or drink. Nevertheless, we served her food and drink, but she ate almost nothing. She was in no pain. She was just resolute, saying she wanted to go “home.”
On Thursday morning she woke and told us that this was her last day. She was most calm. I asked her if … Continue reading ‘Esther Henderson Abbott, 1911–2008′
I prefer a waterbed.
Years ago, before this blog existed, Luke and I used to write blog-like stories. After an event or “happening”, we’d get on the computer, write out what happened, then add pictures and print them out. You know, for historical purposes.
Anywho, being that it’s Labor Day ‘n all, my mind couldn’t help but be summoned back to 2003’s Labor Day, our most laborous Labor Day in a while. Fortunately, I had written a story about it, so we can get a generally-accurate account of what happened! So, let’s take a journey back in time! (2003 may not seem like that long ago, but keep in mind that we were using WordPerfect then, so it felt longer.)
I was in the bath this morning practicing. Luke came to the door and asked if everything was okay. “Yes”, all was well. I was practicing my yodeling. Yes it sounded like I was dying but I’m gonna get it someday! The affable, energetic and sweet Maura O’Brien has gotten me going by giving me a yodeling lesson.
Deliciousness!
This morning, we decided to recreate some Cinnabons with one of the many copycat recipes online. In the end, while the icing was 100% bang on, the buns turned out 90% identical. I think if we remedied a few things, it would be absolutely perfect. What are those modifications?… Continue reading ‘Pour on the Fat!’
Our friends Billy and Sarah of Bean Creek called us a few weeks ago saying they needed someone to fill in at their regular bi-monthly gig at Phil’s Fish Market while they went back east to visit relatives. Abbott Family Band to the rescue! We’ve played Phil’s once or twice before as a family, and I’ve played there many times as a substitute banjo/fiddle/mandolin/guitar player. It’s a nice gig, and the food’s really good, which satisfies Kyle’s criteria.
So yesterday, we loaded up all the sound equipment we were borrowing along with our instruments. It barely fit in our Mazda MPV! The speakers, especially, were huge. That, and… Continue reading ‘A Phil’s Phiasco’
While sitting in the tub, (with water in it) I had a tub inspired thought (in the tub, the mind simmers as well as the water). We all know that hubby=husband. Well, what’s the wife equivilent? Wubby?
Soaking in my think tank (I.e, hot bath) today I wondered about what I’d rather be doing these days than what I’m actually doing… and why aren’t I? First, what would I rather be doing? Well, spending more time gardening, cooking, and playing music came to mind immediately. Instead, I… Continue reading ‘What Would I Rather Be Doing?’
Notice the Blog Board behind Janette! - Kyle
In early July, our whole family was treated to a visit by the wonderful O’Brien family. We first connected after we were on Trading Spouses. They too were on the show (a different episode). They emailed us and we stayed in contact. This was our first time meeting. We connected so well. It is so … Continue reading ‘Poker Night with the O’Briens’
Brothers Kyle and Luke, and parents Leslie ("Mama") and Carl ("Papa"). This is our family blog.
This has been our main project for over seven years: helping folks to learn to play music.
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