True, the difference between writing and playing music. Writers not only never really know the full extent of their work, they are never really done. My first novel, Paradise Ridge, written and self-published in 2011, is nagging me for yet another rewrite and maybe sharing on Substack. IDK. Back and forth. Your writing are so inspiring, well, I've already purchased a couple of books based on your reviews. Still enjoying a leisurely read through The Wild Shore. Fanny and Louis finally met and fell in love. The plot thickens. Thank you, David.
Oh Sue, that is a great book recommendation! Can’t wait to read it! Glad you are enjoying a Wilder Shore. Thanks so much and I am very much looking forwards to a guest article on your blog! Can’t wait to hear what you have in mind!
OOOps! I'm rather confused about that guest blog thing, however, if you're itching to write something to send me for Ring Around the Basin, please feel free to do so. Because my writings on Ring run the gamut of family stories, travel tales, and other nonsense, any subject that comes to your mind will do. Thank you.
Didn't know you were a French horn player, not too many of those around! I played the oboe for many years, but now it sits here in it's case. Sometimes I reflect on how, over time, I change which of my hobbies I emphasize and wonder how things will be when I no longer will be able to do certain things. Will I be satisfied with what I've done and who I am? Well, if past behavior is the best indicator of future behavior, then I'm pretty safe saying that I'll be thinking I could have done more or been better. But on the flip side, maybe not. Time will tell.
Thanks again for always "chatting" and sharing here.
Renata, wow the oboe! Such a challenging instrument, but so beautiful! Yes there are things we must learn to give up as we age, but we can’t ever surrender our quest for beauty, knowledge and wisdom.
Pam, yes I know. It is very frightening. This is really the first time I’ve admitted it to myself. Not giving up music, per se, and never could. But if I don’t practice at least an hour each and every day I start to lose it. And that time commitment (and the situation in Mexico during the winter) made me realize that my time on the horn could be better spent writing. Now if I was as accomplished a pianist as you are dear friend then I could keep playing more easily. But the horn is a difficult master (not that the piano isn’t) and if I can’t play it well then it starts to be depressing. I’m finding a good outlet with the writing, and I think I’ve figured out why, which I will discuss further tomorrow. So good to hear from you and thanks so much for your thoughtful comment.
Lots to think about here. I don't agree with all that mans thoughts but I'll try and read a bit more of his work as it sounds though provoking. Mind control is something I'm having trouble with but I think it's worldwide,a dark energy. Gardening is ephemeral. At least one can take photographs. Even very famous gardens by highly rated people can vanish in five years! Monets garden is a recreation. They cheat there,when something goes over they remove it and replace it with something in flower. Just like Monet did. He "cheated" too! Hope the horse gets better soon and well.
I agree with others. David, you’ve managed to cover a lot of ground in a very short space. Starting off with those great quotes. I’ve sent several to friends already. Then as a musician I read your transition and I’m kind of doing the same thing but both at the same time. I think it’s your discipline that focuses you to writing solely. You kind of gave us a clue. But I have to say I’ve always enjoyed the French horns. There’s something magical about that sound.
There’s something unique about music. Sure it’s transitory, but it’s magical when it happens live. There’s nothing like it. And the recording doesn’t catch that magic. Sure you can listen to it over and over again and it’s great but something about being in the room with the instruments.
No, I understood. You’re simply not putting in the time to be able to play your instrument so perfectly and focusing on reading and enjoying listening to others. Pretty obvious.
I can still hear you doing warm ups to Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks when you were in high school. Loved that great horn part, and you played it so well!
True, the difference between writing and playing music. Writers not only never really know the full extent of their work, they are never really done. My first novel, Paradise Ridge, written and self-published in 2011, is nagging me for yet another rewrite and maybe sharing on Substack. IDK. Back and forth. Your writing are so inspiring, well, I've already purchased a couple of books based on your reviews. Still enjoying a leisurely read through The Wild Shore. Fanny and Louis finally met and fell in love. The plot thickens. Thank you, David.
Meanwhile, may I suggest Emily Dickenson's Gardening Life for your pleasure: https://www.amazon.com/Emily-Dickinsons-Gardening-Life-Inspired/dp/1604698225/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FYF7Z9MTTV5J&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.iVqpt4OYtJzBx1figLrSjWUZmYSNdJj1gvGFvvZ2yBHgOUlQgExv-FOdPu8NIWIVeprpUpfedmNTZ6ZTcJJrgsqxpH0I6XcPtn0vJ0QLq-NuwirnReu8EMXglWGAfMxldX0L4E6pgvih52N8kYMhiXFuQNxcTvnSi41KqqHs8oZb2SHR_Pco6_-EBj-df4RWdFdU1ETC_tMq0UTu5LZSiUwiVw3xGvINbRn6xW-SQgA.kH3f9Xi2NM_hus68exVINB5cbNCb25UN8ybK1yLggwo&dib_tag=se&keywords=emily+dickinson+gardening+life&qid=1726875226&sprefix=Emily+Dickenson%27s+garden%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-1
My SIL gave me a copy for Christmas a few years ago and it was luscious. It's a perfect match for your poetry and gardening interests.
Oh Sue, that is a great book recommendation! Can’t wait to read it! Glad you are enjoying a Wilder Shore. Thanks so much and I am very much looking forwards to a guest article on your blog! Can’t wait to hear what you have in mind!
OOOps! I'm rather confused about that guest blog thing, however, if you're itching to write something to send me for Ring Around the Basin, please feel free to do so. Because my writings on Ring run the gamut of family stories, travel tales, and other nonsense, any subject that comes to your mind will do. Thank you.
Didn't know you were a French horn player, not too many of those around! I played the oboe for many years, but now it sits here in it's case. Sometimes I reflect on how, over time, I change which of my hobbies I emphasize and wonder how things will be when I no longer will be able to do certain things. Will I be satisfied with what I've done and who I am? Well, if past behavior is the best indicator of future behavior, then I'm pretty safe saying that I'll be thinking I could have done more or been better. But on the flip side, maybe not. Time will tell.
Thanks again for always "chatting" and sharing here.
Renata, wow the oboe! Such a challenging instrument, but so beautiful! Yes there are things we must learn to give up as we age, but we can’t ever surrender our quest for beauty, knowledge and wisdom.
I was frightened for a moment while reading your post, thinking, “No! Don’t abandon the music!!”
Pam, yes I know. It is very frightening. This is really the first time I’ve admitted it to myself. Not giving up music, per se, and never could. But if I don’t practice at least an hour each and every day I start to lose it. And that time commitment (and the situation in Mexico during the winter) made me realize that my time on the horn could be better spent writing. Now if I was as accomplished a pianist as you are dear friend then I could keep playing more easily. But the horn is a difficult master (not that the piano isn’t) and if I can’t play it well then it starts to be depressing. I’m finding a good outlet with the writing, and I think I’ve figured out why, which I will discuss further tomorrow. So good to hear from you and thanks so much for your thoughtful comment.
Lots to think about here. I don't agree with all that mans thoughts but I'll try and read a bit more of his work as it sounds though provoking. Mind control is something I'm having trouble with but I think it's worldwide,a dark energy. Gardening is ephemeral. At least one can take photographs. Even very famous gardens by highly rated people can vanish in five years! Monets garden is a recreation. They cheat there,when something goes over they remove it and replace it with something in flower. Just like Monet did. He "cheated" too! Hope the horse gets better soon and well.
Thanks for your comment Jane. We all need to hear different perspectives and consider them carefully. Please keep your thoughts coming on this~!
I agree with others. David, you’ve managed to cover a lot of ground in a very short space. Starting off with those great quotes. I’ve sent several to friends already. Then as a musician I read your transition and I’m kind of doing the same thing but both at the same time. I think it’s your discipline that focuses you to writing solely. You kind of gave us a clue. But I have to say I’ve always enjoyed the French horns. There’s something magical about that sound.
There’s something unique about music. Sure it’s transitory, but it’s magical when it happens live. There’s nothing like it. And the recording doesn’t catch that magic. Sure you can listen to it over and over again and it’s great but something about being in the room with the instruments.
thanks for an interesting read .
Thanks so much Greg. I’m never “leaving “ music. Just refocusing my time during my final years. Thanks so much for the comment.
No, I understood. You’re simply not putting in the time to be able to play your instrument so perfectly and focusing on reading and enjoying listening to others. Pretty obvious.
I can still hear you doing warm ups to Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks when you were in high school. Loved that great horn part, and you played it so well!
Thank you dear sister. I did love to play Til ❤️~!