I really should have thought to take a “before” picture of what will be my studio. But of course I didn’t. And it’s too late now! (When I know I have to do something with a room I usually do something to it that will force me to get to it. In this case it was ripping off the wallpaper border. I’ve also hauled out a ton of furniture and it’s sitting in the hallway which is quite inconvenient. (Yes, I do this all myself … call me muscles! I’ve been thinking, in fact, of dropping my exercise club membership since this sort of work really does qualify as exercise and I’m realizing I can’t continue to pay for the membership anyway.)
So you may get an “after” picture here, but that’s it. Oh well. There are still a few things in the room which don’t allow me to begin the work; Dan has a desk in the room that needs moving and I think it’s too heavy for yours truly. It’s also a nice piece of furniture (we don’t have much of that sort!) and I don’t want to damage it. And the ceiling light has to be changed because … well, this is going to sound very weird … it smells incredibly horrible after being on for about 10 minutes. I can’t work in the room without good light, so I need something up there. One thing I don’t (and won’t) do is any kind of work with electricity. I’m a wimp that way.
I’m also realizing that one thing leads to another. (Duh.) From the soon-to-be studio window I look out on ivy that is growing up the side of the house (I hate ivy!) and it’s nearly reached the window. Can’t have that! So perhaps this weekend (should it not be as hot) I’ll be working there too. (Another great way to get exercise, right?)
Today is my biggest teaching day, so it’s off to exercise (while I still have the membership I’d better use it!) and then it’s oboe time.
And about today’s MQOD: I’ve never heard Brahms’ Violin Concerto in an elevator. Have you?
No, but I did hear Mozart’s 23rd piano concerto while waiting in line outside of Six Flags…
Oh, please do post an after photo of your studio when you get it done. I’m terribly interested in what it will look like as it sounds like it will be great!
Will do! Of course the room won’t look exactly like I want it to look; it looks like I can’t afford the carpet or furniture for now. But it will still be a vast improvement from what I have now (I’m set up in my living room), and I am liking the way it’s going so far!
Hmmm. I’m surprised!
I don’t get out much, so maybe that’s why I’m not running into this. I wonder. (Yeah, I probably need to get out more!)
I’ve never heard Brahms’s anything in an elevator, and would give a lot
for even the frothiest classical music rather than what you normally
get. Hawaiian music is pleasant in small doses, but I heard so
much of it riding the elevator of the hotel in Waikiki that I never
wanted to hear it again.
I disagree with the import of Barenboim’s comment, at least as far as
I’m concerned. As a listener, I find the best way to learn a new
piece of music is to let it seep into my brain by playing a recording
ambiently a few times. Then I am ready to turn my full attention to it, without having to leap over the barrier of unfamiliarity at the same time.