Very late to the coffee share last weekend, to the point I missed it. I was painting the tongue and groove paneling in the bathroom and something needed to give time wise and it was the blog.
I was given the sad news that the only sheet music shop in Edinburgh was closing down and this Saturday was going to be it’s last. Probably the longest walk I do into town and our main exercise for the day. I made it just after 10.30am and amazingly there was still quite a bit of music left.
Promptly texting the boss to say I’d be a little longer than the agreed five minutes! I’ve been known to spend an hour and half just browsing on my birthday as I try to spend my money wisely. Buying something I can’t play is just demoralising, buying some too easy, doesn’t move me on. In a shop that covers everything, I take my time. There was part of me that was sad for the staff, sad for the day I won’t be coming back here. The guy who twenty years ago helped me find my graded pieces as an adult learner was still there. I didn’t know him to talk to and it was one of those situations, what can you say that would make him feel any better. It didn’t feel quite right, pouncing on the books. However, I did. Fifty percent off is a huge deal. Reminding myself that over the years I’ve spent quite a bit in this shop.
I’ve been getting a bit of a row from my teacher about not practicing scales, so I got something that took me right back to grade 2 at the same time as making it fun. Bought a couple of graded books, mixed pieces and then a bumper book of seventy easy to play. I’ve put hardest pieces and the bumper book away, perhaps to bring them out on my next birthday or for that rainy day in November when it’s time to start the winter challenge.
With the walk into town to the music shop, there was the obligatory trip to the butchers for a few things. With little bit of time in the kitchen, I had some stock to use up. The stewing lamb looked really lean. With no set recipe in my head and hopeful of the ingredients at home to stretch it out over a week of lunches. I just got 200 grams worth. I posted the lamb broth recipe earlier.
I wrote a few words and posted on Instagram, the reasons for taking part in the Mens10k this year.
I’ve stuck to the training plan for a solid three weeks now, however that combined with painting the bathrooms I’m feeling it in my calf muscles. One morning screaming in agony as a dose of cramps attacked me. Not been quite the same since as I apply the Ibuprofen gel quite liberally!
With both the clocks changing and Easter approaching, it’s feeling like a time of reflection and a moment to re-assess where we are at with our 2023 plans. If your in that mindset I wish you luck with those reflections. Time for another coffee and to do mine.
The #WeekendCoffeeShare is an informal weekly link-up hosted by Natalie the Explorer that serves as weekly heart beat and sort of of a mind-dump. Helps me reflect on my week, with a list of achievements, thoughts and rambles normally whilst drinking a beverage probably listening to music.
It is so sad that stores continue to close down – we would be trafficked by a music store closing too – we don’t have many places left which sell sheet music in Singapore; in fact, our bookstores have also dwindled. I really feel uncomfortable about the direction print media is going.