Piano Four Hands

You would think that with all the staying home, I would have plenty of time to practice piano. I have tried to keep at it, but I am experiencing some back pain at the location of the first identified cancer spot they found in my bones, the T-1 vertebrae. I have concerns that if the bone deteriorates, there could be serious consequences. I will definitely be talking to the oncologist about that.

Meantime, I try to play for at least ten minutes a day. The church got some new hymn arrangement books and I am enjoying exploring the different arrangers' presentations. When my friend emailed me to see if I were up to doing some piano duet playing, I readily accepted! She and I have done a bit of that before, and its lots of fun, especially since she is such an excellent reader and can keep us together even when I fall down on the job.

Sure enough, I asked her to play the left hand part, the solid structural hold it all together part. And I was right. I was so rusty that we had to start the first piece three times before I got it right. We played along until I messed up and stopped to figure out where I got off. The piece kept changing key signatures, and every time it did, I would forget a flat and the clunkers were so uproarious we nearly fell off the bench laughing. We finally got through the multi page selection and collapsed in relief.

The second piece went much better, being a Strauss waltz, until I discovered that I couldn't count properly and we had to redo several sections. We had a marvelous time, but I quickly reached the hurting back situation and had to stop. We chattered away and fellowshipped, catching up as time flew until I had kept her captive way too long.

She left me with beautiful flowers from her yard, uplifting and joyful music and a wonderful memory to hang on to. I was truly glad I had said yes even though I struggle with my back issues. I wouldn't have missed it for the world.