The View From Here - May 2023

At this moment it is an impossibly beautiful spring day. Bright sunlight, cool breeze, flowers blooming, apple trees in bridal blossom. Of course the temperature went below freezing last night, but we had covered the plants with towels, and they all survived. We haven’t had real heat yet; I’m still wearing a sweater around the house.

And I’m doing remarkably well. I’m walking easily without a cane or stick, climbing stairs, getting into and out of cars with varying seat heights, and enjoying frequent outings with friends and family. My daughter Kate has moved in with me, but since she often works 14-hour days, I spend a lot of time alone. I depend upon audio books and word games. It feels to me like I’m spending a lot of time just sitting, but I suppose that balances all the time I spent running around in my younger days.

There has been little composing recently. I wrote an anthem for the Compline Choir at Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle, and three canons for Singing City in Philadelphia. It’s uncommonly hard to dictate notes and rhythms. I had no idea how much I depended on visual checking of what I had just notated in order to continue. It’s a mysterious profession at best and going note by note is truly difficult. I can only read very large print at the computer, but I can type at lightning speed, and need many corrections when I’m done!

Kay and Marilyn still come almost weekly to bring me up to date, and my whole family has been wonderful at supplying company, basic services and incredible meals. And my six great-grandchildren under six provide endless wonder and amusement.

We’re moving through this final year of Melodious Accord, trying to tie up loose ends and put files in order. My memory is filled with people and places and making music in different churches and halls; the CV that Kay has put together doesn’t begin to tell the story.

Do you have a memory of your time with me? We’re looking for brief entries in our Kudoboard that will help me remember all the good times - or perilous ones! - that we’ve shared. A rehearsal moment? A recipe? Baking bread with your kids? Class discussion of a deep point or a silly one? Anything will be welcome. This informal “scrapbook” will paint a broader picture of my activities over the past years than can be found in any factual list. So let your memory wander and bring up that special moment. And if you have time to find and add photos from those times, even better!

Here’s the link to post an entry:

Melodious Memories Kudoboard

My deep, heartfelt thanks to all of you who have so enriched my life and my music. Keep singing!

-- Alice Parker