I can' think of anything better on a cold, wet day than to get a big box in the mail that is packed with fresh sunshine!
My dad lives in Hawaii, and to make up for decades of Chicago city living he is now quite the farmer. He grows everything - mango, papaya, passion fruit (called liliqoi), pomegranates, tangerines, bananas, coconuts, coffee, figs, pineapple, and even
ice cream beans! But my favorite are the avocados... big as your head and so plentiful people kick them off the sidewalks. We have been eating our parcel like crazy before they ripen away. Thanks dad!!
And as promised for my dad... the violin pictures.
I truly never thought of starting Zach on an instrument this early on. But the boy got the idea one day in his head that he wanted to learn to play the violin. No, he HAD to learn. Mommy PLEASE! So we found a sweet little homeschool class taught by a grown-up homeschooling young lady who is a doll, and we rented a wee quarter size violin, and here we are. We don't even know anybody who plays... but I think one too many listens to the Master and Commander soundtrack and always having the car radio dial set to the classical station since birth has rubbed off on the boy.
And apparently, it's genetic, this passion for strings. My dad informed me that when he was a little boy he also had this deep, serious, need to learn the violin (something I never knew). Only growing up in poverty in Peru, he never had the chance. So he's over the moon and more than willing to listen to the earnest scratchings of twinkle-twinkle over skype.
And of course his South American inspired, boy-rigged violin case strap makes it all the sweeter.
(Thanks to my neighbor Bob for snapping this pic the other morning as we were off to lessons!)
For those of you who are not Grandpa... Head on over to
Gardenmama for a fabulous giveaway and your daily dose of beauty!
12 comments:
we are such kindred spirits woman. Master and Commander is one of my favourite all time films (let alone books) and I walked down the aisle with my beloved Grandad to marry my Julian to the beautiful sound of "Stephen" and "Jack" playing the Spanish Night Music. When the ceremony was over, a friend put the track on repeat and the little girls all danced and danced and danced. Now, whenever Julian wants to say sorry, he puts it on, really loud, and fills the house with its spine tingling beauty. Go Zach!
Wow, I'm jealous of all the avocados! My parents have an avocado tree in their backyard, but unfortunately, laws prevent them from sending some to me. I love the shots of Z with his violin. Both Paulie and Philip started lessons at their school in kindergarten, and it's so much fun to watch them play. We'll have to make a violin trio the next time you're around. :)
I love this post and all the pictures. I too am a huge avocado lover. In they Philippines we eat them sweet... and thats how my grandpa taught me (with sugar and milk... in my cereal or in a shake).
Your pictures are wonderful as always.
I'm appalled thinking of anyone actually kicking avocados!
Those are gorgeous avacados. And can I tell you how much I love the black and white photo? How wonderful that Zach is learning an instrument at such a young age.
Hooray for small violin players who do it because they love it!
And those are amazing avocados. Wow. Drool.
Lily - that we are! what a lovely story, it must have been beautiful! And how sweet that your husband still plays the music for you!
Joy - law prevents my dad from sending them too... but... well let's just say that's not the "yes sir" side of the family.
:)
Lilia - wow I never thought of eating them that way! Sounds fabulous, I will try it for sure!
Cassandra - I know! It's crazy!
Simple Mama- thank you for the kind words. I hope to keep music on his own terms so it's never a chore.
Erin J - horray! And if you lived close by I'd drop some off. We had to give many away because they ripened fast that our small family could consume them.
Zach is so RAD! That's just great! We have string interest here too but it never really lasts. I hope someday it does. Love the photos!
Cindy, I am loving your banner! Your photos are gorgeous! What an incredible package to receive in the mail! I am so intrigued that your father is from Peru! This is a culture my husband and I are very interested in and hope to travel there someday to learn more. Have you been there? I love the photos of Zach playing violin! I have a certain seven year old at my house that has an intense desire to play fiddle! He has his tiny fiddle and he plays by his own beat! I hope to find a lesson as lovely as where you are going someday!
How wonderful!! I learned to play violin starting at 4 y/o and Sophie is clamoring to learn too. She loves the Carnival of the Animals and Peter and the Wolf (listen to both if you haven't- on the same L. Bernstein CD). This series of videos is inspiring too! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AMxAH6XvUc
Congrats to the little fiddler!
I'm with everyone lusting over the avocados.
I am amazed at Zach and his violin lessons! What a kid!
Oh, and I missed the giveaway but thanks for the link b/c it was indeed a dose of beauty.
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