Still here

Bonjour,

I hope things are going well with you all.

The last time I posted, I said I would be writing a book.  I mentioned my identity as a creative person, a writer.  I am still creative.  I am still a writer.  But I don't know how long it will take me to write a book.  

My ideas for the book require some research and hard work.  Theoretically, this should be a breeze for me.  In reality, I'm not quite sure I have the energy for it. 

What made me want to write a book?

I'd like a career, of course!

I am a pianist, as well.  But I am not currently playing the piano for any churches or anywhere at all, for that matter. I don't know how long it will be before I get another job.  I hope it will be soon.

Enjoy life,

Gertie 💞

Much better now

Bonjour,

Its been a week since I've written for you.

Here are my recent thoughts:  things get better with time.  A recent theme of mine has been one of patience and going with the flow.  An added concept for this train of thought is prayerfulness and faith.  Finding peace of mind in a healthy balance of faith in one's religion or God can be revitalizing and can give the necessary push to get through a tough time.

So here's the news: I'm writing a book!

I've written thousands of words in poetry over my lifetime.  I excelled in writing and literary or language courses.  I've been lamenting the fact that I don't have a job, but I realized that the lack of an official job doesn't have to keep me from having a career.

So I delved into my identity as a person who is loving and creative.  I'm a writer.

More to come, 💗 🐝

- Gertie

Piano, books, and friends

Bonjour!

TGIF!

It's been a great week.  I spent the week in thought about how to reconnect with friends.  So I did the cool thing:  Facebook!  Friendships are so important to maintain over the years.  

So, I have an idea.

I recently purchased a book online.  It's Hanon's Virtuoso Pianist: 60 piano exercises to improve technical skill.  If a pianist wants to be a great musician, they must have good technique and know their scales.
I'll start with scales and technique, build a nice 5-piece repertoire, and record myself playing the songs.  I plan on posting the recordings to YouTube.  

In other news, my library book is so relatable that it makes me giddy.  There are things that I've experienced that made me feel like I was the only one.  But I've found that this just isn't true.

Overall, this has been a week of more emotional progress.  I'm thankful.

-Gertie

What's up?

Bonjour!

This week is flying by.

That's what happens when you're having fun.

So.  There is something in progress with my education.  I should know of a decision by next Monday.  I'll keep you posted!

Yesterday was my first day back in the gym after a few months of a hiatus.  I only spent 30 minutes working out, just to warm up to being there again.  I don't want to have a burnout or get tired of exercising.  I've gained 9 pounds, but I look forward to slimming down and getting in shape.

Here's a confession:
I turned in my library books before I finished reading them.

This was painful because I feel guilty when I don't read, so I felt guilty for not completing my library books.  But I have since been liberated.  I realized that the public library is here to stay.  And unless those books are lost or not returned, I can always check them out again.

I know that my anxiety about these issues probably stem from something deeper, because this realization has been extremely liberating.

I feel like I have grown in patience, knowing that when I am ready, those books are somewhere in the world for me to check out or purchase, and that it's not a big deal if I haven't started or finished them yet.

And.  I checked out 2 new books, one of which I am reading through rather quickly (it's proven to be very good) and the other one is one that I haven't started yet, but its by my favorite author, Sophie Kinsella.

In other news, yesterday was International Women's Day.  I took time to enjoy being happy to be a woman.

There's more to tell you, very soon.😊🌼


-Gertie

Bonjour!

I have made what I'd like to call emotional progress.  Being aware of one's self is so important.  Sometimes its easy to forget all the gifts and talents we are blessed with.

I've been given a musical talent.  I play classical piano.  It's been this way for so long, that I had almost forgotten that, with dedication and good ole' networking, being a concert pianist can prove to be a lucrative career.

I hope to tackle this musical rut that I'm in by practicing technique and music theory on my own for awhile.  Then, I'll start rebuilding my repertoire.  

I feel at peace with this decision and hope to have everyone's support with this endeavor.

Many thank yous's,
Gertie

New direction

Bonjour,

I would like to offer my sincere apologies for not posting for so many days.  Life happens!

In other news, with my recent mantra of going with the flow, I've decided to simply focus on what it is I am already doing: reading!

It seems to take forever to get ingredients together for a recipe.  I hate excuses, but this is true for me.

So I will be giving book reviews and opinions on movies, magazines, Netflix series, and my own life. And if I happen to stir up a nice dinner, great!  I hope you find it interesting, if not entertaining.

Sincerely,
Gertie

Chicken parmesan

Hi! 🐝

The weekend is coming to a close, but with that close, I am attempting to have an open mind about certain things.

I have been waiting for the freshest ingredients and an opening in my budget for authentic French tomato sauce, but I've grown impatient with not having any food pics on the blog.

So!  I'll make a nice Chicken parmesan in the beginning of the week.  I'm not sure if it's French, but there are lots of cheeses and really tasty flavors.  

The author of the recipe book, Julia Child, was American, but loved French cooking.  I'm American and love the French language and culture.

So I guess it will be okay if I budge just a tadbit from my original plans and start with an American recipe.

This idea comes from wanting to have an open mind about things, a little more often.  I usually am very rigid in a decision, after being excruciatingly indecisive.  

I know.

So, chicken parm it is.  Pictures and recipe soon! 🍝

Wines and cheeses, always pleases,

-Gertie