After a month of indecision, Spring seems to have finally decided to officially arrive here this week. It is as though something has visibly shifted in the city’s atmosphere, and the natural festiveness of the culture has once again permeated the air.

Meanwhile, this is what I spent this past week doing:



Between the piles of scores that I have to go through, work on, and learn for upcoming concerts, and various administrative and computer related tasks I have to do for different events this summer, I haven’t had any time to enjoy the marvelous seasonal change that is always my favorite time of year. I would much rather be like this little one, and simply rejoice in the sun and warmth outside:



This weekend I plan on doing some spring cleaning, not necessarily of the house (which, actually, does need to get done…), but of myself. I’m taking some time to do the simple things that bring me such pleasure - going to the museum to soak in beautiful art, taking a leisurely walk, reading a book at a cafe, watching a movie, and cooking and trying out new recipes. As someone who tends to be on the workaholic side, I’ve been trying to learn how to take the time that I need for myself. Nourishment of the soul is important in order to sustain continual emotional and mental concentration, and I hope the little quiet time this weekend will help to enrich and renew my inner self.




I guess you could say I had a nice weekend…

Let’s look inside, shall we?



What’s that? Could it be? Finally??….[cue Wagner thundering in the background]



Yes, after all of my complaining, I have finally gotten a beautiful digital SLR camera that I am so very, very happy with - the Nikon D40. As someone who enjoys photography as a hobby, and is just getting started in the digital SLR world, this camera is the perfect equipment for me - easy to carry around, light (perfect for travel), feels great in my hands, and with all of the adjustments and controls that I need for now.

I spent yesterday taking some pictures, and am very pleased with it so far. With this new camera, I have also decided to participate in the very cool Project 365, and will attempt to take a photo a day over the next year. Because of time constraints, I won’t be able to post the photos daily, but will upload them in small batches on my Project 365 page, and on my Flickr page. Hopefully, I’ll be able to learn and grow in my understanding of photography as I complete the project.

…. Have I mentioned how deliciously happy I am about this?

Some photos from yesterday taken with the new Nikon:






Millie is joyfully enjoying the summer by finding THE HOTTEST SPOT in the entire apartment to pass out in.

In between my practicing, I am busy trying to figure out some way to keep the ice cubes in my water glass from melting in under 20 seconds.






Observing


 Dancing Leaves


The smells of summer


Delicately melancholic


Windy