Charles Barnes

Today after the teacher's meeting, Mr Charles Barnes, this year's examiner for ABRSM exams, came up to me and asked me if I agree with what he says and stuffs.... and we continued talking about music and teaching; the right way, the wrong way and all... Then at one point, he was like telling me that I was a fine pianist - and I was like stoked - I mean coming from such a great musician. And When we continued talking about Chopin's pieces; he was like -"Well Those pieces aren't for me" and he said (am paraphrasing it) that pianist of my level can do that and that he'l leave those pieces to one like me/us. I was like stunned and EXCITED; a musician so fine saying that to me is like totally awesome. And when we talked about practicing fast, cos the argument was that if we are to perform the piece fast we gotta practice fast; and he on the other hand is a firm believer of practicing it slow to get it right and then move on to practice fast; well i do practice slow, but upon the advise of Dr. Mark tanner (a professional -and really popular- concert pianist in UK) I started to practice it fast cos if i m to play it fast i gotta practice it fast- but at times i go slow too, so as to correct some mistakes: Well then on this topic he commented "The Likes of you and Dr. Mark Tanner can do that, but me I'l stick to playing slow" And I was like in my mind (i did not speak out loud) " WHAT??? You just compared me to Dr. Mark Tanner??? You put me in the same level as this prolific musician???" Phew today is the best day of my life.............. :) i m stoked.......... :)

Paw Paw and pussy cat :)

When two people don't get along and are always ready to plunge their fists down at each other's throat, they say, "these two are like cats and dogs". It is true that cats and dogs don't get along. Maybe most don't. But mine do. And i've heard stories of people whose cats and dogs are like so loving towards each other. Then where did this cliche start from? Is ir really true that Cats and Dogs fight like crazy? Or that we human beings just found another excuse to blame the animals for our rivalry.

Here is a picture of my pets. The other morning, my mum and I kinda felt lazy, so we decided to feed them in a small bowl. When we put the food in the bowl and asked both paw paw (dog) and pussy cat to come and eat; we just witnessed the most amazing thing. Paw paw, our sweet dog, really proved herself to be real lady - full of manners. Although she was eating at first, when the cat came to eat, she would move away and let the small cat eat - she would droll and just wait for her turn, and when the cat moves away from the bowl - then paw paw would come and eat; but as soon as the cat comes back, she would give way and let the little one eat. It is such a beautiful sight. Even thought she was so hungry and craving to eat, yet she waited - she let the small pussy cat eat first, then only she ate. It just touched my heart............. The most beautiful sight by far. :)

Montage of my thoughts......

You have the voice, but not the ability to voice out;
You have the ability, but not the voice to reach out;

You want to love, but are not able to;
You are able to love, but is scared to;

You have to be near, to tend the sheep at hand;
You have to be far, to tend the fleet of sheep that's going to pour in;

You have to suffer, to be happy;
You have to be happy, to suffer the long road;

You have to shine, to burn out what's yours;
You have to burn out, to shine even more;

You have to be loud, to hide what's to be hidden;
You have to be quiet, to reveal what's to be revealed;

You have to be cold, to beat the heat;
You have to be hot, to beat the cold;

I guess what I'm thinking is just a juxtapose of useless thoughts,
But still thoughts, nonetheless: