Some things can ONLY happen in South Africa!

I suppose that is true of anywhere in the world but seeing as South Africa is my 'homeland' being back brings back emotional memories that I have developed over the years.

The first experience was still in Dallas before we even left. There were 'the others' on the flight from Dallas to Dulles that I suspected would be joining us on the next flight to SA. I was right on all counts and it turned out that those 'others' had us made too. Almost immediatly we all joined forces and had mutual complaints to compare. It's so hard being away, the kids cant play with thier cousins, the flight is so long, so expensive, so crampy. I haven't seen my family in *** years. The next experience at Dulles magnifies the first. All the questions and complaints are the same except you can add to them. Hello my doll, how long you goin for? will you be in Cape Town? The kosher food is so gross etc etc. American's ignore this tirad but I know my South African friends are all remembering their own experiences flying home.

Some things that don't happen in SA are: Short lines at passport contol, enough luggage carts and organized luggage carousels. Fortunately for us today was different.

Reunion was a blast and I figgured out how to push two carts and video Ariella's reunion at the same time. I told her to run ahead so I could catch it all on tape for posterity. We both love to watch the video's of our trips and this adds to our collection. how lucky. I funally made it out and got my own squeeze's - yum , I'm with my peeps now.

Leaving the airport, I am rather dizzy (that is my version of jet lag - i am dizzy for a week) but don't fail to notice the security. I keep my mouth shut because most South African's get very defensive if you 'notice' it aloud as 'there is crime in America too!" I do slip up every now and then and notice it aloud and am put in my place immediatly. Note to self "Locals take it personally if you comment on crime and security - keep mouth shut"

Next day was a dizzy blur but I thanked G-d for the sun that we were enjoying and the splashes from the pool as Ariella and her cousins swam. I am living on borrowed summer - gratitude.

Friday was massage, pedicure, lunch on the strip and other experiences that can 'only happen in SA" not that these are indiginous but simply not what i would see in Dallas.

Friday night was "we are family, I've got all my sista's with me, and aunts and uncles and cousins and parents" I changed the words. How mind blowingly unreal to have all these people together under one roof and for me to be present - in body and not just spirit.

At thie stage of the trip it is a tad hard to relax but I have found it in me to take a nap every single day. I hope that I will start to stop my work brain for a little??

Ariella has forgotten that i exist and is flitting around town being a social butterfly with play dates, sleep overs and enjoying being out of school. Fun for her

Music Together Dallas - Splash Video

Music Together Dallas Head Quaters Grand Opening

The NE corner of Hillcrest and McCallum was alive with the sound of music on Sunday May 23rd when more than 100 families braved the heat to celebrate the grand opening of Music Together's new North Dallas headquarters. Not just singing but violin experiments, drum banging, flute playing and guitar strumming were the happy result of inviting children ranging in age from 6 months to 96 years-old to engage with a "musical instrument petting zoo."
Some were timid at first as they approached the array of instruments available for poking, prodding, and playing but within moments even the least musical observer felt comfortable enough to pick one up and try it out. Invariably, people smiled as they test drove the instruments, delighting in the opportunity to experiment and see how different sounds are produced.
"The secret to good music is joy," said Music Together Dallas owner, Gila Vinokur. "Children don't care about perfect pitch, they just want to play and to sing. And it is indescribably beautiful to watch a child's face as their beloved adults focus all their attention on them and share a happy song. Experiences like that are money in the bank of a healthy parent-child relationship."
The grand opening festivities were capped by the ceremony of affixing a mezuzah to the door of the studio. Vinokur said "No move is possible without divine assistance, thank G-d we are able to enjoy this beautiful day and have the privilege to dedicate a new venue for families to come together." Attendees spontaneously broke out in a round of "Siman Tov u'Mazel Tov" as Vinokur kissed the mezuzah and welcomed everyone inside.
Music Together offers FREE demo classes. Please call the studio at (972) 267-4452 or visit the website http://www.musictogetherdallas.com/ to schedule a complimentary class.

Louis Armstrong - Danny Kaye

Music Together Dallas - Zumba in the house

My 1st Radio Interview

As a speech teacher I am amazed at how many Umm's I managed to put in on interview. If I was my own student I would have had to throw all my Umm's in the trash.

http://blogtalk.vo.llnwd.net/o23/shows/show_825927.mp3

Hope you enjoy it! learn from it! and start signing and dancing with abandon - you child will love you for it! EVEN IF they pretend they don't.

Next blog: why do you kiddo's pretend they don't like singing and dancing

The music instinct

I just rented the a MUST SEE documentary called The Music Instinct. I feel compelled to share this treasure with everyone I know (and don't know) who has a child or works with children. I love to sing and dance and be goofy. I really didn't know why I do but my best explanation would be: Because it makes me happy? I like being happy! I dunno.

This documentary labeled every thing for me with science, research and practical explanations any lay person can grasp. Now I know why I am happy. I also know how I have developed the ability to be sillier and goofier - in public - not just in my own private space. It's not just coincidence or that my character gradually changed. Sidebar: I have a disposition for depression and grew up with anxiety in social situations. It is because music and music making developed and changed areas in my frontal lobe, cerebellum, as well as other cortex's that I can't pronounce or spell, to facilitate this blessed consequence.

I can confidently state with intelligent definitions that I am happier, mathematically and linguistically smarter, more observant and aware since I have become a music maker and now I know why. Or to be more honest I have a minute understanding why. I am sure my enthusiasm, after stumbling across this treasure, will lead me to learn and discover even more.

I sincerely want everyone who reads this post to be encouraged to rent or buy The Music Instinct. Even more I want to hear your feedback.

Love this blog from another Music Together teacher

Once in while I get a reminder of how unusual the MT atmosphere is- today I had a visiting prospective mom and 2-year-old girl. The girl had a great time, jumped right in with the experienced kids on small and large movement, putting away instruments, concentrating and smiling in equal measure. It was a great class, ending with one of those magical lullabies when EVERYONE gets quiet and peaceful-and afterward the mom asked me nervously, "Is it always this chaotic?"

I thought back-let's see, there were kids lying in the middle of the circle, interrupting me, dancing when I wasn't dancing, and sometimes ignoring my brilliant teaching. And an experienced group of grown-ups just kept on making music together.

So I said, "No-sometimes it's much more chaotic!"

Drum Collection rolls around again

What a deja vu experience for me today. I taught my first Music Together Drum class of 220 classes for this semester and can't believe what a journey I have been on since I attended my first Drum class 9 years ago.

Firstly, let me explain that I get to 220 class by taking the 22 classes I teach per week times the 10 week semester! Sounds like a lot but that I how I bring home the preverbial bacon.

My daughter, Ariella, was only 9 months old at the time and I was only 'trying out' the class. Who could have fathomed that in 9 years I would take the class, take the training, teach a little, teach a little more, teach a lot, buy the business, be totally self actualized and on the way to keep reinventing myself. I guess G-d can fathom that and for that I have to say (in the words of Garth Brooks) "sometimes I thank G-d for unanswered prayers.

Right now I say I will be teaching and loving children until I am 90 and can't carry my sound system BUT only G-d knows!