If a composer could say what he had to say in words he would not bother trying to say it in music. ~Gustav Mahler, Austro-Bohemian Romantic composer and conductor
Dallas here.
She hasn’t written about it in a while, but Mama is still playing flute.
In fact, she plays nearly Every. Single. Day.
If she’s not practicing songs for symphonic band in the fall, winter, and spring, she’s practicing for community band in the summer.
Or for her individual lessons.
Scales, duets, something called long tones, triple tonguing, and so on.
Now, with a concert in just two weeks, she’s really stressing.
I’ve heard her complain about these songs — too many fast runs, challenging rhythms, odd key signatures.
But she’s getting better (so her teacher says).
I wouldn’t know.
I used to love listening — and singing — when The Kid brought his trumpet home.
We’d hop on the daybed together, he’d blow a note or two, and I’d toss back my head and sing like a bird.
Matching your tune, Kid, and it’s thrilling!
But I was a young’un then.
Mama says maybe I liked a brass sound better than a woodwind sound.
Because I’ve never sung to her flute.
Not once.
Still, it seems to me that silence is better than a noisy protest.
Like this doggo that Mama thinks is hilarious.
Hmph. The poor thing’s ears are probably hurting from all that din!
Anyway, my favorite spot these days is lying beneath Mama as she practices. I’m more comforted by her presence than I am by the music she’s playing.
Me “listening” to Mama play flute (that black line on my bottom is the leg of her music stand — my tail is way prettier than that!)
You see, I’m 13 now (officially a “senior pup”), and I have a bit of trouble hearing.
Even a high-pitched flute.
Mama says I’ve got selective hearing because the minute she picks up the rattly bag of cookie-treats, I come a-running!
Gee, Mama, don’t you know even senior pups never lose their entire sense of smell?
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
Awww sweetheart! Katie is exactly the same! She doesn’t mind me practicing much, mostly because she can’t hear anymore!
There are some definite pluses — like the fact that now, everybody in the house can sleep through thunderstorms and Fourth of July without him making a fuss!
Oh, Dallas…Dallas…Dallas…I LOVE when you post because you never fail to entertain and make me laugh! The photo of you tossing your head back and singing made me laugh out loud. You look like Luciano Pavarotti (the opera singer). And the picture of you lying beneath Mama as she practiced is so sweet! Hey, for 13 you still look like a young pup!
Hope you and Mama are enjoying a fun Sunday!
X to you both!
Thank you, Mr. Ron — I’m glad to hear I amuse you! I used to love to sing to The Kid’s trumpet; Mama’s flute? Not so much. But I still like to be around her when she picks it up to practice.
I had my vet checkup a few days ago, and even my dogtur agreed I look pretty good (and she didn’t say one nasty thing about my getting older either!) Enjoy your Sunday — we’ve got a beautiful, sunny, almost-warm day here! xo
Such a cute post by Dallas. Best wishes on your concert, Debbie. It is a good thing to do.
Thank you, Mr. John. Mama’s been practicing hard. I can’t tell you whether it sounds one bit better, but she seems happy, so I’m happy, too!
When Mama’s happy everyone’s happy.
Amen to that!!
Adogable!
Thanks so much, Miss Cindy — glad you enjoyed it!
Dallas, you’ve reminded me of my Dad. He could sit and read his newspaper and never hear a word of what my mother said to him, but the minute the refrigerator or oven door opened, he’d come to full attention and say, “You baking something?” or, “Are you going to bring me one of those beers?” He was so funny — just like you!
What a lovely compliment, Miss Linda — thank you! I’m happy to have given you a good reason to call up a nice memory. (Mama says any time is a good time for a nice memory!)
Well, Dallas, we’re very happy for you that your Mama is still improving at the flute – we wish we could be as complimentary about our servant and her guitar! Maybe you should tell your Mama that she should take up the trumpet so you could do duets? Glad you can still sense those treats!
Love, Tommy and Tuppence
Hey Tommy and Tuppence, good hearing from you two! I don’t think Mama has any desire to take up trumpet, but we’re both impressed at your servant’s playing guitar. That’s not easy. The Kid brings his home most trips and does a pretty good job with it, but Mama’s got stolen years ago and she never replaced it. Sigh. Hugs and licks! Dallas
This is so cute. It warmed my heart today just imaging the scene. The photos are priceless.
Thanks very much, Pat. Looking back, I wish I’d captured a video, too!
How exciting! Best of luck to you. I envy those who can play an instrument.
Thanks so much — tis hard work, but I love it and can’t imagine life without making music! Like writing, you know?!
We eat, drink, and breathe it, right …?
We do indeed!