Outfit #93 - Blue 31

Outfit details:
Dress: no label (from Jeannie, from an op shop).  Singlet: Jeanswest.  Shoes: Target.  Earrings and pendant: from Jeannie.

Today was forecast to be 31.  I'm also in a super-busy time of year, so ironing is not on my list of Things To Do.  Maxi dress to the rescue.  This was its first outing, and I was a little unsure once I'd put it on... but I was told by several people (yes, most of them 9 and 10-yr-old girls) that it is a very pretty dress.  And, although 31 is up there on my list of Least Favourite Numbers, I did appreciate that we were forecast for 31 on my 93rd outfit...

These shoes are a little hard, and this was the first time in ages that I've worn them.  I packed a stack of Band aids... I used nearly all of them...

Possibly the most versatile earrings ever.  They go with everything. 

Today's photo:

No rehearsal today, the ensemble had their last performance last week.  At morning tea, nearly all of them (plus a couple of extras) rushed to my room with these flowers, a card, and a big group hug.  Followed by some dancing and more individual hugs.  Made my day :)

Outfit #90 - Junior Proms

Outfit details:
Dress: Fahrenheit (from Jeannie).  Shoes: Target.  Earrings and pendant: both gifts.

Today was the Junior Proms concert.  For the first time, I had 2 groups performing - the string ensemble, and the junior string quartet.  The ensemble ... well, they didn't play their best.  The violins mostly watched my beat but played really softly.  The cellos didn't watch me (and missed their cue) and played really loudly.  One piece, they all sped up at the same rate.  The other, the lower strings won the race.  Thankfully, the junior string quartet made me feel better.  They played beautifully, even better than in rehearsal.

I actually had my hair out while at school, but today was really warm and I just couldn't stand it too much longer.  The dress was a big hit, too.  Doing this post, I realised - this whole outfit cost me $12.

The Prestige Music Festival

Today was a big day.  The first major event was the Prestige Music Festival.  Not only was this my first Prestige Music Festival event, but it was also the first time I've had a school group (of more than 3) perform in a competition.  I find school performances nerve-wracking enough, but this is huge. 

Well, as it turned out, it wasn't as huge as I expected.  From the masses of people - parents, kids, and siblings - in the foyer, I thought it would be a packed auditorium.  But once you had performed, you could go - so about half of the 30 or so people in the audience (when we performed) were supporting my kids.  I'm very proud of them - not only did they do their regular trick of not being able to keep it together until the last rehearsal, and then stay beautifully together in performance, but they also scored a silver (not that they came 2nd, really, as there are no 1sts etc, but more like a B).  I knew they wouldn't get a gold - because we were still trying to get from beginning to end all together, we hadn't done too much on dynamics or bowings.  Now that I have a bit more awareness of what goes on in these festivals, I feel I could do a better job with them next year. 

As it was my first year, they gave me a little present:

...which is a photo frame.  I feel all warm and fuzzy.  The whole experience was very positive, and so good for the girls.  Bonus - more quotes for my other blog!

Today's photo:

After the festival, I then had to get home, have a quick lunch, finish putting music in folders, and get to the next gig, a wedding at Glengarriff winery in Dayboro.  So pretty... Quickest wedding ceremony ever as they had to beat the storm that rolled in about 30 minutes after this photo was taken.  They made it, with about 10 minutes to spare. 

The Impulse Buy - Wine

There are a few events over the next few days which require wine.  After doing a few other things on my to-do list, I headed to the bottle shop.  I should add here that I am exhausted and in no fit state to be making decisions.  I'm not sure yet if the sales assistants could tell this or not.

I walked in, and there was a wine-tasting table set up.  It's very rare for me to accept a free taste of something ('very rare' in that I can't remember the last time this happened), so I surprised myself by accepting a taste.  There were 3 whites available from Taylors' Promised Land - a something blanc (I'm tired, ok?), an unwooded chardonnay, and a Moscato.  I'm a bit over the first 2 options, so went for the Moscato.  Lightly spritzed, it was rather tasty.  Oh, I should also explain my wine taste buds: I'm a bit more advanced than red wine versus white wine, but not by a lot.  I'm not one of those 'mm blackberry overtones' people. 

I often see the sign in this store indicating the cheaper price for a 6 bottle buy.  I have always resisted buying 6.  Today though I decided (again, brain-addled) to go for the 6 bottle discount.  On the upside, I saved a considerable amount of money.  Note for next time:  not such a great idea if you already have a couple of bags of shopping and are catching a train home.   And no, not a super photo but there are more important things today!

Today's photo:

One of the reasons for my lack of sleep is organising viola parts for a quartet gig tomorrow.  Add to that the music I need for my school ensemble's competition tomorrow, and the music I need for Sunday's gig, and my living room is awash with paper.