Opal Reflections
Perspectives through Prose, Poetry and Photography
Category: A Musician’s Notebook
Memories in the Mist
I know I’ll never see this tree again, So on this fog-swept morning I arise to venture forth, despite the mist of rain and soft, escaping tears that wet my eyes. For decades, summer songs revitalized, And friends, both old and new, were gayly… Continue Reading “Memories in the Mist”
Burnt Orange
Between the ink-black night and brand new day, Before the bright white sun’s in blinding play, Burnt orange sliver, then a band, seeps through, The light year, far-off fire flames anew, The solar star so distant, yet, the key, to who and why and… Continue Reading “Burnt Orange”
Beyond the Steam
Preparing for the concert, mind is filled, My spirit chimes with measures, harmonies, An un-trite, polyphonic mesh, but still My aim: maybe to learn these melodies. To ease my pre-show nerves and soothe my knees, Bubbles, soft and warm, pile high and light, In… Continue Reading “Beyond the Steam”
Curtain Call
We stand alert and waiting, muscles tight, Our eyes burn, focused on the stand like rays of sunlight, magnified and bright As Maestro takes the stage, baton in hand. A thousand hours since I first began rehearsing brilliant music, t’was my choice, A single… Continue Reading “Curtain Call”
A Musician’s Notebook: Making a Rainbow
This is a beautiful and special place. Each summer, a prep school campus of rolling, green hills, clear mountain air, and rippling streams, nestled at the foot of Mt. Everett in Sheffield Massachusetts, becomes a backdrop to artistic achievement and expression. Although I’ve been participating… Continue Reading “A Musician’s Notebook: Making a Rainbow”
A Musician’s Notebook: It’s All About The Journey…Or Is It?
This has been a very busy week in that the Choral Art Society of NJ (of which I am a proud second soprano), is rehearsing for the May 17th concert. This is a ritual that choruses around the world relive frequently, and one that I personally… Continue Reading “A Musician’s Notebook: It’s All About The Journey…Or Is It?”
Weekly Photo Challenge: Letters
This series of photographs is posted in response to the prompt “letters“. Upon first glance, these two photos, are a welcome banner and a logo on a cap. Â For me, though, when I look at these photos, Â I am instantly transported to the mountains… Continue Reading “Weekly Photo Challenge: Letters”
Silent Eloquence
Looking out over the expanse of neatly arranged chairs, that in a few hours will be teeming with concert-goers, the stark contrast is clear. This anticipatory lull is prelude to a great crescendo of excitement. It’s as if calm before the storm; the lows… Continue Reading “Silent Eloquence”
The Piano Lesson
He sits atop the oversized piano bench, feet dangling, sidling off the edge to press the pedals. He, like his Dad before him, craves the music; is intoxicated by the idea that he can make music; by the notion that he can push a… Continue Reading “The Piano Lesson”
On Miracles
🎵🎵🎵 The same old butterflies returned to her stomach and her pulse quickened with uncertainty, as she turned into the familiar road that led to her mountain retreat. Her friends and acquaintances from prior years had opted for other weeks, other programs, other Directors.… Continue Reading “On Miracles”
Dona Nobis Pacem
🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 Whitman, Poet penning poems: War poems Williams, Composer setting words to music: Dona Nobis Pacem. Artistic genius, both united inevitably in performance. I sing through tears, their requiem for fallen Father and Son. 🌾🌾🌾 Trifecta Challenge Week 75: a thirty-three word “free-write”… Continue Reading “Dona Nobis Pacem”
Photo Friday: Artificial Light… “Oh, What a Night!”
This week’s Photo Friday challenge prompt is “Artificial Light”. I chose this photo, taken at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, on the evening we went to see Franki Valli in concert. Except for the use of a “Brushed” filter (in keeping… Continue Reading “Photo Friday: Artificial Light… “Oh, What a Night!””
Lighthouse in the Mist, Cape May, NJ
Bandit
Festive View from the Pub, Peddler’s Village – Lahaska, PA.
Home Sweet Home
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