Sunday, May 24, 2009

Improving Talents

I never thought that I had much talent in anything but I have periodically taken (and slacked off on) piano lessons. Michael has always been very supportive in my desire to play the piano even if I feel like it's a hopeless cause, he has bought me pianos and keyboards through out the years and found people willing to give me lessons but although I enjoy playing little tunes I have never learned anything very useful, until recently. My sister-in-law Amy who lives a few minutes away from us is an excellent pianist and teaches all her kids how to play Michael asked if she would teach me too and I have been taking lessons from her once a week since last October or so, well she has taught me so much and helped me actually practice because I have to report to her every week, but I have been learning how to play some hymns and on Sunday May 17th I played the piano during our branch sacrament meeting, I played all of the prelude music, the three hymns for the meeting, and a rest hymn. I was scared to death and shaking hysterically, my stomach was in knots all morning before church and during the first half of sacrament! I did make mistakes but luckily I was able to keep going and they weren't disastrous. I am very grateful for Amy in helping me to learn a useful skill and encouraging me even when I don't believe I'm ready for such a task as to play for sacrament meeting. I'm very glad to say that I have done it and I'm also very glad to say that its over now! I am still working on learning how to play new hymns since I only know how to play 5 right now but it's fun to work on a challenge and witness the results.

6 comments:

The Waldon Family said...

That's awesome Laura! I think you're very brave for playing in sacrament meeting!! Crazy!

Kelsey said...

Congrats on making it through Sacrament meeting. Glad you are improving your talents. I'm sure you feel good about what you've accomplished. That's great! I've been struggling myself with what my talents are. I think I just need to pick something I enjoy and improve upon it.

chloe's clan said...

That is so great! I couldn't do it and I can sort of play too! Well, at least I wouldn't do it while this pregnant. Perhaps that was a hope of yours? LOL All the nerves send you into labor? i'm proud of you Laura - it's a great accomplishment! Take care.

Unknown said...

congrats!! that's so exciting! i remember your piano in hawaii!! but just be careful! now that your branch knows you play you'll be asked to play a lot more! :)

Team Handy said...

I am so proud of you little sis! Way to go!

Rockelle said...

Good for you laura!\
I wish I could have Amy as a teacher for me and all my kids. Lucky you to have her close. I bet you did great playing in church!
Hurrah