Lauren Veronie : Loud Life

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Practice Pancake

No, this wasn't my breakfast this morning, (Dad made it for me the day I left TX). This is merely a fitting visual for what my chops feel like right now. :) I'm in the midst of learning several new (to me) pieces. I will be performing two recitals in March, which you can learn more about here. There won't be any overlapping music. I am happy to work on some fresh charts, as a few pieces have been in my rotation for quite some time now *coughHarlequin*. Looking at all the music for both programs makes me go cross-eyed, but I'm trying to channel all that excellent advice I always give people in masterclasses: break it into chunks, practice slowly, learn it without mistakes, practice mentally, sing the music. Things will start coming together soon. 

For some reason, my dog likes to come into the office and curl up a few feet from my bell. Perhaps euphonium-induced hearing loss is why she doesn't always obey me. Yes, that thing she's sleeping on is an alligator pillow. I have exquisite taste in décor. 

Yardwork PT

Although Maryland trees have been showing signs of arboreal alopecia for many months now, the trees in Texas are just starting to lose their leaves. I figured my dad shouldn't have to rake leaves on his birthday, so Brendan and I got out there in the fresh air and did some quality lawn maintenance. Check out our leaf-loot! 

Our reward: bacon-wrapped shrimp, grilled to perfection. 

We will be flying home tonight. This was the first trip in a long time where I didn't bring my euphonium. I endorse a little time off every now and then, but I'm anxious to get back to it. One thing I don't miss—lugging a euphonium around the airport and stressing about finding room for it in the overhead. I should do a post on airport instrument finagling. 

Dad's 80th Birthday

This weekend, Brendan and I tip-toed down to Texas for a surprise party in celebration of my father's 80th birthday. He had no idea this was happening. I love surprises, so I've been giddy with anticipation for weeks.

We flew in Friday and drove down to the beach house with my brother Tom and his family. We spent a little time cleaning up and decorating, and a lot of time toasting the end of 2010. Fireworks were going off up and down the beach, and we even lit a few of our own. Everyone crashed soon after midnight, knowing that my Dad likes to get an early start. He was scheduled to drive down to the beach the next morning for what he thought was a "work weekend." Instead, he was greeted by a huge party. Family and friends came from miles around to celebrate this milestone.

I was wrenched from my margarita-slumber at 5:50am by a text from Mom saying that she and Dad were leaving Willis. Apparently Dad was pushing to leave the house by 5:00am, and Mom had to silently endure his cursing in order to stall. Hehe. We had a good crowd by the time they got there. Dad's shocked and emotional reaction was awesome. 

My sister-in-law Leatha made this fantastic cake for the occasion. It's got little fondant blue crabs trying to hide from "Yonk," aka Dad. 

"I tol you and tol you...keep away from Yonk!" That's Cajun for "my Dad will put anything that swims or crawls in a gumbo."

The surprises kept on coming, as friends from Dad's past arrived throughout the day. Some he hadn't seen in many years.

It was quite a feat that my Mom was able to engineer this whole party without him catching on, particularly since so many of his golfing buddies were in on it. Thank goodness nobody spilled the beans. 

This was Brendan's first experience with the whole Veronie clan. We had a great time, and it was nice to have him there for such an important family affair. 

My contribution to the celebration was a collection of memories from the most important people in Dad's life. Each person sent me their favorite stories, thoughts, and interactions with Dad. I compiled them in this album and paired many with pictures.

I think it turned out well, and Dad enjoyed reading through the book. The stories are hilarious and fascinating—we all got a kick out of walking down memory lane. It is inspiring to see the impact this man has had on so many. 

Here's another shot of the album. My sister-in-law Becky put together a fantastic slideshow, and my brother Billy wrote an original song and performed it with guitar. I love my family!

A few of the great-grandkids presented Dad with a funny grandpa doll that sang "Don't You Wish Your Grandpa Was Hot Like Me." 

Speaking of the GG Kids, I laughed so hard watching little Grant dig through the Chex Mix. I didn't have the heart to stop him. He waded through with both hands, looking for certain pieces. Then he started crumbling them up is his hands over the bowl. I guess it's funnier when it's not your kid. :) 

What a great day. It was one heck of a party for one hell of a guy. Happy Birthday Dad! Here's a great shot of the sun coming out the next morning. I love this place.

My time in Texas has been rejuvenating. I feel good about returning to Maryland, getting back to work, and tackling upcoming musical projects. I will miss the warm(er) weather, but I know this sunrise is just a short plane ride away.

Welcome, 2011

The last days of 2010 have been a blur. I flew back to Maryland on Christmas Day, had a nice visit with Brendan and his mom (she cooked yummy rack of lamb), and then pulled a few late nights working on a project for Dad's 80th birthday party. I'll explain more about that in my next post. I'm actually back in TX now for the aforementioned event, and finally have a moment to stop and and reflect about the past year.

2010 was good to me. I performed in nineteen states, soloing in seven. I hit my two-year mark in the Army—only eighteen more until retirement, but who's counting? :) So many good things happened in 2010, that most of my 2011 goals are expanding on things I was able to do this past year. Here are a few thoughts on where I've been and where I'd like to go: 

Musically, this was a full year. I continue to enjoy my job with the Field Band, and was fortunate to have several solo and teaching opportunities come my way (ITEC, C-TEW, SRU, TX Recital Tour, Tuba Christmas). My experiences have be inspiring, humbling, and very motivating. I continue striving to be the best musician possible. I have many musical goals, but my focus for 2011 will be soloing with TUSAFB during fall tour, and working on my first solo CD. 

One highlight of 2010 was hiking in Colorado and Wyoming. Brendan's dad is one kick-ass mountain guide. Hiking a Colorado 14er is definitely on my bucket list. Bob seems willing to tag along while Brendan and I give it a shot. I don't know if it will happen this year, but here's to a very outdoorsy 2011!

2010's double-header blizzards helped kick start my bathroom tile project. I can do without the storms, but I definitely want to get my other bathroom tiled. It has to be easier the second time around, right?

Brendan and I went to one NFL game in 2009, and two in 2010. I'd like to top that in the new year! Perhaps this goal should be "budget for unforgettable fun in 2011." 

That's what I've got for now. Perhaps some of my goals seem a bit puerile, but I like to keep the work-to-fun ratio at a healthy level. This morning I watched the sun rise over the ocean. Thinking of the year ahead, I feel abiding and expectant—like this shrimp boat, bobbing along with the waves, waiting for the sun to peek over the horizon. That reminds me, Dad's cooking shrimp tonight...gotta go, but Happy New Year!