Poem by Samara

Winter Days

by Samara Yoshiko Harrell, 10 April 2013

Oh why this solemn boredom,
oh why why this winter haze,
for slow and long are these winter days,
letters unsent, snowmen unmade,

No sun, just clouds the sky a pale shade,
there are no children playing,
no sleds left in sight,
it is late winter, so cold the night.

But it is not all just quiet and sober,
for these are cozy days, to stay out of sight,
the kettle a'whistlin, the stew just right
perhaps tomorrow, the sun will come out
the cold wind will too, just about

And we will go out and see the snow sparkle,
no longer gray and sad, so I dream of tomorrow, 
of snow fights and games, of friends happy and gay,
but most of all, I dream of a long winter day.

Piano Recital for Samara and Leo

1 April 2013

We attended a piano recital this evening for our Family Home Evening activity.  Among the students that recited were Samara and Leo.  They did an excellent job and have grown in their skills so much since commencing their lessons.

Leo played "Ode to Joy" and one other song. Leo does not always approach piano practice with excitement, but he is sticking with it and has made a lot of progress.  I believe he does enjoy being able to read music and mastering a song.

Samara played two songs that she has been working on very hard.  They sounded so polished and wonderful.  She too is enjoying the benefits of practicing hard. She likes to memorize the songs rather than read the music during her recitals.

And then my favorite part was refreshments...

Posted with love,
Tina and Ryan