Music of Botswana to preview

One of the artists that Rob produced this past term in Botswana is available to preview online; click the play button (boxed triangle) below to hear William Sechele (a.k.a. Kenny Williams) performing one of his pieces "On My Own". That's me singing backup, BTW. He has successfully replaced me for the live performances he's doing now.

Zimfest 2010

Zimfest was this last weekend, in Corvallis, OR. What a great time! I learned a few new songs on marimba as well as some children's songs and games from Zimbabwe. Rob took mbira classes. We both did a new instrument, chipendani. It's a kind of split bow that is played with plucking and resonating in the mouth. Yes, just as tricky as it sounds.




In related big news: I bought a marimba, from MarimbaWorks! Just a little soprano one, without legs. But it fits nicely in the car and I can practice on it, for when I go back to Botswana. So excited!

We're also having a great time staying with our friend Johanna, from college. Next weekend, we're off to Redding for a speaking thing at Trinity Lutheran Church and to visit with Johanna's folks there as well.

I'm feeling much better these days; still have some head congestion but my lungs are clear and I'm not as fatigued as I was. Yay!

In recovery

I'm still not feeling too well but I saw the doctor this morning and my lungs are clear: yay! I'm keeping it low key here at Kate and Dave's place. They're gone camping this week so we're housesitting and taking care of the pets. Rob is currently at a speaking thing at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Bellevue. I'm not with him because the doctor said to not be around kids if I could help it. Boy, I hope I'm well in time for our next speaking thing on Tuesday. It's a singing thing, actually, so I really need my voice and breathing back.

Sick days

Today and yesterday are official sick days. Yesteday, I couldn't get out of bed, period, too weak to do so. Today, I can sit up, propped, but I'm still taking it easy (in bed) because I get dizzy sometimes when I stand. Breathing stuff. Oy. But I can still use my computer today so I'm working on a printable schedule of our speaking this fall.