"How are you feeling today?" he asked. "I'm feeling...fine."
Straying from the usual Monday post. This day normally takes me to a dark place. Instead of falling into the pit I want to look at the joys I have been left with...my boys. They are, in a word, awesome.
As many of you know, they are musicians. Very talented musicians. When they were young and first starting out, my oldest got guitar lessons, the middle one drum lessons and the youngest bass guitar. They learned to read music. Those lessons had to stop because I could no longer afford them but the boys persevered and taught themselves. They all play multiple instruments and they play quite well. Not everyone likes their style (heavy metal anyone?) but I love anything and everything they do.
I haven't been able to give them a lot lately but they don't complain. My youngest wanted to take piano lessons and I just couldn't do it. So he downloaded sheet music and taught himself. I helped him read the music and he did the rest. This song was my gift from him. If you are a Final Fantasy VIII fan, you will know what this is. It is heard in Ultimecia's Castle and played on an organ. Both are pictured below.
Part of the castle.
The organ in the castle where the song is played.
Obviously we do not have an organ, in fact, we don't have a piano except for the little electronic keyboard I got them when my middle son was taking piano lessons (he learned 2 years worth of piano in 6 months).
I would like to share this gift with you. It isn't a high quality recording, it was captured on an iPhone, and between the sound of the keys being struck a little too forcefully and the popping of the lame wall heater in the background, this is my youngest. He probably wouldn't like that I shared this version since it was not perfect by his standards but to mine, it is perfect and then some.
I could not be more proud of them. They have been my strength when I needed it. So for them I hold my head up and will fight the stray tears...
No need to download, just press play -> The Castle
That was really great, I've always admired people who can play piano and make each hand do something different, well that goes for most any instrument actually!
ReplyDeleteChildren are so wonderful, aren't they? Yours sound like a dream, so much to be proud of.
I probably brag a bit too much about them but I can't help it. I am proud of them. I thought he did really well considering he taught himself to play it.
ReplyDeleteAnd come to think of it that room in the castle looks oddly like the same place Laguna went to hear the pianist...hmmm...must get the game out and play again...
That was beautiful Gayl! He is extremely talented! I always wanted to play the piano. I just didn't have the discipline and my mom didn't have the money.
ReplyDeleteThey sound like kids to be proud of! Keep your head up Gayl. *hugs*
I thought so too Phoenix! Thank you for the hugs. It means a lot.
ReplyDeleteThat was absolutley beautiful. I played the piano for years when I was younger and this definately brought back memories for me. Your boys are so blessed to have a mother as supportive and encouraging as you are. Trust me, it makes all the difference in the world when your parents believe in you and your talent. Every child should be as lucky as the are.
ReplyDeleteThis was wonderful! I tried to learn piano once, but I found I could really only play with either just the right hand or just the left, not both at the same time. Maybe I should try again at some point, or at least pick up bass or saxophone again. I kind of miss music.
ReplyDeleteYour son is very talented, especially considering he taught himself. That's seriously amazing. It's great to hear that not only are your kids musically inclined, but they're also passionate about their music. Your boys definitely sound like kids to be proud of :)
I've been dying to get my hands on FFVIII, but I should probably try to track down a PlayStation console first (I want VII too, but it's lower on my list since Squall is hotter than Cloud :P). I'm a sucker for a good RPG. I wish more would come out on Wii :(
Here's hoping things are looking up *hug*
Muzegoddess, thank you! Believe me I am the epitome of the rock mom. I kept telling the boys they had to get famous so I could tape a segment of before they were rock stars...oh the stories I could tell!
ReplyDeleteDinuriel, I admit I struggled at piano too, not with the hands but reading the treble clef and bass clef at the same time...thank you though. If he knew I posted it he would probably not be too happy...
ReplyDeleteFF8 is my all time favorite! I didn't like FF7 as much because I liked the cinematic aspect in 8 better. And I did not understand materia.
I was OCD about FF8. I had to have max everything before I would move on to disc 4. My kids copied my game file and used it to beat the game. *sigh* It took all the fun out of it for me knowing what happened...but now I want to go back and finish if I can even remember where I was...and OMG I have purchased that game 3 times because the disks kept getting scratched.
I was so worried about you yesterday, and so relieved that you were able to walk through it.
ReplyDeleteThe music is completely beautiful! Your sons are very, very lucky to have you as their mother; their compassion and love of music undoubtedly reflect the source.
Having been a rabid console gamer, this brought back memories. FF8 wasn't my favorite gameplay wise (and also because it was the RISE of the effeminate men... gaaah), but it did have two characters I was and am still extremely fond of, though Seifer is my utmost favorite and Ultimecia/Edea was just awesome.
ReplyDeleteThe song was lovely and I am so envious. I wanted to learn piano my entire life! I got stuck with the clarinet instead.
They are so lucky to have you supporting and being there for them throughout it all!
Thank you Beth...it really helped to stay focused on something else and busy.
ReplyDeleteIf I am any inspiration at all to the boys, that makes me happy.
Mao, I swear I am going to pull out my game file and try and finish it...I really liked the graphics and cinematics although by today's standards I am sure they are inferior. I liked the story behind it as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks about the song!