C'est la vie

Dear friends,
 I realize it's been quite a while since I've contributed anything knitting-wise on this blog. Let's just call it a little hiatus, but I'm ready to dust off my yarn and pick up the needles again. I have ideas on how to come up with my "Punk Rock Tunic" (see Author photo), but in a much needed change of fiber in the newer version. I think it will be more slouchy too. I'm planning on using ribbon yarn because it looks fresh and it should wear well after many washings. I am doing this partly because I've had so many wonderful requests over the years for me to publish this pattern, but I haven't because I've lost my own notes twice. One was wiped from my hard-drive that broke.

In general, I've been pouring any spare time into my profession, which is teaching piano. I try to go at great lengths to teach creatively, because it's not only more exciting to children/adults, but because it sticks more! This year, I have started my new-found passion, composing piano music and have digitally published 13 (to be 15 in a couple of days) on www.sheetmusicplus.com. Since January, I've composed upward to 30 compositions, and it goes to show you that you never know what you can achieve if you never try. If you would have told me a year ago that I would compose music, I would have laughed. If you would have told me in college that I would teach piano, have twins and compose within the next 4-5 years after graduation, I would have had a heart attack. LOL. Life is full of surprises, and it will take you through a whirlwind of ups, downs, and new adventures. But you have to keep an open mind and heart to let new experiences in, even if you think you might fail.

Consequently, I have had very exciting news this week. UK composer Elena Cobb, the composer of the Jazz sensation "Higgledy Piggledy Jazz" wrote a blurb about my work on her blog! It made my day, week and year! We keep in touch on facebook, and I asked for her to listen to my audio-clips and give me feedback on it as a fellow piano teacher & composer...and she did much better than that!
Read more about it here: http://www.elenacobb.com/blog/reviews/introducing-anna-maliszewski/

I'm excited to announce that I'll be in Paris for several days next week! Knowing me, I'll shoot five gazillion photos. It will just be me and my MIL, and my husband will spend 5 days taking care of the twins! Go ahead, wish him luck...I know you were thinking it! Now he'll get a good idea of my every day life (or no life)! No, I'll give him credit, though. He's very good with the boys.

Thank you for sticking with me. Please checkout my professional website if you are interested while I get back into pattern-making and blogging about actual knitting! (My favorite is still my inspiration piece called "Spirit.") I could sure use your help spreading the word, so please "LIKE" the following if you have time:
-Twitter (Anna Maliszewski)
-Facebook (Anna Maliszewski Music)

 

 P.S- I have already released Youtube videos of Spooktacular Halloween music for piano. Yup, musicians have to think far in advance when it comes to holiday music. It's practically Christmas in July. ;)

P.S-please give me a shout-out that you are still visiting the blog. I think when the pattern is done, I'll give out some freebies of the newer Punk Rock Tunic when it's done.

Sincerely,
Anna Maliszewski