Is it Ever Too Late to Pursue a Dream? How about Online Violin Lessons?

While we were living in Seattle we were lucky enough to witness the Seattle music scene.  When they talk about the Seattle music scene... they aren't kidding.  It is incredible!  We feel very fortunate that our youngest was exposed to this music scene and the violin at her school, which in turn stirred her passion to play in the orchestra.  After a benefit concert involving Geoffrey Castle at her school she was passionately hooked.  

I was introduced to a professional violinst through a previous co-worker by the name of Loralyn Staples about 20 years ago.  When she plays it makes you quiver in your boots, she's so good.  We felt pretty spoiled when Loralyn came by for a visit and offered to  teach our youngest a few fiddle tunes.  Within 10 minutes she had our youngest playing fiddle tunes at a high level.  We were blown away!  Her expertise and knowledge in addition to keeping our youngest childs passion going prompted me to ask Loralyn to write a blog post so we could learn more about her, her story and her journey to share her extreme talent with the rest of the world.   

So without further delay...     

"My mother loves the violin. She swoons at the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. She attends all my concerts. She even pretended to like them when I was young and they probably weren’t very good. My mom wanted to learn to play the violin, but she grew up in a tiny farm town in Wyoming where there was no school program for violin, and definitely no private violin lessons. Instead, she joined the school band and learned to play Clarinet. Did she love it? Nope. She played it because she didn’t have the opportunity to follow her heart.

But she made darned sure that I had the opportunity to learn the violin. She instilled in me the same love for violin music, classical and fiddle. She supported me in every endeavor. She lived her dream through me, and I love her for making the sacrifices she made so that I could become a professional violinist.

I have performed with many groups, orchestras, celtic bands, country fiddle bands, opera, ballets, symphonies, quartets, performing has been my life… until a mishap involving my finger and a car door caused me to discover that I can also TEACH violin, and I quickly became passionate about helping others to pursue their dream of playing the violin.

I think my mother was satisfied to see my accomplishments on the violin.  But I wonder what would have happened if she had decided to learn it for herself? Could she have done it? Would she have found a good violin teacher?  Is it ever too late to pursue a dream?

With my mother in mind, I developed ONLINE VIOLIN LESSONS and ONLINE FIDDLE LESSONS designed especially for the adult learner—those who had to put their dreams on hold while they raised a family, or paid medical bills. Later in life, adults suddenly have the ability to pursue dreams they put on hold because they finally have the time or the money.  My online violin lessons are flexible, affordable and effective for the adult lifestyle, and many of my students tell me they just can’t bring themselves to take a lesson in person each week, and be subject to criticism from someone half their age. Some live too far away for private lessons, and some cannot afford the private lesson fee.  I like to believe that I have removed these obstacles for most people through my online violin lessons.

I have had the privilege of watching my adult students work their way through “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and eventually find themselves playing Bach, or a wicked fiddle tune. I watch the smile on their faces as they joyfully make the music their hearts have longed for their entire life.

There are plenty of people are around to say, “Music is for the young. You just can’t learn new things as well as a child.  Kids are like sponges.  It’s easy for kids” yada yada.  Well, I have taught both adults and children, and I can honestly tell you that for every advantage a child has over an adult, the adult has a reciprocal advantage over the child.  Attention span. Coordination. Attention to detail. Maturity. Experience.  It goes both ways!

It takes consistence, persistence, commitment, and hard work, but it is within your reach to pursue your dream. Learn Russian. Learn to dance. Parasail. Learn to play music. Learn violin.

Am I trying to sell you something? Absolutely not. I am telling you that it’s NEVER too late to pursue your dream!"

Thank you Loralyn for sharing your story with us.  To learn more, visit http://www.reddesertviolin.com. 

Seattle is for the Birds!

Well now first of all ,the title of this post is not in the traditional use of this phrase but more literally. You see, there are some differences between Seattle and Salt Lake City.  Ok, alot of differences.  But one of those differences is the birds!  The avian population in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest is, well... huge.  Seattle is for the birds!  Salt Lake City on the other hand just doesn't seem to attract the feathered community as much.  This doesn't apply to our numerous neighbors who have decided to keep the non-flying feathered variety in their yards here in the city but I believe if the chickens had their choice they would be elsewhere but who knows.  Now just as the chickens didn't have a choice for their location, the birds in the Seattle area seem to be quite happy, choice or not, because there are so many of them.  From our kitchen table in Mukilteo we were always entertained by crows (or Ravens) cardinals, Blue jays, sparrows, swallows, several varieties of woodpecker and so many more we couldn't identify with many shapes and colors.  Of course when you go down to the water, along with the crow family there was the ever present large seagull clan.  Remember in 'Finding Nemo' when the seagulls were saying "mine"..."mine"...."mine" repeatedly?  They actually do say that!  Most impressive though about the Pacific Northwest bird population are the raptors. Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, etc. fill the skies regularly and not to the pleasure of the other birds as they try to chase the birds of prey away from their nests.  Now, travel 900 miles south, southeast to our home here in the high desert and one is left thinking the birds have been evicted from Utah. There is a bird population here in SLC just nothing compared to Seattle and vicinity. Interestingly enough there is a sizeable goose and duck presence here and the  previously mentioned raptors are here as well, just not in the same numbers.  One particular brand of bird that does very well here in Zion is this fella:

This is the Magpie.  Very large.  Very handsome. Very vocal.  Very annoying.  Now don't misunderstand, they are impressive birds with great colors and aerial skills unmatched for big fliers but in questioning the lack of any other types of birds.  I'm told that these guys are to blame.  They are the bird mafia with their tuxedos and attitudes.  They don't fear much; they actually chase the cats away and most people can walk right up to them before they fly away.  I have to wonder if they are afraid of people or just not interested. I go with the latter.

Well, there you go.  My thoughts on the birds of The Northwest and The Desert.  A topic on the minds of many I'm sure.  Another topic near and dear to my heart of course is the luxury and reward of being able to earn our living from home where I can spend more time exploring the important issues facing us like the bird population and so on.  The awesome company Scentsy, Inc. has given us the opportunity to own and operate our own business. And if making the world smell a little nicer wasn't enough, Scentsy has provided us with even more opportunity by providing that world with chocolate, chocolate by the name of Velata.  It doesn't end here though.  A beautiful line of ladies handbags and accessories called Grace Adele is our very latest offering and a more beautiful, unique and functional hand bag or purse you'll not find anywhere! I have my eye on a couple of bags but they just don't go with my shoes!  Oh well... hey I think I see a bird other than a magpie outside so I'm off to check it out.  Thanks for being here.  ~  Robert

Wickless. It's not just for scents anymore!

   It be a happy day!  Well if you like chocolate it is and frankly I don't know of anyone who doesn't like chocolate... ok, let me explanate.  Here at www.Addicted2Scents.com we offer a line of scentual, fragrant wax warmers, room sprays and other smell good things by Scentsy, the wickless candle company from Idaho. Well, after 8 years and thousands of nice smelling homes later, the little warmer that started it all is being used to warm something else for those homes: chocolate!  In the form of fondue that is. I'm not sure if chocolate actually has a significant enough fragrance. hmmm. Okay, sorry I'm getting off track.  And now we are as proud as a peacock to announce the newest brand by Scentsy called Velata!  Velata uses the same technology in the Scentsy warmer except of course to melt chocolate instead of wax and to eat instead of sniff sniff... sniff...I'm getting a bit choked up now because all this talk of fondue makes me want some now but of course it's all gone because everybody liked it so much it disappeared almost as soon as we got it and... sorry, there I go again.  In fact, there's one of the culprits now.... me wee sweet daughter!  So that's where the strawberries went!

    Honestly it's pretty good stuff. Currently there are 4 flavors of chocolate offered: 
milk chocolate, white chocolate, dark chocolate, and caramel milk chocolate. I wouldn't know about the dark chocolate but the beautiful young lady above assured me it was quite good. I'm placing my secret order soon.  As you can see from the pictures the warmers are very much alike just the dish on top is different as it is used to serve edible melted stuff. Oh and what a breeze to clean up because basically there is nothing to clean up!  Unplug it (remember there's a light bulb inside), toss the dish in your dishwasher on the top rack and call it good!
   You really owe yourself (oh okay, and your family and friends) a great desert and even though you're thinking "fondue? What a messy pain!" trust me, Scentsy made it easy and convenient... not to mention a pretty yummy way to get the younguns to eat their fruit!  Well if I want some Velata it looks like I'd better go... I see Katie and daughter heading to the kitchen.

                                                                                                                   Robert Jones
                                                                                                        www.Addicted2Fondue.com 

Spring time in Slick City (SLC)

 Is it Spring already? The last time I found a minute to come in here and put down a thought or two it was Christmas time and trying to be winter (one of the mildest on record as it turned out)! Well according to the calender and the glorious weather (as well as the sneezing!) we are out of winter and entering another Wasatch spring. Oh...hold that thought......I just glanced out the window at the tulips and daffodils who are just now showing off their colors and noticed that the blue skies and sunshine have become obscured by clouds thus removing that springlike euphoria. Oh well....that's the way it goes here at 4000+ feet altitude so if you don't like the weather now just wait an hour or so and it will change!

   Along with the warm spring temps and visuals we also get to enjoy the fragrances of the changing seasons (refer to previous mention of blooming flora )and of course our favorite provider of manufactured fragrances, Scentsy, just happened to release a new line of fragrant products for the laundry called Layers by Scentsy to coincide with Spring and all it's glory. One actually looks forward to doing laundry even though one should be out of doors since it is Spring!

   From what I gather from friends and associates in the Pacific Northwest where our blog first saw the light of day as well as our former residence, the winter and spring there have been slightly different from what we've experienced here in the high desert. To put it simply:wetter....ok just wet. A colleague there recently told me they actually get all four seasons in one day....regularly. I actually remember days like that and once when I commented on the weather there my friend responded "isn't it dramatic?" From that point on I always observed the meteorological conditions of Seattle and surroundings as just that; dramatic! Another point to make however is that when the weather decides to play nice in the northwest there is arguably no finer place to be on this planet as was the case on the very day we departed our Mukilteo home for Utah last July. We actually had pause and asked ourselves now, why is it we're leaving?!

  
  Well even though the world outside our humble abode suddenly no longer has the appearance of Spring, I'm going outside anyway to investigate the grounds and discover what other fauna are waking up after a long sleep to enjoy another season in the sun! Until next time.....

Scentsy Christmas Giveaway Winner

                                                                                                                                

Good Day to everyone! Our Scentsy Christmas Giveaway has drawn to a close and after randomly selecting a name late last night...we have a winner! Before revealing our lucky recipient however, we just want to sincerely Thank everyone who participated and for being a part of our blog. We do hope you continue to visit us every once in a while. So, without further delay, the winner of the Plum Garland Scentsy Warmer & Wax Bar is Kim @ Chubby Cheeks Thinks! Congratulations Kim! In order to claim your gift please respond by email to Addicted 2 Scents @ gmail . com by Monday 12/12/2011. If no response we will select another winner. Again, our thanks to everyone and Happy Holidays to all!

It's time for a Scentsy Christmas Giveaway!

Well, after a day of Thanksgiving fun and good times with family, my thoughts are now about Christmas and what I enjoy most about Christmas is giving!  It's not too shabby to receive something nice as well. So in this spirit, I would like to give something away!  Let's see... why not something I am already passionate about, Scentsy!  So, how about a beautiful Garland Scentsy Warmer and a fragrant Scentsy Bar to go with it.  Yes, that's it.  So, now all I need is someone to give this away to and a way to do it.  I think the best way is a drawing.   

To be entered in the drawing I just need a few simple things from you...     

1.  "Like" my page on Facebook, Click Here.
2.  Post this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or your blog, with a link. (One entry and comment for each)      
3.  Subscribe to my monthly Scentsy E-Newsletter, Click Here.
4.  Visit my website www.Addicted2scents.com and leave a comment letting me know your favorite Scentsy product.  
5.  Follow my blog.     

On December 5, 2011, one lucky name will be randomly selected  to receive the beautiful Garland Scentsy Warmer and Scentsy Bar. 

The winner will have one week to e-mail me or another winner will be chosen.  So make sure to bookmark the page and come back for a visit to see if you are the lucky winner.     

Now for the fine print... only open in the US and Canada and no Scentsy Consultants please. 

Looking forward to 'meeting' you and hearing your comments.  Best Wishes and Best of Luck!

...well not exactly Seattle....

....even though today in Salt Lake City it is very much like Seattle, weather wise that is. Up until Monday when the temp was still in the 80's and we were dining outdoors, summer just refused to give up but, two days later, Autumn finally took the reins and ushered in the appropriate weather associated with the first week in October in the high desert... cool and rainy. Oh. My apologies! Why am I writing about the weather in SLC being similar to Seattle? Well, alot has changed for the Jones' of Mukilteo since June 2011. In short we have returned to Utah and our previous life as the Jones' of SLC! You see, my husband,daughter and I relocated to the Great Pacific Northwest in late 2008 from the High Desert of Utah where our home and family is based. Once settled into our home in charming Mukilteo and operation of my Scentsy Wickless Candle business resumed, I couldn't resist trying to use 'Wickless in Seattle' somehow (you know....the movie 'Sleepless...in Seattle'?)... sorry, of course you do! Anyway, making a short story long, my new blog now had a name. Well, living in the northwest in Mukilteo with it's proximity to Seattle, Whidbey Island, the San Juans, Edmonds ,etc,etc was (is) wonderful but sometimes there's just no place like home which is why, after two years we decided to return to our home and family in Salt Lake City! Of course we still have a strong connection to Washington and where we once called home. Our daughter attended a wonderful school where she made many friends and through modern technology still keeps in touch with on an almost daily basis! My husband established strong, solid relationships in that short period as well. As for me, I met and became dear friends with many wonderful people who I am still happy to be in touch with regularly! Overall it was a refreshing experience and adventure. There are of course things we miss (having a sandwich at The Red Cup while watching naval ships sail by in Possession Sound!) but with our attachments there we have lots of reasons for a return engagement! You haven't seen the last of the Jones'!  Until next time......

A Day in The Life of a Mom

In honor of Mother's Day a sweet friend, Sally Brigg, shared the following video.  I couldn't think of a better way to describe "A Day in the Life of a Mom." Plus its a good laugh.  Enjoy!!

What is Real Beauty?

We celebrated my husbands big 5-Oh this past week. (He was a real good sport letting me take this picture of him with his new glasses.)   This new decade has caused us both to reflect on where we've been and where we're going.  Doing so we have decided to make some big changes.    

Up until now we have both felt invincible and that the end of our days wasn't even on the radar.  I still have 5 1/2 years to go until I reach this milestone, but being a woman in your 40's still makes you reflect on similar emotions.  One particular emotion that I have been struggling with, as I assume most women in their 40's do, is how your appearance starts changing.  Keeping that youthful look takes a lot more work and despite all your efforts, your skin and waistline have something different in mind.  In fact it made me start recognizing that almost Mom you see on television no matter the age, except for Roseanne, has a very nice figure.  On the flip side, you'll notice that most Dad's on these shows can't say the same.  Makes we wonder why it is okay for the men to show their years, especially in the middle section and not women.  Think about it, even Marge on the Simpson's has a smokin hot body while Homer... well that's a different story.  What's up with that?  I guess that's another topic for another post.  

Tonight I stopped by the blog Naked Girl in a Dress which put these concerns in perspective for me.  She shared a quote from Audrey Hepburn which really hit home.  I'm already a huge Audrey Hepburn fan, but I think this quote below makes me adore her even more.  I now have a new outlook on the meaning of true beauty:   

• For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
• For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
• For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
• For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
• For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
• The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
• The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. 
• The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode, but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
• It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows.
• The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.

All those concerns and pressures of trying to keep up with those unrealistic looks you see plastered all over magazines and the media now seem much more insignificant.   

Thank you Audrey!   

What To Do on a Beautiful Day in Seattle

What to do, what to do?  It’s Friday morning, early Friday morning mind you because my daughter has orchestra rehearsal before school so there is no sleeping in (which comes quite naturally on these rainy, gray Northwest Spring mornings). I also remember this is the Friday that the wonderful Caprice of Cinderelli Cleaning is coming to magically transform our house into a sparkling clean haven once again so we are back to the original question: what to do, what to do? Well, the obvious choice is… Seattle Urban Fix!  My husband and I love the city, any city, so it’s in the MINI and  off to discover something new just 20 or so miles from our little suburb by the sound.

We decide on Capitol Hill.  We had been through this area a time or two but never in discovery mode so we didn't know what to expect.  Not really having any expectations we just drove up or down whatever street looked interesting and by this method we ended up on 15th Avenue.  Keep in mind it's the morning and of course that dictates the need for breakfast so now our carefree plans of exploring and making new discoveries have suddenly become not so carefree.  You see there are many delightful eateries along 15th Avenue so now that we have to make a choice of which one!  We eventually give the nod to The Coastal Kitchen at 429 15th Ave. which turns out to be an excellent gastrononmic decision!  

Charming décor, terrific service topped off by superb food! Good call! Well needless to say we were back in the land of carefree! Being back in our original mode, the obvious after breakfast activity would be simple; a stroll through one of the most architecturally pleasing neighborhoods in the city (or country for that matter!).  We begin our trek but don't get very far when we are  greeted by Mr. Alex Soto who is just stepping out of Flowers on 15^th  at 515 15th Avenue (That’s a lot of 5’s).  The serendipity continues as Alex invites us into his amazing shop of floral delight and introduces us to Carolyn who is busy creating beautiful arrangements and a warm, homey atmosphere.  

We had the most engaging conversation with Alex and Carolyn who not only have a thriving business but an admirable care and concern for the neighborhood and community!  Along with flowers and arrangements they allow other artisans to display and market their wares and encourage local participation!  They even kindly offered to help my promote my Scentsy business by proudly displaying a Scentsy warmer along with my business cards in their delightful shop.  I highly recommend stopping in.  It was a completely unexpected discovery for me (which I usually find is the best kind!) and meeting Alex and Carolyn was a blessing and joy!

Hope you get downtown to meet them soon!