My mom brought us three eggs from her pet hen in the middle of the month and stayed for three days. After my father's cataract surgery on his left eye in Kaohsiung on Nov.27, my mom will have surgery for macular degeneration on Dec.7. Thanks to my sister and brother-in-law for taking care of them.
My sons participated in a piano competition at the end of the month, and my parents came to enjoy their performances.
After one month practice, 7 year old Felix performed for the school talent show.
The result was a shock when I saw it just put up after a 30 min wait. As I expected number 30 was the champion and number 19 was also great. 8 year old Felix was the youngest contestantand didn't work hard enough so I didn't expect too much.I felt a little disappointed because I thought he could get at least 80. His performance was nearly like playing at home. His fingers didn't slip too much, he didn't play several wrong notes or forget the text... He asked me about the result. I saw his disappointed face after telling him. I told him "it's ok and enjoy the process. Everything comes with practice. Practice makes perfect. You need to be patient and practice regularly and correctly."
We went see Thor Ragnarok in the afternoon on the way home. It's a great experience for a mother and son to attend.
10 year old Felix won 5th prize
among 9 contestants at 2019 Bohemia
Metro Music Competition. When getting up on the competition morning, he said "I dreamed that I won 1st prize and got Lego toys! I'm going back to sleep to continue my dream." So cute! When we waited and watched others’ playing in
the music hall, Felix told me “I’m afraid.” I’ve tried to tell my sons “Enjoy
your performance. When you’re on stage, you share the music you’ve been working
on with the audience.” I’m proud they made it!
Felix often ignores my or teachers' words, just does what he wants. Although he didn't do well at Asia Pacific Music Competition and New Taipei City Student Competition of Music, it's a good timing to let him know that he should think about others' suggestions. The three compulsory pieces are In Autumn by Amy Beach, Bartók Mikrokosmos No.153 Six Dances in Bulgarian Rhythm VIand Ravel Le Tombeau de Couperin Prélude. His own choice piece is Chopin Scherzo No.2, Op.31.
After watching American medical drama TV series The Good Doctor in summer 2021, Felix said he wanted to be a surgeon! He needs to focus on studies to enter a nice public senior high. Besides, he hasn't had enough time practicing the instruments since he started junior high because he gets home at about 6:50 or 9:30 PM. I talked with him and then decided to suspend his piano lessons after the competition and continue his cello lessons which was suspended for almost 3 months.
Felix had taken a break from piano lessons since he started junior high. After discussing with him this summer, we decided to enter the competition and resume piano lessons once or twice a month. With limited practice time, 2-3 hours a week, I was satisfied with his performance on stage!
