Tag: Devon

New School Year 2020/2021

This is the first day of school of the new school year since the pandemic started. The public school ended with a lockdown last March and attempts to conduct lessons online were not very successful. This year, Devon is in 9th grade and Connor is in 6th grade. Ankeny schools offer the choice of online and in-person lessons. With the high possibility of interruptions in lessons again due to the frequent unpredictable changes to the covid-19 protocols and the distraction caused by angry parents protesting against mask mandates in school, we have decided to stick to conducting lessons at home. It also gives Devon the opportunity to take some online classes with DMACC (Des Moines Area Community College) that are dual enrolled with the high school. Both children are also doing various online and video lessons that steer them toward being more self-directed learners.

Driving Lessons

This is Devon’s first driving lesson. We had signed up for parent-taught driver’s education. He has to fulfill 30 hours of driving, including 3 hours night time driving. He must also complete an approved online driver course. Finally, he would need to schedule for a driving test.

Online Cello Lesson

We have decided to switch to virtual music lessons during the pandemic. It was a great time to explore different options. We came across a service called “Virtu Academy”. The teachers on that site were graduates from top music schools. We had set Devon up with Mr Andrew Briggs. He is a performing artist currently residing in Paris who had attended Julliard. We enjoy having him as Devon’s teacher. He has a great personality and seems to connect with Devon.

Experiencing Blindness For a Day

This is one of the social experiments I have always wanted to conduct to determine if it will help us empathize with those with disabilities. The kids experienced being blind for a day. They have to stay blindfolded regardless of what they were doing. Yes, that means they have to practice their instruments blindfolded as well. At the end of the experiment both kids resorted to staying in their bed. They were too helpless to do anything. While the experiment addressed the physical struggle, it failed to address the mental struggle of a person who suddenly experienced blindness – the hopelessness and the realization of not having sight for the rest of their lives. Because the kids held on to the hope that the blindfold will be removed eventually and their lives returning to normal the next day, it would be difficult for them to comprehend  what someone might be going through.

Helping in the Garden

I come from a big city, but I have always had a connection with gardens. I am always fascinated  when people talk to me about their native plants and animals. I feel that it is important to have a connection with our nature, so that we can learn to take care of it the way it takes care of us. The kids enjoy being involved in gardening. It gives them time off from stressful matter and exposes them to a healthy dose of fresh air and sunshine. Here, they are seen harvesting strawberries and peas.

Sewing masks

What better time to improve our sewing skills than the pandemic? A couple months back, I lost my hearing in my left ear. I am currently going through hyperbaric oxygen treatment at the hospital. The nurses taking care of me are truly wonderful. They tried to get me in as soon as I contacted them as they have identified this as a medical emergency. Hospitals now have started to require people to wear masks. We have decided to sew a number of masks (a design obtained from another hospital) to donate them to the nurses of the hyperbaric department.  We are grateful to the medical staff who are putting their and their families’ lives at risk while helping other people during the pandemic. The kids helped make these masks by tracing the design, cutting and sewing them. The nurses were very happy to receive them.

Paganini’s Moses Variations on one string

Devon and I were practicing the Paganini’s Moses Variation on one string to perform at his school talent time show. It’s an emotional piece for me because this was the piece we were working on when I lose my hearing in my left ear. Being very sensitive to music and sounds, I grieve the lost of the joy of hearing with both ears. While I love performing it with Devon, this will always remind me of my loss. This incredible cello solo was played solely on the A string with some “killer” harmonics. The middle school audience did not all appreciate his performance, but he enjoyed playing it for them.