Thanks Hilary, for the kind words. It’s interesting, because I never knew people could be so moved to write such nice things...even though those words aren’t expressed directly to me. I always find it interesting that it’s still possible to connect to younger people through “classical music”. Really, there is a reason why these great composers have stood the test of time.

Check out the link at http://thoughtsbyhilary.blogspot.com/2007_04_01_archive.html and again, thanks so much for posting that! I hope it’s OK that it’s now on my website =)

Sunday, April 22, 2007
“if music be the food of love, play on” Shakespeare, Twelfth Night

I have started this blog about six times now and keep erasing my first sentence. I don’t even know how to write the words to describe the Thomas Yu concert without making myself seem like a stalker, psycho fan, or else making him seem like he’s God or something. Not only was the technicality of the concert outstanding, but it really gave me a good chance to sit in the ambiance of 3rd Ave. United church and just sit there and let myself get wrapped up in the music. I could let my mind wander and I got a chance to think, and to reflect (oh yes I did say reflect), and to pray, and just be. It was such a lovely atmoshpere and I could have sat there all night. I’m amazed at the talent he has. I have no clue how he does it. And to top it off, he’s the most humble person in the world. He personally thanked everyone for coming and talked for about 5 minutes about his trips, and told stories about his music, and what’s going on in his head when he plays. I felt like I was at an intimate gathering at his house and we were just hanging out.... with about 500 other people. He does not have the type of personality you would associate with a world renoun concert pianist. After the concert there was a reception in the basement of the church and my grandparents wanted to talk to him (right, my grandparets) so we waited around and had a chance to talk to him for a little while. He actually asked me, “so, was it ok?” I shrugged and replied ever so casually, “yah, it was alright”. Good thing he got the sarcasm. I’m like, you’re asking me if that was okay? No, actually, I think I heard you play a couple of wrong ntoes during the second movement of the Chopin piece...seriously....unreal. Anyways, it was a very enjoyable evening and one that was definately necessary for my health. I needed a night to sit and enjoy something that I love, and be able to let my mind and thoughts catch up to my body. Or my body catch up to my thoughts… one or the other. I’ve been running on empty for the last little while and I felt like this was a small dose of rejuvination so I can get through the next couple days. It was chicken soup for the soul.... without the lame stories.

I write my last final on Monday. My last final ever, until I decide to get another degree. But, it marks the end of a long long awaited journey and finally gives me a sense of freedom. That’s all for now.

Posted by Hilary Colborne at Sunday, April 22, 2007 2 comments

Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Talent Crush

The term “talent crush” was introduced to me by my friend Arla when we worked out at a camp together the summer of grade 11. It refers to the feeling you have towards someone who you find attractive purely based on a talent of some kind. We all have them, I am sure. My talent crush is Thomas Yu. If you don’t know who he is, shame on you, but I’ll tell you anyway. Where do I start… well, he is now a world recognized concert pianist, who has won basically every important piano competition in the world. He won some crazy competition in Paris, and in Poland. He’s basically rediculously good - at piano. He also happens to be a good friend of my cousin, Andrew. In fact, last summer, Thomas Yu came to Andrew’s wedding to play piano. He played my absolute favourite song ever on the piano, Variation on a Theme by Paganini by Rachmaninov, and I almost died. I got all star-struck, and flustered, and I didn’t want to go talk to him or anything. I did eventually say something stupid to him like, “you’re super awesome” or something really intelligent. He is honestly one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. He is playing a concert on Saturday night at Third Ave. United Church, and I am so excited. I’ve been looking forward to hearing him play again since last July at Andrew’s wedding. I feel special because I’ve met him, and he knows who I am. Oh, and I failed to mention that he’s also a Dentist, and he’s working on a masters degree in neck cancer (what doesn’t he do?) .

Thanks for all the replies on my last post. I enjoyed reading people’s answers to those questions. It’s still open for discussion....

Today I’m going to look at a condo… not like I have money to buy it, but I just like to pretend that I do, and pretend like I will actually be able to move out of my parent’s basement one day… I hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather and doesn’t get swept up by the insane winds.

Have a good one.

Posted by Hilary Colborne at Wednesday, April 18, 2007 0 comments