July happenings

[sheela_chari]

I just came back from hearing my daughter perform at her day camp's music recital. Every Friday, the camp holds a concert, and different groups from the camp get to perform. This Friday was my daughter's turn

Comments

[dotificus]

Well, it's mighty nice to see you, busy Sheela bee.

Our local indie children's bookstore, The Blue Manatee, accepted the bookmarks you gave me, to give out to customers.

I hope you are able to make more time for music in your life soon!

[sheela_chari]

nice to see you, too, Dot. Thank you so much for dropping off my bookmarks at the store. I'm going to look them up later and find out more about them.

A big, friend hug to you. I miss you.

[stephanieburgis]

Ohhh, I empathized with this entry. I really, really miss making music, and I look forward to some time in the future when I can add that back into my life.

Good luck getting through the chaos this month - and enjoy the sweet bits!

[sheela_chari]

What do you play, Steph? Is it the french horn? I'm trying to remember, because I think I read it somewhere on your web site.

I miss miss miss playing. I know I will get it back in my life some day, but for now...sniff sniff.

Thanks for the well wishes...i really want to send you a nice long email...

[stephanieburgis]

It is the French horn! (Although also the piano - I studied the horn at conservatory, but also played the piano more casually for 13 years of lessons.)

I'm thinking of you so much as your pub day approaches - I can't wait for Vanished to be out there in the world! :)

[sheela_chari]

The French horn is a gorgeous instrument! I've always loved listening to it. Some day we should play together.

I'm in the last stages of planning my launch party. I think it's finally where I can say, Ok, no more worrying, it's all done!

The other day I was reading about your upcoming signings and wishing I could come...

[lisa_schroeder]

Inquiring minds want to know - what do you say when you call libraries?

Your release day is almost here, yay!! So excited!!!

[sheela_chari]

Originally my release date was Aug 9, but it got moved up to July 26 so that we could take advantage of the summer reading program at most libraries - One World, Many Stories - which emphasizes multicultural stories. So when I call up a library, I try to describe my book and how it might be a good addition to their collection in light of the summer reading program. But generally the places I've called, I've also had other connections. I called all the libraries in cities where I lived growing up. If I read a librarian's blog and had something else in common with that person, or if there was anything else (like parts of NJ have large Indian communities who might have an interest in my book), etc

[tracyworld]

I feel wistful on your behalf. You really had me at "I want calluses on the tips of my fingers" because that seems such an everyday, all the time, kind of reminder of who and what you are. But you are still a musician, Sheela, and you will find your way back to that.

I'm excited that VANISHED comes out so soon!

[sheela_chari]

The thing about calluses is that they are like a badge honor or battle scar. You don't get them overnight. You only get them by practicing for hours, until your fingers get sore and then develop those calluses. I used to be so proud of them. Sometimes the black varnish from the violin used to leave faint black lines across the tips of my fingers, and I used to give me the same feeling of pride. And have you heard of violin hickeys? :-D

[sheela_chari]

I have one word for myself: August!

Hope you are having a productive summer with your kids in day camp. :)