Then, maybe because summer had just started, or maybe she didn't want to play a song she already knew; she just fell off the rhythm of practicing. Now, with the recital only a week away, I was reminding her, with not so effective anger management on my part, to practice daily.
On the other hand, given that the performance was at the Dallas Opera House, and formal attire was strongly encouraged, I had carved out the saturday before the performance for important family business - family shopping trip. First, little miss Haana needed some shoes that she can wear with her red dress that she had selected to wear for the performance (even though i tried to steer her towards the glittery pink one, but oh well). I decided I will wear a similar red dress too. And then, I needed some dress shoes too. I decided Raj must have a new jacket for the occasion. Not to leave anyone behind, new little man shoes were bought for Bobby boy too. All this while little miss Haana kept reminding us, 'Why are you guys shopping, it will only be me at the stage!'. After being at home for 1.5 years, there was no holding me back from a shopping trip with a purpose!
That evening though, the pesky issue of practicing came up again. And i had just had it! I was very upset and frustated that she's not practicing enough in the days leading up to performing at the stage. That just wouldn't do. I oscillated between deciding to just cancel all her violin classes and not even going to the recital; to remorse that if I cancel her classes it may be a point of no return. Of course through this all, I always wished I myself knew how to play an instrument. I didn't learn as a child, and then never had the time as an adult. It was an intense evening.
Next morning, little miss Haana's recital was in the afternoon. I kept watching her doing everything but practice her violin. And then, sometime after breakfast, she got up to play the accompaniment piece on my phone while she played with it on her violin. Since the accompaniment piece is on a slightly different scale, it takes a little getting used to, to not get distracted with it. She tried and practiced several times till she got it. That morning she practiced and played several times, till she was doing pretty good.
When it was time, we all dressed up, even little Bobby boy was dolled up in full sleeves, formal collared shirt, jeans with suspenders, grey big boy socks (i forgot the new shoes at home), and a bow tie. All topped with his untamed curly hair.
At the Opera hall, poor Raj had to pick up Bobby and walk him around the entire time, cause he wanted to run away exploring. But after the long wait when it was little miss Haana's turn, all of our eyes were glued. She glided to the center of the stage, bowed and got to play position with her violin. Her teacher was her accompaniment. She played Judas Maccabeus on violin and played what to my untrained ears sounded flawless and melodious. For that minute, little Bobby boy was glued to his spot too. And just like that she was done, she was bowing to the audience. We were filled with pride.
Outside in the lobby, we took pictures. Little miss Haana and I were twinsies - wearing similar dress and similar shoes! On the way back from the Opera house, we all knew it was time to celebrate. Dinner restaurant choice - whatever little miss Haana would like!
