Coming Back to Music

 As the calendar ticks ever closer to July 1, I have been reflecting on what a long and lovely journey it has been for me with the Seattle Lilla Spelmanslag.  My daughter joined the 'lag when Martha became Director in the winter of 2008. She stayed in the group until and after she aged out. My daughter was able to go on trips to Sweden and Denmark. She remembers them both! 

At that time, as far as I knew, we didn't have any Nordic roots in our family. Later, Ancestry DNA proved that we do have some links to Sweden and Denmark. That didn't matter to my daughter.  It was the chance to play music with other kids that was enough to get her to join.  As a parent, one of the things I appreciated was that the Nordic community welcomed the kids in the 'lag with friendly smiles and support. They remain interested in what the kids are doing and love to hear them perform. 

Standing: Martha, Maren, Itsani, Eva
Sitting: Lilah, Sue

When my daughter aged out, I stayed on the 'lag Board as a community member. Last year, for the first time since high school, I came back to playing music myself in order to play with the group. I brought out my old recorder so that I could join in the fun! It has not been easy for me to learn the tunes, but it is incredibly satisfying to play music together. The kids are inspiring, and for an introvert, it's not easy to find a group that is comfortable. This one is! 

And that has led me to traveling to Norway this summer. I am excited to go and very thankful for all of the support that has helped this trip become a reality. Norway excites me because of its mountains. Although we see the mountains every day, Norway seems, at least to me, and from pictures, to be that on steroids.  Cool! I am looking forward to seeing my first fjord. What color will the water be? How much snow will still be on the peaks? So much to discover and so many people to meet. As the countdown continues, I am to eager to fly away with the Seattle Lilla Spelmanslag! 

Day 26!

--Sue Yule