It's been thirty-five months in the making, but my first "real" vacation started a couple days ago. For the first time in three years, I'm not taking classes or teaching classes. It's been a whirlwind, especially in the last couple of months - defended my dissertation in April, graduated in May, wrapped up teaching at the high school for the year and then started teaching a college course in June.
I'm tired!
So, I'm taking a couple days off to rest up and pamper myself a little. But I imagine I'll be bored by next week, so I am looking forward to writing some music and maybe get started on a new book or two (writing, not reading). In the meantime, I've finished up a Christmas Carol for a contest, I'm writing a trombone quartet on commission, and I have to finish up a brass band commission, all while getting sketches together for the Requiem we're premiering in February, 2016.
But first, a nap.
I hope you're having a relaxing, recuperative, and rejuvenating summer, my friends.
Peace,
Jeffrey
