Music is a big deal at our house. I am a classically trained pianist and have been heavily involved in music my whole life. It brings me such joy when I see my kids enjoy it as well. About four years ago, I felt that my piano skills were just melting away minute by minute. I really had no reason or motivation to practice except when I was asked occasionally to accompany someone singing in church. The boys were interested in taking some voice lessons, so when I explored the possibility, one of the local voice teachers offered to trade accompanying for voice lessons. It was a perfect fit. Part of my committment includes preparing for festival. I usually play 2-4 songs apiece for 6-9 students. It's a lot of music to learn and requires hefty practice time and a return to the self-discipline that marked my days as a serious student. Nothing will take me back to my high school level of proficiency, but it keeps me from losing any more technique.
Festival is a week from Saturday. So it's crunch time. Lots of practicing, refining, adjusting, cussing when I just can't seem to get a section right, faking when I know there's no way it's ever going to happen. I always ask myself repeatedly at this time of year......What in the world did I get myself into? It's one of those good-for-me things. It's good for me to do this, but when I have to practice instead of do what I want, I feel like a grumbly teenager again.