Little Gem!

 

I found this book amongst several books that were given to me by one of my piano teachers.   Despite the regular impression that I was not reaching her high standards (!), I did actually succeed in passing Grade 8.  She politely declined taking me further with piano studies though - as, using her words, she would be "pushing up the daisies" by the time I managed to get to the next appropriate level!!  

I remember well that the large intake of breath and gritted teeth would signal the beginning of a monologue detailing how important regular practice was, how unmusical I was, how I must fall in love in order to put expression in my music etc etc! 

And then the next minute she would be rushing upstairs to bring down a pretty dress she had bought recently for some 'do' and did I like it?!

She would speak about people in her life as if I knew them, and divulge how the nextdoor neighbour complained regularly about the sound of the piano through the walls!

I know I used to wish she would close the blinds so that the light didn't reflect on her glasses so much, as I couldn't see her eyes - and I liked to keep fully focussed on her current mood, because it could change in an instant should my playing not please her!

She was an excellent teacher though and such a character.  Although I continued my piano studies elsewhere, I used to take a gift round on her Birthday and visit at Christmas.  She always made a fuss, with tea in her best china cups and a large selection of cakes.  She was very kind to Hubby and I when we got married, and thrilled to bits when we visited with the children. 

During one visit, she explained how her eyesight was not as good as it was and that she would no longer be teaching her remaining students.    She was very matter-of-fact about it, so there was no place for the sentimental tears that were prickling my eyes!   Did I want some books that she didn't need any more?  

So amongst the pile was this Auto-Suggestion book, giving quotes or phrases to focus on and apply when various challenges arise in life.  

Here is the Contents page.  The book does have some old-style wording, but I think it is a thought-focussing little gem and is always close at hand on my 'building a better me' bookshelf!