It's a New Year!

 Hello and afternoon to all my beautiful friends!
I know I'm kinda late jumping on the New Year's bandwagon, but regardless of that it's about time that I make a new post about what's been going on and what will be happening in the future, and honestly, what not a better topic to write about than my New Year's resolutions?
I know, I know... resolutions (and everything else in life) take commitment and persistence, however, I really believe I can keep the ball rolling on this one and try to post a little more frequently than I did last year. What makes this idea appealing is the possibility of presenting new content and posts, which I've been stewing on for quite sometime now.
Last year in summary was both crazy and awesome! New dog, two new jobs, new friends, old friends, new experiences, orchestra, and much, much more. It really ended up being a year of New Beginnings for me, and I look forward to 2019 with curiosity and excitement.
So what do I plan on posting about this year?
Mainly, my music.
So many people have encouraged me to blog, teach, podcast, or host what I know about music, what I'm learning, and what improvements I need to make to further explore music and my own musicianship, but honestly up until now, I've never felt qualified to do these things and rightfully so; I've never officially had a student (although I'd taught two children for a limited time), I had never played in an orchestra (til this year), I struggled with limited repertoire to play, my sightreading and music theory was very limited and of course, I was way too inexperienced to teach... all good reasons, right?
Despite these setbacks, on the other hand, I had literally taught myself how to play the guitar and violin without flawed technique, I developed a sensitive ear for music and could play by ear before reading a single note, my teacher of last year brought me up three years in violin technique, I pushed through the tediousness of vibrato exercises, shifting exercises, finger exercises, scales, calloused fingers, harmonics (on both violin and guitar), right hand guitar technique, and the initial but very uncomfortable 4 years of not having a violin shoulder rest. I even pushed through my limits of thinking I was too old to play the violin and too uncoordinated for the guitar but demolished both lies, my sightreading is exceptionally well and I'm actually thriving (not surviving) in an orchestral environment, and the list goes on.
Just writing these few examples opens my eyes to see that I do have a lot to offer, which drives me to this conclusion: the perfect time for me to share all I know will never come. I'll be learning til the day I die, so what's the point in waiting when I can share what I'm learning now?
There is so much to cover and discover, learn and share! I don't have to wait until I have my doctorate's in music, become a certified teacher, be a member of an excellent orchestra or whiz through Paganini to share what I know, there is plenty to share, here and now. There are so many topics to cover, questions to ask! But I want to take you on this journey with me and give you the opportunity to witness my growth as a person and a musician, but this goes both ways!
What are you learning? What are your questions? Where do you find inspiration and where is your call? But most importantly, what is holding you back from pursuing your hopes and dreams? I want to be apart of your lives as much as I want you to be a part of mine, only together can we find a solution to face our limitations and conquer our fears!
So, to A New Year and a new journey, to new ideas and new beliefs, to new relationships and friendships, to new solutions and new aspects, and to the ever renewing love of Messiah and the Father. Let's make this year amazing, let's learn about music together! 

I Am Capable

What to write? I ask myself. My fingers tap impatiently on the keyboard, type a word or two, erase them, then try again. I stare at the screen intently, my mind sorting out the subjects I should write, yet nothing comes to mind.

This small case of writer's block is trivial, for there is more than plenty to write about. My musical progress, Spanish studies; I could even write about writing itself.
But perhaps what hinders me are my doubts in expressing my inner critical thinking, my musical struggles and victories, and mainly, just allowing myself to write what is in me.
The fear of not writing good enough has crippled me in my blogging journey. But it doesn't stop there. The fear of lacking true musicianship, the fear of rejection, and the fear of not measuring up to my expectations have all played a part these last few months, but not anymore.
Last year, I conquered some of my greatest fears. This year, I come to conquer even more.
There are stories that need to be told, music that needs to be heard, art that needs to be seen and felt with the heart. Yahweh gave me my talents for a reason, and I needn't hide them away because I feel amateur in many of them. Yahweh gave me a desire to meet lots of people, but I shouldn't bury that desire for the fear of past experiences repeating. This is a new day, with new people and He assuring me day by day  it's well worth the risk.
We all start somewhere and this is where I'm starting.
To kick the habit of negative thinking, this week I'm gonna call it quits and proclaim in the face of all my fears that I AM CAPABLE.
It's tough breaking old thought patterns, but definitely not impossible. After all, incorporating good thoughts never hurt anyone. Why not dwell on the things that nourish our souls? Driving us to a better future?
This week, Tomorrow, Today... I AM CAPABLE. And what's makes this even better, is that you are too. We are all capable, and we all possess the drive to succeed in anything we set are mind to. We are more than conquers, and we are fearfully and wonderfully made. I am capable, you are capable. We all are.

"Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- mediate on these things." Philip. 4:8

Have a wonderful feast everyone,
I love you all and pray for you earnestly, stay strong and keep me in your prayers.
-Abbie

Poetry: Reflections from The Rooftoppers

Hello everyone!

Here is a recent poem I wrote based on the novel, 'The Rooftoppers' by Katherine Rundell. For fellow cello lovers, musicians, or just readers in general, it's a fun read with an amazing voice and a keen sense of imagination.You should check it out! Thanks!

above the sleeping city,
atop the rooftops where
a girl looks for her mother
as her cello plays somewhere.

her heart is pounding faster,
her feet can scarce keep pace
the dreams of her existence
were to come now face to face.

perhaps this was the moment,
her body quaked and shivered.
she'd finally meet the woman
who released her to the river.

~Abigail

Mi Pueblo Bonito está Completo!

Hey guys! As you can see, I have FINALLY finished embroidering my puebla dress/blouse! Though it took me an unnecessarily long time to complete (seeing that I started it this time last year), I was preoccupied and distracted with other things in life that it slid to the back burner. But I am happy to inform you all that today, it has finally been completed!

 As I continue my two year study, my love for Mexico strengthens each day. I am fascinated with the history, certain aspects in the culture, the language, the people, the food, the clothing, the music... it enraptures me as I read, watch, write and learn about it each day. What is this yearning? I do not know as yet, but I long to visit Mexico someday, and it's my plan to get there.

As shown, the waist of the dress is wrapped in a red band or scarf, with a black gypsy skirt giving it that 'Mexican' look which I adore! I'm pleased with the contrast colors as well and I must say this ended up turning out more authentic- looking than I thought! 

Ah, yes! What would Mexico be without the music? My increasing love for mariachi has caused me to begin humming it while I wash dishes or during chores. I am currently looking for some salsa music that I'd enjoy, not to mention many other Mexican genres there are. Do you know a few?

And finally dancing, another thing which I love and is found in Mexican culture! My mind is sparking with ideas on making many more garments such as this. I have so enjoyed watching the transformation of a once bed sheet into a beautiful garment with the swirls of the land to the south. 

I hope this has been of interest, and I appreciate all my readers beautiful and lovely comments!

I hope you have a blessed day and begin to walk in the calling Yah has given you!

Hasta luego mi amigos!

Senior Pics

     Hey guys!

Now that I'm beginning to get in a pretty steady routine after graduating, I thought I would upload some senior pictures my sister took of me! I think she did a great job and displayed exactly what I wanted her to capture... my love for music, nature, and my free creative spirit. I think the results were quite stunning, because each one was beautiful and unique in its own way! Which are your favorites?

My Reflections: In the Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day

Life has been busy lately, but I don't think I've enjoyed all its diversity up until now! I can feel myself changing as a new sense of confidence takes on, a new love for learning, and a strange inner thrill to seek adventure and chase the lions in my path. But yet... I also feel trapped; a contrast of doubts bid me to stay confined to what I know, what's safe and sound. But without risks, where would there be adventure? 

These coming months of preparation for the future keep me intrigued and hesitant, but I am determined to pursue what is laid before me... though everything within me screams against it, I will attain my goals, because I'm a lion chaser. 

Meek, Quiet, and Modest?

I'm not really sure how to begin to voice my disagreement with this honestly, lol. The manner in which this was portrayed indicates that all women must be meek, quiet, and dress modestly. But in reality, this isn't the case at all.
These virtues are for the women of Israel, believers. Who are called to be the light of the world, not just for every woman on the street.

As for 'meek', I actually did a word study on it, going beyond the concordance and diving into the ancient Hebrew and their pictorial characters. I was surprised and taken aback to discover the true meaning of the word, which is shockingly 'watchful'.

In this new discovery, much of my unanswered questions made sense. Such as the 'meek'  shall inherit the earth, or Moses was the most 'meek' of men. With this new understanding applied, it makes sense that the 'watchers' will inherit the earth, Moses was the most 'watchful' of men (he would have to be with all those Israelites anyway, lol).

So my point is, since 'meek' is watchful, it is no surprise why Yahweh has instinctively given many (but not all) women in the faith discernment and perspective. Most women are able to detect things and hone in on it. They know what comes in and out of the home and are generally managers and keep a look out on the things going on around them naturally.

Meek, in my discovery, isn't depicted as a quiet and humble person. But as a shepherd who must be watchful with his sheep.

As for quiet, this word doesn't necessarily mean that she doesn't talk much (but in some cases it does), it can actually mean having peace of mind. If you are quiet in spirit you don't constantly have your feathers ruffled, but your mind is at ease with Yahweh's peace and assurance.

And as for the modesty, this also applies to men as well. Will not our Messiah return in a robe with the hem to his feet? One thing I've learned about modesty, is that it's a mutual thing for men and women. And dressing modestly doesn't necessarily mean in plain attire nor does this clothing make you holier and more righteous in Yahweh's eyes. The sole reason why modesty is even required is to not allow our brothers to stumble, but this doesn't mean we can't be stylish. If you look in ancient history, often times jewelry and embroidery were used to beautify simplistic garments, such as the Pueblas in Mexico, and the Hanboks in Korea. Both of these traditional garments are very modest, and they are garnished with embroidery or jewelry, beads or decorative string. Modesty doesn't always mean simplistic. But if you like simplistic, go for it! However, if you want to dress modestly yet also be stylish, there is plenty of inspiration across the globe. :D