Bombs Away!

Posted on October 15, 2026 by Evesophia

Remember a few hundred years ago when we talked like this? It was usually a comical thing. But sometimes, like lately, when one “bomb” follows on the heels of another in life, this is the perfect description…Bombs Away!!!!

After 6 months in physical therapy for the hip/leg issue after surgery 3 1/2 years ago, we’re getting to the end. I am actually walking like a human with a nice strong hip and leg again. Yay!!!! However, next up was the credit card/bank account hack which took 2 weeks to reshape and get me back in the swing of things…after, of course, I spent 2 days changing all the information on my auto-pay bills. I think 2 things bounced but it was quickly resolved. Whew!

Then, a wonderful friend of mine at my Church died. Unexpectedly. Uhhhh… She was like the “Mom” at my Church. She was always there helping etc. She was a faithful parishioner at the old Church and then when it moved to where it is now, the new one that was built. She was active in the ladies guild, served as one of the Church auditors and also on the Board election committee. She helped me out after I had my back/spinal surgery. It’s going to be interesting without her at Church for quite a while.

And, not to worry, on the heels of that, a pipe under my kitchen sink sprung a leak. I had no idea until I needed to get something stored under the sink and everything was wet! Oy vey! Not having time for a plumber immediately, I tried the water-tight tape that keeps things from getting worse and actually stops the leak. Well, it turns out that tape is soooo hard to work with and actually didn’t stop the leak at all! Ugh! I don’t even want to know what’s next in line!

I’m exhausted. I’m in a bad mood. I’m irritable and anxious. That actually sounds pretty normal for me!

So here we go again rebuilding certain areas of life and the kitchen. How does one stay happy and upbeat? I guess the answer is to not think about this stuff like a human. Just fix it like a robot. Ha! If you get too “into” the human emotions you’ll never solve this uncomfortable stuff…”why me?!” Just be glad that it can be fixed.

I guess it’s all part of our own human “mess.” Yes, we all carry a mess with us in life. And we always think our mess is worse than anyone else’s. But in the end, we still choose to keep our mess and not trade for anyone else’s. Funny huh?!

On the other hand though, wouldn’t life be boring without a mess rising up now and then…or one right after the other? Why make life boring? Engage in fixing another mess! Ha!

I think all the stuff I’m talking about is stuff that routinely happens in life. I mean people have died, pipes have sprung leaks, credit and debit cards have been hacked, we have had surgery and needed physical therapy before. So I guess all this is like cleaning house or upgrading our environment at times throughout life.

On the other hand, have you ever thought about the stuff that really lasts? For years? Never seems to break down or need replacement? I had my kitchen light over the sink replaced a few years ago. The electrician replaced the florescent light with a one-piece led light fixture that should last 15 years. Ok! I’ll take it! The furniture my Dad built, and then the furniture I built, is still standing and strong and just fine. How about nice jewelry? I have a ring from my Dad which is too big to wear, but the fact is it’s many years old. I have no idea how old but probably at least as old as me! It’s sterling silver and it’s just great! A very nice memory of Dad.

And what is also interesting, we wouldn’t want to go backwards in life to a “better” time when absolutely nothing messy was happening. Sounds good but all of us would rather be where we are today. I guess knowing what we know about our life over the years just makes us want to live in the present, no matter what bombs fall as we move along. We’re seasoned. We can handle it. Haha!

I think I’ve said enough about rough times in these last 2 blogs. I’ll come up with something more upbeat in the next one. And again, don’t forget about pie. This is where it’s really at.

Bombs Away! Cheers!

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Rough Patches in Life

Posted on September 29, 2026 by Evesophia

I texted my sister the other day…”when is retirement going to be fun?” She texted back…”ummmm…never. Haha.”

It seems like when you’re busy working full time, and in my case, a full time job running a church office Monday through Friday, and then private music teaching a few nights a week and Saturday morning, it almost seems like life piles up situations whilst you’re busy and then unloads them on you immediately after you become not that busy. Erph!

I had mentioned in a previous blog about retiring from full time work in 2020 with some pretty good plans! Whelp…lost the music studio due to the pandemic, had major back/spinal surgery, my brother died, my fabulous famous surgeon was killed in a plane crash, my car was totaled. All of that has been resolved hopefully for the better. And now…presenting…my bank accounts and 2 credit cards have been hacked/compromised!!!! Gosh…I’ve been missing the drama of the past few years. So glad something else equally crappy rose to the occasion. NOT!!!!

Well, my bank is on it and it’s annoying and all of the above but, it will be fine in a few days and the new accounts will be fine and life will move on. Now, I can understand accidents, business issues, death, etc. But having personal stuff hacked by someone you don’t know is just a pure and simple attack on a person! Why? What did I do to you? Did I ever meet you? And the big one…can you pronounce my last name (Czaja)?

I always have to analyze things, in case you haven’t noticed in previous blogs. I asked the fraud specialist at my bank “how do crooks sleep at night?” She said they talk about that kind of stuff amongst themselves too. How? How can one have no conscience? Not feel guilty? Not feel uncomfortable? We 3 kids in my house were brought up dirt-honest. We’re disgustingly honest but…we are honest! Yeah, not always the best feeling depending on the situation but, we are. It’s called “growth…adulting.” And yet again, we get through these moments in life and try to learn from them, and hope to stave off any future events like this as much as possible.

But then some good patches pop up. I’m feeling quite good these days 3 years after back/spinal surgery. My physical therapy is going well and my right leg is feeling so nice and strong. I still have plenty of energy to keep starting new projects in my life. Keep blogging, for your enjoyment. And nothing has really gone terribly wrong. I credit the bank with being a bulldog with this kind of stuff. If something doesn’t “smell right” they’re on it and deactivating access to whatever is being victimized…credit card, bank account. And faster than the speed of light! I’m grateful for that.

And a while ago I remember reading about a Nigerian romance scammer who wanted to leave the business. Well, he was considered an ex-patriot. Seriously? That’s considered a job in Nigeria? Oy vey!!!! Or look at all the drug-runners coming from other countries risking just about everything including getting arrested or killed, just to keep on selling lethal drugs. Is that paycheck worth it? I guess to these people it is. They apparently don’t care about other human beings and what effect all of these scams and drug deals have on others…bankruptcy, death. It’s really sad that these people apparently haven’t been taught anything else in life. These types of “jobs” are considered being useful humans, I guess.

But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Seriously. There always is. And again, it’s growth as you move through life. Life is tough, ya know? No matter how old you are, take a minute to think about your life. What’s gone on and how did it improve stuff for you? Or how did you get through it even if it was just awful. You made it! We all do. Sometimes we can’t imagine how…but we did. Huh! And we’re all better persons for it. And maybe then retirement will become fun. Hah!

One of my more melancholic posts. But…pie. Don’t forget. It really is there for you. Cheers!

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Musician Life

Posted on September 21, 2026 by Evesophia

I’ve written numerous blogs on life as a musician. I’m an opera singer, voice teacher, pianist, piano teacher, modest organist and choir director. So which one of the previous list will make me rich? I’ve always said “music doesn’t pay the mortgage.” Many times it doesn’t pay much of anything!

I read recently about a male opera singer who is entering the prime time of his career. He is stepping away from the business because it just isn’t paying a real salary. I don’t know this man but I did read he is a very wonderful bass, singing with the top opera companies. But, the money he’s paid isn’t stupendous and the opera houses don’t pay for travel and hotel accommodations. So do the math…he has to pay expenses out of the money he’s paid for singing. Someone I know from a number of years ago knew a well-known opera singer in the USA and said that the singer told him, “If you’re in the group of 30 or so world-renowned opera singers, there’s an absolute pot of money. If you’re not, you starve.” And it sounds now like the money is less and less there in general.

I learned a long time ago that performing on a more local level would never bring in a ton of money. I eventually got my Masters Degree in Applied Music Pedagogy (private teaching) and went into that. I enjoy that very much as well. However, it’s the financial thing again. I researched how much a private teacher should be charging and found a list of credentials with the correct lesson fees attached for how many degrees you have and years you’ve been teaching, etc. Well, I’m not charging close to that nor have I ever been paid close to that by any studio I’ve worked for. Why? People won’t pay for top-notch, educated teachers unless, of course, you have a reputation for making the serious music student into a star in a short period of time.

A lot of people don’t realize what it takes to master an instrument and relate that to a student who is starting from scratch. It’s tough stuff, folks. And, you have to tailor the same lesson a bit differently to each student you have. No one person learns the same as another. Hence, you have to be able to “read” your students and teach them the same lesson accordingly.

Instrumentalists can run around playing “gigs” with different groups…”pickup” orchestras, musical shows, weddings, etc. It is viable and many do that but, you run around a lot. It’s exhausting. And you still will probably have to have a steady job in something in order to make any real money.

Lots of us have other jobs. I worked insurance, admin assistant for a couple of companies, and finally ran a church office for 23 years. It gave me benefits and a decent schedule so that I could also do my music after hours. Yes, you still run around a lot but at least you can pay the mortgage and buy food. Ha!

Now I’m not saying don’t follow your dreams but, do have some idea initially when you decide to become a professional as to how much income you will bring in and how many jobs you need to have in order to live solely on your dream job. Being a computer tech engineer may not be such a bad idea after all if it brings in a real salary, benefits, and you can somewhat set your schedule to not wipe out your music schedule. Talk about us being creative artists!

And sometimes, after 40 years of teaching, and being a lifelong musician, you just take a step back and see where the next adventure in music is headed. This is where I am right now. I’m tired of a lot of things and where they’re going or not going. So, I’m taking a step back and seeing how the future looks. Where to look. As usual, the creative artist. And I never forget what my long-time voice and pedagogy teacher said, “Don’t give away the only thing you have to sell.”

And…where are you in your life? Happy or in the same rut or…??? Think about it…over pie of course. We need pie for situations like this. It’s our “happy place.” Ha! Cheers!

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https://www.avon.com/repstore/eczaja

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Cartoons

Posted on September 11, 2026 by Evesophia

I just saw a question…”Who is your favorite cartoon character?” My favorite cartoon character has always been Bugs Bunny. What a hoot and a holler! And his battle cry was always, “Eh, what’s up doc?”

For as long as I can remember Bugs has been my favorite. When I was a kid ions ago nobody on the planet was politically correct. Friends, relatives, your parents, teachers, movies, and definitely cartoon characters. In fact, I think a lot of the cartoons were like loose canons. Perhaps the owners and writers of these shows were letting us see the realism in life. Lots of times you don’t want to attack somebody because of their issues…disagree too strong or criticize too harshly. We try to be polite and sometimes “politically correct,” even if we feel totally opposite on every issue! But back in the time of me being a kid, that mindset just didn’t exist. And this is what Bugs Bunny was all about.

Bugs Bunny had a snarky look on his face for starters. And he would let loose his own opinions and judgement of people and situations usually in a quick, snarky rant. A one-shot-shirley approach. Didn’t care who he offended or what trouble he would get into. He just let it out! Hahaha!

Every time I watched this cartoon show, and even now sometimes online, I wish I could get away with some down right common sense being shoved in someone’s face, most likely when something they’re promoting makes absolutely no sense in this life or the next! But…we can’t. Have to be polite and understanding and “embrace differences”…aka be politically correct. So watching good ole Bugs is sort of an outlet for me seeing a creature, albeit a cartoon character, actually zing it at somebody for saying or doing something completely stupid…at least according to Bugs’ philosophy.

Fast forward to current times, people are so afraid of being “direct” or “offending someone” that very often a conversation gets into a weird place. We end up not talking about the actual subject we’re trying to realistically discuss. So we can’t realistically come to a conclusion or agreement or whatever we’re looking for if we talk “around” the subject because we don’t want to be direct and ultimately offend someone. And if we do goof, then we find ourselves apologizing for trying to have an honest discussion about something we disagree on with someone else. Then we end up not wanting to disagree at all with someone else. So. What kind of life is that? We all won’t agree on everything in life. Why can’t we have a downright civil and direct conversation? This isn’t an easy question to answer. And I guess again, that’s where Bugs Bunny and his snarky attitude comes in. It relieves that weird tension I just described, trying to have a conversation or disagreement with someone and worrying about offending the person.

Life is so tricky like that in current times. And again, that’s why it’s so relieving to watch a character from the past who just lets you know up front what they think! And Bugs Bunny was top notch at that! If you’re reading this blog and you have never seen a Bugs Bunny cartoon show, look it up online. There are numerous shorts to watch. And you’ll see why I love this character. He’s just my kind of “wabbit.”

And why not comment on this article with your own favorite cartoon character? It would be great fun to see who you love and why! And, eat some pie whilst you’re thinking about it. Pie. Cheers!

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Being Individual

Posted on September 2, 2026 by Evesophia

Have you ever really thought about that…how individual you are? A lot of times we respond to a specific situation with…”Well I wouldn’t do it that way!” Or “That’s not what I want!” We get very indignant about being grouped with the crowd over some things. But we somehow don’t care about being grouped with the crowd over a lot of other things. Hah! Explain that one!

What sparked this introspection? There have been a few legal situations currently going on in the country that have everyone almost polarized. Yet I cannot see them in a “black and white” vision like most of the people seem to be able to do…news media as well. I’m in my own space regarding them.

First of all, how are we totally individual? Our minds are our own, are DNA is ours alone, fingerprints are ours alone, our voices are uniquely ours (nobody else has ever or will ever have the same voice), and our thoughts/feelings are ours alone. That’s pretty much the whole shebang.

We definitely know that we are physically different from everyone else on the planet but do we realize how deep that individuality goes? I don’t think so. In fact most of the time when we have to stand alone so to speak, I know I feel like I almost have to apologize for being like that. Almost like we’re not allowed to be ourselves even if we have a different opinion than everyone else in the room. And to add more stress, having a way different opinion than a family member…or close friend. Like it’s ok to be individual…perhaps..sort of…except. Ha!

I was always aware of how individual I am. Being a musician you sure are! You are encouraged by your master teachers to make the music with your own abilities and musical knowledge. Learn from those who have gone before you but don’t try to be someone else. Even so, I would cave in somewhat to group thinking in a lot of situations. Afraid to be the “different” one. We all do that folks!

Now that I’m a senior citizen I have decided I “don’t care!” Not really, but I don’t care if I’m the only different opinion in the room. I am more ME now than ever. I think that happens when you become a senior citizen. Hahaha! Speak your mind. Perhaps we aren’t like that when we’re younger because of peer pressure, not wanting to be that “different” one, being criticized by others…add your own in here, etc. But eventually I think we all become more confident in ourselves and who we are individually as we get older. The saying “life begins at 40” really has something to it. We age like fine wine. We become more mature and more confident in who we are. I remember feeling like this at age 45…like this whole wad of information and maturity just landed in my brain. I was more savvy and opinionated, and more willing to research issues in order to have more knowledge and a better opinion of just about everything.

Something else that seems to happen when you finally decide you are who you are, at least for me, is that I feel more confident in my own knowledge of my personal life choices…being a musician, makeup artist, etc. I feel I have expertise in those subjects that I can confidently pass on to others. I’m not threatened by what others think. That’s a real step forward in life. It kind of brings it all together, you know? Puts all of you in one place so you can operate like a finely tuned human machine. Haha!

So there you have it. Think about yourself. Be more confident in yourself. Be the “odd man out” like I have been many times in life. People may change their opinion of you, hopefully not, but at least you’ll feel more like yourself. You don’t have to appease anyone because you, as an individual, can think for yourself and have your own valid view on life.

What a challenge huh? And…pie. Have some great pie whilst you’re gaining more confidence in you. Cheers!

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Reliving Special Moments

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Evesophia

I ran into a question…”if you could relive a day in your life what would it be?” Well it would be the day I gave my Graduate Recital in 1993 to obtain my Masters in Applied Music Pedagogy (private teaching). That was a great and rewarding day.

I went to Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, the old Chicago Teachers College. My late, long-time voice teacher was the Chair of the Voice Dept. at that time. It was great! I was able to audition for the music faculty every semester and obtain a tuition waiver for each one. So I basically got through graduate school with very little financial stress. Don’t get me wrong…I was still a poor musician but at least I had my Masters Degree. Haha!

However, the semester after I finished my course work, I had brain surgery. I’m fine. I’m still crazy but that’s for other reasons I’m sure. Hah! It was a shock to the system but my brain was ok as well as my voice and musical abilities. I just had to get myself back on track and head toward recital day. It took 18 months but I did it.

This is probably why my recital is such an important point in my life besides getting the degree I wanted. I worked like a dog in the school arena and then had to work like a dog in the health arena to get myself back to where I was as a singer. And when you are after this type of life accomplishment you have worked so hard for, there is absolutely nothing that will get in your way. You WILL make it to the end and get the prize. I promise you…you WILL!

So getting back into voice lessons, I resumed the path to recital. Set the program…songs and a couple of arias by Carl Maria von Weber and Antonin Dvorak. The university’s accompanist, an unbelievable pianist, accompanied me. I had a guest classical guitarist who accompanied a couple of things by Weber, and a guest soprano who sang a few duets by Dvorak with me. Degree recitals are big deals like this. You invite other musicians to perform a few things with you, and also send out formal invitations to family and friends.

And some comical moments…I was in the dressing room getting ready that evening. All of a sudden an overwhelming feeling of fear engulfed me and I became soooo nervous. And just as quickly it seemed like something slapped that out of my mind and I calmed down. I remember thinking “Oh no…you’ve worked too hard for this. Nothing is going to ruin it now!” I almost got angry. But I had such resolve to nail this moment in time. And…I did!

My guest guitarist played beautifully. He was an undergrad student. He later told me he felt honored to have been part of my recital. Also, me and my guest soprano sang our duets beautifully. The final song cycle by Dvorak that I sang, “The Gypsy Songs,” was a perfect finish for the recital. The songs get more and more wild with the last one being the best. The accompanist is “wiping the walls” with the piano by that time. And mine surely did! Wow!

At the reception the guests applauded as I came in. I was just so thrilled. But you know, it wasn’t just because I finished this milestone in my life, it was also because I had to pause and go through a major surgery that could very well have ruined some if not all of my musical abilities. I do remember the brain surgeon being concerned about that but reassuring me all of that would gradually recover as I recovered. I was so “taken” by that surgeon’s concern.

And as I sit here blogging about this I almost have tears in my eyes. Everything I’ve started in life I’ve finished. It doesn’t matter if I’m famous or rich or whatever. I started a process that I dearly wanted and finished the entirety of it. And the more I think about these moments in life the more proud I get of what I did accomplish, and continue to accomplish. It sinks in eventually.

So that is my story about a day in my life I would relive if it was possible. But I don’t really have to. I have those great memories. Especially the hug my Mom gave me after the recital. Wow! And of course, the Masters Degree. This one meant so much more than anything else since it took a different path, shall we say, to get there.

Now it’s your turn. Think about it. What special moment in your life would you love to revisit if given the chance. Especially if it lead to a great future you love. Do it! And of course, pie. That’s the ultimate reward for moments like these. There’s always room for pie.

Cheers!

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https://www.avon.com/repstore/eczaja

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Realistic Learning

Posted on August 11, 2026 by Evesophia

Now what’s she talking about? Hahaha! Being realistic about learning whatever it is you want to learn. I am gearing this towards music because I’m a professional musician. But the advice in this blog can be applied to any personal achievement career, which is what I call careers where you are your business.

Recently I’ve seen advertisements for learning piano apps. What could possibly go wrong with that I wondered. Well, these apps promote learning piano off the app, which will guide you through beginning piano through intermediate, suggesting music that you can keep learning to advance your knowledge and skills.

I researched this subject a bit. They can help you with the robotic stuff like learning notes, counting, basic rhythm, etc. But what do they miss? Personal feedback from a professional musician for starters. They also miss more detailed instruction…more personalized approach that only a physical human can give you. And what about music history? If you learn a piece by Bach will you be taught about the Baroque period of music during which he lived? What was the style of playing during that time? How does it differ from a piece by Beethoven that you might learn, which is from the Classical or Romantic period of music? How fun would it also be to learn about that composer’s life? Enter physical music teacher.

Do you think that chefs in restaurants learn from online apps? I’ll bet NO! They work with master chefs in their field. That personal touch is priceless in these personal achievement careers. And that’s the same thing with music.

What is also interesting is that no 2 students are alike. Do these online apps take that into consideration? I can realistically assume they don’t. Probably very much AI generated by music teachers who can create a reasonable teaching app but not the personal touch they themselves offer in their own studios. I always say that if I have 10 students either piano or voice, I have to teach the same lesson 10 different ways. People are completely individual. They learn the same thing a bit differently than the next person. And after teaching almost 40 years, I can tell you that you learn to read students and how they learn, and when they actually “get it!” You also watch the student become a more consummate musician. The kid learning to play piano starts molding into a budding pianist with his/her own style. The kid learning to sing starts molding into a budding singer using their breath and vocal production more efficiently and even artistically.

And if the issue is pricing, there is still a monthly fee for the online apps, which can really take you only so far. The human teacher is more money, yes, but they can give you a more consummate approach to learning and take you further down the music road. One size does not fit all. Learning a musical instrument is as individual as your DNA, your own voice, and your fingerprints. And an online app, which might be very good, still can’t give you the individuality you ultimately need.

So here we are. I always vote for in-person training for most skills. Maybe changing a lightbulb in the kitchen you can learn online. Haha! Well…time for pie. Enjoy!

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Living in the Past

Posted on August 3, 2026 by Evesophia

I saw a question online the other day. It was “what is your favorite quote?” I thought about a meme I saw online about a person asking a Hindu monk…and this is not a direct quote…”how do I deal with the past?” The monk responded by saying to leave it in the past. It’s ended. The only real time is the present. And the reason we get upset by the past is that we keep replaying it in our minds. I also researched this a bit more and found these monks teach that dwelling on the past creates needless pain, while understanding it helps free the mind for the present moment.

Welp…I can sure attest to that! How many times have I thought about the past and what I wanted to have happen at what stage in my life, and of course those moments either happened at another stage in my life or not at all. I also studied holistic medicine for about 20 years on and off. I read books on Ayurveda, the East Indian holistic way of life about 5,000 years ago. And one of the big things I digested from those readings is that the only real time is the present. Even 5 minutes ago is in the past. So if you think back to your childhood, which is a long time ago if you’re a senior citizen, there isn’t a lot you can do about that period of time or the path that your life took up until the present moment.

Sometimes it’s just hard to not review your life when you’re alone thinking about stuff. You think back 30 years or more and wonder how you made it to where you are. And in my case I started blogging about stuff that happened along the way and even contemplating writing a book on that stuff.

It’s also interesting to follow your life path. You start following your dreams, you realize them but often a bit different than how you originally thought they might turn out, and then you move on to other areas that perhaps grew out of the path your dreams have taken, then branch out more into other categories that can promote who you are as the result of pursuing your dreams, and so on and so forth. It’s this trail that you could never have predicted but…here it is.

The past teaches us lessons such as “don’t do that again!” or “what was I thinking?” Haha! But it’s always said that you learn from the past so as to not repeat the things that didn’t work for you or stuff you just goofed up. But the past also reminds us of some remarkable moments that we cherish forever, and accomplishments that we’re proud of and have moved us forward in life.

What’s also immensely interesting is that when we do look into our past lives, we see this path over the years that most of us probably never thought we would travel. I started out as an opera singer and quite a good pianist. Well, the first local opera group I sang with was directed by a major organist who loved opera and wanted to work with good singers. My best friend was also a major organist. Because of them I went on to meet big-shot organists throughout my entire life. Why? I’m an opera singer! But now I’m a rather good modest organist as well. Learning organ just seemed to fall into place as the years went by. And, I do enjoy it. Who would have thought?

I was also a Polish Roman Catholic my entire life until my 50th birthday. When I had moved from Chicago to Boston to teach music with my best music bud who was Russian Orthodox, he introduced me to a Greek Orthodox priest he was very friendly with and suggested I become the organist/choirmaster at his church. I nearly fainted on site! I knew nothing about this church or their music. Surprisingly they hired me. O Bozhe moi! Well, I learned the Liturgy and basic music in about 4 months. I went on to study more of the Byzantine music in the Greek Church…music began in Byzantium. About 3 years later I became Orthodox and now belong to a Greek Orthodox Church. It ended up being the right thing to do for me.

I look back at my past and sometimes wonder…”what on Earth?!” But I do feel fulfilled by what I did and continue to do in music, my church and my life. And also interesting, the really tough parts of your life don’t seem to make that much of an appearance. Granted, I didn’t have horrific moments which I’m sure would be more prevalent when thinking back, but I did have several very uncomfortable situations I survived just fine plus a few surgeries I have also survived well.

So there. Don’t be afraid to look into the past. I’m sure you do. But don’t dwell on it. It’s in the past and that’s where it is. Done. We’ve all survived and hopefully for the better. When they say life is a trip, it really is!!!! And again, don’t forget to add pie. It really helps when you take that journey into the past. Pie. Cheers!

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https://www.avon.com/repstore/eczaja

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Sentimental

Posted on July 29, 2026 by Evesophia

Here’s a question. How long should one hold on to sentimental stuff? Maybe things your parents left you or things from the past like school awards etc., or little doo-dads you bought years ago that are soooo cute but now? Gifts from your birthday or Christmas that just aren’t you. How about furniture?

I have a small cache of things I’m giving to our current YiaYia’s Attic. A real cute purse I bought from HSN several years ago that I just can’t fit everything into. It looked good on TV though. I’ve never really worn it and that’s in about 8 years. Then there’s the little one-person cooker from a famous chef on HSN. It’s for a single meal so you don’t have to cook in a huge pot etc. But, I always cook more than for a single meal hence I use a large pot. Ha! Used the thing twice about 6 years ago. Then I looked through my jewelry box at some nice pins for Christmas etc. and bracelets as well. Haven’t worn those it about 10 years. So there’s a baggie with some of those things in it. Time to go!

When I moved into my condo I had 2 nice chairs from my parents. They were restaurant chairs from the infamous Stockyard Inn in Chicago. The place closed and had a furniture sale…first-come-first-served. Dad was able to get a few chairs and some other stuff. Those chairs were nice and comfortable but didn’t match anything in my place. Although it took me a bit to sell them because of “parental guilt” or whatever it is, I did and to another YiaYia’s Attic. It’s interesting how you feel when you sell or otherwise dispose of stuff from your family. But once you do it’s sort of liberating in a way.

My Dad loved glassware. I did take a number of things when we cleaned out our parents house. I have beautiful wine glasses, brandy snifters, etc. I do use 1 or 2 of them somewhat regularly, at least during holidays. I also find myself wanting to have fine bone china as in Royal Albert tea cups etc. Those are great to have especially for holidays. But most of the time I don’t use the glassware. My Mom loved her silver tea set. Just beautiful. But none of us kids were going to use it so it was sold at a realtor run estate sale. People don’t don’t seem to have those types of things anymore.

Dad built some furniture. I have his secretary…a desk with 4 drawers and a pull-down writing area…like a desktop. He also built a grandfather clock for him and Mom and us 3 kids. Grandfather clocks are great but they aren’t my favorite. I love Cuckoo clocks which I do have. I also love mantel clocks with the spinning balls at the bottom which is what runs the clock. They have a glass covering. I actually bought one at YiaYia’s attic! So what happens with the Grandfather clock? How do I handle this? Do I keep it out of “Dad made it for me” guilt or try to find a buyer who really loves this stuff and can spiff it up and enjoy it!

Then of course you buy your own stuff. Cute little glassware of your own and decorative plates for your coffee table. Don’t forget some little antique glassware from the antique store nearby. And I have to say I bought a painting of flowers in a vase from my own church’s YiaYia’s Attic a few years ago. I put it in my living room. Who knew it would give that room a much needed boost especially when I practice piano and stare right at it. What a huge difference it made. I can hardly believe it! I also have a Geisha doll, a set of Russian nesting dolls, and a couple of Polish dancer dolls. I really love that stuff!

And I suppose the ultimate sentimental duo is my Chickering piano I’ve had since childhood, and the painting above it as well. It pictures a lady playing piano and a lady playing cello. I always thought somehow it was my sister and me.

So now we have collected our own sentimental stuff. Who’s going to want it when we’re gone you wonder. Maybe it doesn’t matter in the long run. Maybe all that matters is that it speaks to us now. How else would I have figured out a number of things about my parents if I didn’t have a few things of theirs to show me what was close to their hearts.

Ahhh yes, being sentimental. That brings me to pie. That’s a real sentimental entity from childhood! It never gets old or out of style. And it’s always good. Yum!

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People and Safe Spaces

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Evesophia

So as a professional musician I have been teaching privately for almost 40 years. I’ve also worked other jobs (have to pay the mortgage you know) in insurance and a couple of other areas but the longest has been running a church office…23 years. And guess what…another People Business job! I guess I’m supposed to work with people. Ya think?

Where am I going with this? It’s the biggest education you will get in life after going through college etc. You work 1-on-1 with students young or adult teaching them a skill…singing, playing piano, singing in a group (choir) whilst watching a director. You learn to read that individual student in order to give them the individual instruction that will work for them. One size does not fit all in private teaching.

Working for church? A different kind of people business. There are some wonderful parishioners who support the church so well and happily volunteer for many roles. There are fellow staff members who are amazing! Then there are those parishioners who are “automatic” with attendance, stewardship etc. And then…there is the small group of parishioners who complain about literally everything. And the last group…the handful of parishioners who dump all of their problems on you and blame you for them, and then get angry at you because you can’t solve their problems. Hah!

I always joke that after spending literally my entire adult life in the people business, I have earned my psychiatrist license by now. You have to take a step back from all of this, separate yourself out, and watch the “human show.” Some people tax your fortitude to the limits! You have to be gracious but secretly you’d like to slug them. I probably shouldn’t say that out loud.

But when I’ve looked at the situation several times, I think that church family means exactly that. Think about your own family at home. What good times, atrocities, you-name-it have you endured? How about raising teenagers? No drama there! And how do we handle all of this? We just do. We love our families and will undergo great feats of strength to keep them safe and keep the family whole. We endure numerous issues with children all in the name of helping them grow from child to adult.

Same thing in church. We handle all the parishioners as real people whether they’re bouncing around helping to keep us running or yelping at us because they didn’t like the spanakopita at the annual Festival this year.

And there’s one common denominator between home family and church family…we don’t throw anyone out. We may endure some extremely difficult times but we work to solve the issues. And for those people “acting out” I have always assumed they feel safe. The kids feel safe acting out at home because they know the parents will still be there when the kids are done having an epic drama! There’s still someone to lean on. Same thing in church. The parishioner feels safe knowing that the priest and fellow parishioners will still accept them and their issues, and the church will still be there for them in the future.

One thing this whole scenario has taught me is that just like our home life is “life,” so also is our church life. Religion is life. It’s not just going to church and having Liturgy, praying, receiving communion, going to coffee hour. It’s real life. It’s doing all of the above plus accepting the people for who they are, including the drama they bring with them. Church is life. It’s a safe space. You feel safe because of the presence of God but also because the church family accepts you for who you are.

And I might add that being in the music studio has to feel like a safe place for the students as well. They’re trying to learn a skill. They’re not being perfect. They know the teacher and their parents are looking for progress. But the teacher has to make the studio feel safe for all kinds of issues learning to be a musician. That’s a personal achievement undertaking and that’s a tough one.

How many areas of your life do you feel this safe in? Do you feel this safe in any of them? Hopefully most people reading this feel safe at home with loved ones. That’s more important than being perfect, which none of us are. It’s more important than the fact you actually are having issues! One needs to feel safe to be human. And that includes all of us!

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https://www.avon.com/repstore/eczaja

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