Thursday, October 11, 2007

"Waterfall"

Wow, it's been a while. School has really been taking it out of me! I haven't written in either of my journals for about a month probably. Don't worry. I'm back... at least for now!

So, I told Mum this story and she suggested I put it on here. So, yeah...

A couple of weeks ago I was sitting in the library studying my brain dry. Finally I decided that I was tired of alternating my stare between my books and the computer screen. I was hungry - it was about 7 and I had been there since right after Devotional, which got out a little before 3 - and my eyes were drying out. I closed my book, grabbed my wallet out of my backpack and left my studying supplies behind me as I took long, striding steps out of the library. Books, I love you, but there comes a time when I simply must do something.

I went to the Manwaring Center and stood at the counter of JoLynn's to get a bagel. I took it upstairs and ate it in the lounging areas of the MC. I stared at the pianos, wanting to play, but knowing that once I did, studying was pretty much done for the night. Eventually I decided that I had studied enough, and it was time to play. I walked over to the closest piano, passing a friend of mine from Russian. We said hi and had our pleasantries, and I left him to his studying. I sat down at the piano, stretched my fingers, and started to play "Jessica's Theme" from The Man from Snowy River. It was a good warm up, and after a couple of other songs I started the light tinkling beginning of "Waterfall" by John Schmidt. The song is very intense, and is a favorite among Latter-Day Saints. I usually save it for last 'cause it hurts my forearms.

As I came to the climax, a man walked up stairs and came to stand over by the piano, a little off to the side. I saw him, but he wasn't so close that he was distracting - that's just annoying. I hit the impressive G Major and lay my hands to rest. The man walked over and greeted me.

"Very good!"
"Thank you," I replied a little embarrassed.
"You know, that was my daughter's theme song. We could all tell when she was trying to release a little frustration because the house would shake with her playing. She's in college now. I was just walking out when I heard this song playing and had to come up and meet the pianist. I'm Elder Hammond of the Seventy." He offered his hand.
"Oh! I'm Mallory," I said, taking it. "Thank you very much. It's always nice to know someone appreciates my playing." He thanked me again, and turned to leave. Another man, a student, had followed him up the stairs and was respectfully waiting his turn to thank me as well, but got slightly distracted for a few minutes by the surprise of the Seventy. He ran up to him and offered his name and hand. He then turned to me and thanked me.

It's a cute little story. So there you have it.

11 comments:

ML said...

Thanks Mal. I enjoyed the story the second time through as well.
Hey, how about putting a hotlink on "Waterfall"? I don't think I've ever heard it.

andalucy said...

nice story. i don't know "Waterfall" either. it must be a favorite of western LDS.

andalucy said...

Oh, and nice to have you back, Mal. Don't be such a stranger.

Anonymous said...

It's a favorite of all LDS it's just that there are more out here. It's on one of the EFY cd's, that's where I first hear it. I'll put a link on it if I can find it.

Anonymous said...

I haven't heard of "Waterfall" either, is the composer LDS?

Anonymous said...

Yes, the composer is John Schmidt. He lives in Bountiful if I understand it right, well I guess technically in Farmington - it's right outside Bountiful. (I know this 'cause I stayed with my roommate this summer for a weekend and she said he lived down the road from her.) Anyway, you should look it up. "waterfall" by john schmidt. I'm sure it'd come up!

Anonymous said...

Mally, I need an update on your personal life. I'm feeling very in the dark.

MJ said...

Mal, glad you're finally back to blogging! I've missed you!

Anonymous said...

Hey Ave and Cal., I have the sheet music if you want I'll send it to ya.

kyledawn said...

hey mal! so, i'm going to be totally lame and show some ignorance but, what is the 70? like special elders? i wish i knew that song too! i'm going to go search on itunes...

Liz said...

Cool story Mallory! I'm glad I found your blog, it's nice to know what you've been up to.