Gratitude in 2019: Shaw Strings Edition

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of year. I was born on Thanksgiving! This is the quintessential holiday for my favorite season of the year. And who can’t appreciate the reminder to pause and be a little more grateful? 

This year I’m a bit more appreciative than most, which leads me to the point of today’s short post. The past several months has been filled with many curve balls in my personal life and business life, but through it all my students and their families have been consistent and understanding. Let’s recount what all has happened in the last three months: Gallbladder attack that started while teaching and caused me to miss a full weekend of student performances. A week later my car was taken out by a freak accident while parked outside our home. Shortly after that, our roof started having issues. Aside from all of those personal events, our extended family has had members with illnesses and injuries. It’s been quite a couple weeks for us! But I do have one final and thrilling curveball coming down the pike, I haven’t had a chance to openly share online yet… 

I am happy to announce that Mark and I will be welcoming our first baby in May of 2020! 

All of these events have been even more stressful to navigate as I consider how our lives will be changing into over the next year. At the same time, I have been so filled with gratitude. One of my favorite things about teaching every week is my students: Everyone who comes through my door is looking to improve themselves, gain skills and do some work. Each parent, grandparent and friend who comes in behind those students is cheering them on, giving them the tools to succeed. I get so much hope and encouragement from what I see in my studio every week. The students and parents in my studio are an inspiration! It has been a joy to share this news individually with my studio, receive your grace during this difficult time and I can’t wait to see how life changes for us as I navigate what my private studio will look like with a baby in tow. 

I’m grateful to have a job I truly love and enjoy. I’m grateful for the example my studio families have been to me over the years. I’m grateful for the support and enthusiasm you’ve shared with me as our news has started to get out. I’m grateful you will be along for this journey with us. 

Thank you!