Mahler HNT

It is symphony week this week. Perhaps it's all getting easier for me. Perhaps it's my advanced years and I'm mellowing out. Perhaps I've broken down and given in to the usual crap. Whatever reason, I haven't been getting as stressed out as I have in years past. That's a good thing, I suppose.

We're playing Mahler's 7th Symphony Saturday night. Mahler is not one of my favorite composers, mainly because of my unfamiliarity with his music. Just not one of my top composers. Which is too bad, because he writes some great stuff! Mahler tip-toed (hell, danced!) on both sides of that line between genius and insanity. He was as screwed up as they come. And it shines through in his music.

Since I'm not familiar with his music, imagine my surprise when I come to find out that there's actually a short bass trombone solo! Not just a part where I'm playing without the rest of the bone section, but an honest-to-goodness solo! Tchaikovsky did that quite a bit, but I know those solos. This one caught me off-guard. So I'm having to practice it. I hate practice. But it did offer a photo opportunity with Michelle! (yes, for those who don't know...my horn has a name...)

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"This Girl Is a Woman Now"
by Gary Puckett & the Union Gap

This girl walked in dreams
Playing in a world of her own
This girl was a child
Existing in a playground of stone
Then one night her world was changed
Her life and dreams were rearanged
And she would never be the same again

This girl is a woman now
She's learned how to give
This girl is a woman now
She's found out what it's all about
And she's learning learning to live

This girl tasted love
As tender as the gentle dawn
She cried a single tear
A teardrop that was sweet and warm
Our hearts told us we were right
And on that sweet and velvet night
A child had died
A woman had been born

This week's MG is a birthday girl (hence, the birthday suit). She's also the youngest of the regular HNTers! As of Thursday, she's no longer a teenager! She'll be revealed Thursday afternoon--be sure to check back!
Our young but always sexy Mystery Guest is none other than Amy, over at More Sex, Chocolate and Red Lipstick. Be sure to stop by and wish her a Happy Birthday!

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A little low on numbers for "...the Other HNT" this week, since I was computerless for most of the day. However, it's definitely NSFW this week! Take a chance and check them out!
Edit--Snuck some late submissions in this morning. Be sure to stop by!

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As mentioned above, it's a busy week. Wednesday I'll be out of town, and Thursday through Saturday night will be spent with the symphony. I'll get around to everyone as soon as I can, but that might not be until Sunday! Have a great end of the month!