I was able to spend the main part of the evening with my husband's sister. And it made me a bit nostalgic to think that the last time I actually practiced or made music with someone else was probably many many years ago (dueting I mean.) We become so caught up and so busy with whatever we are doing that generally there is just no time for music making-unless of course you look at life as an extensive piece that is never quite finished. Duet playing was wonderful. Only focusing on the piano and nothing else was wonderful. Listening to mistakes was wonderful, exercising the part of the brain that lends itself to sight reading was wonderful. Laughing and continuing on with our imperfect piece without judgement or counting of errors was...beautiful. 

It's funny when people ask those who are professional musicians-gosh, I just don't understand how they play like that. The answer is simple: he or she values music making. They value their mistakes and their hardships. They value hours upon hours spent on the same passage working to make it better. They value intricacy, they value simplicity and they value repetition. They value playing with another. they value sound and volume. 

They value life's music. And you should too.