I started playing hand bells in September. It has been difficult. I am a former music teacher so I can read music and I thought this would be fun. I have never played hand bells before but thought it can’t be that bad to learn something like this. I was wrong. I am like that beginning clarinet or violin player who squeaks along and makes you cringe every time they play. It is a whole new skill set for me. I am not used to putting down one thing and picking up another to play a note. On a piano you push the key and the sound comes out. It is all muscle memory now. I see a B and my fingers automatically go to it. There is no real thought.
We had our “Christmas Concert” last night. We have played twice before in church but this time was different as my part was very exposed for this piece and I had to get it right. Up until Sunday I was not getting it right at all. I was ready to quit. But, I practiced all the time with my little wooden sticks standing in for bells. I would wake myself up counting – 1 + 2+ 3 + and making the motion of the bells.
We did it. It may not have been beautiful but we made it through and all ended together. I stuck it out and now have greater appreciation for that 5th grade beginning band and orchestra student. It is tough. It is scary and even if you are practicing all the time it is still possibly to make mistakes. It gets better each time but it takes time. I am not good with patience so we will see how I do with this.
After the concert the kids actually wanted dinner! The nerve of them. We went very simple. Potatoes with gravy and chicken over them.
Verdict:
My daughter said this was one of her favorite meals we have had in a long time. She likes simple meals. This had a bit of chicken and biscuits feel to it with potatoes instead of biscuits because at 8:45 pm I was not going to start baking biscuits.
With a green vegetable this was a yummy warming dinner on a cold, dark night.
Simple Chicken and Potatoes with Gravy
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs. potatoes, cubed or frozen home fried potatoes
- 2 tablespoons + butter
- 2 packets chicken gravy or 3 cups homemade gravy
- cooked chicken shredded, I used leftover roasted chicken
- Morton’s Nature’s Seasons Seasoning Blend, to taste
- black pepper and parsley for serving, if desired
Directions:
- Fry potatoes in a large skillet over medium heat with butter according to package directions. You want the potatoes nice and crispy on the outside and soft inside. You can also bake them on a baking sheet.
- Once potatoes are almost done make gravy according to package directions or heat your homemade gravy. Add chicken to gravy and heat through.
- Remove potatoes from oven and sprinkle with Morton’s Seasoning Blend to taste.
- Serve potatoes in a bowl covered with chicken and gravy. Sprinkle with parsley before serving if desired.
What's for Dinner Moms? 
I have been in a bell choir. I play several instruments and read music, but bells are a whole different animal. It’s a matter of counting and circling your notes so you don’t miss them. It was definitely a lesson in humility for me. But the bells are so beautiful — especially at Christmas. Four months isn’t very long — sounds like you are doing very well. It will get easier with time.
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Thank you! I am not used to picking up and putting down the bells. I get distracted by watching the conductor and counting. I’ll get it. Eventually….
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We had a hand bell choir in elementary school. So much fun! We were pretty good!
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I am hoping for pretty good someday! 🙂
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Keep practicing, you’ll get there sooner than you know.
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Thanks!
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Making me hungry 🙂
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😉 Thanks!
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Great job Marci! Love the recipe as well!
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Thanks! Not so much a recipe as just trying to get food on the table before midnight.
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yes! hahaha
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Busy night for you Marci so this was a perfect meal. I’m glad you stuck with your bells for the concert, I am sure it was very nice.
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Thank you. I am glad I didn’t quit last week and played for the concert. Good lesson for me and the kids.
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Congrats on your performance!! (And dinner…. )
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