We’ve landed… About 1667 miles from where we started. In our new home: Flagstaff Arizona. It’s a whopping 7,300 feet above sea level.

(If you’re wondering what high altitude does to oboe reeds, well we’re about to find out

But I’ll talk about that later.

Right now, I want to tell you about something that might help you get through those oboe blahs we all go through now and then.

It’s something I call Oboe Zen: Simple Thoughts for a Musical Journey.

It’s a short booklet I’ve put together with some thoughts that will help you put your oboe life in perspective…

But I have to warn you…

This isn’t a booklet filled with how-to or “put your finger here” type of information.

This is more of a WHY-to.

A simple resource for you to use when things get tough. For those days when you wonder, “Why in the world do I play the oboe?”

Where did I get the inspiration for Oboe Zen?

During our 3 day cross-country drive stuck in a Honda CR-V (with 3 kids under 4)…

During those 24 hours of driving (in what has to be the world’s MOST uncomfortable car), we talked about music, life and what we do it all for.

And I’d like to share some of what we’ve discovered.

You can get a copy by visiting the link below.

In the booklet, you’ll find 26 “meditations” about the oboe, music and life. And you can get your copy for $18.70 (including $3.75 shipping and handling).

I’ll ship it out within 24 hours.

PLUS… you’ll get a complimentary subscription to a year’s supply of Oboe Reed Tips (through your email) with your order. The 52 Oboe Reed Tips sell for $27.00, but you’ll get them as a gift with your copy of Oboe Zen.

But here’s the thing…

We didn’t get many copies of Oboe Zen printed-because frankly, this is a new direction for MKL Reeds.

If you’re interested, here’s where you can go:

http://www.mklreeds.com/products.htm

I just read of the passing of Cynthia Steljes, oboist and founding member of Quartetto Gelato…

I didn’t know her personally, but just a few weeks ago, I sent her a letter to tell her about a new project we are working on at MKL Reeds and to ask for her input. I am telling you that only because, for some reason, it made the announcement of her death so much more real to me.

I still remember the first time I listened to their one CD, (the one with the blue cover). I was absolutely shocked by the energy, the life and the unique sound that really was quite unlike anything I had ever heard.

It is truly something special.

Of course, my ear gravitated to the oboe player and I remember running to Google to figure out just who she was.

Our thoughts are with her husband and extended family.

Here’s what happens to dead oboe reeds (in this case, a bassoon reed) in our house. My son really gets a kick out of this. I wish I could have so much fun when my reeds kick the bucket.