Last Friday we attended an embassy holiday party at the Ambassador’s House. It was a lovely affair and included holiday traditions like cookie decorating, eating copious amounts of food and my personal favorite, singing Christmas Carols.
The Ambassador had assembled a random but awesome band. We had a french horn, violin and guitar. I’d estimate that there were about 50 or so people gathered to sing. About 10 minutes in, I noticed that a tambourine had joined the mix and that it’s not quite on beat. Imagine my surprise when I look up and see Nia standing with the band holding a tambourine. (OK fine, part of me wasn’t THAT surprised)
I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how she had managed to get a tambourine. But now that she had one, it was obvious she wasn’t going to give it up.
As the songs progressed, she started really concentrating and finding the beat. No lie, she was actually doing a decent job! I have to say, the musician in me was overjoyed to discover that she might have a natural gift for music, especially since we’ve never had her take any formal training.
She also provided complimentary dancing with her playing and every so often she’d run over to someone she knew and say, “Look! I’m playing the tambourine!”
In case you’re wondering what’s on her face… that would be makeup from her school party earlier that day. It was a silver and pink butterfly. So of course we had to wear the pink butterfly dress and silver shoes to match (never mind Christmas colors).
It was pretty freakin hilarious and cute at the same time. I can’t even tell you how many people commented on her ‘performance’. She was thrilled to be the talk of the Embassy for the remainder of the weekend. I think this bodes well for a future in theatre and music, don’t you?
