Bell from '96 IHS in Albuguerque, NM

I received this bell in 1996! I attended the ‘96 International Handbell Symposium in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  This was a gift the delegates received at the closing banquet.

Attending this event as a beginning ringer was a big leap. I had to step out of my comfort zone.  I had never been to anything like this before.  

I travelled alone but once there and registered, I was invited to join a team from Alberta and was assigned to play the bells A5B5.  Sure I could do that.  Oh, they are in the treble clef? I was reading the A and B in the bass clef.  See how green I was!  It’s a wonder the others on the team didn’t ask me to leave.  Instead they encouraged me and I learned so much at this event. 

Since then my ringing skills have improved.  I have continued to ring with my church choir. I attended workshops, Handbell Discoveries, four other International Symposiums [Toronto, Brisbane, Liverpool, and Vancouver], Ringing Links, Classic Bronze, International Music Camp and four International Handbell Festivals. 

When I think of that first experience 25 years ago, I marvel at how much I have learned and continue to learn today.  

Today’s bell is actually a pen holder for my desk.  The ink is all dried up now so it sits on my curio shelf.  It is a beautiful reminder that we all have to step out of our comfort zones if we want to learn and grow. It is a reminder too, that each of us has something to share with others. 

We are all on a journey. Lend a helping hand and reach out to encourage one another.

# living life abundantly # published author # travelling tuesdays