Baldi Moves Forwards

Welcome to “Baldi’s Podcast”, a podcast hosted by survivor, internationally renowned lifelong Musician, Educator, Keynote Motivational Speaker, Podcaster, Photographer, Writer and International Double Gold Medallist “Baldi”, AKA Amonn AL-Mahrouq encouraging you all to reach your full potential, pursue your dreams and inspire others along your journey.

The previous few weeks saw lots of dedicated, focused energy towards achieving my goal of learning the last remaining Piano exam piece in preparation for my forthcoming exam whilst adding icing to the others. On a quick coffee break a few days ago, I took time to look through and sight-read potential new music which I am thinking about adding to my concert repertoire and have decided to add the lovely second movement of “Leighton’s” Piano Sonata as I feel this piece will further enhance my concert repertoire. After spending some time learning, I can say, I am loving his bare melodies combined with rich, progressive harmonies and certainly in my future will be looking to learn and perform more of his inspiring works. My only comment is either he had huge hands or another person lent a hand in a fair few places, lol! Nevertheless, I encourage all you budding Pianists to look into learning his works, if for nothing else to enjoy your playing, performing, learn more about

exposed melodies, be refreshed and inspired.

Next up I have C.V news, which whilst I feel will never be complete, for obvious reasons!…. I’m not sure about you, but one of my goals is to always be developing and pushing myself forwards, adding to myskills set and refreshing old ones, I am pleased to say, I believe in its raw form, is now complete, however, the icing on the cake is yet to be added as I’m concentrating on perfecting repertoire for my forthcoming

Piano exam. Do keep your ears peals for more news regarding the distribution of this, most crucial document.

Moving forwards, later this year, I aim to launch new, exciting and challenging projects and have already taken steps to begin my journey. When the time arrives, launch offers may suddenly appear, so do keep your eyes and ears pealed, there’s a cure there somewhere, I feel sure of it. One of my most important first steps is to hold another, this time much more comprehensive digital clear out, making much needed room, which hopefully answers some of your questions of why am I posting twice a day on Social Media. Oh, and yes, I have a plan, and I am please to say, so far, so good.

Once I’m ready to take my next step, I will write, record and upload a pod informing you all of my upcoming journey and look forward to welcoming you all in on the action, which leads me nicely to say thank you so much for all your messages, comments and questions, do keep them flowing as I feel you are making a valuable contribution to my casts and your community.

Communication is king, is it not? So where did you go on “What’s App” Baldi, I hear you ask? Ah, very apt question, my short answer, I had to change phone number. Now, I am back on “What’s App” and “Facebook Messenger” for the time being, however constantly seeking to become more secure. If you are unsure as to what I’m referring too, all I will say is be mindful who holds your personal information and how they handle it. Another great question, I hear you ask, what does this mean for me? Don’t panic, rest assured I will get to your message, just a little slower than usual, however do bear with me and keep your comments flowing, thanks. Let me add, if you’d like to get hold of me urgently, do e-mail me, thanks for your understanding and patience. Whilst we are on the subject of messaging, let me answer another question that keeps popping up, namely “What is my most used Messaging Apps”, for the moment my answer is iMessage / Facebook / Linked In Messengers, however Zoom isn’t far behind, let’s wait and see what the future holds, as I feel this is an ever evolving, fast moving landscape which I’m sure constantly evolve.

Let me now turn to your question of “Writing Apps”. Personally, I like the simplest possible, with the most freedom to chose my operating system, device and file format. I also very much appreciate portability and ease of use therefore I chose to use “Text Edit” from Apple on my Mac in combination with both Apple’s own “Notes” and “Voice Recorder” Apps on IOS, because I feel these apps provide me with all the functionality I need for my current needs.

Yes, I have looked into using other “Text Editors” and have done so in the past, however, always return to the built in apps for the sake on quickness and convenience. Though for my forthcoming book series, I’m currently writing in “Mellel”, however, plan to move to more suitable apps as my direction of travel and goals continue to expand. I will of course keep you informed as I feel sure I can help you pinpoint the most suitable apps for your writing needs. Do message me your current workflow and apps as I’d be interested to know as a fellow writer.

In Skating news, I am very much enjoying my weekly sessions continuing working towards my Level 2 skills and rest of Level 1 tests, however, feel I must say over a Pandemic is the very worst time to change an entire syllabus in my opinion. Here’s me thinking I wasn’t too far away! Never mind, I feel it’s still great to be back Figure Skating, but, wonder how many adults will bother with future tests or even return to this most graceful sport? On the flip side the Rink is a little quieter, meaning more practice. I realise things must develop and be brought up to date, only question the timing, especially as Figure Skating is a tricky and time consuming sport. Moving onwards to other Rink news, I am delighted to wish someone (you know who you are!) at my rink a fantastic time whist travelling throughout South America this Summer, go safely and keep in touch!

The recent and unfortunate rail strikes here in the United Kingdom meant last week there was no Figure Skating for me, again I feel terrible timing for such things, however when life throws you lemons, I feel one must make Lemonade.

Piano practice was the order of the week combined with sorting of forthcoming photos for social posts, catching up with life, family, friends messages and achieving higher levels of fitness.

Wednesday afternoon saw a family outing to the historic Market Town of Petersfield, sampling their Market, followed by a crafty light lunch in one of our favourite restaurants “The Old Drum” located just off the main square in “Chapel Street”, which I can highly recommend for all your light eating needs. Lots of delicious looking fresh fruit and vegetables was purchased in their Market along with some fresh fish. Do comment, are you a fan of local markets?

In reading news, I am currently enjoying “The man Who Stole Jesus” written by Edwin Alexander. Have you read this wonderfully different short book? If you haven’t, don’t let the title fool you as all is certainly not as it seems. I will enlighten you more in future casts, however for now will say, if you’ve not read it, go find a copy and let me know your thoughts.

In a previous cast, I said I’d let you know how I was getting on with my new USB Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone. My thoughts are “A great microphone”, highly recommend to you all, and not I feel just for Podcasting as I’ve used this mic for Zoom, FaceTime and Microsoft Teams calls combined with voiceovers (is there another clue here I ask myself?). Whilst maybe I agree, a slightly more specialised microphone, certainly, I have found it to be an adaptable all round, great quality mic.

Last weekend saw inspiring walking expeditions in nature both with family and friends alike, which brings me to my final question for my episode today, what do you do to relax?

Thanks for listening to today’s episode of “Baldi’s Podcast”, a podcast hosted by survivor, internationally renowned lifelong Musician, Educator, Keynote Motivational Speaker, Writer, podcaster, Photographer and International Double Gold Medallist “Baldi”, A.K.A Amonn AL-Mahrouq.