Friday, November 4, 2011

I'm One of the Luckiest People in the World

Technically I am still Principal flutist of the Utah Symphony until August 31st, 2012, but I have left the orchestra and am no longer performing there. I will soon relocate and am looking forward to the future with awe and excitement. I relish the opportunity to throw the irons in the fire that I have had to shutter for so many years due to the restrictions of orchestral life, its schedule and my recently abrogated role as President of Local 104, American Federation of Musicians, Salt Lake City. If my perceptions regarding my "new launch" change, I will let my readers know.

Monday, October 17, 2011

My Golden Retrievers, Maestro and Ibert


Maestro--1988-2002
Ibert--2002-2011

Truly, the loss of an animal is existentially impossible. There are no other beings on earth that furnish us with so much love and pleasure while demanding so little in return. Their passing is made more poignant by the absence of their auras--their loving personalities along with all their comic and entertaining qualities. Those are the vintage Golden Retriever attributes--and the attributes that led me to embrace the breed initially. Yes, I miss Maestro and Ibert deeply, but at some level I know they are both up on the Rainbow Bridge happily entertaining all the other dogs.
      

Sunday, October 16, 2011

OUR WONDERFUL PETS


WHEN OUR BELOVED PETS GO TO THE RAINBOW BRIDGE


The deaths of of Yancey, Alaskan Malamute, Maestro, Golden Retriever and Ibert, Golden Retriever--my beloved pets during the past thirty years--have always spurred me to make changes in my life. 


I believe that the only existential problem with pets is when they leave us. One thing I have realized is that with pure-bred animals come certain penchants for various ailments. The advent of these problems seem so far away when we acquire animals, but they do eventually come to the fore. There is certainly no "good" time for an animal to pass. Whenever one does, it seems to exacerbate the poignancy of whatever else is going on in our lives. Bless all animals--they love us. 

I'm Erich Graf. Welcome to my blog!!


Erich's Call for Information

Dear everyone I know,

I have commenced writing my memoirs. Does anyone have a vignette about me that they'd like to send for consideration? I will consider all--both good and bad. I will look forward to hearing from you either on this blog or by e-mail to erich@erichgraf.com