The Third Day

The third day after Christmas and The Little Turquoise House is too quiet. I woke this morning and thought of my kids sleeping in various parts of the house and then realized they were no longer here.  I'm enjoying the quiet of the morning, but at the same time I'm not because I know I won't be hearing giggles, footsteps, and the constant opening and closing of the bathroom door. Reality has set in that my second cup of coffee will be consumed alone instead of around the table filled with my chattering children. SIGH. So it's time to pull myself up by my bootstraps...well, clogs in my case and get The Little Turquoise House back in order and myself as well. That's the plan for today lots of cleaning and laundry (every towel in the house is dirty). Since Daughter #2 didn't get "her" tree up until Christmas Eve, I will leave it up for a few more days for her to enjoy. She'll be up tomorrow and maybe once again before she returns to classes. I will however put away the other decorations as I work through the cleaning process. I don't know how much I'll get done today, but I do plan to roll up my sleeves and go at it with a vengeance.

After the cleaning is done this week, I hope to get me in order and make some real plans for getting my life back in order.

We are expecting a storm today - temperatures are supposed to drop drastically and the wind will pick up; we are expecting around 5" of blowing and drifting snow tonight and another possible 7" tomorrow. Unfortunately it will make getting to church difficult for some.

Well it's time to roll up these sleeves and dig in...

Christmas Reflections

It's the second day after Christmas..almost the third and I can't believe it's come and gone so soon. Tonight I'm sitting by the fire, trying to stay warm, listening to Christmas organ music and reflecting on the last few days.

Late Sunday night Daughter #1, Son-in-law and my grandpups arrived, I was happy to see them but didn't expect them until Monday or Tuesday, so I did some rushing around to prepare just prior to their arrival. Daughter #2 also came up that night and we stayed up for a while and talked before heading to bed.

Monday the girls wanted to go to The Tea Room - a restaurant that specializes in tea and has a menu mostly of quiches, finger sandwiches, and soups. I had been in the front where they also sell their teas, but I had never gone there to eat. It was a very relaxing lunch...we tried several of the teas and it all felt so proper...it was fun! Before leaving we made sure to buy several to take home. After our tea we stopped in several stores in the downtown area. I must say, I was quite tired when we got home and it took no time at all to drop off to sleep.


Tuesday - Christmas Eve our Son arrived. The one thing I wanted to do this year was attend Christmas Eve services at my mentors church so I could hear him play and I could sing Christmas carols with the pipe organ. I wanted it to be a family outing, but neither one of the girls wanted to go, so I was prepared to drive down by myself, but Hubby and Son were kind enough to go with me. I was happy to not have to go alone and it meant a lot that they understood how much it meant to me. Just like the evening of Lessons and Carols I was a little disappointed in the music and the service was just so different than it was years ago when we attended. I was still glad we went, I loved just being in that room again and I was able to deliver a Christmas gift to my mentor. While we were gone, Daughter did some baking and we had pasties for supper when we got home we watched some Christmas movies and opened our stockings. Daughter #2 gave me tea, Daughter #1 gave me chocolates and Son and Daughter #2 gave me a cross ring that I just LOVE!

Wednesday Christmas - we all slept in. I haven't slept that late in years! Breakfast became brunch and lunch was cheese ball and crackers. We drew names again this year. I drew Daugher #1 and got her two dinner plates for her Fiesta Ware set that she is trying to build up. I also bought her a necklace made of Lake Superior beach glass. My Son drew my name...he bought me a set of wind chimes!! I LOVE WIND CHIMES. I used to have a set, but it took us so long to have a house that I got rid of them thinking I would never have a place to hang them. Now I have a new set, and I just love them. I can't wait until spring when I can hang them outside.

I started my day by cleaning up the dishes the girls left the night before. It took so long that my pies were late getting in the oven which made the turkey and ham late getting started. Long story short, the whole day was delayed and our Christmas dinner didn't take place until 8:00 p.m. I hate eating that late, but it's what we had to do. After dinner we played some games. I'm not much of a game person, but it was fun.

Thursday  morning Daughter #1 and Son-in-law left for Chicago. Son and I did a little shopping. His girlfriend surprised us all by sending gifts for us and since she had to work and I had only met her one time I did not think to get her anything so we went out so I could choose something nice for him to take back for her from all of us. The rest of the day was spent watching Castle and just relaxing. We did have a heart to heart talk that has left me confused and a bit shaken.

Friday morning Son left, I spent the day fighting tears. I left the house in it's total disarray and went to practice. I'm keeping this Sunday low key. I'm not ready for Christmas to be over, maybe because it took me so long to accept it's arrival, yet at the same time I want to clean house and prepare both physically and spiritually for the coming year. I have a lot to do but at the same time I want to try to enjoy Christmas for a while longer. Do you make New Year's resolutions? I don't, but I do have a list of goals to shoot for. After I get the house back in order, I plan to start work on my list but I think I'm going to listen to Christmas music while I'm at it.

~ Merry Christmas!

Christmas Blues

My cards and letters are finally done and everything that had to go out is in the mail, I went to the church and did the best I could to prepare my music for tomorrow...all that's left is cleaning the bathroom and mopping the floors and I really can't seem to get myself motivated to do any of that.

I found out last night that my daughter and son-in-law from Chicago were planning on arriving late tonight, then I found out this morning that she had a bad eczema flare up last night and now they might not make it at all. I've been trying to contact her, but she's not responding. I just hope they are safe.

My son can't make it up until Christmas Eve and my daughter who usually chooses our tree with her dad hasn't been up to take care of that and quite frankly, it's so close to Christmas now that I don't know if I want to pay for a tree that will only be up a few days.

I haven't even begun my cleaning and it's 2:00 in the afternoon...I'm having lunch. I need to get started, just the basics, just the things that have to be done.

Things should be getting busy around here so I probably won't be back in blogland until after everyone leaves. Have a very Merry Christmas everyone!

I should go.

Christmas Planning

It's difficult to type with my hands wrapped around a coffee cup on this cold, cold morning. I'm fighting with myself not to crawl back under the covers...decided I wouldn't get back to sleep anyway. I've noticed this week that "hibernation mode" has begun to set in, I've been fighting that too because I have so much to do and so many plans for the upcoming months, but it's so hard when all I want to do is sleep and eat. Comfort foods found their way into my shopping cart yesterday and after I indulged, my body didn't feel good, nor did my spirit. I hate it when I give in. Two students brought me boxed chocolates for Christmas presents and I decided since I never and I do mean never have boxed chocolates, I would enjoy a few, but I set them on the table to share. I have been "good" up until yesterday, so I decided through Christmas day...maybe the day after depending on what other goodies need to either be consumed or a new home found for them, I will not go looking for delicacies to tempt me away from my diet, but if they come knocking at my door I will enjoy a taste or two...or three and start fresh in a few days.

The plan for today is to stay home and work on Christmas cards and letters. I have nothing ready for Christmas...all I have had time to do is teach and practice. Morning chores are done, I've started a loaf of bread and have plenty of leftovers in the refrigerator so I won't be cooking today. I have one student this afternoon, I hope she won't mind having a lesson amidst my card making clutter. 

Plans for Christmas are still up in the air. I'm hope, hope, hoping I can go hear my mentor play on Christmas Eve. Several years ago now, we would go down for their midnight mass (which was actually held at 8:00 p.m.) and he'd always invite us to sit in the balcony with the choir. On occasion I was asked to help turn pages for him. When my kids got older and more vocal, I gave up my desires for theirs and we stopped attending. One year in particular, I remember just my mother and I drove down. There was no snow that year! Like me, she thoroughly enjoyed the music and the readings and the second we stepped out the door to leave it began to snow! I always love when we enter the church the manger scene near the steps has an empty manger and when we come out, the baby is there. This year I have requested to go again and those who want to join us may. I'm not getting any solid answers from anyone yet, including my Hubby, but I'm so hoping he'll drive me down. I still don't know when everyone is planning on arriving in town. I just found out that they have returned their midnight mass to midnight, but my mentor suggested we come to the one they offer at 4:00...so that's what I'm "planning". For me, there is absolutely nothing like singing Christmas hymns with the pipe organ - especially when my mentor is playing it! 

Well...things aren't getting done sitting here....

Hodgepodge Wednesday

1. Do you believe in miracles?
I believe in the triune God who works miracles, so yes, I do. Sometimes they are more obvious than others, sometimes we don't perceive them as miracles, but they happen everyday.

2. What's a recent fad you admit to trying?
Infinity scarves. I like the look of them, but I just can't get used to having that much fabric around my neck.

3. Peppermint-are you a fan? If so, what's your favorite food or beverage containing peppermint?
I do like peppermint, in small quantities and if it's not too strong. I like it combined with chocolate...like in brownies.

4. Break the ice, on thin ice, as cold as ice (emotionally, not literally)...which phrase have you run into most recently? Explain.
It's a tie between Break the ice and cold as ice. It's been awfully cold here, and especially in the evenings my feet get cold as ice. 

Sunday was my piano studios Family Recital and rather than have a program printed, I just asked everyone to take a turn and introduce themselves and what they were playing. No one wanted to go first, so my husband and I had to break the ice by going first. It worked.

5. Have you ever broken or spilled something in someone else's home? Still friends?
I cannot think of a time where this has ever happened to me in someones home. I did spill coffee on the carpet at work once and it made quite a large stain, but my boss was understanding and it was no problem. It also helped that her brother-in-law cleans carpets for a living. 

6.  'Tis the week before Christmas...are you feeling more like Buddy the Elf or the Grinch before his heart grew?
Maybe more like a reserved Buddy. I did shout for joy in my blog this week. It helps that our family is now exchanging names for gift giving - that has taken a lot of shopping and financial stress off. I am procrastinating quite a bit this year and this last week I might be tempted to be a bit grumpy, but it's my own fault. 

7. Share a favorite quote relating to Christmas.
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord."

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I'm just too tired for random thoughts. 

Joy

It's the third week of Advent and i just have to share some joy with you. I may ramble on, so if you're busy, tuck it away for later. 

You're probably going to get sick of hear this, but I just have to share again what a blessing the new organ is and music in general. Sunday was recital day for my students. Since not all of my students and their families celebrate Christmas, the last couple of years I came up with "Family Recital" and invited all family members to take part as many of my students come from talented families; Christmas/holiday music is optional. This year we had a mother/son piano duet and one of the mothers sang for us...acapella...GORGEOUS! She even found a way to combine it with the piece her daughter played, which had nothing to do with the Christmas song she sang, but complimented it very nicely. She was quite creative with it and it was great! Her father installed organs for a living and she was quite impressed with our new organ, she said it sounds amazing. 

One of my young students that seemed quite taken with the organ when I gave my little organ tour this fall was planning to play a piece called Bells. I told her if she wanted to, she could play her piece on the organ using the carillon stop. She said she'd think about it and I told her mom my idea. She arrived a little early, came up to me and said "I want to play my piece on the organ". I was rather surprised because I felt she was so hesitant at her lesson. We tried it out so she knew what to expect and she was fine with it and did quite well! Later her mom told me the reason she was hesitant was because she felt badly for the other students...that it wasn't fair that she was the only one that got to play the organ! I didn't realize she had considered it such an honor. 

Hubby and I played our rendition The God of Abraham Praise for them and I consented to do a duet with one of my students fathers. He is our neighbor and the new pastor at the church down the street. He wanted to do Bring A Torch Jeanette Isabella by Mannheim Steamroller. It was fun putting it together with him at the piano and me on the organ. He wanted to take it much faster, but I won out. :) It was still a fast waltz tempo and even at that I had to leave out a lot of the notes. Hubby said it sounded good and I'm trusting his judgement more and more. 

Speaking of Hubby - after everyone was gone and everything was cleaned up, he requested a "private concert", so I practiced a bit while he listened. I'm having trouble with the In Dulci Jubilo I want to play next Sunday morning...it's falling apart. I slowed it down and that seems to help some. Hubby decided the final chord needed a boost, so he pulled out the 32' sub bass and I think he's right. He loves that stop LOL! He now boasts of his new job at church - "I'm the 32' stop puller". Since my hands are rather busy at that point, I'm letting him step up and pull it for me and he seems tickled to do so. He cracks me up...I'm really not sure who's enjoying this organ more, me or him! 

Little things like this are happening and it's just so exciting to see. So many things are possible now that never were before. I love seeing the students test the waters and I hope that more will want to give it a try. I am feeling so blessed today. I'm blessed to work with a great bunch of students and some wonderful families, blessed to have a supportive husband, blessed to finally have an organ at church and blessed to have a mentor working with me who really cares about me and what is going on in my life...he's a true friend and brother.  

Oh...one more...I made some cards to sell, all proceeds to benefit the organ fund. Several women expressed wanting to see them, so I took them to church, had an announcement made and only one woman actually came over to look at them, but...she bought $30.00 worth! I had hoped there would be more  people interested...oh well, I tried. 

Today is cleaning, laundry, working out, teaching and card making day. Hubby will be gone for the evening, so I'll put on some music and see if I can get some cards made for me to give out! 

I'm sorry I have no photos today to break up this rambling prose, but thanks for "listening" to me bubble over! :D I pray you too are having a day filled with joy!

Thoughts From A Burned Out Brain

It just keeps coming down - the snow that is...even now there is a fine snow falling. It just never completely stops. Here is the latest measurement:

Snowfall: 
Houghton county 63" 

7" - 12.10.13 

I have so much spinning around in my brain this morning, perhaps typing some of it out will help calm my spirit some. Plans for today include:

General cleaning and chores

Work-out

Make turkey casserole

Students from 1-2:30, 4-4:30 and 4:45-5:30

Create twelve Artist Trading Cards for tomorrow's trade -why did I wait so long to start this?

Practice duet for Sunday

Finish Christmas letter

Yesterday I mentioned feeling overwhelmed with my organ education and that feeling continues. I just can't seem to shake it. To clarify, it's not that I think I'm too old to learn, I know it may be more difficult, but I feel I can still learn much of what I want to learn...maybe not all, but most. But I do feel that I have missed out on some great opportunities that I need now to further my knowledge. 

You see, when I first started learning the organ I was blessed to come into it at a time when we had the opportunity to have guest organists come to us every summer and give concerts and workshops. It was a wonderful thing, but because I didn't have a chance to practice what I learned, much of it has been forgotten. I recognize it when I see/hear my mentor play certain things, but I need to have someone discuss the skill, demonstrate the skill and then talk me through it as I try it for myself. I then need to practice that skill and have someone check up on me periodically. I feel as though I have missed the boat by just now getting "my" organ to work with because we no longer get these people in for workshops etc. and I don't know yet what my mentor's plans are and if we'll still be able to work together as we have been. I feel like it's a wonderful gift that has arrived too late to be used to it's full potential and also that I have somehow missed my chance.

Last night I convinced Hubby to take me to a concert. My former boss from Curves is in a singing group called Noteworthy. It's a ladies barbershop group and they put on their winter concert last night and featured a guest organist so I wanted to go. I've wanted to hear the singing group for a long time now and hearing the organ was just the extra touch that got Hubby to go. The organist is a member of our organ group, but he joined during the time of my mother's illness and I missed some events during that time so I have only met him on a couple of occasions and until last night I hadn't heard him play. He was good, but my mentor is much better!

There were several people from our church there which surprised me, but it was nice to see. 

Once again, I've been here much too long and must get busy...

Hodgepodge Wednesday

1. Are you doing anything special to mark this season of Advent? If so please share. 
Even though our church doesn't actively participate in Advent, I enjoy it and this year I have tried to use the different focus of each week to choose my music for that Sunday. I did the Advent wreath and devotionals one year with my kids, but they didn't seem to want to do it. I suppose I should have stuck with it year after year.

2. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen...and of course you recall, the most famous reindeer of all...so, which reindeer name best describes you this week? 

3. What's worse-too quiet or too loud? Which have you had more of lately?
I think too loud is worse which is why I'm trying to be sensitive to the congregation when I choose registration and volume for my music on the organ. I like it bigger...fuller...louder when the music calls for it, but most of our people aren't used to it.

4. This question comes to you from Zoanna over at A Penchant for Pens-thanks Zo! 

When you are administratively gifted, how often do you find yourself not trusting less gifted people to do what they've committed to do?  If you are not so gifted that way, but are reliable, how do you feel when the stronger person (in that area) goes ahead and covers it before giving you a chance to come through? 
I try to lead without taking over providing there is not a time constraint. I don't like it when people assume I'm not up to a given task without either asking me or giving me time to prove myself. Then again, i'm rarely put into either situation.

5. What is your most dreaded task relating to the holidays? Your most looked forward to holiday task?
My most dreaded task is being the only one in the kitchen doing the cooking and cleaning when everyone else is in the other room having fun. My most looked forward to is probably decorating, though I get tired of having so much clutter very quickly.

6. Facebook has released its list of the 'most talked about' topics of 2013. Pope Francis took the number one spot.  Does that surprise you? He was followed by election, royal baby, typhoon, and Harlem Shake. Your thoughts? What was your most talked about topic in 2013? (Facebook, around the kitchen table, or wherever it is you talk)
That's easy. Purchasing, installing and playing the new church organ. It has monopolized all our conversations and much of our time...free and otherwise for months.

7. What's something you consider a necessity that others might view as a luxury?
Coffee!!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I'm preparing this Tuesday evening...tomorrow will be a busy day! 
I have way too much to do today and I shouldn't be here at the computer. 

Like Magic!

The snow keeps falling...the wind keeps blowing...roads are slick...wind chill is ridiculous...my car died. Yesterday after my practice time it wouldn't start and Hubby had to come rescue me. Tonight he took it to a hockey game and got stranded. I went to help him jump it and it wouldn't jump so it's in the lot for the night, hopefully it won't get towed away. Last night all I wanted to do was sleep. In the morning I find it more and more difficult to get out of bed...I wish I could be like the animals and tuck myself in for a long winter's' nap! I should be making cards, but by the time I finished all my chores tonight there was only time to drag out the supplies and make a mess...it's too late to be creative.

I'm feeling quite overwhelmed again with my organ education. My mentor joined me yesterday in my practice time...the man sits down and places his hands on the keys and magic happens!! I want so much to play like he does. He says I will....I honestly don't see how. It's so natural for him, it's as easy as breathing for him and I should have taken better notes...I wish I could have written down everything he's told me for the last 22 years. Half of it I didn't think I'd ever be able to use and here I am. Some days I feel as though I have missed the bus...that it's too late to put to work what I know and to late to learn the rest of what I need to know. I just hope and pray he will continue to want to work with me....he's retiring soon...that combined with the fact that I often feel like I am a pest make me wonder if he's not getting tired of our arrangement. I had so many questions for him yesterday and there was no opportunity to ask them. Time just marches on and more and more I feel as though I'm being left in the dust of life.

Today we received an invitation to drive 3 hours south of here to see an installation of a pipe organ. It's in a Catholic church whose pastor is the former pastor at the church where my mentor is organist. I miss Father Eric. The church just hasn't been the same since he left. I love this idea for a road trip...maybe this summer some time.

Tomorrow is more household chores and several students as well as practice time for me. I'll have to drive Hubby's truck...in the snow...on the slick roads...not sure I'm ready for that.  I'll put a pork roast in the crock-pot in the morning for supper and cook up a stir-fry for lunch.

Almost time for bed...

Practice Time

Church was good yesterday, though I was disappointed as were some others that we didn't sing more Christmas hymns. It was my turn to play the offertory and it went well. I experimented with a registration that reminds me of my favorite pipe organ. Hubby said it sounded very nice. Only one other person made a comment, which is fine. I think the newness has worn off and people are finding it sort of normal now, which is a good thing.  Hee, hee, I'm sounding more and more like my mentor everyday. 

Daughter came over after church yesterday and helped a little with some Christmas decorating.  I always put up this little tree on the piano.

We still don't have our big tree up yet, but everything else is done.  It's always a bitter-sweet time for me as most all my decorations  have been handed down by my mother. Most of them were on her tree when she grew up, so they are quite old. This one is a cookie! I even have a picture of her about age 4 in front of a Christmas tree and this ornament can be seen hanging on the tree behind her!

Some, I remember buying or making with her when I was growing up. Either way, she is always on my heart as I bring them out each year to decorate. The little wax choir candles are quite a collectors item, I'm told. Mom left them on the TV one year and they began to melt. ;) I bought the porcelain ones when I got married because they reminded me of my mom's wax set. Now I have both. I always miss her, but especially this time of year.

Scolding myself...do you ever unload your heart on someone, then wished you hadn't? Do you ever open up to someone and then feel as though the most important thing on your mind and heart made no impact at all on the person you shared it with? Have you ever sought advice, sympathy or just a little understanding and felt like you were talking to the walls? Truly, sometimes I think I share too much to the wrong people and I'm the only one who pays the price...disappointment, rejection. Am I the only one who does this repeatedly?? Someday maybe I'll learn. There...that's my rant for the week. 

The big plan for today is practicing. I'll do some cleaning around here this morning and I plan to be at the church from 1:00-4:00 or 4:30. If my mentor isn't too busy, he said he might come up to work with me for a bit. I hope he makes it, we have so much to discuss...I just hope I am able to get the answers I seek and tell him the things that are on my heart.

Celebrating Advent

I just can't seem to get myself moving this morning. I think it's this awful weather. It's snowy and blowy and cold and it doesn't look to let up any time soon. 

Today I need to find something for us to eat...I didn't take anything out of the freezer and I only have one meal available. I plan to make some chowder, but I had planned that for tomorrow's lunch. I should go to the grocery store, but dread the thought. I do need to go out this afternoon to practice and I need to still pay bills, get some cards made to send out and find some time to get in my work-out. There just aren't enough hours in the day. 

I was so fortunate to be able to attend Lessons and Carols last night and got to hear and sing along with my mentor as he played the organ. The music and readings were so beautiful. I was disappointed though...for some reason he has backed the organ way off and it just didn't sound like the organ I know and love and it didn't sufficiently support the singing. We had talked about it, he told me he had backed everything down, but I didn't know how much. I want to talk to him about it, I need to find a way to lovingly offer constructive criticism. It will be difficult for me to say anything but if the organ isn't doing it's job, he needs to know, but it's hard to be critical of the master. 

Well, it's time to get busy...

Crossing My Fingers and Toes!

Plans for today include finishing the laundry I started yesterday, get in a work-out, pay bills (we finally got paid), teach three piano lessons, make ham chowder for supper and hopefully go to hear My mentor play the organ this evening in Lessons and Carols. It's such a beautiful way to begin the Christmas season...always puts me in the Christmas spirit. I don't know if I'll get to go though due to the weather, but I'm crossing my fingers and toes! 

Last night the siding began blowing off the roof line of our house. Hubby crawled up on the slippery roof and hung over the side and drilled in a few screws to hold it. I was so afraid he was going to fall! He didn't do as good of a job as he hoped, because he didn't want to go further down the roof where he needed to be for fear of slipping off. It's still rattling some this morning in the wind, I just hope it stays on until we can get to it better or get it replaced which won't be until spring. 

My poor daughter, she just posted the attached picture to her Facebook...that's her car barely peeking out from under the snow and she has to get to class this morning. 

Okay...off to get this day started - there is always so much to do! 

Where Did Everything Go???

We are in the middle of a lake effect blizzard. Schools are cancelled all over the area today - we didn't get all that much snow last night, but the snow that did fall had a lot of moisture to it, so the roads were very slippery this morning. It has been snowing quite a lot today and the wind has been gusting up around 40 mph. Quite often I look out the window and can't see my neighbors house it's just a few yards away! The trees have disappeared from across the street...street...what street? LOL! I don't have to go out today, thankfully. Hubby was supposed to have a game to referee today but with school cancellation comes game cancellation. It's a bummer because we were counting on that $90.00. All my students have also cancelled and I understand that for sure, but my budget doesn't. Our new neighbors are experiencing their first Copper Country snow storm and loving it. I can't wait to see how they feel come March...April...May! 

Hubby and I went out to dinner last night in this blizzard, then came home and watched movies together. We celebrated 32 years of marriage. 

The wind is now blowing the siding off the house!!! I heard it banging and went to look, then the neighbor called to tell me. Oh my, this is not good! 

I'm actually enjoying my quiet afternoon...with the exception of the banging siding. I've been thinking about typing up a Christmas newsletter, but honestly, I don't know what to say this year. We have gotten to be so predictable that we don't have much news to share. If I knew for sure I wasn't going to have students tomorrow, I would drag out my card making supplies and make a mess. 

Speaking of tomorrow, a friend and fellow organist and I are supposed to go to my mentor's church (where I learned to play the pipe organ) tomorrow night where he will be playing the organ in their annual "Lessons and Carols". It's such a lovely service and a beautiful way to start the season...BUT with this weather the way it is, we might not be able to go and I will be so very sad as I've looked forward to it for a week and a half now. Oh how I miss practicing there!!

Well it looks like it's going to be a long, cold night...stay warm!

My First Hodgepodge Wednesday!

1. According to Oxford Dictionaries, the 2013 word of the year is 'selfie'. Your thoughts? When did you last take a selfie? Do you post them online somewhere?  Do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind the lens? 
Selfies are fine...if you're careful and the angle is right. I've seen some pretty nasty looking selfies. I think the last time I did one was to show a new haircut. It's been a while ago now. I prefer to be behind the lens.

2. Will you send out Christmas cards this year? If so, are they ready to go? If not, are you glad or sad about leaving that tradition behind?
I will send out cards - I usually type up a newsletter and make cards to go with them. I'm very behind this year and haven't even got started. I have a lot to catch up on.

3. Do you trust easily?
I probably trust too easily and I have gotten hurt before because of it.

4. Pine-cinnamon-peppermint-vanilla (as in sugar cookie)...of those listed, which one is your favorite December scent?
Vanilla and cinnamon are at the top of my list.

5. Did you do more talking or more listening yesterday? Was that by choice or necessity?
I think a pretty even combo of both. I'm a piano teacher so listening is key, but so is talking.

6. What's the last song that got stuck in your head? Sorry if it's back there now :  )
O God Beyond All Praising. It's a great one to have stuck in there and I don't mind at all, thank you.

7. Which world explorer (in the whole history of the world) would you most like to have traveled with, and why? 
I'm not much of an explorer. I'd rather have someone else do it and send me back the information and pictures. ;) I'm more comfortable tucked away in my little house, living the simple life.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

This is my first time joining Hodgepodge Wednesday and I'm hoping to get to know some new friends by doing so. 

Thirty-Two Years Ago

Thirty - Two years ago I married the most wonderful of men! Our life has had it's up and downs, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. He shows his love for me in so many ways, the most recent was the new organ at church. If it wasn't for him supporting me and standing by me I would have a brand new electric keyboard to play instead. If it wasn't for him searching the internet for three years, doing tons of research on organs, speakers, placement, etc., etc., it wouldn't even be here because no one else would have done any of that. He organized committees, sent emails, made phone calls...the list is endless and I'm sure he did things I don't even know about! In the last 32 years he has never and i mean never, ever no matter what else was going on in his life or the business or anything...he never has forgotten my birthday, our anniversary, Valentine's Day or even Mother's Day! As you know our financial picture right now is not a good one, but several weeks ago I noticed a $100.00 bill in his dresser drawer. I wondered about it, but didn't ask. I check for it periodically, it hasn't been moved. Yesterday I found out he tucked it away just to take me out to dinner tonight! I told him not to waste money on flowers this year...he loves to buy me a bouquet of red roses (I carried red roses on my wedding day) but last night he brought me a single red rose and said "my bride has to have her flower."

I made him a card last night and I ordered him a new music stand for his music. It's a surprise! He has always been so hard to buy for that I was really excited to see him struggle with his flimsy music stand while trying to practice his euphonium...I knew exactly what he needed! 

This week I finished making 15 thank you cards to send to everyone that had anything to do with getting the organ here and installed: 

I had fun making the "thanks so much" look like another stop on the organ! 

Yesterday morning was a check-up chiropractic appt., she made several more adjustments, but mostly all is well, just some continued healing needed. I taught from 1:30-5:00...the last little girl dragged herself in not looking well. I kept the lesson simple and as short as I could. I put my hand on her back at one point and her whole body felt warm. I told her mom I think she was running a fever. She apologized for sending her ill, but thought she was just tired. It happens when working with children, but I washed the piano keys down with disinfectant. 

My weight is a big concern again...I want to look good sitting on the organ bench for our recital!! I bought a pretty new top to wear...it sparkles ;). I have successfully made it through the first two days of my health/weight loss discipline. I got in my exercise and with no cheats on my eating!! Tonight will be a challenge going out to eat, but I will do all I can to stay on track.

I was a bad girl yesterday! I bought myself a present...well...three...make that four. A local store has been selling Magnabilities, I could go in periodically and buy a new one for my setting and for only $4.00 I could treat myself with something new. When Son and I went in there on Friday, they seem to no longer be carrying them. I got on the website last night "just to look around" and discovered I can make my own with my own photo! I have one necklace and several of the interchangeable magnets, but...MAKE MY OWN?? LET THE FUN BEGIN! I uploaded three favorite photos and had fun making it fit the circle just right...another click or two and...they're on the way and I'm like a teenager, I'm so excited! These are the photos I chose:

This is the pendant I chose for them along with a black ball chain. I'll be able to wear three of my best friends around my neck!

Today I'll be heading back to the church to practice...at least I hope so. They are predicting nasty weather to come our way including rain turning to ice!! I'm not a happy camper and I certainly don't want to be out driving in that, even in town, so I'll have to make an assessment after lunch.  

Here are some random photos of Thanksgiving weekend:

I've been here too long today...gotta run!