I'm So Blessed

Another Christmas has come and gone. The Little Turquoise House was busting at the seams as it welcomed and sheltered seven people and six dogs in it's 750 square feet of living space. As I look back over the last few days spent with family, I realize how truly blessed I am. I couldn't help but think of my mother and how she would love being with and enjoying her grandchildren this Christmas and how very proud she would be of each of them. We had our fun, preparing food, eating, playing games and watching movies and we had our frustrations as well but all in all it was a wonderful weekend and I am now left to ponder it all in what is how a very quiet house. 

I told you in my last post about my grandparents on my mother's side and how it was their 100th wedding anniversary on Christmas day. My cousin had the idea to toast them on that anniversary and I wanted to join her though she is in CO springs and we are here. I made it a very special occasion and had my family join me in the toast right before our dinner. Besides, it was a good excuse to get pictures from family members who often shy away from the camera. The only down side was that Hubby was holding the photo of gran and granddad and didn't get in the picture. One of my many projects this winter is finishing my heritage scrapbook and family story. 

Daughter number one and her Hubby left early because she came down with a flu bug and felt it was a waste of her Hubby's sacrifice of time for her to be laying around and not enjoying her time with family. Son and his wife left first thing this morning. 

One disappointment this weekend was finding out that one of my daughters borrowed a ring of mine...out of my jewelry box without asking. A ring that, right or wrong, I made an emotional attachment with. I usually let her borrow things because she always asks and is usually careful...except this time. I'm disappointed that she didn't ask in the first place, I'm disappointed that she was careless enough to lose it, but most of all I'm disappointed in myself for placing so much importance on a "thing". I am reminded of a story I once read of a young girl who accidentally broke her mother's treasured china and feared her wrath but was shown only love and compassion. Her mother told her that the china was just things and although she treasured them, she believed that those objects were taken from her instead of the life of a family member whom she treasured much more. Yes, I will miss my ring and what it meant to me, but more importantly I still have my daughter and all my beautiful family and I would never trade any one of them for that ring. My daughter is checking her apartment again and I will be careful to look for it as I clean this week but if it doesn't turn up I need to be at peace with that. What I know in my head my heart is still working on accepting but accept it I will. 

Tomorrow there is much to do; I want to get as much of the Turquoise House back in order as possible. I'll be taking another week off from teaching and hopefully laying out a detailed plan for the remainder of the winter. 

To a new beginning...

Almost Christmas

I'm stopping in briefly and probably for the last time until after Christmas. 

I'm enjoying the view from my studio window, many of those fat, fluffy "Christmas snow" flakes are falling and it's beautiful as long as I'm in here. I just got back from the grocery store and I'm telling you...it sure is good to be home! What a madhouse! I think...I hope I have everything I need for the rest of the week because I really don't want to have to go back. 

I have a few things to do before the family arrives tomorrow, like clean the bathroom and make chili, but I think I'm about as ready as I'm going to be. 

This particular Christmas is special for an unusual reason this year. My cousin and I have decided to toast our grandparents (on my mother's side) because it will be their 100th wedding anniversary. I bought some champagne while I was out and just realized I don't have any champagne glasses. I wonder if my daughter in law has any leftover from the wedding? Anyway, I thought it would be a fun thing to do with the family. 

I have a lot of plans for the new year and as soon as the family is out the door, I'm getting started. I think it's going to be a long winter and I want to make the most of it. I'll keep you updated on my many projects...it will give me something to write about. I'm actually excited to get started. 

Well I think I'll put on some Christmas music and get the studio ready to become a guest room. Times like this make me wish for a larger house. 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year!!

Winter Wonderland

We've had some strange weather this week...warm for this time of year and instead of snow we've had fog with a light mist at times which has resulted in this white coat covering all the trees. If it wasn't so gray it could be quite beautiful.

If the sun ever comes out, what a display that will be! I took the afternoon off today. Maybe it's this dismal weather that has me so lacking in energy but I've practiced almost every day this week and I just couldn't bring myself to go over there again today. I did my grocery shopping this morning and decided I'd stay home and work on a few cards this afternoon as I have no students scheduled, but here it is 3:30 and I haven't even had the energy to begin.

I have however managed to read my daughter's newly printed portfolio from cover to cover. I just got the news, she is graduating on the 20th...MAGNA CUM LAUDE...and yes, I'm just a tad proud!! 

Tomorrow is my piano studio recital. I was asked by one of the parents (a professional singer) to accompany her on the organ while she sang Gesu Bambino. I was honored and worked very hard to adapt the piano music to work on the organ and then learn to play it. After putting in hours of practice I get an email yesterday from her saying that she, like many people in our area has come down with one of the nasty bugs that has been going around and since hers is the sore throat/fever variety, she will not be able to sing on Saturday. UGH! Oh well, I hear my mentor's voice as he's told me before that practice is never for naught. It's ok too, because I really didn't feel comfortable with the piece and if I was going to do it I wanted to do a good job for her. So many of our families have been ill and I've had so many cancellations this week that I really don't know what to expect for tomorrow, but whatever will be will be. 

Sunday morning is our church's Christmas program. I will be playing the prelude and postlude as usual as well as a solo on Still, Still, Still, plus all the congregational hymns...there are quite a few. I think I'm ready...I feel pretty good about those pieces, it's just up to whatever happens in the moment...God help me.

So here I am with an entire evening ahead of me...all to myself. Hot tea, frosty trees, twinkling lights, crackling fire and Christmas music...I think I'm ok with that.  

Christmas Music

It was a good weekend. Friday night Hubby and I went out to supper to celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary, then he took me to hear my mentor play the organ in their church's annual Lessons and Carols on Saturday. How I love singing the carols while he plays!! Saturday was also my ATC trade, it was nice to see the ladies from the Scrapbook Store again. How I miss the convenience of the store. Sunday of course was church - it went very well despite the fact I haven't been feeling well. The Lord truly stepped in and worked through me as I played - I did not do anything in my own strength that morning. Sunday after church Hubby and Daughter went out to get our tree. It's still sitting naked in the living room! 

It is shaping up to be a very busy week this week. Today I have a practice time I must get in, then I'm meeting with one of my piano parents to practice with her. I will be accompanying her while she sings Gesu Bambino on Saturday when she sings in our annual Family Recital. She is a professional vocalist who has sung opera in years past. I am very honored she asked me to accompany her but I'm also very nervous as I've had to rework a piano accompaniment to work on the organ and I'm not sure I can manage it very well. Following my practice with her I have 5 lessons to teach this afternoon/evening. 

The rest of the week holds a full teaching and practice schedule, Friday I'll practice with Mary again and Saturday is our recital. Sunday is the Christmas program at church and I haven't even begun to practice the hymns and carols the congregation will be singing that day. I also have two solo pieces to put together for that as well as possibly a duet with Hubby. 

It looks like no one is going to play my little game, so here are the answers: 

 Left to right: a) Heiki Lunta (local myth) b) Jack Frost c) Zeus

 

Left to right: a) Pegasus b) Sirens c) Icarus

Fairies

                                         Left to right: a) mermaid b) Apollo c) Aphrodite

Next month's theme is "your ethnic heritage".  As usual, I have no idea what I will do!
Until next time...

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 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....

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.

Friday??

Today has felt like Friday all day. 

The Dr., rather the PA said my mole looks to her more like it has been scratched or irritated in some way. I'm not sure I agree, but I do see where she is coming from. I'm unsure, because I don't remember bumping or scratching it and there are no scratches or anything around the mole, it's only on the mole itself. Anyway, she hesitated to remove it right away because of my lack of insurance and we'd have to send it off to the lab, etc. She said waiting for a couple of weeks even if it was a cancer starting wouldn't make any difference. She said to put an anti-biotic cream on it and watch it for a couple of weeks and if it's not improved to call and she'd remove it. It does look slightly better than yesterday, so maybe she's right and I was too jumpy. Time will tell.

 

I left early to go to the Dr. and stopped by the post office, the bank and the church to turn on the heat in the sanctuary so I could practice. It takes about an hour or so to warm up. After my appointment I went back to the church and found it was still only 50 degrees in the room - either I didn't do it right or someone came in behind me and turned it back down. I practiced with my coat on, in the cold. Normally I don't have to do that, but because the Sunday School will be using the room to practice on Sunday morning, I won't be able to. I will still be playing the hymns un-practiced on Sunday because I don't know what they will be in time. We will also be performing the Christmas program on Sunday morning in lieu of our usual worship service and I have no idea in what order things will happen. Yea, I'm a little stressed.

After my freezing practice hour, I did some grocery shopping and came home, got some lunch and played on the computer. I figured a little down time was ok since I have no students tomorrow or Friday and will be home alone to get finished with my light cleaning and preparations for the kids to arrive. I may do a little yet tonight, depends on Hubby. I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow, putting on some Christmas music and working uninterrupted...I hope. 

'Night all!

Love Is A Christmas Rose

 



























Friendship is
a holly tree, That brightens as it grows, 

Friendship is a holly tree, But love is a Christmas rose!  

Romance is the mistletoe, That from the ceiling glows,  

Romance is the mistletoe, But love is a Christmas rose!  

With this rose I give you, On this Christmas day,  

Can't you see my darling,  

What my heart has tried so hard to say?  

Friendship is a holly tree  

That brightens as it grows 

Friendship is a holly tree  

But love is a Christmas rose!

 Romance is the mistletoe 

That from the ceiling glows 

Romance is the mistletoe

But love is a Christmas rose!

Love is a Christmas rose!

Love is a Christmas rose!

 Love is a Christmas rose . . . 

Words and Music by Earl Shuman and Leon Carr

Twas the Week Before Christmas

Twas the Week Before Christmas

Dec 19, '11 10:03 PM for Julie's contacts

and in between lessons, menu plans are being formulated and grocery lists made, the last of the presents need wrapping and cards and letters are in the midst of going out. Due to busy schedules people are canceling lessons, classes and practice times. Perry Como sings in the background and I think of my dear mother with love...I miss her so much at Christmas. There is no squelching that ache in my heart. I look forward to having all my children home but also find myself concerned about not allowing comments and attitudes to get to me.

I had a Christmas recital/party for my students on Saturday and it sucked up my entire day. I had to run to the store in the morning to get some last minute things I forgot, then I got to the church about 12:30 and ate a Subway sandwich while setting things up - making coffee, heating cider, finding ice and something to put it in and a pitcher for water. It just seemed to take so much longer than it should have. I found myself really missing my mom. She used to love to go to all my student recitals and she would be so helpful in preparing and setting up and cleaning up when it was all over. I would go back and forth from feeling really lonely like she should be there to feeling like she was there with me. I really didn't think it would be so complicated this time! Anyway, it started at 2, was over about 3 and I was home a little after 4. Then I had to stop at the store again for something quick for supper, come home walk dogs, put away all the leftover recital stuff, fix supper and prepare enchiladas for Sunday's lunch. It was a long day, but that's all I'm publicly responsible for this year.

The piano was being difficult, if a repeated note was called for it didn't want to re-strike and it was hard to get a clear tone. Oh well. One of the kids had been working long and hard on his piece and was doing quite well with it at his lesson, but it totally fell apart. I felt bad for him.

Well I guess it's back to work on that menu and grocery list. I'm trying to work with my daughter on it...she and her hubby eat gluten free, dairy free...sometimes I think everything free. They are very close to being vegan which is all well and good, but it makes planning food a little difficult since I'm not used to it.

Christmas With Mom

Christmas With Mom

Dec 23, '06 12:07 AM for Julie's contacts

I have been working on a small photo album to give my mother for Christmas. At the last minute I also decided to include an 8x10 framed picture of M and I. Today I made the trip down to visit with her and make the delivery. When I arrived she was eating a late breakfast and didn'™t seem too interested in it, but she was interested in the package I brought in. I told her it was her Christmas gift and that as soon as she finished her breakfast, she could open it. Just like a child she fairly polished her plate and amazed the staff in the process! We looked through the book together, and she said everyone looked familiar, but she couldn'™t put a name to anyone. Her face just lit up when she opened the 8x10, so I'm really glad now that I included it. We sat together for about an hour. I had to bring her back periodically as she seems to zone out. At one point she got a chill and I went to her room to get her sweater. I found out she is no longer able to dress herself and I had to put her arms in the sleeves just like how I used to dress my children. It was fairly obvious she didn'™t really know who I was, but she did know that whoever I was, she loved me and she made a point to tell me so. I couldn'™t ask for anything better.

Lessons and Carols

Entry for December 06, 2006 Lessons And Carols

Dec 6, '06 12:31 AM for Julie's contacts

M and I just returned home from "A Service of Advent Lessons and Carols". What a wonderful way to begin the Christmas season. I love the music!! I love having the opportunity to lift my voice in song along with the pipe organ, it is a treat I don'™t often have. D did a wonderful job as always. The blending of Scripture and hymns was excellent. I am so thankful that the bad weather held off so we were able to go. After the service we went downstairs for some treats and D invited us to join him and his parents at their table. I was surprised that his mother remembered me, it has been several years now since we last saw each other. She is always very sweet to me.

This year I find myself truly celebrating Advent more than I have in past years. Most of the hymns we sang tonight I wasn't familiar with, but they blessed my heart with their texts of hope and anticipation. I had a very nice evening and will go to sleep tonight with a hymn on my heart. Savior Of The Nations Come.