Thanksgiving Weekend

My Thanksgiving was good, though very painful. My son came up (he's taking care of his girlfriend's dog, Simba while she's out of town, so he came too) and of course Daughter #2 was here. Daughter #3 and her Hubby couldn't make it, but plan to be here for Christmas. Last Sunday my back went out, well, I went to the chiropractor on Wednesday and I was WAY OUT! She put me back in, but the muscles on one side were almost like they were sprained. She said I could even have some micro- tears in it and it would be several days before I felt relief and she was right. She told me walking would be fine, but no lifting. Sooooo the bad thing was every time I moved I was in pain...shoot I was in pain constantly, no matter what I did so cooking dinner was so hard! The good thing was I got much more help than I normally do...too bad I had to be laid up before that happened. Daughter made two pies and two cheese spreads and set the table. Hubby and Son helped with moving the turkey in and out of the oven and they both also helped clean up dishes after. It was hard to relax though no matter what I did. It still hurts, but it's much better. I just hope I can get back to my workouts this week. Even after all that, I'm so thankful for so much in my life, it would take volumes to list it all. 

Our houseguest,Simba afforded us lots of laughs, he sure is full of energy! He is a two year old Golden Retriever and poor old Gil at age 15 had a tough time keeping up. I'm trying to upload a video, but Blogger is just not cooperating!

While the turkey was cooking Son wanted me to show him the new organ, so we went to the church and I played for him. He and Daughter took video of me, but they have yet to send them to me. It made me so happy that he was interested enough and cared enough about me and what was important to me to ask to hear me play! That's so rare in my life these days. He said he liked it and said he was so happy for me.

Friday Daughter had to work so Son and I went downtown shopping. It wasn't too bad because most people were up the hill in Shop-Ko and Walmart. I bought myself a metronome for the organ and a new belt. My Christmas shopping is already done. Son was happy to find his girlfriend's Christmas gift. We had lunch with Daughter after she got off work, then spent the rest of the day/evening watching Castle and relaxing. Saturday I took some time to go practice and the rest of the day was more Castle...I got Son hooked  hee hee. He started watching them online and trying to catch up, so I was happy to help him LOL! 

Church went well today and Son got to hear me play again and sing with the new organ. We went out to dinner at a local Mexican place we all enjoy and when we got home he had to pack up and leave. Daughter is out with friends and Hubby is reffing a game. The house is so quiet now. I should be cleaning and taking down my fall decorations and preparing for Christmas, but I'm just not in the mood. It just doesn't seem like it's possible that's it's the Christmas season! My "to-do" list is so long and I just want some time to take care of personal things. 

When Overwhelmed is an Understatement

I just went back to see when my last entry was...almost 2 weeks ago. Everything is such a blur that I've had to go back through the entries on my desk calendar to remember what happened last week.

Last week was pretty normal - whatever normal is. It was a busy teaching week and the weekend was even busier with two parties to attend on Friday evening, one for Steeped Tea and the other for Partylite. The mom of a former student does a Partylite party every fall and I always go to see her and her sister in law who also had a daughter that took lessons from me - it's the only time I ever see any of them anymore. I had never been to a Steeped Tea party, but it was nice, I bought some tea for stocking stuffers and got to visit with some other ladies I rarely see anymore. Saturday morning was the annual rummage sale at the scrapbook store. I got lots of beautiful paper...12x12 sheets for only .10 each!! Fortunately my friend gave me a ride home as the weight of the paper and the rubber stamps I bought was quite heavy and I walked because daughter #2 borrowed my car while hers was in the shop.

Tuesday and Wednesday (the 12th and 13th) the boxes were constructed for the organ speakers, the holes were cut in the wall and the speakers were installed. The music director who also operates the Bible camp and has lots of woodworking experience took most of the work off my Hubby's shoulders which was a blessing as Mel is one of those guys that when he gets the urge to do something he goes at it with a vengeance until the job is done. With Hubby's schedule, it would have taken longer. Sunday was my first Sunday playing the organ with everything in place and it was a bit disappointing. I was still unable to hear the organ during congregational singing, mainly because of the percussive nature of the piano which means any chance of being creative, using different settings for different verses of some hymns is now not a possibility because if I can't hear with what I had going it would be much worse with anything else except something bigger...which brings up another point. Comments that came back after the service were "sounds great", "nice tone colors" and "is there a volume control on that thing". Too loud?? Really??

Monday afternoon was spent trying to figure out what to do about the volume. I am torn between wanting to allow the organ to be all it should be and not offending anyone. As a result, I found myself dissolved to tears and overwhelmed with stress. I came home and emailed my mentor, David and almost immediately a reply came back: "Is there anyone up at the church after eight tonight do you want to go over for just a bit and I can listen and see what's going on?  Call me- if you wish".

I called. I was concerned about him driving up as the roads were slippery but he said not to worry and promised to be careful. Hubby and I met him at the church where he played with the organ for about 10 minutes or so. I could sit and listen to him play and change registration and play some more for hours! Pastor T came in and talked to Hubby and I while he played. Pastor T said it sounded great...sure it did...the master was making music! The conclusion that night was that nothing in the organ needed to be adjusted, he found everything to be sounding good. His wise counsel was that I learn to cope with the difficulties as there is nothing to be done about the situation and that I have put off learning to comfortably use the expression pedals far too long and now I have no choice. "Julie, we've had this conversation before", he said. Yes, I know.

His encouragement overshadowed the mild scolding and in his eyes I found both love and pride. I needed that so much. I needed him to tell me it wasn't perfect, nothing is this side of Heaven, but that it was going to all be alright and I would learn to adapt and be fine. It's his faith in me that has kept me studying the organ through the years - sometimes I think he must wonder what he got himself into when he took me to hear the pipe organ for the first time!

Wednesdays practice day was better, but my tension has made it's way up to my shoulder and neck to the point where I had to visit my chiropractor yesterday. Nothing really out of place, but she did do some manipulation and I feel some relief today. I was supposed to go over and practice again today, but I can't start my car! Hubby had a very bad day at work yesterday, left this morning before I was up and never came home for lunch. He was supposed to jump it, but I think his work troubles have caused him to forget all about it. I just hope I can get to the church tomorrow...Hubby will have need of his truck and we have a heavy snow warning for tonight into tomorrow. I also just found out we are having communion on Sunday and so I have three more short pieces to prepare! In addition I need to do a big grocery trip tomorrow and should stop by the scrapbook store and there is a craft bazaar I was hoping to see. If I'm mobile it will be a busy day...if I'm not it will be stress filled, spent worrying about pulling everything together in the hour before church begins on Sunday morning. 

Last Sunday was also the Music Teacher's Association's Fall Recital...it went well and for the first time ever my studio was the most represented. We are already planning the next one, our Family Recital for just my studio - it will be on the 15th of December. 

I hate to say it, but I'm actually looking forward to the new year when, hopefully, my life will slow down some. I haven't even been able to think about Christmas gifts and writing out cards. 

SO...that's what's on my mind this afternoon. I did spend some time reading all your blogs that I have missed. Take a moment to say thank you or send a note of encouragement to your church organist or musicians...they have a lot to deal with. 

So Much Music, So Little Time

The last two weeks (I think it's been two weeks) is a blur. I remember some highlights, but I've been spending 3 1/2 hours at a time, 3 -4 days a week on the organ while at the same time, teaching 15 students and trying to cook for my husband and keep his laundry done. I'm trying to practice music for the coming Sunday as well as the big Thanksgiving service we are having and I have to start work on Christmas music if I'm going to have anything ready in time. Organ practice is mentally, emotionally and physically depleting. I haven't been online much and when I do get on, I'm so tired that I can't think clearly enough to put words into sentences, so I find myself on Facebook mindlessly playing a few games, liking, sharing and shutting it down again.

I have played the organ twice now in public but I'm having a very hard time until the speakers get in place and I can hear it like it's supposed to be. My mentor went on vacation for a week, I can't wait until I can see him again...I have so many questions. The men were gathering in groups yesterday talking about how the speaker job is going to get accomplished, I'm told they should be up and finished before next Sunday. Hubby will be so happy to have this project behind him, but it has been such a labor of his love to me. I can't tell you how much my heart swells when I think of all he has done to make this possible. If it wasn't for his hard work it wouldn't be...it just wouldn't. I'm excited to start planning our dedication celebration, but also very nervous because I want it to be perfect and I know that's not possible.

Friday afternoon I had planned to practice, but found myself being called away to spend some time with daughter #2. We visited a favorite shop which is open only one weekend a month and then she showed me around campus - the places where she spends most her time. It was a great afternoon.

I'm supposed to be working on cards, but I haven't had time to do that either. I need to make thank-you's for all the men who have helped with the organ installation, thank-you's for ladies who donated card supplies, cards to sell for the organ fund, cards for the visitation committee at church to send to church members and a get well card for Hubby's friend, not to mention my own Christmas cards! I was urged to try and take part in the Artist Trading Card trade this past Saturday and so I spent Friday night until 11:30 working on them and was back at them at 8:00 a.m. I finished 12 cards in time for the trade at noon. Probably not the best use of my time, but it keeps me active in the group.

After church yesterday I canned what tomatoes we were able to salvage from our crop this year, I only put up 2 quarts. Last night after church we had a pie social, so I brought an oatmeal pie I literally threw together in an hour. While we ate, I was able to touch base with an old friend. Years ago we used to have a Bible Study together and we were close, or so I thought we were...I wanted us to be. There is still something there, but it's like there is a barrier there. It seems that happens a lot, it must be me.

Well, I have been reading posts, just not responding much and I'm sorry but I honestly don't see that changing much until after Christmas.

We Will Make Art

I am joining Emily Freeman today at Chatting at the Sky in her linky party on the final day of her series, 'We will make art'.

I am so giddy with excitement and anticipation! Twenty years of frustration with a substandard instrument, literally retarding my skills; twenty years of praying for intervention have finally come to an end.

I have been a church organist for 20+ years but have just recently...very recently been blessed by God with a new to us church organ. It has been quite a journey getting it here and the journey will continue as we learn and grow together, the tool and worker. I will make art as I learn how to join the congregation with the organ to sing God's praise. I will make art as God leads in a ministry of music through the organ in His church.

He has worked this out in so many obvious ways; He has timed each detail down the the final seconds. Time and work continue as we get closer to the first sounds of the new organ blending with the voices of the congregation.

God is The Artist and He is blessing me to be an artist too.

Thank you Emily for your inspiration, I'm looking forward to reading your book A Million Little Ways. 

Church Mice

The organ keys finally arrived on Monday. My usual practice day on the pipe organ is Monday, so I sent my mentor a quick email at lunch time and told him Hubby and I were on our way over to get it powered up and see if everything was in working order and to join us if he could. He wasn't far behind us and I was so glad. After Hubby got it all wired in and he and my mentor worked some bugs out of the pedal placement, we turned it on and played it for the first time. I should have taken a camera. I played a few notes and then my mentor played some so I could go out into the room and hear what it sounds like. It was so wonderful that he has been a part of this all along. When I sent him the pictures of it in place for the first time, this is what he had to say: 

Thanks for the note and pictures.  Wow.  It all is very beautiful.  You know, as soon as I saw the photo of the console in place I thought, "This is my dream for First Baptist, too"...and has been for years and years.  I didn't know that that was the case...meaning: my thoughts have been more with you and you learning the organ and the literature for your actual ministry of music.  This means that all gets shared and I'm glad I am so happy for my Baptist friends in their blessing.

The men left and I practiced from 2 until 4:30, it was quite a workout! I told Hubby about a few problems I was concerned about and he was afraid we might have a bad board, so in order for him to sleep that night, we went back over at 8:00 after Awana and decided to return everything to factory settings; we worked until 10:30. I kept my mentor in the loop and let him know what we had done and this is what he had to say: 

Good for you folks!  That's just what I had to do - learn it by doing - as far as "How To".  Your husband is the perfect person to be in-the-know about the Rodgers.

Tuesday was my busy teaching day with six students, that night we went back for about an hour and Hubby did some things with the speakers while I practiced. I was back there again today from 1:00-3:30, in between students. I really need my mentor to help me set up my presets, I'm really overwhelmed in that area since I have very little experience with that aspect. Since I've been "borrowing" others' organs all these years, I, for the most part, have had to leave the settings alone since they were not mine to change. He will meet us there again tomorrow night at 8 to help with that and other sound adjustments. I must remember my camera!

It is quite a project as I knew it would be. I know Hubby is getting excited to hear it played in church and was thinking it could even be this week, but I have to have everything set up as close to final installation as possible because I don't want to run the risk of giving any bad impressions. The first time people hear it, it has to sound as good as it possibly can. I understand, his anxiety, but I'm trying to get him to be patient. 

I feel like we've been church mice this week since we have been over there so much. It will be my second home for a while...guaranteed! I can have heat on Mondays and Wednesdays, if I practice other days I may have to make do with a space heater because the church cannot afford to heat that large room so often. This week is going by so fast and I'm beyond tired.

Hubby decided to be "cute" on Facebook today and this is what he posted:

It is difficult to keep track of all my wife's boyfriends . . .
Pierre Cassavant - French guy with "big pipes" she meets at St. Joseph's just about every monday
Martin Felgemacher - A German of lower "rank" she sees at St. Paul's once in a blue moon
Paul Barchoff - Another German whose "ivories" she tickles at St. Anne's a few times on thursday during the summer
Now Sebastian Rodgers - of English descent, was born in Oregon, she sees him at First Baptist (every Sunday)

I did take the time this morning to catch up with you all by reading your blogs. I did not take the time to comment...I'm sorry. Life will get back to normal at some point. 

Whirlwind Weekend

Friday was very busy getting everything ready for my children's arrival. They started arriving around 9:00 p.m. Friday evening; they were delayed coming through the next town because of a downtown trick-or-treat that the businesses put on. 

Son brought his new girlfriend and she brought her dog. Simba is an energetic 2 year old Golden Retriever. He's beautiful, but he and Suki did not get along at all so she had to spend the weekend in confinement and it took a long time for him to settle in with Gilmore. I thought I was going to lose my mind with all the activity around here and the tension between the animals and the girlfriend. She is pleasant, pretty with dark hair, dark eyes, almost Mediterranean in appearance. She talked a lot...a lot...a lot. I don't know if that's the real her or if she was very nervous. 

The whole weekend is a bit of a blur. We all talked for a while Friday night until time to turn in. Daughter #1 and her Hubby rented a hotel room as she has not been feeling well or sleeping well and felt they would do better with the privacy. Daughter #2 had to work Saturday morning so she also did not stay over. 

Saturday morning we took our time over breakfast and later we went for a walk downtown and had lunch at a favorite spot. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and enjoying conversation. Son left around 7 Saturday night, daughter left Sunday morning. It all went so fast and I don't feel as though I got any time with anyone in particular, nor did I learn much about the new girl. 

After church today I cleaned the entire house again, there was so much dog hair rolling around the floor in big puffs...a nervous dog sheds a lot. 

The good news is the house is clean, shouldn't take much to keep up on this week so I can focus more on my projects. 

I didn't even take any pictures this weekend! 

Quick Check - in

It's a busy day for me today and will be busy the rest of the week. My plans for today include:

General cleaning and chores

Wash guest bedding

Start cleaning basement

Dust living room and dining room

Errands - Hair cut at 1:00 ,Media shop to check on my order, grocery store

Teach one lesson

Prayer meeting?

Work on organ installation? 

I wanted to share something with you that I found on Facebook last night. It's written by a friend and parent of one of my piano students. I thought it was so cute and well written. I hope you enjoy. Sympathies accepted. ;)

Dear Winter,
You know and we know that we live in your territory, your home turf. You make the rules up here and we live under them. And, really, we like you a lot. We love the sun glittering off your snow on a clear day, all those winter sports (and the snow days, don’t get me started, those are awesome!). You make Christmas feel like Christmas after all. But, I think the time has come for us to have a little honest chat. Really. Last year we were delighted to see you and enjoyed our time together. But, frankly, you overstayed your welcome. By a lot. Remember Easter? Usually that is your final goodbye. But then it was well into April and you were still partying on. Remember how May came and you were finally making that last trip out to the car? That was a little tiresome. Now we have not even reached Halloween and you have come blustering back with all your luggage in tow like you plan to stick around a while. Usually a quick overnight stay around this time is expected. Maybe even a long weekend. But this? This feels like you have moved in for good, and it’s just too early (There. I said it.). So, Winter, here’s the deal. We’ll be happy to host you for Thanksgiving, delighted to see you at Christmas, and please, stay until Easter if you want (we kind of expect it). But you just can’t get too comfortable yet. We don’t have room for you in October.
Love,
The Yoopers

Looks LIke A Busy Week Ahead

I had a lovely day at church yesterday; there were many questions of course regarding the organ. After church Hubby and Daughter took me out to dinner, one of her friends came along and then we went for a drive to see the last of the fall colors. The afternoon was spent in the basement working on bikes while I played on the computer a bit, then we watched Castle DVD's and had a scrumptious cheesecake baked by my daughter.

I volunteered for a new ministry yesterday at church. I'll be making my card creations to be sent to church folks who are ill, having a baby, in need of sympathy, etc. I guess I'll be busy this winter!

Yahoo seems to be withholding some of my group mails and Facebook won't let me update my status. I'm frustrated with technology this morning.

This week we hope to get the organ speaking at least temporarily to see if everything is functioning as it should and to decide on speaker placement. I have some house work to do and extra cooking as the rest of my family is coming for a visit this weekend - Son is bringing his new girl-friend for us to meet and I think everyone is a bit nervous about how that will go. All that said, I think it will be another week where I won't be around much.

IT'S HERE!!!

It's been a crazy week. The organ arrived on Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. Hubby and I had to meet the semi-truck at the edge of town and escort him to the church. The truck driver merely gets the organ onto the trucks elevator, then it's up to us to take it from there. Two men from church, the mover we hired and my mentor came to help,

he's the one second from the left with gray hair. My mentor was so obviously impressed and pleased at just the way the organ looked; meaning, it was obvious it had been taken care of. We opened up the desk and tried the key action - it felt brand new.

The pedals are barely worn. It was so great that he was there to see it with me for the first time.

We had to put it in they gym entrance until the moving crew could return with the proper equipment at 5:00 p.m. The Lord continued to bless by keeping the rain away - though it threatened all day - and by providing willing hands. Meet Pastor T, he's leaning on the rail giving me a "look" LOL.

At 5:00 we had a new crew on hand and one man that was there in the morning as well. My mentor couldn't make it back, unfortunately. The interested grad student I told you about came to the 5:00 moving and stayed long after the others left and helped Hubby put the post back in at the back door and carry the speakers, bench and pedalboard upstairs. He's the young dark-haired fellow wearing the plaid shirt; t was really nice to see him get involved. It's so cool how God brought this young man to the church at this point in time. Just his presence and his desire is proof to those who doubted me that if we had a good instrument, there would be others to follow me that would be interested in learning. Just another confirmation that this is good and right.

The organ came back out onto the street where it was walked along the side of the building and up the front steps. The climb up the steps was the scary part for me...my job was to hold open the door. 

After the business meeting Wednesday night everyone made a trip upstairs to see it. "Big" seemed to be the comment of the day. Everyone kept asking me to let them hear me play it even after we told them the speakers have to be wired in and that the key was missing. We emailed the company and discovered it was accidently left on a desk under some papers and was placed in the mail immediately with huge apologies. I'm hoping it will arrive today.

The organ looks amazing in it's new home! It was fun taking a few shots of it on Thursday with the morning light streaming in. I wasn't aware at the time how the windows were being reflected in the music rack but I think it's looks cool. 

I had a meeting with Pastor T on Thursday regarding the Thanksgiving worship service he wants to plan. It sounds like it's going to be well done, with no preaching, just some readings, congregational singing, special music, etc. I told him I will do my best to be a part of it if the installation, etc. allows. He said he understood if I didn't feel ready and that he wanted me to feel confident before I play it publicly for the first time. I have to admit though, I am feeling very overwhelmed. Also, Pastor T is excited for our recital/hymn sing that my Mentor and I are planning, but is afraid with other plans going on at the church it might have to wait until after Christmas, which might be best. He wants to do it right and even have a reception after. I was surprised to have one of our church members ask if I was planning a recital and requested to have my mentor join me.  The mover also made it clear he wants an invitation once it's planned and another member after all his complaining about buying a new organ told Hubby that he will be on hand to help run wire and install speakers. 

It's just amazing to me how God made this come together - even the road construction that I was afraid would cause trouble for the truck was finished just the day before!

Last night Hubby and I went over to assess the speaker situation and we took the back off the organ and had a look around. Hubby found the power cord and figured out how to run it out of the console. I had to caution him about climbing too high on the ladder when looking at speaker placement. I'm sure that had I not been there he would have kept going and he had nothing to hold on to. Why is it men take such risks?? He's over there again this morning and I warned him to behave himself. I hope someone else shows up to help him. He's hoping to get it wired today and if the keys arrive I can try it out tonight. The speakers won't be in place yet, but we'll have sound and I can start to practice.

Yesterday I had my annual Dr. visit and mammo. I also went to Walmart for printer ink and to the Co-op for some pantry staples. Winter is coming...we're supposed to get rain/snow mix beginning tomorrow.

This afternoon I'm having a "piano party" at the church for my students. It's a chance for them to get comfortable playing in front of others in a less threatening environment. We'll play an ice-breaker game, play our pieces, have a treat and be dismissed. I'm hoping we'll only be there an hour and a half. A few of my new students told me they can't make it which is disappointing since it's mostly for them.

Well I need to get the house straightened and cleaned and do a small alteration on a blouse for my daughter. 

Thank you for your prayers for the safe arrival of the organ. Please continue to pray for it's installation and that both it and it's organist will be a blessing to our little congregation and the community. God is good!

Come Saturday Morning

Do you remember that song? It's going through my head this morning. I miss the 'specialness' of Saturday morning...sleeping in, breakfast in the livingroom while watching cartoons...ah, cartoons - letting them run on the TV all morning...then just doing something different than the rest of the week. There was no school so if the weather was nice I was probably outside on my bicycle the entire day. Now Saturday is just another day and I spend a good share of it preparing for Sunday and the rest of the week. How I'd love to just kick back and have a fun day.

Oh well...plans for the day are to get a pork roast going in the crock-pot with sauerkraut, potatoes and carrots, start a loaf of bread in the bread maker, clean up the kitchen, juice apples, clean the kitchen again, general other household chores, scrapbook store for ATC trade...can't believe I did a dozen (actually 13, but I'm keeping one) cards in one afternoon. I have to admit sadly, they're not my best work...the theme "office supplies" didn't inspire me. After the trade I'll head to the grocery store for a few things, including the potatoes I need for the pork roast, come home and put the potatoes to boil on the stove since they are late to the party, then clean up my studio which currently is a disaster. Oh and I have to transplant my palm tree; I've been trying to get that done all week. I must make some Christmas cards soon if not this evening, then tomorrow. My ATC's for today:

We have word that the organ will be delivered either Wednesday or Thursday, please pray all goes smoothly.

I'm still having tummy issues - I've never felt like this for more than 24 hours before unless I had a virus of some kind. I don't know what I'm dealing with, but I wish it to go away now.

A Bit Sad

Tonight I'm sad. It's odd, I wouldn't think I would be...but. I got a text tonight from my brother's wife...wow...I just realized how complicated this is going to be to explain. OK...28 or so years ago my brother married his first wife, she was pregnant at the time with what we thought was my brother's child. They did fine for a while, I rolled up my sleeves and bought rummage sale clothes for them - they had nothing. I was there when the baby was born, took care of him several times...became attached. She started sleeping around and all of a sudden claimed the baby (who had features from our side of the family) wasn't my brother's afterall, they fought, nasty divorce and blood tests to prove paternity came back negative...he wasn't ours after all. Yet my mother and I always felt something wasn't quite right...results can be falsified...I don't know, I have no proof, only a feeling. I always kept him in my heart as my nephew even though I never saw him again and my brother only had contact with him on a couple of occasions. He told me once that Allan wanted to keep my brother's name, that he felt he was he father. I can see that his name was changed at some point either by him or his mother. My mother was heart broken. The photo is of him with my parents.

So tonight my brother's current wife (his third) sends me a text that Allan was killed in a car accident. He was only 28...my mind wanders... I wonder what he was like, who he came to be. My brother is currently in jail, I imagine when he hears he will take it hard - something he doesn't need right now. My thoughts turn to my mom and how much she loved him. The "what-if's" keep coming to mind...He was so young. Here is his obituary, reading it I found out a lot I didn't know:

Allan Paul Smith, 28 of Williamsburg passed away October 6, 2013 at Florence, Colorado. His happiest childhood memories were in Eureka, Montana, he moved to Florence where he attended Florence High School. After high school he, along with his sisters joined the Military and served a year-long tour in Iraq. He was so very proud of his military service and the opportunity to serve his country and defend our freedoms. He married Jackie Garcia, the love of his life in 2005 and to their union was born his daughter Baylee. He loved fishing, working on cars and mud-bogging, but most of all he loved his family. He is survived by his wife Jackie; daughter; Baylee, mother; Lorie, father; William, step-father; Randy, sisters; April, Alicia, Nicole and Madisyn, grandparents; Howard and Pauline, great grandmother; Tonya Brady, uncle; Marvin, mother and father -in-law; Boone and Darla, brother-in-law; Ben and sister-in-law; Monica. He was preceded by his grandmother; Bobbie McChesney. Visitation will be held Friday, October 11, 2013 from 6-8pm, at the Harwood Funeral Home, 225 E. Main, Florence. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 10am at the First Southern Baptist Church, 303 E. 3rd Street Florence, Colorado. Interment will follow at Mountain Vale Cemetery, 1700 Chestnut, Canon City, Colorado. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Jackie Smith in care of The Baptist Church of Florence. Arrangements entrusted to Harwood Funeral Services. Online condolences harwoodfunerals.com.

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/canoncitydailyrecord/obituary.aspx?n=allan-smith&pid=167464290&fhid=29059#sthash.03355aSC.dpuf

Allan was a cool guy. He was quiet but he was really funny too. Allan was proud of his little girl and proud to be a soldier. He loved bowling and was really good at it.

October 11, 2013

Allan will be greatly missed!

October 10, 2013

Jackie and Family, on behave of the Patriot Guard Riders of Southern Colorado, it is our honor to Stand and Honor your loved one. We are so sorry for your lost, you and your family are in our prayers. God Bless.

~

Daniel C. Asst State Captain,

Colorado Springs, Colorado

October 10, 2013

Allan's family-Lori, Steve, Pat, Alicia, April, Nichole, Jackie, Baylee, Will, Katherine, Garrett, Russell, Maya, Lily, Madisyn, Jeanie, Jamie, Marvin, Erika, Sheldon, Danica, Darla and all other family,

Some of you we know and some we don't. We're so sorry for your loss. Allan grew into quite a fine young man. Your family will be in our prayers. We pray that The Lord brings your family comfort during this time. God Bless.

Colorado

October 10, 2013

I am very sad to hear about allen he was a close friend. jackie and allen took my daughters and I in when we were in need and that's just how great of a person allen always was I will greatly miss him he was truely a gift from God and I enjoyed the years we worked together he left an impression on my heart that will stick with me forever

I wasn't going to try and go to the ATC trade tomorrow because I wasn't ready, but I spent the afternoon literally throwing together a dozen cards. I think I'm going to make one in Allan's honor. My desk is a mess...I should be working on Christmas cards. 

The tears come and go...I'm not sure why.  Rest in peace Allan.

Goodbye Summer

Today looks like it will be our last day for warm temps. It's been in the low 70's this week...perfect weather! 

 I need to take my palm tree outside and put it in a larger pot, then bring it back inside and I also have to juice the rest of the apples - they are starting to go bad. I didn't have any students yesterday, one cancelled and the others are on every other week and this was the off week. 

I am trying to make some Christmas cards to sell and use the materials that some ladies at church donated. I don't know now if I'm going to have an Etsy Store or not. Looking up how to get it started got me rather stressed - I'll have to open a Paypal account and probably another bank account just for that and I'm weighing cost/work involved against what I will get it return and I'm not sure it's going to be worth it. Plus, I haven't had any time to work on my scrapbooks and I'm not getting any younger. I really just want to add piano students if possible to make more money. I do feel as though I have to make a few cards and at least try to sell them one way or another so I can have something to report to those who donated materials. I got one made last night and hope to do some more today. I have two students today, a total of one hour of teaching, so I hope I can get something accomplished today. 

I haven't been feeling well the last few days so I'm on a juice fast for at least today, maybe tomorrow as well. 

Hubby gave me an early birthday present last night...CASTLE SEASON 5!!  He's so funny, he can't wait to give me gifts when he knows I'm going to love it! We spent the evening enjoying it together.

Well that's about as dry and boring as it comes; I guess I'm in get-it-done mode today and too focused on my projects and the ticking clock. 

Glorious Fall Day

 It was a glorious fall day today - almost more like summer than fall except for the colors of the trees. All my students cancelled and I almost went into town but I just couldn't justify the expense of gas, lunch out and shopping so I stayed in my studio and caught up on some correspondence and card making for family and friends. I made a get well card for Gordon, a

a card for my mother-in-law,

and one for my cousin. I just love the pumpkin stamp and my new watercolor pencils! 

They went together fairly quickly; writing the letters took most of the time. I still have one letter to compose and I hope to finish that this evening. Tomorrow I must work on my rubber stamp organization so that over the weekend I can make some cards to sell. Two days of consistent effort should get me enough to get my store open. 

This Saturday is the October ATC trade, I haven't even begun to make mine, I'm not sure I'm going to get it done this month, I have too many other things going. 

Daughter #2 stayed the night with us last night, then came back home today after she finished work and is now baking cookies while she listens to one of her books for class. It's good to have her home and though she thinks she'll head home tonight, I hope she'll stay over rather than head back in the dark while she's tired and her car isn't functioning at it's best. 

Tomorrow looks to be our last nice day for awhile. It won't be as warm as today, so I really feel as though I should go for one last walk around the lake...I probably should have gone today. 

We saw a beautiful display of the Northern Lights last night. I'll be checking the sky again tonight.