This is the sixth February 29th I've experienced in my life. One of the choir kids at GradSchool is celebrating her fifth birthday today. :-)
More on the conference later! Must sleep now because I'm getting up in 7 hours!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Update in the (almost) wee small hours of the morning
I'm nursing my TAB soda as I continue to work late into the evening. Ah, college. Eh. Anyway, tonight's pow-wow score analysis session with my partners-in-crime yielded some amusing comments:
On a bassoon motive in a Brahms symphony: “I’m telling you, he thought he was gonna be a rock star. I mean, you take this little motive and you can make a whole rock song out of it.”
“He can’t change keys! I’m finally figuring out where the E is in these clefs.”
“Do I bring out the bad side of you?”
“Theme and variations apparently brings out the bad side of me.”
“I hate you, Viola. Why do you have to be in clef of moron?”
(Maybe I should have taken offense at this, as it is actually in the ALTO clef, and I am quite proud of my voice part!)
On a bassoon motive in a Brahms symphony: “I’m telling you, he thought he was gonna be a rock star. I mean, you take this little motive and you can make a whole rock song out of it.”
“He can’t change keys! I’m finally figuring out where the E is in these clefs.”
“Do I bring out the bad side of you?”
“Theme and variations apparently brings out the bad side of me.”
“I hate you, Viola. Why do you have to be in clef of moron?”
(Maybe I should have taken offense at this, as it is actually in the ALTO clef, and I am quite proud of my voice part!)
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Wednesday
Two months from today = my recital. In my degree, this takes the place of a thesis. This is the be-all-end-all factor which determines whether or not I graduate. (OK, that and my oral examination, which I've still got to schedule!) Aack!
On a less stressful note, I'm going to another conference this weekend. Already, I've heard from two former classmates from AlmaMater who will also be going! They're both a few years ahead of me, and I can't help but think how fun it will be to see them again, now that they're fully fledged professionals. (And I'm almost there!) :-)
On a less stressful note, I'm going to another conference this weekend. Already, I've heard from two former classmates from AlmaMater who will also be going! They're both a few years ahead of me, and I can't help but think how fun it will be to see them again, now that they're fully fledged professionals. (And I'm almost there!) :-)
Monday, February 25, 2008
Coolness!
I'm going to be acknowledged in a book! How cool is that?! Last semester, I used my technological skills to assist a professor in formatting material for his book. It didn't take too long, it honed my skills more, and I even got paid (nearly twice as much per hour as what I make as a GA!).
Recently, he printed out a copy of the acknowledgements for me and highlighted my name on the page. The book won't actually be published for at least a year, as he has only just completed it, but I can't help but think how cool this is!
Recently, he printed out a copy of the acknowledgements for me and highlighted my name on the page. The book won't actually be published for at least a year, as he has only just completed it, but I can't help but think how cool this is!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Falling ...
Yesterday was an amazing day. After eating lunch in a nearby town (for which he insisted on paying), Westley and I attended a free orchestra concert. We knew that it was family-oriented, but it was so different being in a concert hall full of families with squirming, chattering children. One little boy in front of us "conducted" the music with his hands. Other small children toddled through the aisles. We enjoyed ourselves immensely, even though this experience was vastly different from all the times I saw the awesome professional orchestra in CoolCity.
After the concert, we went to the mall near the town. We meandered together through various stores (especially Borders) ... and I got quite excited that my favorite clothing store was in this mall! (I don't know of any locations of this chain near where I live.) Westley was completely supportive as I gushed about this store, and he actually came in with me. I've never gone shopping with a guy before, not like this. He waited patiently while I tried on the sales items, was excited to see me model a gorgeous dress (can't wait till warmer weather!), and even got me a different size of the dress I liked. He held my store bag as I put my wallet away after paying and when I reached for the bag, he assured me that he didn't mind carrying it for me. What a keeper. :-)
When we got back to our town, we shared a bottle of wine over candlelight and listened to some beautiful music. Not a single kiss. (Both of us realize that a kiss would complicate this process of getting to know one another, and we're not ready yet.) Conversation was insightful and productive ... and I'm still floating on clouds ... (which could be because I'm tired though) ... I can hardly believe the weekend is already over. It flew by!
After the concert, we went to the mall near the town. We meandered together through various stores (especially Borders) ... and I got quite excited that my favorite clothing store was in this mall! (I don't know of any locations of this chain near where I live.) Westley was completely supportive as I gushed about this store, and he actually came in with me. I've never gone shopping with a guy before, not like this. He waited patiently while I tried on the sales items, was excited to see me model a gorgeous dress (can't wait till warmer weather!), and even got me a different size of the dress I liked. He held my store bag as I put my wallet away after paying and when I reached for the bag, he assured me that he didn't mind carrying it for me. What a keeper. :-)
When we got back to our town, we shared a bottle of wine over candlelight and listened to some beautiful music. Not a single kiss. (Both of us realize that a kiss would complicate this process of getting to know one another, and we're not ready yet.) Conversation was insightful and productive ... and I'm still floating on clouds ... (which could be because I'm tired though) ... I can hardly believe the weekend is already over. It flew by!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Still trying to catch up on sleep, work, communication after last week's conference ... and ... even if I do manage to get back on track this weekend, I'm planning to go to another conference next week!
Must do work now. Fortunately, one of my obligations tomorrow has already been cancelled so there's one thing less to do on my list!
Must do work now. Fortunately, one of my obligations tomorrow has already been cancelled so there's one thing less to do on my list!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
In last night's dream...
I met Hillary Clinton. Hmm. I'm still disappointed that my absentee ballot wasn't enough to help her win my home state.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Wondering ...
... if there's something wrong or weird about me joining a group honoring an ex-boyfriend? While I'm no longer romantically interested in him, he's still an awesome guy. Hmmm.
Disjointed Estrella
When I woke up 90 minutes before my alarm was due to go off this morning (and after only 5 hours of sleep), I could barely move. I'd slept in a weird position somehow, and my neck still aches, even after 2 ibuprofen and 10 hours. Eh.
Must get more sleep tonight and get more work done! I ended up hanging out with Westley last night after going to the grocery store. Listening to classical music + playing a game of chess (he totally kicked my butt but he complimented me on my smart moves in spite of my lack of chess-playing experience) + talking + cuddling (ah! couldn't help it! I suppose cuddling is now allowed again- just no kissing yet!) while appreciating the genius of The Office = wonderfully happy but now tired Estrella.
And now? Lesson and night class #2 of the week.
Must get more sleep tonight and get more work done! I ended up hanging out with Westley last night after going to the grocery store. Listening to classical music + playing a game of chess (he totally kicked my butt but he complimented me on my smart moves in spite of my lack of chess-playing experience) + talking + cuddling (ah! couldn't help it! I suppose cuddling is now allowed again- just no kissing yet!) while appreciating the genius of The Office = wonderfully happy but now tired Estrella.
And now? Lesson and night class #2 of the week.
Monday, February 18, 2008
#300
An 8 hour car ride inspired me to clean my apartment as soon as I returned to GradSchoolTown. I vacuumed, dusted, did some laundry, washed the floors, cleaned the bathroom, and organized my room. I didn't realize my pent-up energy from the busy weekend and the long car ride would help me to be so productive!
Westley came over, and we both worked on homework for awhile before talking, practicing solfege, and reviewing youtube clips of awesome musical performances. I love that he is such a nerd too! :-)
~*~*~*~
On an unrelated note, please remember a friend of mine in prayer. This person is dealing with so much personal chaos at the moment and is in a lot of emotional pain and stress as a result.
Westley came over, and we both worked on homework for awhile before talking, practicing solfege, and reviewing youtube clips of awesome musical performances. I love that he is such a nerd too! :-)
~*~*~*~
On an unrelated note, please remember a friend of mine in prayer. This person is dealing with so much personal chaos at the moment and is in a lot of emotional pain and stress as a result.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Random thoughts after the conference
*I've been moved to tears twice in the last 2 days. Yesterday, an exquisite performance brought me to an emotional release that I hadn't even realized I needed. Today, my brother sent me a YouTube clip of a song he enjoyed, which he's working on in his choir at his school. The performance was from GradSchool's holiday concert last semester.
*Some of my students from one of my teaching placements last year have been involved in one aspect of the conference. They contacted me because they wanted to see their beloved Miss **********. I treated them to coffee during a break one afternoon, and they insisted we take a photograph together today after the last conference session. I was deeply touched that they thought about me and cared enough to make the effort to see me while we were all here this weekend. :-) I hope my future students are as special and dear as these students are to me.
*Expensive conference hotel should have free internet access in the rooms and not just in the lobby (where I'm currently sitting).
*New inspiration for future career= awesome! I get to begin new repertoire this week for my recital ... and I can't wait!!!!!
*I also get to see Westley tomorrow. Hopefully. :-)
*I should sleep now because I have to leave in less than 9 hours on a car ride which will be at least 6 hours. Eh.
*Some of my students from one of my teaching placements last year have been involved in one aspect of the conference. They contacted me because they wanted to see their beloved Miss **********. I treated them to coffee during a break one afternoon, and they insisted we take a photograph together today after the last conference session. I was deeply touched that they thought about me and cared enough to make the effort to see me while we were all here this weekend. :-) I hope my future students are as special and dear as these students are to me.
*Expensive conference hotel should have free internet access in the rooms and not just in the lobby (where I'm currently sitting).
*New inspiration for future career= awesome! I get to begin new repertoire this week for my recital ... and I can't wait!!!!!
*I also get to see Westley tomorrow. Hopefully. :-)
*I should sleep now because I have to leave in less than 9 hours on a car ride which will be at least 6 hours. Eh.
Friday, February 15, 2008
End of the week update
Last time I attended this conference, I was pleased by the experience ... but at the same time, I felt disheartened. Observing and listening to the professionals around me, I felt inadequate. I thought to myself that I could never reach their level of excellence and that maybe I should no longer pursue this profession. I'd be doing my students a disservice because I wouldn't be able to offer them the kind of experiences that were being demonstrated at the conference.
This year, my outlook has been entirely different. I never thought 2 years ago that I'd be returning here as a graduate student in my field.
Instead of feeling discouraged, I feel quite encouraged ... and I feel as though I've been imbued with a new sense of direction for my path. I can't wait to return to campus and continue to develop my skills. What a privilege it is that I can do something that satisfies my soul!
This year, my outlook has been entirely different. I never thought 2 years ago that I'd be returning here as a graduate student in my field.
Instead of feeling discouraged, I feel quite encouraged ... and I feel as though I've been imbued with a new sense of direction for my path. I can't wait to return to campus and continue to develop my skills. What a privilege it is that I can do something that satisfies my soul!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Dreaming of Blue Skies
Last June, I stayed at the home of a friend after we'd attended the wedding of mutual friends. I glanced at his bookshelf and noticed the I Kissed Dating Goodbye book, which I'd remembered hearing about years ago in my high school youth group. Out of curiosity, I picked it up and ended up finishing it later that evening. As the website says, it wasn't so much about dating but about living to please God. As I continued to read, I recognized many of the "dating pitfalls" discussed in the book as issues I'd encountered in my previous relationships. I prayed about what I read because I realized that I didn't want to fall into those pitfalls anymore. I had thought before that since I had dated guys who were Christians that our relationships would still honor God, even though God wasn't necessarily our focus. Reading this book made me realize that that just wasn't enough.
Westley and I spoke on the phone for about 2 1/2 hours this evening. We're both interested in each other but we recognize that it's not a good idea to start dating at the moment for myriad reasons. Thanks to this book and to other things which inspired our long conversation, we've decided to just focus on getting to know each other- hanging out, talking, going out, etc ... but without the physical distractions (cuddling, kissing) and without trying to plan beyond this getting-to-know-each-other stage. This is new and different for both of us (I definitely kissed the last boyfriend on our first date), but we both realized how relieved we felt, having eliminated the exterior pressures and expectations.
I can hardly believe that our first in-depth conversation was on Saturday. He gets me, understands me better than I would have imagined. Our phone conversation this evening flowed so steadily that I was shocked to learn how long we'd been talking. We'll see how this goes- focusing on just building our friendship even when we're aware that we're both interested in more. I feel really good about this, and I'm praying that God will guide this.
~*~*~*~*~
On a completely unrelated topic, I'm hoping the weather clears up so that tomorrow's travels go safely and smoothly!
Westley and I spoke on the phone for about 2 1/2 hours this evening. We're both interested in each other but we recognize that it's not a good idea to start dating at the moment for myriad reasons. Thanks to this book and to other things which inspired our long conversation, we've decided to just focus on getting to know each other- hanging out, talking, going out, etc ... but without the physical distractions (cuddling, kissing) and without trying to plan beyond this getting-to-know-each-other stage. This is new and different for both of us (I definitely kissed the last boyfriend on our first date), but we both realized how relieved we felt, having eliminated the exterior pressures and expectations.
I can hardly believe that our first in-depth conversation was on Saturday. He gets me, understands me better than I would have imagined. Our phone conversation this evening flowed so steadily that I was shocked to learn how long we'd been talking. We'll see how this goes- focusing on just building our friendship even when we're aware that we're both interested in more. I feel really good about this, and I'm praying that God will guide this.
~*~*~*~*~
On a completely unrelated topic, I'm hoping the weather clears up so that tomorrow's travels go safely and smoothly!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Rethinking things
I re-read the last two entries I had written (the first: gushing about my new crush, the second: darning the fate of a possible relationship before it is even a possibility). Both of those entries have now gone to the NeverNeverLand file. Suffice it to say that I do believe that this guy and I can be friends (and be patient without forcing anything beyond that) if I can just cool down my overeagerness at having finally met someone here who is interested in me too. (Speaking of, I think I shall call him Westley, an homage to a wonderful character.)
Now- I better go write and address those Valentines I plan to send to family and friends this week. If I don't get the chance to write again before I return from my travels, Happy Valentine's Day or Singles' Awareness Day! (I celebrate both; my mom is my valentine.) :-)
Now- I better go write and address those Valentines I plan to send to family and friends this week. If I don't get the chance to write again before I return from my travels, Happy Valentine's Day or Singles' Awareness Day! (I celebrate both; my mom is my valentine.) :-)
Saturday, February 09, 2008
*slight grimace*
Eh.
I just got roped into giving up my free Saturday night after the craziest week (so far) of the semester. One of my PartnersInCrime (the only other girl) in our department called me up to ask if I could sell tickets at a concert this evening. Ugh. I was planning to go to support her anyway, but she was calling on behalf of one of her professors, a person who was rude to two of the other PiC and me. (I don't usually hold grudges, but when I remember how he reprimanded us in front of the undergrads for doing something that our Advisor told us to do, I still get irritated.)
I am so counting this evening towards my working hours. Minimum wage to sell tickets. *sigh* I suppose I could do worse.
(Happy post to come soon! Last night's huge responsibility went amazingly well (!) and I'll have to gush about it!) :-)
I just got roped into giving up my free Saturday night after the craziest week (so far) of the semester. One of my PartnersInCrime (the only other girl) in our department called me up to ask if I could sell tickets at a concert this evening. Ugh. I was planning to go to support her anyway, but she was calling on behalf of one of her professors, a person who was rude to two of the other PiC and me. (I don't usually hold grudges, but when I remember how he reprimanded us in front of the undergrads for doing something that our Advisor told us to do, I still get irritated.)
I am so counting this evening towards my working hours. Minimum wage to sell tickets. *sigh* I suppose I could do worse.
(Happy post to come soon! Last night's huge responsibility went amazingly well (!) and I'll have to gush about it!) :-)
Friday, February 08, 2008
Random Reflections
Crazy week!
Temporary additional responsibilities + two large assignments = CHAOS and LACK OF SLEEP and TIRED (but still mostly content) Estrella!
In honor of the Chinese New Yeartoday yesterday (gah! It's late!), partners in crime and I ate lunch at a Chinese Restaurant.
Boy updates: Facebook flirting, furtive glances (with guilty but pleased smiles exchanged when we realize we've caught each other), a conversation in a practice room (with the door open, completely innocent!), and a few chances to sing together have made me rather giddy. I want him to ask me out, but my fortune cookie today read: Don't be afraid to take that big step! Hmmm. (Another thought: Why am I acting like a middle schooler about this?!)
Must go to sleep. Or return to analyzing a movement from an opera. Eh.
Temporary additional responsibilities + two large assignments = CHAOS and LACK OF SLEEP and TIRED (but still mostly content) Estrella!
In honor of the Chinese New Year
Boy updates: Facebook flirting, furtive glances (with guilty but pleased smiles exchanged when we realize we've caught each other), a conversation in a practice room (with the door open, completely innocent!), and a few chances to sing together have made me rather giddy. I want him to ask me out, but my fortune cookie today read: Don't be afraid to take that big step! Hmmm. (Another thought: Why am I acting like a middle schooler about this?!)
Must go to sleep. Or return to analyzing a movement from an opera. Eh.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
A Monumental First
This morning, I did what I've never done before.
I went to the gym.
This is a HUGE deal for me, the girl who got a "C" in first grade gym class because she couldn't skip. This is the girl who was terrified of every gym class after that because she didn't ride a bike without training wheels until she was 8 years old, who didn't even know how to jump rope until she was 9, and who failed the running portion of her high school gym final because she didn't have the endurance (or motivation) to run a mile. I've always been behind physically; I didn't even walk until I was 18 months. (Because I was the first and only child for that part of my life, I'm thinking the not-walking was more laziness than developmental delay.) Suffice it to say that God gifted me in music but not in athletic ability.
So ... when a female GA friend told me yesterday that she was planning to go to the gym this morning, I confided my fear to her. She insisted that I accompany her. So I decided, now that I had a friend who promised to show me how to use the equipment without laughing at me, that today would be the day. I even managed to spend 45 minutes on whatever the machine was (cross-trainer?). It told me I burned 391 calories. Sweet! I felt like I was walking on clouds when I'd finished, and I decided that maybe going to the gym isn't so bad after all. :)
Updated to add: Haha, today is Fat Tuesday. To me, this is an amusing coincidence. :)
I went to the gym.
This is a HUGE deal for me, the girl who got a "C" in first grade gym class because she couldn't skip. This is the girl who was terrified of every gym class after that because she didn't ride a bike without training wheels until she was 8 years old, who didn't even know how to jump rope until she was 9, and who failed the running portion of her high school gym final because she didn't have the endurance (or motivation) to run a mile. I've always been behind physically; I didn't even walk until I was 18 months. (Because I was the first and only child for that part of my life, I'm thinking the not-walking was more laziness than developmental delay.) Suffice it to say that God gifted me in music but not in athletic ability.
So ... when a female GA friend told me yesterday that she was planning to go to the gym this morning, I confided my fear to her. She insisted that I accompany her. So I decided, now that I had a friend who promised to show me how to use the equipment without laughing at me, that today would be the day. I even managed to spend 45 minutes on whatever the machine was (cross-trainer?). It told me I burned 391 calories. Sweet! I felt like I was walking on clouds when I'd finished, and I decided that maybe going to the gym isn't so bad after all. :)
Updated to add: Haha, today is Fat Tuesday. To me, this is an amusing coincidence. :)
Monday, February 04, 2008
Trying not to read too much into this...
When I'm interested in a guy, I often try to run into him "by accident." I might notice that he hangs out in a certain area or that he normally arrives at a certain time ... and I conveniently end up being there ...
For the handsome guy who befriended me on that social networking site ... I don't know if this was intentional or if it was a lucky accident in my favor...
One of my duties is to supervise the lab here for a few hours per week. After I'd been here about half an hour, my newest friend on the 'book walked in. I tried to contain my eagerness and to maintain my composure as he sat down right next to me (despite there being plenty of open seats elsewhere). He opened up a document on Blackboard, and I (who had been checking my Bloglines moments before) had quickly opened up an email account right before he sat down. We started chatting, and I know I didn't hide my enthusiasm very well. I was all smiles and friendly (so was he!) ... and he stopped paying attention to whatever he was reading online. I forgot about the Beethoven piece sitting in my lap which I intended to analyze during my lab time. He had to leave (class perhaps?) after about 25 minutes. I hope I didn't keep him from studying for a quiz or from doing work that he really had to get done ... but at the same time, I don't know if he really intended to do work while in here ... :-)
For the handsome guy who befriended me on that social networking site ... I don't know if this was intentional or if it was a lucky accident in my favor...
One of my duties is to supervise the lab here for a few hours per week. After I'd been here about half an hour, my newest friend on the 'book walked in. I tried to contain my eagerness and to maintain my composure as he sat down right next to me (despite there being plenty of open seats elsewhere). He opened up a document on Blackboard, and I (who had been checking my Bloglines moments before) had quickly opened up an email account right before he sat down. We started chatting, and I know I didn't hide my enthusiasm very well. I was all smiles and friendly (so was he!) ... and he stopped paying attention to whatever he was reading online. I forgot about the Beethoven piece sitting in my lap which I intended to analyze during my lab time. He had to leave (class perhaps?) after about 25 minutes. I hope I didn't keep him from studying for a quiz or from doing work that he really had to get done ... but at the same time, I don't know if he really intended to do work while in here ... :-)
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Silly on a Sunday
When a handsome new student (not the Not-Crush of earlier entries, FYI) joined us this semester, I had been completely unaware that he was entering our program. When I met him for the first time, our eyes locked over the piano and we both instinctively smiled at one another. I felt a little spark but was determined to ignore it. (Unrelated, just after I wrote this sentence, my desk lamp SPARKED and went out. It startled me! How's that for strange coincidences?)
Anyway, circumstances required that we interact, and I found him to be very genuine and kind. There was even some playful teasing (which he started!) as I assisted him in a task. I acknowledged to myself that I was interested, but that I better not do anything about it.
Last week, in our class together, I furtively glanced over at him ... because he is handsome and because I suppose I couldn't help it. At the exact same time, he decided to glance over at me! Aack! I was so shocked at being caught that I couldn't even respond with the shy-girl-eye-flirt,* my signature move! I didn't dare look at him during the rest of our class together. Afterwards, he walked by me and we exchanged brief hellos as we dashed to our next obligations.
Imagine my delight this morning when I discovered that at some point last evening, he sent me a friend request using the ever-popular social networking site. Wonder if anything will happen beyond that?
*Shy-girl-eye-flirt= When caught glancing/checking out a guy, the shy girl glances down, smiles, glances back, and holds the gaze of the cute boy before looking down shyly again. It's a sweeter "come hither" approach, although if I'm feeling particularly saucy, I might playfully lift one eyebrow in a teasing "I'm still shy but I'm fun too" sort of way.
Anyway, circumstances required that we interact, and I found him to be very genuine and kind. There was even some playful teasing (which he started!) as I assisted him in a task. I acknowledged to myself that I was interested, but that I better not do anything about it.
Last week, in our class together, I furtively glanced over at him ... because he is handsome and because I suppose I couldn't help it. At the exact same time, he decided to glance over at me! Aack! I was so shocked at being caught that I couldn't even respond with the shy-girl-eye-flirt,* my signature move! I didn't dare look at him during the rest of our class together. Afterwards, he walked by me and we exchanged brief hellos as we dashed to our next obligations.
Imagine my delight this morning when I discovered that at some point last evening, he sent me a friend request using the ever-popular social networking site. Wonder if anything will happen beyond that?
*Shy-girl-eye-flirt= When caught glancing/checking out a guy, the shy girl glances down, smiles, glances back, and holds the gaze of the cute boy before looking down shyly again. It's a sweeter "come hither" approach, although if I'm feeling particularly saucy, I might playfully lift one eyebrow in a teasing "I'm still shy but I'm fun too" sort of way.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
About the title
I've thought for awhile that perhaps I ought to explain the title of my blog.
It's not completely original.
It's actually adapted from the lyrics of a deeply beautiful choral piece, "Sing Me to Heaven." Some of the lyrics are here, in the form of a poster. The poster doesn't include the opening lines of the text, which I hope I don't violate copyright laws by posting [only an excerpt!] here:
In my heart's sequestered chambers lie truths stripped of poets' gloss,
words alone are vain and vacant, and my heart is mute.
In response to aching silence, memory summons half-heard voices,
and my soul finds primal eloquence and wraps me in song.
The composer, Daniel Gawthrop, wrote about the background of the piece here. I couldn't find a youtube clip that matched the quality of the recording I have, but the mp3 on the composer's own site, here, is absolutely lovely. If you have 3 minutes to listen, allow it to touch your heart, as it has touched the hearts of so many who have sung and listened to this piece.
It's not completely original.
It's actually adapted from the lyrics of a deeply beautiful choral piece, "Sing Me to Heaven." Some of the lyrics are here, in the form of a poster. The poster doesn't include the opening lines of the text, which I hope I don't violate copyright laws by posting [only an excerpt!] here:
In my heart's sequestered chambers lie truths stripped of poets' gloss,
words alone are vain and vacant, and my heart is mute.
In response to aching silence, memory summons half-heard voices,
and my soul finds primal eloquence and wraps me in song.
The composer, Daniel Gawthrop, wrote about the background of the piece here. I couldn't find a youtube clip that matched the quality of the recording I have, but the mp3 on the composer's own site, here, is absolutely lovely. If you have 3 minutes to listen, allow it to touch your heart, as it has touched the hearts of so many who have sung and listened to this piece.
Happy Groundhog Day!
1) A friend posted this link on his facebook page ... http://www.vajoe.com/candidate_calculator.html ... which I found fascinating. I'd already made up my mind about who I'm voting for, and awesomely enough, my candidate was a 78% match, higher than all of the other candidates. Take that, friends of mine, who tell me that I'm a closet-member-of-the-other-party!
2) I just stumbled across a blog owned by someone who lives in my home area. As in, I'd be surprised if this person didn't live within 30 miles of me! I could have sworn that the pictures on this blog were taken by a Panera restaurant 15 miles from my house. Cool, but also kinda jarring. In my home area, my family and I always joke that you can't leave the house without seeing someone you know. Maybe it's someone from church, someone either my siblings or I went to school with (or a family member of theirs), someone from other community events ... Always. To think that I read an entry by someone who lives so close to home was, well, different. I know I've written before that sometimes I forget that other bloggers are REAL people, just like I am. Reading little bits of their lives is like reading many wonderful books all at once. The surprising reality that the stories are their actual lives unfolding, as my own are ... maybe it shouldn't seem so strange to me, but it does.
2) I just stumbled across a blog owned by someone who lives in my home area. As in, I'd be surprised if this person didn't live within 30 miles of me! I could have sworn that the pictures on this blog were taken by a Panera restaurant 15 miles from my house. Cool, but also kinda jarring. In my home area, my family and I always joke that you can't leave the house without seeing someone you know. Maybe it's someone from church, someone either my siblings or I went to school with (or a family member of theirs), someone from other community events ... Always. To think that I read an entry by someone who lives so close to home was, well, different. I know I've written before that sometimes I forget that other bloggers are REAL people, just like I am. Reading little bits of their lives is like reading many wonderful books all at once. The surprising reality that the stories are their actual lives unfolding, as my own are ... maybe it shouldn't seem so strange to me, but it does.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Baffling
Just one inch of snow on the ground. Doesn't seem icy. Not incredibly windy.
Classes cancelled anyway. :-)
~*~*~*~
UPDATED (40 minutes later):
And this is why the girl from the south ought not to have gone to a school in the north. It IS icy. I had no issues walking the few feet from my apartment to my car, but as I unsuccessfully tried to scrape the 1/2" thick ice off of my car while standing in the light sleet ... I finally understood why classes were cancelled. I'm not complaining about the free day off, but I wish I'd known about the storm yesterday so that I wouldn't have left all the work that I could do for next week at school. Because I don't have the means to do any of that work here, I think I will celebrate the free day by reading a book!!!
Classes cancelled anyway. :-)
~*~*~*~
UPDATED (40 minutes later):
And this is why the girl from the south ought not to have gone to a school in the north. It IS icy. I had no issues walking the few feet from my apartment to my car, but as I unsuccessfully tried to scrape the 1/2" thick ice off of my car while standing in the light sleet ... I finally understood why classes were cancelled. I'm not complaining about the free day off, but I wish I'd known about the storm yesterday so that I wouldn't have left all the work that I could do for next week at school. Because I don't have the means to do any of that work here, I think I will celebrate the free day by reading a book!!!
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