Following through

After hours and hours of practice I finally played the song I have been working on at the music party last night. It is such a relief to have it over! I don't remember a time when I have been so nervous but despite the list of excuses I had ready to go I actually followed through on my goal and played the piano in public. I didn't want to go first but I wanted to play early so that I could relax and enjoy the rest of the performances, so I went second. All in all it went well. My hands were shaking so bad I'm surprised that I could play at all but I only messed up once. About 3/4 of the way through the song I hear "Papa Joe answer your phone. Papa answer your phone." which is the ring tone on Joe's cell phone. My mind went blank for a minute but I recovered by just playing part of the interlude and going on to the end of the song. Other than finishing, the best part was that no one noticed the mistake. Since they weren't familiar with the arrangement they had no idea that I left out an entire line! Now that it is over my family will celebrate never having to hear that arrangement of Away in a Manger again!

Winter Wonderland

Growing up in Wyoming I loved the change in seasons and nothing was more beautiful than the first snowfall of winter. Waking up to a world blanketed in pure white was one of my favorite things. (I admit that by the time the last snowfall came I didn't love it so much.) Since leaving Wyoming 23 years ago I have not lived anywhere that it snows in winter. Seven years in Santa Barbara - no snow, nine years on the central coast - no snow, four years in Vegas - no snow, 3 years in El Dorado Hills - one snowfall that melted by ten am and then this Monday SNOW!!! I woke up a little cranky at 5:30 for seminary but when I looked out the window and saw all the snow, joy filled my heart. So many memories! Best of all a snow day! I kid you not, 2-3" of new fallen snow and school was cancelled. No school or seminary for two days. The kids have had a great time sleddidng and snowboarding down the hill leading into our community, building snowforts in the park and snowmen all over the neighborhood. Here it is Thursday and the snow is still here. My own Christmas miracle! These pictures were taken at 6:30am before the sun came up.

The backyard

Backyard

Looking from our front yard across to the neighbors

View up the street