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

Peaceful changes

This past weekend we had Stake Conference. Our stake president was released and a new one was called. It was such a spiritual meeting and a sweet experience to feel the changing of the mantle with no fuss or contention. I think about other religions who have councils that meet and nominate people and those that actually have to campaign for leadership and I am grateful that we have revelation as to who Heavenly Father would have serve at this time. I am grateful to have been in the presence of two general authorities who shared their genuine love and concern for each of us, who shared messages of hope and direction. I am grateful to have the gospel in my life.

What was I thinking?

Last Monday night Kevin gave a great FHE lesson on setting S.M.A.R.T. goals. S - specific, M - measurable, A - attainable, R - realistic, T - timed. As he was sharing his lesson the piano was in plain sight and I knew my goal needed to be regaining the skills I have lost by not playing consistently over the last 18 months. I have always wanted to play the piano but had never felt like I had the time and being an adult I thought it was too late to learn. Then my dad inspired me by starting to take lessons in his 60's. If he could do it then I could do it. I found a teacher and have taken lessons off and on over the last 10 years. I had gotten to a point where I was actually playing songs that I once thought were impossible. I'd look at the music and think "really?" there are way too many notes stacked up there for me to figure out, but I was getting there. Then home school arrived and piano went by the wayside. Over the last couple of months I have felt like it was time to get back at it but had not done anything about it. After Kevin's lesson I made a commitment to myself that I would get started. The next morning I opened an email from a friend who has a holiday music party every December at her home. She invites family and friends to share their talents and have a fun evening of socializing and sharing in their love of music. Under the influence of Kevin's lesson I sent her a reply committing to play a song at the party. I know that I have a fear of playing in public and felt I needed to challenge myself to overcome that fear so I replied while I was still thinking about the lesson and before I could talk myself out of it. Playing at the party would fulfill most of the criteria - it makes the goal specific, measurable, and timed. The question is, is it realistic and attainable? I have not played in public because I don't have the confidence that I can do it without panicking and hitting the wrong keys. It is now Saturday and I have practiced everyday but I find myself wondering more each day - "What on earth was I thinking?"

Best way to start the day

I just got home from the most amazing seminary morningside. The topic was scripture study and the speakers were the students. 7 students had been asked to share an experience when reading the scriptures had helped them or made a difference in their lives, then the meeting was opened to the rest of the students to bear their testimonies. It was one of the most spiritual meetings I have ever been to. I am so grateful to be a part of seminary and to spend my mornings with these youth.

Super Ty!

Aren't his glasses supposed to come off in the phone booth?

Favorite Pictures from Alaska