A THIRD of a Century...almost?

Today I turn 33. I know that technically I won't be a third of a century until four months from now---and believe me, we are indeed considering having a small celebration in January JUST to commemorate that significant time!---but I can't help but think it strange. A century sounds forever long, and associating myself with a century, even in a 1/3 fraction, makes me feel...like I am pushing towards ancient. Which is NOT how I feel! I am young and energetic, full of zest for life! So TAKE THAT, you ancient century! Keep your oldness to yourself, why don'cha!

To celebrate the proliferation of threes, here are the top 3 reasons I'm grateful to have been born 33 years ago:

1. my family. I have wonderfully forgiving parents, amazing siblings, the cutest nieces and nephews, and incredibly supportive in-laws! Eric, when I was young and imagining what marriage would be like, I could not possibly have conjured up for myself a more idyllic spouse, best friend, partner-in-everything that you are to me. I absolutely cannot imagine being this happy with anyone else. And our beautiful, precocious children! Man, sometimes I'm overwhelmed with their amazing spirits and ever so humbled to be entrusted with raising them. I love, love, LOVE my little ones! How grateful I am for an eternal family!

2. learning. I love to grow, to progress. I know that is part of Heavenly Father's eternal plan for us, and I'm so grateful for that eternal truth which has and will continue to shape my life. I LOVE learning new things, all KINDS of things, and I am so incredibly grateful to have been born NOW when the gospel is available in its fullness AND when women are afforded so much priceless freedom to learn and grow. I am grateful for a mind that can expand, to think and ponder and to synthesize and create new ideas. Learning for me is definitely tied to scripture, books, and education, but it expands beyond that too. I see sewing, culinary experiments, and painting as extensions of the mind's capacity to grow and create. How grateful I am for education.

  

3. beauty. Oh what a beautiful world. In July I enjoyed the ocean for the 2nd time in my life. It was a splendid day. A day of wonder and contentment surrounded by God's creation. Truly so much beauty in His handiwork. Colors in my garden, an oil painting, or the eyes of my little ones. Music from the throats of birds, evening crickets, piano and orchestra, wind, or clear voices (Josh Groban, Sissel, Hayley Westenra. If you know those names, you know their voices touch something in the soul). Textures and patterns in fabrics or dishes from around the world. Feelings of strength and litheness when I dance--- even though I'd never win a contest for my dancing--- it is the FEELING that is beautiful, which is why I LOVE to dance. How truly grateful I am for beauty, for this beautiful life I am blessed to live. 

Do I feel 1/3 of a century OLD? Absolutely not. I believe that being full of learning, life, and love cultivates beauty IN ME. And therefore, I must not be aging at all. Forever young. :)

#3 How Music Communes with the Soul

Really, actually, I love how powerful music is in conveying things that words cannot express. Including love, longing, determination, fear... I think music is truly powerful, the way it touches the soul, communes with it, and then moves it feel something significant. Today, what it conveyed was testimony.

I am the choir director in our ward (that is a church congregation) and we prepared a song called "I Feel My Savior's Love". I really enjoy this song, for 2 main reasons.

1) when I hear it, it takes me back to being a young girl in primary when I first had those inklings of the Spirit touch me and allow me to begin to recognize my Savior's love for me in all the world around me.

and 2) I love the lyrics even now that encourage me to think about the Savior's active part in my life to bless me constantly.

The arrangement was lovely, the choir did exceptionally well on the a Capella portion, the soloist really shared his testimony, and I had that wonderful feeling that tells me the music really did its job: I felt that communion in my soul, that gentle touch opening my heart to the warmth of the Spirit.

I love how music can do that, don't you?

First Paper and First Sale~!

Just a fun brag sesh:

I am tickled to report that my first paper as a grad student

(a fun little research project

--I'll have to tell you some time about my revelatory experience in the library--

on Mozart's Minuet in D major K355)

was been turned in last night!

Hooray hooray!

and

I sold my first 2 paintings on Etsy last night!

(granted, they were my cheapest listings,

so I'm not making a killing, but still--

someone wanted my work enough to pay money for it!)

Hooray hooray!

and the peasants rejoice!

Edified at the Feet of Christ

Today, I felt like this woman:

as I sat listening to the inspired teachings of modern day Prophets and Apostles, I felt that I was sitting at the feet of my Savior, Jesus Christ, enjoying the peace and love radiating from His messages of hope. I loved all the uplifting stories of faith, the funny analogies and personal experiences shared, and knowing that my loved ones were hearing the same inspiring and inspired things.

So many words were for me in my calling as a teacher,
in my role as a mother and wife,
and in my potential as a daughter of God.

I feel a greater desire to be better,
to draw nearer to my Savior
and partake of His freely offered Love more deeply,
and to more fully offer that love again to my fellow man--
especially my family.

If you missed Conference, take time to view it online. If you don't know what I'm talking about, drop by this website. I know you will feel the Spirit of the Lord and the incomprehensible love of our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ. You won't regret it.

ps. Gwen's favorite parts were dancing to the choir music. She thought that was grand.

Wicked Singing!

Wicked. Not just an 80's adjective anymore. We're talking about a musical with INCREDIBLE music to accompany an equally exciting plot detailing the hidden story of the Wicked Witch of the West. Turns out she and Glinda, the good witch, were college roomies. It is a great story; I highly recommend seeing the musical if you get the chance. I'm still waiting for that chance, so if you beat me to it, don't rub it in please.
Anyway, we had a variety show with multiple congregations at our church. Our University Student Ward (congregation) choir did a medley from Wicked. Kimball, Heather, Kelli, Bishop and Sister Wallace all rocked their lines in One Short Day and Ariel and Shellee did amazing on their solos in Popular. I had a solo/duet with Chelsea Haynie (very talented! Such an honor to sing with her!). We sang For Good, if you know the music. Gorgeous piece. Of course Carrie Jones stole the show with her solo on Defying Gravity, but that is to be expected from a future American Idol contestant! (Or atleast she OUGHT to be one!) We had a blast putting it all together in so little time! And now what will I use as an excuse for having these great songs stuck in my head?

Gwen likes to sing too. As I've been singing more around the house in preparation for this performance, she has picked up her musicality as well. I love it! :)

Music

We got a piano!!!

Some of our good friends (hi Taylors!) gave us their piano for free!!!!! It is a long story, and they are certain they wanted to do this, but really we got the better end of the deal. It looks so warm in our living room, and I love that Eric and I can both play without disturbing a sleeping baby. (we tested it. You can only barely hear the vibrations in her room when her fan is running.)

It has been a joy already! When I sit down at the bench and feel the cool keys under my fingers, I am reminded of how much I love to play. When the melodious (well, sometimes it is clear that I'm out of practice. It isn't always melodious!) strains begin to fill the room, I am reminded of why I need to play. Music is a soothing balm. It brings me so much peace and helps me find that quiet place inside. Very meditative. What do you guys do to feel this same way? Ah. I have missed music. Listening to the radio or even great CDs just isn't the same thing.


Gwen doesn't know quite what to make of it yet, but we'll get her excited about playing it(i.e. banging on it) any day now, I'm quite certain. :)