Freedom Friday: Symphony 5 Movement I by Shostakovitch

I have posted a video of Bernstein conducting the New York Philharmonic in Tokyo (1979). 
Don't hesitate to let me know any additions or clarifications you would make to my following observations:  

low string 2 note call  followed by higher string 2 note answer

Violin descending and ascending melody leading into

Just after 2 minutes we hear descending melodic lines against a brief 6 note ostinato

around 3 minutes Bernstein's closed eyes reveal how well versed he is with this score

at 3'30" oboe solo followed quickly by flute and bassoon (an often appreciated trio in this piece)

then we hear the familiar 2 note call from the beginning followed by horn 3'54" then bassoon and oboe are added
hearing muted trumpet enters in stark contrast instrumentally to the mellow sounds heard thus far

a new feel starts at
5'10" I love the 3 note short short long in the low strings with violin continually modulating melody

pizzacato

arpegiotic bit is heard in cellos  with sustained melodic line in the violins until we hear--low clarinet

flute (just before 7 minutes) followed by  low sustained clarinet again and then more flute

calming violin leading into eerie tremelo then clarinet cat-like melody ---

back to the short short long strings with eerie violin James Bond like melody

Wait, what? piano enters at 8'45" with marcato ostinato theme heard earlier accompanied by horns then trumpets add new sound (this whole section is very suspenseful)

it become Tom and Jerry like at 9'30" all of sudden things have gotten more playful as if all we've heard previously has been transformed (listen for pizzacato!!!)

trumpets and clarinets enter in playfully... horns make a hunters call....
Bernstein's face at 10'30" says it all....too funny and awesome

crash symbol at about 10'55" followed by muted trumpet leads into a staccato swung dotted version of the melody---uh? excuse me, when did this become a march? Love it!!

Low brass are heard with continued trumpet and mallets added along with other more full orchestration
Bernstein gives more great facial expressions at 11'45" like as if he's about to explode

The melody is getting so high in pitch around 12'30" Is it going to exceed my hearing range?

By the 12'40" point a powerful unison section climax is heard with exciting timpani entrances low brass are appreciated as they cap off this section, things get quiet until...

at 14' the short short long with flute beautiful melody and horn accompaniment ---how long is this movement? it's all good, keep going!

clarinet melody with flute counter melody all with continued short short long

woodwind features: oboe, flute, clarinet, bassoon

horn at 15'50" with strings then flute continue with melody that moves things forward while stings add 2 note ostinato call/response until

a piccolo solo 16'53"

more ostinato movement with violin solo melody

celesta is always appreciated--here it plays 3 ascending scales to end the first movement at 18'06"

[My Monday: Dance Dance Dance by Steve Miller Band]

Throwback Thursday: Don't Stop Believin' by Steve Perry, Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain (Journey)

When I play Name That Tune with my students I always point out when the lyrics state the title. When I use Don't Stop Believin' I often have to skip a lot of the song because those words aren't heard until the end. The structure of the music forces us to wait to hear that we shouldn't stop believing. We actually hear the tune of the chorus in the guitar right before we hear the lyrics. When life creates postponements we need to "hold on to that feelin' " Truly inspirational.  
The video I chose today is from a 1983 concert in Tokyo, Japan.

[Freedom Friday: Shostakovich Symphony 5 Movemnet I, as suggested]

"Don't Stop Believin'"

Just a small town girl
Livin' in a lonely world
She took the midnight train
Goin' anywhere
Just a city boy
Born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train
Goin' anywhere

A singer in a smokey room
The smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on

Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching
In the night
Streetlight people
Livin' just to find emotion
Hidin' somewhere in the night

Workin' hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin' anything to roll the dice
Just one more time
Some will win
Some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on

Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching
In the night
Streetlight people
Livin' just to find emotion
Hidin' somewhere in the night

[Instrumental interlude]

Don't stop believin'
Hold on to that feelin'
Streetlight people
Don't stop believin'
Hold on
Streetlight people
Don't stop believin'
Hold on to that feelin'
Streetlight people

What's New Wednesday: Morning Phase by Beck

• Aesthetic (esˈTHedik)
  adjective
  Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.
  "the pictures give great aesthetic pleasure"
  noun
  A set of principles underlying and guiding the work of a particular artist or artistic movement.
  "the Cubist aesthetic"
  
  
  In case you are at a loss for words to describe the feeling you have as you listen to the opening track of this album (posted below) I have given you the word aesthetic (posted above), you're welcome.  When I first listened to Morning I was moved instantly. With each subsequent listening my emotional response increased. The beautiful words integrate with the chord structure, instrumentation and harmony filling my soul until I am brought to tears. Morning is very similar to Beck's The Golden Age (from the Sea Change album). The similarities,as strong as they are, don't distract from any part of the artistry and message of either song. Morning Phase never disappoints me, but rather, builds my appreciation for Beck and his collaborators right up until the final sounds of Waking Light. 
• 
  
• As a side note not all of Beck's albums are this mellow, he is a very diverse musician and composer. I chose this album today because it, rightly so, won the Grammy for Best Album. 
• Here are Beck's career highlights (Wikipedia):
• Early performing and first releases (1985–93)
• Mellow Gold, and independent albums (1993–94)
• Backlash and Odelay (1994–97)
• Mutations and Midnite Vultures (1998–2001)
• Sea Change (2002–03)
• Guero and The Information (2004–07)
• Modern Guilt, Song Reader and independent production work (2008–12)
• Morning Phase and thirteenth studio album (2013–present)
• [Throwback Thursday: Journey]
• Morning by Beck
  Woke up this morning, found a love light in the storm
  Looked up this morning, saw the roses full of thorns
  Guns are falling, they don't have nowhere to go
  Oceans of diamonds always shine, smooth out below
  
  Can we start it all over again this morning?
  I lost all my defenses this morning
  Won't you show me the way it used to be?
  
  I've gone all around 'til there's nothing left to say
  Wrote it all down into something that couldn't be said
  I tore it all down and buried me underneath the wave
  
  Can we start it all over again this morning?
  I let down my defenses this morning
  It was just you and me this morning
  I fought all my guesses this morning
  Won't you show me the way it could've been?
• 
  

Traditional Tuesday: Mahler Symphony 1 Movement 1

I am looking forward to attending a live performance of Maher's 1st Symphony this October and thankfully this Blog has given me the motivation I need to listen to it ahead of time. Today I have included a video of the full symphony but I have only listened to the 1st movement (I plan to include the other movements in future posts). In this video Leonard Bernstein conducts the Vienna Philharmonic, I love his joyous facial expressions.

My thoughts and observations as I listened:
Mahler opens the symphony with sustained strings peppered with an eerie two note motif being passed around in the winds (this returns often throughout the piece). A low clarinet arpeggio interrupts and then quickly the two note motif returns until we hear a quiet brass fanfare.
Strings start to piece together a theme, the horns enter with a church-like melody followed by a short/quiet brass fanfare. A pizzicato moment leads us back to more passing along of this two note motif which then starts to build with dynamics and intensity.
Cellos enter at 4'17" with a bouncy call and responses occur in various sections of the orchestra. The orchestra continues to work together with a sort of question and answer portion.This continues to build until all/most of the orchestra is included in the main themes. Then the symphony returns to passing the sounds around. Beginning around 6'35" I am picturing a calm meadow with lots of animal friends peering out until they feel it is safe to celebrate together, which they do beautifully. When it's time to get back to their safe spots the flute 8'40" (bird) watches over everyone and sings everyone to sleep where they return to passing around the 2 note motif. At the 10 minute mark the drums and cello mark the beginning of the entrance of darker sounds that add a new feeling of awareness while the 2 note motif continues. The horns  come in at 11'10" with a new theme that plays off of the motif. This seems to me to reassure all the other sections (animals) to relax and celebrate as they come in and out with little themes that compliment each other so well that I feel I want to go to this place they've created. The violins finally play a dance like melody at 11'28" until the the flute reminds everyone of the earlier stated melody. It seems like someone is lost at 13'38" where the two note motif gets dark and builds with stronger dynamics. Lower sounds build slowly with some interruptions in the brass until the trumpets celebrate with a fanfare followed by a horn bugle call at 14'48". All is happy once again, as if they found what they were looking for, everyone joins back in with a dance-like melodic theme. I can feel that we are entering the end of the movement as things are building in joyful excitement. The tympani  plays short rhythmic patterns followed by orchestra responses until finally full orchestra ends with a great tah dah! (16:15 ends the 1st movement)

[What's New Wednesday: Beck]

My Monday: Logical Song by Roger Hodgson/Supertramp

I remember listening to this song over and over as an early adolescent. I was drawn to the way the words flew by with few breaks. The lyrics sadly and poetically reveal an individual who was not being heard or appreciated for his unconventional way of thinking. In response, "they sent me away" in hopes of fitting him into a certain mold. Supertramp reveals genius restraint by not letting us hear the saxophone until the very soulful solo break. After the solo feature the sax is beautifully incorporated into the rest of the song. Music students often complain when they have to wait out a lot of rests, the truth is that means your instrument is being featured. Below I have included the lyrics, a video interview with the artist (auto-biographical) and the Supertramp version of the song.

[Traditional Tuesday: Mahler Symphony I Movement I]

When I was young, it seemed that life was so wonderful,
a miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical
And all the birds in the trees, well they'd be singing so happily,
joyfully, oh, playfully, watching me
But then they send me away to teach me how to be sensible,
logical, oh, responsible, practical
And they showed me a world where I could be so dependable,
clinical, oh, intellectual, cynical

There are times when all the world's asleep,
The questions run too deep for such a simple man
Won't you please, please tell me what we've learned?
I know it sounds absurd, but please tell me who I am?

I said now, watch what you say, they'll be calling you a radical,
a liberal, oh, fanatical, criminal
Won't you sign up your name?
We'd like to feel you're acceptable, respectable,
oh, presentable, a vegetable!
Whoa, take it, take it, take it, yeah!

But at night, when all the world's asleep,
The questions run so deep
For such a simple man
Won't you please, please tell me what we've learned?
(Won't you help me?)
I know it sounds absurd,
(Please won't you help me?)
But please tell me who I am,
who I am, who I am, who I am?
Yeah!

'Cause I'm feeling so logical
D-d-d-d-d-d-digital
1,2,3,5
Oh - ooh, yeah
It's getting unbelievable

Freedom Friday: Crimson Tide Main Theme by Hans Zimmer

The film Crimson Tide came out in the mid '90s and the setting is on a US Navy Submarine where conflicts arise between two of its officers. Opening with a somber trumpet solo followed by strings and later a horn response. Percussion and heavy brass add some exciting march-like rhythms build intensity. The second part transitions into long tones where vocals are added. More themes are heard and tossed around various timbres. Surprising yet appropriately the vocals and trumpet finish the piece with the Navel hymn to include an Amen. The first video is the music with no visual and the second video includes the Navy hymn with lyrics. This piece was thankfully suggested by my son Tyler.

Please leave your suggestions in the comments and I will do my best to include them in future posts.

[My Monday: Logical Song by Supertramp]

Throwback Thursday: Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Stevie Wonder--what's not to like? He has a positive energy both in his music and in his attitude, oh and he's blind. His genres include pop and funk and I especially enjoy the variety of instrumentalists in his music. I am including two video versions the first is from The Dick Cavett Show (a talk show that ran from late the 60's to the mid 70's) the 2nd video is a live funk version. The funk version is a big stretch from the more traditional but I love how it showcases Stevie Wonder's musicianship, collaborative spirit and his ever-present expression of joy.

[Freedom Friday: Hans Zimmer's Crimson Tide]

What's New Wednesday: Intersteller Main Theme by Hans Zimmer

In preparing for today's blog I have begun my appreciation for this sensitive and inspired composer. This piece includes beautiful repetitious patterns with organ using piano and strings timbres. I have included 2 videos the first is the Main Theme with photos from the film the second is a video of a behind the scenes view with Han Zimmer, Christopher Nolan and Roger the organist. I love hearing them discuss the collaborative process they went through. Nolan limited Zimmer's knowledge about the script when he started composing (YouTube). Enjoy!

[Throwback Thursday: Stevie Wonder]

Traditional Tuesday: Mahler's 2nd Symphony Movement 5 (part 2)

As expected from the end of a symphony Mahler has reached a dramatic ending but not in a way that I would have predicted. Instead of big brassy sounds and catchy rhythm he uses long tones and tonality. I haven't yet listened to the full symphony but am sure once I do I will appreciate this ending even more. The video I have chosen includes English translation of the German lyrics.

[What's New Wednesday: Hans Zimmer, as suggested]

My Monday: Forgiveness by Matthew West

Matthew West's song Forgiveness challenges me to look within and let things go. As I've mentioned before I'm drawn towards easily understood and singable lyrics, this song delivers. The word forgiveness suggests that I am giving something to someone else but the reality is I am the one who will be liberated, "the prisoner that it really frees is you."

[Traditional Tuesday: Mahler, as suggested]

What's that? unborn chicken voices

Freedom Friday: Paranoid Android by Radiohead

I choose music the same way I do food, picking things that are familiar and that are easily enjoyed. Lyrics are a huge factor in deciding if I like a song. The lyrics in this song are complex, dark and amusing. Wikipedia points out that this song has 4 sections, my favorite of these is the Rain down section as it provides an unexpected contrast to the rest of the song. I appreciate my son Tyler, the most sincere and hardworking music listener I know, challenging me with this song suggestion. Below are the lyrics and a live version:

[My Monday: Forgiveness by Matthew West]

Please could you stop the noise, I'm trying to get some rest
From all the unborn chicken voices in my head
What's that...? (I may be paranoid, but not an android)
What's that...? (I may be paranoid, but not an android)

When I am king, you will be first against the wall
With your opinion which is of no consequence at all
What's that...? (I may be paranoid, but no android)
What's that...? (I may be paranoid, but no android)

Ambition makes you look pretty ugly
Kicking and squealing gucci little piggy
You don't remember
You don't remember
Why don't you remember my name?
Off with his head, man
Off with his head, man
Why don't you remember my name?
I guess he does....

Rain down, rain down
Come on rain down on me
From a great height
From a great height... height...
Rain down, rain down
Come on rain down on me
From a great height
From a great height... height...
Rain down, rain down
Come on rain down on me

That's it, sir
You're leaving
The crackle of pigskin
The dust and the screaming
The yuppies networking
The panic, the vomit
The panic, the vomit
God loves his children, God loves his children, yeah!

Throwback Thursday: A Little Help From My Friends

I chose the Beatles as my first Throwback Thursday artist because they are the number one have to know group from the 60's and 70's. The main lyrics of this song were sung by Ringo Starr and written by McCartney/Lennon. It has a catchy tune with easy range and fun lyrics. Many Beatle songs are musically ground breaking while others aren't. This is the later. I chose two videos one with lyrics and the other from a 2009 McCartney concert with Starr, sadly Lennon and Harrison are no longer with us.

[Freedom Friday- Radiohead Paranoid Android, as suggested]

Ed Sheeran said "Don't" and I'm so glad he did!

What's New Wednesday- Don't by Ed Sheeran

I first 'saw' Ed Sheeran about a month ago on Good Morning America.  The beginning of his song Don't stopped me in my tracks as I was mesmerized by his ability to perform a song with electronic manipulation  - LIVE. BTW: I thinks it's fine to use recordings on TV especially when they are dancing, I wish they would be upfront about it.

I looked up the lyrics to this song and am further impressed with the heart he reveals in this blues meets pop meets rap song. In listening further the last week I've realized that I know many of his songs, Ed Sheeran is a hard working and talented writer and performer.

[Next up: Throwback Thursday - Beatles, Any guesses on the title?]

Don't Lyrics -Ed Sheeran

I met this girl late last year
She said don't you worry if I disappear
I told her I'm not really looking for another mistake
I called an old friend thinking that the trouble would wait
But then I jumped right in a week later returned
I reckon she was only looking for a lover to burn
But I gave her my time, for two or three nights
Then I put it on pause until the moment was right
I went away for months until our paths crossed again
She told me I was never looking for a friend
Maybe you can swing by my room around ten
Baby bring the lemon and a bottle of gin
Well be in between the sheets 'till the late AM
Baby if you wanted me then you should have just said
She's singing

Don't with my love
That heart is so cold
All over my own
I don't wanna know that babe
Don't with my love
I told her, she knows
Take aim and reload
I don't wanna know that babe

For a couple of weeks I only want to see her
We drink away the days with a take away pizza
Before a text message was the only way to reach her
Now she's staying at my place and loves the way I treat her
Singing out Aretha, all over the track like a feature
And never wants to sleep I guess that I don't want to either
But me and her we make money the same way
Four cities, two planes the same day
And those shows have never been what its about
Maybe well go together and just figure it out
I'd rather put on a film with you and sit on the couch
But we should get on the plane or we'll be missing it now
Wish I'd have written it down, the way that things played out
When she was kissing him how
I was confused about
She should figure it out
Why I'm sat here singing

Don't with my love
That heart is so cold
All over my own
I don't wanna know that babe
Don't with my love
I told her, she knows
Take aim and reload
I don't wanna know that babe

On my hotel door
I don't even know if she knows what for
She was crying on my shoulder
I already told you
Trust and respect is what we do this for
I never intended to be next
But you didn't need to to take him to bed, that's all
And I never saw him as a threat
Until you disappeared with him to have sex of course
Its not like we were both on tour
We were staying on the same hotel floor
And I wasn't looking for a promise or commitment
But it was never just fun and I thought you were different
This is not the way you realize that you want it
It's a bit too much too late if I'm honest
And all this time God knows I'm singing

Don't with my love
That heart is so cold
All over my own
I don't wanna know that babe
Don't with my love
I told her, she knows
Take aim and reload
I don't wanna know that babe

Don't with my love
That heart is so cold
All over my own
I don't wanna know that babe
Don't with my love
I told her, she knows
Take aim and reload
I don't wanna know that babe

Traditional Tuesday: The Planets -Holst (Holst gotta Hold of Me)

Traditional Tuesday - The Planets by Gustav Holst

I really pushed myself for this first Tuesday entry with this 50 minutes piece. I listened to almost all if in one sitting and it way exceeded my expectations. At this point Jupiter (about 7'30") is my favorite as it creates emotion through both excitement and sensitivity. I wrote down my immediate thoughts as I listened to each movement and have included them below. I will also embed a YouTube version I found that I chose because it includes all the movements. There are better versions but I liked that this was a one stop shop. If you want to dig further on your own, look up why Earth and Pluto are not included. 

[Looking ahead: What's New Wednesday--- Ed Sheeran]

From Wikipedia:
Mars, the Bringer of War
Venus, the Bringer of Peace
Mercury, the Winged Messenger
Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity
Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age
Uranus, the Magician
Neptune, the Mystic

My thoughts as I listened:

Mars-- includes  a rhythmic fan fare sort of like the beginning of "Shout" it also has a lyrical section "we're almost there, we're almost there"
Venus-- serene very Debussy-ish, horns were the only brass I think, love the celeste 
Mercury -- shorter, bouncy short themes passed from section to section sometimes passing it off mid thought, 3 flutes and two piccolos, LOVE THAT! Celeste returns, lovely
Jupiter-- exciting and thoughtful with great tambourine. I especially loved when it when into 3 with a heavy downbeat this section was followed by a nautical like folk "song" section (almost brought me to tears)
Saturn--starts with flute and the other sections playing 2 pitch themes (often repeatedly) finally broken by harp with 3 pitch theme then long sounds in high winds sort of like rain or waterfall sounds
Uranus--the tambourine is back along with march-like themes with a quiet section near the end
Neptune--very mystical, quiet, flowing and surprisingly a chorus of women adding long sustained aw's towards the end 

From God for Johnston from Manilow for the World Wide Symphony

My Monday: Anything I know and love

I Write the Songs was written by Bruce Johnston and made popular by various artists in the 1970's.I learned this song around 5th grade in school choir. One of my sister's had a record of Barry Manilow singing this song and so I have always attributed the song to him. The meta-ness of this song has always amused me but today as I listened to it, for the first time in years, I realized that it was about God. I looked up who wrote it and learned (Wikipedia) that a member of The Beach Boys wrote it and that Bruce Johnston credits God to be the true source of his songs. 

Below are the lyrics and a video. Wikipedia states that Manilow was concerned about performing this song because he was afraid that people would think he was singing about himself, this video plays off of that concern. 

           [Spoiler: Traditional Tuesday will highlight The Planets -Holst]

 

I've been alive forever
And wrote the very first song
I put the words and the melody together
I am music and I write the songs

I write the songs that make the whole world sing
I write the songs of love and special things
I write the songs that make the young girls cry
I write the songs, I write the songs

My home lies deep within you
And I've got my own place in your soul
Now when I look out through your eyes
I'm young again, even tho' I'm very old

I write the songs that make the whole world sing
I write the songs of love and special things
I write the songs that make the young girls cry
I write the songs, I write the songs

Oh, my music makes you dance and gives you spirit to take a chance
And I wrote some rock 'n roll so you can move
Music fills your heart, well that's a real fine place to start
It's from me, it's for you
It's from you, it's for me
It's a worldwide symphony

I write the songs that make the whole world sing
I write the songs of love and special things
I write the songs that make the young girls cry
I write the songs, I write the songs

I write the songs that make the whole world sing
I write the songs of love and special things
I write the songs that make the young girls cry
I write the songs, I write the songs

I am music and I write the songs

Music Blog Coming Soon: Kick off Monday 7/13/15

Confession: I am a certified music teacher who rarely feels compelled to tune into someone else performing. I admire how my son, daughter and husband do so on a regular basis each in their own unique way. I have designed this Blog to spur me towards listening to a variety of music on a regular basis as I am committed to sharing my observations, thoughts and feelings.

Blog schedule below, please note that I'm open to suggestions:
                                              
Mondays -My Monday: Anything I know and love
Tuesdays -Traditional Tuesday: Serious 'Classical' music
Wednesdays -What's New Wednesday: Nothing over 5 years old
Thursdays -Throwback Thursday: Songs/Artists we should know 1960-1985
Fridays -Freedom Friday: ???? leave suggestions in the comments

21st Day of 21 Days of Thanks

Today's Meditation:

"Reject negative or sinful thoughts as soon as you become aware of them...Go on your way lightheartedly."* Knowing I am not responsible for my thoughts being evil until I become aware of them is very liberating. I don't need to worry about what I haven't realized, an impossible task to be sure. Not to diminish the fact that I need to own up and be responsible for what I have realized. There are some broken relationships in my life that I am out of control to fix. I am allowed to have thoughts about these in a caring and loving way but it's not healthy for me to linger on thoughts of contempt. 

*Jesus Calling -Sarah Young

Today's Thankfulness:

Reference Letters: As I have been submitting job applications it has been so encouraging to read the reference letters written for me. The precise examples and broad statements of confidence in me gives me great confidence and a comforting sense of support.

Job Opening: How amazing that yesterday the last day before I posted my 21st Day of Thanksgiving I learned that a job I've been waiting and hoping for has officially opened. I in no way think that I a shoe-in but I am excited to hope, dream and pursue it. I find the timing of this opening amazing as I would never have considered applying for this position under ANY other circumstances. 

Day 21: I've enjoyed the journey of writing these last 21 Days This journey made me aware (through the comment of a friend) to read the book "Love Wins" by Rob Bell that is both comforting and challenging me. In the days ahead I will be considering other topics to Blog about. In the mean time, I will continue to share thanksgiving and meditations from time to time.

Second to Last Day of Thanks!

Today's Meditation:
Today's entry is challenging me to listen to God and to not be distracted by life's clamor. I am easily distracted both by outside and inside influences. I am not a hyper person but my mind skips easily from one thought. To compensate for this I write down a lot of thoughts as I read or listen to a presentation. This Blog has helped me to refocus on God in a similar way.
Jesus Calling -Sarah Young

Today's Thankfulness:

Rocket and Annie: I am dog sitting these two animals this week and in many ways they have saved my life both physically and mentally. They have given me a sense of purpose and gotten me out into the fresh air at a time when I was feeling unmotivated and lazy. Perfect timing.

J.K. Simmons: I haven't seen, in fact I can't even I remember the title of the movie he recently won the 2014 Academy Award. I do remember that in his acceptance speech he encouraged us to call our parents, not text, not email, Call.

Photos: My daughter once told me that she really appreciated how I have organized all of our early family photos into albums. Nowadays I post photos online. I enjoy taking pictures and looking back at them. My husband, at my request, created numerous shelves in our dining room that I use to display family and extended family photos. Our family is scattered across the US and I love eating among their loving images as they are always close to my heart.

Almost Done or Just Getting Started?

Today's Meditation:
"Gratitude enables you to perceive Me more clearly and to rejoice in our Love-relationship....I long to make your life a glorious adventure, but you must stop clinging to old ways." I've been doing a lot of mental clinging these days, may my own thankfulness deter me from worry.
Jesus Calling -Sarah Young

Today's Thankfulness:

Bathroom: Last year at this time we were deep into our bathroom renovation with no shower for the whole month of July. This year it is a beautiful new room that I proudly love.

Thoughtful Evaluations: When I student taught I had two advisers who did an excellent job of watching me teach and giving me feedback. They were VERY encouraging but didn't hold back from letting me know where my true weaknesses were. I often think about the things they said and how I was able to grow from their suggestions.

Considerate People: I have often witnessed students straightening the chairs while others ran out when the bell rang. I also enjoy the lone student who smiles at my attempt at humor that otherwise fell flat. True character shown when no one seems to be watching is a beautiful thing.

Happy 4th of July!

Today's Meditation:
We are heard as we praise and thank Him, we are encouraged to do so continually.

Today's Thanksgiving:

Judah Park: Our yard leads right into its concrete walking path. When we were considering buying our home I asked a wise slightly older friend what she thought and she said, "I can't think how it could be a bad thing."

Emoticons: Expressing myself with small images is perfection. #emoticentences

French Fries: I especially like big potato-y steak fries.

Happy Birthday United States of America!

Any news?

Today's Meditation:
Leave the condemning to God. That goes for ourselves and others.

Today's Thankfulness:
CNN: We've been watching this station each morning for the last couple of years. I am by no means an informed person but I would definitely be up for the most improved award. I like how they give the headlines with a limited amount of fluff.

Car: We didn't have a car for a few months of our early marriage, a challenge I would not like to repeat. Cars save us so much time and provide a lot of convenience.

Fireworks: I love watching and reflecting on all that is wonderful.

Take a Dive

First posted summer 2015

Today's Meditation:
"Take a deep breath and dive into the depths of absolute trust in Me. Underneath are the everlasting arms"* I've always loved swimming. As a kid I would get so excited about knowing I was going swimming my stomach would get butterflies. Pool, creek, river, pond, lake or ocean? yes yes yes yes yes and yes Diving down to reach the bottom is challenging and thrilling, I'm not a competitive swimmer and have no formal training other than lessons during summer breaks from elementary school. I need to trust, take a deep breath and dive deep. Yikes!
Jesus Calling -Sarah Young

Today's Thankfulness:

Nora Ephron: Nora Ephron's insightful words, thankfully, live on in the form of interviews, movies, books and recipes. Her movie You've Got Mail got me through graduate school. "You are daring to believe that you could have a different life" is a quote I clung to as I worked towards becoming a teacher. Now that I find myself jobless I wonder if I'm letting that woman (me) down. I recently read her book, I Feel Bad About My Neck in which she shares about how her mother said "Everything is copy" I'm so glad she listened to her mom and used this saying to guide her writing.

Jerry Seinfeld: There are few shows that the Haddock family agree on and Seinfeld is one of them. This past March my appreciation of Jerry Seinfeld went to another level. I began watching his internet show Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee followed by a fairly thorough YouTube search of him.  He has shared his reasons for walking away from the sitcom when NBC would have given him anything. In short he didn't want to experience the point when the popularity of the show went down in popularity. He stated that in order to know when it was 'the highest' it would have to go down. These thoughts led me to have the courage to leave my job with similar timing. Jerry jokes about himself saying how he is an uncaring person. I see kindness and wisdom in a not a people person package. It's almost eerie, and completely hilarious, how he often shares analogies and makes broad statements about things that my family has already observed and discussed. I long to know more about his parenting views and his seeming disdain for coddling kids. Jerry Seinfeld has led me to many self actualizing moments of which I am extremely thankful.

Oprah: I once had a goal of being on The Oprah Show. Oprah loves celebrating those who have made a difference. She breathes deeply the inspiring and profound. I am thankful that Oprah has shared her positive approach to life led by her "Aha! moments".

Experiencing #noshortcuts

Today's Meditation:
Spending time productively means focusing on God rather than outside/inside pressures. Timely reading from Sarah Young's Jesus Calling as I've been struggling with how to fill my days of unemployment. I have 6 more days of thankfulness blogging until my 21 day goal is met. Please leave a comment with any appropriate thoughts or ideas regarding how I may continue.


Today's Thankfulness:

Experience: As I apply for various jobs I have been reflecting a lot on my abilities. In the last 20 some years I have a had many jobs and affiliations that have allowed me to develop my leadership and problem solving skills. I have worked with a wide variety of people from various types of backgrounds and ages. I am thankful for how these things have influenced who I've become.

Hashtags: I like how we use these to create and link themes. It's nice how hashtags are often used as a shortcut to say a lot by using only a few words.

Word Processing: I graduated from college in 1990 after spending 4 years using a typewriter for 99% of my papers. I love being able to create, edit and revise without starting over.