Another week, another batch of little blogs I never found time to write.
Reading material
This week I had the privilege of reading the completed novel of a young friend of mine. It was called "Land Ho!" Said Cassie. Some of you know my author-friend (and piano student) who wrote this intriguing work. Cassie, the main character, takes a trip to a strange South Pacific island and has a whole mess of adventures. The book reminded me of Jules Verne at times (Journey to the Center of the Earth to be specific, but I won't tell you what part of this novel most resembled Verne--It would spoil the story!) and of Pippi Longstocking at others. Cassie does have red hair, and at one time she even braids it in two long braids, but they do not stick out. Still, there's something about birds with monacles that make me think of Pippi. Now, to wait for the sequel...
Are there really just 24 hours in a day?
I was desperately in need of some time in my schedule. Have some incredible opportunities popping up--but where to put them? Then I was sick for a while. Finally, I ended up crying to God, saying, "How on earth am I supposed to do all this?" So the next morning (Friday), I decide not to work out and just plain work on getting things done. As I'm having this nice, quiet, productive morning, it hits me. I get done earlier than everyone else on Thursday night. I never accomplish anything after that because I'm tired. I can't really crash because we still have students in the house. Basically, it's wasted time. But--if I worked out Thursday night, I could stay home every Friday morning. It was like adding 2 hours into my week. I think God was sitting there saying, "Rebecca, you silly goose! You should've figured that out ages ago." Then He just chuckled. At least, I can make Him laugh! (And, Georges, no comments on how our American schedules are too tight! At least not until you tell me how you can get anything done without scheduling it. lol)
Oh Christmas Carol! Oh Christmas Carol! How many times I play thee.
We've actually been able to get a couple gigs this year. Yesterday, my sisters and I played for the annual "Holiday Stroll." Five people decorate their houses, and a bunch of other people buy tickets to go see them. It raises money for our local symphony orchestra. We played from 1:30-5:00. A little bit of everything--trio, duet, solo, violin, flute, piano. I think we managed to not repeat a single piece! Usually, for these things you just get 20-30 minutes worth of music and keep playing it over and over. It was a lot of fun.
Next weekend we play for the Christian bookstore. No piano there. But, then, we only play for about two hours. Actually, if my lips hold up that long it'll be a miracle. =) On the 22nd, I get to play at a nursing home with my flute teacher's studio. (Speaking of which, I should be upstairs practicing.) We often play on Christmas, too, but we haven't talked about it yet. (What do you think, sisters?) It's nice to get a chance to use our music.
Closing Comments
Ok, that pretty much does it. I'm sure I'll think of some good lines as soon as I leave the computer, but that's just how it goes.
Sunday, November 23, 2003
Monday, November 17, 2003
Mini-vacation #2
I think God decided I needed rest. All weekend I prayed that my voice would be back for my Kindermusik® classes. Well, it didn't look like it was going to happen so I had to cancel my classes today. My one student got a cold and so I've had the whole day off. I've actually had some time for catch-up, miscellaneous tasks, and Bible study.
My voice is finally starting to get better, however. And I'm finally going to go see a specialist and make sure nothing is seriously wrong with it.
The Bible study/reading has been better, too. I'm trying to relax and just enjoy it. I don't have to get great insights or even find some serious application. That will come in time. The thing is that I really do enjoy Bible study at times. I think it is when the pieces start to fit that I really start to have fun.
When I was young, I just read to be a "good Christian." That's not necessarily bad for a child. I learned a lot, became familiar with the language and stories, and developed good habits. Besides, I really didn't know how to study on my own. Then in high school I started receiving teaching that put different Scriptures in perspective. It was like hearing a live performance of a piece you've heard a thousand times on a poor recording. Every note is familiar, but in the live performance it has more life, more meaning. As I started to read the Scriptures in light of God's plan for the time in which it was written, the Word became exciting to me.
I'm not sure that I yet knew how to study the Word for myself, but I had figured a couple things out. #1 The answers are there, and they can be found. #2 I knew enough about the structure of the Bible to start sorting though it myself.
And so I learned to soak myself in a passage until it started to take shape in my head. Then the excitement came when I found a theme in the book and saw how everything in a book or passage related to that theme. Now it's getting even better. I'm seeing themes that go from one book to another. The first example I was shown of this is studying Daniel, Matthew, and Revelation together to learn about the end times. Recently, it has seemed that Deuteronomy (the law), Mark (I have to check on this), and Hebrews have a common thread.
Of course, I don't find all the truths myself. I read other books and listen to sermons. But in the last couple days, I have once again sat down with pencil in hand and Bible on lap to see what God is saying. I am working on the gospels starting with Matthew. It will be some time before I have anything I can write about, but there is a sense of continuity in the book I never saw before.
So why do I write all this? To support this assertion: the Scriptures become alive and interesting when we realize we ourselves can understand them.
And does anyone who reads this care? I don't know. But that's what blogging's all about. =)
My voice is finally starting to get better, however. And I'm finally going to go see a specialist and make sure nothing is seriously wrong with it.
The Bible study/reading has been better, too. I'm trying to relax and just enjoy it. I don't have to get great insights or even find some serious application. That will come in time. The thing is that I really do enjoy Bible study at times. I think it is when the pieces start to fit that I really start to have fun.
When I was young, I just read to be a "good Christian." That's not necessarily bad for a child. I learned a lot, became familiar with the language and stories, and developed good habits. Besides, I really didn't know how to study on my own. Then in high school I started receiving teaching that put different Scriptures in perspective. It was like hearing a live performance of a piece you've heard a thousand times on a poor recording. Every note is familiar, but in the live performance it has more life, more meaning. As I started to read the Scriptures in light of God's plan for the time in which it was written, the Word became exciting to me.
I'm not sure that I yet knew how to study the Word for myself, but I had figured a couple things out. #1 The answers are there, and they can be found. #2 I knew enough about the structure of the Bible to start sorting though it myself.
And so I learned to soak myself in a passage until it started to take shape in my head. Then the excitement came when I found a theme in the book and saw how everything in a book or passage related to that theme. Now it's getting even better. I'm seeing themes that go from one book to another. The first example I was shown of this is studying Daniel, Matthew, and Revelation together to learn about the end times. Recently, it has seemed that Deuteronomy (the law), Mark (I have to check on this), and Hebrews have a common thread.
Of course, I don't find all the truths myself. I read other books and listen to sermons. But in the last couple days, I have once again sat down with pencil in hand and Bible on lap to see what God is saying. I am working on the gospels starting with Matthew. It will be some time before I have anything I can write about, but there is a sense of continuity in the book I never saw before.
So why do I write all this? To support this assertion: the Scriptures become alive and interesting when we realize we ourselves can understand them.
And does anyone who reads this care? I don't know. But that's what blogging's all about. =)
Thursday, November 13, 2003
On being a product tester
The bottle reads:
So why am I soaking in it? Well, the story starts about 2:30 this afternoon. Someone is coming to our door. A slight panic ensues. (Does someone have a student at 2:30 that we forgot?) No, no. *sigh of relief* It's just Nora. She can't stay, but she brought me this symbol of her loving care.
Or maybe not. Maybe there's a subtle message here about how I've been whining about this cold all week. There is that logo on the front of the bottle that says, "No more tears." Is she calling me a crybaby?
No matter what, I owe her a trial of the product. Here is my review:
Hopefully, Nora, I'll get rid of this cold soon. Then you won't have to hear about it any longer. I'll give you back the rest of the bottle as well. You can write your own review. lol
In a warm bath, Johnson's® Soothing Vapor Baby Bath, enriched with rosemary, eucalyptus and menthol, sootes babies with colds as it gently cleanses.
So why am I soaking in it? Well, the story starts about 2:30 this afternoon. Someone is coming to our door. A slight panic ensues. (Does someone have a student at 2:30 that we forgot?) No, no. *sigh of relief* It's just Nora. She can't stay, but she brought me this symbol of her loving care.
Or maybe not. Maybe there's a subtle message here about how I've been whining about this cold all week. There is that logo on the front of the bottle that says, "No more tears." Is she calling me a crybaby?
No matter what, I owe her a trial of the product. Here is my review:
The directions said one capful for an infant tub (I don't fit in those any longer) or three for a full-size. I figure that I still use more water than a baby so I used five capfuls. Essentially the stuff is like a cross between bubble bath and Vicks®. Not unpleasant. I think I may feel clearer now as well. My conclusion--if I had a baby with a cold, I think I would use it.
Hopefully, Nora, I'll get rid of this cold soon. Then you won't have to hear about it any longer. I'll give you back the rest of the bottle as well. You can write your own review. lol
So goes the war
Well, I guess I can't claim record times for beating this cold, but at last I'm done teaching for the week. Thankfully, half my students cancelled today for various reasons. Now, if I just don't talk for 2-3 days, maybe my voice will come back. *sigh* Let's see, not talk during Bible study...well, maybe I'll just write notes. lol
God-sighting: Thousands of little things that have come just when needed over the last months--students cancelling, writing opportunities, an article on the right topic (and available online), another article I needed, and friends. That last one has meant a ton. Thanks, all of you!!
God-sighting: Thousands of little things that have come just when needed over the last months--students cancelling, writing opportunities, an article on the right topic (and available online), another article I needed, and friends. That last one has meant a ton. Thanks, all of you!!
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
I spoke too soon.
The cold gained some ground into my nose but gave up some of its hold on my voice. Not entirely, mind you. After 14 lessons, it isn't doing well, but I can make myself heard more or less. So the vacation's over.
That's good in a way. I was getting to like my time off, but as I taught today, I realized I really do like this work. Even the more challenging students. I just have to relax and let the progress happen at whatever rate it comes. Besides, one of my first graders brought me a big hunk of her birthday cake (enough for my entire family). Now what other job has benefits like that?
That's good in a way. I was getting to like my time off, but as I taught today, I realized I really do like this work. Even the more challenging students. I just have to relax and let the progress happen at whatever rate it comes. Besides, one of my first graders brought me a big hunk of her birthday cake (enough for my entire family). Now what other job has benefits like that?
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
The Lord worketh in mysterious ways
I guess I needed a vacation. At least, God thinks so. That cold I was fighting--well, I mostly beat it except it claimed a final stronghold in my larynx (that's voicebox for those of you who failed sophmore biology). In other words, I can't talk. That makes it nigh impossible to teach so I cancelled most of my lessons today. Might have to do the same tomorrow.
Now for the mysterious part: where did all that extra time go?? lol
Now for the mysterious part: where did all that extra time go?? lol
Sunday, November 09, 2003
More wandering thoughts
I've been playing Christmas music getting ready for a couple "gigs." Jen, Terry, and I have played these songs so many times we only have to go through them once or twice. It's fun, though, to do new stuff.
For some reason, I started thinking about jamming with Georges at camp. He played guitar and I played flute. Too bad we were so busy we could only do it once or twice. I was wanting to do it again yesterday. Georges, we've got to make a date—life's too short to not make music when we can. =)
Terry's finally going to start blogging. She's at musicespressivo.blogspot.com.
How come I can always think of things to blog about until I sit down to write it? Let's see, updates on various things:
One of Jen's students said "Woopsie Daisies!" the other day. Need I add that she's in the same class as my language loving piano player of an earlier blog.
A little more about my naming troubles. I really am finicky. I don't know how I'll name my children. They'll probably have 5 or 6 names because I can't choose just 2. And, of course, there has to be reason and meaning behind the names. In fact, it took me ages to come up with the name I now use for my blog address. Can anyone figure it out?
For some reason, I started thinking about jamming with Georges at camp. He played guitar and I played flute. Too bad we were so busy we could only do it once or twice. I was wanting to do it again yesterday. Georges, we've got to make a date—life's too short to not make music when we can. =)
Terry's finally going to start blogging. She's at musicespressivo.blogspot.com.
How come I can always think of things to blog about until I sit down to write it? Let's see, updates on various things:
One of Jen's students said "Woopsie Daisies!" the other day. Need I add that she's in the same class as my language loving piano player of an earlier blog.
A little more about my naming troubles. I really am finicky. I don't know how I'll name my children. They'll probably have 5 or 6 names because I can't choose just 2. And, of course, there has to be reason and meaning behind the names. In fact, it took me ages to come up with the name I now use for my blog address. Can anyone figure it out?
Saturday, November 08, 2003
Ramblings
Well, what a week! I'm battling a cold today. I really hope it doesn't turn into a full-blown malady. I took two packets of Immunocal (a supplement) and some zinc lozenges. Then I let myself take the day off. I hope that doesn't leave me too far behind. Last weekend I was so happy I was on top of all my work. Oh well, I guess this is what I get for staying so busy.
Well, George, I'm glad you liked my "lecture." We'll have to see what topic I go for next time I get on my soap box.
On summer vs. winter
Nora, I do need to set you straight on a small matter regarding the Earth and her love life. Hardly a time for revelry, Summer is marked by endless labor. The sun scorches Earth's tender skin while she squeezes out brilliantly colored produce. Long, hot days are filled with tiresome hours of exertion. All this for the benefit of the poor souls who depend on her for life. They dig into her, scrape her, grab from her food and covering.
Finally, the cool of autumn ends the long work day. She finishes her annual chores and wraps a red and orange sweater about her tired arms. The trees stop their work and plants no longer push through her to reach the sky. Rivers quiet themselves and finally stop altogether. For a few weeks she rests, 40 winks before the evening's doings.
Soon she will dress herself in delicate snowlace and sparkling diamonds. As the room is laid in plush white carpet and the ceiling draped in black velvet, she freshens her face in the mirror of the lake.
Then the festivities begin. Night after night she dances beneath stars no longer hidden by Summer's hazy atmosphere. Through Winter's crystal air Earth spins deliriously until exhausted she falls into her bed.
Like Cinderella at the stroke of midnight, her gown and jewels melt away. Soon she is clad in nothing but mud and brown grass. Once again she awakes to the toil of a servant's life, wondering if it had all been just a dream.
On names
On to another of Nora's topics. I, too, have difficulty naming my characters. I have entire epics in my head filled with unnamed people. Sometimes I manage to get a "working" name for temporary purposes. But finding the real thing is another story (no pun intended).
The problem is that I'm too picky. The name has to sound right and mean something too. Take one of my few heroines to be so blessed: I puzzled over her name for the longest time. She is a strong character and very independent. In looking at various words from all kinds of languages, I landed on the idea of an eagle. The Latin is aquila. Now interesting things happen to words as they travel from language to language. Can you tell that eagle comes from aquila originally? K sounds can change to g and vowels can disappear or be added.
So here's what I did: The qu became k and the i-sound moved after the l. The initial a either was dropped and a vowel added between the consonants or the a itself was moved. Some changes in spelling resulted in Kalya. As an "eagle," my heroine can soar alone when needed although she will have to deal with that tendency before the novel's done.
Now if I could just name the guy she's supposed to marry…
On alternate heating sources
If you hear of anyone who can't afford to heat their home this winter, please let me know. I have a new experimental method. All you have to do is put Terry in a room and give her something to read with which she don't agree.
I got the inspiratioin this evening watching my sister read first one book and then another. The steam was rolling. I tell you, give her an hour and she would heat the whole room.
It wouldn't be expensive. You should be able to supply her from the library for no cost at all. If you run out, interlibrary loan would serve for a good while—at least 'til spring. Actually, that's where one of the books was from…
On sleep
Now I think I should treat my cold by going to bed and sleeping. I'm writing this on my mom's AlphaSmart so I won't be get it posted until tomorrow. You shouldn't be up reading this on a Saturday night anyway! Go to bed so you can be well rested for church.
Good night, all!
Well, George, I'm glad you liked my "lecture." We'll have to see what topic I go for next time I get on my soap box.
On summer vs. winter
Nora, I do need to set you straight on a small matter regarding the Earth and her love life. Hardly a time for revelry, Summer is marked by endless labor. The sun scorches Earth's tender skin while she squeezes out brilliantly colored produce. Long, hot days are filled with tiresome hours of exertion. All this for the benefit of the poor souls who depend on her for life. They dig into her, scrape her, grab from her food and covering.
Finally, the cool of autumn ends the long work day. She finishes her annual chores and wraps a red and orange sweater about her tired arms. The trees stop their work and plants no longer push through her to reach the sky. Rivers quiet themselves and finally stop altogether. For a few weeks she rests, 40 winks before the evening's doings.
Soon she will dress herself in delicate snowlace and sparkling diamonds. As the room is laid in plush white carpet and the ceiling draped in black velvet, she freshens her face in the mirror of the lake.
Then the festivities begin. Night after night she dances beneath stars no longer hidden by Summer's hazy atmosphere. Through Winter's crystal air Earth spins deliriously until exhausted she falls into her bed.
Like Cinderella at the stroke of midnight, her gown and jewels melt away. Soon she is clad in nothing but mud and brown grass. Once again she awakes to the toil of a servant's life, wondering if it had all been just a dream.
On names
On to another of Nora's topics. I, too, have difficulty naming my characters. I have entire epics in my head filled with unnamed people. Sometimes I manage to get a "working" name for temporary purposes. But finding the real thing is another story (no pun intended).
The problem is that I'm too picky. The name has to sound right and mean something too. Take one of my few heroines to be so blessed: I puzzled over her name for the longest time. She is a strong character and very independent. In looking at various words from all kinds of languages, I landed on the idea of an eagle. The Latin is aquila. Now interesting things happen to words as they travel from language to language. Can you tell that eagle comes from aquila originally? K sounds can change to g and vowels can disappear or be added.
So here's what I did: The qu became k and the i-sound moved after the l. The initial a either was dropped and a vowel added between the consonants or the a itself was moved. Some changes in spelling resulted in Kalya. As an "eagle," my heroine can soar alone when needed although she will have to deal with that tendency before the novel's done.
Now if I could just name the guy she's supposed to marry…
On alternate heating sources
If you hear of anyone who can't afford to heat their home this winter, please let me know. I have a new experimental method. All you have to do is put Terry in a room and give her something to read with which she don't agree.
I got the inspiratioin this evening watching my sister read first one book and then another. The steam was rolling. I tell you, give her an hour and she would heat the whole room.
It wouldn't be expensive. You should be able to supply her from the library for no cost at all. If you run out, interlibrary loan would serve for a good while—at least 'til spring. Actually, that's where one of the books was from…
On sleep
Now I think I should treat my cold by going to bed and sleeping. I'm writing this on my mom's AlphaSmart so I won't be get it posted until tomorrow. You shouldn't be up reading this on a Saturday night anyway! Go to bed so you can be well rested for church.
Good night, all!
Monday, November 03, 2003
Yikes!
I'm just finishing an Oriental Trading Company order. Half to get Christmas presents for all our students and prizes for the prize box. I'm getting stickers while I'm at it and ordering some prizes for a friend. The total is something like $225!!!! I've got to stop before I add anything more.
But it does work well. They are usually running free shipping offer on orders over $60 if you can find the right code. And then we don't have to worry about prizes for 6 months to a year. Besides I'll bill my sisters for some of it. =)
There--I pressed the submit order button. It's too late to change anything.
I wonder what else I can find to spend money on....
But it does work well. They are usually running free shipping offer on orders over $60 if you can find the right code. And then we don't have to worry about prizes for 6 months to a year. Besides I'll bill my sisters for some of it. =)
There--I pressed the submit order button. It's too late to change anything.
I wonder what else I can find to spend money on....