Category Archives: Music

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: March 9, 2014

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY March 9, 2014

Outside my window… dark. It was a mix of sun and clouds today. We’re supposed to be getting rain tonight which will be good for our drought in California.

I am thinking… that I shouldn’t have allowed Daniel to take that nap today even if it meant that I got to take it with him. I have a feeling that getting him to sleep tonight will be interesting.

I am thankful… for a peaceful afternoon with Daniel.

In the kitchen… dishes to do tomorrow. Wheeeeeeeeeeee!!!

I am wearing… charcoal v-neck shirt from Old Navy and black capri sweats from Lands’ End.

I am praying for… discernment, the ability to forgive, sleep tonight, everything going on this week, and for my toes to heal.

I am going… to try and get a bunch of errands done tomorrow.

I am wondering… what the exact purpose of Daylight Savings Time is other than to torment me.

I am reading… Between Heaven and Mirth by James Martin, S.J. — it’s a re-read before I tackle his book on Jesus that comes out this week.

I am hoping… to get to sleep before 3 a.m. tonight. Stupid fibro flare-up!

I am looking forward to… my massage on Friday.

I am hearing the 10:00 news.

Around the house… lots to clean tomorrow.

I am pondering… various things related to the special intention for which I have been asking prayer.

A favorite quote for today… “Those who reject Christianity will not be moved by Christ’s statement that poverty is blessed. But here a rather remarkable fact comes to my aid. Those who would most scornfully repudiate Christianity as a mere ‘opiate of the people’ have a contempt for the rich, that is, for all mankind except the poor. They regard the poor as the only people worth preserving from ‘liquidation’, and place in them the only hope for the human race. But this is not compatible with a belief that the effects of poverty on those who suffer it are wholly evil; it even implies that they are good. The Marxist thus finds himself in real agreement with the Christian in those two beliefs which Christianity paradoxically demands – that poverty is blessed and yet ought to be removed.” — C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

One of my favorite things… big orange scaredy cats.

A few plans for the rest of the week: errands tomorrow, meeting on Tuesday morning, haircut on Thursday, massage and rheumy appointment on Friday. Also ABA therapy for Daniel every afternoon from Monday to Friday as usual.

A peek into my day… Pharrell’s song “Happy” done at Boston College.

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7 Posts in 7 Days: Five Favorite Bach Pieces

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Five Favorites

I’m feeling really twitchy about a family situation (I can’t discuss it publicly out of respect for that family member) so I’m up posting and I thought I’d listen to some Bach to calm me down.

For those who don’t know, I’m a classically trained pianist and vocalist. I rarely play piano publicly anymore and I don’t have opportunity to sing much because of Daniel. To be clear, I’m not a soloist — I’m one of those people who loves to lend support to a community choral group. Bach is considered “the master” and it was pretty much expected when I participated in Guild Auditions that one of my Baroque pieces would be something by Bach.

One

Concerto for Two Pianos C major BWV 1061 (Vivace) This is the third movement of the concerto and it’s a fugue. If I could, I would have this as the ring tone for my cell phone. I liken the piece to children playing tag with the way that the theme jumps from person to person and instrument to instrument. This particular video does a good job of showing it.

Two

“Jesus bleibet meine Freude” BWV 147 The English for this one is “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” and it should be familiar to many people. It was my first vocal solo (singing soprano with my friend Joyce doing second soprano and my friend Sunitha singing alto — absolutely terrifying for me but so incredibly wonderful) and it was also the processional at my wedding. I have probably 5 versions of it in my iTunes and on my “Bach and Baroque” playlist.

Three

Prelude and Fugue No.12 in F Minor BWV 881 from “The Well-Tempered Clavier” This pianist does it well but my favorite version is from Windham Hill’s album “The Bach Variations” with Philip Aaberg playing it. I’m biased because he actually played it for a concert at the Montana Synod Assembly in 2006. I swear every bone in my body relaxed during it.

Four

Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Sleepers Awake) BWV 645 My church choir director in high school was one of my professors in college. (I sang in the Women’s Chorale for 5 quarters and she was my conductor for 3 of them.) This is a piece that I remember her playing as an offertory when I was home from college.

Five

“Little” Fugue in G minor, BWV 578 This is the piece that was used in Music Appreciation in high school to explain the structure of a fugue. It’s a pretty well-known piece and I chose this particular video to show you how insanely intricate it is. One of the reasons that Bach is considered “the master” for many people is that his music sounds so simple when in reality, it takes a great deal of skill to make it sound that way. Polyphony for the win!

Go love up Hallie and the others.

Five Favorites: Camp Songs

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Five Favorites

Why yes, it is past my bedtime. I think I’ll troll YouTube for videos of my favorite camp songs! And no, none of these videos feature me — I pay good money to suppress the ones involving me leading songs. 🙂

One

The Penguin Song. I have memories of standing outside Marianne’s in college singing this with my Bible study.

Two

The Banana Slug Song. I’m a proud UCSC alum (our mascot is the fighting banana slug) and I’ve actually kissed one. (I was a Girl Scout camp counselor, OK?)

Three

Every Move I Make. I originally learned this in Intervarsity and sang it a bunch while helping with VBS and at church camp.

Four

Pharaoh, Pharaoh. Best camp song ever! I sang this almost 25 years ago at church camp and have taught it at various camps, VBS, and in First Communion instruction. (Our First Communion classes love it.)

Five

Baby Shark. I sang a slightly different version of this one but I love watching these boys making fools of themselves. 😉

Go love up Christy (who is guest-hosting this week) and the others.

Five Favorites: Love Songs

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Five Favorites

Friday is Valentine’s Day so I thought I’d share a few of my favorite love songs.

One

“Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer. This is my favorite “make out” song. It’s completely innocent and sweet.

Two

“Love Has A Hold On Me” by Amy Grant. This was my first slow dance with my husband Jon.

Three

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. Elvis is the king for a reason.

Four

“All I Ask of You” from “Phantom of the Opera” by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Sarah Brightman was the original “Christine” and Josh Groban is just dreamy. I’m not enamored with Sarah Brightman but I love Josh Groban.

Five

“Take Her in Your Arms” by Andy M. Stewart and Manus Lunny. This is “our” song. Jon had a CD of various Celtic songs (I think it was “The Celts Will Rise Again” or something like that) and this was on it. It’s funny and it talks about all these people making the most silly romantic mistakes and how all you need is to “take her in your arms and tell her that you love her”.

Go love up Hallie and the others.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: February 9, 2014

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY February 9, 2014

Outside my window… dark. It’s only 6:45 p.m. instead of midnight like it usually is when I’m doing this. It was lovely and rainy today. I don’t know how much this will help us with the drought but it’s at least something.

I am thinking… that I need to go on Pinterest and find some stuff for Daniel to do tomorrow. He doesn’t have school and it’s too wet to go outside. He’s been acting out all day today because of boredom.

I am thankful… for the rain.

In the kitchen… dishes dishes dishes. My kingdom for a dishwasher!

I am wearing… my online debate team shirt and black leggings.

I am praying for… discernment related to my special intention.

I am going… too many places this week.

I am wondering… if Daniel will go to bed at a normal hour tonight.

I am reading… nothing at this moment. I just finished Tattoos on the Heart by Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J. last night and haven’t chosen the next book. It will probably be The Tao of Martha by Jen Lancaster though — my mother-in-law sent it to me and I need to start it.

I am hoping… for less drama in my life this week.

I am looking forward to… my massage on Friday.

I am hearing “Lord, I Need You” by Matt Maher.

Around the house… *puts fingers in ears* I can’t hear youuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!

I am pondering… the difficulty of being a saint.

A favorite quote for today… “I believe in Christ like I believe in the sun – not because I can see it, but by it I can see everything else.” – C.S. Lewis

(This was my email signature for a long time.)

One of my favorite things… lamb gyros with onions, tomatoes, and extra tzatziki from the Kabob & Gyro Grill.

A few plans for the rest of the week: ABA therapy for Daniel every afternoon this week, Morning Prayer and PTM on Tuesday morning, peds appointment on Wednesday morning, WIC on Thursday morning, date breakfast, massage, and heading to my parents’ house on Friday.

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The Simple Woman’s Daybook: February 4, 2014

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY February 4, 2014

Outside my window… dark. I’m usually blogging late at night these days. 🙂 (Technically, it is morning but it’s 12:30 a.m.)

I am thinking… about church things.

I am thankful… for a good weekend with my parents, for a good “park date” with Rebecca and Daniel, and for the rain we got that California desperately needs.

In the kitchen… dishes. Too many dishes.

I am wearing… purple shirt from Old Navy and black yoga pants.

I am praying for… things in my future, for the loved ones of Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and for the intentions of various friends.

I am going… to have my work cut out for me as I try to declutter this week.

I am wondering… if we have rain in the future.

I am reading… Tattoos on the Heart by Greg Boyle, S.J. which is amazing thus far. I read and finished Miss Julia to the Rescue by Ann B. Ross this past weekend.

I am hoping… for a calmer week and for this irritating cold/laryngitis to go away.

I am looking forward to… coffee with Sara on Wednesday.

I am hearing “Marie’s Wedding” by the High Kings. As soon as I got my laptop, I got their CD on iTunes. As they’re a group that are fun to watch, I’ve put the video of it below.

Around the house… lots to declutter.

I am pondering… way too many things internally.

A favorite quote for today… “There have been some who were so occupied in spreading Christianity that they never gave a thought to Christ. Man! Ye see it in smaller matters. Did ye never know a lover of books that with all his first editions and signed copies had lost the power to read them? Or an organiser of charities that had lost all love for the poor? It is the subtlest of all snares.” – C.S. Lewis

One of my favorite things… needy black kitties. (Can you tell that Edda is “helping” me right now?)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Daniel’s ABA therapy in the afternoons, various things in the mornings, and hopefully coffee with Sara on Wednesday.

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The Simple Woman’s Daybook: January 28, 2014

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY January 28, 2014

Outside my window… dark. Then again, it *is* 1 a.m. so this isn’t surprising. It was in the 60’s today. We are *hopefully* going to get rain on Thursday — something that we pretty desperately need here in California.

I am thinking… about tomorrow (today?) and what needs to get done.

I am thankful… that Daniel is finally asleep so that I can blog, do my examen, and go to sleep!

In the kitchen… dishes to be done. Yippee.

I am wearing… charcoal shirt and black yoga pants.

I am creating… this entry. 🙂

I am listening to… a Matt Maher playlist on Youtube.

I am wondering… if we’re ever going to catch up rain-wise this season.

I am reading… How The Light Gets In by Louise Penny. I finished My Life with the Saints by James Martin, S.J. on Sunday and devoured all of The Whole Enchilada by Diane Mott Davidson that day as well.

I am hoping… Daniel goes down at a reasonable hour tomorrow night (tonight?) so that I’m not up late trying to get quiet and private prayer time.

I am looking forward to… Wednesday morning when Daniel goes back to school and when my laptop should hopefully be arriving!

I am learning patience with the whole laptop sitch. Jon has the patience of a saint to be sharing with me.

Around the house… cats sleeping or walking across my keyboard being needy. (Ahem… EDDA!)

I am pondering… why Fed Ex had to ship my laptop from China to Alaska (that part makes sense) and then to MEMPHIS!!! Seriously, wouldn’t it be easier to ummm… ship it to California next????? (Actually, I should know why they did it as I’ve worked in shipping and logistics but it still makes no rational sense.)

A favorite quote for today… “God, grant me the serenity
to accept the people I cannot change,
which is pretty much everyone,
since I??m clearly not you, God.
At least not the last time I checked.

And while you??re at it, God,
please give me the courage
to change what I need to change about myself,
which is frankly a lot, since, once again,
I??m not you, which means I??m not perfect.
It??s better for me to focus on changing myself
than to worry about changing other people,
who, as you??ll no doubt remember me saying,
I can??t change anyway.

Finally, give me the wisdom to just shut up
whenever I think that I??m clearly smarter
than everyone else in the room,
that no one knows what they??re talking about except me,
or that I alone have all the answers.

Basically, God,
grant me the wisdom
to remember that I??m
not you.

Amen.”
–James Martin, S.J. (borrowed from The Jesuit Post)

One of my favorite things… orange cats with good motors.

A few plans for the rest of the week: ABA therapy for Daniel, the rest of the week, errands on Wednesday morning, massage on Friday, and Respite Night on Saturday.

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