LIMINALITY is my new word for the day, introduced to me, and the entire congregation, of North Bend United Methodist Church by Alice Kay Hoover.
Liminality is from the Latin word limen, meaning “threshold.”
I love this word. Alice’s description of the word, and how it is operating in her life, was captivating. I realized that I, too, am at the threshold of something… I just do not know what, yet.
Thus began my day… my second, and probably, my last visit to North Bend United Methodist Church for a service. A year ago this July, I attended the combined church service and wedding of Alice and David. It was a beautiful day.
And, today was equally beautiful, but on an entirely different scale. I photographed the entire service capturing at least 150 images of Alice in action. They are great.
After service, we ventured to the basement where the Methodist rose to the tradition of a great meal! I spent some time with Amy, Alice’s daughter, a former piano and voice student from 2003 to
2007. I dearly love this young lady, and her bright spirit! Fortunately, Alice and David are moving to Dayton this week, and I am hoping to stay in contact with Alice and Amy. I love these ladies!
Naturally, since I had spent time on the former location of President William Henry Harrison’s plantation – where the church sits – I could not pass the opportunity to visit his tomb about a mile away. This was my fourth visit, and I absolutely love this setting – quite idyllic on the hill overlooking the Ohio River. I also visited, for the first time, his wife’s family cemetery across the road.
Ahhh…. history heaven!
I returned home to Kettering, changed clothes, ran to the grocery store, picked up a freshman student whose sister had surgery two weeks ago (and is still recovering), and brought him back to my house for his lesson. After the lesson, we dined at El Toro, and had the best time laughing. I visited a bit with Cody’s mom, Carrie, and several of her friends who were enjoying pool time.
Back at The Haasienda, I completed all my flower planting! I’ve been completing other tasks since 9:00 PM, and am just wrapping everything up at 12:25 AM.
Tomorrow is the second week of the summer teaching schedule, and I am so eager to spend time with the students over the next three days.
There is nothing more pleasing to me than the sound of the mourning dove.
This beautiful bird, also known as a turtle dove, seems to follow me. Whether sitting on my deck or in my study or bedroom, on a hike through the woods or gorge, or walking the dogs in the neighborhood, I tend to hear the sad, gentle cry of this bird. Some days I wonder why it is not called the Maya Angelou bird because it has such a soothing voice.
A tree grow through the deck – literally through the deck rail. Nestle tightly in the branch that extends over the deck is a nest built by mourning doves. The nest has been there for years, and is remodeled each Spring.
This Spring, as I was doing some cleaning, I found a huge ball of Flyer’s fur. Instead of tossing it in a trash can I thew it into the wind. The fur landed in the corner of the deck. I returned inside and sat on one of the guest beds in the bedroom off the deck. Within a few minutes, a mourning dove descended to the deck, retrieved the ball of Flyer’s fur, and rose to the branch above to intertwine the fur in its nest.
Our mourning dove in winter
Every morning, from my bedroom window, where I am only about six feet from the next, I can see Flyer’s fur in the nest’s structure. It seems as though dear Flyer is still sharing her beautiful spirit.
The mourning dove’s song is particularly beautiful this morning. What a great sound with which to be greeted… OK, well, actually the first sound was Bailey panting in my ear at 6:30 AM, and Harrigan accompanying her with the little semi-spoken growls for me to get out of bed.
It is now 1:00 AM and I am just now shutting down for the day. And what a day it has been.
By 8:00 AM Saturday morning I was on a Dayton bus heading to Enterprise Car Rental. I think the half shaft on the front passenger side has gone out on the van.
I stopped at a few stores while by the Dayton Mall: Menards, Bed-Bath & Beyond, and Deals. After returning home, I met up with Josh for a 10:00 AM brunch, and then went to Kohls and a few other places.
While at Kohls, I was looking for “No Show Socks.” When a store associate approached, I could not remember the name of my search and explained to the lady I was needing “falsies.” I did not catch the lady’s expression, nor the fact Joshua had walked away. Needless to say, this has been a delightful conversation piece on Facebook and in the circles I attended this evening.
Back at The Haasienda I got busy planting newly purchased impatiens, spray painting several more pots burgundy, and preparing my own design of Tiki torches and solar lights for the deck. One of the three mesh doors I ordered for the deck door arrived, and I installed it. Baily and Harrigan immediately charged through it, but poor Chief seemed a bit intimidated by the mesh and magnets. So far, he will only enter and exit through the kitchen door.
My creation: solar light holder
My creation: Tiki torche holder
Acting innocent after being caught in the act
I also purchased a stainless steel canister to use for Bailey and Harrigan’s dog food. Chief’s adult kibble is kept in a wooden feeder, and I was using a plastic pitcher for the Puppy Chow. I was tired of heading down to the basement for frequent refills, and this new canister seemed to be the perfect solution. Or, so I thought.
I don’t know what possessed me to check, but in the kitchen I discovered Harrigan standing on the foot pedal that, when pushed downward, raises the lid. She and Bailey were tearing into their food!
Mark & Miguel
By 3:00 PM I was showered and heading to Springboro for the first of six graduation parties. Between 3:30 PM and 12:20 PM I managed to squeeze in dinner at Logan’s Steak House with Suzanne, and graduation parties in (in this order) Springboro, Beavercreek, Centerville, Bellbrook, Kettering, Vandalia, and West Carrollton.
Matt Huntington received Beavercreek HS’s outstanding musician award!
And a hearty congratulations to my student, Matthew Huntington, who received the Outstanding Musician Award for Beavercreek High School. I love all my students, but Matt will always rank toward the top… such a wonderful young man!
What an incredible day of visiting with so many students, former students, their families, and so many friends.
And, in a few minutes, I shall be closing down the laptop so I can refill my energy tank for tomorrow’s exciting trip, and festivities.
Alice & her daughter, Amy (2013)
A dear friend I greatly admire, Alice Kay Hoover, will retire from the ministry, and tomorrow is her final church service at North Bend United Methodist Church. I will photograph the service which will include four baptisms, as well as Alice’s farewell to a wonderful career. And, I will get to see her daughter, Amy Meyer, my former piano and voice student. The last time I visited North Bend United Methodist Church, it was for Alice’s wedding to David a year ago. I do love this area of Ohio as the church and parsonage rest on the land where the plantation home of President William Henry Harrison once stood. It is also the birthplace of Harrison’s grandson, President Benjamin Harrison. The president, and his family, is buried a short distance away in a lovely tomb overlooking the Ohio River. Despite having visited the tomb several times before, I shall visit it again tomorrow, following my Grandpa Leroy’s reminder: “If you are within 50 miles of a president’s grave, always stop to pay your respects.”
And, so I shall.
Good night, and thank you to everyone who made this the most absolutely splendid day!
It is now 12:20 PM, Saturday morning, as I write this blog entry.
Twas a long, long day, but one that was busy, exhilarating, and exceptionally active. I am not tired, but relaxed, and ready for sleep.
The Morning…
By 6:30 AM, Friday morning, Trio von Haas was stirring, eager to pounce as soon as I moved. This morning ritual is quite cute! The minute I shift, or stir, Bailey and Harrigan are pouncing on me, wiggling and wagging, slopping my face with kisses, and this is happening simultaneously! Then, Chief gets in on the action, running around the bedroom doing his little dodge dance before returning to the bed for his lovin’ from Dad.
Breakfast was on the deck after the Trio was fed and watered. I returned to my bedroom to watch some documentaries before tackling yard work.
9:00 AM, I stepped onto the deck to slip into my yard tennis shoes, and the droplets of rain began. I repeated this at 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM with the same response from the sky. Each time, I returned to documentaries and reading.
The Afternoon…
Noon and 1:00 PM still showed threats of rain. I fiddled around the house for a bit, and took a nap. By 3:00 PM, the sun was bright, and began nudging me from my nap.
I mowed and trimmed both front and back lawns, then used the mulcher in and behind the shrubs to sweep up all the remaining leaves. After blowing all the cut grass, I tidied up the lawns, and took the kids on a walk.
The Evening…
Back at home, I did a little more yard work, and then hopped on my bike for a ride around the neighborhood. I had intended on eating the remaining two bowls of cabbage soup, but decided to grab a sandwich from Subway to enjoy on the deck while the trio stared me down.
I deep cleaned the carpets and rugs, washed the dishes and tidied the kitchen a bit, and then settled down to write this
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were filled with lessons from 9:00 AM through 9:30 PM with one hour for lunch and an hour for supper. I was so energized each evening by the time students left! 64 students, and 4 were on vacation this week, and the students were on top of their game! And, the five new students were very impressive!
Today, the first of my four day weekend, was light. I began reading a new book, authored by a former student’s father, did some light yard work, watched some documentaries, napped with three wonderful dogs, took this wonderful trio on a walk while chatting with Mother on the phone, fixed and ate a Chinese dinner (yes, I fixed it myself!), tidied up the deck for summer writing, spent some fun time with my neighbor lady, Kay, and am now settled in for a relaxing evening. Chief is busy, anxiously patrolling Shroyer Road’s activities, and Bailey and Harrigan are chasing bugs as the sounds of singing birds taper off for the evening.
Right in the middle of Lincoln Park Boulevard, I hit the pavement!
We crossed Shroyer Road at the Lincoln Park Boulevard (LPB) intersection just as Almira Gulch rode up on her bicycle with her little iconic version of THE WIZARD OF OZ’s Toto in the rear basket. I was standing, holding three dogs, on the Southwest corner as Miss Gulch approached the Northwest corner of Shroyer/LPB. Rather than cross Shroyer Road upon the light’s change, she crossed LPB. I hurriedly pulled the dogs away from the intersection to avoid Barkfest 2014, but her yapping little terrier set my three off as she waited for the light.
Upon the light change, I proceeded to cross Lincoln Park Boulevard with three anxious dogs.
Then, just after we crossed Firebird Lane, one of the two entrances/exits for the high school’s campus that open on to LPB, I saw The Hound Lady coming half-way down the block. I wanted to extend the walk since it was so nice, and decided to cross Lincoln Park Boulevard as she neared.
Now, The Hound Lady and I have gone around and around over etiquette. I have requested, numerous times, that she not approach my dogs with her dog as it sets them off. Due to my schedule, our two daily walks occur sporadically, yet, The Hound Lady always manages to know when we are walking. Naturally, this evening was another meeting.
So, as I am crossing Lincoln Park Boulevard with the three dogs, The Hound Lady calls out, “Can my dog play with your dogs?”
Her voice always seems to agitate Chief more than Droopy (the nickname for her hound), and he began his worked-up dance which also triggered Bailey and Harrigan.
Before I knew it, I was spinning around, caught in the flurry of dogs and the leash. All I remember is the pavement rushing toward me. I caught myself, fortunately, on my knee that had not suffered the double-break in 1999, and with the heal of my left hand. I eventually ended up on my rear-end.
The Hound Lady called out to see if I was hurt as I picked my self up from the pavement while trying desperately to calm the three dogs.
I made it to the sidewalk to examine injuries: bloody, scraped up knee; bruised, scraped left heel of my palm; twisted back.
The walk was thus shortened, and we returned home.
The dogs are fed. My wounds have been washed. My head is throbbing. But, I managed to get a 2.4 mile walk into the records!
I’ve actually behaved my self, today, and kept to my bed for rest, documentaries, and tons of dog snuggling. But, it has gotten old, FAST!
Via Netflix, Amazon Prime, and the public library, I’ve traveled through ancient times (Dead Sea Scrolls), foreign lands (Greece), American history (Arlington Cemetery), current news, the Lincoln marriage (“A House Divided”), the building of the Statue of Liberty, the history of the American flag, and an episode of Andy Griffith.
Smooth sailing through the documentaries until a major fact was wrecked in ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY. They noted President William Howard Taft’s burial as taking place in 1909; President Taft assumed the office of president in 1909, went on to become the 10th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and died in 1930. I am certain Alice Roosevelt Longworth, the feisty, fiery daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt would have agreed Taft died in 1909. After all, Alice did place voodoo dolls of the Taft family around the White House grounds just before her family vacated the mansion.
I applied for three dog license/tags on January 25, 2014. The payment cleared the bank on January 27th. Since the end of February I’ve sent three emails inquiring about the tags which had not been received. I received no responses. An hour ago, I sent an email, prefacing I would next email Dayton’s mayor, the Montgomery County Commissioner, and WDTN’s “Turn To 2” investigations.
Within 30 minutes I received an email apologizing for the emails not forwarded to her office, and that the situation will be promptly rectified.
Interesting.
Each time I have issues with Waste Management not collecting from my home, and my emails receive no response, I am amazed how quickly a WM manager and a Kettering City Official will line up on my porch when I mention WDTN’s “Turn To 2.”
Thus goes my day…
The one true delight has been the snuggles from my three pooches. They do not seem to mind Dad is not at his desk working, or teaching. They seem to delight in not sharing me.
Due to all the liquids I’ve obediently consumed, I am definitely getting my exercise from my bedroom down to the first floor bathroom.
I may take the dogs for a walk so I can get some fresh air, and allow them some sniff time.
I drove to Vandalia to purchase a new electric keyboard, and hurried back home to let the dogs out to potty, grab a bite to eat, change clothes, and head over to Brookville High School to see a family friend, Monica Impson, in THE SOUND OF MUSIC.
Moncia was super! This little freshman worked hard, and held her own against the upper classmen. I am so proud of her pulling off the incredible role of Mother Abbess.
I drove through the countryside to capture some photographs, finally ending up at the Veteran’s Hospital and Cemetery.
Now, I am going to figure out where to put my keyboard, and possibly rearrange my study.
I know the construction, downtown, on I 75 is probably a major inconvenience, and frustration for many who drive it regularly.
However, I find the earthworks, engineering, and construction to be absolutely fascinating.
When they did the first phase of the construction on the north side of downtown, I watched its progress for several years. I could not imagine what the outcome would be, and was quite surprised when I saw the end results.
I might not be technically savvy, but I do appreciate, and respect all that goes into engineering and construction. I certainly appreciate all those brilliant mathematical and engineer mines, and even more so, all the countless workers who invest hours and all kinds of weather conditions to make this all happen. Quite exciting!
I got a ton of things done, including the last show choir arrangement. The dogs and I took a 3 mile walk, and then I took the puppies to get their chips inserted. Should they ever become lost, they can be tracked or identified.
Right now I am preparing to hear the Mozart Requiem in Hall Auditorium on Miami University’s campus. So excited to hear one of my favorite classical masterpieces, live, especially since one of my former students, Zach Pollock, is singing in the chorus.
It was a beautiful drive down to Oxford, and I had a nice stroll through the formal gardens by the ponds. I left a little bit of Flyer near the pond where we enjoyed one of our last outings together.
Meeting up with Joanie & Brian Pollock in a few minutes.
I can count on one hand the times I’ve been out on a weekend night to listen to a band in a bar setting.
Several choir members from Normandy Methodist Church went to see Bob & Sarah Koogler’s daughter, Hillary, play with a band at Trolley Stop in the Oregon District. That was around 1996.
A few years back, my sons and I went to Fox & Hound to hear my friend, John Crouch’s band, play.
I’ve had friends invite me to hear their bands, but I am not one to go anywhere by my self (alone), and I hate bothering friends on weekends because they have families.
One of my favorite music educators, band director Mike Bisig, plays saxophone (several, actually) with the band, GROVER. For several years, Mike has invited me, personally, or via social media, to come hear his groups. I’ve always wanted to go, but with sons at home, I always wanted to do things with them on weekends. Plus, most of the venues were not under-18/21 friendly.
Last night was my night!
GROVER is fantastic!
Four talented, and clearly dedicated musicians, merging this incredible talent and dedication into a nice, tight package for all ages.
Now, while all these gentlemen are exceptionally gifted musicians, Mike Bisig, is the bomb!
I am a classical saxophonist (thank you, Dr. Cecil Leeson, George Wolfe, and Eugene Rousseau). I’ve never truly been interested in pop/jazz saxophone… until last night. I do not wish to invest time into becoming a jazzer, but I want to hear Mike Bisig perform, more. I’ve always respected and applauded Mike as an exceptionally super band director, but man, oh man!
The guy rocks as a superb saxophonist in a genre I’ve never wanted to tackle, but have wholly supported, and encouraged as a teacher. I am hoping he will be in a venue where my middle school and high school students can share in his incredible musicianship, and fun.
Yes, FUN!
All too often, musicians don’t seem to enjoy themselves when performing. Passion. They seem too wrapped up in wanting to sell their performance with technique rather than passion.
Mr. Bisig, band director by day, belongs to three different bands on weekend nights:
I think the last time I was in front of something called “a bar” was my freshman year of college when I took a ballet class. Then, I was at “the barre.”
Of course, one of my favorite areas in which to be seated at The Schuster Center is on the front row of the balcony behind the bar… a protective metal bar.
Each Thursday night, I am at another bar… the toppings bar at Awesome Yogurt.
Last night, my friend, Pati Rogers, and I went to Yellow Spring’s Peach’s Grill. As Pati explained: I was not actually going to a real bar; this was a grill that served families, too, and just happened to have a bar in it.
Pati and I were seated at the corner of the bar, which was actually my first time to ever be seated on a bar stool at a bar. We were about four steps from the edge of the stage.
The purpose of heading to Peach’s Grill was to hear my friend, Mike Bisig, a fantastic middle school band director, on saxophone with his band mates, GROVER.
A short while after the band got started, we saw this older gentleman (60+) stand right in front of us, wearing a long trench coat. Pati and I joked he was probably a flasher. Well, not too far off the mark!
Eventually, he approached Mike, the saxophonist, as they were playing a number. My first impression was, “Hey, Dude! You NEVER bother musicians while they are playing!” (I’ve had this happen many times when I’ve played for weddings – not polite, Folks.)
The gentleman stood there for a few minutes, watching the band. Eventually, he moved around front of the stage. I don’t remember if he directly said something to the guitarist/vocalist as the band was playing their next number, but Pati and I were chuckling how he was either saying something to himself, or attempting to sing along as he stood there periodically muttering something with intensity.
Finally, when the band finished their number, the gentleman began shouting things at the band, and several times, turned to present himself in a “kiss my a___” pose.
The band was quite impressive with their approach to this harassment that would not cease. The gentleman was becoming quite belligerent, and I did not know if he would go into fight mode. He was becoming more, and more heated as the band members attempted to placate him.
I began assessing the situation:
make sure Pati has my back if the guy, who was only about 5 yards from me, ended up over by us
protect my camera
make sure Pati is still behind me
grab Mike’s saxophones should things start flying
make sure Pati has both mine and Mike’s backs!
Eventually, the bouncer came over and removed the gentleman. (Now, that does look like a fun job! If I could take my friends, Debbie or Pati, with me, I think I could do that job!)
I was pretty excited that I was in new territory: actually in a bar (OK, a grill with a bar), seated AT the bar, and seeing my first potential bar fight.
The rest of the evening was great sans the floor show that was getting exciting. Of course, I loved the bar tender’s expression when I ordered a coke… seated at the bar! I am sure he mistook me for a Heineken kind of guy (I only knew that name because it was in the cooler directly in front of me).
I love those moments in one’s day when joy unexpectedly bursts onto the scene.
A contractor for Vectren came to do a safety inspection, and she was the NICEST lady. She walked in, and immediately spied the dogs behind the gate, and went nuts.
She described her two dogs at home, and that she recently had to put down her 13 year old dog. As we passed through the living room, she looked at the photograph-collage on the wall, and promptly noticed there were two other dogs – Flyer and Navi. I explained what happened, and the lady was in tears.
We had the best time chatting about our dogs.
The Vectren representative arrived at 2:50 PM, and left at 3:15 PM. The pipes were deemed to be in excellent condition, and she spent some time petting the kids.
I like these days when sweet people unexpectedly trip across your path, and share some joy. It is a cold, rainy/snowy, dreary day, and she certainly brought in a bundle of sunshine to warm, and brighten the day.
We had the best time. The lady said she loved our neighborhood because of all the really sweet people, and that my neighbor lady, Kay, wanted to give her starts of some plants.
JPMorgan Chase Foundation Broadway Studio Summer Camp
SHAKE, RATTLE, ‘N’ ROLL (Monday, June 16 – Friday, June 20) is a week-long performance-based summer camp for 13-18 year-olds who want to learn what it takes to be a rock ‘n’ roll icon. Master classes full of singing, dancing, and acting will focus on the Broadway tour MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET.
Each class is taught by members of the cast and local professionals. Participants also receive a ticket to MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, lunch each day, a professional headshot, and hours of fun. Space is limited. Full and partial scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Power2Give is a crowdfunding website for arts and cultural organizations.
Victoria Theatre Association receives funding from a variety of diverse public, corporate, individual and private sources, including the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District and the Ohio Arts Council. The Ohio Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts helped fund this program or organization with state and federal tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.
I’ve been buried under with show choir arrangements these past two weeks, and finally this morning, there seems to be an end in sight. At least, I hope there is.
The cold, frigid temperatures appear to be making their curtain call, today, as they steadily climb to the upper 40’s by week’s end.
My friend, Jeff Carter, took a nasty spill a few weeks back, breaking his leg, again, this being the second time within a year. He had surgery last week, and has returned to week with the aide of a walker.
The dogs… the dogs are great. The girls are now half Chief’s height, and do not seem to be slowing down – in growth, or energy. Chief is ever the protector, but always the biggest kid of all when it comes to playing on the floor of my study. When Chief sprawls out, the girls tend to be snuggled next to him, or on top of him.
I am hoping to have all arranging completed by the weekend so I can return to a normal life of sleep, relaxation, and more play time with the dogs.
Every morning, my first alarm on my iPhone sounds with “One More Day” from LES MISERABLES. 45 minutes later, my second alarm is “Hello” from BOOK OF MORMON.
This morning, since I’d received the message of delays, and cannot go in to the middle school on a delay due to my afternoon schedule at home, I simply laid there, listening to the song.
Now, whenever “Hello” begins, the dogs all know it’s time for the day to commence. We start our own rounds of good morning hello’s with hugs.
This morning, after about a minute of “Hello” beginning as the second alarm, the dogs were becoming restless.
Although I had not physically stirred, I was keeping a semi-closed eye on the girls. Finally, Harrigan, who had been nudging me, and doing her little stand-off dance, could take no more waiting.
Harrigan stepped on to the night table, picked my phone up in her mouth, laid it across my face, and proceeded to nudge me, and growl. I burst out laughing, and began the day.
I started off the morning tackling some business items, and then had a phone conference with a producer friend in New York City.
Around 9:30 AM, Kevin Rutter, one of my former middle school students from 2000-2001, stopped by to meet the puppies.
I finished the remainder of the morning working on business items, and show choir arrangements.
After lunch, I chatted with Mother on the phone while I drove to the ice skating rink, at Riverscape, to spend time with the Rogers family who was celebrating Emily’s 16th birthday with friends.
I spent a little time driving around the Air Force Museum, Wright Brothers hill, and Huffman Prairie – where the Wright brothers perfected flying.
Then I proceeded on to Wright State University where I spent two hours wandering through exhibits, and watching the most hysterical site – canoe battles.
Now, I am grabbing a few items from the Far East Trading store, will grab a few things from the grocery store, and then head home to spend time with my furry trio.
I don’t know what possessed me to buy a whole bag of apples, as I am not a fan of apples. Let’s say, I love apples, but don’t regularly eat them.
Applesauce, however, is a different story.
My friend, Jeff Carter, is a whiz-bang at apple recipes, and his apple butter is the best I’ve ever eaten. I remember reading through one of his blogs where he outlined an apple recipe, but could not recall when I read it. Instead of pestering Jeff for the recipe, I took matters into my own hands, and am so pleased with the results.
This is what I did – but do not count on me for measurements as I just pour things in:
Pealed a ton of apples
Cut them into smaller pieces
Put them into a big pan
Added a ton of cinnamon and sugar
a few chunks of butter
a bit of grated orange peel
some nutmeg
vanilla extract
cup or so of water
cook for about 30 minutes
blended
Dog gone it! It was excellent! A little zesty, and yummy!
Since childhood, I’ve always loved cardinals, and my bedroom was often filled with the sound of the resident cardinal singing from the tree next to my room. Of course, it was great that Ball State University’s mascot is the cardinal.
A few weeks after Flyer’s death, this past July 29th (2013), I was seated on the deck with Navi and Chief, and looked up to see a cardinal sitting on the rail just a few feet from me. It acted fearless, calm, and interested in the dialogue I offered. Navi and Chief, always the proud little hunters, made no effort to investigate the cardinal.
I reported this on Facebook, and received several interesting responses:
Wow! I am sitting here on my deck writing, and a male cardinal – the most beautiful shade of bright red – landed on the deck’s rail, not more than 6′ from me. It stayed for several minutes, seemingly undisturbed, investigating something near the table. He cocked his head several times (I think the cardinal recognized a fellow Cardinal), and did not mind me talking to him. He finally seemed satisfied with his investigation, and flew to the lilac bush.I like these kinds of moments…
Jody Johnson I think that is the spirit of Flyer stopping by to see if all is well with Darin and the kids!!
Valerie Marsh Power Native American culture believes visits like this carry strong medicine! Check out the cardinal meaning. It seems quite appropriate!
Melinda Naumann Bates Cardinals will become fascinated by their appearance in a mirror, like a car mirror. They’re territorial and think it’s another male bird. There was one near our East Wing offices who used to come down and peck and peck at the mirror on a truck parked in the service roadway. Fun to watch.
Maribeth Crowe After my grandmother passed away, a cardinal hung out by mom’s sun porch for a few weeks. Mom was convinced it was a message from my grandmother. Cardinals are always special to me.
I liked the fact that it might have been Flyer returning to assure me, “all is well.”
This morning, while arranging show choir music, I had this strange sensation that someone was watching me. I turned toward the door to my study, but no sign of dogs. I then turned to my left, and saw a cardinal sitting on the rail, peering into my study.
It made no effort to move, as I rose to move closer to the window. After a minute, or so, it moved up to the branches of the Rose of Sharon tree outside my study. Within seconds, a second cardinal, obviously the female, appeared on the rail. I attempted to get a photo, but the female flew away, and the male nestled between some branches.
I ran several errands, did some housecleaning, prepared to huge pans of homemade vegetable soup, began working on arrangements of show choir medleys, and began teaching at 3 PM.
I finished teaching at 9:30 PM, an hour early, had two bowls of homemade vegetable soup which was quite delicious, took care of some business, and now I’m in the TV room with some Netflix DVDs.
Harrigan and Bailey have been playing, nonstop, since 8:30 PM. I do not sense any hint of abandonment of their hide, seek, stalk, dive, roll over, jump, bicker with one another, chase, fight over toys, and a consistent repeat of all the above.
Now, it is time to settle in with my one Netflix DVD on the magic of film editing. Quite excited to watch this one.
I spent all morning, and early afternoon in bed, actually resting, and napping.
Sadly, I do not feel refreshed, or less ‘blah.’ The sinus pressure still nags at me, and the congestion comes, and goes.
I did move the stereo (tuner, dual-tape deck, 5-CD changer) I purchased in 1993 into my study. I have the regular speakers, and two surround-sound speakers, so the study seems to float evenly with music from all corners.
Since some of my high school and college students are attending/performing at OMEA (Ohio Music Educators Association), I had some additional time to sit at my desk, and listen to a collection of opera classics. I love many arias from opera, and it is exciting to see the students invest an interest in them, and regular classics, as well.
So, here I sit at my desk, Renee Fleming, who sang The National Anthem at last Sunday’s Super Bowl game, is serenading me, the large fluffy snow flakes are falling outside, and three pooches seem calmed by the lovely sounds floating through the room.
‘Tis good for my soul to enjoy moments such as this. I hope to do this, more often, and on a consistent schedule.
I woke at 3:45 AM to use the restroom and do a sinus flush. The girls were very eager for something special to happen while I was in the kitchen.
When I returned to the guest bedroom, I noticed two puddles on the floor. Both girls knew that I was upset and skedaddled under the bed.
After mopping up their mess, which is unusual, I returned the bed. They eagerly hopped up on the other bed, ready to pounce over under this bed.
However, I refused.
Oh my gosh!
They each alternated between throwing a fit, crying like a hurt baby, and barking at me with aggravation. They tried every angle, and maneuver to try and get into this bed. It was rather kind of comical.
Finally, they settled down after about 20 minutes of trying every way they could to get over here, and crying, and are now snuggled together, fast asleep.
Now, as my penance for being a bad puppy daddy, the only thing I can find to watch on TV is a PBS documentary on older Amish children wanting to leave their homes.
For the past several days I’ve been dealing with severe head congestion that has mimicked a sinus infection.
This past Friday, I noticed I was sneezing several times a day, and continued with my twice daily sinus flushes, and made sure I was taking my Airborne. I take at least two guaifenesin each day, careful that it does not swell the prostate (the joys of being a male in his 40’s). By Monday, the head congestion, and sinus pressure had gripped me. Tuesday, I felt nauseous most of the day, and the sinus pressure was relentless. I fell asleep early, waking at 2:30 AM with more head misery.
It is Wednesday, late afternoon, and I have taken the day off from teaching. The sinus pressure continues, and the congestion will soon be battled by Mucinex Sinus-Max. I hate relying on medications, but I’ve gotten to the point in my day where I can no longer stand it.
The Midwest was cleared of almost all snow by Monday, and Tuesday night it returned in full force! The snow in the front was up to my upper calf. I used my new snow-blower but it was an effort due to the sleet/rain that fell on top of the snow.
I took a trip to the pharmacy for my regular medications, and took Chief, Harrigan and Bailey to SuperPetz, this being the Girls’ first visit. Chief was beside himself, as he loves his very ow story. The girls became more excited as they sniffed along the treat shelves right at their level. I purchased two name/phone number tags since their dog license tags should arrive any day.
I am spending some time at my desk, listening to a plethora of wonderful music provided by Spotify. I may take the pooches out for a brief walk before returning to hot green tea, a sinus flush, Mucinex, and a nap.
If we all believe the Super Bowl commercial from Coca Cola is raising a stink, take a look at this video from 1939. This really sparked outrage!
Marian Anderson, contralto, was to sing in Constitution Hall, the headquarters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The DAR is an organization that upholds the legacy, and spirit of the American Revolutionaries, the very ones who fought for our freedom when establishing this land as our country. Ms. Anderson was denied access to Constitution Hall because she was Black. Thanks to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Ms. Anderson did sing, and it was on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
“If you become a teacher, by your pupils you’ll be taught.” – Oscar Hammerstein II, THE KING & I
Last night, I celebrated the accomplishments of approximately 30 students, and rejoiced at the successes of several former students, now on national tours.
This afternoon, I joined several former students (sisters and cousins) to grieve with them the passing of their beloved grandfather. I’ve watched these girls grow up for the past 17 years. I loved their families, and still do. Though I’ve not seen most of them for nearly a decade, save on Facebook posts, the reception I received was both, tender, and thrilling.
My friend, Jeff Carter, who also serves as brother, uncle/godfather to my sons, and mentor, and I have oft discussed our roles as teachers. Jeff is director of music at Webster University, and also a private voice instructor. We cherish our students, the role we play in their lives, but more importantly, the role they play in ours. We are not only mentors, teachers, coaches, role models, but ‘uncles,’ as well.
It’s a blessed profession/life, indeed.
Many of my students I’ve watched grow up through the years. Quite often, they begin at 5 or 6 years, taking piano lessons, and merge into saxophone or voice so they can remain with me in the studio. Thus, I literally have one quarter to one half of my students for 12 to 13 years. And, they never truly leave!
As with my students I saw today, I’ve known their parents, siblings, and quite often grandparents, and other extended family members. Some families I’ve known for nearly thirty years – this fall – and, we are still as fond of one another as we were “back then.”
Yes, teachers do touch lives, but there is so much we, as teachers, receive when working with our students. It’s all mutual.
Despite the occasion of a grandparent’s passing, it was wonderful seeing these beautiful young women I’d joyfully watched grow since most were in elementary and middle school. And, it was wonderful getting hugs from the three Ohmer sisters.
It is exciting to share the achievements of a student’s success, and progress, but it is also rewarding to share in moments that are less joyful as we are reminded of a particular bond between student and teacher, and now, as adults, friend and friend.
God bless these families as they grieve, but thanks be to God that they are a part of my life… tis a wonderful life, indeed!
I love this word. Alice’s description of the word, and how it is operating in her life, was captivating. I realized that I, too, am at the threshold of something… I just do not know what, yet.
After service, we ventured to the basement where the Methodist
rose to the tradition of a great meal! I spent some time with Amy, Alice’s daughter, a former piano and voice student from 2003 to
The Haasienda on Shroyer... 