Snippets of Christmas Around Here

It's been a very busy, full of Christmas fun, kind of week. Kristen is working at Hobby Lobby again and you can imagine how busy that place might be at this time of the year! And that means we've had the girls alot - but they've been able to sleep at home most nights, which makes them happy - and us as well!

Last Sunday morning was one of my favorites of the entire Christmas season - the children's musical at church. This year's play was called "Christmyth Busters." Hayley had a lead speaking role, and was actually the "myth buster" for the other kids. She was called a "brainiac" by one of the kids in the play - I felt it was great casting on the part of the leader. The gist of the story was that there are a lot of traditions we celebrate that aren't actually in the Bible stories. The truth is that these are not essential parts of the story, but things that we've envisioned over the years - such as 3 wisemen (we know there were 3 gifts, but not necessarily 3 wisemen), the innkeeper does not appear in scripture (but if there was an inn, must there not have been an innkeeper?), December 25 was the date Jesus was born (we don't really know this as fact, and probably it was more like spring or summer that the shepherds were out in the fields with their flocks). But the bottom line is that the basic story is all we need - Jesus was born as the Savior of the world.

Livi played the star in the East -- and she literally smiled with joy through the entire performance.

It was fun watching the twins watching their sisters - soon they'll be up there too!

Friday night was the annual Walker Manufacturing Christmas party - it is always a lovely event with good food, Christmas caroling, a video presentation of the events of the last year at the company, drawings for prizes, and bonuses. Dwight's quartet sang again this year.

A tradition that never changes is when all the guys and their sons go to the front and sing "Silent Night." Hayley thinks there should be equal opportunity for the ladies and girls and that we should sing next year. Maybe it will happen!

Today (Sunday) was awesome at our church. We've been rehearsing for many weeks now for our adult musical. We had such a great group of singers this year, some for the very first time to sing in a choir. Our leader, Rhonda, is amazing and brings out our very best, and we are better than we really are.

My sister and our friend, Ruth, wrote an amazing narrative/drama to fit with the music. Ruth played the grandmother and our worship pastor's daughter played the role of the grandgirl helping her grandma decorate the tree. Maddie wasn't feeling well at all this morning, but she powered through with lots of prayer holding her up.

Before the musical presentation, my parents were given a great surprise. Dad and Mom were awarded with the Distinguished Service Award. This is an honor presented by our church to someone who has given of themselves to God and the church, often times in the background. My folks have pastored in Minnesota, Arkansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and Washington. Dad has constructed buildings in many of those locations, often doing much of the physical labor himself. It was my task to find pictures of each of those places we lived for a power point presentation - a challenge indeed, but so much fun to surprise them. They were caught totally off guard, and that was the plan!




My sweetie took me out for a fabulous Sunday dinner at the Bonefish Grill - such a classy place with an amazing menu. Tonight we have our last meal with our 4x4 group, to end a fabulous week-end.


Every year I hang this crewel embroidery picture that I made years ago. I look at it briefly when I hang it, and walk by it many times while it's hanging as a decoration.




One day this week I was showing it to one of the twins when I really looked at it closely for the first time in a long time. I realized how long it's been since I was this creative and was proud that I used to be so good at this kind of thing. It's one of the many things of which I say, "I used to . . . . "

I can't imagine how much time it took me to do all those French knots for Joseph's hair!

So - now it's onward to another very busy week. I have to get to the podiatrist tomorrow to see what he thinks the next move is, since my foot isn't really "all better" yet. I hope, if it's a cast, that it can wait till after the 2 rehearsals and 4 performances this week.



Next up I think I'll share my collection of nativity sets with you. Have a wonderful week!

The Sounds of Christmas

As usual, I am immersed in the music of Christmas - preparing for the church presentations next Saturday night and Sunday morning, as well as the Loveland Choral Society concerts - the following Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and evening, and Sunday afternoon. It's a lot of work, but I enjoy it so much. All this involvement with the music has brought forth some long ago memories.


Wherever we lived when I was a child, we tried to get back to Monticello, Minnesota for Christmas with both sets of our grandparents. My Grandma Swanson's church was full of good friends and wonderful Christmas memories. The most prominent memory from those early years involved the pastor, whose name was Rev. Noel, appropriately enough. It was pronounced Noll, but it looked like Christmas. He had a wonderful singing voice, and every year would sing "O Holy Night." Oh, how we looked forward to that, even at such a young age. It remains one of my very favorite Christmas songs, and we're singing it in the Loveland Choral Society concert - a beautiful rendition arranged by Rene Claussen. My favorite recordings are by Sandy Patti and Josh Groban - both of them just soar at the end.


It was the 5th grade in Heber Springs, Arkansas. My dad had just accepted a new pastorate in northern Minnesota, and we were leaving before Christmas - right in the middle of our preparation for the school program. That year we were singing a Christmas carol I'd never heard before. I loved it - "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." I was so incredibly sad when I had to leave a few days before the performance. I still love the lyrics, which were written during the Civil War by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. But I love even more the newer version of the music, which we sang in our church musical last year and are repeating this year. Take a few minutes to be blessed by Casting Crowns:

It was the 9th grade, at Edgewood Junior High School in a suburb of the Twin Cities in Minnesota. I was taking a typing class (which, by the way, would have a huge impact on my future in the workaday world). Our teacher was clever and devised a contest to spur us on. It was a trip from Minneapolis to Miami, with each step advanced by virtue of our speed and accuracy. A new friend named Kathy became my rival, and we really helped each other as we worked to be the first to arrive in Miami. Truthfully, I don't remember who won, but I know it was very close, and that we both benefited greatly from this class and the contest.

Ironically, Kathy and I also became rivals in another arena that required dexterity and speed of our fingers. We were both in the mixed choir and both played the piano. We were both privileged to be asked to accompany the choir. I was chosen to play for the Christmas concert, and she would accompany the spring show. I was so excited, and nervous, as I practiced on my own and with the group. It was heady stuff, because it was quite a large school. I must admit I do not remember a single song we were going to perform. Probably a week before the scheduled program, I got very sick. My glands were swollen, my throat was sore, I was totally fatigued, and I had a high temperature. I ended up not only missing the program, but the last two weeks of school before vacation - and I was sick the entire two weeks of vacation. It took the entire first two weeks to get the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis. I had never heard of it before, and was appalled to learn that it is also called "the kissing disease." I was so sick - it made my eyes hurt, so I couldn't read or watch t.v. The only thing I could do was listen to the radio - and that's where I first heard "The Little Drummer Boy." I loved it - at least the first 300 times it played. The other one I remember was Frank Sinatra's "And this song of mine in three-quarter time wishes you and yours the same thing, too." I don't know why I remember that. I liked it better in later years with The Carpenters.



And then of course there was my first year of teaching in southwest Kansas when I heard "I'll be Home for Christmas" every time I turned on the radio and was very thankful that it was true. I've never been without family at Christmas in this long life. The only even close to bad memory was the first Christmas we were married. We were heading for my folks' place in Colorado Springs, a 2 1/2 hour drive on a good day. We had been hit with a storm during the night, but we headed out anyway. The interstate was treacherous, and it took us far too long to reach that first truck stop outside of Longmont, about 20 miles from home. The truckers all told us to turn around and go back home, that they'd never seen the roads so bad. That was enough for us! But, we had been prepared to be gone all week-end, were taking one dish to share at the feast, and had nothing to eat in the house - and in those days, no self-respecting store was open. So we foisted ourselves on my SIL, had a great time together, and headed down to the Springs for the rest of the week-end, and for our first anniversary on the 28th.


There are so many other wonderful songs that evoke other memories. But I must close for now. I trust you're truly enjoying this season of busyness, and remembering why we do it all. Happy Birthday, Jesus!

The Fifties/Sixties

Today is my birthday, and I am now 64 years old. Hardly seems possible, but I look at the jowls and realize it is so. I was born in 1947, and was just 3 at the advent of the Fifties. But I love the Fifties. I love the music especially. I happened upon a 50s special on PBS recently and enjoyed every minute (thankful that I could fast forward through the pleas for money - it was PBS, you know, and a fund raiser). I loved watching the audience shots of gray haired folks (or those who had colored away the gray), clapping, singing along, and even wiping a tear or two as memories washed over them.

There is such an innocence to the music of the 50s, at least that which has endured. Pat Boone and one of the McGuire Sisters hosted the evening. Pat never sang, which disappointed me. But the McGuires did - they look terrific and sound fabulous. All of the groups and solos were fantastic - their voices have stood the test of time in an amazing way. They looked wonderful, too. (I'm thinking nobody in this generation is going to be singing 60 years from now - their voices will be destroyed before they're 40 at the rate they're screaming!) I was amused at all the "Four" groups - The Four Aces, The Four Seasons, The Four Coins, and The Four Tops, to name a few.



I was only 13 when 1960 hit, but obviously the 50s music was still around, because I know so much of it by memory. And so much of it is timeless. The harmony is chillingly beautiful. The other day I was eating at Taco Bell - they've been playing 50s music the last few times I've been there - I don't know how their younger customers feel about it, but as I was bopping to my table, singing "Johnny Angel" along with Shelley Fabares, I caught the eyes of the 4 similarly-aged ladies at the next table. We had a great conversation about our faves of the 50s.

As I got older and closer to driving age, I decided I wanted one of these - I never got one, but I still love seeing them in their restored state on occasion.


Recently I discovered a couple of really retro t.v. stations and have been enjoying "Highway Patrol" and "Father Knows Best." I especially love it when the female criminal, which there seems to always be, runs from the law with 3 inch pointed toe heels on "Highway Patrol." (It's amazing how huge the steering wheels were in those 50s cars!) I enjoy the wisdom of the father who knows best - and the fact that the mom actually dresses in pants and a sweatshirt when she's doing serious housework. But when she goes anywhere out of the house, she wears a hat and gloves - usually with a veil covering her eyes, down to her nose - I don't know how they stood it. I tried to find out a bit about why we wore those white gloves back in those days - I can remember washing mine as if I were washing my hands, because they got dirty so quickly. Remember the little stretchy lace ones?






When I went to college, "Dawn Go Away, I'm No Good For You" was popular - it was 1965, but the song was still around, apparently, because the guys would all sing "Dawn, go away, you're no good for me!" Nice!

But not everything in the 50s was rosy. I lived in Arkansas from ages 5-10. I didn't know it then, but learned later that our sweet little Mayberry-esque town didn't allow a black truck driver to spend the night - he had to drive on through and find lodging elsewhere. My dad just told me a story last night that I never heard before. Dad was a bivocational pastor who worked at a grocery store (Piggly Wiggly, don't you love it?) There was a black man who delivered product to this store, but of course hurried out of town. One day Dad could tell he was uncomfortable, and deduced that he needed a rest room. Dad realized there were no facilities for him at the store, so he asked the man to come to our house to relieve himself. The black man was amazed and grateful, but laid down in the back seat of the car all the way to our house and back to his truck at the store. Dad asked him to come up and sit with him in the front seat, but he said he was hiding to protect Dad more than himself. So sad.

I have a strong memory of the integration issue in Little Rock in 1957, when I was 10 years old - in fact, when I was doing some research yesterday, to my amazement I discovered that it was on my 10th birthday (54 years ago today) that Central High School was integrated with the Little Rock Nine. The National Guard was called because Governor Faubus did not want to follow the new national law. But in my mind's eye, I see one lone girl climbing the tall steps to the school - maybe I'm mixing that up with a movie I've seen in later years.

The book The Help has brought up a lot of emotions that led to some of these memories. It was a time in our history that we cannot be proud of. But I hope it is used as a learning tool. We've come a long ways, but we still have a long ways to go.

In other related news, I graduated from high school in 1965. We're all going to be turning 65 in the next year. There were about 15 of us girls who had frequent slumber parties in those days of high school. We've decided to have an updated slumber party next September called "The Class of 65 Turns 65." Interestingly, when 3 of us got together recently, we did some figuring and discovered that each of us will be paying $65 for our rooms. It was meant to be! I'll be one of two (the other being my best friend and co/editor of the school newspaper) who won't be 65 yet that week-end, but soon thereafter.

TWTWTW

I just returned from the final concert - this one a mini version of the choir and the music, singing for the assisted living home where my MIL lives. It was a pleasure to sing for them. It was also the culmination of a very long, exhausting, but exhilirating week.

Remember that show - "That Was The Week That Was"? I don't remember anything about it except the title. But I have just been through that week. In the last 7 days I have had 9+ hours of rehearsal and 9 hours of performance, all on risers. My back and feet survived (thank you, my friend Ibuprofen!), My voice is at the end, barely making it through the higher notes tonight.

I want to thank you prayer warriors once again, for I was able to sing with freedom - without a book, and with joy, the nine songs of the church musical. My sister wrote the script for the drama portion, and it was a wonderful time of worship and beauty.

I actually got to some shopping today - just one store, but there were lots of good sales on the types of things I needed. The little girls (yes, they were with me) each scored a little mini Minnie Mouse "laptop" which is a learning tool and lots of fun. They played with them throughout the store (I wish I'd thought to take a picture of them in the cart as they played), and all the way home. I'm thinking they just got early Christmas gifts. I did hide them away when they put them down, so we'll see if they remember and ask for them between now and Christmas Eve.

The Christmas crowd will be very small this year, very unlike most years. My sis and BIL are heading to Idaho to meet up with their kids and grands. Angie is in Africa (remember, we have their dog - another interesting scenario), Kev's in Maine. So it'll be just Mom and Dad with us on my side and Mom, Bob, and Grace with us on DC's side.

We do have the shower, rehearsal and dinner, wedding and reception of my nephew this week-end, so we'll see some family then. I'll be sure to post pix of the two special flower girls next week. Here they are posing for the bride, who hasn't seen them in their dresses in person yet. This is an Army 2nd Lieutenant's wedding, so we can't call them Navy Blue!




Back to the week-end, though. The four concerts of the community chorale are held at the historical Rialto Theater downtown. I learned quite a bit about the building during our break times this year, from a member of the Rialto Theater Guild, the group that has been responsible for the bringing back to life this old building that was an eyesore when I first moved here.

The Rialto is 90 years old and for those of you who are interested in this time of thing, the history of the Rialto Theater can be found here. I do remember when it became a mall of sorts with small shops for a few years. The woman I was talking to was appalled when that happened. She told stories of the ghosts that inhabit the theater - they all have names, apparently having died in the building over the years. One died during renovations when he fell from a ladder, one was shot during a play by a jealous man. I can't remember the other two. She could tell by the look on my face that I'm not a believer.

This is a view of the movie theater in its prime




This is what it looks like today




Here's how it looks on an average day on the inside




I posted these last year of the Christmas decorations - I didn't get a chance to take a picture this year, and they were even prettier this year

Well, I must close now and sit on the heating pad for awhile. Hope I sleep well tonight.

The Glory of Christmas

Early in October I saw a small item in the paper, inviting community members to come and join the Loveland Choral Society for the Christmas presentation. The title of this year's concerts was to be "The Glory of Christmas." I knew when I read this title that it was going to be something I would really enjoy doing. I decided this was how I wanted to prepare my heart for Christmas this year.

I headed down to the first gathering that Tuesday night 10 weeks ago. (BTW, I met a kindred spirit that night - also a first timer - and we enjoyed the whole experience together). The music we were given and the first run-through convinced me that this was going to be an unforgettable experience. I was so pumped when I got home that night that I couldn't get to sleep.

There were 95 of us who signed up this year - the largest group they've ever had for the Christmas concerts. It was an amazing experience to sing with such a quality group of talent. It was a huge commitment, every Tuesday night for 2 1/2 - 3 hours, plus some extra rehearsals. I figured out that we spent at least 30 hours rehearsing a total of 20 songs. The director had picked out amazing pieces - some familiar with interesting, challenging arrangements; some brand new, 2/3 sacred, and the rest really fun secular selections.

Rehearsals and performances were held at the historic Rialto Theater in downtown Loveland. I knew that the small theater, which had once served this city for those who attended movies, had sat empty and unused for many years. I remember when they began refurbishing and renewing it, but had never been inside of it until that first Tuesday night. I wish I had better pictures of the beauty they created, but here are some views of the lovely Christmas decorations, in the dark.

This first one is a view from the platform to the back - it holds 450 people.

There were so many people in the choir, and such limited space on the platform that, due to fire code, 10-15 of us had to sit out each performance. Quite a few of us only sang 3 of the 4 concerts. The strings were on the stage with us, with the remainder of the 30-piece orchestra in the pit.

The bell choir, which made several of the songs extra special, was off to the left of the audience in the front of the auditorium.

Kristen took this picture with her phone just before we began singing - it's not great, but it'll give you an idea of the size of the group on the stage.




Our director is very talented. He's been doing this community chorale for 19 years. The society does 3 shows every year. He has his day job as an insurance salesman, but music is his passion. I loved it that he prayed before every performance.

Here is a view of the lobby as you enter the facility. To the right is the concession stand. I was quite amazed and amused that they made popcorn every night and people munched as they listened to the lovely music.

Each of us had to volunteer to participate in some aspect of preparation for the concert. I agreed to come early on dress rehearsal night to prepare the printed programs.

The rules for apparel for the concert were quite stringent. The women had to wear a long skirt or palazzo pants and a red, green, or blue blouse. I ordered the pants because I already have two black skirts which were too short - and one is velveteen, which has too much sheen. I had bought a beautiful blouse which I was sure would qualify. Unfortunately, it was "too teal." So I went back to Penney's and found a red and a blue one, which I was sure would be okay. No - the blue was too dark. The red was "okay." I ended up with a green blouse which one of the members had bought from a thrift store and was only $3.00. I will take back the other two this week, when I get a minute to go without kiddoes!

Ironically, the night of dress rehearsal, one lady had a blouse on just the same color as my blue - I mentioned to her that the costume director had told me mine was too dark. She said, "Oh, she tells me that every year, but I wear it anyway." She was also wearing straight legged pants, which were against the rules. I came to the conclusion that we "newbies" were the only ones who were so concerned about doing it just right.

Dress rehearsal and the performances were grueling in terms of comfort. The music was so glorious. I loved singing in the three performances. But my back and feet hurt so much from standing for 3 hours each time, crowded on the risers, with our music so crammed to our bodies that we could hardly read it. It was worth it, though, to sense the appreciation of the audience. Kristen called me in tears after she left a bit early to go to work saying, "For the first time this year I feel like Christmas." That's what it was all about!


Between the two performances on Saturday, we were blessed with a lovely meal at Group Publishing Company. Group publishes materials for Bible schools, Sunday schools, youth groups, etc. It is a beautiful facility and they opened it to us for a wonderful meal. When I walked in the building that evening, I felt so peaceful. It made me wish I worked there!

Today about 30 of us went to sing for the Rotary Club's Christmas dinner. Remember my word for the year? Flexibility! It keeps getting a workout, just about every week. This week is no exception as Kristen has strep throat and I had to find a sitter for the twins so I could participate. After we had warmed up, we headed over to the dining area to present the musical program. Unfortunately, the orchestra couldn't go with us so we had to sing to "canned music." Even more unfortunately, the CD player wouldn't work. We did an a cappella number first so that the tech guys could try to figure out the problem. It never did get resolved, but we learned that the facility had a boom box which would work through the sound system. They set it up as we sang a couple of songs with the audience.

Finally, we were able to do the 10 songs to a very appreciative audience. After the Rotarians left, we were served a delicious meal - I don't usually have prime rib for lunch!

So now - on with the trappings of Christmas. I still have shopping and wrapping to do. I will not do a Christmas letter this year, and will only bake enough cookies to send to Kev and the guys. I want the music to remain in my soul and continue to nourish my spirit.

May your spirit be blessed with the true reason for this season.