My youngest child auditioned for a special singing group at our church and made it. I felt that he had a really nice voice. His father and I both encouraged him to try. He was kind of sheepish about it and almost didn't go. But at last he went and just yesterday he received a letter telling him that he made it into the group. But he was so excited about it, NOT, that he just sort of non-chalantly slips it into the conversation we were having. My daughter and I both stopped and asked him what he had just said. We thought he was joking. But he repeated his answer, still without much emotion.
A couple of his friends are also in the group. I think that will make it special for him. I'm glad he doesn't think that he's great and superior because he's in this group. The goal is not to think you're better than someone else. Just to enjoy the opportunity and priviledge of being in the ensemble. This will give him an opportunity to learn more about singing. I really hope that he can make in into one of the college tour groups when he goes to college. It pays for entire year of college. The flip side is you have to tour all summer. I don't know. Sounds like a deal to me.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Autumn-Day 2
Wow, what a morning! It was the kind of cool, crisp morning that makes you feel so alive. As I told you before, I like my sweaters. I had a cozy sweatshirt on this morning and it was absolutely perfect for the day. My youngest got in the car for school and promptly turned on the seat warmer. I argued that it really wasn't that cold. I got the Junior High type, "Mom, you're crazy" look.
After returning home I stood outside for a bit because the feel of the air and the scent in the air was working hard to remind me of something. I just couldn't come up with what it was. All I know is, it was one of those feelings that make your heart beat a little faster. I personally could feel it trying to drag me back to a time in my childhood.
It's getting close to Halloween. I can remember the Halloweens spent in the south. Most times we could actually show off our costumes and not cover them up with heavy coats. However, even in S.C. the air could get quite crisp by the end of October.
When my brother and I were 4 and 5 years old people frequently thought we were twins. We were actually 11 months apart, I being the older. My mother had the clever idea to dress us as scarecrows for a community party with a costume contest. She sewed cute patches on some faded jeans, did a clever make up job on our faces and then stuffed us with hay. It stuck out at our ankles and wrists. I think it was poking out at the neck, too. I remember thinking at first how fun it was to be a scarecrow. Then it started itching. We had to endure for quite sometime to get throught the contest. All said and done, we didn't win. Bummer! I have to say we were the cutest. Ask my mom, she'll tell you.
Well, I've been everything from princesses to gypsies. Maybe I was a ghost once. I have to say I'm appalled by some of the really gruesome things that walk the street now. Those days were so simple. That was back in the day when you didn't have to be afraid of a rice krispie treat or other homemade treat. Now everything has to be produced and individually wrapped. I used to get some of the best cookies you've ever eaten. Those were the days.
After returning home I stood outside for a bit because the feel of the air and the scent in the air was working hard to remind me of something. I just couldn't come up with what it was. All I know is, it was one of those feelings that make your heart beat a little faster. I personally could feel it trying to drag me back to a time in my childhood.
It's getting close to Halloween. I can remember the Halloweens spent in the south. Most times we could actually show off our costumes and not cover them up with heavy coats. However, even in S.C. the air could get quite crisp by the end of October.
When my brother and I were 4 and 5 years old people frequently thought we were twins. We were actually 11 months apart, I being the older. My mother had the clever idea to dress us as scarecrows for a community party with a costume contest. She sewed cute patches on some faded jeans, did a clever make up job on our faces and then stuffed us with hay. It stuck out at our ankles and wrists. I think it was poking out at the neck, too. I remember thinking at first how fun it was to be a scarecrow. Then it started itching. We had to endure for quite sometime to get throught the contest. All said and done, we didn't win. Bummer! I have to say we were the cutest. Ask my mom, she'll tell you.
Well, I've been everything from princesses to gypsies. Maybe I was a ghost once. I have to say I'm appalled by some of the really gruesome things that walk the street now. Those days were so simple. That was back in the day when you didn't have to be afraid of a rice krispie treat or other homemade treat. Now everything has to be produced and individually wrapped. I used to get some of the best cookies you've ever eaten. Those were the days.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Scents of Autumn
I just took number 3 to the bus for school camp. A freshman in high school. He'll be gone until Friday. As I got back home I noticed a smell in the air. It is beginning to smell like fall. Now it is September and leaves haven't started falling much yet. I wonder what that smell is? Perhaps the result of some recent rains. Maybe it's the dreaded molds that are going to wreak havoc shortly. I don't know.
When I was younger fall was a favorite season. I have always liked wearing sweaters and walking in leaves. Of course the bad part is the leaves must ultimately be raked up. I got some whopping blisters on my hands as a youngster.
In S.C. and especially in Charleston even after the leaves fall there is plenty of green. Pine trees galore! My husband really didn't like it much. He wanted to be back in the midwest where, as he put it, "They have a change of seasons." Of course I recognized the change of seasons. He just needed to open his eyes.
As a comparison, when I was in college my freshman year they told us during orientation that we wouldn't need our winter items until after Thanksgiving break. And I knew from experience that on Easter we didn't need our winter coats anymore. Now I live in the midwest and we have to pull out our winter coats by Halloween and don't get to put them back in moth balls until Mother's Day. Easter is probably the hardest thing to get used to here. I get tempted every year to leave my coat at home. Then I step out the back door. BRRRR!
I really don't mind living in the midwest. We are near Chicago, IL and that offers quite a lot to see and do. There are those days that I would prefer not having to deal with such a long winter.
When I was younger fall was a favorite season. I have always liked wearing sweaters and walking in leaves. Of course the bad part is the leaves must ultimately be raked up. I got some whopping blisters on my hands as a youngster.
In S.C. and especially in Charleston even after the leaves fall there is plenty of green. Pine trees galore! My husband really didn't like it much. He wanted to be back in the midwest where, as he put it, "They have a change of seasons." Of course I recognized the change of seasons. He just needed to open his eyes.
As a comparison, when I was in college my freshman year they told us during orientation that we wouldn't need our winter items until after Thanksgiving break. And I knew from experience that on Easter we didn't need our winter coats anymore. Now I live in the midwest and we have to pull out our winter coats by Halloween and don't get to put them back in moth balls until Mother's Day. Easter is probably the hardest thing to get used to here. I get tempted every year to leave my coat at home. Then I step out the back door. BRRRR!
I really don't mind living in the midwest. We are near Chicago, IL and that offers quite a lot to see and do. There are those days that I would prefer not having to deal with such a long winter.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Tilt-in Windows and Big Fans
Classrooms when I was young weren't air conditioned. When we started school in the fall it would be rather warm. We would all be sitting in our desks working hard and the teacher would walk over and open the window sometimes all the way. Sometimes just a little. The air would get somewhat heavy from all our little bodies, especially after recess. Perhaps the teacher was having hot flashes, too. I've always been a little cold natured. I have wondered what might have possessed the teacher to open the windows on occasions.
Classrooms are such tidy little arrangements. Straight rows of desks all facing a teacher's desk and blackboard. When I was a kid the desks were wooden desktops and seats with metal boxes underneath for all the books. They're, what?, plastic or something now. Classrooms had a definite smell to them. I think the wood helped. Maybe the ancient buildings did, too.
Oh, I remember when I was in second grade. In the back of the classroom was a huge barrel. It was brown. It looked like some of the generic packaging we see today. The printing and wording gave it a somewhat military feel. It had supplies for an emergency. I don't know how long it had been there or what the school system was anticipating. I remember thinking that maybe we were going to war and that maybe some people from far away would drop a bomb on my school. That was in 1966. Looking backward, maybe the Cuban Missile Crisis was still too fresh on the minds of the adults in the world.
The way it seems to me now, I guess we've always had some kind of terrorist at our door. Cuba, Russia, or Afghanistan. Children probably have the hardest time assimilating the information at hand. I know that barrel brought all kinds of imaginary scenarios to my mind.
Classrooms are such tidy little arrangements. Straight rows of desks all facing a teacher's desk and blackboard. When I was a kid the desks were wooden desktops and seats with metal boxes underneath for all the books. They're, what?, plastic or something now. Classrooms had a definite smell to them. I think the wood helped. Maybe the ancient buildings did, too.
Oh, I remember when I was in second grade. In the back of the classroom was a huge barrel. It was brown. It looked like some of the generic packaging we see today. The printing and wording gave it a somewhat military feel. It had supplies for an emergency. I don't know how long it had been there or what the school system was anticipating. I remember thinking that maybe we were going to war and that maybe some people from far away would drop a bomb on my school. That was in 1966. Looking backward, maybe the Cuban Missile Crisis was still too fresh on the minds of the adults in the world.
The way it seems to me now, I guess we've always had some kind of terrorist at our door. Cuba, Russia, or Afghanistan. Children probably have the hardest time assimilating the information at hand. I know that barrel brought all kinds of imaginary scenarios to my mind.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Back to School
I'll tell you, it always seemed as if Christmas vacation was way too short. Being a parent now I have to say I'm glad when it's done. Schedules make everything run more smoothly.
I can almost recall the near depression that would come because we would be going back to the hum-drum of school and have to leave all the fun things at home until the afternoon. Now you need to remember that Christmas time in Charleston, SC was usually snow free so that new bike or the new skates could be worn out by Easter. Guaranteed that after homework we were out there showing off our new equipment.
On the other hand, going back to school after Christmas vacation had an excitement to it. It was like a fresh start. If the first semester wasn't so good you could try to improve the second. It was getting back with your school friends that you haven't seen for two or three weeks. Wearing the new outfit you just got.
I was probably not nearly as good a student as I should have been but I did enjoy school. I guess I've always been one for routines. When I get in a good rut I can just go along and get things done. I could usually pull out some decent grades when I was in grade school. Routine!
I can almost recall the near depression that would come because we would be going back to the hum-drum of school and have to leave all the fun things at home until the afternoon. Now you need to remember that Christmas time in Charleston, SC was usually snow free so that new bike or the new skates could be worn out by Easter. Guaranteed that after homework we were out there showing off our new equipment.
On the other hand, going back to school after Christmas vacation had an excitement to it. It was like a fresh start. If the first semester wasn't so good you could try to improve the second. It was getting back with your school friends that you haven't seen for two or three weeks. Wearing the new outfit you just got.
I was probably not nearly as good a student as I should have been but I did enjoy school. I guess I've always been one for routines. When I get in a good rut I can just go along and get things done. I could usually pull out some decent grades when I was in grade school. Routine!
Monday, July 24, 2006
More Southern Memories
New Years is a fond memory for me. I like Big Band music so the biggest treat for me was Guy Lombardo. WOW! I loved to hear his band playing fun tunes as the New Year approached. To watch thousands of people with funny party hats dancing to the mellow music. The countdown to midnight, the ball on Times Square, the poppers shooting confetti all around the ballroom. I miss that. I’m sure the kids today love the music that is played now. New Year’s will always be Guy Lombardo for me. Gotta get some recordings.
The other great part was another opportunity to shoot fireworks. My dad and some family friends would get together and have grand time with bottle rockets, smoke bombs, roman candles and the like. I didn’t realize the danger back then. Especially when one wouldn’t go off and they would try to light it again. Oooh! I’m sure I’d be more vocal today.
Well, apparently fireworks are legal again where we live. However, I think we’ll just stick to watching the professionals. I am trying to make special memories for my kids though. New Years Day is No Cooking Day. Totally a meat tray and veggie tray day. Chips, Christmas cookies and treats and at least two televisions so we can get every angle of the parade and see every possible football game. We play with Christmas toys or learn how to use a new Christmas gift.
You’re thinking, OK, you’re from the south. How about Hoppin’ John. Never touched the stuff. Now I don’t mind the peas and rice but collards are definitely out. It was always said that for every blackeyed pea you eat you gain happiness and for every collard green you eat you gain money. I guess I’ll be poor but very happy.
The other great part was another opportunity to shoot fireworks. My dad and some family friends would get together and have grand time with bottle rockets, smoke bombs, roman candles and the like. I didn’t realize the danger back then. Especially when one wouldn’t go off and they would try to light it again. Oooh! I’m sure I’d be more vocal today.
Well, apparently fireworks are legal again where we live. However, I think we’ll just stick to watching the professionals. I am trying to make special memories for my kids though. New Years Day is No Cooking Day. Totally a meat tray and veggie tray day. Chips, Christmas cookies and treats and at least two televisions so we can get every angle of the parade and see every possible football game. We play with Christmas toys or learn how to use a new Christmas gift.
You’re thinking, OK, you’re from the south. How about Hoppin’ John. Never touched the stuff. Now I don’t mind the peas and rice but collards are definitely out. It was always said that for every blackeyed pea you eat you gain happiness and for every collard green you eat you gain money. I guess I’ll be poor but very happy.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Christmas at Home
Christmas is unique where I grew up. A lot of times it isn’t all that cold, much less having snow. I remember one Christmas right before I got married when we were out in light sweaters on Christmas day. Definitely not inspiration for a Currier and Ives plate. White Christmases were only in our dreams. Christmas still held a lot of excitement. I guess I was pretty typical as far as wish lists would go. But the traditions and festivities were gigantic in my mind.
When I was very small we had a real tree bought from the local Optimists Club. My best friend’s dad was an Optimist and we always went to get our tree when he was working on the lot. Mom and Dad would scrutinize every fir there. My brother and I would be bored to tears and begging for hot chocolate. Finally, the perfect one was chosen. Even after all that the trunk and several lower branches would need to be sawn off and the thin side would be turned to the back. So much for perfect. Later, we succumbed to progress and purchased an artificial tree. At least we weren’t vacuuming up needles until next Christmas Eve.
Dad would put the lights on. I think it’s a dad thing except in my family. I, being the mother, get to do it. Maybe it’s really hereditary. Maybe my husband is just chicken. After the lights my brother and I would put every possible ornament on the tree and then tinsel. The first tries at tinsel were great bunches placed here and there. Then Mom told us it would turn out better if we would try for one piece at the time. We tried that for awhile and then….Yep! We went back to the bunches. Maybe not quite as big this time. My brother and I were a little impatient overall. Dad always had to put the angel on top. Very likely because he was the tallest at slightly over six feet. My mom is only 5’2” and we were shorter than that.
Another tradition in the city I grew up in was the lighting of the tree on Colonial Lake. This was a rather shallow man made lake downtown in which a raft with a very large tree was floated. The Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, elementary school kids and possibly some groups I don’t even know about would cover flashlights with green or red tissue paper and line the lake and sing carols. Doesn’t sound like much maybe but we looked forward to it every year. It seemed like the whole city was there. Everyone is friendlier at Christmas.
When I was very small we had a real tree bought from the local Optimists Club. My best friend’s dad was an Optimist and we always went to get our tree when he was working on the lot. Mom and Dad would scrutinize every fir there. My brother and I would be bored to tears and begging for hot chocolate. Finally, the perfect one was chosen. Even after all that the trunk and several lower branches would need to be sawn off and the thin side would be turned to the back. So much for perfect. Later, we succumbed to progress and purchased an artificial tree. At least we weren’t vacuuming up needles until next Christmas Eve.
Dad would put the lights on. I think it’s a dad thing except in my family. I, being the mother, get to do it. Maybe it’s really hereditary. Maybe my husband is just chicken. After the lights my brother and I would put every possible ornament on the tree and then tinsel. The first tries at tinsel were great bunches placed here and there. Then Mom told us it would turn out better if we would try for one piece at the time. We tried that for awhile and then….Yep! We went back to the bunches. Maybe not quite as big this time. My brother and I were a little impatient overall. Dad always had to put the angel on top. Very likely because he was the tallest at slightly over six feet. My mom is only 5’2” and we were shorter than that.
Another tradition in the city I grew up in was the lighting of the tree on Colonial Lake. This was a rather shallow man made lake downtown in which a raft with a very large tree was floated. The Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, elementary school kids and possibly some groups I don’t even know about would cover flashlights with green or red tissue paper and line the lake and sing carols. Doesn’t sound like much maybe but we looked forward to it every year. It seemed like the whole city was there. Everyone is friendlier at Christmas.
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