So, in case any of my few readers are interested, I have a new blog up.
www.buildingonfirmfoundations.blogspot.com
I started it primarily for my piano students, but the information in the blog might be interesting for others, as well.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Turning Around
I was on my way to church for visitation last Tuesday night, when my car suddenly started making a very odd rattling noise. Not knowing much about cars, I could not figure out what it was, but since I would have to drive the car home anyway, I decided to wait until after visitaton to do so. As it happened, there was a lady on my way home who was open to a visit, so off I set.
As I started to back out of the parking spot, I noticed that the noise got much worse when the car was in reverse. I decided to try to keep from backing up until I got home. I turned down the lady's street, only to get to the end (a dead-end, of course) and realize I had passed her house. There wasn't quite enough room for me to turn around, so I was forced to put the car in reverse. Grumbly thoughts were just coming to mind, when I looked up. There in the sky right in front of me was a beautiful rainbow! --I stopped grumbling.
It was then that I remembered that I have a powerful and loving God guiding my steps. He knew that I would drive right past the lady's house and need to turn around, and He also knew that my car would be all right until I got home. Perhaps He placed that rainbow in the sky right where I would see it at my most grumbly moment to remind me of His care and protection.
As I started to back out of the parking spot, I noticed that the noise got much worse when the car was in reverse. I decided to try to keep from backing up until I got home. I turned down the lady's street, only to get to the end (a dead-end, of course) and realize I had passed her house. There wasn't quite enough room for me to turn around, so I was forced to put the car in reverse. Grumbly thoughts were just coming to mind, when I looked up. There in the sky right in front of me was a beautiful rainbow! --I stopped grumbling.
It was then that I remembered that I have a powerful and loving God guiding my steps. He knew that I would drive right past the lady's house and need to turn around, and He also knew that my car would be all right until I got home. Perhaps He placed that rainbow in the sky right where I would see it at my most grumbly moment to remind me of His care and protection.
Friday, April 30, 2010
I'm Back!
Hello everyone out there in blog-land who reads my prattling posts! (Yes, all 10 of you.) If you have noticed that I have not posted anything on my blogs in a long time, well, I noticed that too, and an explanation will follow. --If you haven't noticed, you're not paying attention. ; )
Well, part of the reason I have not been posting is that my computer decided some time ago to start having "grumpy days" where it would not go on the internet. This was accompanied by extreme slowness and slight confusion. My computer was four years old, (which I have been told is very elderly in computer years) so perhaps it was to be expected. After all, people of advanced years do tend to be a bit grumpy, slow, and confused, so why shouldn't my computer?
Well, God decided it was time for me to stop borrowing my dad's computer and get a new one of my own. So yesterday, Mommy, Daddy and I went to the nearby electronics store (which is so large, I affectionately call it the Cabela's for geeks.) Once inside the store, we skimmed the aisles until a friendly "associate" pointed us to the "notebook" section. (By the way, for those of you who don't speak computer, "notebook" means laptop, not to be confused under any circumstances with "netbook", which is something like a baby laptop.)
After what seemed like a very long time walking up and down one aisle, debating the pros and cons and prices of each one, I finally made a decision, and Daddy went to find a clerk to help us. (Which I was very glad of, because I'm sure they all could tell that I was not a geek, and was therefore a bit out of my element.)
Daddy came back with the clerk, and the debates began. First he tried to convince me that a different computer "which is really a better system" and "for the same price" was really what I needed, but thankfully, Daddy knew better, and told him so. (Nicely, of course.) Then, just like Mr. Computer Guy in a previous post, he tried to get me to spend more money --this time by using all his powers of elequence and wit to sell me an extra-special warranty and a laptop bag and a new surge-protector. (Once again, for those not literate in computer-speak, that just means a plug strip.) Daddy was busy picking out a new mouse for me, (a pink one!) so that he could keep mine, which he had been using, so I was on my own. This clerk tried quite hard not to take no for an answer, and not until Daddy came back over did he yield and try to accept the fact that we had a surge-protector already, Goodwill had better laptop bags for cheaper, and the regular warranty would do just fine for me, thank you.
Then we meandered to the front of the store. (One can never walk directly anywhere in such stores, it seems. One member of the party or other is constantly walking off to look at something.) I paid for the laptop, and for the first time in my life, held a new computer of my very own in my hands.
And now I am sitting at said computer, happily typing away, listening to some music and using my pretty new pink mouse.
So, theoretically, there will be more posts to follow...
Well, part of the reason I have not been posting is that my computer decided some time ago to start having "grumpy days" where it would not go on the internet. This was accompanied by extreme slowness and slight confusion. My computer was four years old, (which I have been told is very elderly in computer years) so perhaps it was to be expected. After all, people of advanced years do tend to be a bit grumpy, slow, and confused, so why shouldn't my computer?
Well, God decided it was time for me to stop borrowing my dad's computer and get a new one of my own. So yesterday, Mommy, Daddy and I went to the nearby electronics store (which is so large, I affectionately call it the Cabela's for geeks.) Once inside the store, we skimmed the aisles until a friendly "associate" pointed us to the "notebook" section. (By the way, for those of you who don't speak computer, "notebook" means laptop, not to be confused under any circumstances with "netbook", which is something like a baby laptop.)
After what seemed like a very long time walking up and down one aisle, debating the pros and cons and prices of each one, I finally made a decision, and Daddy went to find a clerk to help us. (Which I was very glad of, because I'm sure they all could tell that I was not a geek, and was therefore a bit out of my element.)
Daddy came back with the clerk, and the debates began. First he tried to convince me that a different computer "which is really a better system" and "for the same price" was really what I needed, but thankfully, Daddy knew better, and told him so. (Nicely, of course.) Then, just like Mr. Computer Guy in a previous post, he tried to get me to spend more money --this time by using all his powers of elequence and wit to sell me an extra-special warranty and a laptop bag and a new surge-protector. (Once again, for those not literate in computer-speak, that just means a plug strip.) Daddy was busy picking out a new mouse for me, (a pink one!) so that he could keep mine, which he had been using, so I was on my own. This clerk tried quite hard not to take no for an answer, and not until Daddy came back over did he yield and try to accept the fact that we had a surge-protector already, Goodwill had better laptop bags for cheaper, and the regular warranty would do just fine for me, thank you.
Then we meandered to the front of the store. (One can never walk directly anywhere in such stores, it seems. One member of the party or other is constantly walking off to look at something.) I paid for the laptop, and for the first time in my life, held a new computer of my very own in my hands.
And now I am sitting at said computer, happily typing away, listening to some music and using my pretty new pink mouse.
So, theoretically, there will be more posts to follow...
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Escapades of a Travelling Pianist
It was raining.
It always seems to rain when I go out to do fliers, and this day was no exception. I was not looking forward to this particular trip, and as I stood in the doorway, in my best, most professional-looking outfit and with a briefcase in my hand, I could not help but sigh as I looked out at the grey, drizzly world into which I was about to step. As I sat shivering in the van, waiting for the engine to warm up, I sighed again, reflecting that one's best, most professional-looking outfit is almost never warm enough.
So, off I set to deliver flyers and to peddle my pianistic abilities at the senior living facilities in our area. The night before, Daddy had helped me (after much frustration) to print out some business cards for this new venture, so, theoretically, I was adequately prepared for the task. Reality, however, does not always go according to theory, and as I drove around, trying to find the first SLF, I felt entirely unprepared for what I was about to do.
After much driving and a little getting lost, I finally arrived at the first stop along my journey. Unfortunately, there didn't appear to be a office, just apartments, so I turned around and kept driving. A little discouraged, I decided to do some flyers on the way to the next SLF. --At least I was somewhat used to that by now.
The next SLF had one available visitor's parking spot, which was not easy to get into. As I jockeyed back and forth, trying to get straightened out, I could easily imagine the people in the office looking out their window, watching me try to park. I finally finished parking and tried to walk confidently to the door --in shoes that are hard to walk confidently in at the best of times. (Why do they even make such things? Why do I even own them?)
I found the office easily, but unfortunately the lady I needed to talk to was out. I left my card, took hers, and walked back to the car, now imagining the conversation of those in the office.
"Well, you don't see that every day here."
"I wonder how old she really is? She was dressed up nicely, but she looks very young."
"I wonder how long she's been driving. Did you see her try to park?"
"She was trying so hard, though. I feel sorry for her."
Sometimes one's imagination can be terribly disconcerting.
Well, on I travelled to the next stop, with several flyer stops in between. I had been to that SLF before, so it was a little easier to find, and much easier to park. I even almost knew what to say once I got inside. The ladies there were very nice, and took my card, although, they said, their budget did not allow for such things very often.
By the time I came to the last stop, I was very much looking forward to going home again. I went to the office, only to find no one there. I could hear voices in around the corner, but upon a moment's reflection I decided that barging into someone's inner office would not make the best impression.
So I stood there, waiting, until finally someone came out. Unfortunately, it was not the person I needed to see, so I waited awhile longer. This time I knew what I needed to say, (having practiced it in the car on the way from the last stop) and the lady was nice. They were in need of pianists, and she told me what they would pay, and inquired as to my scheduling availability, and I left with the promise of receiving a phone call soon to schedule a time to play.
And then it was at last time to go home. I felt I was not going empty-handed, and was no longer discouraged.
It was raining.
I love rain!
It always seems to rain when I go out to do fliers, and this day was no exception. I was not looking forward to this particular trip, and as I stood in the doorway, in my best, most professional-looking outfit and with a briefcase in my hand, I could not help but sigh as I looked out at the grey, drizzly world into which I was about to step. As I sat shivering in the van, waiting for the engine to warm up, I sighed again, reflecting that one's best, most professional-looking outfit is almost never warm enough.
So, off I set to deliver flyers and to peddle my pianistic abilities at the senior living facilities in our area. The night before, Daddy had helped me (after much frustration) to print out some business cards for this new venture, so, theoretically, I was adequately prepared for the task. Reality, however, does not always go according to theory, and as I drove around, trying to find the first SLF, I felt entirely unprepared for what I was about to do.
After much driving and a little getting lost, I finally arrived at the first stop along my journey. Unfortunately, there didn't appear to be a office, just apartments, so I turned around and kept driving. A little discouraged, I decided to do some flyers on the way to the next SLF. --At least I was somewhat used to that by now.
The next SLF had one available visitor's parking spot, which was not easy to get into. As I jockeyed back and forth, trying to get straightened out, I could easily imagine the people in the office looking out their window, watching me try to park. I finally finished parking and tried to walk confidently to the door --in shoes that are hard to walk confidently in at the best of times. (Why do they even make such things? Why do I even own them?)
I found the office easily, but unfortunately the lady I needed to talk to was out. I left my card, took hers, and walked back to the car, now imagining the conversation of those in the office.
"Well, you don't see that every day here."
"I wonder how old she really is? She was dressed up nicely, but she looks very young."
"I wonder how long she's been driving. Did you see her try to park?"
"She was trying so hard, though. I feel sorry for her."
Sometimes one's imagination can be terribly disconcerting.
Well, on I travelled to the next stop, with several flyer stops in between. I had been to that SLF before, so it was a little easier to find, and much easier to park. I even almost knew what to say once I got inside. The ladies there were very nice, and took my card, although, they said, their budget did not allow for such things very often.
By the time I came to the last stop, I was very much looking forward to going home again. I went to the office, only to find no one there. I could hear voices in around the corner, but upon a moment's reflection I decided that barging into someone's inner office would not make the best impression.
So I stood there, waiting, until finally someone came out. Unfortunately, it was not the person I needed to see, so I waited awhile longer. This time I knew what I needed to say, (having practiced it in the car on the way from the last stop) and the lady was nice. They were in need of pianists, and she told me what they would pay, and inquired as to my scheduling availability, and I left with the promise of receiving a phone call soon to schedule a time to play.
And then it was at last time to go home. I felt I was not going empty-handed, and was no longer discouraged.
It was raining.
I love rain!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Please Don’t Eat the Violets!
Today I solved a great mystery: I found out what was eating my violets. Ever since the first violet began to bloom, the plants and flowers have been riddled with tiny holes. Well, today when I was tending the plants, I noticed a tiny worm at the center of one of the frayed and tattered blossoms. The first white violet had suffered a similar fate, and next to it I found a much bigger version of the same kind of worm. Hopefully now that I know what to look for, I can rid the plants of these nasty nibblers.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Spring's A-Comin'!
Tuesday afternoon Mommy and I were out taking pictures for our etsy shops, when all of a sudden, I happened to look down at the patch of newly-sprung violet plants, and to my surprise, I saw a pretty pink violet, all bloomed out! : ) Since then, it seems like every time I go outside, there's something new beginning to bud. --And you know what that means:
Spring's almost here!
Happy nearly spring, everyone!! : )
Spring's almost here!
Happy nearly spring, everyone!! : )
Friday, January 1, 2010
Pretending
Maura, this one's for you. --an episode from our childhood. : )
Once upon a time, three young girls walked along a wooded path, pretending. They walked quickly, for they were imagining that they were sisters, on the run from the wicked schoolteacher and his wife, who had persuaded the orphanage they had been left at a month before to give them custody of the three young girls, who were orphaned when their parents died tragically, --though none of the girls had decided yet what the cause of their tragic fate had been. The schoolteacher and his wife only wanted the girls because they had inherited a large mansion, and lots of money, so of course the poor sisters were sadly mistreated, forced to be servants to the terrible couple, until that fateful morning.
They had escaped the house early, before anyone was up, taking with them a small bag of provisions, which they had snatched from the kitchen on their way out of the house. As they walked, they discussed what they were to do, now that they had escaped from their dreadful guardians. The oldest, Rose, led the way through the forest, looking for some shelter where they could hide. All sorts of dangers lurked in the shadows of the forest, and it was as the girls were discussing which of those dangers they were to encounter on their journey, when something unexpected happened.
Rose was forging bravely ahead, saying, “Be careful, girls, and make sure you keep close. There are bears in these woods,” when, all of a sudden, with a great and terrifying roar, something came crashing through the woods towards them! The three young girls, being young girls, screamed loudly and ran as fast as they could. One fell over, and as the others stopped to help her up, they looked up and saw what it was that had been chasing them.
Shocked out of character, and rather upset, the three girls turned, and saw the familiar friendly face of the man they had taken for a bear, who looked somewhat embarrassed and very amused. He explained that he had thought they were trespassers, and decided to teach them a lesson by scaring them.
~And so ended the saga of the three sister’s daring and dangerous escape.
Once upon a time, three young girls walked along a wooded path, pretending. They walked quickly, for they were imagining that they were sisters, on the run from the wicked schoolteacher and his wife, who had persuaded the orphanage they had been left at a month before to give them custody of the three young girls, who were orphaned when their parents died tragically, --though none of the girls had decided yet what the cause of their tragic fate had been. The schoolteacher and his wife only wanted the girls because they had inherited a large mansion, and lots of money, so of course the poor sisters were sadly mistreated, forced to be servants to the terrible couple, until that fateful morning.
They had escaped the house early, before anyone was up, taking with them a small bag of provisions, which they had snatched from the kitchen on their way out of the house. As they walked, they discussed what they were to do, now that they had escaped from their dreadful guardians. The oldest, Rose, led the way through the forest, looking for some shelter where they could hide. All sorts of dangers lurked in the shadows of the forest, and it was as the girls were discussing which of those dangers they were to encounter on their journey, when something unexpected happened.
Rose was forging bravely ahead, saying, “Be careful, girls, and make sure you keep close. There are bears in these woods,” when, all of a sudden, with a great and terrifying roar, something came crashing through the woods towards them! The three young girls, being young girls, screamed loudly and ran as fast as they could. One fell over, and as the others stopped to help her up, they looked up and saw what it was that had been chasing them.
Shocked out of character, and rather upset, the three girls turned, and saw the familiar friendly face of the man they had taken for a bear, who looked somewhat embarrassed and very amused. He explained that he had thought they were trespassers, and decided to teach them a lesson by scaring them.
~And so ended the saga of the three sister’s daring and dangerous escape.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)