Have you had enough Christmas yet?

For me, Christmas isn't over until New Year's Day.  That's when the decorations come down and the merry days end. 

On Friday I'm going up to NYC to see ABT's Nutcracker and catch a glimpse of this year's window displays before they come down. 

So for a few more days, I'm listening to whatever Christmas music I can stand.  I found a few new inspiring compilations this year that are worth two more days of listening.  One is Hey, it's Christmas! I've also enjoyed Sufjan Stevens' Songs for Christmas.  Lastly, I adore the voice of the 10-year-old Jackie Evancho. 

beck

Reflecting on the Present(s)

I remember when I learned about Boxing Day. Or at least what I thought it meant based on the explanation provided by my Canadian roommate: on the day after Christmas you box up presents that you don't need or want to give to the less fortunate.  I thought it was a great idea and really quite generous.  I'm sure I can think of gifts I've received every year that I probably didn't need and could have given away without any drastic loss.  However, I'm a sentimental gift receiver; it is difficult for me to truly embrace the idea to give away something meant for me.  I know I have kept too many things for too long simply because someone gave them to me.  My clothes diet this year reflects a greater goal of mine to be able to live with less things--to live more simply with what I have.

Based on the wikipedia description of Boxing Day, I think I'm safe.  But I decided to reflect on the gifts I received this year and whether or not I could part with them.  After a few days of reflection, I decided it is uncouth to list the gifts you receive, so I've amended this post. 

I think it's confirmed that I would not give away my gifts.  Perhaps I'm just too selfish. Or perhaps instead of giving away gifts, I can simply choose to give donations like they did for Boxing Day in the past--which would also prevent the horrible faux-pas of re-gifting.  

beck

Sibling Bonding Time

I had the opportunity this year to spend Christmas with my brother, his wife and daughter, in Kentucky.  I drove the Flying D 9 hours to Lexington and 7 1/2 hours back. (The trip there was impeded by outgoing DC rush hour traffic.  The return trip was aided by the lack of highway patrol officers.)  It just so happened that my other older brother Steven was road tripping at the same time as me on both travel days--though he was travelling from Utah to Fresno. Between the bad service areas throughout our respective routes, we were able to spend a few hours talking on the phone.  Thank you, modern technology--for allowing me to have a travel buddy.

Steven's trip was a little longer than mine, so he's still on the road.  Safe travels, bud.

I had a wonderful Christmas and I hope you did too.  Pictures of my beautiful, adorable, nine-month-old niece coming soon.

beck

Under/By the Christmas Tree

I think I wrote last year about how one of my favorite Christmas traditions in my family is to sleep under the Christmas tree before Christmas Eve. I love falling asleep to the glow of the tree. I love the tree all lit up and ornamented--embellishing the evergreen and celebrating Christ.

I'm babysitting right now. Up until this week, the family was planning to go out of town for the holiday so they had not bought a Christmas tree. I was happy to find upon my arrival at their home tonight that they bought a 9 foot tree to decorate and display in their home.

It makes my heart so happy to sit next to the tree and read. Even with all the rest of the lights off, the tree gives off enough light to see the pages. It feels magical and exciting.

They'll probably come home and think I'm such a weirdo for sitting in the dark. Or maybe they'll completely understand why I'm doing it. And then we'll be kindred spirits from our love of illuminated Christmas trees.

beck

Adventures in Baking

I don't think this can be a proper sort of girl's blog unless I post something about baking, cooking, etc.

So here are some lessons I learned this week:

1. Salted butter does not fare well in sugar cookies. I might have made a couple dozen cookies a little salty.
2. It's a good idea to use a recipe when you're making something you haven't made in years. The apple pancakes could have been better if my memory was better OR if I had simply used a recipe.
3. Don't grab the handle on the frying pan containing said apple pancakes when it has just come out of the oven. My poor blistered ring and pinky fingers are suffering from this mistake.
4. If you have the option, use wheat flour. In my next attempt at gluten-free baking, I will try almond meal. But in the meantime, I'm going back to wheat. [I don't have any problem with consuming gluten; I am just experimenting]
5. Lastly, if you want to win a holiday dessert-making contest at work, put booze in it.  It will surely win the prize. Our cake decorated as a suitcase didn't even get an honorable mention.

beck

I Heard the Bells

This piece inspires me, so I had to share it. It is from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's 2008 Christmas Concert.



And this interview is extremely pleasing because it features both featured performers from the concert: Edward Herrman and Brian Stokes Mitchell. I love it when Brian Stokes MItchell says "Music is one of those very few things, that I can think of, that go right to your soul. There are a lot of other things, stories sometimes, they have to go through your brain first. Music just goes right to your heart, right to your soul. I think there's the immediacy of music that touches people in a way like nothing else can." Yes, Brian, I think you're right



beck

This is going to sound dramatic

I need you to tell me everything is going to be alright.  Tell me that trials can be endured. That overwhelming feelings of sorrow from hardships can be deflated by joy and love.  The future looks bright and full of promise.  Tell me something good.

Sometimes I am an emotional girl.  I think it has something to do with how us girls are made--and I like to blame hormones.   I can't help but think of these lyrics from Bjork's song Joga:

Emotional landscapes,
They puzzle me,
Then the riddle gets solved,
And you push me up to this

State of emergency,
How beautiful to be,
State of emergency,Is where I want to be.

I warned you, didn't I? And now I will try to sleep.

beck

P.S. Maggie, Joga reminds me of a bonding moment we had in your car.  You are in my blog posts this week!

Spiritual and Religious Art

During my last few semesters at BYU I interned at the Springville Museum of Art (SMoA).  The museum comes to mind during the Christmas season because this is when it holds its Annual Spiritual and Religious Art of Utah show.

This show holds a special place in my heart, because it was how I was introduced to one of my favorite artists of all time: J. Kirk Richards.  Without a doubt I can say that he's my favorite religious artist.  I'd say that Brian Thomas Kershisnik comes as a close second.  Both usually submit a piece for the show, though, I don't remember paying attention to Kershisnik's work until I saw Nativity at the BYU Museum of Art.  Nativity was featured in an exhibit called "Beholding Salvation: Images of Christ."  It was displayed as one of the first pieces the viewer saw upon entering.  Its enormous size of 88" X 204" also made it very hard to miss.

Here are a few links to some pieces I enjoy and/or love.  I would include images in the post, but Kershisnik's copyright notice scared me.

J. Kirk Richards. Gethsemane
Brian Thomas Kershisnik. Descent from the Cross.  (Winner of the Director's Award at this year's SMoA Spiritual and Religious Show)

Brian Thomas Kershisnik. Nativity. 2006. 

Brian Thomas Kershisnik. They Dance. 2006

beck

Friends are sleeping.

It's 3:45 am in California and I am still awake while the rest of the house is sound asleep.  My plane leaves from Fresno in just a few short hours.  After a week of vacation, I'm headed back to work and life in DC.   

Like each trip home this year, as I'm leaving, I'm not sure when I'll return to Fresno.  But this time, I'm okay with that.  Fresno is not a vacation spot for me and this trip has been anything but relaxing.  Even sleeping has been a challenge for me this week--hence the 3:45 am blog post.  Don't worry: I already know I'll see my family again for our trip to Utah.

beck

NatPhilChorale 101

This professional chorale thing is a new experience for me in many ways. Tonight let me tell you about my new friends in the soprano section.

I sit next to Theresa and Polly.

Polly used to dance on Broadway and a few touring shows. This was back with Mary Martin, so Polly's up there in years. She missed our last concert because she took a fall and had to get a few stitches. Tonight Polly turned to ask me a question. I thought she was asking what page we were on when she wrote a couple of numbers on her music: 94, 95, 96, 97. But she was really asking which year it was.  :( So sad. Every week when I sit by her, I'm not sure if she'll remember me.

Theresa sits on my other side. She is so cool. She's like the cool mom that you always think you want growing up. One night one of the first soprano divas repeatedly made some snippy comments to our section. Theresa turned to me each time and gave a hushed "Kiss my a$$ response.' It was so out of context that I couldn't help but laugh each time. Theresa always make rehearsal fun.

And there you go.

beck

Utah!

I found out this week that my wonderful, beautiful, and younger (ahem) cousin Amy is getting married in February. Since his family is from the Salt Lake area, they've decided to get married in the Salt Lake temple. So I'm planning a trip to Utah. I wasn't sure when the day would come that I would plan to go back there, but here it comes.

The jury is still out on whether I'm more excited to attend the sealing or to be able to ski in Utah in February. Either way, there is much fun to be had. 

Amy and her newest young fan

Me and my Papa skiing in Utah on a beautiful and snowy day



Yeah, I looked pretty cool.


beck

Miracles Happen Once in a While

Great news! This is a month late, but the miracle is still quite pertinent: the lab results indicated success! A life is extended as modern medicine continues to improve. Now if only modern medicine could find a way to make the pain and suffering subside...

The next miracle is that of my new little nephew, Luke Michael Fletcher. I have to wait 2 1/2 more weeks just to meet him! I know that he misses me already.

The last miracle I would like to mention is more appropriate to be described as multiple tender mercies. In my loneliest moments over the last few weeks, I was blessed with a companion, a text, a phone call, or a visit. There's not a very good reason for me to feel insecure or lonely, because I'm always surrounded by good people. However, there are times when I yearn for someone who can completely understand what I'm thinking. When I find those moments, I feel truly blessed.

beck

Benni Harper

Tonight I picked up a book from the Benni Harper mystery series that has been sitting on my shelf for far too long this year. My mom inspired me to finally read it when she bought me the newest book in the series for my birthday.

I think I've read 9 of the 14 books in the series. It's been so long that I can't remember which books I've read by the titles alone.

I have always enjoyed the stories about Benni, a middle-aged widow who marries a police chief and unexpectedly gets involved in murder cases. It's been years between readings and yet as soon as Benni walks into her house in San Celina, I know what it looks like. Each character's image comes back into memory like they're long lost friends. The town and the ranches in central California provide bucolic images that I miss and love to relish in.

I didn't read much tonight, but I'm looking forward to catching up on Benni's life.

beck

Death Notice

After six years and one month of companionship, my laptop finally died. Time of death was approximately 6:15 pm EST on Sunday, October 24. I was really hoping it would last another 6 months, but I knew the end was near last week when the blue screen of death made its first appearance. Yesterday that screen appeared again and signaled my laptop had already experienced its last reboot.

I feel like mourning. This laptop saw me through countless college assignments and research, a few romances, two transatlantic journeys, dozens of online purchases, probably hundreds of movies and TV episodes, thousands of photos, millions of seconds of music, hours of facebook, and the list goes on. It's really hard to say goodbye...which brings me to my next point...

What do you do with a dead laptop? My last laptop didn't officially die; it simply became obsolete. So I'm at a loss as to what to do now.

I'm also wondering how long I can survive without a laptop. I was counting on 6 more months of budgeting for a new one. I am not sure whether I can last even six weeks without the convenience of a home computer. My blackberry can only do so much.

beck

P.S. I was able to backup all of my beloved files before the second blue screen appeared--so thankfully no losses there.

What's in a scent?

I used to always know who my favorite co-worker was.  Now the competition is getting a little intense.  Today my supervisor presented me with a small gift in a bag labeled "Made in Oregon."  Before I could open it I caught the scent of the fragrance inside the bag.  I might have made an audible sound of ecstasy at that moment.  Inside the bag was a small box of Pacifica Sandalwood Natural Soap that my supervisor picked out for me on her recent trip to Portland, Oregon.  "Rich Indian sandalwood, a symbol of compassion, is at the heart of this cherished woody blend with top notes of tangerine and sweet orange."  Precious wood and citrus! How did she know that fragrance would be so intoxicating to me? I couldn't have picked a better soap for myself.

Inside the box is this statement: "Much like music, fragrance is a beautiful connection between cultures, experiences, and memories.  It has the ability to place us in the moment or bring back the past.... We blend these essences and essential oils in unique combinations that inspire passion, evoke a mood, and take you on a journey." Our sense of smell is truly miraculous. 

Each time I visited/lived in France I visited a perfumerie.  I'm happy to say that perfume and scents have become a lovely little interest of mine.  During my last trip I wanted to pick out a new perfume that would become my signature scent--one that I could wear everywhere and people would recognize it as me.  It was  suggested to me to visit a Sephora store to do research.  At Sephora stores, or online, the ingredients or fragrances in each perfume are listed out for reference.  The customer is able to compare and contrast the scents that they like in order to pick the best combination.  I like the idea of a signature scent, but you won't always find a scent like Chanel No. 5, which has been produced for decades.  Chances are you'll have to shift around and try a new scent every few years (perfumes and colognes don't have a very long shelf life, so even if you still have a bottle of your favorite stuff after a year, you're better off not wearing it).   So it is helpful to know the contributing fragrances in your perfume so you can pick out a new one somewhere along the line. 

These are some of the scents I have worn through the years (I did not write the blurbs):


Clinique Happy.  Launched in 1997, the original Happy is a lingering, multi-layered floral. Wear it and be happy.

Notes: Ruby Red Grapefruit, Boysenberry Bush Flower, Hawaiian Wedding Flower.
Style: Chic. Modern. Sparkling.

Clinique Happy Heart.  A wealth of flowers. A hint of warmth. A deepening of emotions. Wear it and have a happy heart.

Notes: Water Hyacinth, Mandarin, Cucumber, Yellow Primrose, Blond Woods.
Style: Fresh. Warm. Optimistic.

I loved Clinique Happy and Happy Heart when I was younger and loved getting the free samples with my makeup purchases.  I still enjoy these scents but avoid wearing them because it makes me feel a little too young. 

Lovely.  A fragrance as lovely as the woman who created it, Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker is part style-icon, part star-next-door. Like her eclectic personal style, Parker's fragrance is a flashback to the classics of fashion design, made modern with her trademark twists on tradition. Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker weaves lavender, orchid, apple martini, and musk to evoke innocence, exoticism and sophistication all at once. With a body for fashion and a nose for fragrance, Sarah Jessica Parker brings us a signature scent that's feminine, timeless, and ageless. Lovely is in the air.

At some point during high school or college I received a free sample of Lovely.  I toted the sample around with me to use on the go.  

Sensi by Giorgio Armani.  Sensi by Armani is the fragrance for women - like light kashmir - oriental romance with italian spirit.  Warm like love. 

Notes: akazia, kaffir-limette, orgeat, jasmine, palisander, benzoe. 

When I wear Sensi by Armani I think of when my mom let me wear a few sprays from her bottle the night of my senior prom.  She said I needed to wear something a little more sexy than my girly Clinique scents.  Then a year later she bought me my own bottle of Sensi.  It now appears to me that I had a sort of coming of age through perfume.  My mom bought me a second bottle last year for my birthday.  I still enjoy wearing it.

Burberry Brit Red Perfume by Burberrys.  Brit Red is a special edition fragrance with that fun, exciting playful British attitude. The vivacious red bottle is a perfect blend of oriental fruits with sensual florals.

Notes: mandarin, red rose, gingerbread, patchouli, jasmine, sandalwood, vanilla beans.

I received this perfume as a hand me down.  Someone was giving it away and I loved the scent.  I'm glad I snatched it up. 

Very Irrésistible Givenchy.  An homage to Givenchy's early days when fashion and cinema were intertwined, Very Irrésistible Givenchy, unites the elegant tradition of French style with the energy and pop-culture pizzazz of American film. Bursting with roses and infused with star anise, and verbena leaf, Very Irrésistible Givenchy is a fresh departure from the traditional floral fragrance.

Notes: Centifolia Rose, Peony Rose, Fantasia Rose, Passion Rose, Emotion Rose, Verbena Leaf, Star Anise.
Style: Vibrant. Brilliant. Captivating.

This is probably my favorite perfume.  I always loved wearing it.  Sephora's blurb about it makes me love it even more. 

Amarige Mariage by Givenchy.  Sparkling, luminous, and sensual, Amarige Mariage is a celebration of love and romance. Radiant and enchanting, it possesses all the emotion of the most beautiful day of your life - a moment of pure happiness reflected in the bright notes of citrus mingled with soft florals, rich spices, and a drizzle of patchouli.

Notes: Sicilian Bitter Orange, Calabrian Bergamot, Magnolia, Egyptian Jasmine, Ceylon Cinnamon, Siam Benzoin, Sandalwood, Patchouli.
Style: Sparkling. Luminous. Unforgettable.

I received a sample of Mariage when I received Very Irresistible.  I accidentally broke the glass vial and I was heartbroken. I had loved the scent so much that I wore it sparingly so I could make it last longer.  It was sad to lose it so prematurely.  I still imagine that I will one day wear it for my wedding.  

Before closing this post, I have to mention my favorite scents for men. 

Polo Black Cologne by Ralph Lauren.  This phenomenal fragrance was created by Ralph Lauren, in 2005.

Notes: iced mango, spanish sage, patchouli noir, sandalwood, and tonka bean.

This is my new love.  When I receive Macy's ads in the mail, I search out these samples. 

Pi by Givenchy.  Pi is a celebration of what makes a man seductive - his intelligence, courage, and contributions. Pi is more than a name, it's a symbol. The masculine bottle, designed by Serge Manseau, has a hi-tech closure system and plays on the contrast between pure lines and perfect proportion.

Notes: Mandarin, Pine Needles, Rosemary, Guaiac Wood, Benzoin.
Style: Adventurous. Sensational. Masculine fragrance.

My mom bought my dad a bottle of Pi but he almost never  wore it.  So once in a while I wore it and fantasized that one day my husband would embody this scent. 

Oh my goodness, I wish I could insert the scent of the sandalwood soap here so you can smell it.  It is divine. 

beck

Pilgrimage to NOLA

My boss mentioned last week that I might get to travel to New Orleans for work next month.  This is very exciting to me since it has been on my hot list of places to go since...well, either since I visited Disneyland's French Quarter and ate Creole cuisine (I know, kinda sad) or since I took a History of Jazz class at BYU.  I'm going to go with the latter.  I can't think of any time sooner than that when I really yearned for a trip to that city. 

During my history class, I learned the importance of NOLA to the jazz age.  It is still a key component in the preservation of jazz music from that time--they didn't name the venue Preservation Hall for nothing.  I would love to experience a performance there.  One of my favorite jazz songs seems to transplant me to that region whenever I hear it.

Now presenting: "West End Blues" by Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five.  When Louis plays the trumpet, it's smooth and unforced.  And when he scats, it feels easy and lazy--as if there's not a care in the world. 

beck

Fait Accompli

Kakalina sent me a package for my birthday.  She said that when she visited me back in May that I mentioned a couple items that I wanted but didn't have.  I couldn't for the life of me remember anything I might have mentioned.  I giggled with excitement when she told me it was coming.  Then I was a bit puzzled when I saw it was from Crate and Barrel. 

I opened the package and found this:

A salt pig with a scoop!  We saw many different versions of these in Hill's Kitchen.  We might have also pretended to throw salt onto the imaginary food we were cooking in the store.  Of course I didn't have something as frivolous as a salt pig with a scoop. But now I do!

Today I finally filled up my pig and placed it next to the stove for easy access to throw a dose of salt on whatever it is I decide to cook.  It took me over a month to find the salt I wanted to put inside it.  My final choice was a modestly priced flaky sea salt sold at Dean and Deluca. 

Isn't it pretty?

beck

In Anticipation

Papa John and Mama Tracy arrive in the DC area in T minus 4 days.  I talked them into coming out for my first concert performance for the National Philharmonic Chorale.  This Saturday we're performing Mahler's 2nd Symphony, called "Auferstehung" or "The Resurrection."  I am waiting in anticipation for this concert, because it is going to be...incredible. 

I auditioned for the chorale without really knowing what I was getting myself into and I am so grateful that I followed through with the idea.  In the many choirs I've sang in, I never sang whole movements of classical music.  We might have picked out one or two pieces to sing from a symphony or set, but we never sang a work in its entirety.  I think I might have been gypped in my choral experiences.  Perhaps we didn't always have the money for the necessary orchestral accompanists, but I wish we would have tried harder to make it work. 

For now I am in love with Mahler's Symphony No.2.  I can only imagine how different my life would be if I had heard it sooner.  Okay, probably not that different, but perhaps more edified.  A friend gave me a burned copy of the music and I have listened to that CD almost everyday.  The words carry such a powerful message and they are written so well into the music.  Though the lyrics are in German, the music itself is able to carry the meaning to the listeners.  By the end of the piece you feel like you're being carried into heaven. 

Listen to it. Read the text.  Love it.  "Prepare yourself to live!"

I'm also waiting in anticipation for...lab results.  T minus 3 days.  They're not for me and I'd rather not share whom they're for, but it's kind of a big deal.  I know this will sound dramatic, but I know these results will impact the rest of my life.  I've tried not to think about it too much over the last several months, but now that we're so close to knowing, the potential results are occupying more of my thoughts.  I'm praying for miracles in modern medicine. 

beck

The Great American Apparel Diet

So lately this saying has been on my mind as I've tried to save and be frugal: “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." I have an inkling it's from the WWII era.  A simple google search could confirm or deny this inkling, but I'll leave that for the really interested people to look up. 

I've made a few changes recently in an attempt to be frugal and save money.  The hardest has been an unofficial commitment to The Great American Apparel Diet.  It's not a caloric diet.  It's a spending diet, found here: http://www.thegreatamericanappareldiet.com/

Diet followers pledge not to buy new apparel for a year.  I learned about this (I think) at the beginning of August.  At that time I had not made any purchases since Memorial Day, so I thought since I've already started by accident, I might as well continue for a whole year.  I'm not an official dieter, but I liked the idea, and have decided to stick with it.  I also felt justified because I already wear clothes that are quite worn--a quick skim of my closet and drawers will easily show about 1/3 as hand-me-downs.  Another inspiration for wearing the same things over and over again is my host mom in Paris.  I remember being baffled to see her wear the same pink sweater several nights during the week at dinner.  If a fashionable French lady can do it, so can I.   

Though I have to admit that I have been craving a little something new in my closet.  Lucky for me, a couple weeks ago, our Church had a huge clothing exchange.  People brought clothes to donate and people came away with free clothes.  I was able to acquire new clothing items without buying anything, which would break my diet.   

I want to spend less and I want to be more conscious of what I am spending.  I want to be happy with and use up or wear out the clothing or apparel which I already own.  [Side note: this idea of frugality in apparel has also caused me to reflect on the difference between being fashion-conscious and having your own sense of style.  Lately, I'm of the opinion that having your own personal style is so much more important than following fashions.  That said: I will continue to track trends in the fashion world for stylistic inspiration.] 

My one regret in starting this diet is that I have slimmed down a tad and now I have several clothes items that are ill-fitting.  I also gave away a few bagfuls of clothes that came out with my truck last summer.  I might have held onto some of those items a bit longer if I knew I was going to be getting down to the nitty gritty in my closet. 

So if my clothes start to look a little threadbare or if I seem to wear the same things over and over again, you know why.

beck

Missionaries

So this week has been a bit difficult.  I had a new group arrive from Europe this week.  It's always good and bad when I have a group of new delegates arrive.  Despite weeks and even months of preparing for some groups, it is always stressful when they are finally in DC.  The good thing is that I finally get to meet them and converse with them. 

On Monday we had lunch as a group at Busboys and Poets.  (I just noticed that the only times I've written about my groups on here seem to be when we go to Busboys and Poets. We eat at other places too, I promise!) During lunch I sat and talked with our State Department supervisor, a Croatian and a Fin.  Somehow a good portion of the conversation was turned to my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Both the Croatian and the Fin knew about the Church and had seen our missionaries in their countries.  They asked me all about my faith and knew quite a bit already.  I was amazed at their inquisition.  Since our State Department rep was sitting there, I made sure not to say anything that could veer toward proselyting.  I really only answered their questions.  Of all the international visitors I've met, they're two of three who have seen our missionaries.  They're the only two who knew anything about the Church. 

Later that night my roommate happened to have our ward's missionaries over for dinner.  We try and feed them as often as we can.  I related to them the conversation I had with my visitors and they were pleased.  There are missionaries working hard here in DC as well as in Finland, Croatia and many other parts of the world.  Not excluding McAllen, Texas, where my lil bro is currently serving a mission.

I got a letter from that lil bro today.  He found a typewriter so he typed out my letter that is usually handwritten.  He gets a limited time to email so he usually only writes my mom while on the computer.  I think he'll soon realize that typewriter typing is very different from using a word processor.  I'm sure the novelty will wear out before I receive another letter from him.  I miss him so much!  It feels like he's been gone forever!

beck

m a g g i e

I had the pleasure of celebrating the birthday of my dear friend Maggie for two weekends in a row.

The first weekend, Maggie, Kelli and I drove down to Richmond, Virginia, for a short day trip.  We visited the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Capitol Building, Careytown and Martin's grocery store.  Yes, a grocery store.  Look it up.  The art museum was my favorite by far.  I took a few fun photos. 

This made my heart happy.  I recognized it immediately.  It's Yosemite. 

I loved this for its whimsy. 

This was only a fragment of the piece.  It was about  6 X 8. 

Maggie took a picture just like this! I didn't see it until she shared her web album.  We had separated at this point of our museum wanderings.  (Mags, this is Hector Guimard--the French artist who designed the Metro signs in Paris.)

Adam and Eve

Kelli, standing dead center at the top. 

Les filles ensemble

Then last Saturday, Maggie organized a trip to the Kreeger Museum in Washington, DC, followed by a lunch at Jettie's.  The Kreeger Museum is a wonderful little unknown in DC.  I decided that I want to start an art collection the way the Kreegers did as a husband and wife.  In order for them to acquire a new piece of art, they both had to like it.  I don't necessarily want to build my own art museum like they did, but I'm not opposed to the idea either.  We couldn't take pictures inside, but it was a beautiful day for pictures of the exterior. 

beck

Mormons and Muslims

Some people I know have asked why I would ever date a Muslim.  Well, there were a few personal reasons, which I will not mention here. 

According to this Pew research article, Mormons and Muslims have a few more things in common.  Pew surveyed public opinion on Muslims and Mormons.  Results and article are found here: http://people-press.org/report/358/public-expresses-mixed-views-of-islam-mormonism

beck

CCCC Reunion

From third grade to ninth grade I sang in the Central California Children's Choir.  I worked my way up from singing with Cynthia Salmonson in Intermediate Choir to singing with Valerie Quiring in Advanced Choir.  Then finally I got to sing with Valerie Quiring in the Concert Choir when I was in seventh grade.  This was the best of the best.  It was such a treat to sing with Valerie and Concert Choir had the coolest performing opportunities.  Sadly I only sang with Valerie for one year before she decided to take a break from conducting to devote more time to her two young daughters.  It was heartbreaking for all of us when she left. 

I can look back and credit numerous formative experiences to my time singing in CCCC.  We practiced and practiced to perform exquisite and beautiful music.  I don't say it was beautiful to toot my own horn, but to express how meaningful it was to work so hard to produce truly beautiful results.  Valerie taught us a true love of music and singing.  CCCC helped me develop the foundation of my artistic expression.  CCCC gave me an opportunity to perform in the touring Broadway production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  I should also mention that I formed lasting friendships with three amazing girls through CCCC.

Ten years later, several of us CCCC girls wanted to get together and sing with Valerie.  We planned a reunion in Fresno this summer in the format of the retreats that we had each time we started new repertoire.  We sang Friday night and all day Saturday to prepare a concert for our family and friends.  All the music we performed was from our old repertoire--favorites that we were happy to sing again.  Most of the pieces came back quite easily from our memory.  Perhaps we performed them too often in the past.  The first time we sang through Psalm 100 and Thompson's Alleluia, I had chills.  It was marvelous. 

I realized in the weeks leading up to the reunion and reminiscing with choir friends that I needed to be a part of something like that again.  I needed to perform in a musical group.  I needed to produce beautiful music.  So I auditioned for two chorales in the DC area.  Last week I started rehearsing with the National Philharmonic Chorale.  I am overjoyed to regularly study music again.  My spirit needs this kind of fulfillment. 

Here are a few pictures from the reunion. 

All of us who could make it to the renion from the years when Valerie was director.  Valerie is standing next to me on the far left. 

The Carlsons, Roubiceks and Robin--all of our parents are neighbors now. 

The fab four--class of '04.  Like I said, three amazing girls.  We all went to high school together and performed there too.  It all started with CCCC...

This picture includes a couple more high school friends who came to our performance.  

beck

The Shows on My Radar

It is now September and I am excited to start a new year of...school? No. Work? No. Life? No.  Performance seasons? YES!

I am trying to actually keep my budget this year, so I am carefully planning and saving for each show I want to see.  Here are the shows that are in my queue, in order of appearance.  To all my DC friends: let me know if you want to join me!

A new staging of The Nutcracker.  Since I moved to DC, I have seen at least one nutcracker performance at Christmas time.  I will have to go up to NYC for this one, but I daresay it would be worth it. 

I have arleady seen the Washington National Opera perform La Traviata.  I loved it and felt fulfilled until I saw pieces of this staging from the Salzburg Opera Festival.  It was just so good that I want to see it live.   Sadly, this show is also in NYC, which requires a bit more mulah to trek up there. 

Most of all, I am anticipating the production of Nixon in China.  And the best part is that even though I would love to see it in the Met Opera House, I can see it in a local movie theater as part of the Met's Live in HD program for a much lower cost.  Tickets go on sale today!!!

I am happy that this performance is in DC.  Kelley O'Connor sang in the Central California Children's Choir (CCCC) back in the day. When we had a CCCC reunion this summer, she came and sang with us! Since myself and another choir member live in DC, Kelley told us about this concert she would be doing out here.  I quickly added it to my queue. Funny that she hasn't included CCCC on her professional resume yet...

Are you excited yet?! I can't wait!

beck

Woa woa woa!

Today I had my first encounter with a crazy driver in DC.  DC is full of crazies so I should not have been surprised. 

A colleague and I were walking back to our office through an alley after lunch.  A van was backing up so we tried to walk ahead and move out of his way.  The driver did not appreciate this idea. 

We tried to pass, but he accelerated.  We tried to pass again, but he accelerated.  Finally there was a standstill and we proceeded to walk through what became a foot and a half of passageway between the vehicle and a dumpster. 

It turns out the only reason we were allowed to pass was because the driver leaped from the vehicle to shout profanities at my colleague.  There was no fighting and my colleague stood his ground.  Amongst the profanities, the driver asked "Would you rather be late or get killed?" Huh?  Then the driver re-entered his vehicle.  My colleague and I gave him looks of utter astonishment as we walked on.  

In the future I will avoid walking in the alley by my office.  People are crazy. 

beck

I had no idea!

I read the Get Rich Slowly blog and found this article about buying local that linked this article about the evil Monsanto corporation.  In case you were not aware (I had no idea!) Monsanto = EVIL. 

More than anything, I want to live in a place where I can grow a garden and enjoy summer harvests and justify buying a canner.  Someday...

P.S. And I want a composter.  There was an awesome article about composting in our Express daily today. 

beck

Get Excited for Free

The Virgin Mobile FreeFest will be at the Merriweather Post Pavilion on September 25.  It is still a month away, but I'm excited.  You should be too.

The FreeFest presents M.I.A., LCD Soundsystem, Pavement, T.I., Ludacris, Joan Jett, Thievery Corporation, Matt & Kim, Jimmy Eat World, The Temper Trap, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Yeasayer, Chromeo, Sleigh Bells, Die Antwoord, Modeselektor, and Neon Indian.

Neat.
 
beck

Sharing Beauty

This week I was walking in Georgetown when a tourist-looking father with his family in tow, stopped me for directions.   

He asked, "Is there something beautiful to see over there?"[pointing in the direction they were headed]
If I could have made a sound and not appeared rude, I would have guffawed.   
He continued, "Some with fountains and where to watch boats?" (English was not his native language) 
I answered in the affirmative and directed him to the Georgetown Waterfront. 

They were looking for beauty and I showed them where they could find it.  How curious to ask for beauty so nonchalantly.  And how easily I could share it!

A week ago I took an impulsive day trip to NYC.  It ended up taking a little more planning than I had intended when I realized I could not easily get to the bus stop in time for my 6:15 am departure.  But alas, with the help of a friend, I made the trip. 

I deem the trip as impulsive and maybe a little reckless, because I had just gone to NYC the weekend before.  In fact, I had barely been home an hour after the previous trip when I went to my laptop and bought tickets to go back.  And it was not a cheap trip. 

Why did I do this? South Pacific.  I had to see that show again with Paulo Szot and Kelli O'Hara.  Was it worth it? Yes.  Is there anyone who can understand why I had to do this?  Maybe.  You tell me.  I can try to explain it. 

You see, I already knew it was a remarkable show because I had seen it twice before in the last four months--one of those times was the week before.  The only actress who was different on this day was Kelli O'Hara.  I had heard amazing things about her performances on stage and when I saw the show the week before, I only missed her return to the show by three days. 

South Pacific has been buzzing through my mind for the last year and a half.  The story, the themes and the music flow seamlessly throughout the show.  The depiction of love as well as conflicts of race, prejudice and war seem so pertinent to current events.  Most of all I love how amidst all the seeming chaos Nurse Nellie Forebush sings that she is "stuck like a dope with a thing called hope, and [she] can't get it out of [her] heart!" Knucklehead Nellie is the cock-eyed optimist who falls for the romantic Frenchman. 

Do you remember when I mentioned how we hope for something better? We hope for and seek out things like beauty, love, peace and understanding.  I often find it in the form of music.  In this instance, it was in a musical and the depiction of a rather miraculous story of love in conflict.  I have relished in it for almost two years now.  We are not all moved by the same things, but I am happy to share with others what is beautiful to me. 

Now on a more serious note, a little eye candy from the show:


Okay, just one more.  This one is Brian Stokes Mitchell and Reba in Carnegie Hall:



beck

Official and Unofficial State Songs

Someone brilliant at Paste Magazine came up with updated state songs and even included youtube videos in the article.

Do you like your 21st century state song? Sadly, DC is out of the running since it's not a state. 

beck

P.S. I think I found this article through We Love DC.

Come to the Edge

Before writing this blog post, I was sitting on my bed with a pounding headache and debating whether or not I should take some Advil before attempting to write something coherent.  I felt impressed during so many moments today that I felt I had to write at least one of those thoughts tonight.  Lucky for you I took some Advil.  And here you go:  

My mother emailed me several months ago the following poem from a meeting she attended.  But eeks! I didn't read the notes until a few days ago.  The timing was quite incredible because the poem couldn't be more poignant if I had read it any earlier.

"Come to the Edge" by Christopher Logue

Come to the edge.

We might fall.

Come to the edge.

It's too high!

Come to the edge.

And they came,

and we pushed,

And they flew.

Whenever I take a chance, go out on a limb, or make an act of faith, I hope and pray that my intuition or my promptings will be validated by bringing about something better.  I debate whether the inconvenience, discomfort or heartache will be worth the reward.  I think that I am completely justified in my hope for something better.  We can and should always hope for something better--as long as it is not a vain hope (I have many thoughts and maybe even a paper on this subject).  We should hope for something and then do all we can to achieve our desires.  In the simple poem, they hoped to not fall and yet they still came to the edge. 

A few weeks ago, I went to the edge.  Last week and this week I am flying.  Boom baby.  I am so blessed. 

My birthday is next week. I'm a little afraid that this week will be so great and then the start of my 25th year will not be as great.  I will hope for better things and we shall see what events unfold. 

beck

Body Paint aka Art on Bodies

I had a life-changing experience with body paint back in 2007 with my LLHN girls.  Love.  Ever since then, I get really excited when I see beautiful images painted on peoples' bodies. 

My heart jumped today when I saw this image on the free people blog.  Love.

I also really like this one. 

My faith does not condone the idea of getting tatoos.  Yet there's something appealing about the temporary embellishments we can add to our already beautiful bodies.

beck

The Goodbye Girl

I had an epiphany a few weeks ago.  I have those sometimes.  I was thinking about the movie The Goodbye Girl after watching it at Screen on the Green. Eliot Garfield (played by Richard Dreyfus) tells his lover that he hates all of her past lovers. He hates them because they're the ones who walked out on her and now he's the one who's getting all the blame. 

In this statement, Eliot introduces an idea that I think is a pattern of our entire lives. We are constantly repairing or fixing the problems that others have created. These problems may be emotional like in The Goodbye Girl or physical such as leaving a mess in the kitchen or dealing with the tons of oil in the Gulf of Mexico.  And then if we take a huge jump from the menial everyday tasks and current events to the cosmic sphere, then I would say that this pattern rings true of our purpose on earth.  We are in a fallen state--though I have to clarify that it was our choice, as it always is, to get into this specific mess of life--and we are redeemed by someone who made the ultimate sacrifice for sins that were not his own.  We live in similitude. 

But life isn't all negative so I have to share something positive about this epiphany.  Similar to the story in The Goodbye Girl, we also find exceptions.  Their relationship worked out despite those other peoples' problems.  We are not only occasionally, but frequently blessed with beauty and we realize that it's worth it to suffer through our own as well as those other peoples' problems. 

And now a line from Guys and Dolls comes to mind: "If there's one thing Sergeant Sarah is good at, it's solving other peoples' problems."

On a closing note: I spent a wonderful long weekend in Fresno last week and I get to spend the day in New York this week.  Hooray for summer!

beck

Baby When the Lights Go Out

A short and destructive storm on Sunday left us without power.  As of now, we are still waiting for Pepco to restore power to our area.  Instead of toughing it out in the heat on Sunday night, Gina and I made use of my gift certificate for a free night at the GWU Inn.  It was nothing short of divine. 

I checked the Pepco website today and found these photos of the storm's destruction.  I may or may not have complained about not having power over the last two days, but at least a telephone pole or uprooted tree didn't fall on my car or house.  I guess I'll stop complaining now. 

beck

Clovis Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

This story was on the news today in Fresno.  It spread like wildfire on facebook status updates. 

Brian Piercy is the 7th graduate from my high school to die in Iraq or Afghanistan.  I don't think it will ever be enough to say I am grateful for the men and women who sacrificed their lives in the conflicts in the sandboxes.  I feel proud that so many of my classmates serve and have served in the military.  However, in the same vein I feel like so many Americans who are exhausted by the seemingly endless reports of death and destruction.  I've met with representatives from the National Counter terrorism Center and other federal agencies enough to know that there is a real threat from domestic and foreign terrorism.  I don't know and I'm no judge on how effective our efforts are in defeating threats. 

Needless to say the current U.S. conflicts have impressed me.  I wonder about the legacy of my generation.  It is our youth who are dedicating their lives and impressionable years to warfare.  Is this how my generation will be remembered?  I don't mean to sound unpatriotic, but I feel weary of our country's decisions to engage in so many conflicts--even more so when our goals seem unattainable. 

Now I'm feeling a little guilty that I haven't posted anything about my Fourth of July.  I truly love my country and the freedoms it provides.  Independence Day is my favorite holiday because it isn't overburdened with commercial traditions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.  I am so happy to celebrate those freedoms every year and practice them every minute of every day. 

Since you're wondering: This year I watched the fireworks on the National Mall while overlooking the tidal basin.  I was there with a big group of friends, but most importantly with Myles.  It was a wonderful evening.  Though I'd love to live abroad, I can't imagine ever being an expat--I love my country too much. 

beck

My Esotropic Eye

Last week I decided to make use of the health insurance I'm paying for and visit a physician.  It was the first of what I hope will be an annual checkup on my health.   I'm happy to report that all the regular stats are normal.  I'll have to do blood work at some point for a more in depth analysis, but overall it was a good visit.  The doc even gave me a few samples of allergy medicine so I could decide what I like and then get a prescription for effective allergy meds.  Maybe one day I won't suffer every time the seasons change. 

There was just one thing that was a little odd.  The doc told me I have an esotropic eye.  What is an esotropic eye? Explanation here: Adults with Crooked Eyes. One of my eyes turns slighlty inward when my eyes are focused on the same object.  In other words, I'm half cross-eyed.  Even the hypochondriac in me was surprised to hear that something was wrong with my eyes. They have always been the one thing I've never worried about. I've watched many of my siblings and family members get glasses or contacts, but my vision has been fine. 

I won't tell you which eye is the esotropic one so that you can guess when you look at them. I don't think it's visible to the naked eye anyway (the doc saw it using a tool). 

beck

Back in DC

The dog days over.  When I got back to DC, Myles was sitting in my apartment talking to my roommate.  We made plans to go out that weekend and we've been dating over the weeks since then.  

This last weekend we went to Medieval Times.   He looks skeptical in this photo but he really was happy as a clam. 

My friend had a birthday celebration last week and I was able to wander (and wonder) around DC for a bit taking pictures before meeting up with friends. 

Meridian Hill Park

Cows and bikes in Adams Morgan

I was so bored at work last week that I felt the need to document my most recent spoils.  My favorite is the mug with my name on it that also says I am merry and honest.  

beck

Reader's Digest of the last 30 Days

I can't believe how much has happened in one month's time.  Here's a condensed version of the most recent events. 

After K's visit to DC, we flew together to Lexington, Kentucky.  I must mention that we stayed up all night Friday anticipating our 3 am departure to the airport. The whole Memorial Day weekend was filled with family events centered around our beautiful niece Abigail.  And thanks to that Kentucky hospitality, the weekend was also filled with good food.  And I do love me a good BBQ cookout.

On Memorial Day, I did some shopping with Erin and Crystal.  It seems to be an inevitable activity whenever those ladies get together.  Later that night those of us who were still in Lexington saw Prince of Persia at Movie Tavern.  The theater has dinner and a movie all in one.  It was pretty neat.  The movie was quite cheesy and yet still entertaining. 

The movie credits had barely finished when my brother got a phone call about Grannie's death. We were floored.  It definitely put a damper on that night and the rest of the week.  At 91 years old, you'd think we would have expected it, but we didn't.  At every goodbye over the last 10 years or so, Grannie would always say "This may be the last time I see you." I never believed her because she would always be there at the next holiday or family gathering.  She was always there and I think selfishly I always wanted and expected her to be there no matter how painful life had become for her.  And now she's gone and I have to cope with that loss.  My life may not appear different in how I live from day to day, and yet it somehow feels like everything has changed.  I never expected the loss of Grannie to penetrate me so deeply.  I loved my other two grandparents, but I don't remember mourning for them like I have for Grannie. 

[She hated having her picture taken so this is one of the best ones I have.]

I flew to Miami the next day for a work conference.  I stayed in a gorgeous, tropical hotel and spa in Coconut Grove.  I ate loads of Floridian food.  I networked with many colleagues who travelled down from DC and other organizations across the U.S.  I enjoyed the first day of the conference the most.  On that day we visited Shake-a-Leg and took a boat out into the Biscayne Bay.  Then we visited the Miami-Dade County Fire-Rescue Headquarters.  Lastly, we visited the network office and studios of Univision.  Later that night there was an opening reception at the Freedom Tower, which is known as the Ellis Island of Miami, because it was used to process Cuban immigrants.  It was a little difficult for me to focus during those few days there.  It still feels like a daze. 

During my last few hours in Miami I escaped from the conference to take an expensive cab ride out to South Beach.  I walked in the sun and dipped my feet in the ocean. 

After Miami, instead of flying back to DC as planned, I flew home to California. 

We made a quick stop to a produce stand on the way home.

I got to Fresno in time for the final day of the California State Track Championships.  The last two years the meet has been held at my high school alma mater.  I was able to see my twin cousins compete in the 100m and 300m hurdle and the pole vault.  They are incredible athletes and both of them medaled.  It was kind of neat, though ironic, that all of our family was able to attend the track meet since all of our family was in town for Grannie's funeral. 

Alyssa made the front page of the Sports Section for this shot of the flying hurdle that knocked into her the day before.  She still managed to qualify for the finals. 

The walk to the stadium. 

Our family cheering from the stands. 

We got my favorite Me-n-Eds pizza after the game.  The night was cool and breezy so me and my siblings walked home.  Then we spent all of Sunday together as a family.  The funeral was on Monday morning in Selma.  I was honored to give my Grannie's eulogy.  I'm still not sure how that came about but I'll never forget it.  I am grateful for my faith in God's plan.  I have no doubt that I will be reunited with her after death.

After the funeral we drove by the old houses in Selma where my dad and his family used to live.  Then my family spent the evening at home eating a big dinner and playing games.  It seems silly to remember what we ate, but it's so telling of our family traditions.  That night we ate tri-tip, rice pilaf, summer salad, ribs, red potatoes, shrimp cocktail and strawberry pizza.  It was a perfect ending.  And now I feel homesick.  Dang. 

beck