Early Monday Morning

It's so strange to wake up on a Monday morning with "nothing" to do. Over the course of my sophomore year at college Monday's were my busiest days.

 

I made coffee and a homemade McMuffin for breakfast. In my PJs. (Since when have I eaten breakfast in PJs??)

 

It's obvious that I can't take clear pictures in the morning. At least I can make food, and possess the ability to wake up the household in doing so.

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

"Every spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment." ~Ellis Peters

Milky white dogwoods in bloom

Not sure what kind of bush this is, but it's lovely!



A quiet lane is a lovely place...

Fading light in the northern hills of Georgia

A tree blossom (apple, maybe?)

All is green and lovely!

It's that time of year when there is so much new life and new beauty to behold that it seems as if, like what Ellis Peter's said "every spring is the only spring." This season is certainly my favorite out of all four, though I love each one in its own way.

It's also a favorite season because that means the spring semester is drawing to a close. This upcoming week will wrap up a few finals and a violin studio recital. Then later in the week I'll start the drive homeward, where my family has been (what seems like) buried in snow this season! Would apprecitate prayer for endurance physically, mentally, emotionally, and for safe travels also.

Desiderata

After the Aural Skills II students did their "rhythm performances" (Takadimi system in compound meter, anyone???) our professor gave us a lovely lecture that detoured from music, chord functions, melodic and rhythmic dictation.

She brought up a poem that was apparently found on an old church wall several decades ago, and read it to us. It was so beautiful that I almost got choked up. Glean what you can, as I did, and be blessed:

[The pecan trees behind the music building have been in full bloom this week]

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

--Max Ehrmann

Housekeeping

Spring break in Michigan was wonderful. The time to rest, relax, laugh, shop, practice (a musician cannot leave her instruments!), sort through old family photos, tell stories, and so much more was exactly what I needed.

 

There were at least three days that Grandma and I went out antique shopping. Grandma found a few things, but then realized she had to make room for them in her dining room hutch. She pulled out a couple pieces that she hasn't used in awhile. She bought them from an older neighbor lady several years ago who said they were her grandmothers.

"They can be yours when you set up housekeeping," Grandma said. She has already handed me a few other things and they are indeed very special.

This fall it seems as though I'll be setting up house with a few other music friends by way of splitting an apartment or house in town. We are quite excited, and my domestic side is wanting to kick into high gear already. :)

"...dances with the daffodils"

 

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they
Outdid the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

--William Wordsworth

In just a few days I shall be taking a trip up north to spend my spring break with my grandparents.

Though leaving the greening pastures, quiet lanes, and daffodils for flat lands, snow, and cold weather there could not be a more excited person than I.

This moment

It was been sprinkling on and off all day, but at this moment we have a lovely early spring thunderstorm going on here in the northern hills of Georgia. Complete with pouring rain, echoing thunder, and lightning.

The beauty of it almost lessens the miserable cold that has had me in bed for two days. But you know they always say that it's good to get a cold once a year.  I guess I can be thankful that I'm getting mine in this early in the year.

Off to make a pot of tea!

Greetings from the Tower

Yes, I like to practice in the tower. It is an actual upper room in the music building and hence the name. Usually no interruptions (like on the 2nd floor with a banging pianist or a tooting horn in the practice room next to you, or even friends walking in just to say "hey") and alot of stuff gets done.

 

I laughed when I read this quote, because it is SO true:

Caution: Use of this instrument can lead to excessive anxiety, heightened levels of self-criticism, acute concern about the opinions of other people, over-awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of others, and a tendency to spend prolonged periods of time alone in very small rooms (often staring into a mirror.)

 

I'm off to go practice and then head to work for the remaining part of the day. Have a lovely weekend!

Cutouts, ribbons, T-straps, heels, and a GIVEAWAY!

If you know me or have been a blog reader or pinterest-follower for some time now, you probably know that I have quite the weakness for shoes. Particularly vintage-inspired ones.

 

I used to make fun of one of my sisters for having more shoes than two people in our house put together. And, I hate to confess to you, already have a collection going:

 

Soft stripe in a grey color with fun cutouts and satin black ribbons

The faux buttoned straps sold me...

Brown oxford-styled heels

Satin white Titanic-reproductions which I'm saving for either a reenactment or my wedding someday (which ever comes first!)

Imagine my delight when I was notified this morning that American Duchess just began a week-long giveaway for a free pair of their Gibson Edwardian Shoes. The overall style, vintage appeal and colors available make these just beautiful! You may be a pessimist like I am in the chances of winning a giveaway, but it certainly doesn't hurt or cost you anything but a little time to enter! 



Click here to ENTER!

Life

As you all might have guessed (and you would have assumed correctly), "Cheri is busy." This is my attempt of coming out of my hole/practice room/busy schedule/(insert any other word here) to give you a brief update.

 

We had snow a few weekends ago. Being born and raised in the mid-west, and live in a snowy part of the world when I'm not in school, getting an inch or two of snow doesn't phase me. It changes everything down here. Schools and businesses close while people frantically run to the grocery store for bread and milk. (Don't they realize that it will be gone in a couple of hours? Especially when it's in the south?) 

 

 

The majority of people are literally scared to come out of their front door if there is snow on the road, while I leisurely took a walk early Sunday morning before church (and yes, the snow was gone by the time I got there) to grab a few pictures before the sun began melting it all away.

 

With classes, practice, and work I rarely have time for socializing (unless you count a quick walk with a friend or two to Starbucks in between classes as being social) and even on Sunday I don't often visit with people from church. If it wasn't 1 1/2 hours away, that would most likely be different. However, last week I was blessed with a several hour visit from a MN friend who was in the area for a friend's wedding. Amy and I enjoyed visiting over Olive Garden, window shopping, and Starbucks. 

School is going well, work is going well, and so is music. Each day I count myself so blessed to be able to learn from some of the best professors and teachers I know of. God is so gracious.

 

And as a testimonial of my joy in learning music, here I am with my just-arrived unaccompanied Bach sheet music. I had a cheapy edition, and my teacher was practically begging me to get a better one. I am working on the Loure and Gavotte for those of you who may be familiar with unaccompanied Bach. It sounds so simple, clean, and pure, but it takes more effort and practice than you can imagine to endeavor to get it sounding that way. :)

Well, I'm off to go make a grilled cheese for supper. Have a lovely February, and may it be graced with clusters of blooming daffodils like we're seeing in yards and hillsides down here (though my northern and western friends may have to settle with a bunch of blooms on their kitchen table!).

Receive Grace

I won't lie.

 

The last few weeks back have not been easy. It seems like everywhere I turn there are things around me that drag me down. People complaining about the weather, or about their classes. Often times I hear language I've never heard up until going to a university, and the adjectives they choose are quite ... deplorable.

 

My health has already been rapidly declining at the beginning of the semester. Though having only seven classes and working close to 20 hours a week, it is seeming nearly impossible (I have high respect for anyone who works and is a full time student!). Sleep is often interrupted and rarely has it been the amount that my body requires for it to function.  Mom will often tell us that when we don't get enough sleep or our health isn't the greatest, that's when everything can look its bleakest.

 

I write multiple pages in my journal at night in order to stay sane. If I wasn't a music major, I'd be an English major. I'm getting a minor in it, however. There is no way this girl could do a double major. :) (Wait, how does that fit in? Of yes, I was speaking of writing...)

 

[Believe God's word and power more than you believe your own feelings and experiences. Your Rock is Christ, and it is not the Rock which ebbs and flows, but your sea. --Samuel Rutherford]

This hasn't been the first time I've dealt with all this. Maybe it's life as a college student? Or maybe it's not, and God has to get me up to speed with the rest of mankind in maturity? Maybe I'll never know.

A year ago these things were even more acutely felt or faced, and I remember telling a friend while trying not to choke up that I wasn't sure if I'd make it. She gently advised me to be sure to spend time in God's Word, even if it meant listening to via audio on the way to school and back. Letting our minds and hearts absorb Truth has a way of cleansing, sanctifying, and strengthening who we are in Christ, who we are mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

And it's true. I love those last few verses in Jude. They are like an anchor to a ship that is being tossed about by the storms of life.

"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. ...Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."

While on the phone with my sister over lunch today, we were wrapping up our conversation as I had a music theory class to go to (got my first test back: a 93!) and she simply said, "Take the grace that God has given to you for today."

Take grace.

That means the same thing as receiving grace. Just in the same way as someone offers you hand lotion after blurbing out loud that your hands are dry and you have none, or gives you a birthday gift, or comes into your office and hands you a cup of coffee awith a blueberry scone, or sends you $20 in the mail "just because." Someone has offered something, and you are the given the choice to either refuse it or receive it.

My friends, receive grace from the Giver of grace in whatever situation you find yourself in. He promises to give it to us.

"Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." 2 Thessalonians 2:16 and 17

Lunch British Style

 

Going through my pictures earlier this week, I came across a picture my sister took of when she and I went out to Fish 'n Chips shortly after I got back home mid-December.

 

We confessed to our waitress that we loved all things British, and then she brought out several clean sheets of the paper that they use to line their plates with (the newspaper-ish paper you see in the background) and a decorative Union Jack flag. We were obviously delighted. :)

Tea Scenes

When I was home over Christmas break, I think I must have had close to a cup of tea everyday. While I am a barista at Starbucks part time (and yes, enjoy coffee), I have always liked tea.

Last fall I saw a notice on a blog I follow that a company which sells tea were offering three tea bags of your choice for free, so when I was home I taste-tested them and was not disapointed.

The Christmas Tea was somewhat of a spicey nature. It almost reminded me of Chai.

I liked the Lady Grey alot. It was nearly identical in taste to their Earl Grey, but seemed to taste more floral or citrus like.



The Prince of Wales was a lovely flavor that seemed like a mix of PG Tips with other flavors.

Of course I have already mentioned Earl Grey (it's perfect with 2-3 tsp. of french vanilla coffee creamer in it) and PG Tips, but a few other favorites are:

Aveda's Comforting Tea
Mint tea (Celestial Seasoning's Green Mint tea is an excellent staple)
Chamomile
Good Earth Original

Harry & David's Pomegranate & Blueberry Green Tea

Roobios & Lemon Myrtle

Are YOU a tea drinker? What are some of your favorites?

Lots of "New"

Family time, Christmas, and New Years came and went. Way to quickly. School started on Monday, so the first week is offically over and my weekend started with working at Starbucks. I started training as a barista before the break, and now I'm a regular part timer there making everyone their favorite lattes and frappachinos. It's great fun, but what is even more fun is making the more complicated "custom" drinks for the regulars and them saying you did it perfectly. Yay! :)

Trying to juggle work with being a full time student and practicing violin and piano is a wee-bit more difficult than I had anticipated, but I think it should go fairly well if I can somehow prioritize and schedule my time. More often than not I'm one of those that takes life as it comes, but then get in a jam when there are "must-do" things to squeeze in that I run out of time for. Any tips from those who live by lists and schedules? :)

Yesterday I was super thrilled to have bought an ear training book for a music class. The campus bookstore was selling it for an outrageous price, so I looked it up on Amazon and found it there for close to $20 less. Yay! :) I got free two-day shipping, too, since I'm a student/Prime member. In fact, there is a special going on of getting a free 6-month trial period if you have an .edu e-mail address. Check it out!

All but one class is music this semester. Our orchestra is doing Mozarts 40th symphony and another work or two that is yet to be determined. For violin I'm working on the usual stuff (scales, arpeggios, double stops scales, ie, 3rds, 6ths, and octaves ::ahem:: must get those down before I start on 10ths ::ahem::, a couple etudes) finish up the first movement and start on the 2nd of the Bruch concerto, and then in preparation for my junior recital next semester, I'll be starting some unaccompanied Bach on Monday. After attempting a partita and completely ruining it a couple years ago, I've stayed away from even listening to it since, but I think I'm ready for it now. I love the clean simplicity of Bach. Of course Hilary Hahn's CD is always a favorite and a great inspiration to model after in the practice room.

Speaking of which, I'm behind on practicing and will be under the knife if I'm not prepared Monday morning, so I'll sign out for now. I've got a post in the works for next week, so watch out for that.

New 'Gracie Aprons' in the SHOP!

 

Today I spent the majority of my time in the sewing room whipping up two more aprons. I admit that while I was home I had great ambitions to fill up the shop, but it seems like there were a great many other things that filled my schedule.

 

Country Pink English Toile

Wrapped in Spring Sunshine

Grab one of these 1940s-styled aprons or any other apron you wish because it won't be until later this spring that I'll be back in the sewing room.

The Original Chex Party Mix



6 Tbsp. butter
4 Tbsp. worchestershire sauce
1 tsp. Lawry's seasoned salt
3 c. Rice Chex cereal
3 c. Wheat Chex cereal
3 c. Corn Chex cereal (NEWS FLASH: my Grandma, mom, and we girls use Cheerios instead since the corn cereal tends to fall apart)
1 c. mixed nuts (or you can use peanuts or cashews)
1 c. pretzels

Heat oven to 250 degrees. Melt butter in roasting pan (if you're tripling the recipe, you'll want your largest one that you'd use for baking a 20+lb turkey like we do). Stir in worchestershire sauce (and say the word a couple of times, it's fun) and seasoned salt. Stir in remaining ingredients until evenly coated.

Bake for one hour in 15 minute intervals by stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool.

Enjoy, and let me know how it turns out! :)

Kitchen Delights

These scenes are a sampling of the many things we like to make during the Christmas season. Of course, some were not photographed (like the soft gingerbread) for reasons of short duration from the freshly baked stage to the consumption stage. :)

 

Yours truly making the Original Party Mix. Don't be fooled however! The "original chex mix recipe" on the cereal boxes is not anything like the original, or so says my Grandma and Mother-dear.

We triple the recipe whenever we take it to the annual Christmas Caroling Party. But then we always triple the recipe, it tastes so good. :)



I made Thumb Cookies from Tasha Tudor's Cookbook for the first time this year. I made enough to share with friends and neighbors also. My brother kept raving about them. I think they'll be a keeper recipe.



Mother-dear in the kitchen Christmas morning. Our brunch always consists of apple cider, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, cinnamon rolls, and pecan swirl bread.

Rolls rising on the stove for our Christmas dinner

I pulled out the antique glasses from Grandma for our sparkling grape juice to drink along with our dessert of chocolate pie



Every year we make our Christmas cutout cookies using vintage cookie cutters that Mama used when she was little. I've picked up a few along the way, too.

Ready for the oven!

One year we doubled the recipe, but made a decorating party out of it. Since then, we've made sure to only make one batch since it makes so many. With Mama, Molly, and I decorating, it didn't take to long.



They taste quite delicious, too. :)

Christmas Eve Post

Source

I salute you. I am your friend, and my love for you goes deep. There is nothing I can give you which you have not. But there is much, very much, that, while I cannot give it, you can take. No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take heaven! No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present little instant.

Take peace! The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy. There is radiance and glory in darkness, could we but see. And to see, we have only to look. I beseech you to look!

Life is so generous a giver. But we, judging its gifts by their covering, cast them away as ugly or heavy or hard. Remove the covering, and you will find beneath it a living splendor, woven of love by wisdom, with power. Welcome it, grasp it, and you touch the angel’s hand that brings it to you.

Everything we call a trial, a sorrow or a duty, believe me, that angel’s hand is there. The gift is there and the wonder of an overshadowing Presence. Your joys, too, be not content with them as joys. They, too, conceal diviner gifts.

Life is so full of meaning and purpose, so full of beauty beneath its covering, that you will find earth but cloaks your heaven. Courage then to claim it; that is all! But courage you have, and the knowledge that we are pilgrims together, wending through unknown country home.

Fra Giovanni, Christmas Eve 1513

Calicos in the Shop

Yesterday I spent most of the day in the sewing room (when I wasn't, I was teaching violin) and had fun cutting into new fabrics. When Mother-dear and I went to JoAnn's the other day, I was horrified to see how much fabric has gone up in price! Why it seems like just yesterday we all of us girls were buying blue calico to match family friends of ours for Easter Sunday and only paid $3.99 a yard (and probably used a 50% off coupon!). The cheapest price I saw was $6 a yard for ugly and cheap feeling yardage. Feel special that I didn't change the price on these aprons even though I used premium cotton.

 

I finished two aprons and listed them yesterday in the late afternoon/evening hour:

 

This one in the 1930s style reminds me of the springtime in Georgia when the the skies are often grey with a cool drizzle, but the pink and white dogwoods trees bloom on in profusion.

This one just seems like a classic 1950s calico apron that you'd find hanging from a cabinet in a antique store. The fabric almost looks like a vintage print.

Now I'm off to start baking our Christmas cutout cookies. I have a whole entire post in the works designated just for the baking endeavors I've done since I've been home. Stay tuned!

Time for Home

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home. ~Edith Sitwell

The Seamstress Has Returned

Many thanks to those of you who kept me in your prayers over the last few weeks. God provided all I that I needed, plus some. Our 2nd orchestra concert went well (we have heard rumors that it was one of the best in recent years), violin juries and the following recital went well (apparently my vibrato sounds gorgeous when I'm nervous, or so said my teacher), and finals were stressful, but went well with good class grades (the highest being a 99.42 in Biology Lab!).

 

I pulled into home-sweet-home shortly before supper last night.

 

As you can see, this afternoon I already dusted off the sewing machine. I cut this apron out when I was home for Thanksgiving, but had no time to sew it. Since it is Christmas-y in nature, I made sure it was the first to be sewn before any others. Like it?

 



Looking into my bin of stashed fabric, there are no cottons in there so it looks like I'll have to go peruse the local shops if I'm to stock up before the next semester! I'm open to suggestions or requests if you have something in mind.