Hi All!
Just a short "check in" to let you know that I haven't forgotten all of my bloggie friends! I have just been dealing with "stuff" like medicine and glasses and rehearsals for the play (which opens on Friday with my team interpreting!).
With everything going on - I haven't had a lot of time to think of things to blog about.
However, I will tell you about the new CD I got in the mail (for free!!) yesterday. It is from the people who publish Our Daily Bread - a devotional booklet. Of course, the CD is religious music - this one is "Favorite Hymns of the Summer." It is a bit late for summer but - it is FREE - and I am not going to complain!
The music is good and is perfect for times when I need to be in a more meditative and prayerful place.
The funny thing about the CDs - I have gotten several free CDs from this entity over the past couple years- is that my mother gets the devotional booklet as well and NEVER gets information about free CDs. I get the information all the time (well - probably two to three times a year). Since we both like music, it is a mystery how I got on the mailing list of people who "like music and would love free inspirational CDs" while Mom has not.
At least I send the CDs to Mom after I have uploaded them onto iTunes so she can enjoy them as well.
If you would like some devotional material and haven't found a good source yet, I highly recommend checking the RBS out. They have lots of stuff online and you can get the devotionals via email as well!
Trisha
Voice Update: Doing well. The other day a woman called me about the SD support group. I was mystified as to how she got my phone number since I have had it removed from all SD stuff for about a year now (has it been that long??). Apparently, she had an old flier from when I was support group leader. Anyway - I talked with her for about half an hour giving her information and places to find more information (NSDA is the best place). I wasn't comfortable doing this when I first called her back but it turned out okay. It doesn't make me want to return to my former role with the NSDA though!
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Surprise Package!
Hi All!
Yesterday was an interesting day. I finally took a tiny, little, baby step in technology and got a webcam so I could Skype with classmates. Yeah! AND I actually had a two hour session with the classmate who is my team for interpreting the play.
Skype is so neat. Now I just want to Skype everyone! Of course, that means needing to look halfway decent when I am on the computer . . .so . . . that might not work too well.
In addition to Skype, I made cake balls yesterday. Red velvet with cream cheese frosting! Yum! The cake balls are for a speech I have to present in class today. While it is an ASL class, we all give speeches (spoken English speeches) so that classmates can practice their interpreting. I made the cake but I still haven't really organized my speech. I am sure I will think of something by class time today!
Then, Hubby got the mail and I had a pleasant surprise!
A package from Australia!
Inside was a note and two CDs.
Hubby and I met a very nice couple while we were on the cruise and the husband is a musician who has made a couple cds. Being ever on the lookout for new music, I asked him about his work and he promised to send me a cd.
Of course, I promptly forgot about that when I got home so when the package showed up in the mail yesterday, I was surprised!
I have the music loaded onto iTunes and am listening as I type this post. One cd includes vocals and one is all instrumental. Nice!
Isn't it nice when you get surprises?
Trisha
On a related topic - I have been getting information via email and the mail about the NSDA (a very wonderful organization for people with SD and those interested in learning more about SD). This has brought up some old feelings. I am not really sure how I feel about all of that yet.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Blogging Obstacle
Hi All!
Yes, it is still snowy here but the sun is out trying to melt some of the stuff off the roads as I type. Miss Cleo is certainly happy to see the sun and is rolling around in her patch of sunshine. It is going to be a good morning I get to finally have a haircut around 11:00 today. As you can see from the pictures today - my hair is certainly growing!
Speaking of pictures. I asked Hubby to snap some shots to show you what I deal with when I try to blog - or do anything else on the computer.
sdhsjh
Notice how precisely Skor has positioned himself so I must crane my neck to the right to see the monitor.
sfj
At least he is sitting down in this picture. He likes to stretch and stick his very fluffy tail straight up in the air to complete the blocking maneuver.
Here is Skor just finishing a "Halloween Kitty" stretch that completely blocked the screen. Notice how I have leaned back to try to actually see some part of the screen.
(Tilt your head to the right to see this picture correctly.)
Yes, it is still snowy here but the sun is out trying to melt some of the stuff off the roads as I type. Miss Cleo is certainly happy to see the sun and is rolling around in her patch of sunshine. It is going to be a good morning I get to finally have a haircut around 11:00 today. As you can see from the pictures today - my hair is certainly growing!
Speaking of pictures. I asked Hubby to snap some shots to show you what I deal with when I try to blog - or do anything else on the computer.
sdhsjh
Notice how precisely Skor has positioned himself so I must crane my neck to the right to see the monitor.
sfj
At least he is sitting down in this picture. He likes to stretch and stick his very fluffy tail straight up in the air to complete the blocking maneuver.
Here is Skor just finishing a "Halloween Kitty" stretch that completely blocked the screen. Notice how I have leaned back to try to actually see some part of the screen.
(Tilt your head to the right to see this picture correctly.)
sfg
How can such a cute little thing be so darn annoying????
sfj
In other news - On Thursday Hubby and I braved the icy roads to travel to see Doc Feely. We thought that this would be the visit where the Doc took off Hubby's one remaining big toenail. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case. Apparently there has to be a three month wait between "procedures" for the insurance to cover them. So - it won't be until April that the other nail goes.
sxfj
In the meantime Hubby will have to soak the foot and wedge cotton under the nail to try to discourage the nail from growing into his nail bed. Doesn't that sound like fun??
sfj
In class news I have two research papers to write and am having a TON of trouble trying to figure out what my topics should be! I have been racking my brain and still have no clue! UGHH!!! The topics are due on Tuesday so I guess I need to kick myself into gear!
dsfhj
Did I remember to tell you that I didn't have any classes this week thanks to the ice and snow? Part of me was happy to have a break but part of me was sad that I missed two days of classes!
dgk
While I type I am listening to my iTunes - as usual. I am still so impressed with how good the music is when you put everything on shuffle. There is something that just makes you listen even more closely when a country song is followed by a gospel song which is followed by a classical piece. It makes me appreciate all the genres of music that much more!
Speaking of music - I am browsing the free mp3 downloads from Amazon.com. There is one person who comments on the free offerings and rates each one. His/her comments are specific to each song and very thoughtful and thorough. I really appreciate that someone so into music takes the time to review these things. After all - hearing the previews doesn't always tell the real story of the songs. I also appreciate that Amazon.com puts these songs out there for free. I learn about new groups I wouldn't normally hear and did I mention that is it FREE? What could be better?
sfjs
On that note I think that I will get out of here - time to get ready for my haircut!
csj
Hope you have a great weekend!
dh
Trisha
dfhj
Voice Update: Doing well. Doing well.
Monday, October 11, 2010
A Pretty "Fair" Weekend
Hi All!
This weekend was our annual outing to the State Fair of Texas! I don't know that I had ever gone to the State Fair of Ohio when I lived there but, since the State Fair of Texas is in Dallas AND the musicals to which we have season tickets are held at the Music Hall at Fair Park . . . we go!
Every year there is one musical held during the State Fair. This year it was Shrek!
Having basically missed the entire Shrek mania when the first (and second and third) movie came out, I was a little in the dark about the plot. I will admit to doing a little research prior to the musical. I borrowed Shrek and Shrek 2 and watched them. Lovely little stories!
dfh
The musical was really a lot of fun despite the first big number (with Shrek in it) being a bit hard to understand. As the show progressed either the sound was adjusted or our ears adjusted because we could understand things more clearly.
sfj
The set design was simple and yet very effective with huge swamp trees that moved around the set to indicate movement through the swamp/forest and backdrops forming the castle of Dulok and other locations.
sfj
Costumes were amazing. Shrek's green skin really seemed to be a part of him and the fairy tale characters were cleverly done. I especially liked Pinocchio's costume which really did seem to make him wooden! Bright colors were everywhere making the stage cheery for most of the play.
dfh
The parts of the musical which really hit me were clever references to other Broadway shows such as Wicked and Lion King which were not on the original musical soundtrack. Also, the musical tipped its hat to the Dallas area with references to local things such as "Jerry's World" and J.R. Ewing. Hubby particularly liked those references!
dgh
Overall, the musical was a hit! It was fun for me as an adult and, from the enjoyment the children in the audience seemed to have, a winner with children as well! If it comes to your town, I would say - go and see it for a fun afternoon!
After the musical it was time to enjoy the Fair.
sfj
This is the icon of the state fair - Big Tex! He stands tall over the fairgrounds (and the famous Fletcher's corn dog stand) and even greets fair goers with several different speeches.
sfj
Behind Big Tex is the Cotton Bowl. There was a football game going on there during our visit to the fair. You could hear the roar of the crowd whenever there was a touchdown!
One of the things I really enjoy about the fair is seeing all of the buildings in their Art Deco style. They were designed for the World's Fair which was held in Dallas and still look pretty impressive today with their statues and architecture.
These two statues were recently restored and put into place. There is some controversy because they are "anatomically correct."
sfj
In the entryway to each of the buildings there are these large murals stretching at least three stories tall. The colors are rather muted and each represents some aspect of civilization (I think this was film but am not sure!). They are largely ignored by fair goers but are an interesting piece of history!
Outside most of the buildings is a lovely statue - again representing different aspects of civilization. I have no clue what this one is but thought it was lovely with its building framing it so nicely.
Beyond the architecture, Hubby and I enjoyed walking around the car show and then enjoying some "fair food." How can you go to the state fair and not eat a corny dog (should that be capitalized, I wonder?) and a funnel cake?
sfjsfj
This year, like the past four or five, Hubby and I took the DART train to the fair. We have to drive about 25 minutes to reach the Dart station but then the train takes us right to the fair. Last year was the first year that the station right outside of the fair was open and THOUSANDS of people took the train. It made our ride horrible - standing in a packed train car (in my case with a bike tire in my back) and then waiting forever at the Pearl Street station to transfer trains (yes, there is one transfer required)!
sfgjsfj
At least this year was better. We actually got seats both coming and going! Yeah!
f
After the long day of walking at the fair we headed to Wendy's for some dinner (I love their baked potatoes with chili and a Frosty!) and then to Home Depot for some much needed items for changing the oil in my car.
dgh
Doesn't that all sound like fun?
fdj
It was a full, fun day and we certainly slept well that night!
dfhj
Trisha
dfhjdfj
Voice Update: Be proud of me! I have been doing my massage three times a day every day since seeing Susan. Hopefully, it is doing its job! I have also been doing my exercises each and every time I get into my car. Since I am doing observations, that is a lot of exercises being done!
This weekend was our annual outing to the State Fair of Texas! I don't know that I had ever gone to the State Fair of Ohio when I lived there but, since the State Fair of Texas is in Dallas AND the musicals to which we have season tickets are held at the Music Hall at Fair Park . . . we go!
Every year there is one musical held during the State Fair. This year it was Shrek!
Having basically missed the entire Shrek mania when the first (and second and third) movie came out, I was a little in the dark about the plot. I will admit to doing a little research prior to the musical. I borrowed Shrek and Shrek 2 and watched them. Lovely little stories!
dfh
The musical was really a lot of fun despite the first big number (with Shrek in it) being a bit hard to understand. As the show progressed either the sound was adjusted or our ears adjusted because we could understand things more clearly.
sfj
The set design was simple and yet very effective with huge swamp trees that moved around the set to indicate movement through the swamp/forest and backdrops forming the castle of Dulok and other locations.
sfj
Costumes were amazing. Shrek's green skin really seemed to be a part of him and the fairy tale characters were cleverly done. I especially liked Pinocchio's costume which really did seem to make him wooden! Bright colors were everywhere making the stage cheery for most of the play.
dfh
The parts of the musical which really hit me were clever references to other Broadway shows such as Wicked and Lion King which were not on the original musical soundtrack. Also, the musical tipped its hat to the Dallas area with references to local things such as "Jerry's World" and J.R. Ewing. Hubby particularly liked those references!
dgh
Overall, the musical was a hit! It was fun for me as an adult and, from the enjoyment the children in the audience seemed to have, a winner with children as well! If it comes to your town, I would say - go and see it for a fun afternoon!
After the musical it was time to enjoy the Fair.
sfj
This is the icon of the state fair - Big Tex! He stands tall over the fairgrounds (and the famous Fletcher's corn dog stand) and even greets fair goers with several different speeches.
sfj
Behind Big Tex is the Cotton Bowl. There was a football game going on there during our visit to the fair. You could hear the roar of the crowd whenever there was a touchdown!
One of the things I really enjoy about the fair is seeing all of the buildings in their Art Deco style. They were designed for the World's Fair which was held in Dallas and still look pretty impressive today with their statues and architecture.
These two statues were recently restored and put into place. There is some controversy because they are "anatomically correct."
sfj
Whatever! They are beautiful to see.
fhj
It seems like every year the fair tries to restore one more thing at the park.
In the entryway to each of the buildings there are these large murals stretching at least three stories tall. The colors are rather muted and each represents some aspect of civilization (I think this was film but am not sure!). They are largely ignored by fair goers but are an interesting piece of history!
Outside most of the buildings is a lovely statue - again representing different aspects of civilization. I have no clue what this one is but thought it was lovely with its building framing it so nicely.
Beyond the architecture, Hubby and I enjoyed walking around the car show and then enjoying some "fair food." How can you go to the state fair and not eat a corny dog (should that be capitalized, I wonder?) and a funnel cake?
sfjsfj
This year, like the past four or five, Hubby and I took the DART train to the fair. We have to drive about 25 minutes to reach the Dart station but then the train takes us right to the fair. Last year was the first year that the station right outside of the fair was open and THOUSANDS of people took the train. It made our ride horrible - standing in a packed train car (in my case with a bike tire in my back) and then waiting forever at the Pearl Street station to transfer trains (yes, there is one transfer required)!
sfgjsfj
At least this year was better. We actually got seats both coming and going! Yeah!
f
After the long day of walking at the fair we headed to Wendy's for some dinner (I love their baked potatoes with chili and a Frosty!) and then to Home Depot for some much needed items for changing the oil in my car.
dgh
Doesn't that all sound like fun?
fdj
It was a full, fun day and we certainly slept well that night!
dfhj
Trisha
dfhjdfj
Voice Update: Be proud of me! I have been doing my massage three times a day every day since seeing Susan. Hopefully, it is doing its job! I have also been doing my exercises each and every time I get into my car. Since I am doing observations, that is a lot of exercises being done!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
My Digital Picture Frame
Hi All!
No - I didn't post yesterday because . . . well, I sat down to get my swimsuit turned right side out (I had recently washed it) and . . . I fell asleep. I woke up about an hour or so later with the swimsuit still in my hand! I guess I needed some sleep!
Anyway - when I woke up I called Mom and chatted for a while but never really felt like I was "awake" all day. I read some more of my good book and watched another "chick flick" I recorded from the Hallmark channel.
Then I listened to some more of the podcast book Shadowmagic by John Lenahan. Remember, I told you a bit about it a while ago when I first started listening to the book.
The book is about a young man (who is still in high school so maybe 17 or so??) and his father (who only has one hand) getting ready for the day when two strangers on horseback appear at their door. Two strangers dressed in medieval looking clothes. Two strangers who try to kill the young man, Connor.
However, instead of killing Connor, the strangers capture Connor and his dad and take them to a mysterious world full of magic, imps, elves, banshees and more. A world where trees "talk" and must be asked for their wood and fruit. A world where it seems like everyone wants to kill Connor.
Luckily, Connor's mother - a sorceress of shadowmagic - shows up and saves Connor and his father from certain death. Then . . . Connor finds himself on his own after his father is injured by his aunt (who was trying to kill Connor NOT his father). On his own, Connor finds a couple of odd friends - one is a banshee and one is an imp prince. They have adventures while trying to reunited Connor with his mother - in the hopes of sending Connor back to the "real world" where no one is trying to kill him!
The last part of the story that I heard had Connor and his friends facing an imminent attack from an entire clan (troupe, tribe, group?) of Banshees.
I can hardly wait to see how they get themselves out of THIS mess.
As a side note, the podcast book is accompanied by Irish music from a band called Lunasa. I have been spending some time looking into their music this morning and . . . they are a good Irish band. So - if you are into Irish music, check them out!
My walk/swim was nice this morning - except for the humidity! True, it was 81 when I woke up and hotter by the time I got home but . . . it was the humidity that really made things difficult. It was like getting slapped in the face when I walked outside!
The water this morning was warm. Not too warm to swim in but, it certainly did make catching my breath tough at times. Unfortunately, it was too warm outside for the water to make the ambient air feel cooler when I got out so . . . hot, hot, hot!
Hopefully, today I will make my way to a local mall to check out American Sign Language dictionaries at the book store, to eat lunch at the food court, and to just wander around for a bit! Doesn't that sound like fun?
I am ending the post with a picture. I recently got my digital picture frame up and running again. I put on a bunch of miscellaneous pictures and have the frame set to run automatically during the evenings.
It is fun to sit and watch the pictures change. Every once in a while a picture comes up and it is just so pretty. Like it should be framed and hung on the wall all the time.
This is one of them.
No - I didn't post yesterday because . . . well, I sat down to get my swimsuit turned right side out (I had recently washed it) and . . . I fell asleep. I woke up about an hour or so later with the swimsuit still in my hand! I guess I needed some sleep!
Anyway - when I woke up I called Mom and chatted for a while but never really felt like I was "awake" all day. I read some more of my good book and watched another "chick flick" I recorded from the Hallmark channel.
Then I listened to some more of the podcast book Shadowmagic by John Lenahan. Remember, I told you a bit about it a while ago when I first started listening to the book.
The book is about a young man (who is still in high school so maybe 17 or so??) and his father (who only has one hand) getting ready for the day when two strangers on horseback appear at their door. Two strangers dressed in medieval looking clothes. Two strangers who try to kill the young man, Connor.
However, instead of killing Connor, the strangers capture Connor and his dad and take them to a mysterious world full of magic, imps, elves, banshees and more. A world where trees "talk" and must be asked for their wood and fruit. A world where it seems like everyone wants to kill Connor.
Luckily, Connor's mother - a sorceress of shadowmagic - shows up and saves Connor and his father from certain death. Then . . . Connor finds himself on his own after his father is injured by his aunt (who was trying to kill Connor NOT his father). On his own, Connor finds a couple of odd friends - one is a banshee and one is an imp prince. They have adventures while trying to reunited Connor with his mother - in the hopes of sending Connor back to the "real world" where no one is trying to kill him!
The last part of the story that I heard had Connor and his friends facing an imminent attack from an entire clan (troupe, tribe, group?) of Banshees.
I can hardly wait to see how they get themselves out of THIS mess.
As a side note, the podcast book is accompanied by Irish music from a band called Lunasa. I have been spending some time looking into their music this morning and . . . they are a good Irish band. So - if you are into Irish music, check them out!
My walk/swim was nice this morning - except for the humidity! True, it was 81 when I woke up and hotter by the time I got home but . . . it was the humidity that really made things difficult. It was like getting slapped in the face when I walked outside!
The water this morning was warm. Not too warm to swim in but, it certainly did make catching my breath tough at times. Unfortunately, it was too warm outside for the water to make the ambient air feel cooler when I got out so . . . hot, hot, hot!
Hopefully, today I will make my way to a local mall to check out American Sign Language dictionaries at the book store, to eat lunch at the food court, and to just wander around for a bit! Doesn't that sound like fun?
I am ending the post with a picture. I recently got my digital picture frame up and running again. I put on a bunch of miscellaneous pictures and have the frame set to run automatically during the evenings.
It is fun to sit and watch the pictures change. Every once in a while a picture comes up and it is just so pretty. Like it should be framed and hung on the wall all the time.
This is one of them.
Have a super day!
dfh
Trisha
zsdgh
Voice Update: Doing well despite my rather lax exercising lately (due to headaches) and my cancelled speech appointment. I am still reading out loud (still from my book by Diana Gabaldon) as much as possible.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Little House on the Prairie
Hi All!
After a prolonged battle, I finally convinced Miss Cleo that since it is my picture on the blog that I should be the one who actually writes the blog. I wish I could say that she accepted this gracefully but, at the moment she is sulking in her cat tree house.
After a week of fighting with Migraines, I headed downtown Dallas to see this musical.
Now, I should tell you that yes, Hubby went with me to the show. No, he didn't enjoy the show at all but, he went! Husband points!
Truthfully, the show wasn't too bad. I think that for those of us who grew up reading the Little House books and watching the television show (Even though I never really watched the show) there was a big feeling of nostalgia which made the show seem better than it was.
Melissa Gilbert, the original "Laura" on the television show, played "Ma" in the musical. It was nice to have her in the show because of her history but, she really can't sing. Her songs, thankfully, were few and far between.
Kara Lindsay, who played Laura, was excellent. She has a nice, strong voice and a wonderfully charming manner in her dialogue. The many impertinent lines Laura had in the show were delivered perfectly by Lindsay and even though, at times, her voice played as older than her character, she was enjoyable to watch.
The rest of the cast was adequate bordering on good but the actress who played Nellie Oleson, Kate Whelan, almost stole the show several times. Her hair was perfectly coiffed in the requisite golden curls and her costumes were appropriately flouncy. When Whelan sang "Without an Enemy" in which Nellie bemoans Laura's leaving the town to teach school, she really showed her singing and acting chops. That song was one of the most enjoyable of the entire show.
Would I pay money to see this show again? Probably not.
Was I happy to sit through it once? Yes.
Would Hubby EVER sit through it again? NO WAY!
In other news, the key to the swimming pool came in the mail on Saturday and I actually WENT SWIMMING this morning! Can you believe it?
I donned my swimming garb and grabbed my bag containing my towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, pool key, and timer (to make sure I get home in time to "chat" with Mom via IM) and I hit the sidewalk. I trotted off to the pool and the key worked like a charm! Shedding my walking shorts, shoes, socks, and tank top, I plunged in.
Okay. I really didn't "plunge" into the pool. First I took one step down into the seemingly chilly water. Then I took another. Then I took the last step which, for some unknown reason, seems to be twice as long as the others. There was a moment of breathlessness as I adjusted to the temperature of the water and then I was off and swimming.
Since I haven't swum in something like a millennium, my swimming stamina is a bit less than ideal. However, I did manage to complete ten laps and a lot of floating in my time. The pool is wonderful. It isn't too big but it is designed with a "horizon edge" which seemingly merges with the lake in the background. It was so nice to float along and look out on that view.
Today the sky was pretty overcast with dark clouds (I am hoping for rain, of course) so I didn't have much of a problem with the sun. However, I will need to make sure that I am careful about not getting sunburned while I swim. I am hoping that the time I swim - in the morning - will keep the possibility of the burns to a minimum!
I can't wait to do it again tomorrow morning!
That is about it for today! I plan to go grocery shopping and to purchases some tickets to see Avenue Q with my friend Donna. Exciting, huh?
Trisha
Voice Update: I didn't do much reading this weekend. On Saturday, we saw the musical and went out to eat. By the time I got home, my headache was back so I went to bed for a nap to try to get rid of it. Sunday I played hand bells for three services in church which wasn't too good for my head so I went home and . . .took a nap. It isn't too easy to read out loud when you are sleeping off a headache. My voice is showing that I haven't been too vigilant with my exercises. It is breaking more and it is annoying. I guess I should stop stepping on SD's toes and get back into the rhythm of the dance.
After a prolonged battle, I finally convinced Miss Cleo that since it is my picture on the blog that I should be the one who actually writes the blog. I wish I could say that she accepted this gracefully but, at the moment she is sulking in her cat tree house.
After a week of fighting with Migraines, I headed downtown Dallas to see this musical.
Now, I should tell you that yes, Hubby went with me to the show. No, he didn't enjoy the show at all but, he went! Husband points!
Truthfully, the show wasn't too bad. I think that for those of us who grew up reading the Little House books and watching the television show (Even though I never really watched the show) there was a big feeling of nostalgia which made the show seem better than it was.
Melissa Gilbert, the original "Laura" on the television show, played "Ma" in the musical. It was nice to have her in the show because of her history but, she really can't sing. Her songs, thankfully, were few and far between.
Kara Lindsay, who played Laura, was excellent. She has a nice, strong voice and a wonderfully charming manner in her dialogue. The many impertinent lines Laura had in the show were delivered perfectly by Lindsay and even though, at times, her voice played as older than her character, she was enjoyable to watch.
The rest of the cast was adequate bordering on good but the actress who played Nellie Oleson, Kate Whelan, almost stole the show several times. Her hair was perfectly coiffed in the requisite golden curls and her costumes were appropriately flouncy. When Whelan sang "Without an Enemy" in which Nellie bemoans Laura's leaving the town to teach school, she really showed her singing and acting chops. That song was one of the most enjoyable of the entire show.
Would I pay money to see this show again? Probably not.
Was I happy to sit through it once? Yes.
Would Hubby EVER sit through it again? NO WAY!
In other news, the key to the swimming pool came in the mail on Saturday and I actually WENT SWIMMING this morning! Can you believe it?
I donned my swimming garb and grabbed my bag containing my towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, pool key, and timer (to make sure I get home in time to "chat" with Mom via IM) and I hit the sidewalk. I trotted off to the pool and the key worked like a charm! Shedding my walking shorts, shoes, socks, and tank top, I plunged in.
Okay. I really didn't "plunge" into the pool. First I took one step down into the seemingly chilly water. Then I took another. Then I took the last step which, for some unknown reason, seems to be twice as long as the others. There was a moment of breathlessness as I adjusted to the temperature of the water and then I was off and swimming.
Since I haven't swum in something like a millennium, my swimming stamina is a bit less than ideal. However, I did manage to complete ten laps and a lot of floating in my time. The pool is wonderful. It isn't too big but it is designed with a "horizon edge" which seemingly merges with the lake in the background. It was so nice to float along and look out on that view.
Today the sky was pretty overcast with dark clouds (I am hoping for rain, of course) so I didn't have much of a problem with the sun. However, I will need to make sure that I am careful about not getting sunburned while I swim. I am hoping that the time I swim - in the morning - will keep the possibility of the burns to a minimum!
I can't wait to do it again tomorrow morning!
That is about it for today! I plan to go grocery shopping and to purchases some tickets to see Avenue Q with my friend Donna. Exciting, huh?
Trisha
Voice Update: I didn't do much reading this weekend. On Saturday, we saw the musical and went out to eat. By the time I got home, my headache was back so I went to bed for a nap to try to get rid of it. Sunday I played hand bells for three services in church which wasn't too good for my head so I went home and . . .took a nap. It isn't too easy to read out loud when you are sleeping off a headache. My voice is showing that I haven't been too vigilant with my exercises. It is breaking more and it is annoying. I guess I should stop stepping on SD's toes and get back into the rhythm of the dance.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Xandau, The Musical
Hi All!
According to Dictionary.Com, Xanadu is: "a place of great beauty, luxury, and contentment" or "utopia."
Well, let me just say that the musical which is named Xanadu falls "just a bit" short of that ideal!
Hubby and I went to see Xanadu as part of our season ticket package of musicals. We have both seen the movie - back in the day - and were not too impressed with it so we were hoping that the musical would be much better.
According to the reviews in our newspaper, the musical was something to look forward to, something "fresh and entertaining."
According to Hubby, "The only thing that saved it is that the lead girl could actually sing."
What does that tell you?
Personally, it tells me a couple things . . . first, Hubby is actually getting used to musicals and is reaching the point where he can critique them honestly. Second, it tells me that there wasn't a whole lot about the musical that Hubby thought was worthwhile!
Actually, there were many little funny moments during the musical. The dialogue was witty in many places. There was actually roller skating on the stage. A couple of the characters were hysterical. But . . .overall, it was just "okay."
It was interesting that some audience members sat on the stage and became unwitting participants at times. At the end of the show these people had glow sticks of different colors and got to wave them around.
The music was fun.
It was an "okay" show. I don't think I would pay to see it again but . . . it wasn't too bad.
Hubby was pleased that there was no intermission and that we got out before dinner time.
Trisha
Voice Update: My voice is doing pretty well. I am still doing the oral reading from the Bible and am finding it a pleasant way to spend an hour each day. I figure I am combining my desire to read more of the Bible and my need to exercise my voice! So far the reading and the additional effort on my part to speak more during the day seems to be doing the trick. I do have to work on saying "two" since I have some kind of mental block against that. *sigh* MORE work!
To answer Linda's comment - yes, my vocal disorder is the same one which Diane Rhem and Robert Kennedy Jr. have but, I have a different type of the disorder. Both Diane and Robert have the more common, Adductor type of Spasmodic Dysphonia where I have the rarer Abductor type.
What does that mean? Diane and Robert have the type where the muscles spasming cause the vocal cords to be slammed closed and to not open. They sound like they are being strangled from the inside because they have to struggle to get air out past the closed cords. Of course, when/if they get Botox injections, that strangling sound lessens and they sound more "normal." In my type the vocal cords are being held open which results in a breathy sounding voice.
If you would like to know more about Spasmodic Dysphonia you can check out the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association's website where they have an explanation of what SD is as well as audio examples of people who have both types of SD.
According to Dictionary.Com, Xanadu is: "a place of great beauty, luxury, and contentment" or "utopia."
Well, let me just say that the musical which is named Xanadu falls "just a bit" short of that ideal!
Hubby and I went to see Xanadu as part of our season ticket package of musicals. We have both seen the movie - back in the day - and were not too impressed with it so we were hoping that the musical would be much better.
According to the reviews in our newspaper, the musical was something to look forward to, something "fresh and entertaining."
According to Hubby, "The only thing that saved it is that the lead girl could actually sing."
What does that tell you?
Personally, it tells me a couple things . . . first, Hubby is actually getting used to musicals and is reaching the point where he can critique them honestly. Second, it tells me that there wasn't a whole lot about the musical that Hubby thought was worthwhile!
Actually, there were many little funny moments during the musical. The dialogue was witty in many places. There was actually roller skating on the stage. A couple of the characters were hysterical. But . . .overall, it was just "okay."
It was interesting that some audience members sat on the stage and became unwitting participants at times. At the end of the show these people had glow sticks of different colors and got to wave them around.
The music was fun.
It was an "okay" show. I don't think I would pay to see it again but . . . it wasn't too bad.
Hubby was pleased that there was no intermission and that we got out before dinner time.
Trisha
Voice Update: My voice is doing pretty well. I am still doing the oral reading from the Bible and am finding it a pleasant way to spend an hour each day. I figure I am combining my desire to read more of the Bible and my need to exercise my voice! So far the reading and the additional effort on my part to speak more during the day seems to be doing the trick. I do have to work on saying "two" since I have some kind of mental block against that. *sigh* MORE work!
To answer Linda's comment - yes, my vocal disorder is the same one which Diane Rhem and Robert Kennedy Jr. have but, I have a different type of the disorder. Both Diane and Robert have the more common, Adductor type of Spasmodic Dysphonia where I have the rarer Abductor type.
What does that mean? Diane and Robert have the type where the muscles spasming cause the vocal cords to be slammed closed and to not open. They sound like they are being strangled from the inside because they have to struggle to get air out past the closed cords. Of course, when/if they get Botox injections, that strangling sound lessens and they sound more "normal." In my type the vocal cords are being held open which results in a breathy sounding voice.
If you would like to know more about Spasmodic Dysphonia you can check out the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association's website where they have an explanation of what SD is as well as audio examples of people who have both types of SD.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Saturday
Hi All!
Despite the fact that I didn't get enough sleep due to Buzzer . . . oops, I meant to say because of Skor! Anyway, Skor was determined to wake me up early this morning. I managed to ignore him for a bit but . . .
I am feeling pretty chipper this morning. I am listening to Sister Hazel.
I have liked this band ever since Hubby and I met the band members on a flight from Ohio to Dallas about 10 years ago or so. At the time neither of us had heard of Sister Hazel. We did a little research and got their album (I can't tell you if it was their first or what). We liked their album.
Last night I was talking to my friend Tricia (who spells her name TOTALLY wrong!) and was telling her about the availability of free albums on Amazon. While I was talking I happened to look on Amazon and there was a FREE album by Sister Hazel! I was THRILLED! Needless to say, I downloaded the album. It is what I am listening to right now!
Hubby did give me a moment's pause when he said that Al Gore likes Sister Hazel too. I wasn't given pause by the mere fact that it was Al Gore politically - I don't care. My pause was caused by the fact that he is older than I am and maybe I am liking "old person" music! Heaven forbid!!
Another reason I am feeling chipper is this:
Despite the fact that I didn't get enough sleep due to Buzzer . . . oops, I meant to say because of Skor! Anyway, Skor was determined to wake me up early this morning. I managed to ignore him for a bit but . . .
I am feeling pretty chipper this morning. I am listening to Sister Hazel.
I have liked this band ever since Hubby and I met the band members on a flight from Ohio to Dallas about 10 years ago or so. At the time neither of us had heard of Sister Hazel. We did a little research and got their album (I can't tell you if it was their first or what). We liked their album.
Last night I was talking to my friend Tricia (who spells her name TOTALLY wrong!) and was telling her about the availability of free albums on Amazon. While I was talking I happened to look on Amazon and there was a FREE album by Sister Hazel! I was THRILLED! Needless to say, I downloaded the album. It is what I am listening to right now!
Hubby did give me a moment's pause when he said that Al Gore likes Sister Hazel too. I wasn't given pause by the mere fact that it was Al Gore politically - I don't care. My pause was caused by the fact that he is older than I am and maybe I am liking "old person" music! Heaven forbid!!
Another reason I am feeling chipper is this:
Yesterday I stopped by the book sale put on annually by the school district I used to work for as a teacher. I love this sale. Every paperback is only 75 cents and there are LOTS of books. The sale is in an empty Old Navy store. There are long tables stretching across the space with an aisle in the middle. The books are all organized into different sections like a book store and there are literally millions of books!
asfg
Heaven!
asfg
The only downer is that I forgot my book list - the list of books I have read - so it was hard for me to get books written by any of my favorite authors without being sure that I hadn't read them or not. Because of that, I wandered the aisles and picked up books by authors I had never heard of! That was fun! Also, I have a lot of "serious" books in my stock already - you know, mysteries and things like that. So - when I was at the sale I picked up "light" books. Romances and things like that. To balance out my stock!
asfg
After giving my new books a thorough sniffing, both cats seemed to approve of my selections!
safg
Today is "The Phantom of the Opera" at the Music Hall at Fair Park. I am excited. This will be the second time Hubby and I will have seen the musical and the reviews in the paper have been excellent.
asfg
Have a super weekend!
asfg
Trisha
asfg
Voice Update: My stuffy nose and the drainage is making me a bit raspy in the mornings but other than that . . . doing fine.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Up and Running?!?
Hi All!
Well, it seems like we are up and running with our new computer but I am still crossing my fingers and holding my breath. I have a lot of music and photos to transfer to this computer. Of course, when the old machine crashed I lost some (which I had neglected to back up in a timely manner! Back up people! Back up!) but most of it had been backed up a while ago. As I am typing this my computer is trying to transfer my iTunes info. Then I will have to transfer my pictures. Doesn't that sound like fun to you???
Anyway - I hope to be back to my "normal" posting schedule this week. As far as I know I don't have jury duty or any other weird thing going on so it should be a relatively "quiet"week.
I spent about 7 hours in the lab at my college on Friday and Saturday getting some things video taped for class. To do the video assignments you need at least two other people to be at lab - that takes some major planning! Anyway - that phase is done. Now I need to do some heavy duty analysis of my video to see what I did right and wrong. I HATE looking at myself on video but I must so . . . onward.
This morning in church our hand bell choir performed. It wasn't anything major - we had only had one practice - but it was fun. We played some pieces while the congregation was taking communion. I didn't realize how much I missed playing bells until I started again! Maybe I will manage to get some video or something of the bells in action onto my blog. We will see how that goes!
I am keeping this short so I can do other things - like crochet! I have started "phase two" of the project and have made some pretty good progress! I will show you a picture tomorrow is everything is still going well then!
I have missed my bloggy friends!
Trisha
Voice Update: Doing fairly well. The stress of the past couple of weeks has made my voice a bit worse than "normal" but I am getting back to a nice, clear speaking voice with my exercises.
Well, it seems like we are up and running with our new computer but I am still crossing my fingers and holding my breath. I have a lot of music and photos to transfer to this computer. Of course, when the old machine crashed I lost some (which I had neglected to back up in a timely manner! Back up people! Back up!) but most of it had been backed up a while ago. As I am typing this my computer is trying to transfer my iTunes info. Then I will have to transfer my pictures. Doesn't that sound like fun to you???
Anyway - I hope to be back to my "normal" posting schedule this week. As far as I know I don't have jury duty or any other weird thing going on so it should be a relatively "quiet"week.
I spent about 7 hours in the lab at my college on Friday and Saturday getting some things video taped for class. To do the video assignments you need at least two other people to be at lab - that takes some major planning! Anyway - that phase is done. Now I need to do some heavy duty analysis of my video to see what I did right and wrong. I HATE looking at myself on video but I must so . . . onward.
This morning in church our hand bell choir performed. It wasn't anything major - we had only had one practice - but it was fun. We played some pieces while the congregation was taking communion. I didn't realize how much I missed playing bells until I started again! Maybe I will manage to get some video or something of the bells in action onto my blog. We will see how that goes!
I am keeping this short so I can do other things - like crochet! I have started "phase two" of the project and have made some pretty good progress! I will show you a picture tomorrow is everything is still going well then!
I have missed my bloggy friends!
Trisha
Voice Update: Doing fairly well. The stress of the past couple of weeks has made my voice a bit worse than "normal" but I am getting back to a nice, clear speaking voice with my exercises.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Spoonfuls and Showers
Hi All!
It was a busy weekend!
On Saturday the musical "Mary Poppins" was the order of the day along with a trip to the State Fair. The two - a musical and the State Fair - always go together since the venue for the musicals is actually in Fair Park. One nice perk is that with a ticket to the musical you get into the fair for free! So - you go early and walk around the fair and get junk food to eat and then you see the musical. A nice day!
The musical organizers always try to save a popular musical to run during the State Fair and this year was no exception! The house was sold out for the entire run of the musical. Many young children came with their parents to see the show but there were also a number of childless people there as well. Generally speaking, it was a good mix.
While different from the popular movie of the same name in several ways, this musical stayed close enough to the familiar story line to make it feel comfortable. A family who is having relationship troubles due to the father's work-a-holic ways and his overly stern attitude towards children meets with a magical nanny - Mary Poppins - who helps them discover the importance of family.
Mary Poppins introduces the children - and the household - to many magical things during her tenure in the household and takes the audience along with her. The normally drab park becomes a virtual wonderland of bright colors and magical statues who come to life and dance with Mary Poppins. A rooftop becomes a dance floor to a bevy of be-smudged chimney sweeps. Mary's friend, Bert, joins in on many of the adventures and also acts as a sort of narrator for the tale of the family.
Filled with fun, up-beat songs and lively choreography this production was fun to watch. The scenery was well done and, judging from the reactions from the children sitting around me, enchanting. Various rooms of the family's house opened up like a dollhouse under Bert's gentle touch and other rooms magically float down from the sky. Bright costumes and special effects sprinkled amongst the action just rounds out the entire experience.
If you get the chance, I would recommend that you check out this fun musical - even if you don't have any young ones to take with you!
After the musical on Saturday, Sunday was the wedding shower.
On Saturday night I sewed my black towel into a nice little bag and wrapped the gifts in the black and white striped towels to tuck inside. It took me a bit longer to figure out how to close the entire thing. I attempted to make handles like on a "normal" gift bag but, the towel bag was too floppy for that to work. So - I did some more yarn work and ended up using the grosgrain ribbon to lace up the top. It ended up looking neat. Certainly different from any other packages!
Then, there was the question of the card! Not one to do the "usual" thing, I put on my thinking cap and came up with a fun solution. Chelle, the bride, designed a logo for the wedding which is a fedora hat with a strand of pearls draped over it. I took that idea and ran with it.
Using my card program, I made a card which was a big fedora. I cut the card out to the shape of the hat and left only a bit on the top joined to make the fold of the card. Inside, I used font that looked similar to what Chelle had used on her invitations. Then - the coup de grace - I made a strand of fake pearl beads and attached it to the card so it looked like it was draping over the fedora.
It did turn out quite cute - if I must say so myself!
The card ended up being the hit of the shower and Chelle was really thrilled with it. In fact, she made sure that her mother took a picture of her with the card!
The shower itself was very nice. Chelle's sister was the hostess and had everything decorated quite nicely! She had a scrumptious spread of food and an adorable cupcake cake which looked like a wedding cake! There weren't a whole lot of people at the shower but, we did have fun! It was a good afternoon!
Trisha
Voice Update: Doing pretty well. I am working on the exercises that Susan gave me to work on those hard words and hopefully, they will work!
It was a busy weekend!
On Saturday the musical "Mary Poppins" was the order of the day along with a trip to the State Fair. The two - a musical and the State Fair - always go together since the venue for the musicals is actually in Fair Park. One nice perk is that with a ticket to the musical you get into the fair for free! So - you go early and walk around the fair and get junk food to eat and then you see the musical. A nice day!
The musical organizers always try to save a popular musical to run during the State Fair and this year was no exception! The house was sold out for the entire run of the musical. Many young children came with their parents to see the show but there were also a number of childless people there as well. Generally speaking, it was a good mix.While different from the popular movie of the same name in several ways, this musical stayed close enough to the familiar story line to make it feel comfortable. A family who is having relationship troubles due to the father's work-a-holic ways and his overly stern attitude towards children meets with a magical nanny - Mary Poppins - who helps them discover the importance of family.
Mary Poppins introduces the children - and the household - to many magical things during her tenure in the household and takes the audience along with her. The normally drab park becomes a virtual wonderland of bright colors and magical statues who come to life and dance with Mary Poppins. A rooftop becomes a dance floor to a bevy of be-smudged chimney sweeps. Mary's friend, Bert, joins in on many of the adventures and also acts as a sort of narrator for the tale of the family.
Filled with fun, up-beat songs and lively choreography this production was fun to watch. The scenery was well done and, judging from the reactions from the children sitting around me, enchanting. Various rooms of the family's house opened up like a dollhouse under Bert's gentle touch and other rooms magically float down from the sky. Bright costumes and special effects sprinkled amongst the action just rounds out the entire experience.
If you get the chance, I would recommend that you check out this fun musical - even if you don't have any young ones to take with you!
After the musical on Saturday, Sunday was the wedding shower.
On Saturday night I sewed my black towel into a nice little bag and wrapped the gifts in the black and white striped towels to tuck inside. It took me a bit longer to figure out how to close the entire thing. I attempted to make handles like on a "normal" gift bag but, the towel bag was too floppy for that to work. So - I did some more yarn work and ended up using the grosgrain ribbon to lace up the top. It ended up looking neat. Certainly different from any other packages!
Then, there was the question of the card! Not one to do the "usual" thing, I put on my thinking cap and came up with a fun solution. Chelle, the bride, designed a logo for the wedding which is a fedora hat with a strand of pearls draped over it. I took that idea and ran with it.
Using my card program, I made a card which was a big fedora. I cut the card out to the shape of the hat and left only a bit on the top joined to make the fold of the card. Inside, I used font that looked similar to what Chelle had used on her invitations. Then - the coup de grace - I made a strand of fake pearl beads and attached it to the card so it looked like it was draping over the fedora.
It did turn out quite cute - if I must say so myself!
The card ended up being the hit of the shower and Chelle was really thrilled with it. In fact, she made sure that her mother took a picture of her with the card!
The shower itself was very nice. Chelle's sister was the hostess and had everything decorated quite nicely! She had a scrumptious spread of food and an adorable cupcake cake which looked like a wedding cake! There weren't a whole lot of people at the shower but, we did have fun! It was a good afternoon!
Trisha
Voice Update: Doing pretty well. I am working on the exercises that Susan gave me to work on those hard words and hopefully, they will work!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
A Blonde Moment
Hi All!
I admit it. Over the weekend I had a major blonde moment. So did Hubby. So did several hundred other people. All at the same time.
How, you might be asking yourself?
We all went to the Music Hall to see Legally Blonde, the musical!
Having long been fans of the movie version of this production, Hubby (who only grudgingly admits to enjoying the movie) and I knew what we were in for - sort of. We knew the story line and the characters and we also knew that this wouldn't be a heavy-weight musical. It would be far fluffier and cute.
I admit it. Over the weekend I had a major blonde moment. So did Hubby. So did several hundred other people. All at the same time.
How, you might be asking yourself?
We all went to the Music Hall to see Legally Blonde, the musical!
Having long been fans of the movie version of this production, Hubby (who only grudgingly admits to enjoying the movie) and I knew what we were in for - sort of. We knew the story line and the characters and we also knew that this wouldn't be a heavy-weight musical. It would be far fluffier and cute.While we were right - the musical was fluffy and cute - we (okay, maybe it was only me who was impressed - Hubby won't comment) were impressed by the fun and humor the musical brought to the stage. While many of the songs were a bit "cheesy" such as "Omigod You Guys," "Bend and Snap," and "The Harvard Variations," there were many songs which fit into the plot line very well and brought just the right touch of serious emotion to the musical. These included "Blood in the Water," "Ireland," and "Legally Blonde."
The addition of two adorable trained dogs - one a chihuahua for Elle and the other a bulldog for Paulette - spiced things up even though the dogs weren't on stage very long compared to their appearance time in the movie.
Another stand-out performance was given by Natalie Joy Johnson, the actress who played Paulette. In this incarnation, Paulette is a hair stylist instead of a nail tech and she dreams of going to Ireland where everything is better (a big play on the whole "the grass is greener" metaphor perhaps?). Johnson blew me away with her strong voice and the emotion she brought to her songs. She was certainly a highlight of the performance.
The other actors were good - in particular Ken Land who played Professor Callahan - and everyone gave very enthusiastic performances. The dancing was well choreographed and performed and the sets were just colorful enough to add to the glitz of the show without stealing the scene.
The plot followed the plot of the movie for the most part with some minor changes and the musical as a whole was fun, upbeat, and cheery.
If Legally Blonde comes to your town, I wouldn't hesitate to take your family even thought Hubby would like for me to relay that there was a notable lack of men in the audience when compared to the pink clad women and girls. Of well - grab something pink and head to the theater. Legally Blonde will deliver a fun time without making you think too hard about the plot. It will also leave you with fun melodies running around your head as you leave the theater.
Just what a musical should do!
Trisha
Voice Update: Doing well. Enough said.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
One Meatball . . .
Hi All!
I thought that today I would share the lyrics to a song which has been going through my mind. It is called . . .
One Meatball
A little man walked up and down,
He found an eating place in town.
He looked the menu through and through
To see what fifteen cents could do:
One meatball,
one meatball,
He couldn't bought but one meatball.
He told the waiter near at hand
The simple dinner he had planned.
The guests were startled, one and all,
To hear that waiter oddly call:
"One meatball,
one meatball,
This here gent wants one meatball.
"The little man felt ill at ease,
Said "Some bread, son, if you please.
"The waiter hollered down the hall"
Ya gets no bread with one meatball!
"One meatball,
one meatball,
"Ya gets no bread with one meatball!"
If you google this little gem you will find that a myriad of people have sung and recorded it including the Andrews Sisters and Big Crosby and Dr. Steve and Fidgert from the Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd.
Since I haven't figured out how to get You Tube videos into my blog, I couldn't let you hear the song directly from this site but, please, go to You Tube and find it. It is worth your time. It will be stuck in your head for a long time!
Trisha
Voice Update: Doing well, doing well!
I thought that today I would share the lyrics to a song which has been going through my mind. It is called . . .
One Meatball
A little man walked up and down,
He found an eating place in town.
He looked the menu through and through
To see what fifteen cents could do:
One meatball,
one meatball,
He couldn't bought but one meatball.
He told the waiter near at hand
The simple dinner he had planned.
The guests were startled, one and all,
To hear that waiter oddly call:
"One meatball,
one meatball,
This here gent wants one meatball.
"The little man felt ill at ease,
Said "Some bread, son, if you please.
"The waiter hollered down the hall"
Ya gets no bread with one meatball!
"One meatball,
one meatball,
"Ya gets no bread with one meatball!"
If you google this little gem you will find that a myriad of people have sung and recorded it including the Andrews Sisters and Big Crosby and Dr. Steve and Fidgert from the Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd.
Since I haven't figured out how to get You Tube videos into my blog, I couldn't let you hear the song directly from this site but, please, go to You Tube and find it. It is worth your time. It will be stuck in your head for a long time!
Trisha
Voice Update: Doing well, doing well!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
iTunes Anyone?
Hi All!
As you might know, I have had an iPod for quite some time and am totally addicted to it (thank you McCoy Elementary!). Originally, my addiction was centered solely around podcasts and the music I already had in my CD collection. I didn't see the need to BUY music from iTunes. After all, I had plenty to listen to.
That was then.
Now I am afraid that I have given in to the temptation and have become an iTunes music purchaser!
Like any addiction, it began simply and small. I had gone to see the musical Rent and didn't buy the CDs on sale there because they were too expensive. Hubby helped in this decision with his "You can buy it cheaper online!" comment.
This decision to buy the soundtrack online happened to be followed rather closely by my parents' visit and my birthday. Not knowing what to buy me for my birthday and following my suggestions, my parents bought me an iTunes gift card.
The Rent soundtrack cost something like $15 and the gift card was for something like $50. So I bought the Les Mis soundtrack - which I hadn't bought at the theater for the same reasons I didn't buy Rent. It was so easy! Instant gratification!
I still had money left over.
Burning a hole in my pocket.
Waiting for me to find additional "treasures!"
So, of course, I began looking. A Jazz Harpist. A quartet of Texan sisters playing fiddles. A wonderful soul singer. A pianist. A Zydeco band. A classical composer whose name started with E (feeding my weird obsession to have composers for every letter of the alphabet). I started finding all kinds of good things.
I would listen to podcasts and find new artists that I "had" to have. However, I didn't spend my gift card money easily. I carefully pondered each decision and its length versus cost ratio (a longer song is always worth more than a short song for the same price!). As my balance got lower and lower, I became even more choosy in my purchases.
Then came the day when my balance got down to $1.43. Wow. That is low. Probably only one more song (at about 99 cents plus tax). Oh my!
I heard a popular singer on my "Ellen in a Minute" podcast and thought he might be worth a purchase. However, once I found out HIS songs were MORE than 99 cents. He fell off my radar pretty darn quickly!
I held on to that remaining money for a long time - weeks! And then . . .
I read Flea's blog yesterday. Her artist friend created an amazing bust of a Puerto Rican pianist. Of course I had to go and check him out. I was impressed. So impressed that I spent 99 cents on one of his SHORT pieces on iTunes!
Now my remaining balance is less than 40 cents. Not enough to purchase even one song. How sad!
I could just buy songs and have them charged to my credit card.
I could.
But I won't.
Yes, I am addicted to my iPod, to podcasts (which are always free by the way) and now, to iTunes. But I am fighting the iTunes addiction. I am fighting.
Maybe I will get another gift card for Christmas!
Trisha
Voice Update: To be honest, I haven't talked yet today so I don't really know. I think things are still good. Remember, I am resting my voice for the weekend!
As you might know, I have had an iPod for quite some time and am totally addicted to it (thank you McCoy Elementary!). Originally, my addiction was centered solely around podcasts and the music I already had in my CD collection. I didn't see the need to BUY music from iTunes. After all, I had plenty to listen to.
That was then.
Now I am afraid that I have given in to the temptation and have become an iTunes music purchaser!
Like any addiction, it began simply and small. I had gone to see the musical Rent and didn't buy the CDs on sale there because they were too expensive. Hubby helped in this decision with his "You can buy it cheaper online!" comment.
This decision to buy the soundtrack online happened to be followed rather closely by my parents' visit and my birthday. Not knowing what to buy me for my birthday and following my suggestions, my parents bought me an iTunes gift card.
The Rent soundtrack cost something like $15 and the gift card was for something like $50. So I bought the Les Mis soundtrack - which I hadn't bought at the theater for the same reasons I didn't buy Rent. It was so easy! Instant gratification!
I still had money left over.
Burning a hole in my pocket.
Waiting for me to find additional "treasures!"
So, of course, I began looking. A Jazz Harpist. A quartet of Texan sisters playing fiddles. A wonderful soul singer. A pianist. A Zydeco band. A classical composer whose name started with E (feeding my weird obsession to have composers for every letter of the alphabet). I started finding all kinds of good things.
I would listen to podcasts and find new artists that I "had" to have. However, I didn't spend my gift card money easily. I carefully pondered each decision and its length versus cost ratio (a longer song is always worth more than a short song for the same price!). As my balance got lower and lower, I became even more choosy in my purchases.
Then came the day when my balance got down to $1.43. Wow. That is low. Probably only one more song (at about 99 cents plus tax). Oh my!
I heard a popular singer on my "Ellen in a Minute" podcast and thought he might be worth a purchase. However, once I found out HIS songs were MORE than 99 cents. He fell off my radar pretty darn quickly!
I held on to that remaining money for a long time - weeks! And then . . .
I read Flea's blog yesterday. Her artist friend created an amazing bust of a Puerto Rican pianist. Of course I had to go and check him out. I was impressed. So impressed that I spent 99 cents on one of his SHORT pieces on iTunes!
Now my remaining balance is less than 40 cents. Not enough to purchase even one song. How sad!
I could just buy songs and have them charged to my credit card.
I could.
But I won't.
Yes, I am addicted to my iPod, to podcasts (which are always free by the way) and now, to iTunes. But I am fighting the iTunes addiction. I am fighting.
Maybe I will get another gift card for Christmas!
Trisha
Voice Update: To be honest, I haven't talked yet today so I don't really know. I think things are still good. Remember, I am resting my voice for the weekend!
Monday, July 20, 2009
One Singular Sensation . . .
Hi All!
On Saturday, Hubby and I celebrated our 12th anniversary by heading to the Music Hall at Fair Park to see a musical. If you didn't guess from the title of today's post, we saw A Chorus Line.
This musical is one of my favorites. I have had the soundtrack forever (it seems like it anyway!) and know all of the songs by heart. The dancing is also a big draw for me. Seeing all of those people dance like that. It is impressive!
The entire musical revolves around a day of auditions for musical chorus line on Broadway. The hopeful auditioners sing and dance and then are faced with the very unusual request to "talk about themselves."
Most of the people talk about the reason they decided to become dancers and song such as "At the Ballet" and "I Can Do That" naturally weave their way into the plot. Other people talk about more personal things . . . such as the contents of "Dance 10, Looks 3" which tells of one dancer's efforts to "improve herself" in order to get better roles.
In addition to personal stories, you hear the love all of these people have for dancing and about their desire to be "in the business." When asked repeatedly what they would do after they were too old to dance any more, the group launches into "What I did For Love" led by Diana. In this production, Diana was played by a woman named Rebecca Riker. She did a good job of singing "Nothing" but it was her hauntingly lovely performance on "What I Did For Love" which sent goosebumps up my arms.
Sadly, that one song was pretty much the only goosebump causing moment in the show for me. I enjoyed the entire show, of course, but, it was basically just "okay." The dancing of all the performers was very good and fun to watch but the lack of really exceptional vocals just made the show a bit lack luster for me.
Of course, as I say that, I remember that "The Music and the Mirror" was done well and came very close to goosebumps. The actress who played Cassie, Robyn Hurder, did a very nice job.
Hubby's favorite part of the entire production was the scenery. The only real scenery was a wall of mirrors which rotated so that at times they were hidden and at times they were exposed to reflect all of the dancers. The decisions as to when the mirrors would show and when they wouldn't did enhance the production but, I think Hubby just liked seeing them rotate. He also liked the fact that there was no intermission - so the show went faster!
All in all, I really don't think you can go wrong with A Chorus Line. It is a good, solid story with enjoyable songs and some outstanding choreography. If it heads your way, go!
Trisha
Voice Update: Doing well but still a bit tired. Susan will be back at work this week - it will be interesting to see what she thinks.
On Saturday, Hubby and I celebrated our 12th anniversary by heading to the Music Hall at Fair Park to see a musical. If you didn't guess from the title of today's post, we saw A Chorus Line.
This musical is one of my favorites. I have had the soundtrack forever (it seems like it anyway!) and know all of the songs by heart. The dancing is also a big draw for me. Seeing all of those people dance like that. It is impressive!The entire musical revolves around a day of auditions for musical chorus line on Broadway. The hopeful auditioners sing and dance and then are faced with the very unusual request to "talk about themselves."
Most of the people talk about the reason they decided to become dancers and song such as "At the Ballet" and "I Can Do That" naturally weave their way into the plot. Other people talk about more personal things . . . such as the contents of "Dance 10, Looks 3" which tells of one dancer's efforts to "improve herself" in order to get better roles.
In addition to personal stories, you hear the love all of these people have for dancing and about their desire to be "in the business." When asked repeatedly what they would do after they were too old to dance any more, the group launches into "What I did For Love" led by Diana. In this production, Diana was played by a woman named Rebecca Riker. She did a good job of singing "Nothing" but it was her hauntingly lovely performance on "What I Did For Love" which sent goosebumps up my arms.
Sadly, that one song was pretty much the only goosebump causing moment in the show for me. I enjoyed the entire show, of course, but, it was basically just "okay." The dancing of all the performers was very good and fun to watch but the lack of really exceptional vocals just made the show a bit lack luster for me.
Of course, as I say that, I remember that "The Music and the Mirror" was done well and came very close to goosebumps. The actress who played Cassie, Robyn Hurder, did a very nice job.
Hubby's favorite part of the entire production was the scenery. The only real scenery was a wall of mirrors which rotated so that at times they were hidden and at times they were exposed to reflect all of the dancers. The decisions as to when the mirrors would show and when they wouldn't did enhance the production but, I think Hubby just liked seeing them rotate. He also liked the fact that there was no intermission - so the show went faster!
All in all, I really don't think you can go wrong with A Chorus Line. It is a good, solid story with enjoyable songs and some outstanding choreography. If it heads your way, go!
Trisha
Voice Update: Doing well but still a bit tired. Susan will be back at work this week - it will be interesting to see what she thinks.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Oh, You Pretty Chitty Chiity Bang Bang!
Hi All!
This post is a little late - considering that we actually went to see this musical more than a week ago - but . . . better late than never, right?
On July 4th, Hubby and I went to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Now, I guess I should be totally honest and tell you that, due to my not looking closely at the tickets, Hubby and I arrived at the theater 30 minutes late. You see, the musical started an hour before the "normal" starting time. Hubby and I were at the theater in plenty of time for the "normal" starting time. However, we were LATE for the early starting time!
This post is a little late - considering that we actually went to see this musical more than a week ago - but . . . better late than never, right?
On July 4th, Hubby and I went to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Now, I guess I should be totally honest and tell you that, due to my not looking closely at the tickets, Hubby and I arrived at the theater 30 minutes late. You see, the musical started an hour before the "normal" starting time. Hubby and I were at the theater in plenty of time for the "normal" starting time. However, we were LATE for the early starting time!Being late meant that we missed the first five songs in the first act. Hubby was happy - he isn't too much of a musical kind of guy. I was bummed.
Anyway, we went in during the applause from a song, sat down and enjoyed the rest of the first act. While we were watching, we noticed that there were numerous people doing the exact same thing we did. So we weren't the only people who didn't look at the tickets!
The musical. I enjoyed the musical. It stayed pretty true to the movie version - which I absolutely adore. The actors did a nice job of both acting and singing even though the man who played Caractacus Potts could have done a bit better in the dancing area for my taste. The scene where he was the rag doll playing against Truly Scrumptious's music box girl just didn't have the same effect as the wonderful job Dick Van Dyke did in the movie version.
The music was fast paced and catchy. I found myself singing several of the songs over the past week, much to Hubby's annoyance! The scenery was well done and that villain, The Child Catcher, was masterfully villainous. In fact, several of the small children in the audience began crying when he appeared. I think that is a sign of realistic villainy!
The car. Oh, the car! Even being fully cognizant of the fact that at some point this car was going to fly, I was amazed when it actually did. It was amazing! I didn't see any wires or pedestals. How was this thing flying? And it flew around the stage pretty darn well! You saw all sides of the car - even the back - and it flew high and low and from side to side. What a mystery. It was great! No matter how many times I looked at the flying car through my binoculars I just couldn't figure out the secret. Impressive.
If you are a fan of the movie, or even if you aren't but just like fun, family-friendly musicals, this one is fun to see.
Trisha
Voice Update: I still don't feel like talking too much - not that that stops me, of course! I have been massaging around a really sore spot in my neck. I hope it goes away soon! I also have been "e-ing" my way through showers and walks. Voice exercises are such fun!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Happy Days . . . The Musical
Hi All!
Hubby and I just got back from our most recent musical (actually, we just got back from Wal Mart but that was on the way back from the musical so it still counts, right?). This time is was "Happy Days."
Hubby and I just got back from our most recent musical (actually, we just got back from Wal Mart but that was on the way back from the musical so it still counts, right?). This time is was "Happy Days."
Did you even know that it was a musical? I had no clue until it ended up on the schedule for this season. A television show made into a musical. Interesting.
sdgfh
Well. Let me just say that while this musical had its moments such as the superb singing of "The Fonz," Joey Sorge, and "Pinky," Sandra DeNise, the wacky men of the Leopard Lodge with Chachi as the Leopard Cub, and the very amusing plunger parade (how can you go wrong with a plunger parade???), that is pretty much all it had - moments.
sdfgh
In all fairness, I must admit that the good natured "jabs" the musical took at the television show (a reference to Fonzie "jumping the shark" and the half hour format) were amusing but many of the younger people in the crowd no doubt missed the humor in the comments.
sfgh
However, overall, the show left me feeling like it was trying to stretch the concept just a little too far. The premise was a bit weak, the saving of Arnold's from demolition to make a mall parking lot, and was solved a bit simplistically, declaring Arnold's a historical building after attempting to raise enough money to outbid the contractor and failing. After all, why didn't they just declare Arnold's a historic landmark in the beginning and just end it? I know, I know. If they had done that, there wouldn't have been a musical.
sfgh
Frankly, that would have been fine with me. Other than strong performances by Fonzie and Pinky, the rest of the singing (and the songs) were weak and the ensemble numbers felt sparse with the minimal cast. The dancing was okay and the costumes were good replicas of 50s wear while the sets were adequate.
sfgh
I think it would have been better to leave Happy Days in television reruns rather than trying to break into the musical business.
sdfgh
On that note - if you have absolutely nothing better to do - it was "cute" but won't be making the top ten in my or anyone else's book of musical greats any time soon.
sfgh
Trisha
sfgh
Voice Update: I am still working the exercises and my voice is rewarding me! Yeah!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Hi All!
Sorry I didn't get any posts up this weekend. I was busy studying for my finals which are on Tuesday. I also did a few other things.
On Saturday, Hubby and I went to see the musical Rent.
Apparently, Hubby and I have been living under a rock for the past million years because we seemed to be the only two people in the audience who hadn't seen Rent before. We also seemed to be the only people who hadn't memorized all of the songs as well as all of the entrances for the actors.
Hubby and I had no clue why people were literally screaming seconds before certain actors walked onto the stage for the first time. We also didn't know which lyrics were being covered up by wild applause and cheering during certain songs in the show.
Is it just us? Do you all know Rent by heart?
Anyway, the musical was enjoyable. The sound was a little too loud at times, especially when two people were singing a duet, and it made it nearly impossible to actually hear what was being sung. The actors all had amazing voices which made the solos particularly enjoyable. The ensemble work blended well but it seemed like the women were out sung and they were a bit hard to hear when everyone got going.
The setting was simple - one set with movable tables and chairs to depict different places. This really let you focus on the story and the actors. The costumes were nice even though they were pretty pedestrian. The character of Angel, a drag queen, certainly brightened up the place with his/her bright costumes which included a Santa outfit with zebra striped tights and high heels.
Over all, this was a good show to see. Three of the cast were originators of their roles on Broadway (which might be why people were so darn excited to see them walk on stage) and one was an American Idol contestant who dropped out of AI to perform on this tour.
Definitely worth seeing if it shows up in your city.
My only real gripe - the soundtrack was selling for $36 and that was a bit out of my price range. I am looking on eBay and found one for just over $11. Maybe when I get it I will have a chance to listen to the songs a bit more closely to figure out just what was said during the cheering.
Next, I spent an evening making these.
I scanned these so the picture quality isn't too hot but . . . they are book thongs. You know, bookmarks! I plan on giving some to my ASL class buddies tomorrow. I think they turned out really well and . . . as an added bonus, I got to make them while watching Grey's Anatomy! Yeah!
I hope you had a fabulous weekend and a great Monday. It is raining here! Lovely!
Trisha
Voice Update: Well . . . it is a bit rocky right now. Why? Well, I had a very, very annoying "tickle" in my throat starting on Friday which is slowly turning into a nice, full blown cold (just in time for finals!). Anyway, the tickle REALLY made me want to cough to get rid of it. Coughing, in case you don't know, isn't very good for your vocal cords. So - I resisted as much as possible but . . . eventually, the tickle won out and I started coughing. And coughing. And coughing. Fun. Today my voice is very deep and hoarse from the coughing and the "gunk" which is draining down the back of my throat. Darn cold!
Sorry I didn't get any posts up this weekend. I was busy studying for my finals which are on Tuesday. I also did a few other things.
On Saturday, Hubby and I went to see the musical Rent.
Apparently, Hubby and I have been living under a rock for the past million years because we seemed to be the only two people in the audience who hadn't seen Rent before. We also seemed to be the only people who hadn't memorized all of the songs as well as all of the entrances for the actors.Hubby and I had no clue why people were literally screaming seconds before certain actors walked onto the stage for the first time. We also didn't know which lyrics were being covered up by wild applause and cheering during certain songs in the show.
Is it just us? Do you all know Rent by heart?
Anyway, the musical was enjoyable. The sound was a little too loud at times, especially when two people were singing a duet, and it made it nearly impossible to actually hear what was being sung. The actors all had amazing voices which made the solos particularly enjoyable. The ensemble work blended well but it seemed like the women were out sung and they were a bit hard to hear when everyone got going.
The setting was simple - one set with movable tables and chairs to depict different places. This really let you focus on the story and the actors. The costumes were nice even though they were pretty pedestrian. The character of Angel, a drag queen, certainly brightened up the place with his/her bright costumes which included a Santa outfit with zebra striped tights and high heels.
Over all, this was a good show to see. Three of the cast were originators of their roles on Broadway (which might be why people were so darn excited to see them walk on stage) and one was an American Idol contestant who dropped out of AI to perform on this tour.
Definitely worth seeing if it shows up in your city.
My only real gripe - the soundtrack was selling for $36 and that was a bit out of my price range. I am looking on eBay and found one for just over $11. Maybe when I get it I will have a chance to listen to the songs a bit more closely to figure out just what was said during the cheering.
Next, I spent an evening making these.
I scanned these so the picture quality isn't too hot but . . . they are book thongs. You know, bookmarks! I plan on giving some to my ASL class buddies tomorrow. I think they turned out really well and . . . as an added bonus, I got to make them while watching Grey's Anatomy! Yeah!I hope you had a fabulous weekend and a great Monday. It is raining here! Lovely!
Trisha
Voice Update: Well . . . it is a bit rocky right now. Why? Well, I had a very, very annoying "tickle" in my throat starting on Friday which is slowly turning into a nice, full blown cold (just in time for finals!). Anyway, the tickle REALLY made me want to cough to get rid of it. Coughing, in case you don't know, isn't very good for your vocal cords. So - I resisted as much as possible but . . . eventually, the tickle won out and I started coughing. And coughing. And coughing. Fun. Today my voice is very deep and hoarse from the coughing and the "gunk" which is draining down the back of my throat. Darn cold!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Exciting, Huh?
Hi All!
Yesterday I found myself in a fit of nervous energy. I am leaving for the NSDA National Symposium on Thursday and that means I will be missing classes on Thursday. By missing classes, I will also miss an important day of time to work with my partners on the two different projects I have coming up.
One of the projects is about the ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act. I get to make a PowerPoint.
Does it look exciting enough for you? Of course, this is only the first slide.
Yesterday I found myself in a fit of nervous energy. I am leaving for the NSDA National Symposium on Thursday and that means I will be missing classes on Thursday. By missing classes, I will also miss an important day of time to work with my partners on the two different projects I have coming up.
One of the projects is about the ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act. I get to make a PowerPoint.
Does it look exciting enough for you? Of course, this is only the first slide.I got pretty far with the PowerPoint. It would be nice if I could get it finished this morning so that I could give it to my partner and she could work on the paper that needs to go along with it over the weekend while I am gone.
Another PowerPoint is soon going to be created for my presentation at the NSDA Leadership Training. This one is causing a bit of nervousness on my part since I don't really have what I want to say formulated yet. I suppose I should do that before actually getting up to speak, right?
Oh well!
Tee-hee! I am listening to the music I have on my computer and The Time Warp just came on. You know, the song from Rocky Horror Picture Show! It always makes me giggle a bit! In my mind I can picture everyone in the movie theater standing up dancing . . . ah - memories! Isn't it fun how music can bring up memories you haven't thought of for years? Amazing stuff, music!
Trisha
Voice Update: Still hanging in there. Doing more massage but still crunchy.
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