And we're off!

Hawaii is beckoning, and as the snow falls on the frozen grass outside my window, I'd say it's about time. Goodbye for a week, little blog!

Book Review - Double Header

I managed two books this month - yes! And I almost had a third, but the month ran short and Hawaii is beckoning. This month's selection was a novel and a memoir. First, the novel:

A Train to Potevka by Mike Ramsdell. A fictionalized account of a U.S. agent's dangerous journey through Soviet Russia. This was a pretty good book with an amazing story and it was a pretty quick read. Retelling or explaining the story is actually more interesting than the book itself was because the writing is a little slow and the author gave a lot of background info on himself that didn't necessarily need to be there. That being said, there were some truly amazing stories in his book, a wonderful message of hope and faith, and I really appreciated the shared insights and perspective on the workings of Soviet Russia and its people. I give it one thumb up - great reading material for a long car, plane, or train ride.

The Place of Knowing by Emma Lou Warner Thayne. I can't say enough of about the beauty of this book. I had the privilege of meeting Emma Lou last November and I was super excited to read her newest book (especially since my mom got it signed for me!!!) which she calls a "spiritual autobiography." She is a poet and though there are many beautiful poems included in this book, all of the prose has the grace and power of her poetry. It was the kind of prose that has to be read slowly and contemplatively, and now that I've finished, I feel like I need to read it again to absorb it even more fully.

Emma Lou writes about her spiritual progression and understanding, from having a death experience (she was hit in the face by a metal rod that came through the windshield while she and her son-in-law were driving on the freeway) to her childhood to the amazing experiences she's had as an adult as she's traveled the world. I was completely blown away by what she has done in her life and the way she's embraced every experience that's come to her. She has a unique way of looking at life and an incredibly articulate way of describing it. So much of what she wrote spoke to me in a way that felt True, with a capital T. And some of my favorite parts were stories that I recognized from my mom's history with Emma Lou and it was completely delightful to me to read them from another perspective.

At the end of the first chapter was what I consider one of the most beautiful sentences of the English language that I had to immediately share with Tim and I now share with you:

Without clamor or special effects, in some quiet traveling, I had been to the place of knowing and returned with a view as broad as the galaxies and comforting as my mother's hand. It was obvious again -- the pillars of my faith were still intact, but the roof had blown blessedly off the structure to reveal a whole sky full of stars.

It's such a simple image, but so breathtaking at the same time. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to peruse the beauty of a marvelous woman's life. Four stars, absolutely.

Another Valentine's Day post

After I finished writing that last post about Valentine's Day, I went into work for just a minute and what did I find but a box full of beautiful roses from my sweet husband. We agreed no gifts, so I was completely surprised! When I talked to him later, he said he just wanted to make sure I knew he was thinking about me even while he was in California. He's too sweet!

The roses are mailed when they are still buds so you get to enjoy them for a while while they bloom - it's been a full week and my flowers still look beautiful!

A Valentine's Day mash-up

Three years ago, Tim came out to Pittsburgh to visit me over Valentine's weekend. It was our first Valentine's Day since meeting each other, plus we were long-distance, so we decided to do something special. We got all dressed up and went out to eat in downtown Pittsburgh (Greek food, so good!) then went to the ballet to see "Romeo and Juliet." Mostly it was so wonderful just to be together and to show Tim my new home.


Two years ago, we went to California over Valentine's weekend. We needed to take Scott and Chelsea the rest of their furniture that they had to leave with us when they moved back there from Utah, plus Tim purchased all the wood he would need to make our beautiful bed frame (see pictures here). We drove through the night, got a lot done, and then Tim and his dad and brothers made an absolutely delicious meal for their wives to enjoy. And I got some beautiful flowers out of the deal, too!


One year ago, we celebrated Valentine's Day ahead of time (a play at the Hale and dinner out) and the actual day was very low-key. We made the day special without any of the pressure for it to be amazing, and it was just about perfect.

This year, we decided to try combining all three methods of celebration. Sort of. We are long-distance for the day (1) while Tim is in California (2) for a funeral, and because of that we celebrated last weekend with a play at the Hale and a nice dinner out (3). Ta-da! Tim will get home late tonight so we will get to see each other, but probably for about three seconds before I fall asleep. I don't mind our odd Valentine's Day, though. I'm really glad Tim got to go for the funeral - it was important to both of us that he be there.

Remembering choir

Today at work I listened to a mix of the songs from my BYU Women's Chorus CDs. At the end of every year, we received a compilation of all the songs we sang recorded during our concerts. Some of the recordings include the little bit of talking that came before the songs or the applause afterward. I love a lot of the songs for their beauty or message, but mostly I love them for their memories.

Singing with the Women's Chorus was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I went to the Madsen Recital Hall everyday and got to spend an hour singing my testimony with 150 other girls. There were frustrating days, or days when I was too tired to give it my all, but most days I left the Madsen feeling lifted. Singing in a choir gave me a sense of being a part of something much larger than myself. I could never create such powerful and beautiful sounds on my own, but my one voice contributed to that larger sound as well.

I'll never forget the adrenaline of being onstage, the lights bright, the rustle of our skirts as we took our places. We waited, almost holding our collective breath, for the first flickers of Sister Applonie's hands. I put all my energy into singing beautifully and communicating that through my eyes. Sometimes Sis. Applonie made eye contact with me, and together we smiled and shared our joy in the music and the messages we shared.

Even though I was at work and focused on what I needed to get done, the music reminded me of all the happiness that was singing with the Women's Chorus. I'm so grateful I had that experience and that have the music to take me back.

Countdown

1 day until I get to go on a date with my cute husband.

3 days until we celebrate my little brother's 21st birthday.

9 days until Tim and I are going to see The 39 Steps at the Hale Center Theater.

12 days until Valentine's Day (aka be-pampered-by-my-husband day).

26 days until we fly to HAWAII!!!

39 days until Tim has a week-long spring break.

I can't wait!