The Freedom to...

If you'd like, check out this video on Official LDS Site. I have a link to that site down on the sidebar called "Roving the Internet". I liked the video a lot.

The Soloist?

Last week Art and I went to the dollar theater to see the movie "The Soloist". It was recommended to me when it was a first-run feature. My friend said it was a good movie which it was, and that there was beautiful cello music in it. That was also true although sometimes knowledge is a mixed blessing. Because I know where his left hand should have been on the strings as he was playing, I was distracted by knowing he was not playing the note I was hearing. I know Jamie Foxx was tutored by the cellist who was actually playing. (We have the habit of staying through the credits. Interesting what you can sometimes learn!) As far as the acting was concerned, both Downey and Foxx played their roles well. The movie was thought- provoking rather than fluffy entertainment. I am glad we went. Love seeing movies with Art. Wonder why we don't do it more often. Which brings me to yesterday at orchestra. For the second time, I was the only cellist. My skills aren't anywhere near where I would like them to be, although I am pleased with my progress. I don't like being a soloist, even for solo cello parts within the pieces we are practicing. So I am making phone calls this week to urge (plead with) the others to at least come part of the time. I know there are legit reasons to be absent but...it's lonely where I am sitting. Besides, my July is entirely dependant on when a new baby arrives. When she comes, I am not going to be available either! At least not on a consistent basis. So I am hoping, hoping, that I can have good news when I call my cello friends. BE THERE!!!

LeAnn Rimes: What I Cannot Change

Love this song! It's worth typing it out or doing a copy/paste. The lyrics are great. I don't usually like country music but this is an exception. Beautiful cello sound in accompaniment! That makes it even better as far as I'm concerned! Thanks one more time, Kimberlee!

http://www.youtube/watch?v=umjRT6m4eec

Book Club

Last Tuesday, it was my turn to have book club. I chose the book "Growing Upcountry" because after reading it I found several more copies at a dollar store. There were none in the library but people passed the ones I had around and it seemed to work out OK. I love the camaraderie, laughter and thoughtful comments each time we get together. What a joy it is to share thoughts and experiences with this group of women. Some of us had rural backgrounds, some urban or suburban but everyone had something interesting to contribute. There were fun "tooth fairy" stories and lots of other sharing. I am lucky to be a part of the group. Earlier, I thought about choosing "Walk Two Moons" a YP book. It was one I read aloud with Heather when she was a young preteen. I forgot to mention that the book "Growing Upcountry" is an excellent read aloud choice although I suppose you'd want to choose carefully depending on the age and sensibilities of your audience. I took it to NY in January and read a few sections to Royce since she is legally blind. We enjoyed the experience immensely, but then, doing anything with Royce is great! The other book I contemplated choosing was one I read when I was in high school, "How Green Was My Valley". I was so blessed to be able to visit Wales, the setting of the book. There are lots of copies in the library so maybe next time it's my turn... Anyway, super evening. Art and Tracy enjoyed hearing the laughs even though they were in the back of the house! I didn't make lamb chops or lamb stew but settled for ice cream drumsticks instead (even though I don't think there were any chickens mentioned in the book!)

Gordon and Ann

This couple are special friends from many years ago to the present time. We raised our kids together, laughed and cried and shared the blessings of this neighborhood and the gospel. We are feeling the loss of our dear friend, Gordon. Till we meet again.

My Latest Checkup

I went to Alyssa's for a little R & R after a social event. It was a wonderful time to veg-out and refuel. After I had been there a while, Clayton decided that it was time to check out my ear. I didn't mind that, although I'm not partial to kisses on the lips from any dog, even if he is extremely cute. That didn't stop him. He even got tangled up in my hair. What a funny guy!

Alyssa's Pair

This is the photo that got away from me in a previous post about a trip to Millcreek Canyon; obviously I've still got a lot to learn about this process of adding photos.   Love this pair of cute dogs!  Thanks again, Alyssa