Sunday, November 2, 2008
Swollen eyes
I woke up this morning with swollen eyes. The normally dark circles under left eye is especially swollen. The culprit is the make-up I have been wearing for the Mob show. I noticed yesterday that my nose was running a little. I had but a little too much powder after the base I thought maybe I had inhaled some. But today I know I can't wear any of it and hope to see by show time. I will just have to go under the spotlight all pale and washed out looking. Don't really care. I will put on some lipstick. I don't think that will render me blind. For the most part the show is going well. Some cast member still struggle to remember the lines to their songs, but getting better. I'm not totally happy with my performance. I know I can do a better job with my solo. One more chance this afternoon and then we are done. I'm told next year's show is going to be a vaudeville type show (eyes rolling here). I didn't think we could more corny.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Year Of Wonders
Finished "Year of Wonders" by Geraldine Brooks this morning. Excellent read. I have "March" by her to read next. "Year of Wonders" was very sad through most of the book, which you would expect with a story of the plague. But it has a very surprising ending. I won't tell you what it is. Hopefully you will read the book and find out for yourself. I'm looking forward to "March" with I think is a civil war story told from the perspective of the father of the March girls in "Little Women" Hopefully will get to it this afternoon.
Ed has taken my car to work. He is recording the afternoon show at CQQL Ed Prichard is off having surgery and won't be back til mid December. So, my Ed will have this job til then. My Ed took my car because his car is having transmission trouble. That's what you get when you buy a $400 car. He as already put over a thousand dollars into this little car. I wonder how much more money we will sink into it.
Mature Mob is into it's final rehearsals. We were told to be at the hall at 6pm last night. We all showed up but waited around while the tech people set up all the microphones. We didn't even star running the show till 8:20. Hopefully things will go better tonight as all the wires are strung now.
Ed has taken my car to work. He is recording the afternoon show at CQQL Ed Prichard is off having surgery and won't be back til mid December. So, my Ed will have this job til then. My Ed took my car because his car is having transmission trouble. That's what you get when you buy a $400 car. He as already put over a thousand dollars into this little car. I wonder how much more money we will sink into it.
Mature Mob is into it's final rehearsals. We were told to be at the hall at 6pm last night. We all showed up but waited around while the tech people set up all the microphones. We didn't even star running the show till 8:20. Hopefully things will go better tonight as all the wires are strung now.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
O Magnum Mysterium
I will miss Choral Society tomorrow night because Mature Mob show opens on Thursday and we are in the final rehearsals at the Knight of Columbus. I enjoy the Mob, but I sit through a lot of rehearsals cringing. I don't say anything because it isn't my place. The voices at Choral Society are on such a different level. I found the hardest song we will be singing for the December concert on U-Tube. Thought you might like hearing it. YouTube - O Magnum Mysterium (Morten Lauridsen) It is so beautiful. It takes all my concentration to sing it.
Started a little book last night. It is called "Ex Libris, Confessions of a Common Reader" by Anne Fadiman. It is a collection of essays by the author on books. Missy thought it was very strange that I was reading a book about books. The first couple of essays were very easy and sort of funny. The first one about her husband her combining their libraries after several years of marriage was particularly cute. The more I get into the more I notice how Ms Fadiman likes to use big words and talk about books I doubt the "common reader" has in their libraries. Maybe our ideas of what a "common reader" is are two different definitions. I will keep reading and let you know if it gets any better.
Started a little book last night. It is called "Ex Libris, Confessions of a Common Reader" by Anne Fadiman. It is a collection of essays by the author on books. Missy thought it was very strange that I was reading a book about books. The first couple of essays were very easy and sort of funny. The first one about her husband her combining their libraries after several years of marriage was particularly cute. The more I get into the more I notice how Ms Fadiman likes to use big words and talk about books I doubt the "common reader" has in their libraries. Maybe our ideas of what a "common reader" is are two different definitions. I will keep reading and let you know if it gets any better.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Bookmarks
Stacked on top of some books on the bookshelf are some bookmarks. Not very many, just a few nice ones. I think Missy has a drawer full by her bed. Mostly ones she buys at the Scholastic book fairs and ones I have bought for her over the years. So with all these nice bookmarks in the house why am I using a wrinkled scrap of blue construction paper for a bookmark? I use it because it is the right size. Just a nice long rectangle. Also it doesn't fall out the book like some of the laminated ones do. Here is a link I found today. Mirage Bookmark: Beautiful Bookmark Exhibition, History of Bookmarks and for those of you who can't see the blue link: http://www.miragebookmark.ch/index.html A whole site about bookmarks. It's amazing what you can find online.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Sunday
A quiet Sunday. Missy and I stayed home from church again. She is still coughing a lot. I think she could have gone, but she had a bunch of homework she wanted to get done before school tomorrow. We did make it into to Walter's for lunch. Missy only managed about half of a half of sandwich. She was better about eating tonight. She actually said she was hungry. She wolfed down some Town House crackers and hot chocolate.
I joined a reading group on Library Thing today. The group doesn't officially begin reading the book until November 3rd. The book is "A Pirate of Exquisite Mind" It is about a pirate in the 1600's who was also an explorer. Supposedly went around the world several time.
Still reading "Year of Wonders" very good, but so far kind of sad.
I listened to the CD the director of Choral Society gave everyone. It is of the music we are singing for the concert in December. It really helps hearing what it is suppose to sound like. I still struggle with those really high notes. When I go for that high G I kind of squeak. The older I get the better I like my middle range.
More later
Kathi
I joined a reading group on Library Thing today. The group doesn't officially begin reading the book until November 3rd. The book is "A Pirate of Exquisite Mind" It is about a pirate in the 1600's who was also an explorer. Supposedly went around the world several time.
Still reading "Year of Wonders" very good, but so far kind of sad.
I listened to the CD the director of Choral Society gave everyone. It is of the music we are singing for the concert in December. It really helps hearing what it is suppose to sound like. I still struggle with those really high notes. When I go for that high G I kind of squeak. The older I get the better I like my middle range.
More later
Kathi
Thursday, October 16, 2008
1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die
I picked up this huge book at the library "1010 Books You Must Read Before You Die". I went thru all 900 plus pages last night. I'm overly impressed with the selections in this book. First of all there isn't much listed written before 1700. Over half the book is 20th century authors. No James Mitchener, No Edward Rutherfurd. "Red Badge of Courage" isn't listed. A lot of the books are foreign, which is ok, but most of them seemed kind of depressing. I wrote down the names of about a dozen that I will look into. This book is just one person's idea of what people should read. Not even close to my idea. I'm going to make my own list and publish it here in the future.
Currently reading "Year of Wonders" by Geraldine Brooks
Missy made to school yesterday, but came home looking like a pale wrung out washcloth. I'm keeping her home again today. I think she just needs to rest.
Kathleen
Currently reading "Year of Wonders" by Geraldine Brooks
Missy made to school yesterday, but came home looking like a pale wrung out washcloth. I'm keeping her home again today. I think she just needs to rest.
Kathleen
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
A rainy Wednesday
Missy is off to school again this morning. I sent her yesterday but they called me at noon to come get her. No temp. She was pale and I think just worn out. She came home and went to bed. Didn't wake up till 4:30. She woke feeling ok (she says) this morning. Still has the cough but really wanted to school. The 7th and 8th grades are going to see City of Ember today and she didn't want to miss that. Hopefully they won't call me again at noon to come get her.
Debbie, I happen to think you are very well read. You have read more of the classics than I have. And I think you understand them without someone having to explain them to you. And hey, you can read music pretty good. Much better than I ever well. Don't let Keith get all superior on you. I have been going thru "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die". I don't think I have even heard of about 80 percent of those books. After all it just the guy who put this list together opinion. I'm thinking of getting out my old college English and American lit books and reading all the things we never covered in class. Hopefully that will make more knowledgeable. In the meantime I'm going to start "Year of Wonders" by Geraldine Brooks. It's about people fleeing London during the plague of 1666.
Debbie, I happen to think you are very well read. You have read more of the classics than I have. And I think you understand them without someone having to explain them to you. And hey, you can read music pretty good. Much better than I ever well. Don't let Keith get all superior on you. I have been going thru "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die". I don't think I have even heard of about 80 percent of those books. After all it just the guy who put this list together opinion. I'm thinking of getting out my old college English and American lit books and reading all the things we never covered in class. Hopefully that will make more knowledgeable. In the meantime I'm going to start "Year of Wonders" by Geraldine Brooks. It's about people fleeing London during the plague of 1666.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Awkward Blogging...
Hey mom!
Apparently I'm either not very smart or this site isnt set up that well... I just spent 20 minutes trying to figure out how to post on this page...
I've been throwing things like Shakespeare and The Odyssey into my reading list. I like getting a broad range of genres in when I read, and not just one specific type of book. Right now I'm reading Romeo and Juliet...even though it's my least favorite story. Ever. Forserious. >.<
As for music, I know what you mean. I have a lot of friends (and a Keith...) who know a butt-ton more about music than I do and subtley but constantly remind me that I'm not all that good at it. But if you ever need help pronouncing German stuff, feel free to ask. ^.^
Also, there IS an NPR station in Carbondale. It's WSIU Radio. I dont remember the frequency exactly, but it's something like 91.1...or something.
Oh...and um...it was Missy who was sick. Not me. *awkward wave* >.<
Apparently I'm either not very smart or this site isnt set up that well... I just spent 20 minutes trying to figure out how to post on this page...
I've been throwing things like Shakespeare and The Odyssey into my reading list. I like getting a broad range of genres in when I read, and not just one specific type of book. Right now I'm reading Romeo and Juliet...even though it's my least favorite story. Ever. Forserious. >.<
As for music, I know what you mean. I have a lot of friends (and a Keith...) who know a butt-ton more about music than I do and subtley but constantly remind me that I'm not all that good at it. But if you ever need help pronouncing German stuff, feel free to ask. ^.^
Also, there IS an NPR station in Carbondale. It's WSIU Radio. I dont remember the frequency exactly, but it's something like 91.1...or something.
Oh...and um...it was Missy who was sick. Not me. *awkward wave* >.<
On Apparently Not Being Good Enough
Sis,
You are as well read as anyone, and you know as much about classical music as anyone. Depends on what you measure it against. If you rate yourself against a literature professor or a music professor, then you might be found wanting. But if you rate yourself against the general public, then you're doing okay. Of course, you can always learn more - whatever is the point of breathing every day if you don't learn something new? So take a deep breath and enjoy the journey.
I still need to go to Library Thing and start listing my books. I was looking at my library last night (all my books are in my bedroom - well MOST of my books are there), and I got a little overwhelmed about where to start the list. I read genres in seasons. For awhile I was very into science fantasy; then straight "literature" (like Dickens and Trollope); then what the girls call my "God" books (I still read a lot of those kinds of books). What I've discovered is that I find an author and read everything I can get my hands on. For example, I read several books by Cormac McCarthy (i.e., The Border Trilogy, The Road), but they got me too depressed (I don't think he ever wrote anything cheery), so I switched to Kim Edwards (The Memory Keepers Daughter). Then A. Manette Ansay (Midnight Champagne and Vinegar Hill). But again, I found her books reprising the same general theme, so I'm off her for awhile. Right now, of course, I'm reading three books at a time because they are my Bible study books. And for "fun" (if you can call it that) Notes on a Scandal by Zoe Heller. I just saw the movie the other evening, and I must say I think I like the book better. But then I haven't quite finished the book yet, so I should probably reserve judgment. Otherwise, I don't take much more time for reading because I've got so many other irons in the fire. So many things to do and so little time!
I like your blog. Hopefully we can keep in better touch.
Hope Debbie is feeling better soon. And I hope you figure out something to get a new TV.
Marti
You are as well read as anyone, and you know as much about classical music as anyone. Depends on what you measure it against. If you rate yourself against a literature professor or a music professor, then you might be found wanting. But if you rate yourself against the general public, then you're doing okay. Of course, you can always learn more - whatever is the point of breathing every day if you don't learn something new? So take a deep breath and enjoy the journey.
I still need to go to Library Thing and start listing my books. I was looking at my library last night (all my books are in my bedroom - well MOST of my books are there), and I got a little overwhelmed about where to start the list. I read genres in seasons. For awhile I was very into science fantasy; then straight "literature" (like Dickens and Trollope); then what the girls call my "God" books (I still read a lot of those kinds of books). What I've discovered is that I find an author and read everything I can get my hands on. For example, I read several books by Cormac McCarthy (i.e., The Border Trilogy, The Road), but they got me too depressed (I don't think he ever wrote anything cheery), so I switched to Kim Edwards (The Memory Keepers Daughter). Then A. Manette Ansay (Midnight Champagne and Vinegar Hill). But again, I found her books reprising the same general theme, so I'm off her for awhile. Right now, of course, I'm reading three books at a time because they are my Bible study books. And for "fun" (if you can call it that) Notes on a Scandal by Zoe Heller. I just saw the movie the other evening, and I must say I think I like the book better. But then I haven't quite finished the book yet, so I should probably reserve judgment. Otherwise, I don't take much more time for reading because I've got so many other irons in the fire. So many things to do and so little time!
I like your blog. Hopefully we can keep in better touch.
Hope Debbie is feeling better soon. And I hope you figure out something to get a new TV.
Marti
I can't spell
I was watching The View and thinking about what I posted this morning. Good Grief!!! The word is c-r-i-n-g-e not chringe. I will remember to use the spell check function from now on.
Kathleen
Kathleen
Choral Society practice
Last night was Springfield Choral Society practice. I auditioned in August. Rehersals stared in mid September. This is a much harder group than I am used to. A lot of the people in the group are trained muscians, music teacher, or just plain know more than I do. This group does two concerts a year. One at Christmas and one in the spring. Last summer they went on tour to Spain. They don't go on tour every year. I think the director is think maybe in another two or three years they may go again...but she isn't sure where. Choral Society Springfield Illinois This is the link to the group's web page if you are interested.
The music for the Christmas concert is really testing my upper range. Thank goodness most of it is in english. The director decided last night that we are doing one song in German. (groan). Luckily for me I sit right next to a lady named Cindy who teaches at Millikin University. Besides teaching private voice she also teaches Opera Staging and get this...Pronounciation of foreign languages for Opera student. I kept having to ask her "how do I pronouce this?" She was very patient. I think she must be inwardly chringing everytime I sing.
Mob rehersal is tonight. (Mature Mob--the other group I belong to made up of people over 50) The Mob is a piece of cake compared to Choral Society. I'm the one chringing with this group. Two different groups. In one I am a small fish in a big pond and in the other I am a big fish....well at least not a guppy.
Missy went back to school today. Hurray!!!! She is still kind of whimpy. She will probably come home tired and crabby.
More later
Kathleen
The music for the Christmas concert is really testing my upper range. Thank goodness most of it is in english. The director decided last night that we are doing one song in German. (groan). Luckily for me I sit right next to a lady named Cindy who teaches at Millikin University. Besides teaching private voice she also teaches Opera Staging and get this...Pronounciation of foreign languages for Opera student. I kept having to ask her "how do I pronouce this?" She was very patient. I think she must be inwardly chringing everytime I sing.
Mob rehersal is tonight. (Mature Mob--the other group I belong to made up of people over 50) The Mob is a piece of cake compared to Choral Society. I'm the one chringing with this group. Two different groups. In one I am a small fish in a big pond and in the other I am a big fish....well at least not a guppy.
Missy went back to school today. Hurray!!!! She is still kind of whimpy. She will probably come home tired and crabby.
More later
Kathleen
Monday, October 13, 2008
Columbus Day
Columbus Day and I'm the only one up yet. Turned on the tv this morning to get Good Morning America and the tv kind of whistled and sizzled and died. Not sure what we will be able to do. No money for a new tv at the moment. Ed wants a 32 inch flat screen, but of couse that is way out the budget.
Anyway....cousin Ed, sorry you had to go to so much trouble to get this blog. I thought it would just let you read it and comment without having to sign up. But maybe it is a good thing as we will keep in touch more often.
And yes, I have always enjoyed classical music. But my knowlege has always been kind of narrow. I listen to the UIS (University of Illinois at Springfield) station which has the NPR feed. Also, when we go down to Carbondale to see Debbie I can listen to this St Louis station that has a very similar format Classic 99 Homepage It has a live feed over the internet too.
Anyway....cousin Ed, sorry you had to go to so much trouble to get this blog. I thought it would just let you read it and comment without having to sign up. But maybe it is a good thing as we will keep in touch more often.
And yes, I have always enjoyed classical music. But my knowlege has always been kind of narrow. I listen to the UIS (University of Illinois at Springfield) station which has the NPR feed. Also, when we go down to Carbondale to see Debbie I can listen to this St Louis station that has a very similar format Classic 99 Homepage It has a live feed over the internet too.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Hurray! I did it!!!
Ok, I managed to post the first post and got back here again so I could post again.
It was really beautiful here today. Almost too warm. Warm for October that as. My birthday was Friday. We didn't do anything. Ed did buy me a cake. Missy came home from school on Thursday with the flu. She is on the mend but still has a cough and not much of an appetite. Stayed home from church. I did get out of the house this afternoon for a few hours when Ed got home. Went to the library. I have been posting the books I read on Library Thing. I don't think I am as smart as I thought I was. Ed keeps telling me I am really smart and the girls think I should be on Jeapordy. But some things just go over my head. Maybe I'm just not very deep. Anyway, I went to the library and got several books about books. Books like "The 1000 Books Everyone Should Read" and books on what books you should read to have a classic education. I doubt if I will read these books, but I will look them over to see what they are all about. Right now I am reading Caleb Carr's "The Alienist" and I think it is going to have to go back on the shelf. I just can't get into it. I picked up two books by Geraldine Brooks that I am dying to get into having just finished her "People of the Book"
I like to listen to NPR when I am driving. Monday thru Friday until 3pm it is classical music. I'm getting a real education in classical music by just listening. I went thru all my CD's and old 33's and found a bunch of music I forgot I had. The trouble is finding the time to listen to it. That's why listening in the car is good.
More later
Kathleen
It was really beautiful here today. Almost too warm. Warm for October that as. My birthday was Friday. We didn't do anything. Ed did buy me a cake. Missy came home from school on Thursday with the flu. She is on the mend but still has a cough and not much of an appetite. Stayed home from church. I did get out of the house this afternoon for a few hours when Ed got home. Went to the library. I have been posting the books I read on Library Thing. I don't think I am as smart as I thought I was. Ed keeps telling me I am really smart and the girls think I should be on Jeapordy. But some things just go over my head. Maybe I'm just not very deep. Anyway, I went to the library and got several books about books. Books like "The 1000 Books Everyone Should Read" and books on what books you should read to have a classic education. I doubt if I will read these books, but I will look them over to see what they are all about. Right now I am reading Caleb Carr's "The Alienist" and I think it is going to have to go back on the shelf. I just can't get into it. I picked up two books by Geraldine Brooks that I am dying to get into having just finished her "People of the Book"
I like to listen to NPR when I am driving. Monday thru Friday until 3pm it is classical music. I'm getting a real education in classical music by just listening. I went thru all my CD's and old 33's and found a bunch of music I forgot I had. The trouble is finding the time to listen to it. That's why listening in the car is good.
More later
Kathleen
First blog
This is all new to me, but I'm going to give it a try. I started this blog to get some thought out. I was listing books on Library Thing and realized I had things to say. Only problem was I couldn't find a place to post them. I hope I can use this blog to put my thoughts down on books and music and any thing else that goes on in my head. I think I need to explore how to use this blog site. But I wanted to get the first blog down. More later.
Kathleen
Kathleen
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