I always thought this was more a state of mind…but turns out there’s actually a place you can go if you’re feeling dizzy and out of balance. Every time I pass this door, it calls out to me, beckoning me to come in…stay a while…make myself at home.
Archive for the ‘April 2011’ Category
I Have Found My Place
April 29, 2011Carole King Idol
April 28, 2011We haven’t even watched yet and there’s division in the house. Indigo confesses that he actually likes Scotty.
NOOOOOOOOOOOooooooo! Maybe there will be something that redeems him for me since my son likes him. Nama likes him, too. No way. For me, personally, if I see Scotty jiggle his eyebrows one more time, I will physically go to L.A. and Trip. Him. Right. Off. That. Stage.
Sorry. You caught me on a volatile day.
But oh…maybe it’s all going to be all right. I heart Carole King! She is so great. I am excited to hear her and her songs.
And Babyface! What a treat!
Jacob begins the night. Looks like he has some difficulty nailing the timing during rehearsal. Babyface sings one note and it’s like, “Oh yes, I want to hear HIM sing that song.” However, this is Jacob’s performance. It’s a fun, upbeat song, which is a refreshing change coming from him. The guy can sing, but he’s hard to watch and his pitches are wandering. The vamp was just getting fun, but they cut it short. I would love to hear Jacob in church with an awesome choir, but don’t really want to hear him much longer on American Idol. I think this is a good high note for him to go home on. (Of course, I would prefer Scotty to go home, but he doesn’t seem to be in jeopardy at this moment.)
Steven Tyler enjoys the “magic” strut. Randy calls him out on the pitch, but praises the energy and “incredible scatting.” Jennifer likes it.
Babyface and Jimmy talk Lauren into hitting the high notes going into the chorus. She pulls it off. Then they shock her with Miley Cyrus. The two jaw for a minute (that’s Southern for “chat”) and Miley gives Jimmy a tiny bit of sass about him telling Lauren she could sing better than Miley Cyrus. Cute.
I think Lauren will do a great country album. She’s likable and has a nice voice. She picks a guy out of the audience and then has to figure out how to sing to him. She does a good job. She just still hasn’t convinced me. She HAS convinced me she’d be fun to giggle with, though…and I like that she can laugh at herself falling. But that does not an American Idol make…
I like how happy all the judges seem with each other. They seem to all genuinely like each other.
Can I insert here that the duet between Casey and Haley a couple weeks ago was the highlight of the whole show for me. It was AMAZING! Will they be able to get close to that? No, I’m thinking not. But, I still like it.
Now, Haley…she’s not nearly as likable as Lauren and she does the whole annoying seductive thing…but her voice is pretty phenomenal, really. If you just don’t look at her and listen, she’s almost brilliant. Nate thinks Haley is the best one on there and I’m tending to agree.
Casey has long been my favorite and he’s come down a few notches the past few weeks, but what I like about him is when he’s ON, it seems effortless. I love when he plays the bass and does that whole thing. The growling, not so much. Casey and Haley together are a lot of fun.
I’m happy to see Scotty with a tiny touch of humility after not getting such glowing reviews last week. In fact, when he begins the song and just sings without all the eyebrow raisin’ and flirty smirkiness…I LIKE HIM. I do wish he’d quit doing His Trick. You know, the one he does every other phrase. I wish him well in country music. Just please don’t win American Idol.
Randy commends the beginning~ it was flawless. And I agree, it was! But then he went back into his thing and lost me a bit. Good job, though. This was the best I’ve heard him.
I like Steven tonight~ he seems to be critiquing in a solid, helpful way versus just being happily agreeable. Jennifer likes Scotty’s storytelling. They all give it their approval. Ryan has Scotty do his seductive look and then tries to pull it off himself. Ha!
James…I would typically not be into his style, but I like James. He’s sweet and there’s something about him that makes you want to root for him to succeed.
Jimmy says that Carole King and James Durbin were meant to come together. They loved him in rehearsal and it’s obvious they’re excited about James.
“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?”
Yes, James, I think you’re safe for another week. Great job! I really enjoyed that performance. The crowd goes wild. The judges call it the performance of the night. Yep. They go so far as to say that this guy might win the whole thing. Yep. He sure might.
Lauren and Scotty…I love her first verse. Scotty, hush. Let Lauren sing. She sounds great on this song~”Up On the Roof.”
Musicians love Casey. When he sings, they want to pick up guitars, basses, whatever instrument is handy and jam. I can’t wait to hear what he does after the show is over. He’s someone you know will be doing music for the rest of his life. I think he sings too hard on this one, but I love his quirky style. Even when I’m not loving what he’s doing with his voice, I’m loving his musicality. Know what I mean?
Casey and Haley are our (me, Nate, Greyley) favorites. Do I think they will win? Probably not. But they’re the ones I’d love to hear most after all of this is over.
What is that headband Haley is wearing?
Her dress! I love it!
She recovers well after an in-ear monitor issue. “Get Up” is a hard one to sing. Haley sings it really well. She very rarely hits a bad note.
Is she wearing a watch ring? Cute!
Sorry. Keep getting distracted by her accessories and pretty dress.
Good job, Haley. Jennifer tells her she has one of the best voices in the competition. Yep, she does. Come on, voters, don’t put her in the bottom three this time.
James and Jacob have church in the interview. Is it me or is Jacob having more fun this week? It’s good to see him smiling. It seems like all the contestants love James.
James and Jacob have a blast singing to Jennifer. They also wail their guts out. It’s entertaining and more than a little obnoxious. Steven asks them where they were going with all of that. Steven is telling the truth tonight! Where has that been?
So what’s it going to be?
It seems like a popularity contest with the voters at this point. Who is your favorite?
Oh…and we saw some of The Voice for the first time last night. Anyone watching that?
Designs by Nadine
April 27, 2011Spring is messing with us over here…
I’ve arrived! No, not yet! Here I am! Wait, gotta go! Hello, Sunshine! Rain, go away!
I think today is going to be grey, for sure…GREY. Or gray, if you so prefer. I’m going to settle into it and try to confuse my brain into thinking it’s sunny. Here’s how:
* Going to go get my Zumba on. Nothing says sunny like Zumba.
* Wearing BRIGHT colors. No black for me today. No.
* I might eat a salad. Doesn’t that sound Spring-y?
* Maybe a little iced tea…
And this next one is going to be the ticket to pull me out of my grey day doldrums…take a look at this darling little girl, Audrey..
Aw, doesn’t she just melt your heart? This little spitfire of adorableness has a personality like no other. Seriously, you cannot have a conversation with her without laughing your head off. She is a HOOT. Sweet and super sassy all the way.
Audrey’s mother, Nadine, is one of my dear friends and she is a phenomenal seamstress. She made this dress~ isn’t it beautiful! Her sewing is taking OFF. Not only does she make fabulous dresses (for girls AND women), but she has made some of the cutest boy clothes I’ve ever seen.
All of Nadine’s friends have reaped the benefits of her skills. One Easter, our church was filled with Nadine’s dresses~ it was dreamy goodness! We’re all so proud of her…and she just might be the sweetest, humblest person I’ve ever met.
Just wanted to introduce you to my friend. Give her some blog love in the comments, would you? And if you need to contact her for a custom order, I’d be glad to give you her information.
Ah…I feel better already. That little bit of brightness helped. I think I might wear my Nadine dress today.
Free Hugs
April 26, 2011My son, Indigo, has a new thing.
We hear, “Mama!” or “Daddy?” and when we answer, he’ll say, “I have free hugs for you!”
Isn’t that precious?
This is what we find…a little boy on the toilet…what it really means is, “Please come wipe my bum.”
Yep, free hugs for wipings. A bargain at half the price.
Prior to this new bargain, last week my daughter was chasing him around the house trying to squeeze hugs out of him. They both actually got in trouble several times because she was trying to squeeze the daylights out of him and he didn’t really feel like having his daylights squeezed at that particular moment…one of those games where they start out laughing and end up crying.
I don’t know when this bright idea came to him about passing out free hugs with wipings. We’ve been trying to get him to “practice” and he keeps saying he’s not ready. He has filled a toilet with toilet paper while practicing and that didn’t go well either, so I reckon it’s a tricky learning process.
Apparently, this whole new arrangement isn’t good enough for my daughter. She’d just prefer a hug, no strings attached. She was so concerned for him when he was starting school, telling him they would NOT wipe him at school. He doesn’t mind. He just doesn’t go to the restroom at school.
All of this makes me think of me and my brother. He still teases me that I was 10 before I learned how to wipe.
That is so not true.
I was nowhere near 10 years old. Please.
I was at MOST 8…possibly 9.
What?
I had a song~maybe if I’d thought of hugs I could have gotten away with it until I was 10, but alas, I did not. I had a song that went like this, “Maaaaa-uhhhh-ma, Come Heeee-aaaah-rrrrrraaaaaaa!” I sang that over and over and over until I got results.
Guess the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, huh.
Little Lovies
April 25, 2011We had the most low-key Easter ever…
It was just what the doctor ordered.
I am not believing I didn’t get the cute shoes. Aw, man!
Little Man with a case of The Picture Giggles…and then trying to behave…
Dear friends~ Greyley and Marissa~ can’t believe how grown up they are!
My two little lovies…
The sun finally came out and made everything right again. Hope everyone had a lovely Easter. XO
Good Friday
April 22, 2011Happy Good Friday!
It is gloomy, overcast and chilly outside, but inside there are cuddles, warm blankets and cartoons galore. We are still in nursing mode over here.
Our little man gave us a good scare a couple nights ago. He got pretty congested, which for him means worse asthma. Sure enough, he had an asthma attack that was more severe than usual. The worst he’s ever had, actually. Oh man, it was scary. We called 911 and were in the hospital for a few hours that night as they got his breathing more regulated.
We’re following up today with a visit to our favorite pulmonologist in the world, Dr. Kubik. I don’t like the conditions, but cannot wait to see him. He played a part in saving our boy’s life when he was a baby and I will forever be grateful. It’s been a joy to see him throughout the last 6 years and hear him recount the miracle that happened for Indigo.
Days like this when it’s dark, not just outside, but rough stuff…you know the kind…sickness, scary situations, dark days…I am reminded of the way, over 2000 years ago, Jesus took it all on himself…for me. For this day, far into the future, when I’m struggling and trying to keep it all together. When I question if things are ever going to get better…when I wonder if God took a break from me…
I’m reminded that He already took care of it all~ all my fear, grief, sickness, pain, sin…and not just for me, but for my family, for my friends, for the whole world…it’s taken care of. And while a little bump in the road might be hard, it’s nothing compared to the price He paid, the pain He endured, the stripes that He suffered.
I believe, help my unbelief.
Good Friday is only good because of what happened a couple days later. He rose, He lives…and THAT is why life is worth living.
Click the link below to hear Deborah McKee and Ashleigh Still sing with the ABC Youth Choir, “You are Mercy.” It’s the right song for today.
Yellow Eyes, Nightmares, Trouble Breathing…
April 20, 2011I have never heard of this~ but I’m having an AWESOME side effect from all the Vitamin D I’m having to take…remember HERE when I told you about having to be on mega doses for the next year? I’ve been on it almost 9 weeks now and something strange has been happening…
I’ve become a woman of almost color.
Hallelu!
I noticed it, but thought I might be imagining things. Then Nate asked if I’d been tanning. Well, no. The confirmation was when Tosh asked what was the deal with me being so tan in all my recent pictures.
It’s the Vitamin D! Woohoo!
Another great side effect is that I believe it is what kept me from only getting 1/3 as sick as Nate, Greyley and Indigo have been. I got the funk, but it didn’t get as bad and didn’t last as long.
Shoe/Numb Feet Update. I have had peroneal neuropathy in my legs/feet. Pinched nerve, nerve damage, numbness, weird tingly things and some painful stretches. The feeling has been SUH-LOWLY returning the past 12 weeks and when I went to the neurologist last he instructed me on some strict “DO NOTS…” However, the only part I heard was that I could wear heels in moderation.
Oh, I jest.
I did get just a teensy bit excited about this, though. I have found some boots I love~ the brown I’ve shown you and some others that I will still show you…but regular comfortable flats have been much harder to find. And even though I tried a night of wearing heels at the 12 week mark, I sort of paid for it for a few days after…soooo. Sigh. Tired of hurting feet. The last 12 weeks have been gross in that area and I have LEARNED IT IS NOT WORTH IT. I want to keep my feet and I want to not be mad at them, so if shoes are not comfortable, they’re OUT.
Auf Wiedersehen
My husband and girl have had a rough bout with sickness. G’s finished her antibiotics and is feeling better, but is still coughing to beat the band. N finished his antibiotics and has shown no signs of improvement. He has been a SICK puppy. Oh, so sick. It has reminded me of when my brother had mono many years ago. Not exactly sure what he’s had~ we thought bronchitis, but it seems even worse that that. So tonight, the doctor put him on a new antibiotic.
I knew it was a heavy hitter when the pharmacist told me how much it was going to be…
Cough. Gasp. Choke.
And then I saw the side effects…
*Feeling dizzy
*Seizures
*Hear voices, see things, or sense things that are not there (hallucinations)
*Feel restless
*Tremors
*Feel anxious or nervous
*Confusion
*Depression
*Trouble sleeping
*Feel more suspicious (paranoia)
*Suicidal thoughts or acts
*Nightmares
*Yellowing of the skin or eyes
*Thinking your wife is a goddess and that you will whisk her away to someplace warm
Oh…oh wait…um…well that could happen (see *sense things that are not…)
*Hives
*Trouble breathing or swallowing
*Swelling of the lips, tongue, face
*Serious heart rhythm changes (because of the goddess wife, I’m thinking…or the Hawaiian heat)
Anyway! Good grief! I am thinking you have to be REALLY SICK to want to take this pill of horribleness! Lord willing, none of the badness will stick and all of the goodness will, especially that part about Mexico…and…you know, no more coughing and stuff.
In the meantime, I’m plying my family with Vitamin D and yogurt and all the good things I can think of.
If we all start looking brown, you’ll wonder which side effect we’re benefiting from~ my “meds” or Nate’s…
Oh, Heathcliff! Cathy!
April 17, 2011Last week, I had the privilege of attending a preview of The Minnesota Opera performing Bernard Herrmann’s Wuthering Heights. It was a blogger event, which was fun in itself. We were invited to appetizers and conversation at Sakura~ YUM! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting local bloggers and press people. Everyone was so kind and friendly. It was especially fun to hear the interns with The Minnesota Opera talking about what goes on behind the scenes.
One of the best things about the night was hanging out with my dear Jilliebean from Spoils of Wear. We are usually with our mates or she’s kidnapping my kids, which is all wonderful (!), but it was nice to hang out, just us two.
(For all you regular Girly Musers, look…HEELS…the first in about 12 weeks. I owe you an update on that topic. Another sidenote~ I will never wear these particular heels again. Anyone need them? Size 7 1/2.)
The Ordway is absolutely gorgeous and when I saw the stage, my heart pitter-pattered. Beautiful, grey, stark…just what I would expect from Wuthering Heights.
Sara Jakubiak plays the part of Catherine and land sakes, the girl can sing. I was blown away by the sheer volume that her petite frame can project. What a passionate voice. The clip below is Sara giving a brief description of the plot.
http://www.youtube.com/user/MinnesotaOpera#p/c/A3FBDCA20B414DD1/2/LEF42C7F2bQ
The story is just as bitter and full of revenge as I remembered. I had forgotten how Cathy is completely self-absorbed. Wow…to see her “lose it” on stage was quite something. Heathcliff, played by Lee Poulis, is also very convincing as the dark and brooding character.
During the intermission, we were able to go backstage and see a few of the performers…such beautiful and talented people. We also went onstage and saw parts of the set up close. By the way, the meals on the table are NOT anything I would want to eat…seems like a good practical joke went down there, with moldy food stuck on dishes as part of the set. It made me think of The Tale of Two Bad Mice.
My kids have had to put up with me singing opera to them ever since. Now when they’re in trouble, I will sing, “You! Unnatural CUBS!”
Just a little something I picked up at The Opera…
Take a look at these glorious photographs~ it will make you wish you were there.
The various screen effects make you feel as if you are in the middle of a 3D movie…spectacular.
The Minnesota Opera did a fabulous production. They opened Saturday night and will perform again tonight, the 17th…and again on the 19th, 21st and 23rd. You can get your tickets here: http://www.mnopera.org/
Thank you, Daniel, for allowing me to be part of such a delightful event!
Go support the Arts, my friends. XO
Taxes Stink, Let’s Have an Anniversary Instead!
April 15, 2011Today is my 17th wedding anniversary. 17 years! Can you believe it?
Happy Anniversary, Nathan Orville!
My poor husband is still so sick. We had big plans to go spend the night in a fancy hotel~ The Grand Hotel in Minneapolis. However, our getaway has been postponed until he’s feeling better. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen him so sick. Thankfully, he’s on antibiotics now and hopefully will be smiling again SOON.
But back to 17 years…that’s getting downright long! It doesn’t seem possible.
Highlights of my married life:
Our many travels together.
Fun places we’ve stayed~ some great B&B’s, a few not-so-great motels here and there, along with many fabulous hotels thrown in the mix.
Eating a LOT of delicious food~ there have been so many memorable suppers…I love eating with someone who loves good food.
Spooning. Period.
Those times (pre-children) when we were footloose and fancy-free and could take off at the drop of the hat, whether it was to the movies or an overnight trip.
Playing music together, especially when it’s really working.
Every time I’ve told him I’m pregnant, including every April Fool’s Day. (22 times, give or take 1 or 2)
Welcoming our children into the world.
Every time I hear him tell our kids how much he loves them.
The times when he looks at me and I know what he’s thinking and it’s sweet.
Our inside jokes.
When we saw “Phantom of the Opera” and came out singing at the top of our lungs…he will still come right in with me if I begin, “All I Ask Of You.”
The Christmas he put a tiny ring box inside the tree and inside the box was a note promising that ONE day I’d get this one ring I’d seen that I loved…and then opening another wrapped box inside another wrapped box inside another wrapped box…and there was the ring.
When we drove to Alexandria and ate all our favorite foods that we’d missed so much…and saw some of our favorite people…that we’d missed almost as much as the food.
Every first night in a new house…there have been three new (for us) houses…every first night is full of adventure and excitement at the new beginning.
When we sat in Barnes & Noble and pored it all out and recommitted to do whatever it took…
Last week when we were sick together…nothing is quite as bonding as that.
Every time I can get him to laugh until he’s rubbing his eyes…that’s the good life right there.
When we’re both happy and healthy and sane at the same time.
The time he was in a lot of pain and the doctor put him on heavy meds~ oh the joy! and the love! and the happy! feelings that came out with that. Good times. Except for the pain part.
When we put the kids to bed, watch a great movie, snuggle and snack…and maybe kiss a little.
While we’re on the subject of kissing…any kissing episode has been a highlight. He is the best kisser EVER. I have studied this theory, I am afraid, and know this to be true. You gotta kiss a lotta frogs to find the prince. Not really, but well, I’ll quit while I’m ahead.
The days when we always had a Monday Funday.
The glorious trip to Hawaii~perfection.
Waking up and realizing it’s not quite time to get up yet.
Holding hands.
Experiencing the pastries at Hotel Sofitel.
Sunning in Mexico, although the sunburn was NOT a highlight.
Sleeping on the futon in the 3rd Street house.
When he helped me turn over at night during my pregnancies. Bless him for that.
The Road to Hana.
Sugar Loaf.
When we brought our puppy, Alex, home that first night.
All the studio fun, songs that have turned into something really special, sitting at the piano together, Sunday mornings, live recordings, flutes…
Every time we’ve laughed and some of the times we’ve cried.
Nights when neither of us snore. What? We don’t snore…
When we realize again why we are meant to be together.
No, There Is Not a Crazy War Veteran In My Barn
April 12, 2011Today we’ll be in this studio…it’s always fun to play here. Yesterday, when I saw Matt~ the Mr. Cool Guy who owns the studio~ the first thing he asked about was the guy in the barn. We talked about how crazy that was and had another good laugh. I’m still asked about the outcome of that, so I should clarify. Yes, it really was for a music video. There is NOT, I repeat, NOT a crazy war veteran living in our barn.
However, when I went out there to steal the teapot and radio, I couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty for taking his stuff.
And a little nervous to be walking around in his space.
He’s going to be really ticked when I steal the flag.
Anyway, I hope that settles it. Clear as mud, right?
We’re having a time of it over here. Oh goodness. I am SO ready for all the sicknesses to go away. The kids have gotten it over and over and over…Nate and I thought we were going to skip it, but nope. We’ve had the funk for about a week now and it’s been a doozie, especially for Nate. UGH. He sounds awful. Send up some prayers for him, would you.
We met some wonderful people on Saturday at Rockpoint Church in Lake Elmo. Thanks to the incredibly talented (and so sweet!) Rick Barron, for putting in a good word for us. (You’re awesome, Rick & Lea!) We led worship at a ladies’ event on Saturday. I honestly didn’t know if a voice was going to come out, but thankfully…miraculously, it did. Nate lowered everything for me and so some of the ladies had to sing bass, but hey, we were singing! 😉
It was refreshing to meet so many genuinely nice ladies. They put us completely at ease and it was such a fun day.
We celebrated 20 years of Nate being the music pastor of ABC on Sunday. Wow. It was such a sweet time. I could go on a bit about it, but I did a little of that on Sunday, so I won’t on here. He is my favorite worship leader EVER…and it has nothing to do with being married to him….although that might raise his cuteness factor to me, but that’s IT, I promise. I respect and appreciate so much how he leads each week…we’re all the better for it.
Well, my girl is coming down with this crud AGAIN, so I need to get off of here and tend to her. It’s feeling never ending right about now, but surely we’re going to kick this thing…right? Hello? Anyone, anyone?