Under the C.

My Music Migrant

2011-03-29T23:01:00.015-04:00

Several years ago, I reported on this very blog that my daughter, Amber, was interviewed by the BBC for their series called "Music Migrants." I was thrilled to be able to share a link to that story; but alas, the owner of that website decided to do a virtual house-cleaning, and deleted that file!! Poof. Gone. Forever. I was heartbroken. It was such a profound loss to me because I learned more about the PASSION that defines and propels her life's journey in that 14 minutes than I had known in the last 17 years since she left home.

Tonight, I am beyond ecstatic to report that my lost treasure has been returned to me through the unfailing perseverance of her father, and the courtesy of Falling Tree Productions.

So, just what is a "Music "Migrant?" It is a person for whom music has been the motivation leading them to abandon their former lives and cross countries, continents or oceans to start afresh in an unknown place. Amber left home at age 16 to follow her passion to play the violin; first at North Carolina School of the Arts, and then upon her graduation, to Leipzig, Germany. What incredible boldness, bravery and pluck to gamble so much on a dream.

I love it when things perfectly align in the universe. Yesterday, Just minutes before David walked in the door and announced that he had a surprise for me, I read MeRaKoh's encouraging post on her blog about pursuing your passion and never letting go of your dreams. And then suddenly, I am hearing that message again in my child's own voice! What more could any mother hope for?

Amber; I am sooooo proud of you, not just because of your incredible beauty, talent, and achievements, but even more so, that you are so strong, courageous, ambitious, and determined. Thank you for the joy and inspiration.

Amber McPherson's Music Migrant interview on BBC

The journey begins.

7 years old

Studio recital, circa 1984

Amber is third from left; Stuart Mackey (her new husband as of last week!) is second from left.

Boni Cox Haynes (left), Amber (right), and Stuart (seated) playing in the Winston-Salem Symphony's "Concert for Kids by Kids) circa 1985 or 86.

Practicing on the banks of the New River in Fries where she won a talent show and $100!

Amber and Stuart entertaining at the courthouse in Independence, VA

1995

NCSA Graduation Recital

1999

Leipzig, Germany

Baroque music on Baroque instruments in a Baroque room

circa. 2001 or 2002

Nischwitz, Germany

2003

2009

The Bride!

March 19, 2011

. . . and a puzzle, of course:

Eugenia + Scott

2011-03-02T23:30:00.003-05:00

Enya and Scott's wedding!

Eugenia + Scott

2011-03-02T23:28:00.000-05:00

2011-02-05T09:53:00.004-05:00

My daughter is a fantastic model!
She has an iphone and hipstamatic.
I don't.
pout.
Check out her facebook album by clicking on that link above higlighted in blue.

Signs of Life Have Been Detected

2011-01-24T01:43:00.003-05:00

No comment or excuses about my absence the last few months, though it might have something to do with facebook being much easier and faster!
So, just to show that I still know a thing or two about taking pictures, here is a slideshow of the Homeschool school pictures that I took last fall.

Farmer's Market Series

2010-08-29T02:55:00.000-04:00

On My Honor . . .

2010-08-27T01:43:00.003-04:00

Congratulation to Alan Rice for earning Eagle Scout rank. I am always inspired by young people who dream a big dream, set the goal, and persevere until they achieve it. Click here to see the slideshow

Farmer's Market Series

2010-08-27T01:41:00.000-04:00

Farmer's Market Series

2010-08-26T02:01:00.000-04:00

Still Green at the Farmer's Market

2010-08-23T00:20:00.000-04:00

Farmer's Market Series

2010-08-19T00:44:00.000-04:00

New color: GREEN :)

Farmers Market Series

2010-08-18T02:33:00.000-04:00

Farmer's Market Series

2010-08-17T00:28:00.001-04:00

Farmer's Market Series

2010-08-16T00:38:00.002-04:00

T'is the season! Maybe I am inspired because I made supper tonight using squash, tomatoes, and peppers from my modest garden. Or, maybe I just found a random folder on my desktop with all these images taken at the farmer's market in Quepos, Costa Rica last summer. Whatever, the end result is I have a rainbow of fresh fruit and vegetable puzzles to entertain you for the next two weeks.

Electifying!

2010-08-06T09:30:00.002-04:00

I spent yesterday in Winston with Amber and her future mother in law, Vickie, making wedding arrangements. While visiting the lovely chapel at Tanglewood Park, the front-runner choice of venues, Amber had the delightful idea to incorporate a Moravian Love Feast into the ceremony. About midnight last night, I sat down to do some research into it. At the very moment that I typed the words, "Moravian Love Feast," into the search bar, fireworks started esploding and sparks began shooting out of the electric meter (a mere four feet away from my left ear!) Thankfully, we experienced the protection of God (and a speedy response from AEP) that saved our house and lives, although that might have been an easy escape from the burden of my out of control, disorderly house-keeping!

"I Do!" at the Villa Appalaccia

2010-07-24T01:28:00.005-04:00

First things first. No, I am not dead! I have actually trekked from the west coast back to the east coast this summer, and if I ever get caught up, the world will get to see proof of that trip right here. I have also discovered that it is much easier and faster to upload pictures and notes to facebook which has led to flagrant blogger neglect.

Tomorrow is the commencement of McPherson Beach Week, and I've gotta get packin', so this is a quick post to share Carolyn and Phillip's sweet wedding at the Villa Appalaccia last weekend.
Carolyn and Phillip.

Pirates of the Golden Bell

2010-04-27T23:44:00.003-04:00

Pirates of the Caribbean performed at First Presbyterian Church, Marietta GA by the JoyBell Ringers during our Sweet Water Tour. Awesome narration given by Susan Gleason of two poems, "Davy Jones' Doorbell" by Vaschel Lindsay and "Pirates" by Lee Templar.

Click here to view this video

JoyBell Ringers play Ballade

2010-04-27T23:43:00.002-04:00

I absolutely LOVE this piece! It's one of my all time favorites. This performance is from our Sweet Water Tour kick-off concert at First Baptist in Galax.

Click here to view this video

The Sweet Water Tour Rewind

2010-04-27T02:18:00.006-04:00

The JoyBell Ringers' Sweet Water Tour was PRACTICALLY PERFECT in every way! The weather was perfect every single day! Nobody got sick or hurt. None of the vehicles got sick or hurt. and Miss Charlotte didn't get sick or hurt, which really is miraculous considering I started the trip on only two hours of sleep! We travelled 5 days and rang 7 times ranging from just 3 selections to our entire concert program of 16 pieces at a consistently high level of performance.

Here is a recap of the trip:

(There are a ton of pictures (that I didn't take) and some videos of pieces we played at this website: The JoyBell Rigners website
And here is a link to a news article about our performance at St. Barnabas in Chattanooga: )

Wednesday:
We played for an hour at the Southwest Virginia Mental Health Institute in Marion Va. They provided a nice box lunch for us that we ate in the park on their beautiful grounds. We then drove to Sevierville, Tn where we played a half hour program between their Wed. evening meal and activities. Oh, and they fed us yummy, homemade chicken and dumplings! We drove on to Chattanooga and spent the night at a hotel that we booked for their indoor pool, but the pool was closed. And that was the ONLY thing that went wrong the whole trip!

Thursday:
We played for about an hour in the morning at the St. Barnabas skilled nursing and rehab center in downtown Chattanooga. I didn't get this set up until just Monday of that week!!! We had two other venues cancel on us for that day. This was a lovely place and they were so delighted and enthusiastic to have us play for them. We had two big pans of spaghetti left over from our fundraiser dinner that we took with us on the trip, and they heated it up for us in their oven while we played and served us our lunch in their pretty little park, where I got to see my first azaleas blooming this year! After our lunch, we embarked on the "mystery tour." First we took a tour of the Chattanooga waterfront aboard a WWII amphibious "Duck" vehicle. The kids absolutely loved it! Our tour guide regaled them with non-stop stories of Civil War battles and the renaissance of the waterfront area. He even let all of them that wanted to, drive the duck in the river! After the tour, they had about an hour to explore the visitor center and aquarium plaza, then it was off to the IMAX theater to see a movie about the Hubble telescope in 3D, which was AWESOME! We ate barbeque at Sticky Fingers, walked all around the waterfront and across the Walnut Street Bridge which is the third longest pedestrian bridge in the world. After a stop at Coldstone Creamery, we hit the road and spent the night in Kennesaw, GA at a very nice, new Comfort Suites, whose pool was open.

Friday was dedicated to visiting the world's largest aquarium in Atlanta GA, where I got to fulfill a dream that has been on my bucket list for at least 40 years: I got to actually swim with the fish!!! Yes, I went SCUBA diving in the Ocean tank! 6.3 million gallons of water. It is literally the size of a football field and 30 feet deep! Over 80 species from all around the world in one tank. I was flipping out excited, and it so much fun to do that while all my kids were there to cheer me on. We rang Capriccio together while I was in the tank. Then, as my guests at the aquarium that day, all 18 of them got to take the "Behind the Scenes" tour of the inner workings of the aquarium while I was finishing up my dive. That tour is normally a $50 add on to the price of admission!!! Can we say, That was a GOD moment?!?! After the aquarium, we had dinner at The Varsity, the world's largest drive in restaurant, and a famous Atlanta institution. I was told that this was an experience not to be missed. The kids loved it, but I beg to differ after standing in the very crowded, noisy, long line twice to get our order filled. We drove back out to Marietta to spend the night at First Presbyterian Church. The kids stayed up watching Star Trek, and I went to bed.

Saturday:
We started off with a concert at the Presbyterian Village retirement community in Austell, GA. One lady came up to me afterwards with tears filling her eyes and said, "I am 87 years old, and I have NEVER heard anything so beautiful in all my life!!" Imagine that! a "Bell Virgin" at 87! That alone would have been worth the whole trip. We picked up lunch afterwards and headed to the Kennesaw Mountain National Civil War Battlefield Park for a picnic, and for me, a relaxing, QUIET walk in the woods, before we had to get back and prepare for our evening concert They served us a great lasagna dinner, and we played our full length program for them in their historic 1855 sanctuary. This was an incredible, vibrant space to play in! Afterwards, they fed us again with a lavish reception.

Sunday:
We had another royal meal (breakfast) provided by First Pres. and then we played 3 pieces at the 8:30 service, and 5 pieces in the 9:45 service. One of them was Grazioso, that we performed with their adult handbell choir . . . without having any rehearsal together! I snuck out of the 8:30 service to practice it with their folks, and then we just hit it! We loaded up the bells one last time, and hit the road. We stopped for lunch at a little city park just north of Atlanta, and then we stopped a lot more times, and then we stopped for dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Mooresville, and then we stopped some more, and we finally got home about 10:30 that night: a 6 hour trip that took only 11 hours! And that, my friends, concludes the Sweet Water Tour!

Baby Bells.mov

2010-04-27T00:47:00.002-04:00

My baby bells are the cutest thing ever! Here they are practicing and playing at our concert last week.

Click here to view this video

Capriccio Under the Sea.mov

2010-04-22T02:20:00.001-04:00

Click here to view this video

JoyBell Ringers

2010-03-28T01:28:00.003-04:00

My fav kids in the whole wide world!!! And I get to spend 5 days with them next month traveling and ringing throughout the south.

Sweet, Smart, and 21

2010-03-22T10:52:00.004-04:00

In other news this month, Sammy turned 21 and we celebrated in glitzy, glamourous fashion at the Rex.
See the slideshow here.

We hope these days are Gone!!

2010-03-22T10:44:00.002-04:00

I took these shots about a month ago. Good riddance, winter!!

Dylan, the trees are just for you!

Heroes

2010-03-22T09:31:00.009-04:00

My son, Amos, is learning how to be a hometown hero, AKA firefighter. He always has had a magnetic attraction for anything pyro, so this is a natural. His lovely wife, Cara, posted these pictures of the Monterey Fire Academy's first "flag burn" exercise (whatever that means) to facebook. Since I own bragging rights on the brave, handsome lad, I snagged them for you to see here, especially, you, Jimmy.

That's Amos, standing in front of the platoon.

Our local hometown heroes were in action last Friday morning, saving our town. I didn't know about the fire until it was already out, but the fireman were still on the job when I got there. You can see those photos on Facebook or Here.

TREES

2010-02-05T01:02:00.016-05:00

These are all trees I have communed with and virtually hugged in the last two months. I will let them speak for themselves.

Amber's Trees

Stuart's trees

Leipzig Trees

Schmalkalden Tree

Big Sur Trees

Monterey Trees

Big Sur Hippy Story Tree House

Carol's Tree

The Blueberry Patch trees

Me. Looking like a tree.

Actually, not a tree, but makes me think of a tree.

Tampa tree at sunrise

New River trees surrounded by icebergs.

My trees.

Christmas in Leipzig

2010-02-03T23:37:00.002-05:00

Our, magical storybook Christmas in Leipzig with Amber!

Click here to view this photo book larger

Making Up for Lost Time

2010-01-04T00:11:00.002-05:00

Not with words, but with deeds . . . .er . . . puzzles. I came home to a full disk, as in 12 megabytes left, so I can't download my Germany pictures. The only cure was some cut-throat house-cleaning. It's been a fine journey down Memory Lane, all the way back to 2006. Here are some things that just begged to be made into puzzles before they were clicked into oblivion. Have Fun!
Beam Me Up, Scotty Jigsaw Puzzle
Golden Staircase Jigsaw Puzzle
Tow-Mater's Brother Jigsaw Puzzle
Impala and Wigwams Jigsaw Puzzle
Take the Wheel Jigsaw Puzzle
Grilled Jigsaw Puzzle
Reinvent the Wheel Jigsaw Puzzle
Woodland Blooms Jigsaw Puzzle
Skull and Horns Jigsaw Puzzle
Koi #3 Jigsaw Puzzle
Orchid #6 Jigsaw Puzzle
Gold on Ferns Jigsaw Puzzle
The Cascades Jigsaw Puzzle
Standing Tall for Fall Jigsaw Puzzle
Reach for the Sky Jigsaw Puzzle
Fall by the Creek Jigsaw Puzzle
Monumental Words Jigsaw Puzzle
Monumental 2 Jigsaw Puzzle
Monumental Jigsaw Puzzle
Psychedelic Jigsaw Puzzle
The Metro Jigsaw Puzzle
Dragon Boats Jigsaw Puzzle
Baltimore Jigsaw Puzzle
A Big Catch Jigsaw Puzzle
Hold My Hand Jigsaw Puzzle
Hold My Hand Jigsaw Puzzle
Going Green Jigsaw Puzzle
Helmets and Harnesses Jigsaw Puzzle
Sheldon Ruins Jigsaw Puzzle
Paris Jigsaw Puzzle
Room for Comfort Jigsaw Puzzle
Fence Line Jigsaw Puzzle
Fenced in Spider Jigsaw Puzzle
Head to Head Jigsaw Puzzle

Marine's Surprise Mission: Popping The Question

2009-12-23T09:05:00.003-05:00

Holy Batmobile, Batman!
This story is about MY Marine proprosing to his girl, Abby.
Congratulations, Jason, and Abby! I love you Becky; I'm wiping tears from eyes, too.
Be sure to click on the link to watch the video.
Marine's Surprise Mission: Popping The Question

Posted using ShareThis

Update from Leipzig

2009-12-22T17:40:00.004-05:00

Hello, world, from Leipzig!
We are having a wonderful reunion with our daughter, Amber, in Leipzig, Germany. Sorry to say, I don't have an easy way to post pictures on the blog, but if you want to see what we have been up to, check us out on facebook:
Christmas in Leipzig facebook album

Life, Beautiful Life!

2009-12-08T23:08:00.004-05:00

Oh, boy! You are going to LOVE the great things I have for you today!

Amy has edited together an absolutely beautiful short movie from the 8mm film footage shot at Amos and Cara's wedding last year. She captured the day exactly the way I remember it! I Love it, honey! Thanks so much for making this keepsake of one of the best days in our family's history: The Day Cara became one of us.

Scene II of the art of Life is a slideshow (FINALLY!) of Ava Lee Joy Murrell's birth. If anybody remembers, I left you all hanging last February wondering what happened after 9:00 pm. For a refresher, check out:
Ava's Birthday, Part 1

Ava's Birthday, Part 2

So, here is the rest of the story: The Birthday of Ava Lee Joy Murrell

I truly love each and every shot in this slideshow, even the blurry, out of focus, less than technically perfect ones, because they are like unique fibers, woven together, to make a glorious tapestry. This is the story of a remarkably ordinary day changed by the miraculous arrival of a new little sister, which will forever change a family.

Last, but not least, your puzzle! Amy snapped this today with her iPhone while we were cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway from Monterey to Big Sur. Awesome country!

Riding the Polar Express

2009-12-03T23:16:00.004-05:00

What a way to start off the the Christmas celebrating! I got up at 3:30 this morning to take Agape and her friends, Jeannie and Britney to Bryson City, NC to ride the Polar Express. The bed is calling my name loudly, so I won't elaborate how terrific it was. Here's a quick slideshow for you , Coach!
Riding the Polar Express with Agape, Jeannie, and Britney

Pass Me Some of That Rhubarb Pie

2009-11-30T01:39:00.003-05:00

I need to get the taste of humiliation out of my mouth. As much as I love playing handbells, and cherish the privilege of playing with Rejoice, I do wish performances were a little less like playing Roulette. Suffice it to say that tonight was not my winning night!

So, "Serve it up;
nice and hot;
Maybe things aren't as bad as you thought."

"Hanging of the Greens" brought to you tonight by Be-Bob-a-Re-Bob, Rhubarb Pie.

Will somebody please cue the earth to open up and swallow me now?

I'm soothing myself with memories of dazzling Jamaica.

I feel better, now.

Heather and Jason's Wedding

2009-11-26T02:10:00.004-05:00

The real reason I got to go to Jamaica!

Heather and Jason's wedding slideshow
(It's a really long one since you had to wait a really long time to see it.)

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Seibold

Heather and Jason; Thank you SOOOOO much for inviting us to share your sweet, beautiful wedding with you and for asking me to be your photographer. It was a dream come true for me, and I pray that your marriage will be all of your best dreams come true for you.

Circle of Light

2009-11-23T17:26:00.002-05:00

A little warmth for a dreary November day. This is from today's edit of Heather and Jason's wedding in Jamaica.

All That Jazz

2009-11-20T23:04:00.001-05:00

November Gold

2009-11-19T00:01:00.001-05:00

Just a puzzle tonight . . . I have to get ready for handbells.

Sightings at Sandbridge

2009-11-17T10:05:00.006-05:00

A little painting with light fun with a gal we found behind the Baja Restaurant at Sandbridge Sunday night on our little Nor'Ida Safari. She captured our hearts, and perhaps our souls.
We went to see La Princessa which was left on the beach there by Nor'Ida last week. This thing is huge!! It's about the same size as the condominium that it is parked in front off. The last time I can remember being at Sandbridge Beach was my senior year of high school. I talked one of my other sister's friends into driving me down there early in the morning before school to see a dead whale that had washed up on the beach. At 30' long, it was quite a mystical sight rising up out of the pre-dawn mist, but that was nothing compared to the 570' bulk of La Princessa.

Amusing

2009-11-16T13:02:00.003-05:00

Yes, Virginia (and Von), there is life after the wall, which was completed at 6:36 pm on Monday, November 9. Well, all but the capstone, and I'm not counting that! I'm carousing around storm-tossed Virginia Beach with my heroic sista, so here's a puzzle to prove that I'm still fun!

BTW, check out this awesome story about Janet that I found laying on her coffee table: Virginia Woman inspired by London Man's Tragic Story

Balance

2009-11-06T21:56:00.006-05:00

Dylan asked for a blog update, so while this is probably not what he had in mind, it's all I can muster until I create some more of this is in my life:

BALANCE.

I am consumed with the task of finishing the wall, and we are so tantalizingly close that I cannot stop!! You can just skip over these pictures if you don't want to be sucked into my obsession, but here they are for those inquiring minds that want to know (or who miss the Minister of Fun.)

11:00 am, October 24

Crafty little rock shelves. One day they will hold lanterns to light the drive, or flowers, or seashells, or more rocks . . .

6 pm, October 24: one day's work

I love this view. It makes it look like we're finished!

The Costa Rica shrine. Notice the design on the left hand rock: It's a map of Cathedral Point at Manuel Antonio.

I swore I wouldn't start children younger than two, but this li'l cutie might change my mind!

Aaaaahhhh, now here is a little balance: Caught this sunset 2 weeks ago riding home from LaRae's big fall party.

Oh, The Randomness of it All

2009-10-21T00:37:00.008-04:00

Sunny days this week mean . . .

Progress!!!!

Remember this rose bush?

A mere sprig two years ago . . .

The same bush today. (And, no, I haven't given it any nurture, care or plant food!

There really is a mail box in there!

I finally downloaded pics from the little camera, and I have to bask once again, in the glory of a dream fulfilled:

Watermelon art!?!?!

Don't try this at home!

By the light of the harvest moon . . .

See the stars???

Didn't see them? Well, click on the picture and make it bigger.

Look at what has been going on inside of our endless summer outdoor heater since it fell blew over a couple of years ago:

That's all I have time for tonight, except, of course, a puzzle. I have to go out and watch a meteor shower.

Come Into Our Cave House

2009-10-09T23:18:00.008-04:00

I am crazy in love with our little Cave House at Citronella! Mosquito nets. Fresh air. Enchanting views. A hammock and deck chairs. A shower out on the cliff. My very own private swimming cove. The sound of the sea lapping at the cliffs and waves booming inside the cave underneath us to lull me to sleep at night and greet me in the morning. Sleeping under a mosquito net. Sleeping outside under the full moon. Do you see a pattern here? Sleep. Relax. Sleep. I slept twice as much here as I do at home.

Wouldn't you love to come in?

Mosquito nets.

Did I say mosquito nets????

Forgive me please. I've never had a mosquito net before. I'm smitten.

The last thing I saw at night.

The first thing I saw in the morning.

Would you like to come sit a spell on the porch?

Isn't this just the most charming place?!

The terrace.

The front yard.

Oh, how I loved my front yard!

The neighbors and their cove. On the other side of that cliff is the "world-famous Rick's Cafe." We swam over there one night to see the cliff-diving action. Craaazzzzy, Mon!

My Caribbean Front Yard

2009-10-08T22:28:00.005-04:00

Look out the window . . .

That was my front yard last week.

Oh my heavens!

As the Pioneer Woman would say, "Help me, Rhonda!"

If that's not enough to make you go weak in the knees, check this out: there is a sea cave underneath our little house!

Brave Dr. David actually jumped in from up here. It was tempting. Very Tempting. But I decided it would be foolhardy to risk hurting something when I had to be physically intact for shooting a wedding a few days hence. Shame on the mermaid! Now I will have to go back to redeem myself.

Peace, Mon!

2009-09-30T21:44:00.002-04:00

Dreams do come true!!! Even dreams that are decades old. yesterday, We completed our PADI scuba course and now we are certified!!!! Going on a dive again tomorrow.
We love our little hut on the cliffs. On another note, I cant remember having so many weirdos trying to pick me up, hawk stuff to me and inviting me to have a smoke with them. Here's a few pics. It's taken me foreever to figure out how to resuze photos to put up on blogger without the benefit of photoshop.

Grazioso

2009-09-26T23:08:00.003-04:00

Oh Yes! and I love this song, too!

This is an emotional composition that depicts one lady's brave battle with cancer. In this music, you meet Jane's beautiful spirit and smile in the opening melodic section, then share her disbelieve, and struggle with the diagnosis, hear her dying heartbeat, then are finally lifted up by her glorious entrance into the kingdom of heaven with bells pealing.
Those kids tell that story really, really well.
So now I have a before and after for you: Here they are playing "Now the Green Blade Riseth 2 years ago (with an 8 year old manning the camera!
and here they are playing the sane piece just 4 month ago. Pretty impressive, huh?

The Velocity of Love

2009-09-26T02:28:00.001-04:00

Just because I love them so, and I love this song.

Fall Bokeh Challenge

2009-09-24T21:28:00.009-04:00

Ree, the Pioneer Woman, has issued a challenge to show her your best fall bokeh. While I can't declare that this is my best (who knows?!) it is what I could find inside the gleaming mac's metallic skin and not banished into utter digital darkness on some forsaken hard drive. What's that "bokeh," you say? It's all that fabulous, luminous, silky, buttery, part of the picture that is not in focus. The lower your f-stop number is, the better bokeh you get. Shoot wide open real close and personal for the best bokeh.

"The Fall Bokeh Shoot-Out"

Laundry Line

2009-09-23T00:03:00.003-04:00

Another image from Costa Rica. It doesn't get more random than this!
Only 4 more days to Jamaica, baby! And then I get to check off an item that has been on my LIST since I was 15: Getting my PADI Scuba certification!! Yoo-Hoo!!

Sassy Survivor

2009-09-21T23:42:00.004-04:00

My brave, indomitable sister. 5 years and counting after stage four breast cancer!

A little something from Costa Rica:

Just to get me warmed up for next week in Jamaica!

Poor, Neglected Blog

2009-09-19T00:41:00.003-04:00

I've been doing lots of things other than taking pictures the last couple of weeks. Poor, neglected blog . . . .

Beauty From Mt. Rogers

2009-09-08T02:49:00.004-04:00

Today was the great annual Mt. Rogers hike: a real test for the injured and/or operated upon recovering body parts. The blueberries were ripe so we celebrated the day's bounty with wild blueberry pancakes for supper.
Here's a little sample of some Mt. Rogers beauty:

A Tale of Two Movies

2009-08-29T18:28:00.003-04:00

While we were at the family beach house last month, Amy made this brilliant movie starring her darling little cousins, Kylie and Kade.

And here is a clip that ended up on the virtual cutting room floor. I wonder why.

Just another embarrasing moment in my mermaid life.

BAM-BAM Bamboo

2009-08-26T19:16:00.001-04:00

evil grin ;)

Bloomin' Bananas

2009-08-26T05:09:00.002-04:00

This is merciful. Just wait till you see the wicket bamboo.

The Great Wall

2009-08-23T23:19:00.004-04:00

What I have been doing lately instead of getting ready for the commencement of handbell season, putting together the slideshow/movie for the Costa Rica trip presentation, designing albums, balancing the checkbook and paying bills, housework, playing on my jetski . . .

Hail to the Mortar Momma of Shady Square!

And, just for fun and because I figured it out, you can view a high quality version of this movie on my website: www.cmcphersonphotography.com/slideshows/greatwall.mov.

Action and Adventure on Double Shoals

2009-08-23T03:09:00.004-04:00

It's rained . . . and rained . . . and RAINED . . . .A LOT here lately. The Minister of Fun (that would be me, in case it's been so long we all forgot) made a truly valiant attempt to make a run on the Double Shoals of the New River with friends earlier this week. In spite of all our faith, positive thinking, and bravado, it absolutely poured buckets, even though the sun was shining brightly when we left home. We planned the second attempt today for the float party, but wouldn't you know it? It just poured again this morning. They all bailed at noon, but the wheels were already in motion on my part for the great ride, so David and I decided to thumb our noses at the weather, break out the wetsuits, and go anyway. Well, blessed be, by the time we hit the river, the sun broke out, the skies turned blue, and we had the best ride of our lives in high water on my favorite piece of the New River: Double Shoals. What is usually a Class I - Class II, butt-busting maze through the rock garden was a churning, endless roller-coaster of waves today. Yeeeee-Haaaaaaaa!!!!!!
OK. So the pictures don't do it justice at all. What do you expect from a single-use camera?! I wish it were a video, (and next time it will be, because I just ordered an Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 waterproof camera!) but I hope you get a feel for the action and excitement of taking on the big (even some Class III) water today on a little bit of nylon-covered vinyl. (And the wetsuits weren't even needed after all!)
SHOW ME THE FUN!.

Down on the Farm

2009-08-21T00:54:00.005-04:00

Where does the time go????
Back in the early summer, before Costa Rica, Arizona, and the Outer Banks, The Sumners invited us to their farm for our annual bell polishing party. Fortunately, it was one of those rare days this summer that it didn't rain. Unfortunately, it was back when I was succumbing to the ravages of Lyme's Disease, and didn't feel much like shooting or editing. And that's really a shame to miss so many beautiful moments. Here's a few I didn't miss:

Good Morning, Costa Rica

2009-08-15T01:09:00.003-04:00

Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,

Oh what a beautiful day!

Oh, how I wish I had taken my real camera with me on that walk . . . .

Sunset at Makanda by the Sea

2009-08-12T23:56:00.013-04:00

Today's puzzle brought to you by Amy's iPhone because I LOST, *#%*$#*, my CF card with the pictures from that night on it. Here is Amy's shot of me taking those pictures, though.

This was the evening that we checked into the Makanda by the Sea, and decided right away that we didn't want to go any where else in Costa Rica that would require all day traveling on a public bus, night time temperatures in the 50's , lots of rain and fog, and renting of boots for wading through the mud while hiking. No sirreeee!!!!!! Give me perfect sunsets over the ocean,

the perfect terrace and the infinity pool to view them from,

fresh, cooked to order breakfasts delivered to my door every morning,

Fresh flowers and cute little towel creatures on my bed every evening,

my own private cove for swimming,
Fascinating jungle creatures cavorting in the trees around the perfect terrace,

and delectable dining on the deck of that gorgeous infinity pool.
And just for good measure, let's throw in a massage on my terrace while we watch that sunset.

To me; that's a no-brainer!! But I will put Monte Verde on the agenda again for my return to Costa Rica. We'll just do clouds, rain, and mud before we go to paradise.

Froggie in the Jungle

2009-08-11T00:37:00.002-04:00

He's so cute, here's another one of him:

Farmer's Market Beauties

2009-08-08T00:23:00.002-04:00

Friday is Farmer's Market Day in my fair town.

Doesn't that just make you want to put on an apron and go a little crazy in the kitchen?

Cloud Cover

2009-08-06T02:28:00.000-04:00

The view from our beach house this year was the best ever!

Prickly Pears

2009-08-05T01:32:00.003-04:00

In case you haven't figured out by now, I have been away from home for about 6 weeks. Thousands of pictures later, I am nearly paralyzed by the shear volume and intensity of experiences that they represent. It will take me weeks to recount. So, I'm working my way backwards through time. This was shot in Tucson while I was at the National Handbell Seminar..

Twilight Beach

2009-08-04T03:28:00.002-04:00

The view from our deck this year. Please, take me back.

Stormy Salt Marsh

2009-08-03T01:01:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, we had to hoist the anchor and head home from the beach. This splendid view of an impending storm looming over the marsh was my compensation for the pain of leaving the Outer Banks.

Fish Ladies

2009-07-20T23:15:00.002-04:00

This is the souvenir that I wanted to bring home with me from Costa Rica. But, it wouldn't fit in my luggage. And I don't have a grand enough space to hang it in. And it cost $800. Sigh. But I LOVE IT! I have a picture of myself at 4 years old, standing on a stool beside a sink full of freshly caught spots and croakers, and I'm cradling one of those fish lovingly next to my face. It was a sign of things to come.

It's the Trip That Never Ends

2009-07-19T23:02:00.002-04:00

I've been trying to get back to the East Coast since 5:30 this morning, and I'm STILL in Dallas!!!
Fit to be tied!!! Cancelled flight. Broken planes. Sheesh . . . .

My View

2009-07-17T11:21:00.005-04:00

Last week

This week

I can't talk without pictures, and I won't be able to download them all until next week. Just wanted to drop in and say that I am alive and well in Arizona despite my sadness over leaving Costa Rica. I promise lots of pictures and stories in the weeks to come!

News from Costa Rica

2009-07-03T19:59:00.003-04:00

I have two guest bloggers today: My daughter, Amy, who is no stranger here, and Eugenia Alvarado, daughter of our Hipanic pastor, and fellow team mate on our mission trip to Costa Rica. We have been living and working this week at a children's home called Roblealto. First, let's hear Eugenia's thoughts on the events today:
"Today is a sad day...the children are on their way home for 2 weeks (mid year school break in Costa Rica). The sad thing is that most of them are going to bad situations (that´s why they´re in the children´s home). When we went to the slums, it was incredible to see where some of them come from - no one should ever be allowed to live in such conditions! The sweet, beautiful, clean, happy kids that we have seen this week will go home to their dysfunctional families and who knows what the next two weeks will be like for them. Some of them took their two weeks worth of food because the children's home knew they would not get any food from home. Some of the stories we've heard have been incredible - their family conditions, abuse, etc. (the good thing is that the children's home helps the parents to be better parents by educating them, but still....) -about 15 kids had to stay in the children's home because they had no where to go home to. Two big buses pulled up and they will take the kids to San Jose (the capital) where their mom and/or dad will come to pick them up. As the director called them they got on the bus, our whole team was crying like babies!! the kids were crying out the bus windows, some of them are not coming back, some coming back after spending hell back home, and hopefully, some of them will have a good time. One of the home parents are leaving after 6 years of serving at the children's home and today was the last day with their teenage boys. The teenage boys were crying so hard, it broke my heart! It was incredible...it is so hard to describe with words what we have experienced this week.

Yesterday we hosted a farewell party for the kids. We made them hamburgers and had a clown show that dad (Pastor Alvarado) invited. it was a wonderful time. The children made cards and gifts for us and we watched a slide show of pictures they had made. As the children walked out of the gym we handed out stuffed animals.

On a happier note, tomorrow we are heading to another province called Cartago and we're going to go to a house who fosters about 30 kids plus their own biological children. We're having a program with those kids and their church children at the church with clowns, candy, music, Bible lesson, etc. Then we're going to have dinner with the foster family. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday we're headed to Arenal volcano and then to Manuel Antonio National Park Beach."

And now, a pictorial addition from Amy's new (eat my heart out) iPhone.
Unfortunately, we are not allowed to display any pictures of the children on the internet for safety and privacy reasons, so this gallery is a little random.

Self portrait in the airport while we were waiting for the rest of the team to arrive.

The Dining Hall doors

Green stuff grows everywhere here!

Hiking around the property early in the morning.

The view from our home, The Bonanza Casa. In the foreground is the gym, in the distance is San Jose and the mountains beyond.

Juancito, or "Little John," who is the maintenance supervisor, and our boss here.

Your Blog host for the day, Amy and Eugenia, at our worksite.

Where in the World is Charlotte

2009-06-29T18:03:00.002-04:00

Would you believe . . . . .COSTA RICA?!?!?!?
Can I make some lame excuses for my long absences????
First of all, as usual, I've been crazy busy. That's nothing new. Second of all, I went on a 10 day trip, with not much pep or internet access. And Third, I have found out the reason I have been feeling aweful and not having any energy: I have Lyme's Disease! Thank the Lord for the miracles of modern medicine, I am feeling better each day, now.
As time allows, I will share more about the trip, and maybe some pics if I can find a way to download them. It's shocking I know, but I have only 1 camera body, 1 lens, and 1 flash on me. They say that it is a good exercise to impose such limits on yourself from time to time to force you out of your comfort zone and into an exploration of your creativity. We'll see.

Red Carpet Premiere! (by Amy)

2009-06-25T03:54:00.004-04:00

My lovely neighbor, Amritha, is an assistant music composer, and tonight she was invited to a premiere for a film she worked on "500 Days of Summer". She has been dress shopping for weeks, and I think she found the perfect one. We ran out for a quick photo session before she took off for the red carpet, and we had a blast.

Crab Shack

2009-06-23T00:00:00.005-04:00

And again, in black and white.

I could live and die a happy woman in Manteo.

Brought to you by my handy "Handy," how cell phones are known in Germany.

A camera you can talk on (guest blog from Amy)

2009-06-16T19:38:00.003-04:00

Mom (Charlotte) is in the Outer Banks and I thought I would take this opportunity to briefly hijack her blog. She recently got a new phone and when she went into the store to get it, she told the salesperson that she wanted a camera she could talk on. So classic. My current phone has really surprised me with the quality of pictures I've been able to take with it. It even offers black and white and sepia options - not bad for a standard-issue (bottom of the line) phone! BUT, my contract is coming to a close this week, and the timing could not have been more providential since my contract expires the day before the release of the new 3Gs iPhone. I have had iPhone lust ever since the first iteration came out, and this Friday my dreams of having my very own iPhone will be realized. As much as both Mom and Dad are dying to have iPhones (sadly, they are not available in rural Virginia), I know they are both very happy for me to be getting one. As an homage to my old phone, I have included these images taken with it around where I live in Hollywood.

This store is on Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks across the street from the place where I did freelance editing work. The sunset was amazing:

Another night, just down the street from my apartment in Hollywood. The glow in the upper right corner is the moon rising:

Same night, experimenting with the sepia feature on my phone. The pointed spire on the left side is the top of the Capitol Records building:

LA has really interesting light at night. The sky is always glowing, and I love the moodiness that the streetlights in this image evoke:

So long, old phone. HELLO BABY, new iPhone!!!

-Amy

Evening Shadows

2009-06-12T23:21:00.004-04:00

In my friend, Monika's backyard:

Why I need an iPhone:

My phone.

Taking a Step Back in Time on the Parkway

2009-06-09T00:58:00.003-04:00

The cafe at Doughton Park. It just doesn't get any more iconic than this!
This sweet lady was our waitress. She has been working at the cafe for over 60 years!!

Glorious

2009-06-08T01:13:00.001-04:00

Torch Run for Special Olympics

2009-06-06T23:18:00.004-04:00

The Carroll County Special Olympics Team got to participate in the Torch Run this morning. We made a great show at the start, rode the van, then finished strong at Lowe's. Thank you, to the Galax and Grayson County Officers who donated their time and sweat to the cause and made our athletes feel like champions!
Surprise, Coach!
Here's your quick slideshow!

Check out the front runner!

Whelks

2009-06-05T23:09:00.001-04:00

Thinking about the beach . . .

Sunflower

2009-06-05T00:12:00.001-04:00

The Great Wall of Shady Square

2009-06-04T23:38:00.005-04:00

FINALLY! Something is happening around here!

(the first 3 photos are courtesy of Agape.)

But I think it's going to be another one of those DIY home projects that we try once and decide we're not doing that one again! Or, We're finding out the reason that the only estimate we received for this job was $5000.

"Just You and Me, Mommy"

2009-06-03T22:36:00.010-04:00

This is what Agape told me on Monday while we were exploring the Energy Explorium.

We had dropped big brother off at the airport earlier in the day, and had no reason to hurry home (other than the fact that I had only 2 and 1/2 hours of sleep the night before,) so we stopped and visited our old friends, Kyleene and Jody Hill, then I took Agape to see the dam that holds all of Lake Norman. Things like that are an endless fascination. We passed a sign on the highway leading to the dam that pointed the way to the Duke Energy Explorium. All these decades that we have driven down I-77 and seen those brown signs, we never took the time to stop, until that afternoon. So, it's FREE, informative, interactive, and a beautiful location on the shores of the lake with lovely lawns, gardens, picnic areas, decks, a pier, a long, well-annotated nature trail, and at least until September, a deeply satisfying photography exhibit (real platinum prints!) called "River Docs" documenting the Catawba River. It was while we were walking down that trail that Agape just spoke up and said, "It's just you and me, mommy." Instantly I was pricked to the core with guilt, because I realized that I haven't made time to do things alone with her for a loooong time, and I didn't realize that she noticed or cared. She always wants "friends" to do things with. Dear Jesus, please help me to change that.
Here is a little photo journal of our day:

Mom and Amos doing the happy dance before departure.

The Designated Driver

Agape's view of Lake Norman

Brotherly Love

Good-Bye, Amos!

Agape's old friend, Jody Hill. He grew up!

THE Dam!

The River below the dam.

Agape enjoying the butterfly garden at the Energy Explorium.

The View, for free!

What a Cutie!

Exploring Energy

How a turbine produces electricity.

By the Lakeside.

Pen Shells at Breach Inlet

2009-06-03T09:47:00.002-04:00

Another one that would have gotten away if I couldn't take pictures with my phone.
I'vw got sooooooo much to share from the last crazy week, but the Pratts are here to help me put some stone up on that wall. New ventures ahead.

Opening

2009-05-26T01:17:00.001-04:00

My Music Migrant

2009-05-25T02:01:00.004-04:00

*FLASH*FLASH*FLASH*FLASH*FLASH*FLASH*FLASH*
Edited to include a new, permanent link to the interview, with huge thanks to Susan Gleason and Jan Ozer!!

YOU HAVE GOT TO DROP EVERYTHING AND LISTEN TO THIS RIGHT NOW!!!!

It will only be available for a few more hours on the internet. I am so proud, I am just melted into a big old puddle of drool on the floor. Or whatever! My body can't contain all the emotions I am feeling hearing my own daughter on world-wide radio speaking so eloquently on her passion in life.

audio portrait of Amber on the BBC

Cheerio!

Sneak Peak

2009-05-25T01:37:00.000-04:00

I'm still in Charleston celebrating my niece, Paz's wedding. Here is a sneak preview!

Jarring Still Life

2009-05-21T01:48:00.003-04:00

captured with my LG phone in the gift shop at Doughton Park

My new phone is making me lazy. Can you believe I spent this picture-perfect day on the parkway, and only carried my phone?

Fun With my New Phone

2009-05-18T00:42:00.005-04:00

On the lovely Beaver Dam Trail, back in the good old days before breaking my ankle.

Espresso Ambulance

2009-05-14T02:07:00.003-04:00

I just finished Yvonne's new and improved slideshow!

Take a spin in Yvonne' caffeine turbo-charged, Blue Rhino-powered Espresso Ambulance.

For Ringers Only

2009-05-12T00:35:00.011-04:00

Tonight's post is a little quiz for all my ringers.
Study these pictures of Kiriku ringing and tell me in the comments what you observe about their technique that enhances their tone. Hint: It is something that you have heard from both Debbie Rice and your very own flawed, but fervent, director.

Needless to say, Kiriku completely blew me away with their supremely musical ringing. I put together a slideshow from the concert at North Raleigh United Methodist Church. Obviously, not the same as being there, but the soundtrack for the slideshow was their exquisite opening number, "By the Seaside." click here to see the Kiriku slideshow.

Griff Gall, the Artistic Director of the Back Bay Ringers in Boston wrote this fitting review of the concert on the handbell mailing list: (all emphasis is mine. JoyBell Ringers: Pay Attention!!)

"Saturday night, at the Hancock Church in Lexington, Mass. I had the pleasure of hearing one of the most musical and technically brilliant ensembles I have ever heard. Kiriku, a small design handbell ensemble from Japan under the direction of Taiko Otsubo, performed an hour long concert that left the audience breathless and in awe!
What makes their performance amazing is how well they they respond to each other. When they are playing a melody line between positions, they lean in towards each other, and watch each others ringing so they remain connected to the musical line at all times. Their interpretation of Schubert's Ave Maria was a key example of this. The accompaniment was gentle, flowing and extremely legato. The melody line was "sung" by the bells in the top position fluidly and with incredible phrasing. Perhaps my favorite pieces where the selections from Pleiades Dances by Takashi Yoshimatsu. These exciting piano compositions spoke beautifully on handbells, what a treat to hear! The ensembles technical skills were exemplified in their final selection "Csardas" by Vittorio Monti. The selection demands virtuosity with its incredible glissandi and dramatic changes in tempo and dynamics. The audience sprang to their feet and erupted with applause after this selection.
I enjoyed watching this ensemble perform as much as I enjoyed listening to them. Their ability to watch and stay connected with each other through out their playing was engaging. Each of the ringers are constantly in a fluid motion that is grounded and organic. Michael Joy has often spoken about the ringers should look like the music, and Kiriku has this down. Their movements are not choreographed to simply look pretty, there was no wasted motions just to impress the audience, their movements add to the musical line and release the sound. After the performance, I had a chance to briefly speak with Taiko. Although we had a language barrier, her passion for creating beautiful music with handbells came through. As the artistic director of Kiriku, Taiko said "I can teach technique, but it is much more difficult to teach how to share the heart of the music." I responded by assuring her that their performance shared the heart of the music, and inspired many in the audience."

I wish you all could have been there! And all of Rejoice, too.

I'll wrap it up with just a few shots of my ringers who made the trip to Raleigh with me that didn't make it into the slideshow.

This first shot is P.L. Grove, of Velocity Handbell Ensemble, and the emcee for the evening. I only wish she was one of my ringers . . .

This last shot is Karen, from Rejoice Ringers, and her

unknown twin that Michael Glasgow found in his church!

And last, but not least, your puzzle of the day!

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T00:53:00.002-04:00

I got another beach house for Mother's Day. What did you get?

beach house by Agape Jigsaw Puzzle

Michael Glasgow's Church

2009-05-08T01:58:00.001-04:00

Really pretty church. This is where we saw the incredible Japanese handbell ensemble, Kiriku, in concert.

What's My Name?

2009-05-06T21:56:00.004-04:00

Michelle commented that they were going to the Creation Museum this weekend, and it reminded me that I still have lots of pictures from our visit last summer. So, here is Adam with the perplexing job of naming all the animals. I wonder if it was a complicated as naming your children. Probably not, since Eve wasn't there yet to say, "Oh, I know somebody named that, and they are a real (Jerk) (dork) (nerd) (flake) (moron) (floozy) . . . "

That's the Way the Cookie Crumbles

2009-05-06T21:46:00.002-04:00

Huh??

What do you mean those don't look like cookies?!??!
I dutifully followed the directions on the cute little country tag dangling from a ribbon around the cute little mason jar full of mixin's for a batch of delicious cookies. "Cream together 3/4 cup butter and two eggs; then stir in the contents of the jar. Spoon onto a cookie sheet and bake. Shazaam!!!! I just this moment realized what I did wrong! I added 3 STICKS of butter. Good heavens! What was I thinking?!?!? Well, the first pan of cookies melted into one big puddle covering the cookie sheet and oozing over the edges into smoking pools of carbon on the bottom of my oven. So that's when I decided to use the mini muffin pans to bake the next batch, and well, you can see how that turned out (or not!)

Believe it or not, I actually had the nerve to take these pathetic crumbs to Rejoice (along with another batch of chocolate chip cookies that did turn out looking the way you'd expect cookies to look.) You just gotta know you are loved like family when you can put a box of crumbles out, slap a sign on top ordering them NOT to ask questions, just eat up because it still tastes good, and they loved it and called it "granola!" HA! some granola with 3 sticks of butter! No wonder it tasted good!

I think this post has just vaporized any illusion I might have had of becoming a legitimate food blog.

My New Fashion Statement

2009-05-06T01:54:00.003-04:00

So what do you all think of my latest fashion statement?

It's kinda cute . . . as orthopedic devices go. A lot more sexy than the big black boot, the recommended alternative that didn't fit.

After 10 days of DENIAL, I finally demanded an X-Ray of the offended ankle, and now I have to face the naked truth: I have a small avulsion fracture. Except it's not naked anymore. It's securely wrapped up in velcro and hard plastic, delicately cradled in a green air cushion.

I am doing a lot of sitting, sulking, and robotically ingesting cheese and chocolates. This ain't going to be pretty.

It's Your Birthday, Michael!

2009-05-04T23:33:00.011-04:00

Did you take in that monstrous awesomeness?!?!?

What 10 year old boy wouldn't just die to have a birthday cake like that?

The Queen of Birthdays here at McPherson acres humbly bows to the birthday cake prowess of Julie Lee.

All I ever made was a space shuttle. And it just sat flat on the baking sheet.

Since I managed to cripple myself the day before this magnificent birthday celebration, you will just have to enjoy the pictures of this epic cake and imagine how much fun the monster truck scavenger hunt and the Grave Digger piñata was.

Right in the midst of all this pre-pubescent boyness I caught this tender pink baby girl moment shared between Kim and her new (after 6 boys in a row!) daughter, Abigail.

Thanks, Michael, for inviting us to your party and we hope being 10 years old is the best ever!

Blew Ridge Home School Band

2009-05-04T01:43:00.003-04:00

It's that time of year again, folks. The faces are fresh-scrubbed. The music and the instruments are polished. All the talented, well-trained prodigy get to display the year's musical achievements for an audience of proud families and friends. Maybe I will finish editing shots from the Blew Ridge Homeschool Band concert tomorrow, maybe not! But here's a teaser anyway:

Daniel's Shining Hour

2009-04-30T02:36:00.003-04:00

Olympic Glory Jigsaw Puzzle

Look how AWESOME Daniel was representing the Carrroll County team in the Torch Relay!

Yes, Emily, Dreams Do Come True!

2009-04-27T22:27:00.010-04:00

Warning!

Powerful, tear-jerking story from our local paper, the Galax Gazette, following.

Grab your Kleenex and hankies and meet Agape's friend, Emily Ogle.

Mother's Wish Comes True

By APRIL WRIGHT

All 18-year-old Emily Ogle can think about is making her princess fairy tale come true for her and mom Debbie Ogle, who is battling Stage 4 breast cancer.

Emily has it all planned out, as she fantasizes about dressing up in an ball gown and riding with her date through town in a horse-drawn carriage on the way to prom on Saturday.

“I wanted to be like Cinderella,” said Emily, a junior at Galax High School. “It's just a wonderful time of life.”

And Twin County United Way, along with community donors, has coordinated that special evening just for Emily.

Debbie is ecstatic about seeing her daughter's dream come true. “I just want her to be as happy as she can,” Debbie said of Emily, who has Down Syndrome. “She loves socializing and being happy, and I want that for her.”

Debbie's relative, who works at Bogeys Restaurant in Galax, knew of their wish and passed it on to Celeste Amburn, director of Twin County United Way. Although TCUW is known for funding agencies in the community, Amburn said she was so touched by this story that she wanted to become the fairy godmother to grant their wish. “We saw that it was a need,” said Amburn. “And it was just something we wanted to make come true.”

Though Debbie's illness made her unable to go shopping with Emily for the prom dress, they found the perfect one online: a spaghetti strap, long black gown that gathers at the waist with a flowing pleated skirt. Emily's sister took her shoe shopping.

On the Special Olympics basketball team in Carroll County, Emily has asked teammate, Jordan Stevens, a 10th grader at Carroll County High School, to be her date. Debbie said Emily is just a little shy about talking to him now, but is looking forward to slow dancing with him, she said with a big smile. “Jordan's handsome, with pretty hair and teeth,” Emily said, with a laugh.

After a dinner, provided by Bogeys in Galax, the horse-drawn carriage will meet Emily and her date on Main Street and ride right up to the door of GHS.

The horse-drawn carriage, which can sometimes cost as much as $1,000 per ride, is being donated by Marlon Staples. Galax Florist has provided the boutonniere for the carriage driver and the bows for the carriage. Even the Galax Police Department has contributed a police escort during the ride up to the high school, and Debbie will be riding close by. “I'm just so excited and thankful for their contributions,” said Debbie. “We're fortunate to live in a community where people can help each other."

“I just want her to grow up and be happy, and be a person who contributes to society.”

When Debbie, a 1976 GHS graduate and former bank teller at BB&T, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999, she was worried about how independent Emily would be. But then, Emily was only 9 years old. Over the past decade, Debbie has learned to relax. “Emily has come a long way since then and helps take care of me sometimes and keeps her room tidy,” she said. Emily has even become an exceptional cook, making homemade burgers, breadsticks and apple dumplings.

Family friend, Lorraine Cox, said Emily is so outgoing and has never met an enemy. In fact, Emily describes herself as “fabulous.” Emily often cranks up the music in her room and listens to Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana, enjoys keyboarding class, water aerobics, horseback riding and basketball. A huge fan of Dr. Suess books and “Harry Potter,” Emily dreams of becoming a librarian after she graduates from high school.

Debbie said the cancer is now in her liver, but she is trying a new type of chemotherapy to get rid of the tumors. “I just want to live as long as possible and enjoy ourselves,” said Debbie, who describes her relationship with Emily as “very close.” When Debbie is feeling up to it, she and Emily dine out on the weekends, go shopping and to the movies and attend church at Blue Ridge Fellowship.

“I feel like I wouldn't be here now, if it wasn't for the Lord,” Debbie said. “It's been almost 10 years for me and some others haven't been that fortunate.”

So Agape and I joined a large crowd of friends and well-wishers to see Emily off in the carriage last Saturday night. It truly was a night of magic and dreams. Emily was absolutely radiant. Jordan was as handsome as ever with his "pretty hair and teeth," and remarkably well-composed for being the unwitting center of attention. The love, joy, and tenderness sparkling in her mother's eyes thrilled our hearts.

My personal thanks goes out to April Wright of the Gazette for her compassionate, sensitive reporting (She also wrote the wonderful story about my JoyBell Ringers last summer) and to the business people in our fair city who stepped forward to make Debbie's dream for her daughter come true.

Emily and Jordan arriving for the carriage ride

Some of the many well-wishers gathered to see her off

A group hug from her Special Olympics team mates

There she is! A princess on her way to the ball

One more hug for the road

Mr. Staples leads Kate up the steep hill to Galax High School

A sunset ride worthy of a fairy tale

Another cheering crowd of paparazzi greets them at the school

Pure, unbridled joy!

Emily and her mom share one more hug before Emily makes her way inside for the dreamed of night to begin.

How to Have a Bad Day

2009-04-25T13:17:00.008-04:00

"Pregnant Woman Hit by Car While Fleeing From Bear"

Now that's what I call a bad day. I read that yesterday on Fox News, and thought about it again as I was sitting a mile or so down the Gully Creek Trail with my now swollen, sprained ankle soaking in the icy water. I was in a pretty bad fix, alright: 800 vertical feet below the crest and my parked car, but things could be worse. It could have happened somewhere on the trail before I got to the creek. I could have been alone. I might not have had my cell phone with me to call in the calvary or the helicopter (We did neither.) Actually it was the cell phone that led to this unfortunate step. My friend, Michelle, poked me in a comment about launching their boating season on White Lake - already! without me! I know how much she loves this particular trail and misses the mountains, so I just had to pay her back. I stopped, took a picture of the creek, fumbled with the intricacies of sending a picture message with text from the phone, flipped it shut, and took one step . . . . into a deep, hidden hole. Crack! Pop! went the ankle. "#@*!" went the mouth. BWAA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA went my phone. It was Michelle calling, so I could repent right away while the icy creek numbed the hurtin' ankle.

Meanwhile, Pat has been hovering on the sidelines, fretting over me. Finally, she proclaims, I think we just need to pray! So we did (what would YOU do?!?!) And bless God, He intervened!! After about 20 minutes chilling in the creek, my foot was numb, and I could actually stand on it. Not only did I stand on it, I walked all they way back up the mountain by myself with relatively little pain. This is nothing short of miraculous since the last two times that I have sprained an ankle, I was on crutches for 6 weeks and could not even put my foot on the floor! It took several more months of physical therapy, some cortisone, and all together about 2 years to fully heal. But I digress. So, I am, yet again, slowed to a crawl, and trying to be content that I am in the place that God wants me for now. Because there just might be a bear waiting for me on the other end of the trail! But it sure is difficult when I wanted to be there for Julie today to take pictures of Michael's big Monster Truck birthday party ( you absolutely will be flabbergasted when you see the cake she made!) and I wanted to run the whole way down main street and up to the high school taking pictures of Emily going to the prom in the horse and carriage, and tomorrow is The big Special Olympics track and field meet in Radford. I'm just going to hobble off into the sunset for now.

The photo that started all my trouble:

(It's not even a decent shot.)

See those leaves, bottom left??? See that hole under the leaves?
I didn't either.

2009-04-23T00:48:00.006-04:00

Contemplation Jigsaw Puzzle

Here's a little peek at what I've been up to the last week. These pics are from just one of the 4 handbell concerts that I've had. I would give credit to the photographers, but I'm too focused on the kids and the music to pay attention to who is firing the Canons. This little gallery features some of my younger kids for a change.

Aren't our new shirts awesome!!

My Baby Bell Class

two of my youngest ringers (I think Alaina has just turned 2)

Love the Clarks!! All 7 of the girls ring bells with me!

Advanced Beginner class ringers

First performance for the Beginner A class!

MY GUYS!!!

Give them about 50 pounds of Bronze and watch them go to town!

Note the signature tongue action. My brain simply won't work without it.