Dashing Through The Snow...

 No. It hasn't snowed in south Florida!

Handsome has been playing concerts for the past two weeks, and 

there are still two more concerts this weekend. That means a lot

of Christmas songs...carols and other festive and lively tunes.

I attended the last pre-concert band rehearsal on Thursday evening 

as I prepared to record the North Port Band performance. It helped to

see the music and find out when and where the solos would occur. I 

really enjoyed listening as I took my notes, and I learned something useful.

I know you've heard of sleigh bells before, but perhaps not in this context.

Web Image - Ludwig Sleigh Bells

This is what sleigh bells look like when they're played by a concert musician.

In order to play them, they're held vertically (bells down) in one hand

and then struck by the other hand to make them jingle. Close your eyes and

you can imagine the horses or reindeer pulling a sleigh through the snow!

During the break in rehearsal, Joanne (who I used to sing with in the Chorale)

came over to tell me that her palm was really bruised from playing the bells.

(She's a member of the percussion section for the band.) I looked at her palm and

could tell that it wouldn't feel good for her to strike either the top of the bells or

 even the top of her bell hand with her sore palm. I had an idea, but I didn't tell her

about it. She soldiered through the rest of the rehearsal and we all went home.

 Saturday, when I got home from Coffee Club, I decided to work on my idea.

I had a brand new package of Dr. Scholl's Arch Support Gel Inserts. 

I had decided that their crescent shape would work perfectly for my purpose.

I grabbed one of my holiday-themed charm packs and chose five different squares.

I also needed two pieces of thin cotton batting and velcro to complete my supply list.

I sandwiched the gel insert between two pieces of batting and then put a piece

of holiday fabric on each side. I trimmed to about 3/4" all the way around the gel

 and then (using a zipper foot) sewed through all layers as closely as I could all around.

I made two straps and after they were attached, I sewed on a single-fold binding.

I hand-stitched the back side of the binding, and then added velcro to the straps as 

my last step. I checked for size as I sewed it together to be sure that the finished 

piece would be a comfortable fit. You can see how it turned out below.

 On Sunday, just before the concert I caught up with Joanne and said I had

a little something for her. I had it on my hand, so that when she saw it she

knew exactly what it was. When I took it off and placed it on her hand she

giggled. She was thrilled to have a pad to protect her hand and said that

she'd be able to really make the bells ring out because she wouldn't be 

afraid to hit them with her palm protected by my invention.

Then I told her that I'd given my creation a name. It's a

Jingle Pad!

She laughed out loud, gave me a hug and headed off to play the concert.

Afterward, she told me that it worked like a charm and said I should 

consider making them to sell. I hadn't thought about that, but I was

glad that I was able to keep my friend from injuring herself for her craft.

Today, I'll be teaching the second session of my applique' class in Venice.

No dashing through the snow, but definitely living in a Christmas wonderland.

Have a great Friday. Are you ready for the weekend?

I've Got The Wanderlust...

Spent my weekend doing lots of fun things...

I managed to spend a little time in the studio on Saturday morning. I sewed the travel-themed (that tan map) fabric onto the top sheets for the Flying Cloud. Saturday night was our final Chorale concert of this season - and Handsome and I had a great time.

On Sunday, we went to the movies - followed by a delicious dinner out. We went to see part one of Atlas Shrugged, and really enjoyed it. l've read Ayn Rand's book by the same title, so I was anxious to see how it would translate to the screen. We agreed that it might be a little light on information for movie goers who had not read the book, but it might inspire more people to read it. We did agree that we want to see the next segment when it comes out this time next year.

All in all, it was a busy and delightful weekend. My plan is to work on a couple of new projects today and I'll try to take photos to share. No promises. The weather is beautiful, and I've got the wanderlust.

Helping Hands, Hearts To God...

Today, I'm going to post about two different friends who are concerned for someone they love. One is a beloved child, and one is a dear pet. I hope you'll read on, and then visit their blogs to see if there is any way you might be able to help. I know of the generous hearts of my fellow bloggers, so I'm hoping you'll continue to read, and do what you're able...even $1 will make a difference.

My friend, Nancy from Inside Nana's Head posted about her son's niece today. This sweet little twelve year old girl, Catherine, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Nancy asked me to invite you to go to her blog and learn more about Cat. She will need a miracle to get better, but she has a dream that you might be able to help her achieve.

Please click here to learn how you can help. Nancy isn't asking for huge contributions, but all of us making a small contribution could really make her dream come true.
Then, there's my friend Lara from A Vintage Touch, whose sweet boy, Taffy has been diagnosed with cancer. (See all that nastiness on the side of his face?) Taffy is only seven years old and can't have a surgery, however, Lara and her husband are going to take Taffy through a series of alternative treatments in an effort to affect a cure, or at least extend his life for a while. Please visit Lara's blog here to read more.

Thank you for reading my post all the way to the bottom. If you are unable to make a financial contribution, I hope you'll still be moved to leave a comment for Nancy or Lara, or perhaps click on the "copy" button on each widget and add their widgets to your blog. I know a prayer will mean a great deal to them, too.

I've added a page to my blog called "Helping Hands, Hearts To God". (There's a button in my left sidebar with the same title, which links to the page.) I'll add more widgets and links from time to time so we can help our blog friends in need.

I'll be performing in our last Chorale/Soundsations concert of this season this evening. I'll be thinking about what a blessed and beautiful life I have. I hope all of you have a happy and restful weekend. As always, I'm grateful for each of you in my life.

I Can See Clearly Now...

Two days of singing...performing a Soundsations show on Monday morning, followed by a Chorale rehearsal Monday evening, and then a Soundsations rehearsal yesterday afternoon. No time to sew until today.

I can hear them calling now. Miss Ellie, Prissy and Evvie beckoning me back to the studio. They're anxious to feel my hand guiding fabric beneath their feet, longing for a new spool of thread and a project to create.

The wait is over girls. I have two days where you'll have my undivided attention. A camper table quilt to assemble for surface quilting, two commissions to create by the end of this month, and a few other projects waiting their turn.

I also have a table mat and potholders to sew together for our quilt guild's fund raiser boutique that I want to take to next week's meeting.

I'll be back in the studio today. It's gonna be a bright, sunshine-y day!

A Perfect Weekend...

In case you're wondering how I spent the weekend, let's start with my straw hat and no camera. (I can't believe I forgot to take my camera!)

Handsome and I met friends in Venice where we boarded their new boat. We enjoyed hors' d oeuvres and beautiful weather as we made our way to a great restaurant on Sarasota Bay called Marina Jack's. I brought along my straw hat to provide a little protection from the sun, of course. But I actually held it in my hands - to keep it from blowing away - more than I wore it!
After a light meal, we got back on the boat and returned to Venice. I couldn't have imagined a nicer day for the four of us. We left home at 3 pm and drove back in our driveway at 8 pm. It was perfect.
We really enjoyed boat and house watching as we motored north and back (some of the houses would have taken your breath away), but the nicest thing was catching up with our friends as the water sparkled and the breeze blew.

I promise to take my camera next time so you can join us on the nautical "Parade of Boats and Homes"!
I didn't do any sewing, stitching or otherwise playing in the studio, but I'll tell you tomorrow about my little patio (called a "lanai", in Florida) project.

I'll be singing in our last Soundsations performance of this season today, and then more rehearsals as we prepare for our last Chorale concert of the season on Saturday. It's going to be another busy week, but you know I'll find time to sneak into the studio, and then share it all with you. Busy hands are happy hands!

Did you have a good weekend? I read that there was some bad weather in the midwest. I hope you didn't get any of that! What do you have planned for this week? I'd love to know.

Love Changes Everything...

We spent the weekend making music.

Friday - Tech Rehearsal from 3 - 6 pm (I know. LONG!)
Saturday - Chorale Concert at the Performing Arts Center
Sunday - Soundsations at Harbor Cove Community Center
Monday - Chorale Rehearsal (new music to learn) 7-9 pm
We had a great time!
Handsome accompanied both groups.

I'll be rehearsing with the Soundsations again today from 1-3 pm. Then, I'll spend time this week working on those two quilts.

This post will be short. To tell the truth, I'm a little tired. I'd like to remind you about the Giveaway (link here) in case you haven't entered yet, and then leave you with a video of one of our pieces from the Saturday concert. I hope you enjoy it. (Sorry for the closeup. I asked my girlfriend's husband not to do that. He didn't listen. Now you get to see - close up - just how nervous I was for my first public singing performance in over thirty years.)

Here's a link to another number, in case you just can't get enough. lol. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW8CnLaaE_k And, here is the code for the embedded video, which doesn't appear on my Facebook posts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDY3MPLdjSM

Bikers, Blankets and Stuffed Garlic Bread...

The men-folk returned from their motorcycle ride to The Keys on Friday morning. They had a wonderful time and the weather was perfect for their excursion. I'm not ashamed to admit I was glad to have Handsome back home. It's just not the same around here when he's away.

Amid the rehearsing, household chores and other boring tasks, I managed to cut and assemble some of the blocks for my Flying Clouds - "Girly" version last week. I can now show you what they'll look like. I haven't squared them up yet, though. I won't do that until all of them have been assembled.

The "Manly" version for Handsome will have the same green dot/cream on cream combination, but the floral will be less...well...floral, and I'll be combining it with a music-themed fabric for the darker value on that half of the block. I'll be doing those next week.

Friday afternoon was filled with music as we had our Chorale tech rehearsal for this evening's concert, and then I made dinner (Emeril's Kicked Up Stuffed Garlic Bread - this is the recipe link) for all the guys. (Warning: If you make this, you'll be hooked! Have I ever lied to you?) It's always a huge hit around here. It's simple, quick and easy...and delicious.

I'd love to chat longer with you today, but I have a lot to do before we head over to the Performing Arts Center to sing tonight.

Before I close, I just want to remind you to enter my 600th Friends Giveaway if you haven't done so yet. The link button is near the top of my left sidebar. I'll be back soon with quilt updates and perhaps a musical video or two. Have a wonderful Saturday, friends.

*Lunch Changes Everything...

I participated in Debbie's Heart Swap at Mosaic Magpie. We were to create a heart that could be hung, and send it off to Debbie. She would then take all the collected hearts, trade them around and send them out to another participant.
This is the beautiful wool felt heart I received from Sherry of Blessings From Our Nest Tiny ribbon roses, a heart, lace and a button. She hand stitched one of my favorite words, "Joy". When I owned my shop in Wisconsin, I always closed my newsletters with "Joy! Donna". (I chose a word that started with the same letter as the silent "j" in my last name. "Joy" was just a natural choices for me.)

Sherry didn't know this, and she didn't know who would receive her creation, so this was a lovely surprise for me. Thank you, Sherry. I'll treasure it always.

Debbie also included a little heart, cut from a vintage quilt. I'm sure I'll find something special for this, too! Thank you, Debbie.
I want to share a short story with you to explain the title of this blog post. You know that Handsome is an accompanist with the Chorale and The Soundsations. We're currently rehearsing our February program for a concert on the 26th. In keeping with a Valentine's Day theme, there are a LOT of songs with "love" in the title and lyrics. We were commenting on this with Pat (our director), and she was laughing at some of her choices. (They're not all happy. In fact, some are downright tragic! Like "My Heart Will Go On" from Titanic, for one.)

Handsome decided to share a story with all of us. Being an accomplished jazz musician, as well as enthusiast, he has listened to, accompanied and seen performances of a wide variety of jazzers (the great and the near-great) through the years. He tells this story about a wonderful pianist by the name of George Shearing.

Mr. Shearing was going to sing a love song called "Love Walked In", but having performed it for a long time, he did what many musicians do (including Handsome)...he fiddled with the lyrics. He invited the audience to help him with this song, and whenever he said the word "love", he wanted them to imagine using the word, "lunch" instead.
As Handsome told this story to the Soundsations singers, they all started to giggle. One of the guys who will sing a solo in one of the numbers immediately said, "Lunch Changes Everything", which just cracked up Pat. Then another said, "How about Endless Lunch?" Now they were getting the hang of it! We laughed about it every time we pulled out another piece of Valentine's Day sheet music. Someone would share the "revised" title.

So, how 'bout a little Valentine's Day fun? Choose your favorite love song and share the "new" title in the comments section. I'm sure everyone will have a good laugh. I'll choose my favorites to share with you tomorrow.

* By the way, I'm sure you've figured it out by now, but the real lyrics of my title, "Lunch Changes Everything" and "Endless Lunch" are actually "Love Changes Everything" and "Endless Love". Puts a whole new spin on the song, don't you agree? I can't wait to read the titles you choose.

Happy Valentine's Day, my friends
and
Thanks again, Sherry and Debbie.
Hearts and Hugs to all of you.

We're Gonna Put On A Show...

These are all the music pieces I'm learning for the Soundsations performances. We don't sing every single number for each show, but we sure sing most of them...and some with choreography. Oh, yeah...they all have to be memorized, too! It's a good thing that I know the words to a lot some of the pieces. It gives me a tiny head start on the work I need to do.

We rehearse every week on Tuesday afternoons, but I'm also rehearsing the numbers at home. Thank Heaven for online links which play either the entire piece and/or offer recordings of the separate parts. In some cases, it's like singing with my own alto section at home!

One of the fun things for me is finding that my voice range is expanding as I get more practice. I'm able to sing some of the notes that, only a few weeks ago, I was unable to sing at all. I still sing low alto, and sometimes I even sing with the tenors, but now I'm also able to sing some of those high alto (more like second soprano) parts that were out of my range only a short time ago.

My first performance with the Soundsations will be in our Performing Arts Center as part of the Chorale concert on February 26th. We'll only be singing three or four of our numbers that evening, but it will be just twenty or so individuals - including this ever-so-slightly nervous me - center stage. Of course, all of the Soundsations will also sing as part of the Chorale. (We do double duty.)

On February 27th (the next evening), I'll be part of our performance at another, smaller venue. The Soundsations are actually the ambassadors for the Chorale, so we perform for local and area churches, organizations and gated communities. I'm working especially hard to learn all my parts and moves. I'm having a ball, and am excited to have this challenge.

I'll be asking a friend's husband to record our performance on the 26th, and hope to share part of it with you. If my plans to get a recording work out, you'll be able to hear us sing, see all the moves, the sparkles, and catch my debut with the group.

I'll be rehearsing every day now. If anyone makes a mistake or misstep, I just want to be sure it's not me! See you tomorrow. I'm off to warble and wiggle! (giggle)
Before I close today, I want to note that I'm getting very close to holding a 600th Follower Giveaway. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know that my giveaways are fairly generous. I guess I'd better start thinking about what I'm going to offer to celebrate this milestone with my faithful friends. Any suggestions?

Fezzik Friday - 31 Weeks...

Hi, everybody!
Welcome to another Fezzik Friday!

Sorry. Mom said that's a helicopter.
It's pretty noisy, and it distracted me for a little while.
Ahem. Where was I?
Oh, yes. I remember.
You may have noticed my fancy tie today.

I'm wearing it because I want to tell you Mom'a exciting news this week. She was invited to sing with The Chorale's smaller performing group called The Soundsations. They wear fancy clothes that sparkle, and Mom has a scarf that matches this tie (Dad wears this tie when he plays drums for their performances), as well as a pink one and a red one, too!

She went to her first rehearsal on Tuesday and said it was a lot of fun. I wasn't invited, so I'll have to take her word for it. All I know is that she was glad to see Kessie and me when she got home, and we both got biscuits when she came in the house. If she does that after she gets back from every practice, it's alright with me!

So, come on. Admit it. This tie is me, right?
It makes me even more adorable, right?

'til next week...

Fezzik Inconceivable

*** The sign-up for the Mug Mat Swap is open until February 1st. Mom is going to do a tutorial over the weekend. You can link here to read more about it. A list of the participants who've signed up so far is in the left sidebar. You don't have to have a blog to participate, either. If you want to play and your name isn't there yet, please send Mom an email (Please put MUG MAT SWAP in the subject line).

You Warmed My Heart...

We started our Chorale's tech rehearsal at 4 pm Friday afternoon. Our director, Pat, got sick during the week so she wasn't able to take us through this rehearsal. She probably won't be well enough to lead us today either. One of the men in the bass section was a high school music teacher, so he stepped up to the podium for the rehearsal, and will lead our performance, too.

Instead of taking an hour or an hour and a half for our tech run-through, we sang the whole program - finishing after 6 pm. I think we're going to have a wonderful holiday show and once I get the dvd of the entire concert, I'll share one or two of my favorite numbers with you.
My sister, Diana, was there for the rehearsal and she, Handsome and I went for dinner afterwards. We came back home and finished my Birthday celebration with a slice of cake!

The temperature dropped into the high 60s yesterday, getting steadily cooler as the day progressed. I guess our reaction to the temperature is all relative. Diana lives in Minnesota. To her, 68 degrees is comfortable-shorts-weather. To me, it's get-out-my-sweatshirt-I'm-freezing-weather. It's obvious in the picture of the two of us together, isn't it?

All of my siblings (five of them) are younger than I am. I have three sisters. Diana is the middle sister of the three. She is eleven years younger, and the one sister who most resembles me in appearance. It was fun to have some of my friends walk up to the two of us and say that they knew we were related.

Thank you to all of you who left Birthday greetings for me yesterday. You have no idea how your greetings warmed my heart. How many people can enjoy the notes and good wishes of so many friends like we do in Blogland? Each of your greetings was a beautiful gift to me. Thank you for helping make my Birthday a most special day for me. I love you all.

I Filled My Drawer...

My Birthday is Friday. I tell you this for two reasons. One: I'm a BIG baby about Birthdays...especially my own! (Notice the capital "B". It's there for a reason.) and Two: I treated myself to a special purchase in honor of my Birthday this year and just had to share it with you.

I was doing my usual Etsy grazing recently and came across this beauty. It's an antique sewing machine cabinet drawer. By now - even if you're a new reader - you've discovered that I'm a sucker for anything with acorns on it. When I saw this piece, the lovely raised motif and drawer front trim called out to me and I knew I had to have it adorning my sewing table. What surprised me was that it arrived so quickly! I only purchased it on Saturday!
The acorn/oak leaf motif appears on one side of the drawer. The opposite side is plain. The patina on the wood just suits me perfectly. I won't be painting this little gem white or adding a thing to it. The only thing left to do was decide how I would utilize the drawer. What would I have it hold?
...My seam binding rolls. I filled my drawer with seam binding rolls. I'll be able to look at them when they're not called to action. I think it's always inspiring to have something beautiful in your line of vision in the studio.

Last night was the weekly rehearsal for the Chorale. We'll have a tech rehearsal on Friday (I may just bring my own cupcake and candle!), and then we'll perform on Saturday evening. My sister is flying in from Minnesota to celebrate with me. It's going to be a great Birthday this year! (Heck...they're really all great, aren't they?)

Time For Quiet...

Handsome bought a new Casio keyboard for us. He and I can both sight read well enough for us to rehearse my chorale music. I think it's funny that I get nervous singing alone in front of him after nearly 30 years of living together. Yesterday, that changed.

I asked him to listen to me rehearsing the two Hebrew pieces we're doing for our holiday concert. The sheet music I have gives a website where singers can listen to not only complete recordings, but also recordings for the various choral parts. It's wonderful. Click, play and warble away!

Handsome gave me some useful pointers about marking my music to give me cues in my own handwriting (like reminding me where to breathe, or take bigger breaths when I have to hold notes) and I know that's going to be a tremendous help.

Both the critters were lying on the carpet and listening to our rehearsal, too. Unlike Kes, who will put her nose right under Handsome's drums while he plays, Fezzik prefers to run for the hills. I'll have to start desensitizing him to the drums. We can't have a dog that doesn't appreciate music, after all. Thankfully, my singing didn't drive him from the room!

"Mom."

"Yes, Fezzik."
"I've been really worried about Kessie, so I've been
helping by watching her with you today."
"I know, Fezzik. I was noticing how sweet you've been
to her. You've been quiet, considerate and haven't
bothered her. Not at all puppy-like."
"Well, Mom. I can tell Kessie's not feeling well."
"You're a sweet boy, Fezzik. Mom's very proud of you, Mr. Man."
"Thanks, Mom. I'm really tired. I. think. I'm. gonna...

take. a. nap. now."
"Sweet dreams, sweet boy."

Kes is pretty doped up right now. Doggie downers can do that to an old girl. Even the corgi puppy knows it's Time for quiet and healing now. All of us would like to thank you for your get well wishes for my girl. I promise a crafty post for tomorrow.

Ready For The Fancy Stitching...

Yesterday was actually a beautiful day. The sun was shining, temperature was moderate with low humidity (I love days like that here in south Florida!), and I finished the Lavender Dreams quilt top! I assembled the backing, packed everything up and took it down to Kathy. She will take the top, add the batting and backing, and mount it on her frame so her long-arm machine can do all the fancy stitching that will really make the quilt sing. When she's finished with her work (next week), I'll add the binding and it will be all done - just in time for me to present it to Miss Snoopy Pants' (aka, my younger sister, Diana) when she flies to Florida in December to celebrate my birthday with me. Thank you to everyone for your prayers and good thoughts for Kes. The little stone passed yesterday morning while she was at the vet's office, however the larger stone was going to pose a problem. I love our vet and her entire staff, so I didn't fret about Kessie's care at all. I knew they would take good care of her for me. Kes underwent surgery early afternoon on Friday and is now resting comfortably at the 24 hour emergency clinic in Sarasota. She stayed overnight for pain management and IV fluids. I'm told I'll be able to pick her up later this afternoon or Sunday. Of course, I'm hoping that it's today. I want her back here at home! One last photograph to share with you from Thursday night's concert. You can see that Handsome and I were on the stage at the same time. It was so much fun doing the Veterans' Day program! (You can click on the image to see a bigger picture, and I even drew arrows over each of us!) Have a great weekend, guys and dolls. See you tomorrow with Kes updates.