"I am the Lord of the Dance," said he!!!!

Hah.
What a great soundtrack.

Anywhoo, I should be getting dressed. Me and Lissa are off to the grocery store and to pick up Roberto at the library.
It's a rather stormy day here, which is fine. This is as close to winter as we get here in Californy.
*grin*

I am glad my little blog can provide you gels with some entertainment. Someone has to be nice to the little people. *cough*
:)

Wow, this posting business sure is different on a Mac.
Goodness.

Off to clothe self! Have a lovely day!

Laughter

People should laugh more.
"A merry heart doeth good like medicine"
:)

Fa la la la laaaa!!!!

I hope everyone had a good Christmas.
Mine was very nice and a good time was had by all.
Lissa was on an opera kick so we stayed up till 2 am Christmas Eve watching Roberto in Don Carlos.
Woohoo.
*grins*

Emma came over last night and I changed some the furniture and stuff in my room. It looks very cool. I did something very un-me and pulled myself away from the symmetrical trap. I know have furniture at an angle in my room.
*gasp*
I know you're all shocked, but it's true!
Ask Emma!!

In other news, Rebecca won't be coming for various reasons.
*sniff*
But we'll just have to deal with it.

Today, mother and I are going to Chris' for lunch and Melody and Del will be there. Should be a hoot to watch them together.

Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas Eve

Lissa won't be here till about 8. I guess that means our tea will be late. Some snacking might be necessary between now and then.
*grin*

I'm not feeling too hot. My head hurts and I feel like I have no energy. *sigh*
I knew I shouldn't have added that show at Carnegie Hall. I need to tell them that I can't just fly across the country at the drop of a hat.
Really.
*huffs indignantly*

One of Princess Anne's bull terriers attacked one of the Queen's corgis and they had to put the little thing to sleep.
*sniff*

Air France is cancelling flights to the US because of the terror alert.
What a bunch of weenies.
Where's their sense of adventure.

What does everyone think of the new blog? For some reason, my other background pic disappeared. I wanted Dicksee's Romeo&Juliet but I couldn't find one that was the correct size. Hmph. Of all the nerve.

I'm tired of people who think and act like they know everything.
Don't try to tell me that all death scenes in opera involve the character saying over and over and over "I'm dying."
That is simply not true.
That's like saying that all baseball players go around spitting constantly.
That is not true.
*sigh*

James needs to be back on Broadway.
As in NOW.
What's his problem?
Bah.

I think I need a cup of tea.

Merry Christmas everyone.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

So, Christmas is in two days.
*sigh*
I don't like this time of the season because it's almost over. Can't we stretch out December? Make it 6 weeks or something?

The neighbors gave us some lovely cookies. How nice of them. Cookies are lovely.

Speaking of cookies, I need to eat something.

Oh, I forgot to mentiont that my bratty cat managed to knock over my fish tank.
Poor Harry and Irene.
Grandma was upset at Percy when she found out.
Hmph.
I'm just glad I wasn't the one who found the mess.

Andrea got me the cutest purse. It has scenes from New York on it.
:)

Hah! I'm Skittles!

You're Skittles!!! You have a very interesting
personality, you're so unique. You're the kind
of person who always thinks outside of the box.
You're also a very accepting individual, and
believe in inner beauty.


Which kind of candy are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

I'm a sapphire!!

! You are most Like A Sapphire !
Dark, mysterious - but unforgettable. You have a
deep
beauty. Delicate, and shy you try to stay away from
the
limelight but often your intelligence puts you in
at the
deep end. You're like a Sapphire, because, your
beauty is priceless.
You're intelligent, full of opinions, and not big-
headed about it all.
Sometimes you need to put yourself out there, as
you can be a bit shy.
Congratulations ... You're the mysterious gem
everybody wants to have and learn more about.


?? Which Precious Gem Are You ??
brought to you by Quizilla

~*~*~*~*~Vivo Per Lei~*~*~*~*~

Vivo Per Lei
(I Live For Her)

I live for her, you know, since
The first time I met her.
I do not remember how, but
She entered within me and stayed there.
I live for her because she makes
My soul vibrate so strongly.
I live for her and it is not a burden.

I live for her too, you know,
And don't be jealous,
She belongs to all those who
Have a need that is always switched on
Like a stereo in the bedroom,
To someone who is alone and now knows
That she is also for him, for this reason
I live for her.

She is a muse who invites us
To brush her with the fingers.
Through a piano
Death remains far away;
I live for her.

I live for her who often knows
How to be sweet and sensual,
Sometimes she stuns you but
It is a blow that never hurts.

I live for her, I know she makes me
Travel from town to town
And suffer a little, but at least I live.

It is painful when she leaves.
I live in hotels for her.
It grows with surpreme pleasure.
I live for her in the vortex.
Through my voice
It expands and produces love.

I live for her, I have nothing else,
And how many others shall I meet
Who, like me, have written on their faces
"I live for her."

I live for her
On a dais or against a wall...
I live for her to the limit.
...also in a harsh tomorrow.
I live for her to the very edge.
Every day
A conquest;
The protagonist
Will always be her.

I live for her because now
I have no other way out,
Because, you know, music
Is something I have truly never betrayed.

I live for her because she gives me
Rests and notes with freedom.
If there were another life I'd live it,
I'd live it for her.

I live for her, music.
I live for her.
I live for her, she is unique.
I live for her.
I live, for her.

written by V.zelli, M. Mengali, G. Punceri

*cues Hallelujah Chorus*

The Messiah was absolutely splendiferous.
Of course I forgot to brink a hankie, so I had to get some of that nasty tissue from the Dr.Pepper Room and it was just not very soft. *sigh* So I ended up with a tad bit of chaffing. Oh well. It's a good thing I didn't cry any more than I did.

I must say that the *cough* scenery *cough* at Davies Symphony Hall was quite nice.
I've never seen that many good looking guys in one place.
And not just audience members, but the performers also. There were some really cute ones in the chorus. Maybe I should join the chorus. They take volunteers...
*grin*

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

Well darlings, the semester is finally over.
I finished that blasted research paper.
Lissa is here and we're leaving in about half an hour.
This is my first time seeing/hearing The Messiah.
Wooohoooo!!!

Lissa brought the Master & Commander soundtrack.
It's loooovely.
Just wonderful.
Very layered, very Bach-ish in parts.
*grins*
Gives you that feeling like there are millions of little fireworks going off all over inside your body.
There's even a Bach piece that just.....oooooo.......one cannot find the words.
Good heavens.
*sigh*

Yet another day

Ya know, it is terribly annoying when someone turns off the Num Lock on a computer.
Bah.

Well, I think I just bombed the Poli Sci final.
What's his issue with throwing random stuff on exams???
Bah.

It's only 8:45 and Rosselli isn't here yet, so I have to go back and check her office in a while.
Bah.

I've been so entertained as of late with the thought of James as Aragorn.
I've been savoring it, like a piece of cheesecake. It's delicious to contemplate and as Bethany keeps pointing out, Aragorn wears capes.
*grins*

I suppose I should be working on my research paper.
It's hard to believe that it's the last work I have this semester.
Wow.

Candor

So at the end I say farewell
No thought to come and bid you away
I stand in the wind and feel the rain
It washes clean, yet feelings remain
Will you come back or always stay
Even if you die, I will live
Live and not live will be one
No separation, everything broken

Substitution

So, I might have to start a campaign...... a James As Aragorn In the LOTR Musical Campaign.
It's perfect for him.
Protector, Hero, Warrior, King....
*sigh*
Sounds good to me.
And what a boost that would be to his image.
*grin*

I should be studying for Poli Sci.

The Messiah is in two days!!!!

Here's me

Duty and Loyalty: You serve your purpose and do
what you must do. People would consider you
someone to rely on, and one who keeps his/her
word when he/she gives it.


Which Characteristic From the Samurai Code Matches You Best? (You may find out your best trait)
brought to you by Quizilla

*boiling*

Hamlet doesn't work.
I tried to fix the bloody tape and ended up almost throwing the blasted thing across the room.
I want to smash something.
How maddeningly infuriating.
I'll bet it got cracked when some moron of a postal worker tossed onto a conveyer belt.
And my package to Jon hasn't arrived yet. I mailed it a week ago, Priority.

*******How weary, stale, flat and unprofitable
Seem to me all the uses of this world*******

Finals, Friends and Saddam

I have a critical thinking final tomorrow and Poli Sci final on Thursday. I have to finish my research paper and write the two one-pagers for the Poli Sci articles.

I still can't believe that I got an A in Physics.
That's just incredible.
It's amazing what extra credit can do for a person. *grins*
Also, I recommend taking Physics with Bethany. I would have stunk without her.
Seriously.
*blows Beth kisses*

I got two lovely packages in the mail today, one from Sal and one from Gretchen.
Sal sent a certain Hamlet.
*blows Sal kisses*
Gretchen sent a cute and rather large mug with a snowman and some Fortnum&Mason Christmas tea.
*blows Gretchen kisses*
I am very blessed to have such lovely pals.

Emma thinks that my presents from Will S. are cool.
She understand this kind of thing. Maybe Will S. will need to give her a present...
*raises eyebrows*

So, Saddam has been caught.
You know, I don't think the whole Iraq war is either right or wrong. I think it's beyond that. I don't think it's just about oil, because that's illogical. There are plenty of other places in the world to get oil.
Saddam was responsible for the deaths of millions of people and the world turned a blind eye for years. I certainly hope that if the United States ever fell under the rule of such a man, that another country would help us. There will never be a war in which the innocent are not effected. War isn't like that.
The US didn't do anything about Hitler soon enough and millions of people were murdered. Was the US involvement in WWII about oil? I think not. It's about humanity. It's about the elementary instinct that God put in us to help each other.
These countries that sit around talking about peace are the ones that are being terrorized, like Turkey. If someone like Saddam suddenly came in and started mowing down their citizens, would they still be holding up peace signs and opposing the war on Iraq? I think not.
Sometimes a man must die so that his children can live.
Saddam has committed atrocious crimes against humanity, but remember that he is still human. Why are people so shocked that he seemed afraid when he was captured? He isn't some kind of machine just because he has committed such crimes. He has emotions and feelings just like any other human. I hope that he gets a fair trial. If we took him out to a tree and strung him up, we would be no more humane than he.
But the amazing thing to me is that God loves Saddam Hussein.
And that makes me feel very small.

Bah

Stupid blogger site was down last night.
Hmph.
It's a good thing I'm not paying for this or I might be upset.
*grins*

So, I was bored last night and started making a site for me.
It's great fun.
www.geocities.com/ladygoochie/home.html
There's not much there, but it's something to look at.
*grins*

Mother and I are going to the mall today then over to the church to decorate.
Oh the joy.

I need to eat something.

Naps

I've never been big on naps. My parents take a Sunday afternoon nap, but I usually end up feeling worse when I wake up.

Baby and I took a nap on the couch today. It was lovely. He was curled up on top of me, on my right side, mostly my shoulder. We were nice and toasty.
*sigh*

I remember Sis.Price reading that thing at my kindergarten graduation.
Well, I remember seeing it on the video, at least.
*grin*
"Think what a better world it would be if
all - the whole world - had cookies and milk about
three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with
our blankies for a nap."

This is uncanny

This, my friends, is just uncanny.
How they figure this stuff out by asking a few questions is so cool.

VIOLET You surround yourself with art and music and are constantly driven to express yourself. You often daydream. You prefer honesty in your relationships and belive strongly in your personal morals. Find out your color at Quiz Me!

It's Friday!

Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to let you all know that I, Kathryn Gooch, have completed Physics 110 with a grade of A.

*cues trumpet fanfare*

I checked the grade postings three times to make sure that I was reading it correctly.
I was rather dubious, but who am I to question the great and mighty Niles.

It's raining again.
What a surprise.
I do like the rain.

I have just recieved the most excellent news.
Our ace bootleg hound, the Lady Sal, has sniffed out an audio boot of a certain Mr.Barbour in Urinetown.
*starts humming O, Happy Day*
What a lovely day it is.

I started reading Girl With A Pearl Earring. It's a pretty easy read. I think I'll go ahead and finish it. It helps to visualize Colin as Vermeer.
*grins*

Joy to the world!!

So, tomorrow is our very last day of Physics!!
*screams long and loud*
Oh, the thought is enough to send me into realms of pure delight.
I'm just hoping that I ended up with a B so I don't have to take the final.
*immediately starts to fast and pray*

Doesn't the blog look pretty?
Emma fixed it up for me.
We're especially proud of the TagBoard. I think the color scheme is just fab.

Bethany and I went up in the church attic and found costume stuff, including those old We Like Sheep costumes. Talk about a blast from the past.
I'm not getting any younger.
*sigh*

Well, Mr.Barbour has finally decided to grace us with his presence again.
He's set to star in the new Sondheim musical, Assassins. It'll be great to have him on stage again, but I'm not sure about how to deal with him being a bad guy. He needs to stay with The Syndrome.
Oh, and he's doing the Wildhorn Dracula workshop.
*shudder*
I think I would rather have him as an assassin.

Michael Buble was so great on Parky. He's quite the little charmer.
Attractive charming single men who sing.
I think those must be an endangered species or something.
*sigh*

Blustery Days

Michael was absolutely lovely on Friday Night Is Music Night. That BBC Concert Orchestra isn't bad.
*grin*

Michael Buble is going to be on Parky on the 7th. I need to remember that.

I'm insanely proud of the pages I've added to the site. They are nothing spectacular, but I think they're pretty good.
www.geocities.com/jane_eyre_musical

Technology is great

Technology does have its uses.
Right now I'm listening to BBC Radio 2. Michael is performing live with the BBC Concert Orchestra.
This is the closest I will get to seeing him live for a while, so I'm happy.
*grin*

Hhmm...

Sometimes my posts don't show up for days.....
Maybe my blog has a ghost??

Wow

Okay people.
I now have a new definition of perfect:
Jonathan's version of O Holy Night
It is perhaps the most fabulous thing that I have ever heard.
*sigh*
That's my boy!!!

I'm a webmistress!!

Your own Kathey is now a webmistress.
She has been clicking away at the Jane site.
Check it out.
www.geocities.com/jane_eyre_musical

A stunning trio

How about this???

Gounod's Faust, The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London
June-July 2004

Roberto Alagna - Faust
Angela Gheorghiu - Marguerite
Bryn Terfel - Mephistopheles

Oh, the thought!!!!
It's too much to bear!!
Bob and Brynnie in the same production.
If you hear a scream, it's probably Rebecca.
*grins*

I'm stuck on Roberto lately.
Pourquoi me reveiller is absolutely fabulous and immensely satisfying. I don't care what nasty things people say about him. I don't care if he cancels every performance from now till the cows come home. The man can sing. The man can also put a thousand different emotions into one note. Mr.Pavarotti can just retire into oblivion with his little secretary. Give me the short Cicilian with a hot chin any day.

Finis

To be a child again

I made Lemonade for the munchkins.
Real lemonade, with that real lemon juice stuff.
It's quite tasty.

I suppose at some point I need to send that Hamlet back.
Bah.
Parting is such sweet sorrow!!
I'll hie myself to a nunnery and put off this mortal coil!

I was once referred to as a Drama Queen.
It freaked me out.
Am I a Drama Queen?
I don't think I am generally. It just hits me every once in a while. I think I am a fairly level-headed person. We all have our Garbo moments. Speaking of the old girl, I think I am going to adopt that famous line of hers, "I vant to be alone!" It seems to fit me lately. I just want to sit somewhere by myself and enjoy a world without annoying noises or voices.

There is a particular comfort in eggs and toast. I'm not sure what it is. Maybe eating eggs reminds us of our childhood and makes us glad that we weren't conceived as a chicken.
*sigh*

I'm depressing myself.
I think I'll go finish GWTW. Melanie just died.
That'll cheer me up.

Oh, we put up our Christmas tree.
It wasn't a pleasant experience.

And I leave you with this thought....
Why didn't Juliet just leave with Romeo when he was banished????

My White Knight

MY WHITE KNIGHT
by M. Willson

My white knight, not a Lancelot, nor an angel with wings
Just someone to love me, who is not ashamed of a few nice things.
My white knight who knew what my heart would say if it only knew how.
Please, dear Venus, show me now.

All I want is a plain man
All I want is a modest man
A quiet man, a gentle man
A straightforward and honest man
To sit with me in a cottage somewhere in the state of Iowa.

And I would like him to be more interested in me than he is in himself.
And more interested in us than in me.

And if occasionally he'd ponder
what make Shakespeare and Beethoven great,
Him I could love till I die. Him I could love till I die.

My white knight, not a Lancelot, nor an angel with wings.
Just someone to love me, who is not ashamed of a few nice things.
My white knight, let me walk with him where others ride by
Walk and love him till I die, till I die.

Thinking

Oh that this too too solid flesh would melt!

So, I need to think of a craft for the munchkins on Sunday morning.
Any ideas?

Because I like pictures :)

I do so like pictures.
I'm sure all of you who have known me for a while are shocked at that confession, but it's true.
*grin*

Change

Alright people, it's time for a new title, a new quote, and a new picture.
This is your warning.
*grins*

Mother, Aunt and Sister just got back from shopping.
Since I wasn't in a mood to be seen in public, I remained at home, holding down the fort, so to speak.

My mother has one of those annoying little snowmen things that has a sensor and goes off whenever there's movement sitting outside the front door.
Arg.
It's soooooooooo annoying.
I hate those mechanical voice thingies.
Bah.

It's drizzling and cold.
Which is fine.
That's as close to winter as we get around here.

Okay, off to search for a new theme!!

Years

Memories fall
Like leaves to their autumn grave
Is it a blessing that my memories of you
Are not whole
I am missing some of the pieces to the puzzle
That was never completed
Its fate was natural abortion
Flawed from the conception
Hope says that is was created to die
To die a peaceful death
To float down the stream of emotions
To sink slowly to the rocky bottom
And decay under the surface
Away from prying eyes and man's contempt
Yet I often wish for that puzzle
I want to make the pieces fit
But I might have lost my fingers
Tears fall
Then fall no more
Another memory made

Oh, the woe!

This is also for Emma.

I wrote this with the Shakespeare magnet poetry on the day that the first closing notice was posted for Jane.

My heart is melancholy
Farewell tender dream
A lover of your heavenly light
Will never give up
Though some say thou hast nothing to bestow
To me you speak in seemly grace
I am always beguiled by thy beauty
If only wishes and vows could fill thy every woe
Friend without thee night has come
The sky above will never see summer break

Of These Things I Dream

This is for Emma.

Of These Things I Dream, by Kathryn Gooch

To know your heart
To see through your eyes
To feel every emotion
Of these things I dream

To know your soul
To share your hopes
To share your fears
Of these things I dream

As your Comforter, I would wipe away your tears
As your Protector, I would hold you in my arms
As your Strength, I would carry you through
As your Lover, I would always be true

Your hands play across the strings of my life
Love is your Bow and Hope your Conductor
This is our one and only performance
Heaven will be our encore

If only we could find a Heaven on Earth
Where our spirits could run free
Where we can escape from the life
That holds us as prisoners to the inevitable

Of these things I dream

A rant

I need to complain.

People who don't use the mental powers that God gave them really really bug me.
If the timer on the stove is beeping, maybe you should check to see if something is in the oven.
Is that difficult?????
NO!!!!!!
USE YOUR BRAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don't annoy everyone else around you because you aren't using your little gray cells!!!!

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

'Tis the season!

Happy Thanksgiving to all the preschool monkeys out there!
(hey Em, that was funny, you have to admit... :)

My best friend sent me the sweetest card in the mail a couple of days ago and I found out this morning that her husband was the one who found it and had to show it to her.
*sniff*
The ties that bind certainly bind the most interesting combinations.
:)

I was kind of hoping to get my POTO boots before the holiday, but alas, it is not to be.
I suppose I'll survive somehow.
*strikes pose*

The youth choir is singing at the Christmas program.
I'm going to sing a verse of Silent Night in German and Em is going to sign. It sounds beautiful - the altos and sopranos strart in unison and then the altos split off and the tenors come in. It's lovely.

-3
.
(that was courtesy of Percy)

Happy Anniversary (tomorrow) to me and Becca! Four years ago on Thanksgiving we spoke on the telephone for the first time.
And the rest is history.
:)

I convinced mother that we needed to go see The Messiah. I got the tickets on Monday. It'll be cool. I need to make sure that I bring a hankie.
*sniff*

KOIT is playing all Christmas music!
Woohoooo!!!

Physics

A miracle happend on Thursday.
We got out of Physics Lab in AN HOUR AND A HALF.
It was rather odd.
*cues "Twilight Zone" music*

Another thing...

Children's cartoons are terrible these days.
Gabby was watching one this morning with a skeleton in a black cape named Grim and a little girl who kept slapping another child because he was upset that she was leaving.
*shakes head*
And people wonder why I don't mind that my parents have never had a tv in our house.

The hills are aliiiiiive!!!!

Don't know where that came from.....
Just seemed like a good post title.
*grins*

I realized that I hadn't posted since Wednesday. I seem to be slipping.
*falls on face*
:)

I watched Gabby and Madelaine today. They are so funny. Gabby is in first grade. That makes me feel kind of old. I remember when she was two years old.
*sigh*

James will be back in Utown for the week of Thanksgiving.
Why does the man insist on torturing us!!!!!?????
ONE WEEK????
*bangs head against wall*
I asked Sal if we should just pay someone to get a bootleg during his little one week stint.
Bah.

Sometimes I think my short term memory gets turned off or something.
I totally forgot that Netflix didn't have Ken's Hamlet, so when I got the dvd and saw that it was Kevin Kline, I was disappointed.
However, I decided that I might as well watch it since I had it.

Well.

It's fab.
He is just wonderful. His Hamlet is very human, even in his "madness." Ken can be a little overpowering, sort of larger than life.
But Kevin Kline has given me a totally new view of Hamlet. His Hamlet is very tender, very loving. I took one look at the guy when he came on screen and this wave of emotion came over me. I was crying in about a minute flat. That has never happened to me before. I was thinking "Oh man, I am CRYING!!!!!"
LOL

When Ophelia tries to return the letters....

Good heavens.

He's walking towards her and he's raising his hands to her face and she shoves the letters at him. And his reaction. Yeesh. It's like someone unplugged his internal light bulb. Yikes. Just rub some more salt in that wound, Oph!!!!
*smacks Ophelia*

I should probably mention that for a major portion of the story, he is barefoot in black slacks and................................a white, rather semi-poofy shirt.
And that never hurt anyone.
*grins*

Anyways, it's just lovely.
Emma is coming over tomorrow to watch it with me.
I haven't watched the final scene yet, so who knows what could happen.
Both of us might be a total blubbering mess.
I'll let you know what happens.
:)

A little gossip, a little chat

Well, not gossip really.... I just wanted to use that subject line. I've been listening to Man of La Mancha.

That caused me to remember that I saw Mark Linn Baker in the Times Square Toys R Us when Rebecca and I were in the city this summer. I thought it was funny because I saw Cousin Larry and Mr.Twinkisetti (sp?) on the same day. Now I just a Bronson Pinchot sighting and my life will be complete!
*grins*

I finally set up a new email account.
*sigh*
I'm going to miss katgoochie. She was a swell girl.
Oh well.
This things can't last forever.

Peanut butter on wheat bread just does not taste as good as peanut butter on WonderBread.
*sigh*

I remembered to put the Power Point disc in my school bag.
*pats self on back*

Andrea is picking me up today and we're going to lunch with mother.
It's nice to have friends.

You've heard it before...

...but I'm gonna say it again...

I love Jane.

Jane

Hhhmmm.
I suppose I should write something.
:)

I think I'm having a Jane relapse.
After I saw the show, I stopped trying to explain it to people.

Person - "Did you have a nice time? How was it?"

Me - "Yes, I did. It was great."

I realized that 99% of the population wouldn't understand, so I stopped trying.
And that's okay.
I don't blame them.

I remember Rebecca holding my hand and squeezing it right as James rolled out onto the stage.
Talk about surreal.
It took me a while to get used to the idea that I was actually watching him, that he was actually *right there* on the stage.
I remember Lissa looking at me when the houselights came on at intermission. She looked like someone had just told her that she was the Queen of England.
I'm happy to say that Lissa and Rebecca were thoroughly convinced by intermission.
*grin*
I remember that woman sitting right next to me who claimed to be an English teacher and had never read the novel.
I remember bawling when Helen came out on stage and I didn't stop until the end of the show.
I remember those poor little Kleenexes that I shredded.
:)
I said about two words on the drive home.
I become mute when I experience something like that.
*sigh*

A flood of memory washes over me
A little girl, betrayed and battered
Retrieves the pieces of a life that's torn apart
And tries in vain to mend the tattered pages of her heart

Start To Fly

You've had your taste of all that's sweet
Now you're through and what does it mean
You've sought the truth, found a lie
You've given up but it doesn't make it right

You want to go, I know you want to leave
You've got to go, farther than you see

If you just look past your scars
You will see
It's not that far
Don't close your mind
Let God inside
Begint to breathe
Start to fly
Start to fly

Wake from your sleep
Start your dream
It's okay to believe what you don't see
Give it away
Your heart won't break
This is a chance that you are going to have to take

Just close your eyes
Hold on tight
You don't have to be afraid
He is with you all the time
You'll be free
Full of peace
And everything that you need
It is right there can't you see

If you just look past your scars
You will see
It's not that far
Don't close your mind
Let God inside
Begint to breathe
Start to fly
Start to fly

Gabe Combs, Nate Cole

It's a Michael Day!!

Thank you, Gretchen!!!!
I love you!!!
Well, I loved you before today, but you know what I mean.
*grins*
You're probably sitting in a pub eating bangers and mash or shopping at Liberty.
*sigh*

Well, I received a lovely package in the mail today, containing...


I really wasn't sure what to think about this album when the news came out with the track listing and everything. The idea is nice, but I wasn't sure about the material. Then I listened to soundclips and still didn't know what to think.
But I reminded myself of what happened with Centre Stage. I was sure I wouldn't like that one and I ended up loving it.
Well, I'm happy to say that A Love Story will probably have the same fate. :)

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!
Finally, an album that fits the talent!
Not that his past albums were all stinkers, but this one is just brilliant.
Absolutely brilliant.
I'm sure a lot of the fans don't care for it at all and I can understand why. It's totally unlike anything he's done, other than the Donmar show.
It's very mellow, very Bacharach. This is not your typical Michael Ball Belting It Out To The Rooftops Album.
Becca and I have discussed how his style of singing has changed over the last several years and on this album he stays with the very soft and smooth style, rather heavy on the vibrato, but it works somehow. His voice is like a slice of butter, melting on a warm pancake. It curls around you slowly and draws you in.
The only time he really lets 'er rip is on God Give Me Strength and even then, it's a very emotional and raspy voice that sounds like it hasn't been getting much sleep.
The only problem is that the album seems too short!! I can only imagine how hard it must have been to fit everything into 47 minutes, considering the endless song possibilities. Michael has such a gift for telling a story with a song.

I must admit, the duet with Antonio Banderas on Me and My Shadow is cute. The picture of them in their matching shirts makes you smile. :) Just a couple of guys goofing off and getting paid for it. Must be nice.
*winks*

Whoever decided on the cover photo and design should get a raise. It's perfect for the theme of the album. Also, very smart decision to release it in the fall.

The producing and arranging and orchestrations are just fab. I'm so happy that he's finally getting the right musicians and producers to show off his talent. I've been saying for years that he needed to get away from the same old people and work with a different team.
The concept of this album is definitely risky and I applaud him for taking that risk.
Three cheers for the blue eyed Brit who, lucky for us, never even tried to be an estate agent!!!

This and That

It was raining this morning when I woke up. Bethany must be in a good mood. *grins*

There's a rather interesting discussion going on at the Jane board. Someone went on a Rochester bashing kick because they supposedly wanted other opinions. It's not necessary to make people mad or offend them before they will discuss something. A simple "Hey, how do you feel about Rochester?" would have sufficed.
And once again, I'm the one who is defending the fellow. I'm not sure why everyone is so eager to brand him as a creep. I pointed out that Jane was a selfish and rebellious teenager, but that doesn't seem to matter.
*sigh*
The man wasn't a monster. He had feelings, just like us. He and Jane are alike in more ways than people are willing to admit.
Bah.

I called Rebecca's house last night and ended up talking to Mom for about half an hour because Becca had collapsed on the couch. *grins*
Mom said she was jealous because Dad and I talked the last time I called.
lol
She mentioned something that I had thought about - Becca is coming here in January, which is great, but that means I won't be going there. :(
So, we'll have to see which way the wind blows. I would really like to make a trip there in January, or maybe right after Christmas. Let's hope that I can sell back most of my books and get a good chunk out of that. I'm also going to work probably most of the days that my parents are in LA. I'll get paid to sit at Mother's desk all day and answer the phone. Sounds good to me!! :)

Putting On Christ

In our finite human understanding, we sometimes cannot see how God is working and we do not comprehend why things happen the way they do.
People blame God for the horrific and shocking things that are happening in our world.
God is not a dictator. He gave man a free will and there is evil in the world because man invited it in. Terrible things occur not because God does not care for His children. They occur because man is "born in sin and shapen inquity."
But those who know Jesus do not have to fear anything!
David wrote that the Lord was his shield. A shield does not remain stationary. It stays in the hand of the soldier and can be moved to protect any part of that soldier that is vulnerable or under threat. God does not stay in one place. He protects us wherever and whenever we need protection. During the centuries of hand-to-hand combat, the shield often displayed the emblem of the family, royal house, or ruling government that the soldiers represented. When we are baptized in the name of Jesus, that name is displayed for our enemy to see. Baptism is "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38), or "to wash away ... sins" (Acts 22:16), and the name of
Jesus is the only name given for remission of sins, "through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins" (Acts 10:43). Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 22:16 "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." In Acts 8, Peter and John went into Samaria to pray for the people, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. vs.16 "...they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." In Acts 10, Cornelius and his household were baptized in the name of the Lord after they received the Holy Ghost.
"Jesus" is the supreme name by which God has chosen to reveal Himself to us. "Wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above
every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11).
When you are baptized in the name of Jesus, you carry the authority and protection of that name. "So many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death" (Romans 6:3). "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Gal 3:27).

I'm glad I've put on Christ.
I'm glad He is my shield.

Bah

It really bugs me when someone messes with sound/speakers.
My father took the speakers from the computer and hooked them up to his little stereo in the front room and now we have these really c*#%&y ones for the computer.
Bah.
I HATE it when my sound source is changed. It's highly annoying. It doesn't matter how many equalizing controls you have in the program, if the speakers stink, you are stuck.
Bah.
They could doing something odd, like little fluctuations in the sound.
Bah.
I want to throw them out of the window.
My ears are highly offended and I'm trying not to scream.

In fact, why try to resist.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I suppose the Poli Sci exam that I forgot about could have been worse. I could have gotten an F. Right now I'm hoping for C.
Bah.

I didn't eat dinner.
Something is definitely wrong.
:)

For Bethany

This post is for Bethany. :)

I take no offense at your comment about not liking plusONE. I'm sure there are things that you like that I don't and that's fine. And actually, plusONE's new album comes out next week and I won't be buying it. Now that Jason and Jeremy have left the group, the other guys have changed the style a lot. I think you might like it. Pete Furler produced it. It's nothing like their first cd.

It would appear that you have been reading reviews of Michael's stuff, probably at somewhere like Amazon. I too share your confusion as to why people listen to something only to bash it. I think Michael is rather unique in that I have never seen another artist inspire so much extreme like and extreme dislike. It's quite amazing and rather shocking at times. People say the most terrible things about him.
However, I have never heard of any time when he was rude or even short with anyone. He makes himself so available to the fans and he is always very sweet and kind.
Don't let nasty people bother you. If they want to deny themselves the enjoyment of Michael's music, so be it.
:)

Girls and Music

It's amazing how some females who are in their mid 20's are just as giggly and silly and boy crazy as a 16 year old. It's actually kind of annoying.
Bah.
I had a conversation with a friend last night about how girls these days are soooo forward and that has ruined it for the rest of us. Now guys expect girls to pursue them.
Bah.

My mother called this morning and had to tell me that she found round trip airfare from Saan Francisco to London for $172 plus taxes.
Can you picture my parents rambling around London?
Maybe I should issue a warning to Scotland Yard.
Speaking of London, Gretchen leaves today for her little jaunt across the pond to see Michael. *sigh* She did mail me the new cd yesterday and that was very sweet of her. She said "I'll just get another one while I'm there!"
Hmph.
Rub it in, why don't ya.
*winks*

I'm totally stuck on My Confession.
Goodness, it's very addictive.
*sigh*

My Confession

I have been blind
Unwilling to see the true love you're giving
I have ignored the blessings
And I'm on my knees confessing
That I feel myself surrender
Each time I see your face
I am staggered by your beauty
Your unassuming grace
And I feel my heart is turning
Falling into place
I can't hide
Now hear my confession

I have been wrong
About you
Thought I was strong
Without you
For so long
Nothing could move me
For so long
Nothing could change me

Now I feel myself surrender
Each time I see your face
I am captured by your beauty
Your unassuming grace
And I feel my heart is turning
Falling into place
I can't hide
Now hear my confession

You are the air that I breathe
You're the ground beneath my feet
When did I stop believing

'Cause I feel myself surrender each time I see your face
I am staggered by your beauty
Your unassuming grace
And I feel my heart is turning
Falling into place
I can't hide
Now hear my confession

Richard Page

Closer

Well, I am happy to say that Josh's cd is a little better than I expected.
Some of the songs are the same old same old, but there are some surprises. A couple of the tracks are very rhythm driven, with drums and guitars. Si Volvieras A Mi has a very pretty arrangement with the guitar and string section. When All'Improvviso Amore started to play, I was like Whoa! This is a little wild for Josh! But it's a great song and really works for him. I predict that a good remixer will take that one and turn it into a dance hit. *grins* This album feels a little more earthy, not quite as studio perfect as the first one. It's warmer, not as technically cold and overdone. To me, the stand-outs are My Confession, All'Improvviso Amore, Si Volvieras A Mi, Remember When It Rained and Never Let Go. Per Te is also pretty good.
Oceano and Mi Mancherai (il postino) are kinda of blah, except that Joshua Bell's excellent violin addition on the latter makes it more enjoyable. When You Say You Love Me is pretty, but it's just kind of there. Broken Vow is nothing new. Why oh why did they add Caruso??? *shakes head* I've never undertstood what was so great about that song. We all know how it was written for Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli recorded it..yadda yadda yadda. Not sure why it's on the album. Hymne A L'Amour .....nothing spectacular about this one. I prefer Italian over French, so maybe that's part of it. You Raise Me Up is nice, definitely the offspring of To Where You Are.
I'm glad they let him contribute in the songwriting and in playing the piano on Remember When It Rained. It just adds that little something.
Never Let Go is the odd child of the album, and I really like it. Very very different than anything he's done before. Now I need to find out more about Deep Forest.

So, I'm glad I got it.
You might like it.
*grins*

Friends

Rebecca asked me for suggestions for a paper she has to write for her English class.
It has to be about a book that they have discussed this semester. Lucky for her, Jane is one of them. *sigh* So I suggested using Jane, Cathy (Wuthering Heights) and Estella (Great Expectations) as the subject matter and discuss how the society of each character tried to mold them into a certain role.
Anywhoo, I'm feeling a Wuthering Heights mood coming on.

There is actually a Wuthering Heights musical, but it's supposedly not that great. Plus, Lesley Garrett is Cathy and I'm telling you, what Michael Ball sees in her I most definitely do not see. Maybe that's because I'm a female, but really people.... She does not have that great of a voice. Dave Willets is Heathcliff. That's like casting William Hurt as Rochester. Bah. Why don't they consult me about these things!!

It's 65 degrees!

I have a headache. Just thought I would let you know.

My cat is so cute. He started this thing where he picks up his frog in his mouth, walks over to his food dish, drops the frog in it and then proceeds to eat. Cats are so cool. It's lovely to go to bed and feel him jump up with his motor running really loud and curl up beside my legs. He makes funny noises when the alarm goes off and when I begint to stir. Cats are comforting. Right now he's running around the place, playing with a mouse.
*sigh*

Josh's cd comes out tomorrow. I thought about braving the wilds of his message board, but I haven't yet. That place is rather creepy. Those Grobanites are scary, while the Claymates are just kinda cute. It's actually quite interesting to study.

I had a fun time watching people at work today. The three older guys started talking about football. I do not find football enjoyable. I'll watch baseball, but football is just blech. I don't like basketball either. Baseball seems much less physically agressive than football or basketball. Maybe that's why I like it.

Then there's gymnastics.
*grins*

Monday

Another Monday.
Well, it isn't raining.
I do like the rain.
I just don't always like to be out in it.
I like to watch it.

I need to eat.
Then maybe I'll have something interesting to say.

The Pit cd

If you're looking for some good music, here's my suggestion...

Freedom

This is as good as any John Williams score out there, although technically, it isn't a score. *grins*

Rebecca and I fondly refer to it as "The Pit cd."
When our screenplay is complete, I'll let you in on the story.
Let's just say that it involves a hero, a heroine, a villian, and a castle in Wales with a very cool pit.
*winks*

Taking Pictures

This morning my grandfather brought over a photgraph of my grandmother's father, which would make him my great-grandfather. *duh*
I've never seen this before. He was in the army in WWII.
I also found out that he was born in Montana on February 17, 1896.

I've been thinking about doing some kind of family history search.
I want to know from whence I came.
*grins*

Tea

There is something immensely satisfactory in that perfect cup of tea. Making tea really is an art. I'm still learning. Auntie Joan definitely makes the best tea I've ever had in America. I suppose the fact that she is Geordie has something to do with it. *grins*

Coldplay has a new live dvd/cd set. Might have to ask for that for Christmas. I'm still doing homework on those little mp3 recorder things. They just seem very handy and I want one with recording capabilities. *grins*

Rain

In honor of the weather...

Rain
Falls from the sky
Fresh on my skin
Kisses my face
I drag myself up
Weary I walk
Guided by grace
There in the darkness
A flicker of light
Leading me onward
Over the moors
To a road
A road winding slow
That leads to a house
A house that I know

I do like rain. There's something about the sound of rain that is refreshing and peaceful. Would rain sound the same if it was red or hot pink or lime green? I don't think so. In answer to the statement "A rose by another name would smell as sweet," Anne replied "A rose just wouldn't smell as sweet if it was a thistle or a skunkcabbage."

In other news, I have a cold. The sneezing, runny nose, apply Vaseline kind of cold, like the one I had when we were in England. I suppose that accounts for why meeting Michael was rather surreal. I remember waking up that second morning in York and realizing how absolutely crummy I was. I used up all of Heidi's Kleenex supply. Thank you, Heidi. I made a little stop at Boots and picked up some pills after I exhausted Lissa's stash. That was shortly before we got the tickets for the Vivaldi concert at St.Martin's. *sigh*
I should go before I really depress myself. I'm wondering if I should maybe take something to help me sleep.
Did you know that if you are under 21, you can't buy NON-ALCOHOLIC wine, but you can buy Nyquil, which has more alcohol?
I love America.
*grins*

Hey hey hey!!!

Lookie!! I have a title field!!!
*pats self on back*

Real Men Sing

Check this out...
A Really Cool Dude Who Sings

This is for Bethany. :)

Solo albums:
Michael Ball, self-titled
Always
One Careful Owner
First Love
The Musicals
The Movies
Live at the RAH
Christmas
This Time It's Personal
Centre Stage
A Love Story (coming soon!)
The Best of Michael Ball
Songs of Love
The Collection

Cast Albums:
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Rage of the Heart
Passion (probably not your kind of musical *grins*)
West Side Story (around here somewhere....)
Les Miserables

Bootlegs *cough*
various Chitty
various concerts
Donmar show, video transferred to cd

And various other stuff from compliation albums.
:)

Everybody's looking for that something
One thing that makes it all complete
You find it in the strangest places
Places you never knew it could be

Some find it in the face of their children
Some find it in their lover's eyes
Who can deny the joy it brings
When you've found that special thing
You're flying without wings

Some find it sharing every morning
Some in their solitary lives
You'll find it in the words of others
A simple line can make you laugh or cry

You'll find it in the deepest friendship
The kind you cherish all your life
And when you know how much that means
You've found that special thing
You're flying without wings

So, impossible as it may seem
You've got to fight for every dream
Cos who's to know which one you let go
Would have made you complete

Well, for me it's waking up beside you
To watch the sunrise on your face
To know that I can say I love you
At any given time or place

It's little things that only I know
Those are the things that make you mine
And it's like flying without wings
Cos you're my special thing
I'm flying without wings

And you're the place my life begins
and you'll be where it ends
I'm flying without wings
And that's the joy you bring
I'm flying without wings

"Bach gave us God's word
Mozart gave us God's laughter
Beethoven gave us God's fire
God gave us music that we might pray without words."

*sniff*
That's beautiful.
I remember reading a quote from Bach...something about "What is music for but to worship God."

Wow.
According to this picture, The Civil War was a monster hit.

Hhmmm....

Someone sure put the cart before the horse!
*grins*

I happy to announce that my Physics exam grade is 86 1/2, and of that I am quite proud.
*grins*
You try taking a class that's in another language! Hah!

Well, I tried to change the background to a really cool pic of York Minster, but the color wasn't very good. Sort of made the type unreadable. And we can't have that.
Hehe!

Tip for the day:
If you want to drink more water when you are at work, position yourself next to the water cooler. It helps tremendously.
*grins*

Greetings, ladies and gentlemen!
I'm reporting to you from my brand new desk here in the office of Specialized Vocational Services. I actually haven't worked for about 3 or 4 weeks, so it's nice to be back. I must say, this is a rather large desk. I was used to sitting at an ancient teeny desk with mess drawers, so this upgrade is almost a bit overwhelming. This thing must be at least 5 feet long and it has cabinets on top, above the computer that run the length of the desk. Lots of room for all of those blasted Scantron and School Leavers binders. I'm also going to be getting a new computer soon. I have the new software for the WorkAbility program, but I can't install it until I have the new computer.

I start working for Emma's grandfather on Wednesday. He owns a Big and Tall Store. It will be nice to be back in retail. Two days a week is just right - enough for me to get the urge out of my system and work in a fairly calm atmosphere. Just a bunch of elderly men looking for new overalls.....doesn't sound too bad. *grins*

I should get to work. Need to sort through these papers and stuff.
Ain't life grand.
Tomorrow is our second in-class essay for Critical Thinking. I've decided to stop worrying about this type of thing. It's not worth it.

ButtercupWhat about the R.O.U.S's?
WestleyRodents Of Unusual Size? I dnn't think they exist.

Hey hey hey!! It's Thornfield!
I think the option of changing the background image so easily is going to take up a lot of my free time.
*grins*
It would appear that Bethany is quite enjoying Michael's Christmas album.
Was there ever any doubt??? *winks*

My father walks into the house this afternoon on his break with bags in his hands. He says "I went to WalMart and did some grocery shopping."
Uh huh.
That's code for "I went to WalMart and bought more Halloween candy."

Last night we had our first big rain. It started drizzling just before church and then started again later on around 9ish. It's lovely to finally have winter weather.

I had terrible dreams last night.....people dying, an earthquake, all that fun stuff.
*sigh*
Then to top it off, Baby had some trouble and the evidence of that trouble was spread around the floor in my room. I tell myself that this good training for a human baby. *bigger sigh*

My fairy godmother is leaving in 9 days for the UK. I'm supposed to give her a list of teas that I want. She's a sweetie. I told her that I might be getting a car and her husband suggested a Mini Cooper.
Guess what kind of car he has.
*winks*

I need to eat something.
I like food.
Which probably isn't a good thing.
Oh well.
Man cannot live by bread alone!
That's what God invented meat!
Hah!

If you've known me for any length of time, you most likely are aware that I like opera. I started listening to opera several years ago. Thankfully, my bestest auntie Lissa likes opera so I borrowed some of her stuff, including the Domingo/Cortrubas recording of La Traviata. I suppose it's a combination of the music, voices, and storytelling that grabs me.
Back in the early 90's, the three tenors known as The Three Tenors *winks* brought opera into the eye of the general public. I have to add right here that Carreras drives me nuts. Can't stand to hear him sing and can't stand to watch him sing. *shudders*
Anywhoo, shortly after I started getting into opera, I discovered Roberto Alagna.

Imagine finding a Romeo who isn't old enough to my grandfather! It was quite refreshing! Roberto is an exceptional actor and uses his whole body, not just his voice, to portray a character or particular emotion.

As for his voice, well......his ability and talent is widely debated. I'm not an opera expert, but he does hit a bad note every now then. But what I like about him is the way that he can put so much feeling and passion into his performance. Technical perfection is not what impresses me about him. It's the obvious love for what he does that is so compelling.
He has recorded quite a bit with his wife, the Romanian soprano Angela Gheorghui.

The media sometimes paints a not so nice picture of the two of them, but I've learned that the media isn't gospel. *grins*

Roberto's Christmas album is rather ecletic.

It almost sounds like two different people recorded this album - an opera singer and a pop singer. It's hard to believe that it's the same person singing Adeste Fideles and the pop song The Love Of A Child. I think he pulls it off very convincingly. He is accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra, The Choir of St.John's, The New London Children's Choir and a couple of other choirs. It's a beautiful cd, with classic carols in English and some in French, mixed in with Jingle Bells and White Christmas.
He has a very cute accent when he sings in English, probalby equivalent to a native English speaker singing in French or Italian. *grins* He hits some notes in Ave Maria that practically cause me to levetate. *floats around room*
So, if you're looking for a great album of classic stuff mixed in with a little bit of the new, get this one. *grins*

This morning I made the costumes for the kids. Construction paper, yarn, staples and glitter are wonderous things. You don't have to be Michaelangelo to make something look half-way decent. *grins*
The kids look so cute, especially since we have some of that sparkly wire stuff to put on them like a halo. It's gonne be great.

I'm having a Princess House Party. They're having some cool sales right now and their flatware would look great with my dishes, so I couldn't resist. The party is Tuesday the 11th, so if you're reading this, you're invited! I plan on serving tea. *sticks nose up in air*

Emma went to lunch with us after church and then we went to Target. I bought a matching set of gloves, hat, and scarf. They're very cute, sort of a multi-colored rainbow theme. Emma got a red hat and I must say that the hat looks better on her than it does on me. Must be something in the shape of her face. Hhmm....

I read an article today about blogging. Apparently, it's becoming quite the "in" thing. If you're one of those kind of people who does something simply because it's cool, then stay away from blogging. Trust me.

It's 3 in the afternoon and the temp is only about 58 degrees!
Woohoooo!!!

I just found out that my mother is having a Princess House Party at 2 this afternoon. That explains why she has been making the house look autumny.
*sigh*
I might have to hide in my room. I'm not feeling very social. This will take some effort.

Listening to...

I am happy to say that the Bloggies were a smashing success last night. Our best song was definitely Hark, the Herald Angels Sing. We were invited into houses, given candy and drinks, and even caught on video so that future generations may observe our greatness. *grins*

Emma came over so we could get ready together. She fixed my hair and put the scarf in it. It completed my peasant/gypsy vibe. *grins* Crystal was kind of a cross between Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. I must say that the lace curtains and the pin I got in Bath really topped off her outfit. Bethany looked like an old fashioned caroler. It's rather hard to put Emma in a category. She looked liked a caroler from a Ralph Lauren ad. Must have been the skirt. *winks* And Amanda.....sensible Amanda....wore regualr clothes and a Santa hat.

I'm feeling rather blah today. I sort of lost my powers of speech about 2/3s of the way through our caroling.

It's finally autumn around here!! I mean it actually looks like autumn and feels like autumn! No more 80 degree days! Woohooo!!! I slept with sweats and socks on last night! It was great!

Emma was quite happy. I helped her find a new background for her blog. It's a blue butterfly and very pretty. I can't decide if I want to change mine. I'll see what I can find.

Ciao!

Here we are on another Thursday afternoon. Today in Physics, Amanda and I were guinea pigs. Niles hooked us up to a Van de Graff. It's supposed to make your hair stand on end. Bethany said it looked like Amanda had a halo and I had wings. *grins*

We made a kind of rough map for our outing tomorrow. The list keeps getting bigger. I think we're giong to have to downsize.

Our lab this afternoon is about the Speed of Sound. How terribly interesting. *yawn*

La, but someone has to strike a pose and bear the weight of well-tailored clothes!
Oohhhh......I'm feeling a frou-frou mood coming on....



Each species needs a sex that's fated to be highly decorated and that is why the Lord created men!

Choices, choices!!!
I am now undecided on what to wear for our caroling excursion. I need to find out what Bethany and Amanda are wearing. Not sure if my Jane idea will work. *sigh*
However, I did find my Gucci bag to use for candy. *grins* I was looking for my box of old dress up clothes, but alas, I fear it is lost in the abyss known as the garage. I did manage to find my Spanish stuff, so I've been reviewing it.
Mi casa es su casa!

And this is for Emma. *winks*

So many outfits, so little time. :)

Do you have little things that bug you?
White pianos.
I don't like white pianos. I'm not sure why.
Any ideas?

It is so interesting how cultures/people pick up habits that identify them. Take for example the Brits referring to a person as "love." There is a woman in my Poli Sci class with whom I have had dialogue only twice. Each time, she has called me "sweetie." I don't even know this woman.
How did the greeting "howdy" originate? Have you ever heard someone other than an American use that word?

Well, leaving you with those deep deep ponderings ;), I must be off!
My sister is taking me driving today, so if you're in Napa, this is your warning to stay off the roads! *grins*

It's been two days since I posted. I told myself I better do it now or who knows when I would finally talk myself into it. :)
Reina came over for dinner, we went to choir practice, and she came back over. I missed her so much. I love that chickie. :) She is priceless. No one else calls me "Gooch!!" the way that she does. She is one in a trillion.
She brought me a blue and white teapot from Holland. How cool is that?
OOHHHH!! BECCAAAA!!! SHE ALSO BROUGHT ME SOME MORE DUDES!!! WOOHOO!!
So now, I have dudes from England, Wales and Holland! I think I need to start a collection. *grins*

It looks like our youth choir concert will be next spring, which is fine. Frank, Mr.Perfection, will have more time to beat us into shape. *grins*

I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends. It seems like now I have more female friends than guy friends. It used to be the opposite.
Me and the Bloggies are going to dress up and go caroling on Halloween. *grins*
I'm not sure what I'll wear. I thought about mixing a long formal skirt with toe socks and sandals and some sort of odd shirt and put my hair in pigtails or something.
Yippee for free candy!

I surived the Physics exam today. I feel better about this one when compared to the first one. I was more prepared. Preparation usually helps. *grins*

Bethany and I went into the art building. I walked upstairs and Eric was lecturing in his Art History II class. I realized how much I liked that class and how much I miss it. Eric is such a neat guy. I'm trying to convince Bethany to take it next semester so I can go sit through it with her. I don't think Eric would mind.
I sort of developed a....uuhh.....particular affection, shall we say, for Diego Velazquez in that class. I can't believe I'm admitting this in public. There is just something about his paintings. I love Las Meninas. Maybe it's just the time period, clothing, etc. *sigh*
Breugel the Elder is another one. Netherlandish Proverbs is brilliant. If Garrison Keillor could paint, he probably would have painted that one.
Then there's da Vinci. Don't get me started on da Vinci. *grins*

This getting dark earlier thing really stinks. I like the season, but I don't like that part of it. It's only 10 and if seems like it should be midnight.

Well, I think I'm going to go listen to Christmas music, reminisce over my art history textbook and eat something sweet and full of calories.
Good night.
The rest is silence.
*winks*

You said I'd have no more than I could handle
But everyday it seems to be getting harder to make good
Through You, You said that I could do anything
But sometimes I feel like I can't do it at all

I've been knocked down and dragged around
And now I don't know which way to go
All I need it one small sign to point me to the way where You want me
I'm confused so I'm still calling on You

'Cause I'm, I'm broken
And I'm ready for You to pick up the pieces
Won't You direct me, hold me
Accept me and mold me
Put the fragments of my life back together again
'Cause I'm broken

George Rowe

Another Sunday has gone by.
I'm kinda pooped and I don't really have much to say.
Just that it takes a long time to heal from certain wounds. Just like physical wounds, they hurt even after they're healed. I think the hurt at that point is mostly just sadness. Sadness over the fact that things will never be as they once were. Imagine if there was someone who sold ice cream to you alone. Suddenly, that changes and they no longer sell to you, but to someone else. Kinda makes you wary of people who sell ice cream. It's even harder to have to watch them tell other people how to sell ice cream, when they treated you like they did.
Part of life, I suppose.
:)

I have a major decision to make. Geno has offered to sell me his Honda Accord for a very low price. The car is in excellent condition and it's a steal for the price.
Am I ready for this???
Comments welcome. :)

Listening to - Celine Dion, These Are Special Times

I'm so glad I don't live in LA. I have a variety of reasons, but those fires that are going on right now are sort of at the top of my list. It may be outrageously expensive to live in Napa, but thank goodness my parents have stayed here. Bless them. *moment of silence*

I finally cleaned my fish tank yesterday evening. I shouldn't have let it get that bad. I'm such a terrible fish parent. I'm glad to report that Harry and Irene are very happily swimming around in their very clean tank. *grins*
I'm almost out of their food. Can you believe that? How often do people actually have to buy MORE fish food??? Maybe Harry and Irene are taking after their namesakes. I waited until they lived for a while before I told Grandma that I named my fish after her and Grandpa. I didn't have fish for a long time after Fishie perished in the earthquake three years ago. I remember when I finally managed to get out of my room on that night (and I still think an Angel helped me climb over the furniture in the pitch black) I went into Mom and Dad's room and the first thing I said was "I think my fish tank fell over."
LOL
That's so typically me. It's 2 am, we just went through an earthquake that caused major damage, my sister is freaking out downstairs because she was in the bathroom when it happened and she saw the walls shaking, we don't know if there is going to be another one, the power is out, and I'm thinking about my poor Fishie.
:)
I found him the next day and buried him outside the front door. So I was traumatized and it took me a while before I wanted fish again.
Then I got Bobby, Hope and Lockstock and they only survived a week. *sigh* But Harry and Irene seem to be doing fine. I've had them since before we moved and that was in April. Maybe they'll set some kind of record.

Listening to - Crystal Lewis, Holiday

Ah, another Saturday morning.
The doughnuts sitting on the kitchen table are calling my name. I think the chocolate one is yelling the loudest. *grins*

I've been gather some stuff for Mother in case she wants to do a Veteran's Day program at church. I have all kinds of ideas of how to involve the kids. Every once in a while, this kind of inspiration strikes me. It isn't a constant thing, so when it happens, I take it and run!! *grins*

I'm gonna try to convince Mother to play Natalie Grant's version of the national anthem or maybe plusONE's American the Beautiful.
Cross your fingers for me.

I can't wait to see Reina tomorrow. Three months is a long stinking time!! She's bringing her neices to church, so they'll be in class with me and Beth and Em. They are cuties.

I need to get out to the college and get the answers to the Physics questions.
Oh joy.
*sigh*

Okay, time for a doughnut!

AAAAHHHHHH!!!!!
MY AVALON CHRISTMAS CD IS MISSING!!!!
CALL THE FBI!!!!

*pant, pant*

What in the world could have happened to it?
*sobs*

Well, the privilege of starting the season off with a bang has been granted to Linda Eder. She just sang Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.
I do so love Christmas music. It's so joyful.

Have I ever mentioned how much I like cheese?
Right now I'm sold on Tillamook. Yum. *rubs tummy*
Last night I made some very tasty burritos. The key is to not overcook the beef. There's your cooking tip for the day. *grins*

I just found out that one of my friends (who is younger than I) wanted to look me when she grew up. She thought I was ladylike.
Fooled her, heh!!!
;)

I had to move some things around in my room to find a place for the Christmas cd's.
Still haven't decided on which song to use to open the season. *grins*
I think I might go with Sandy Patti's version of O Holy Night.
But Avalon's Jesus, Born On This Day is a great one.
*sigh*
So many choices!

Only two months 'till Christmas!!
I've decided that I am not going to get out all my holiday music. It's been living inside the bottom drawer of my nighttable since we moved.
The Broadway Inspirational Voices new cd looks good. I might have to order it.
I found out that Bebe Winans is releasing a Christmas album on November 25.
I hope it's as good as they make it out to be. Emma was rather pleased, to put it mildly, to know that her favorite Mr.Thomas will be appearing on the cd. That will be interesting.
Michael English's holiday cd will be out on the 28 of this month, as will the Curb compilation album with Jonathan signing O Holy Night. *screams* That's going to be awesome.

Now I just have to decide on the inaugural song.....hhmm.....

Nice wolf. :)
I think I'm a combination of Earth and Air. Check out Emma's blog for Air.

Your element is Earth. I hate to say it but you are
down to earth. Stubborn and loyal. You tend to
want to nurture others and you are the one
person friends always come to for awnsers.
Without people like you others would be flying
over the edge because, whether you know it or
not you keep a steady beat to your life and
will end up where you want to in the end. There
is a sureness about you that is hard to match
that draws people to you. No matter what
happens the Earth keeps turning.


What's your element
brought to you by Quizilla

Must be all that singing.
*strums harp*


You are Psalms.


Which book of the Bible are you?
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Rebecca would be proud.
"If I loved yooouuuu!!!!!!!"
*sigh*


You're Rogers and Hammerstein, how about that?
You're were classic classic, the writers of a
million and one standards, the bane of our
existences and the light of our lives. Your
musicals may feel a little creaky (not to
mention un-PC) to a modern viewer, but damn if
"Bali H'ai" isn't one of the most
amazing earworms ever. (Some of) Your shows:
"Oklahoma!," "The King and
I," "South Pacific," "The
Sound of Music"...


What Broadway Composer (or Composer-Lyricist team) are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

*beaming*
I like this one.
:)


Aphrodite/Eros


?? Which Of The Greek Gods Are You ??
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Here's me!!!


Seer


The ULTIMATE personality test
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I have a Tag Board! I'm so pleased with self! I'm not a total Template Dummy! There is hope!
Okay, time for Physics Lab. More liquid Nitrogen! Woohoo!!!!!!!!!

Okay, I'm supposed to be doing Physics, but Bethany posted a thingie on her blog to a site called Behind the Name. Look at mine. This is too funny...

Kathryn is the German form of Katherine.

KATHERINE f English
Pronounced: KATH-u-rin, KATH-rin
From the Greek name Aikaterine. The etymology is debated: it could derive from the earlier Greek name Hekaterine, which came from hekateros "each of the two"; it could derive from the name of the goddess HECATE; it could be related to Greek aikia "torture"; or it could be from a Coptic name meaning "my consecration of your name". The Romans falsely derived it from Greek katharos "pure" and changed their spelling from Katerina to Katharina to reflect this. The name belonged to a 4th-century saint and martyr from Alexandria who was tortured on the famous Catherine wheel. This name was also borne by two empresses of Russia, including Catherine the Great, and by three of Henry VIII's wives.

So, now you know that the url of my blog came from Catherine the Great, but the thing that got me was the torture bit.
Can anyone say Tortured Soul White Poofy Shirt???
Puts a pretty different spin on The Syndrome, doesn't it!!!
*grins*
Hehe!!!
(I'm assuming that those of you who are reading this will know about The Syndrome....if not email me...jane_eyre_musical@yahoo.com)
:)

Okay, back to work.
Yippee.

Please pray for my mother. She's been sick and my father just had to take her back to the doctor because her breathing is so bad.
Pray that I don't get it! I'm already having enough trouble! I've got four or five puffers sitting around my room.
:(

When I helped mother out to the car, Dad's big gob of keys fell on my right toes. Yesterday, a book fell on my left toes.
Someone is after my feet!!!

Today I need to finish reading all that stuff for critical thinking and work on the Physics exam questions. Yuck.

So, James has finished his run in Virginia. Wonder what he'll do next. His website is under construction. It's about time. That was kind of a lame site. A ton of stuff that he did wasn't posted in the news section. That is so annoying. ggrrrrrr.....

Last night I had dreams about people shooting other people. Must have come from watching Traffic in class. It's so interesting to figure out dreams. :)

I also had a dream that Reina came home!!!!!!

Here we have Salisbury Cathedral.
It's definitely on my list of things to see for my next trip across the pond.
:)

I got my Poli Sci exam back. He still hasn't given the extra credit, so I can't give you the final grade. *grins*

Bethany and I went to the library and I picked up some totally nifty books about medieval architecture and cathedrals.
Boy, that stuff just pushes my buttons and how!
Yeesh! I wonder if I will be able to have a ruined abbey on the grounds of my estate. Maybe I could import one or something. Hhmmm.....

Becca, where in the blazes have you been???? I've been trying to call you since last week!!

Lissa, I'm wearing my Chitty shirt. Hehe!! I'm not sure why they didn't make them white rather than black. It would have been much cooler. Hmph. They should have consulted me about this! ;)

Happy Tuesday to everyone!

I do not like Physics.
Just thought I would share that with everyone.
I wish the college offered more art history courses. I find that to be much more interesting. That's a huge shock to you all, I'm sure.
:)

*sigh*

This could have definitely been better. It could have used a larger image of Rochester. *grins*

And that idiot woman said that we don't care for the characters as much as we should.
As Lissa so wisely pointed out, she must have a rock for a heart.

He holds his inner child by the hand
Life will take them to the same places tonight
They will return again to the home of their memories
Through the empty seas, through the webs of fear
They will return again to the home of their memories
Through the empty seas, through the webs of fear

They'll stand together and they'll see passing by
The minutes flowing like rivers that never grow old
And the faces that transformed themselves into streets and centuries
And the dreams that dug hideouts through the years

When I was a child, I discovered a garden
And found refuge when I needed to be absent from life
When I was a child, I captured a sun
To light my path
To have a friend in my silence

He takes his inner child by the hand
Like glass, for one instant he'll crack, he'll break
They'll separate and each will go
In a world cut in half, where both do not fit
They'll separate and each will go
In a world cut in half, where both do not fit

When I was a child, I discovered a garden
And found refuge when I needed to be absent from life
When I was a child, I captured a sun
To light my path
To have a friend in my silence.

Music: Marios Frangoulis, Lyrics: Paraskevas Karasoulos

Greetings, earthlings.
I am attempting to type out some kind of post without feeling like I have much to say. This could end up boring or very boring.
Or maybe scary.
Or it might not be so bad.
There are worse things in life than reading something that is boring.
Being cold and wet is worse. I was sitting at the kitchen table last night with my friend Andrea and her aunt. We discussed being cold and wet and its miseries.
There are some people who may get older and have their problems, but that doesn't change who they are. They may be acting like a complete jerk, but they're still them.
Can a person truly change who they are, or do they simply change their behavior? Are we who we are or are we how we act?
Studying people really is fascinating. I was thinking today about how I would want someone to describe me to another person who doesn't know me. One of the things that came to mind was that I want people to see that I accept them for who they are and that I don't try to change them. You're you because you are You. If you can't understand that, you'll never understand people in the most basic sense of the word. A monkey can take blocks and build something with them, but a human is the one who made the blocks. I can love other people, but God is the one who made them.

Humans tend either to fear what they do now know/undertsand or they are fascinated by it. I hope I'm in the fascinated category. The study of the human mind and emotions is the one thing that will never be completely understood, yet it is the study that continues to be explored. Why is that?

The 50ish crowd is the one that is saying how irresponsible my generation is and how we lack a sense of community, etc.
But is that entirely out of our own choice?
Abraham Lincoln said "The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation is the philosophy of government in the next."
I say to the 50ish crowd, Perhaps if you had been the example and teacher, this generation wouldn't be so terrible.
You won't find great honey in a hive where the bees only gave half their energy.

I'm thinking about love.
There are so many ideas of what love is. I think it's easier to understand what love is by finding out what love isn't.
I Corinthians 13 is the best example of that.

Well, I'm sitting in front of the air conditioner and I'm rather cold.
Imagine that.

My Uncle Steve and cousin Stephanie are here from Texas. They live in Texas, but they're still Sooner fans. *grins*

The youth choir concert is basically in the clear, we just have to go through the Facilities department.
Woohoo!!!!

I don't have anything interesting to say right now.
I should go before I lose my reputation.
:)

"One of the most adventurous things left us is to go to bed. For no one can lay a hand on our dreams."
E.V.Lucas

Fly

Fly, fly little wing
Fly beyond imagining
The softest cloud, the whitest dove
Upon the wind of heaven's love
Past the planets and the stars
Leave this lonely world of ours
Escape the sorrow and the pain
And fly again

Fly, fly precious one
Your endless journey has begun
Take your gentle happiness
Far too beautiful for this
Cross over to the other shore
There is peace forevermore
But hold this mem'ry bittersweet
Until we meet

Fly, fly do not fear
Don't waste a breath, don't shed a tear
Your heart is pure, your soul is free
Be on your way, don't wait for me
Above the universe you'll climb
On beyond the hands of time
The moon will rise, the sun will set
But I won't forget

Fly, fly little wing
Fly where only angels sing
Fly away, the time is right
Go now, find the light
Jean-Jacques Goldman and Phil Galdston

Today's service for Sis.Price was one of the most beautiful experiences that I have ever had and probably will ever have.
Unless you were there, you won't understand.
I won't even try to decribe it, but it was beautiful. The presence of God was so sweet and people said that they had never heard the choir sound like that. Someone said that we sounded like angels.
I know she would have loved it.
:)

Waaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!!
I just read Bethany's blog
and she was practically giddy over the Delirious concert. The lads were fabulous. I remember back when Deeper came out and I was practically the first person I knew who liked them. Now everyone likes them and I couldn't go to the concert. Boohoo. *cries*

But.........

I am sooooooooooo glad I went to the viewing. It was so incredible. That church was packed with people and with flowers. Good heavens. Apparently, the florist that the church secretary recommended to people ran out of flowers and had to call in extra staff. I have never in my life seen that many flowers. It was so beautiful. It looked like Sis.Price was in her garden.
I'm glad that went, because Andrea (formerly known as Sally Jo), needed me. So many people just knew her as Sis.Price, but this is Andrea's grandmother.
She got up up from her seat when she saw me and gave me a hug and held my hand and started crying and told me about some things that had happened. Then she took me up to the casket and we talked. She had told me that alll the wrinkles had left Sis.Price's face, but I wasn't expecting what I saw. She (well, at least her body...her soul is in heaven) looks perfectly peaceful. Her face is smooth and even though her eyes are closed, there is a look of rest on her face. It's amazing.
We sang a few songs and then Bro.Price got up and talked about her. We just laughed and laughed. It was so joyful.
Today is the service at First Christian. They say it seats about 600 and I think it will probably be full. I have to be there at 12 for a sound check with the choir. What an honor to get to sing and to know that she asked for us. It's going to be an awesome experience.

This whole situation has been so amazing. I've never felt this way about a death before. I only really cried once and that was because I was so awestruck. I was praying for her and the family the day before she died and I had a picture in my mind of her in heaven, dancing on the streets of gold and I just wanted to laugh. It's amazing how we can see sadness and joy at the same time.

God is good.

Bless the LORD, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!...And forget not all His benefits...who satisfies you with good as long as you live, so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.
Psalms 103:1,2,5

"Again"
What did I do that made you throw me away?
Was it me?
Or was it you?
The curtain falls on every stage,
But this performance had not run its course.
Will you always walk out before the show is over?
Buying a ticket from you will never be worth the price of admission.
I have decided not to hand you my heart again.
You walked out before and you will do it again.
I will be happy with my memories again.
And you are lonely.
Again.

Mark this day on your calendar....
I, Kathryn Gooch, was correct about a problem we had in our Physics lab and Bethany was wrong.

*stifles inner scream of joy*

That will probably never happen again, so I'm enjoying this flash in the pan. *grins*

FYI, the valve was fixed so the theatre is no longer leaking.
News flash courtesy of Emma.

Physics was enjoyable. Niles let us play with Clay while he droned on for an hour or so. I made the cutest little hammer. I was quite proud of it. Then I made handcuffs and Bethany made a length of chain with which to hook them together. It was immensely entertaining. We got to make little boats out of the clay and stick them in water and attempt to stick different amounts of aluminum, etc., in them. It was quite fun. Niles let us mix the colors of clay. Hehe!!

Mother is out in the backyard, weeding. She's wearing her pj's.
LOL

We now have a pink and blue house. The blue is pretty, sort of a robin's egg shade. It's very happy looking. The pink was nice, but the blue is nice as well. People are going to drive by and think we had twins!! Hah!

Uhm, it needs to be over *that* way more.
Me, instructing Bethany in Physics

If anyone has any questions about Enron, come to me! I know now what exactly happened, so I'm feeling rather smart. Political Science does have its uses. They just take some finding.

The MESA fair is this afternoon. Niles is supposed to be shooting liquid nitrogen out of a cannon that he whipped up yesterday. I wonder what his IQ is.

Some of the kids are going to a Delirious concert tonight. I'm going to the viewing. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know which one will be fun, but fun isn't always the most important thing.

Bethany and I went into the theatre to see Emma. They were having a little problem in there. Some kind of valve over the stage up in the ceiling was changed and there were leaks everywhere. That's not so great when you have a stage that has water-based paint all over it. *grins*

This morning, I was contemplating why I listen to music and sing. Oddly enough, a song came to mind. :) In Passion, Fosca explains to Georgio why she reads.
I do not read to think. I do not read to learn.
I do not read to search for truth
I know the truth, the truth is hardly what I need.
I read to dream. I read to live. In other people's lives.
I read about the joys, the world
Dispenses to the fortunate,
And listen for the echoes.
I read to live,
To get away from life!
No, captain, I have no illusions.
I recognize the limits of my dreams.
I know how painful dreams can be
Unless you know they're merely dreams.
There is a flower which offers nectar at the top,
Delicious nectar at the top and bitter poison underneath.
The butterfly that stays too long and drinks too deep
Is doomed to die. I read to fly, to skim -
I do not read to swim.
I do not dwell on dreams.
I know how soon a dream becomes an expectation
How can I have expectations?
Look at me.
No, captain, look at me -
Look at me!
I do not hope for what I cannot have!
I do not cling to things I cannot keep!
The more you cling to things, the more you love them,
The more the pain you suffer when they're taken from you ...
Ah, but if you have no expectations,
You can never have a disappointment.

Now, I don't think I'm as way down in the dumps as poor Fosca, but just take her point about reading not to think, but to feel and dream. That's why I listen to music and sing. Along the same thought, that's why I tend to prefer voices over lyrics. Bands tend to be more introspective. You know, the whole Why are we here? thing. Voices are what attracts me. When a voice tells a story, that's even better. Like Mario singing Ton Eafto Tou Paidi. *sigh*

Okay, that's enough for now. Time to powder my nose and get ready for another lovely Physics lab. Oh joy.

Ciao!