Five Minute Friday: View

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Sometimes, it's that first moment when you step outside, or when you reach the crest of a hill, or when your eye catches a horizon crowded with color.

 

Sometimes, it's a mysterious sweetness in the air, or the extra-silky something in the wind, or the way the whole world seems to momentarily still and hold its breath in anticipation.

 

Whenever, and however, it comes, you always know "it" is there. Something deep inside thrills and freezes, quivering with the plea to hang on to that feeling forever. You close your eyes, trying to hug time into motionlessness, trying to freeze this moment forever, trying to sear it into your brain, so it will never leave.

 

But even as you try, you know the moment is slipping, the painful thrill of bliss grows dull, and you open your eyes aware of the beauty, loving it, but mourning the loss of that moment gone by.

 

What is this feeling? Why does it come - always so unexpected? Why can we not hold on to it?

 

Is it a glimpse into something deeper, something more beautiful we will know when "someday" becomes "forever"?

 

Or is just the thrill of a lovely view?

 One word. Five minutes. No editing. It's Five Minute Friday!

Five Minute Friday: Song

"Sing unto the LORD," I am told. "Sing unto the LORD the glory due to His name."

 

How can I sing, when my words do not rhyme?

When my harmony is discord?

When my melody is aimless?

How can I sing, when my lyrics fall shallow?

When my verse is confusion?

And my climax is chaos?

How can I sing?

Gently, He takes me, the Master Musician, and the chords of my heart vibrate.

Sweetly, He plays the forgotten tune of my spirit.

Passionately, His works lift their voices and sing, to the melody He makes in my soul.

His words.

His music.

His song.

 One word. Five minutes. No editing. It's Five Minute Friday!

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Make-It Monday: A Birthday!

 

 Gracious, what a whirlwind life is right now! Because planning the studio recital, choosing/arranging music for students over the summer, making packing lists, clothing shopping, "just-because" jaunts to Seattle, summer kick-off parties, normal teaching schedules, working, sewing a gown for my sis (another make-it monday! ;), scouring the internet for a good price on return tickets from Glasgow, nailing down final details for travel once across the pond, practicing and rehearsing to accompany a friend, Mother's Day, and trying to keep my room in a semi-sane state isn't enough for the month of May, we also have birthdays! There are moments when I feel a little overwhelmed.


the Twinkles cut camellias & placed them at each spot.

However, we were able to effectively put all that craziness on hold Saturday, as we took a day to celebrate Mama's birthday! While Mumsie and Dad typically celebrate by going to the beach for the day, this year they stayed local ~ even though they were still out 'til evening. We were able to clean the house, decorate, set a formal table (for the high-class Costco pizza the parents brought home), and try out a new cake recipe!

 

 

When I asked Mumsie what kind of cake she wanted for her birthday, her response was, "Oh...lemon would be good..." (wait a minute, I have lemon cake on my birthday), "...or lime..." (I've never even heard of a lime cake...maybe key lime pie, but..) "...or orange..." Finally the decision was "Something citrus-y." What's a girl to do but google "Citrus Cake Recipe"? Oh boy, did Google come through for me.

The cake is a delicious, moist, butter cake, with grated lemon & orange zest...

 

Filling? Some killer lemon curd!

 

 

 

Frost with some delicious orange-flavored frosting...

 

I promise, I finished frosting it the whole way, this was just when Emmy took the picture :)

 

And garnish with orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit slices:

 

 

Oh! and mint (which you may have to run to the store and purchase, if forgotten)

 

 

Check out the recipe here. It will certainly be found in our kitchen again!

 

Hooray! The birthday girl! :)

 

Have a Yummy Monday! :)

 

 

Watch-It Wednesday: One of the Few

Crossover artists in the sphere of violin music rarely impress me. Usually, they either play very well as modern music-makers, OR very well as classical players - rarely do they accomplish both. David Garrett, though, is one of the few. He compromises no quality in his playing ~ tone and amazing precision are evident in whatever he performs. Prepare to be delighted with his rendition of "Carmen" ~ I certainly am!

Have a musical Wednesday!

Five Minute Friday: Unspoken

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Will you be my friend?

Smiling, swaying side-to-side, she looked up at his big brown eyes, her small blue ones showing pleasure, fear, and gentleness.

He bobbed his head carefully, blowing on her gently and nudging her with is soft pink nose.

Don't be afraid. I will be gentle. We will not go too fast. You will feel like you're floating on my back.

You hear me! Her eyes were pools of delight.

The Maker gave me this gift.

He is good. He always hears me, too.

"Are you ready?" asked mama, carefully lifting her up.

For a moment, she stiffened, You're so tall!

It will be all right ~ we will go gently. Yes, I will be your friend.

And she smiled.

One word. Five minutes. No editing. It's Five Minute Friday!