This is a place for me to muse out loud about our adventure, the world, politics, and anything else that pops to mind. I invite you to jump into the comment threads and join the conversation. The awesome thing about blogging is that it is a communal activity. Let's commune!
Today is my oldest girl’s birthday. I dedicate this especially for her to mark the day that she becomes a t-e-e-n-a-g-e-r. And most of us can just about remember what that's like.
Pride and Joy You will soon be eighteen My oldest girl Our daughter and heir My pride and joy
So before you go through The teenage gate I will take the chance To celebrate
The fun we have had And the years gone by The bond we have And the family tie
And as you enters Your teenage years You know I’ll be there Through your hopes and fears
So this is for you, A shout from your dad Enjoy being a teenager There is fun to be had.
Side by side Or miles apart, A daughter like you, Is always close to the heart.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.~~Hilary Cooper
Indeed life cannot be measured by only the breathless moments alone, even the daily moments. Each moment is extremely special, purposeful, meaningful and constructive. I realize and appreciate the intrinsic and exceptional value of each breath, how immensely valuable each breath is indeed.
Whenever I read/see this quote, it right away brings forth a multifaceted meaning. One is the meaning of memorable, ecstatic, fantastic, exuberant, scintillating, terrific, joyous moments...moments of achievements, accomplishments, and simultaneously moments simultaneously permeating within each layer of every moment. Fascinating inspiration.
I do not need to take gigantic steps; but even the simplest of meaningful thoughts and actions hold potential value and promise. It is one step at a time; one breath at a time; each bearing relevance to the analogy of relation to the time matrix. It is not the quantity of contributing steps taken; but rather the meaningful quality oriented steps that could make and create a world of meaningful difference and value in its respective corresponding relevance accordingly.
The brush strokes of time when painting their fascinating impression onto the canvas of this precious life inspiringly reminds me there are certain moments that come once in a lifetime. Time never provides us the intimation/advance indication which moment is which. It is those special moments in life that indeed take our breath away that are contemplated/reflected upon with an perspective of humility...an perspective of admiration.
I must be grateful. I must be appreciative. I must be thankful.
Remember this posted months ago? After 4-month study as beginner flautist, our 12-year-old decided to try hand at the Junior Bach Festival with no expectation, but longing for the invaluable and thrilling solo experience in an auditorium.
The sound of music by Johann Sebastian Bach and other composers of the baroque period resonated from COCC Hitchcock Auditorium yesterday as music students showed off their talents.
Competing in the Central Oregon District of the Music Teachers' Association of Oregon's Junior Bach Festival, about 60 musicians ages 6 to 18 took turns performing on piano, flute, and vocal for an appreciative audience and attentive adjudicators. I was especially impressed by the skills of the performers and quality of the music. Judging was based on presentation, style, poise and tone. (Please bear with me momentarily while I resolve some technical challenges in video editing...)
It's not surprising to me that top contenders for the first round of the competition are homeschoolers:
A hugh surprise however was my daughter awarded the alternate winner. Since the top flutist, Caela Mitchell, won't compete at next round on Saturday, February 21, a spot in the second round is hence open to my daughter. Her participation and hard work is fostered by her self-motivation and perfectionist tendencies. Thank you, sweet pea, for a beautiful performance. I am happy that you simply enjoyed the entertaining experience with a joyous heart. May you travel a life with unbridled joy and resonate with richness in heavenly harmonies.
True learning-learning that is permanent and useful,that leads to intelligent action and further learning, can arise only out of the experience, interest, and concerns of the learner. John Holt
Real heroes are men who fall, fail and are flawed, but win out in the end because they stayed true to their ideals, beliefs and commitments. Actor Kevin Costner
Today is my oldest girl’s birthday. I dedicate this especially for her to mark the day that she becomes a t-e-e-n-a-g-e-r. And most of us can just about remember what that's like.
