Friday, November 29, 2013

Deep Peace (or Thanksgiving Thankfulness Blog Pt 2)

A few weeks ago I attended my college homecoming. Not only was it homecoming but it was also my 20 year class reunion AND the 50th anniversary celebration of The University Chorale. As one of my Kappa brothers always said, "The friends you make in college are the friends you'll keep for the rest of your life" and he was correct! So many of the people I'm friends with are college chums and more specifically, fellow University Chorale members.

Even if I had the gift of writing a beautifully elegant description of what my years singing with Chorale meant to me, I don't think one could fully understand it without experiencing it. It wasn't just that I attended my university at the height of Agee's Years of Excellence, but that I happened to walk into an audition for the university mixed chorus the first week of my freshman year. Little did I know that audition would shape my entire college career and would still have such a great effect on me 24 years later.

Once I was chosen to become a part of Chorale, they did just that.....made me a part of it. Something so beyond anything I could have hoped for as a 17 year old. The lessons learned just sitting in rehearsals under Dr. Cobb and performing and touring with 50some of the most talented people created life-long memories that are reinforced each time I've returned for Chorale reunions.

Our fearless and dedicated leader created such a unique bond and experience and for that I will be forever thankful! Thank you, Dr (Cobb) Lippens for allowing me to be a part of something so meaningful. On this day of thanksgiving I'm so thankful that I walked into that audition room all those years ago.

I leave you this evening the way MY Chorale would leave when parting......with a blessing. OUR  blessing to those who were a part of us and to those who had come to listen to us. I wish I had the recording of us singing this at homecoming, but this song is beautiful and the sentiment is heartfelt.

Deep Peace to You!

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Amazing! (Or Thanksgiving Thankfulness Blog Pt 1)

I always, always, always wait until the last minute to write this blog, but this year I had a couple of good reasons why. I don't post much over here too much anymore and because it's a two-parter! [I'm not sure when today I'll get the second part posted, but I will find some time later to do it!]

What a difference 2 years can make! For the first time in several years I'm not writing this blog with one eye on today and the other on the approaching New Year, anticipating a better (and much needed) year ahead. Maybe it's the lucky 13, but I have a feeling this trend will continue and with that I will start my list.

I'm thankful that 2013 has been such a great year.
I'm thankful for my nieces and nephews who never fail to make me happy.
I'm thankful for a business that is growing.
I'm thankful for friends, far and near, who never fail to lift me up, keep me sane, make me laugh and love me no matter what.
I'm thankful for opposites.
I'm thankful for the internet.
I'm thankful my parents are still active and healthy.
I'm thankful for my furry family members. They warm my heart with their sweet, unwavering  love.
I'm thankful for time spent with those I love....especially today.

I'm off to start my cooking marathon (for which I am also thankful)!

Happy Thanksgiving!
[to be continued]