Ode to Chicago

Several weeks ago, my husband, Jason and I had one of those moments. You know, those moments when you realize that you will never experience this again, so you just revel in it.

Jason is not only an academic, but he is also a composer. In fact, composing choral music is his passion. He can get lost for hours, days at a time creating beautiful music.

We traveled to Chicago because of the talented and generous Dr. Bagley of University of Connecticut. He was conducting the National Men's Honor Choir for the American Choral Directors Association Annual Convention and commissioned Jason to write a piece for the choir to sing at the concert. This was quite an honor as Jason's piece would get to be performed by a choir of almost 300 of the best singers in the US; it would be performed in a stunning venue, the Auditorium Theatre; and his piece would be heard by 1000s attending the concert. We knew that it would be exciting but had no idea how touching it would be. We attended several of the rehearsals and were so enthralled with the way Dr. Bagley lead the men. He really demanded a lot of the choir and was so inspiring. The concert ended up being absolutely amazing. The recognition Jason received was very humbling. (He even signed autographs and had two offers to publish his piece). It was a special weekend we will always remember.

National Honor Choir Rehearsal Auditorium Theatre in Chicago Signing Autographs National Men's Honor Choir Dr. Bagley and Jason Coming home after a wonderful weekend.

Something's Happening in my Backyard.

Thrifty Find: Patchwork Apron

I found this adorable vintage apron at an antique mall for $5. All of the patchwork squares are vintage. It has a cute little ruffle and precious worn-out waist band. We will be moving in a few months and I think it might be the perfect thing to design a new kitchen around.

St. Marks: My Favorite Place on Earth

Here are some pictures from St. Marks, FL taken in December when my parents were visiting. This is my "happy place."

Etsy Inspiration: Fresh

I am not a good blogger. Sorry. Lately, as with my sewing, blogging has been put on the back-burner. I don't know if it is because my mind if full of all the change that I am preparing for (we are going to be moving in a few months) or if I am just "tired" of keeping up. Regardless of the reason why, I am still here and will continue to post when the mood strikes. I know that is no way to build a "reader base" but that isn't really my goal. I think my goal in blogging is just to have another way to express myself creatively. I have found that my creativity only comes out when I am fully rested, do not have other things preoccupying my mind, and have no pressure to be creative. I am feeling relaxed this morning. Maybe it is the warm weather, the trees budding (I live in north Florida and it already is getting green), and having nothing I have to do this morning. Whatever the reason, the mood has struck, I think I'll do an Etsy post. I have been searching Etsy for some special things. Take a look at the fresh pretties I found:

SatinandBirch

ara133photography

GimCarry


tamar

frumafar

claylicious

Have a happy weekend!!!