Warmth in Winter

Fall is by far my favorite time of the year. There is something magical to me in the vibrant red, green and yellow leaves on the trees and the browning leaves falling to the ground. It's as if if Heaven is saying to me, "Look, see the beauty all around you!". Add in the brisk breeze, rumbling clouds, pumpkin spice anything (my new found passion), smells of apple cinnamon candles - I think in the Fall, Heaven is here on Earth.

Part of the joy of Fall is the excitement and anticipation of the Holidays on the horizon. Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities are trickling onto calendars, the stores are brimming with seasonal decor, and you start to hear a carol play. Christmas music is listed in the top ten of my most favorite things! The saddest day of the year for me is the day after Christmas. The carols stop, the decor is put away and the joy of anticipation disappears. I love the weeks leading up to Christmas! So yes, I do start listening to Christmas music right after Halloween. I want to savor the feelings of Christmas for as long as possible ... I start early, knowing that all too soon it will December 26th and the radio will return to playing the Billboard top 40. 

I've mentioned it time and time again, but I'm going to remind you once more. Jim Brickman is the King of Piano. My favorite musician is Jim Brickman and his Christmas albums are among some of my all-time favorites. Last Friday, my friend Tammie and I  (along with her niece) drove from Sacramento to Grass Valley, about an hour away, in the dark and rain. We had fourth row seats in the tiniest of venues! Other than the woman behind us singing along and tapping her foot, it was a perfect experience! Jim played a selection of Christmas carols/hymns that was magical ... gave me chills and touched my soul. 

Performing with Jim Brickman on this tour was Luke McMaster. I hadn't heard of him before, but he has a current single out with Jim called "Good Morning, Beautiful". Luke performed that song, along with the spin-off "Merry Christmas, Beautiful" and two of his own pieces. I was blown away by his talent! His voice and guitar talent perfectly vibed with Jim's talent on the ivory keys. I highly recommend they compose more music together. 

It was a perfect Fall evening, a prelude to the joy of Christmas nearing. I think I'll keep that night's concert memory close to my heart. 

Jim Brickman is always so patient as he mingles with his fans. Thanks, Jim, for taking the time to say hi!

Luke McMaster signed autographs and posed for photos. Incredibly talented and kind guy. Keep Tweeting me, Luke!

 

Random Coincidence?

I hit the button at the top of the page on my blog that says "next blog". I didn't know really where it would take me, perhaps to my last post. However, it took me to the blog of some people I do not know. BUT, they live in Aberdeen, Scotland and their blog is all about their life in Aberdeen. So interesting! 

I got to thinking about Aberdeen and the recent annual trips I've taken to visit my mother's homeland. Thought I'd share a few photos from some of my trips. Granted, I know I've posted these before but when it comes to anything Scottish, well, never enough! I am of Scottish blood and will forever be proud of my heritage.

Dunnottar Castle

My beautiful mother inside the ruins of Dunnottar Castle

Mom and I pose for a photo in Cullen, Scotland

Closest to a man in a kilt I seem to be able to find!

Bay of Nig ... mom would walk around this bay with her sister all the time.

Random Thoughts ...

The 2012 Election is over - finally! I appreciate the blessing of living in a country where I have a voice and have a right to have it heard. I know I had no part in creating this American right; our forefathers, ancestors, military, they are to be thanked for fighting for our rights and freedoms. I can honor them by fulfilling my right to vote. And I did.

I classify myself as a liberal-republican. Some of my personal stands fall in line with the liberals, while others are in line with the republican view points. I know enough to know I don't know enough. There is so much out there in the world of politics that I will never totally understand. I realize every American citizen will be touched in one way or another from the election results, whether positively or negatively. However, I voted according to what I believed to be best for my city, state, and country. That is my right. 

I'm thrilled the political ad season is over. The overwhelming negativity that has been screaming from our television sets, radios, social media forums and daily mail will (hopefully) cease (for now)! Debate and enthusiastic discussion on political topics can be helpful, and are often necessary, to help move our country's position forward. But what gets me really annoyed, is the negativity that people have created. How is trash-talking an opponent helpful? Foul language, constant negativity and bullying is just wrong. As I read and listened to some of the ads and comments on media forums over the past few months, I got to thinking about something ... hearing someone say such nasty things about someone else (especially someone whom they have never personally met) is simply a reflection of that person's character and is no reflection on the person being trashed. 

What have we taught our children by our actions during this campaign? It's okay to cuss out someone who has an opposing view point? It's okay to laugh at, publicly disgrace and criticize another human being simply because they are not the candidate you support? I wonder if our children would be proud of how we, as citizens of this United States of America, responded during this campaign. And, as I typed that sentence, I have to laugh. How truly "united" are we? So many men and women fought for us to become UNITED. And here we stand today, fighting amongst ourselves with such hostility. Why did we sacrifice so many lives in fighting for our rights and our country if we are not going to uphold the courage, respect and dignity for which they so bravely fought (and continue to fight)?

I did not vote for Mr. Obama. I admit it. I voted for Mr. Romney. I'm disappointed in the results, but I am no different a person today than I was yesterday. I support the office of the President of the United States, regardless of whether or not he/she had my vote. I am proud to be an American. And at least I can hold my head high knowing I did not let my personal opinions trickle into gossip, negativity and rudeness during this election season.

Inspiration

Saturday in Land Park was the Walk for Down Syndrome. A friend of mine has a daughter, Emma, who was born with Down Syndrome. I hadn't met Emma until Saturday morning and I fell in love with her the moment I saw her adorable face. Because of Emma and others with DS, hundreds of people came together to walk in their support. BJs Restaurant sponsored Team Emma and it was a complete honor to be a part of this team. Sutter Printing helped get special t-shirts made for Team Emma and it was obvious we had the best t-shirts and the team with the most members! One little girl, sweet Emma, brought us out ... some might say we are kind to have walked in her honor. No, we were honored to walk with and for Emma. 

Our inspiration, Emma, gets a lift from Daddy!

Emma and mommy are all smiles!

Here she is ... the most beautiful little gal!

It was all about the tutus. :)

My buds, Tracy, Michelle and Jonathan

Team BJs Restaurant ... TEAM EMMA!

We Step Up for Down Syndrome!