movies, a river, and quesadillas: the SAICFF 2013

Hello lovely blogger world! I must apologize for coming off as a bit downhearted in my last post. You know how sometimes your so inspired--so moved--maybe by prayer, that you MUST share the deepest part of your soul? That's how I felt then. And today? Well, God is beautiful. And life is beautiful. . .more beautiful than I can express. And homemade macaroni and cheese inside me (with this morning's coffee,) makes it THAT much more beautiful. I have a great and awesome Lord. The sun isn't shining, but I feel it within me. The windows are open--letting in that first, subtle spring-tinged breeze. Best yet, I was invited--no, my way is being paid (k, I'm going halves, but that's just fair, ;) ) to visit my bestie on the West Coast. THAT could be nothing but a work of divine providence. He knows our every need! And now I say, goodbye discouragement!--I'm 22 (more on that in a very-near-future-post,) and yes, trials come, but there is good lurking around the corner of every faithful heart. Can't wait to write this new chapter. Big things are happening.

So. I have trillions of blog post ideas running like crazy through my head. . .which means, lucky for you--I won't be sitting here struggling for inspiration. . .for several months at least. ;) The Hobbit review I promised is nearly done. . .and I WILL vlog at some point (am I the only person who HATES themselves on camera? Ick.) And well. . .I'd better splurge every detail of the hugely-awesome SAICFF NOW while it's still fresh and living and in everything I think, feel, and say.

As some of you have probably figured out, my big adventure--my fernweh--was the 2013 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. You might also remember that Anna and I attended last years festival and had the time of our lives. In a very different way. See, we drove last year--a grueling 24 hour drive that left us deeply bonded, pumpkin-headed, and on a granola-bar-and-M&M-weight-loss-program. ;)

This year we flew. . .alone for the very first time.

Of course we did a lot of nonsensical fretting, because truly, the Lord planned every detail of our trip. We even survived the TSA (I'll refrain from further comments,) and both layovers in Atlanta. Flying alone was actually very satisfying--it forced us to fend for ourselves in a big world that isn't always thoughtful or kind. It forced us to keep our cool when running like two orphaned children to catch a connecting flight. . .alllll the way across the basement of an airport, (over 30 gates!) up two (unbelievably slow) escalators, and over three floors. Not to mention downhill-roller-coaster-turbulence from SA to Atlanta.

Anna made a comment to me this morning--"since when did we grow up?" It's thought provoking. When do we grow up? When do we become adults?--maybe Peter Pan was wrong after all. (horror of horrors!)  Because overnight I've turned 22. Overnight I've gotten so much experience flying that I'm confident enough to travel to Washington. Overnight my married friends are inviting me to visit them. Overnight the way I view the world is changing. . .

It was breathtaking, seeing my San Antonio again after a year. Because when Michaela loves something, she throws away chunks of her heart. It's scattered over various people, Disneyland, The Graveyard in MI, our restored Victorian square. . .and the highly spiced, colorful, whimsically Latino San Antonio Riverwalk.

I'm firmly convinced that the riverwalk is one of the most magical places on earth. Something like Louis L'amour meant when he asked, "what is romance?" The Riverwalk does that for me, especially at night, when lights dance over the water, everything is still, everything so dreamy and peaceful. It makes me quiet (maybe I'll just move there and spare my family the constant chatter :P )--strolling under bridges, admiring crooked palm trees, seeing the riverboats and people-friendly ducks. . .knowing that at the end lies one of my favorite events of all time: the film festival. And all the people I love.

  

It started with lunch at the cutest little Mexican restaurant in the cutest historic area. Big brick mansions, 70 degree weather, friends, and quesadillas. Doesn't get much better than that. :) Afterward we checked into our hotel, had deep philosophical discussions, and spent a whirlwind of a first day jet-lagged, immensely happy, full of Charlie Zham and good fellowship. 

 
{Sneak-peak of lunch and lunch people. aka, Anna and I with our friends Stacy and Josh. Josh actually doubled as our escort (and official coffee supplier ;) )  for the weekend. Very, very grateful for my "adopted" brothers. :) }

We didn't make it to any movies that day, but it was such a blessing hanging out with new and old friends, I didn't care. Which, btw, this SAICFF was doubly amazing because SO many of my special film people were all together in one place. It was like a huge Beyond the Mask reunion. (to all of you who couldn't make it--especially my sewing girls--you were there in spirit!) 

 

A good big breakfast was much appreciated in the morning. ;) Granola bars are somewhat of a trend when Anna and I travel. Anywho--we shared our hotel room (on the 19th floor! Amazing view of the city from up there,) with three of the lovely young ladies we sewed with over the summer. 

{yes. . .I was sad. This was our last night in SA. Though it may have helped if the photographer said WHEN to smile. ;) On another note, the costumes you see? They are everyday, usual attire for these ppls. Pretty awesome or what? }

 

{Friends. I didn't get photos with everyone--so much hustle and bustle from one movie to another, lectures and  whatnot-- but here are a couple. Shout out for Hedrick Brothers Productions and For Heaven's Sake! Productions.}

To make a very long story short--the remainder of the weekend included coffee (because smart people know there is no life without it, ;) ) music, trying to remember to eat. . .and of course dozens of inspiring films (including Indescribable [neat seeing so many friends on the "big screen"] and The Lost Medallion,) but especially the SAICFF's Audience Choice, Best Feature, and runner up for Best of Festival: Return to the Hiding Place. I may or may not have seen it twice. #oneofthemostincrediblywellmadeandheartrendingmoviesI'veEVERseen

{and I may or may not have been so excited to see John Rhys-Davies I  announced to the lady sitting next to me "I was hugged by that guy TWICE!"}  

Oh yes, and the crew party for Beyond the Mask. And the sneak-peak clips we watched. And the fact that I saw my mom. . .and myself. Twice. Totally humiliating? You bet. :P Especially since I look all blotchy and very obviously have a cold. *ahem* Otherwise, this is going to be a stunning film (running out of adjectives. . .I think I've used every one in the book in this post, ;) ) And I'm not just saying that because it's "our" movie. 

{Oscar DeGrate--aka the official mascot of Beyond the Mask}

The closing ceremony was beautiful. I was very inspired by the Best of Festival winners testimony (The Drop Box) and so blessed to meet him at the San Antonio airport the next day! (God works in mysterious ways.) Mr. Phillips and Faith sang Time to Say Goodbye (which was more than slightly breathtaking since Andrea Bocelli is my favorite singer in all the world,) and the Lord was praised and glorified throughout.

  

Have I caught the vision of Christian film making? YES a hundred times. Movie people are special. . .and the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival does the powerful work that brings them together. Not only to revolutionize the world, but in fellowship and Christian bonding. I may have only been a very small fraction of one Independent movie, but I am so proud, so excited to see what God will do in the history of Christian film. . .and to be one small voice promoting and cheering my teammates on.

I miss you, San Antonio. And I miss you, my dear, beautiful brothers and sisters in Christ. More then you will ever know. Thank you for making this girl very happy, and thank you Vision Forum for making the magic happen!

Les Mix. {Awkward and Awesome Thursday #5}

Awkward

• that moment every Monday when one of the two year olds you nanny asks "can we watch the acorn story?" and you realize she's talking about Richard Armitage reading 'The Lost Acorn'. ok, so it's adorable. . .but her mother is probably wondering WHO Richard is ("I want to hear Richard read Acorn!") and WHY her daughter has a sudden love for the name Stanley. 

{these videos, btw, are highly-awesome. and adorable. and i'll stop fangirling right now.}

• spending alllll day in the kitchen making homemade linguine. and washing and re-washing hundreds of dishes. and realizing that after all the work. . .all the labor of love and deliberate rolling and re-rolling of the pasta dough, making perfectly thin, perfectly delicate linguine. . .its gone, devoured, and utterly consumed within a few minutes.

{Salmone, Piselli, e Pasta, aka, Salmon, Peas, and Pasta. made by Yours Truly. photo by Anna}

• getting a phone call from a stranger. . .from my cell. and the confusion of "how" and "why" it fell out of my pocket, since i hadn't been outside that day. #storyofmylife
• 
  
• the "i-think-i'll-just-crawl-under-a-rock-now" feeling when you write a "who do you think you are?" note to a friend then realize they were joking the entire time. 

{yeah, my comment above? this is how i felt. *ahem* photo by a friend in MI  }

  

• typing on my new Kindle. and laughing at all the typos (curse you, automatic spell-check!) "Les Mix" is the all-new, Michaela-style "Les Miz". makes it that much more special. ;)

{via}

Awesome

• opened doors suddenly gaping through life's canvas; me up until Sunday. now I'm faced with this new job opportunity (outlined in jest above. it's really that bad, but it's also something i have to consider. if you think about it, please pray for wisdom!) 
• 
  
• when your mom randomly brings home a tray of sushi on snowy afternoons. 
• 
  
• fuzzy-rainbow-monkey socks. some things you just never outgrow. like newly opened-crayons and Strawberry Shortcake coloring books.

{pic by Anna}

• FINALLY getting my hair trimmed. it's been since July. . .and well, scraggly spaghetti-ends and i don't get along very well. it's back to it's usual length now--right below my shoulders, and i'm a much happier girl. 
• 
  
• getting all the details--flight, pick up, tickets, hotel, and whatnot, for the 2013 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival! Whooohooo I can hardly wait! so many of my Beyond the Mask friends will be there it's not even funny--annnddd if YOU are planning to attend, why don't you let me know in a comment? i'd love to meet you!
• 
  
• my new Kindle Fire HD. i never wanted any kind of portable computer, but now that my Kindle and i are well acquainted, i LOVE it. he needs a name though. any suggestions? 
• 
  
• evenings around the fireplace munching date-nut cookies and watching The Andy Griffith Show.
• 
  
• seeing the Lord work in my life and the lives of my friends; new friendships that inspire me in my Walk; vindication in area's of confusion; helping and praying for those around me. God Works in mysterious ways--and isn't it an adventure, watching Him Work? Praising my Jesus today for His providence and strange, merciful love for me.

{via}

thanks for letting me ramble--it's been awhile since i've written a good 'Awkward and Awesome' post. i'm currently writing a review of The Hobbit, so keep an eye out. that should be up next, if my Vlog doesn't make it first. in the meantime--what's been awkwardly-awesome in your life lately?

PS--I'd like to invite you to read my friend Audra's blog, My Sock Monkey Life. She is a beautiful young mom and very inspiring person. Please leave a comment, follow, or just pop in to say hello! :) 

Dear. . .

A cozy day deserves a cozy post. Join--or ignore--me as I revel in candied caramel candles, (in Julia's words, the house smells like breakfast,) the promise of a toasty evening eating pudding and watching 'Life with Father', mugfuls of fallish-concoctions (coffee related,) mustard accents (slightly obsessed with my new flats,) and well--have you figured out my family REALLY makes an occasion out of things? ;)

Autumn, welcome home.

{photo by me}

dear "Spunkin"--yes, most folks know you as Starbucks Spiced Pumpkin Latte. But you hadn't met this very-blonde gal until yesterday, and somehow your lovely name was confused in her vocabulary. Thus "Spunkin" was born. . .and I dare say you will never be Spiced Pumpkin Latte to her again.

Lets put it all this way--rabid Starbucks boycott-er as I am. . .this drink is GOOD. Pounds of sugar, pumpkin spice and whipped cream will do that to burnt coffee. It just screams fall. And made me perfectly happy.

dear John Rhys-Davies--I still haven't comprehended that you are actually. . .actually. . .actually IN Beyond the Mask. o.O  Which means I.will.meet.you.

 

Someone pick me up off the floor. (and come quickly, October!)

dear Ohio Summer Rendezvous--Thank you for cooperating--no, thank the Lord for unfrazzling my nerves, setting everything straight, smoothing out the details. . .and making this OSR the best ever. Truly. I've been coordinating this event for three years now (with help from the best crew in the world!) and for the first time ever--seriously--I felt totally in control and at peace. It was completely beautiful, completely touched by God. . .something I can hardly explain!

 

{photo by Brandon Pieplow}

I'm having withdrawals.

dear Cameron Macintosh--Gotta say, no matter my usual judgment of you. . .I think this Christmas will see a history-making, world illuminating, life changing. . .totally Yours Truly approved movie. Still skeptical of the cast. . .and if it's anything like the play (which by the looks of things it is,) the rating will be very adult. o.O HOWEVER this video gave me the same in-the-throat, distinctly Les Miz emotion I had at the play two years ago. (um. . .I'm a VERY passionate person. ;) ) Behold all:

dear yesterday's devotion--Thank you for reminding me that I CAN please God! Life is all about pleasing Him, however He also delights IN ME. It's funny how simple truths can suddenly bear new light. Praise the Lord for his Promises!--popularity and recognition may "feel good" but HE delights in those who follow and obey Him. 

dear Sherlock Holmes--You are perfect for cozy fall days (Spunkin in hand. A fire wouldn't be bad either. . .) We've already had our first long chat. . .it was quite--eventful. To say the least. And I'm fascinated. Looking forward to more meetings in 'The Complete Sherlock Holmes'. 

dear date with dad tomorrow--Fall day on the Square? Hmm. I'll rate the world a happy place. 

dear Hobbit Day--I'm a bit of a LOTR's nerd, even though I haven't seen the movies. (k, don't judge, I finally saw Narnia. . .and read the books. . .and I'll be taking The Hobbit out of the library soon.) But anywho--this song--did you know there's a musical?--is my latest obsession. Because all things hobbity are warm and yummy. And I'm acting like a silly fangirl. So I shall stop right now. :P 

{more than I'd like to admit. . . :P via}

dear person reading this post--Please, follow my blog. I mean, I sort of need to reach 300 followers by October  if I am to unleash The Huge (or at least, very grand, ;) ) giveaway. Do us both the favor. 

 

{random, yes, but I **have** to share some of the latest photos from Beyond the Mask! A little hyped? via}

dear posts that need posting--I'm getting there. See, I have a life (or at least I pretend,) and well, things get busy. But, dear posts that need posting, I have not forgotten you. The minute life slows down (that DOES happen, right?) you shall be written and grace the pages of my blog.  

dear life--No, no need to remind me again. I should get off the computer. What? My gown for Beyond the Mask? But I don't want--ok, fine. I'll pleat the skirt. Give me a minute, I'm trying to log off! Sheesh. Huh, what's that? Oh. Yeah, your right. Life never stops. . .I'm convinced. 

an extravagant discourse.

Quickly hopping by to say--if you haven't already noticed--The Blog has a new name. A name that will hopefully last awhile (as I endure merciless teasing from a certain Flop I know). ;) Welcome one and all to:  

Thanks to my lovely mum for the idea--you know, naming a blog is just "one of those things"--it has to be unique, it has to reflect The Blogger, it must be different and easy to remember and 100% ME. Sorry to all who voted Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust. Peter and Neverland are dear to my heart. . .but it sounded kidish, and well, Rhapsody in PINK is so. . .perfect. I've never had a blog title totally represent moi--I mean, The Last Rose of Summer and Like Pearls Slipping off a String were nice, but they didn't tell. Anything. Rhapsody in PINK says--" World, I am all girl. This is a girls domain." And hopefully from my posts phrases/words like "down-to-earth", "real", etc will follow. ;) Hey, anything's possible. {trust me, I come from an all-girl home, but we are anything but fluffy. (fine, half and half) The lawn-mower and I are good friends}. 

Rhapsody: 

an epic poem.

a highly emotional utterance 

rapture

ecstasy

effusively rapturous 

extravagant discourse

You get the idea. PINK needs no explanation. 

Oh, and while I'm rambling--CHEO was incredible. Perhaps if your lucky I'll do a more in-depth post. ;) Eric and Leslie Ludy are such an inspiration to me--it was thrilling to meet Leslie, if only for a couple of seconds. She and Eric have the.most.beautiful relationship ever! Eric's love and dedication is obvious just in the way he looks at her--truly squiriferous. :sigh: Lets just say, our Ludy-collection has gone up several books. B)
Voddie, as expected, was EXCELLENT. He says it as it is--I really respect his candid, hard-line, "take it or leave it" approach to the Bible. Lets hear it for TRUE followers of  a loving AND just God! 

And because I'm feeling extra-generous, I'll leave you with an "awww" moment for day:

Note that I do not recommend all her vids (I've actually only seen one other), but come on, got to love it for her accent ALONE. B) "I dare you. . .no, I'm going to do better than that, I DOUBLE DARE YOU, just to try and slip these into every day conversation." Thanks to Ally for sending me this. It's starrify-ing. 

and now a word from thine hostess. . .{fixed!}

{With videos that can actually be viewed! Sorry about that, I didn't realize making them private meant they were un-viewable! o.O}

At last, the promised vlog! {or two. ;) } Ugh the terrors of cheap point-and-shoot cameras. But hey, it's home. Yeah, like I {briefly} mentioned, I um, kinda left it in Texas. At a strangers house. Thankfully they were gracious enough to send it back. *ahem* Anyhow. Bluegrass was excellent tonight. There were cookies. {and good music, go figure. The cookies were right up there in amazingness.} Then I came home, watched part of a Waltons episode, {John-boy!} and finished the movie Marty. Highly recommended if you haven't seen it. Which you probably haven't. It's not very well known. Just one of those black and white, cozy evening, happy sort of films. I know somewhere in there I meant to say an important thing--it's midnight, my brain is malfunctioning. . .I'll remember tomorrow. But be proud of me. The VLOG is made! 'night, ppls! 

"my heart will go on" // the bemoaning of a very old piano

I played THIS: the much mulled-over, much practiced, much re-practiced, [AND re-practiced] memorized, My Heart Will Go On - for a recent talent show. This is NOT the original video, since I'm not used to keyboards, and. . .I made a frightening face at one point that I can't seem to edit out. ;) Another attempt.

Forgive the sweat jacket. And note: my piano is about 100 years old or more and hasn't been tuned in 10 years. It sounds pretty decent, actually. ;) Also, several of the keys "stick," so I took the base up an octave. . .Oh, and for those who have asked, no, I do not play by ear. It's been several years, but I went to a Fine Arts School and Conservatory where I learned to read music and play classical piano. As you all know, my piano is my very greatest treasure, best friend, stress-eliminator. . .and My Heart Will Go On is a divine piece. Perfectly dramatic and soooo romantic. I hope you enjoy.*~ 

Currently I am eating a homemade cake-pop. Heaven. Yes, lots of healthy eating lately (but hey, only one cup of coffee today! :P ) I'm wearing my sloppiest-in-the-house-clothes while snatching bits of Mansfield Park. Wait now, don't fall over yet! It was all an accident, really. Michaela, reading a Jane Austen novel?  Mhm. What is a girl to do without good reading material? She grabs the closest thing in sight. . .in this case, Mansfield Park. And I LOVE it. So much in fact that I've asked a couple ppls for movie recommendations. :nervous laugh: What is the world coming too? o.O Never fear, I shall never stoop to reading P&P. I shall never stoop to liking Mr. Darcy. Because Mr. Thornton has stolen my heart. But that's a different topic. ;) 

sincerely, me

Dear Goldfish, I really shouldn't be eating you, especially after drinking a Mocha Frappe earlier today - but thanks for bringing back the childhood thrill of your cheesy, cracker-goodness. I approve of you. Especially right now, after a very stressful evening. . .you and The Dutchman [stuck in my head] are a yummy combo.

Dear Civil War Ballgown, you were the source of much of my stress, and you fell apart at the OSR Ball, but I'll try and forgive you. . .since you DID look nice, so long as no one got too close. You were marvelous under that [painful] swishy hoop, even though I kept stepping on the skirt hem. I will admit there is nothing so awkwardly-amazing as dancing in a huge, hallow bell. . .really, that's what it felt like. o.O

{Yours Truly in rosy-pink gown, Anna in buttercup-yellow}

[not so] Dear Creepy Man at the coffee shop, it makes me so sad that Anna and I couldn't enjoy our mocha frappe's without you creeping us out. Not only did you frighten us, you ruined our deliciously rainy, care-free afternoon. And our trip to the library. [library computers are so much more fun then PC's. ;) ) Thank God for mothers who rescue unnerved daughters [who don't drive.] :shiver:

Dear Nick, thank you for being such a good boy, even though part of the skin is missing from my finger. You are really a wonderful, obedient puppy. Working with you every day - training, training, training. . .is finally paying off. I see a therapy dog in the making, I really do. Bravo little guy! keep making mama proud.

Dear Seth and Alyssa, welcome to the official "novel-family." You are lucky. . .the Confederate solider [mentioned in a previous post] and countless others have died distant, forgotten deaths. But you, dear, beautiful, [SETH!] incredible, awesome-Nano twins [YES, I am doing Nanowrimo again this year] shall live to change the world. At least I hope. Remember, as your co-creator, I can ditch you at any time. . .

{photo via Pinterest}

Dear Ohio Summer Rendezvous, thank you for giving me the opportunity to help bring so many people together from around the country. As a friend said once, "homeschoolers are. . .AWESOME!"  But of course. And to think that some of these awesome people meet each year at a wonderfully-woodsy camp to play, sing, talk, laugh, dance, play, sing, talk, laugh, and dance some more. The memories are priceless; hastily thrown together [and hilarious] skits, waving at random "boat guys" from a "giant" lifeguard chair. . .

{Yes, that is moi making that horrid face. . .and yes, they waved back ;) }

Dear Horrendously-Frightening Vintage/Costume shop, I love you. Even though your employees are Goth and the aisle-ways are so smooshed together I feel claustrophobic. Your racks and racks of costumes are breathtaking, [literally] and that white, lacy 50's dress was superior. Just sayin'.

Dear readers, I hope this didn't bore you too much. What has been happening in YOUR life? How are you enjoying the colder weather so far? Leave me a comment. :) AND, keep in mind, a giveaway is coming soon.

~ Mich

ramblings of pianists and heroes. . .somehow they just go together.

I must say - your comments on moi favorite {mostly literary} "heroes"  post (<-- click or look below,) have been tooo much fun! To all of those who agree with me: your taste is impeccable. Bravo. As for the others, I have a few tomatoes of my own to throw. ;) I'm thinking of writing a follow-up post, talking about a few more of moi favorite literary guys. But I don't want to BORE anyone either. . .riiiight.

Quickly, in answer to your comments (keep 'em coming!) Laurie IS epic, and *should* have died. Period. I don't see how Gilbert Blythe is a hero, just sayin'. ;) The Scarlet Pimpernel is one of the most incredible books I've ever read - and YES, I'm throughly convinced after finishing the novel that Percy is a majorly fantastical hero - one of the best, in fact. Though no one with ever top Renè. :sigh: I'm thinking up a way for all of you to "meet" him. Perhaps an excerpt from the revised draft? 

- also, keep watching for my HUGE Les Miz post.

While your all waiting (and continuing your amusing - I mean enjoyable commenting,) check out this video :

Whoa. Speaking of heroes - I think I've just found my piano-hero. Being a fanatical piano enthusiast (my piano is my dearest treasure. . .) this pianist is SO inspiring to me. Not that I can or ever will play even remotely as well. My, what talent - his performance literally takes my breath away. And to think the vid is nothing but a Yamaha commercial! o.O I  found out that he is a rather famous composer for Disney (which I do not endorse, but anyway,) etc. . . Pretty impressive. 

And to wrap up this post - lets just say that I am unbending in my dislike for Mr. Darcy. Ok, so the second time I watched Pride and Prejudice I became slightly, shall we say "fonder" of him? Yet its too difficult for me to really appreciate the stuffy, dull, uninteresting ways of *most* Regency "heroes" - Mr. Darcy in particular. 

Uh oh. I see another onslaught of tomatoes in the near distance. . . 

my first Vlog. . .in which i talk about one of my favorite subjects...

Well. I accidentally deleted my original post. . .try never to do that. :-/ No fun struggling to remember what you wrote. Argh. But even so - I'll do my best to be delightful and start from scratch again. See me smile? 

Anyway - I've never made a Vlog before. Been wanting to try it out for awhile now, and recently I found the perfect opportunity. . . (I've mentioned it so many times in my last several posts, your bound to know what I'm about to say.) This past Sunday I saw (ready?? Say it with me, 1,2,3. . .) LES MISERABLES *live*! o.O 

:faint:

 Sooo I made two videos. There was a third (after I realized I'd forgotten to take a vid of the theater lobby,) but somehow the camera was zoomed in really close to my face - all you saw was my mouth and nose. ;) 

*note* that the above video is frightening. It is almost impossible to take a video (or picture for that matter,) of oneself without looking like a monster. :P Also, I have no idea why I keep reiterating the fact that my parents are so nice - almost as if they aren't usually. hehe Its just that my mom doesn't like cameras, (I forced her to say hello. . . ;) )  and my dad very sweetly drove his car-that-needs-much-work alll the way to the theater to prevent our very-professional-knack of getting lost wherever we go. ;) Love you, mom and dad! ♥



Ohhh. . . just seeing that sign I feel all gasping and fluttery again. When the first scene of the play opened I was literally sitting at the edge of my seat, heart pounding and breathless. Btw, this was NOT my first time at the Palace Theater. . . I should have seriously been born with a different hair color.

What do you think?? Dying now to know more about that heavenly afternoon? ;) It is worth boring my non-fanatical Les Miz readers with a long review?? Hm? I promise it would be my last Les Miz-related post. . . at least for a little while. 

PRESENTING: Cookin' Thanksgiving dinner with Mich and her favorite Kid.

This is us, as ourselves, fooling around today in the kitchen. Still not sure how or when Anna acquired the nickname "Kid" - I'm the only one who calls her that. :P hehe

Ahhh...what a day. Just about absolutely perfect.

Italian opera...the lingering scent of the sugar cookie candle I burned yesterday...all mingled with the stunningly delicious holiday aroma of Thanksgiving dinner prep.

Love.

{my mom took the videos - I'm in the Winnie the Pooh sweatshirt and fruity apron. It's a little old, but I love it 'cause it was sent from Zia Lucia in Italy. Oh, and the talk of  "don't  put these up", and "I'm un-tagging myself" is in reference to facebook. ;) }

Take one:

Take two:

At last, the infamous "church potatoes!" 

PS: for those of you who know I have a slight aversion toward  most female singers  - *ahem* I actually really love the voice of the Soprano singing with Pavarotti (in the first vid.) She isn't screechy. Unfortunately I don't know her name. :-/   

Our twist on the Laendler ~

Recently my sister Anna learned a simple variation of the Laendler, the beautiful waltz from 'The Sound of Music.' Of course I had to learn it as well. ;) Soooo we did, and were pestered by several people into making a video. Here it is!

For some reason it seems as though the youtube upload is a little blurry, almost as if our faces are smudged. Not sure why that happened. :-/

*in this video* I am wearing my blue vintage-original 1950's party dress. I just love it - so simple yet dainty, and oh so swishy! Perfect for dancing. Mmhmm...gotta love vintage EVERYTHING. 

I was so born in the wrong era. ;) 

Anna is in the pink dress, also a vintage-original,(1940's.) She is dancing the mans part. *ahem* 

I'd love to know your thoughts! :)

The Ohio Summer Rendezvous 2010 "trailer." (Yes - it's THAT good.)

30 home school graduates.  

Fellowship. 

God's obvious presence. 

Worship. 

Blessing in abundance.

Bonding. 

Old friendships strengthened. 

New friendships made. 

A weekend of *~

...adventure...laughter...singing...music...good food...games..."Do You Love Your Neighbor?"... edifying conversation...hiking...talent show...English Country Dancing...costumes...cowboy hats...bonfires...autograph albums...

...priceless memories.

Ohio Summer Rendezvous 2010. 

This was the second home school grad gathering my family hosted in 2010, affectionately known as "The Rendezvous". Both events have left me stunned by God's faithfulness - He so good to me!  HE planned every detail perfectly in HIS perfect timing.  I ran about trying to bring everything together at my own pace,  yet He was *always* there, as He *always* is, patiently waiting for me to turn to Him. Even in my stubbornness He remained at my side, showing me trust, taking charge.  I give Him all the glory!!

Also, thanks to EVERYONE who helped make the Rendezvous the successful event that it was! I couldn't have done it without each of you. :) Go Rendezvous Team!

Last but *certainly* not least, a huge thank you to my friend Christopher L. for putting together this video. I'm STILL trying to catch my breath - it is just amazing! 

*note* 

I, my sisters, and mom are all in this video. (For some reason my dad didn't make it in, ah well.) But anyway - three of the younger ladies you'll see in the vid are Julia, Maria, and Lidia. Anna is in the beginning (one of the adorable laughing gals at the picnic table,) and also several times throughout the vid. 

...yours truly pops in every once in awhile. ;)

Hmm...lets see...I'm a little hard to spot in the "Do You Love Your Neighbor?" game (that wild running  about  in a circle, knocking people over while trying to find a chair? Um yeah. If you saw the vid you know what I mean, hehe ;) ) but I'm in there...then once on the sidelines during the talent show, and a few times in the dance clips (wearing the jean dress and boots.) :D