Cantique de Noël

My favourite Christmas carol by far is and always has been O,Holy Night. Even before I could comprehend the depth of the words, the song always gave me chills. I remember hearing it as a child at midnight mass and even when it was the warbly past her prime Lithuanian church soprano singing I'd still be moved. It didn't feel like Christmas eve to me unless I heard that carol.

Now, I am often asked to perform the song, and it still gets me everytime. I find myself getting emotional by the words, words that hold so much truth and are far more personal to me now. Even when I'm just on my own practicing the song I get chills (not because I sound great either, often I sound like a dying chicken:) The words are just so powerful. I've never sung the carol in french eventhough it is the original language. I've starting learning the french version though as I've been asked to sing it en français for a small gig next weekend. . . the English words are similar, but there are a few images that speak that much more powerfully in french - so moving! Looking fwd to sharing the carol in both english and french this season:)

Minuit, chrétiens, c'est l'heure solennelle,
Où l'Homme-Dieu descendit jusqu'à nous
Pour effacer la tache originelle
Et de Son Père arrêter le courroux.
Le monde entier tressaille d'espérance
En cette nuit qui lui donne un Sauveur.
Peuple à genoux, attends ta délivrance.
Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur,
Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur!

De notre foi que la lumière ardente
Nous guide tous au berceau de l'Enfant,
Comme autrefois une étoile brillante
Y conduisit les chefs de l'Orient.
Le Roi des rois naît dans une humble crèche:
Puissants du jour, fiers de votre grandeur,
A votre orgueil, c'est de là que Dieu prêche.
Courbez vos fronts devant le Rédempteur.
Courbez vos fronts devant le Rédempteur.

Le Rédempteur a brisé toute entrave:
La terre est libre, et le ciel est ouvert.
Il voit un frère où n'était qu'un esclave,
L'amour unit ceux qu'enchaînait le fer.
Qui Lui dira notre reconnaissance,
C'est pour nous tous qu'Il naît, qu'Il souffre et meurt.
Peuple debout! Chante ta délivrance,
Noël, Noël, chantons le Rédempteur,
Noël, Noël, chantons le Rédempteur!

Snack Time!

I'm totally addicted to BNL's children's CD SnackTime! It's been out for a while, but with all of the Steven Page controversy I've avoided downloading it for a while. I really wish that I downloaded it sooner though. . . . I have been playing it during gathering time for all of my classes for the past week and I can't get enough! I love it so much that I even listen to it in the car. . . where there are no children. . . . well except for one child at heart! My job requires me to listen to a lot of children's music , and I do like a lot of the kiddie CD's out there but BNL is by far my fav. It not only appeals to children but to grown-ups too . . . I particularly enjoy all of the Canadiana references:) I highly recommend Snacktime for anyone with children . . . or without .. . who says that you need children to have fun and enjoy some great music:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIkqEF2Mvc8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPh_6_u98tI

Oh Poop!

My car has recently become a fowl public washroom!!! Lately my car seems to be attracting bird poop. I'm not talking about 1 or 2 random droppings either - My car is covered with over 20 bird poop splats! The kind that not even a good car wash can get out. Not sure if it's where I've been parking or if the birds have a bone to pick with me. I am certainly not happy about it -it's almost as though my car has a sign on it that says "poop here".

My dad found this video though and has offered to install the anti-poop device on my vehicle- so I plan to have a poopless car very soon! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ii7-q7DWdQ

Olivia the Pig

I'm all about the book Olivia by Ian Falconer lately. It's for kids, but I happen to enjoy it a lot. I picked it up a while back for Julia because I found it at Winners, which meant that it was cheap. I had heard that it was a great book. It won the publishers award back when it was released so I figured why not. Well little did I know how Olivia is truly my kindred spirit. Olivia is the spunkiest, sassiest little pig around! She's a wee little diva with a big personality. Julia loves the book too. She's read it so much with Daddy that she has it memorized. She "reads" it to me any time I'm over at her house. The other day as she was "reciting" the book, Julia stopped and acutely observed that Olivia and I are a lot a like. . . she said "Auntie, Olivia likes the colour red just like you!" she also noticed that Olivia likes to sing - just like Auntie! She looked at me and said quite seriously, "Auntie, if Olivia wasn't a pig and if her name wasn't Olivia - this book would be about you! . . . Maybe we should call the book Auntie the Pig!" :) Julia then went on to switch out "Olivia" for "Auntie" as she read the rest of the book. . . I suppose if one looks really closely there is a bit of a resemblance between Olivia and I . . . :)

The Truth about Divadom - By: Professor Prima Diva Donna

With the latest trend in society to call every walking, breathing woman a diva I feel it my duty to clarify a few things. I'll lay it out there with as much grace and tenderness that can come from a "true, bonafide, certified" Diva . . . I'm sorry to say, but the title "Diva" can not be applied to just any woman.

If we examine the history of the word Diva it was originally a term used to celebrate a woman of outstanding talent, beauty and majesty in the world of Opera. I'm truly sorry to break so many poor little un-diva hearts, but that means that at the very least one must be able to SING in order to truthfully live in the Diva realm. And when I say sing, I don't mean in the shower or at the karaoke bar or even to your wee little children who aren't yet able to comprehend that you are in reality squawking like a dying chicken. The term was used by the Italians to refer to a woman with a truly "Divine" voice. Of course there is a similar word that would refer to male singer, but I for one don't see it as necessary to discuss such nonsense. We all know that great sopranos are also great at everything else including: glamour, mystery, beauty, and radiance. We are certainly worthy of adoration for more than just our great voices, but it really does all come down to our teeny tiny infoldings of mucous membrane that stretch across the larynx and vibrate with such magnificent splendour and beauty.

What I'm really saying here is that if you are going to have the gall to call yourself a diva you must first at the very least be able to perform a death defying stellar cadenza popping all of the high C's,D's etc. with extreme skill and beauty, all the while maintaining your glamorous yet mysterious facade. Of course you also must be a master at several other skills, notably these: the maim and destroy all other sopranos skill, the humiliate your accompanist skill, the conduct the conductor with a death glare skill , the upstage ALL others at ALL times skill, the dump your lover at the drop of a dime skill, the over the top hissy fit skill and so much more. Let's be real, if you haven't mastered any of the skills that truly define a Diva at this point in your life, forget about it! You have no hope. You simply don't have what it takes to ever live up to the title. So stop pretending to be a diva and just deal with being ordinary. . .ordinary is um . . wonderful too . . yes it is! Simply wonderful! I personally wouldn't want to be just ordinary, so I do truly understand the desire to proclaim oneself a diva. I truly sympathize with you from the bottom of my heart if you are really just an ordinary person trying to fill the sparkly shoes of an authentic diva. For the sake of all of the bonafide, certified diva's out there can you please just accept who you are and stop abusing and misusing our rightfully earned title. The term "Diva" can only be applied to those who are truly grandiose enough to own such a divine title. :)

Reflection on Michael Jackson's Death

Michael Jackson is dead, and although I'm not one to usually comment on such things, it's hard not to comment on the passing of such an influential artist. I always find it so fascinating to watch how the world reacts to celebrities and more so to their deaths. Even myself, when I heard the news yesterday I was quite shocked - as though I never could have imagined Michael Jackson ever dying. I didn't cry, but I certainly understood how huge his passing would be to the world.

I too am one who would include Michael Jackson as a part of my childhood memories. I recall the day my sister got both the Thriller and Jackson 5 albums for her birthday. For months we would gather around our bright blue Fischer Price record player, slip out the huge round black vinyl records, drop that needle and dance away. We eventually wore out the Thriller record and replaced it with the tape - which would be permanently found in Jen's cool ghetto blaster:) I recall being terrified of the song thriller with Vincent Price's creepy voice and haunting laugh at the end. (I still get creeped out by that part today.) Oh and those times we would attempt to watch the video of dancing Zombie MJ chasing after the girl , without being scared out of our minds were numerous. Then there were my cousins Danny and John who were huge fans. They had the sparkly glove, the doll, the posters, the buttons - I think that Dan even mastered the moon walk :)

With all of those memories in my own small life, no doubt MJ was very influential. He was indeed an incredible artist - pushing the edge with all of his eccentricities. I suppose though that his death really reiterates that he was indeed simply a human being. He made himself appear to be so inhuman, and he became such an icon that he almost seemed immortal. And the reaction of the world yesterday and today and I'm sure over the weeks to come only puts him in the position of idol even more.

I don't know if I'm abnormal or if others think about this when a celebrity dies too, but I can't help but wonder where Michael Jackson is now and what he is experiencing. Being a Christian who often meditates on the after life, it's almost an automatic place where my mind goes. I think it's so interesting that we as men can't help but turn a celebrity into even more of an icon in death. We make them even more inhuman, and forget that they too were fallen men. It's almost ironic to me when I juxtapose all of the earthly images with what I imagine is happening for MJ now. I'm pretty certain that for Michael Jackson all of the fame and idolization has been stripped away. To God, Micheal Jackson is not the "King of Pop". To God, Micheal Jackson is simply a mortal man who met his Maker yesterday. In God's eyes, Michael Jackson has only ever been His child, His creation. Is MJ in heaven? I don't know - that's one of the mysteries of death, not knowing for certain - only God knows. Being the King of Pop with money and celebrity didn't exempt Michael Jackson from death though. I can't help but think that as soon as MJ met God face to face yesterday - that all of the worship, fame, and idolization that he received and even tried to create for himself on earth seemed extremely minute, inconsiderable, frivolous, and even ridiculous compared the reality of the amazing shekhinah glory of the one true God, King of all kings including the king of pop.

It's simple

About a month ago God really took hold of me and specifically said:
"I want you to just do what you do, be who you are, follow where I'm leading, minister where I'm calling and step out for My glory."
Seemed so simple at the time because those are things that I can do with His help. . . . but boy has it ever become apparent how much I get in the way of all that seems simple.

Dandelions

I feel sorry for Dandelions. Why is it that they aren't good enough to be treated just like every other flower. Yes, yes, I know technically they are a "weed" , but they are pretty like other flowers. I was reminded of this when my niece pointed to the "pretty yellow flowers" on the grass the other day and we just ignored her cause they are not "flowers" they are "weeds" yuck. . . . somehow lovely little dandelions have become a "dirty weed". Children always see them as flowers. I remember wanting to pick them as a little girl just like Julia, and would often gather bunches for my Mom or teacher. And when giving them there was always this 'thank you for the thought, but ewww' look on their face. Soon one catches on that they are just a "weed" so don't stop to admire anymore and worry when they pop up on their lawn. Why is it a faux pas to leave them on your lawn? If you ask me the Dandelion is adorable, bright, cheerful and very unique. How many flowers turn into fun white fluff balls that can be blown everywhere? The dandelion is clearly evidence of how our inner most child and natural appreciation for beauty is far too often squashed.

My Favorite Word

Is it weird to have a favorite word? Cause if it is then I'm weird. My Favorite word in the english language has to be 'SASSY'. Just say it - Saaaassssy! Yeah! Say it again . . .
The more I say it the better I feel.
"You're Sassy!" "I'm sassy" "We're all a little Sassy" . . . sassy, sassy sassy!! Doesn't it just make you smile?
The word is great because it has a great meaning too!

Sassy (sās'ē) adj. sas·si·er, sas·si·est
Lively and spirited; jaunty.
Stylish; chic: a sassy little hat.

I suppose I have always unintentionally strived to be a Sassy girl. Particularly on the stage . . . most of the characters I play are pretty sassy, some sassier than others. I never have more fun than when I play those sassy little divas.

Honestly I haven't been feeling all that sassy lately. . . Perhaps as one matures and has to deal with real life the Sass deflates. . . boooo! :(
Well I for one won't stand for deflated Sass!! I refuse to be a boring un-sassy diva.
Watch out cause this diva is bringing Sassy back!!!

The Photoshoot

For my Birthday Lucas and Julia wore their matching "If you think I'm cute you should see my Auntie" T-Shirts. Of Course I saw this as the perfect photo op. . . little did I know that capturing a 7 month old and a 3 yr old in the same frame would be exceptionally difficult. After 49 shots the t-shirt can only be fully read in 1 photo. . . and to get them both looking at the camera at the same time without any tears seemed to be an almost impossible task . . . we did it though. And we managed to capture some silly 3yr old facial expressions and Lucas' adorable sumo wrestler legs, which I simply can't resist. :) Cute . . . just like Auntie :)

Immuninators

I've been complaining about my immune system a lot lately. Mostly because I don't understand how it has failed to prevent me from getting all of the nasty viruses and germs that have taken over my body in the past 7 months. The other day as I was fighting off the flu I was reminded of what a powerful little immune system I do have. And boy oh boy was it fighting hard. As I was sitting there feeling the heat radiating off my cheeks and profusely sweating from fever - I knew that all of those little immune system guys or luekocytes were at work and fighting hard. I even recall in my somewhat delirious state giving them a little cheer by saying "Come on guys fight, fight, fight!" So as much as I bash my system I'm so grateful at how hard it has worked to kill all of those darn little buggers over the past few months. I'm thankful that I have a fully functioning immune system - it really is a miraculous little system designed by the most magnificent Creator:)

Swinging

Time to give my nephew his very own blogpost.

Here's Lucas at 7months old, his first swing ride at the park. He's really such a sweet little guy:)

Diva's Beef - Nose Picking

This is a given - watching someone pick his/her nose is totally gross. i however have come to terms with the fact that it seems to be the way of a lot of the kiddies I teach. . . I can't tell you how often I sit and watch several of my students pick their noses and play with their boogies in my classes - ewwwww. They then proceed to try to hold my hand in a circle song or touch the instruments that I hand out and then collect. It's no wonder why I'm always sick!! Today I discovered that it's not only the kids who pass on their boogie germs - it's Moms too! Mom's who pick their baby's, toddler's or preschooler's nose for them and then don't bother to wash their hands afterwards, but proceed to wipe it on their own clothes . Blech! Come on!! I know it's your own flesh and blood and that you're genuinely only trying to prevent boogies from hanging out of that tiny nose, but those boogers are loaded with germs. I understand that it isn't easy being a Mom, and I totally appreciate the fact that Mom's care, but please for the sake of all those out there you come in contact with please, please, please wash your hands after picking your child's nose for him - it's just as germy on your fingers as it is on his. Blech.

Fill it up Man.

I confess when it comes to some things I'm a bit of a traditional gal. Being a single woman forces one to have to be a little "nontraditional". I have no choice but to do pretty much everything for myself, which I don't mind most of the time, but I have to confess - some days I wouldn't mind having a man to do little things for me, like: fill the washer fluid in my car, check the oil, pump the gas, carry my heavy boxes and bags, etc. I think how nice it would be mostly when I hear the clunk of the hood of my car closing. It just feels so unnatural for a diva to see and touch the intestines of her car, and it's so dirty opening up the hood (particularly on a wet snowy day). Then again I suppose when I really think about it, it's really unnatural for a diva to be driving her own car to begin with - she'd normally have a chauffeur to do that . . . .
Oh I'm a miserable excuse of a diva! I can't even afford to hire a man to do all the little things for me . . . oh well! I know I can get by, all I'm saying is that it would be nice sometimes, that's all.

Sick

I'm sooo sick of being sick. It seems almost unreal the amount of viruses I've had since September. After spending another weekend fighting off my 8 or 9th cold of the season, which immediately followed a horrible stomach flu (1 of 3), I've just had it. I'm so frustrated that I just want to give up on everything. . . no point trying to be healthy because it clearly doesn't make a difference - nothing works and I've tried it all. I'm so tired of having to pretend that I'm not sick by forcing my way through a day of teaching even though I feel achy, feverish, stuffed up and in a daze. I'm tired of spending my hard earned money on advil, neocitron, cough syrup and cold fx. I'm tired of not being able to enjoy my days off because most of them are spent trying to recoup. And I'm tired of losing money because I have to call in sick so that I can spend an intimate day with my toilet. . . . I feel so ungrateful anytime I complain because my health could be way worse, I think of those who are truly suffering and my minor viruses seem like rays of sunshine in comparison. I suppose my only option is to endure . . . and hope that this is it.

sometimes.

Sometimes I wonder what's wrong with me and not with others.
Sometimes I wonder what's wrong with others and not with me.
- Perhaps that's what's wrong with me.

Family Sunday

Today was such a great day. It was one of reminiscing back to my childhood and secretly I felt just as exuberant as I did when I was a little girl. My Dad took Julia and I tobogganing - ok I went along so that Bapa didn't have to go up and down the hill, but as I played in the cold crisp air and made snow angels I felt like a kid again. I really felt like that little girl who would go zipping down the hill on the sno jet back in the '80's - kind of helped that we used our old sno jet toboggan today. Afterwards we came home for a nostalgic dinner. My Mom made her special sweet and sour spare ribs, which I haven't had since I don't know when, but used to love them when I was a kid. After dinner I couldn't help but smile and remember how fun my Dad is, as I watched Bapa giving Julia a horsey ride - something he used to do when Jen and I were little and we used to love it. I really enjoy our family Sundays!!

My New Recorder

It's no secret that it doesn't take much to excite me to no end. Right now I'm pretty darn excited about my brand new recorder. I got it before Christmas, because I'll be teaching recorder this term and needed one for home to do my prep work. I haven't really had time to play it until now. Why am I so excited you ask? Because it's not your ordinary plastic recorder. Mine is pink and sparkly and it's super sassy!!!! It's so fuchsia pink that it's almost red. It was cheap (mind you I get an educator discount), it came with a matching pink case and a notation chart and did I mention that it's pink and sparkly!! Yup, teaching recorder is going to be fun fun fun!! It's a shame that the kids get stuck with the boring cream coloured ones. Too bad, so sad:( Did I mention that mine is pink and sparkly :)

Said and Done

So, sometimes . . . ok, most of the time I don't say exactly what I mean to say to people. I water my thoughts down, edit my words, and try not to fully bombard people with my feelings. Well yesterday, it so happened that by accident an unedited e-mail conversation between my friend and I was sent to someone who I ordinarily would re-edit and re-edit my exact words to . . . the conversation was actually about telling the accidental addressee what I was thinking and I was trying to get this person's e-mail address. . . so I would have shared my thoughts, just not in such a blatantly honest way.
Once I discovered that this person was now fully aware of my un-edited thoughts I was embarrassed. It revealed a real vulnerability and weakness of mine in a true unaltered light. . . . I was certainly not ready to be so vulnerable with such a person.
As I thought about it more. . .perhaps full blown honesty was exactly what was needed to get my point across. I really shouldn't be embarrassed, but am - and now it all comes down to pride.