Impulse...wild hair...call it what you will.

Hey there!

Really quick - a couple stories before I get to the real reason for this post:

Charlie's latest "thing" - jumping up and hanging onto door frames.  Yep - he leaps almost 5 feet into the air and hugs door frames...for no apparent reason.

Also, one of my teenage boy students drew this (to earn a "motivation system" point):

And now, drumroll, please....

I bought this today!
For those of you who care, it's an Alvarez from the '80s.

Here's the explanation:

Since so many families take vacations, have baseball games, etc. during the month of June, I have quite a bit of downtime at the studio due to them missing lessons.  So, while teaching in the room with lots of guitars in it, I decided to pick one up, and with the help of a book, try to learn a bit.  I enjoyed learning something new so much that I wanted to be able to continue the learning at home!  I talked to one of the guitar teachers about it, and he pointed me to a local guitar shop (where he also works and which happens to be right across the street from the studio), and I went on over there during a break today...and walked out with a guitar!  I'm looking forward to the challenge and potential it presents!  Any suggestions or tips are welcome!  ☺

That's all, for now.

Happy Friday (almost)!

Strummingly,

Kensy

Favorites of the day:

"Appletini" Crystal Light

teacher discounts

fresh pineapple

Those were the days...

As I sit here with my toenails drying, everything checked off my to-do list, practicing trumpet for the fun of it, and of course, writing a blog post...just because, I'm thinking that there will (probably/hopefully) come a day when I look back on these times and think, "Those were the days..."  You know the song, right?  We had it on a player piano roll, and it was one of our favorites!  Click here to refresh your memory.


Anyway...this evening, I'm cherishing this season of life and trying to not take it for granted.  Though there are days when I long to be married/starting a family/etc. as so many of my friends/peers/acquaintances are, I really love setting my own schedule, doing only what I want to do (and when I want to do it), being able to see/help/hang out with friends as often as I please, the list goes on and on!  I also love knowing God has me right where He wants me...and though I'm ready for whatever comes next, I'm also content to stay in this "place" for a bit.


A couple entries for my "nanny diary":
While the 5-yr.-old was playing out an intense chase scene involving a semi-truck (cattle carrier), "The Lion King" (little plastic Mufasa figurine), and Scar (another plastic lion figurine), he was not only narrating the story, but giving it its own theme music.  I couldn't quite decipher whether or not it was original or something he'd picked up from a show, but it was definitely meant to intensify the scene he was creating.  It reminded me of "The Emperor's New Groove."  (If you don't understand this reference, watch this video.)


After complimenting me on my painted toenails, the 2 1/2-yr.-old asked, "Can you do those on your kitty?"  Meaning, "Could/do you paint your cat's toenails?"  This came completely out of the blue, and I had to laugh out loud before explaining to her why I don't and will never do so.


Mmmk - that's all, for now.


Happy Father's Day (almost) - especially to my dad!!  ☺


-Kensy

Favorites of the day:

being sought out (for a variety of reasons, but in this case, to play trumpet at church)

young men who notice your "foggy" headlight and offer to do a restoration treatment on it

grocery shopping

#100!

So...apparently this is my 100th post!  I noticed the count on my list-of-posts page before beginning a new one and was pleasantly surprised to see that number!  It makes me think of "100th Day" projects in elementary school!  Sorry - I'm not going to make a picture with 100 Cheerios, beads, marshmallows, or pennies for the occasion.  Here are some other stats, though:

• I've been blogging for exactly 1 year and 7 months.
• There have been 7,267 pageviews from...
• 10 different countries!

Thanks again to all you faithful readers!  Again - I'd like to extend the offer to write about anything you request (within reason), so feel free to leave a comment, anonymous or otherwise.

I hope you all had a great weekend - I sure did!  Saturday was spent at the pool and a summer concert/festival with friends.  It was pretty much the perfect summer day!

Yesterday, it was another spectacular Sunday school session (hooray for alliterations!) and worship service.  Then, I got to help host a Nebraska Brass concert and had the pleasure of working with a lovely older woman who came (volunteered) to help.  That evening, I had the opportunity to play for an ordination service at church.  I was moved to tears (yes, more tearfulness...) when each of the supporting pastors (there were 11) individually laid their hands on the young man being ordained and gave him their own words of encouragement - from scripture and otherwise.  Such a powerful display of Christ-like love and support.  I wondered if they were all remembering their own ordination during this time.  This was followed by a violin/piano/organ arrangement of "Here I Am, Lord" - one of my very favorite hymns...it always gets me.  Luckily, I was able to compose myself before playing for the last hymn.  Even though the service lasted much longer than I anticipated, I was glad to be a part of it.

Charlie says, "Hey."

That's all, for now!  Have a wonderful week!

Centennially,

Kensy

P.S. If I had made the decision to go to France with the NWU band, I would've been gone for the past 10 days.  Though I know they all had an amazing time, I do not regret my decision to stay in the least!  Not only would I have missed out on a week's worth of work and had to find subs/make-up times for so many students, I would've missed that beautiful wedding last weekend and all the great experiences this weekend!  Maybe (hopefully) next time, Europe...  ☺

P.P.S. Those of you who work downtown and/or have a lengthy lunch hour should come check out the Lincoln Community Foundation Garden Performance Series concerts at noon on Wednesdays!  Yours truly will be hosting a lot of them from here on out, and I'd love to see you there!  Look the series up on Facebook, or click here for the schedule of performers.

Favorites of the day:

cool old houses

sunshine

iTunes

Good tears

Hey, all!


This past weekend, I got to witness the marriage of one of my good college friends to the man of her dreams!  It was a beautiful ceremony (as were all the festivities!) - such a testament to God's faithfulness.  I was reminded of the perfect plan He has for each of us and how intently we need to trust His timing in our lives.


For me, weddings pretty much always mean tears (of joy and happiness).  This was definitely not an exception.  I hadn't had a "good cry" in awhile, so once I started, I wasn't to be stopped...for the whole weekend, it seems!  Here are most of the instances that evoked tears for me this past weekend:

• hymn/song selections before the wedding ceremony even began
• two grandsons kissing their grandmother's check after escorting her to her seat at her grandaughter's wedding
• groom seeing his stunning bride for the first time
• hymn/song selections during the ceremony
• beautifully choreographed first dance
• Maid of Honor's speech
• Best Man's speech
• various points during a Dave-Matthews-Band-centered worship service (esp. the song "He Loves Us")
• the song "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz (video with a beautiful explanation of why he wrote it and a live performance - click here)
• this proposal video: click here (please watch this - soooo cool)

Such a wonderful celebration of life and love happening amongst the various tragedies/illnesses/unfortunate circumstances that have hit close to home, lately, leaves me with many more thoughts on all these situations.  We won't delve into all that, for now, though.  All I know is I am so very thankful to be so very blessed.


I haven't posted much about Charlie, recently, so for those of you who have been missing this segment of the "scoop," here you go!  (Those who could care less can skip past the pictures.)

I had just washed this (his cat carrier/time-out spot) out and was still washing the blanket that goes inside before putting the lid and door back on.

He felt the need to make use of it right at that moment, though.

Also - it was his 2nd birthday yesterday!

Typical.

Better.

No, I didn't throw him a party.  FYI - pictures in a hat was the extent of the festivities...and a "special" can of food. There were no balloons, candles, singing, etc.


Speaking of balloons - did you know the supply of helium on the earth is quickly disappearing?!  Look it up...


Tearfully (not really - it just fit the bulk of the body of this post),
Kensy

Favorites of the day:

birthday celebration staff meetings

flexibility (in scheduling, etc.)

sugar snap peas from Mom's garden

Cool/precious/enjoyable/interesting

Hello!


The crazy-busy couple of weeks is over!  Now, it's a fairly normal schedule till the end of June when my summer "break" begins.  


Congrats to those of you who just finished up a school year, as teachers or as students!


My last couple of weeks were full of blessings and good things, but what topped it all off this weekend was the celebration of the marriage of two of my good college friends.  Another good friend and her boyfriend came down for the weekend/wedding, and it was great to spend some quality time with them in addition to seeing everyone at the ceremony and reception!  These types of gathering/celebrations in life are so very special, and I'm thankful to have been able to attend (and be a part of the ceremony!) and see so many "old friends."  


In other news, I had the privilege of witnessing a partial solar eclipse last weekend!  Did any of you?  God is so awesome...and creative!


Stories from my life as a nanny:
On the way home from her second day at "school," I asked the 2 1/2-year-old I nanny for if she'd gone potty at school (so I knew whether we'd make it home, or not).  She said she had, then her 5-yr.-old brother asked, "Did you go poopy?"  She defensively said, "No!"  Then, he asked "Did you fart?"  I waited for her response before telling him that kind of question was inappropriate.  She hesitated, thinking about her answer, before replying, "Umm...yeah, I did."  Obviously appalled, he gasped and said, "(insert her name here)!!  You're not supposed to fart in school - it's against the law!"  I explained to them both that this isn't true - accidents happen.  She seemed relieved, but he didn't believe me.


Earlier in the same afternoon, after we'd dropped his sister off at school, my 5-yr.-old friend and I stopped to put some gas in the car.  When I got back in the car, my backseat passenger notified me of a bug on my arm.  After I shooed it away and we got back on the road, he asked me, "What happens if you don't have enough blood?"  A discussion of the circulatory system, donating blood, how we don't die from minor cuts, etc. followed.  About 45 minutes later, and after many unrelated conversations, he came back to the topic saying, "I want to give you some of my blood."  When I asked him why, he responded, "Because that mosquito took some of yours and I don't want you to die!"  Apparently, the bug from an hour earlier had resembled a mosquito...and the precious kiddo was concerned about my loss of blood.  


One last story about these guys:  When they play "Cowboys and Indians," they call it "Cowboys and 'Indianans.'"


Lastly, I've been meaning to share this for awhile: I'm reading through the Old Testament, and came across this story a couple weeks ago (2 Kings 4:38-41):

Death in the Pot

³⁸ Elisha returned to Gilgal and there was a famine in that region. While the company of the prophets was meeting with him, he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot and cook some stew for these prophets.”

³⁹ One of them went out into the fields to gather herbs and found a wild vine and picked as many of its gourds as his garment could hold. When he returned, he cut them up into the pot of stew, though no one knew what they were.⁴⁰ The stew was poured out for the men, but as they began to eat it, they cried out, “Man of God, there is death in the pot!” And they could not eat it.

⁴¹ Elisha said, “Get some flour.” He put it into the pot and said, “Serve it to the people to eat.” And there was nothing harmful in the pot.

I don't remember ever hearing of this story before, and I had a hard time knowing what to make of this - I think I laughed out loud when I first read it.  Am I/are we supposed to be taking something from it?!  Flour makes everything better...?  Does anyone else remember ever reading it, and/or do you have any thoughts about it?


Hope you all have a relaxing and reverent Memorial Day!


Stay cool,
Kensy

Favorites of the day:

dancing!!!  (So much of it last night - and sooooooo much fun!)

Hawaiian Pizza from The Isles 

catching up

♥ = full

Hello, hello!


First of all, Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers (and mothers to be...and future mothers) out there!


I've been busier than usual with some extra "music librarian" duties (by the way - add "clock battery changer," and "calendar flipper" to the list) at Arts Inc.  These have included scheduling and making visits to middle and high schools in Lincoln to tell music students about all the opportunities offered through our groups.  It's kind-of fun, but time-consuming...and makes for longer days than I'm used to.


Anyway, as a result, I have some kiddo/student stories I've been dying to share.  Please enjoy...


I don't remember whether or not I told you all about this when it happened, so I'm going to tell you (again?) before I add to the story:

A few months ago, one of my students (whose mom regularly sits in on her lesson) brought an iPhone to show me a video...and was VERY excited to do so.  With no explanation, I watched, and gasped/shrieked fairly loudly.  The video was of their family (her and her two younger brothers) looking in their oven and finding a bun.  It was the video they were showing family and friends to announce her mom's pregnancy.  Then, last week at her lesson, she brought an unmarked shoebox and was beside herself with the anticipation of me looking inside.  I opened the lid to find two rolls/buns with googly eyes and pink bows.  I probably had an over-reaction to this news, but she was soooo excited to show me and I am soooo excited for her/them!  I also just loved their creativity in sharing the news.  ☺



On our way home from taking her brother to school, the 2-yr.-old I nanny for said, "I wished I could be a bird."  I said, "How come?"  She replied, "For fun.  I'd be a pretty bird, so then, everyone would say, 'Look at that pretty bird!'"  I said, "Yes, that would be fun, but you're already a pretty girl!"  She giggled and said, "I guess it would be fun to fly, too."


In the CMA (Children's Music Academy) class I teach, we chanted the "Fuzzy Wuzzy" story near the beginning of class.  Then, toward the end of class, we used our keyboards to tell stories.  My example was a caterpillar down low on the ground (low notes) becoming a butterfly who flies high in the sky (high notes).  One of the students wanted to share his story next.  It started with a caterpillar in the forest who ran up a tree and back down again a few times trying to outrun a bear who was chasing him.  Then, the caterpillar stopped on a branch above the bear and started pulling out the bear's fur, one piece at a time.  Eventually, the bear had "no hair," and his name was "Fuzzy" (as in "Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair)!  And they lived happily ever after, he said.  I was astounded by the connection he made (he's only 4!) and his ability to bring the class full-circle.

Now, to get you up to speed on this weekend:

We had our student recital for the studio yesterday.  All my students did such a wonderful job, and it was so fun (and rewarding) to sit back and listen to them share what they've learned.  

I received flowers, gifts, compliments, and lots of hugs...and I wasn't even the one performing!

Then, today, I took a spontaneous trip to Manhattan, KS.  Two reasons for the trip:

1. surprise Mom for Mother's Day

2. meet Norman (my brother's pet baby goose)

There are no words...

We were instant friends...he was preening me.

Who knew birds could be so cuddly?!

My heart is so full after this trip.  For some reason, I really felt the need to spend some time with the family, no matter how brief, so I just went.  Meeting that precious goose was pretty great, too!  ☺


One more thing:  While I was on my drive this morning, I passed a cemetery in the middle of the Flint Hills.  As I drove past, I noticed an older man sitting near a headstone in a lawn chair...alone.  Whether he was visiting his mother or his wife, I do not know.  Either way, though, the sight instantly moved me to tears...and made me even more grateful for the opportunity to spend time with loved ones.


With love,
Kensy

Favorites of the day:

Coldstone

Norman

"guy" time

quality car time (and the Passion 2012 speakers on CD)

Results of being done

Oh no!  I just realized I never actually posted this!  Sooo sorry for an even bigger lapse between posts - this was supposed to be posted a couple weeks ago.  Oh well!


Hey, hey!


My free time at home the past couple of weeks has been consumed by filling out student evaluations...and now, I'm done!!  The process was much more drawn out this time around (because I was ahead of schedule, rather than unintentionally behind, like last year), and it was nice to be able to spend quality time evaluating, suggesting room for improvement, and praising each student in writing.


As a result of being done, I've had time to catch up on various videos I've been meaning to watch.  Here are some of them:

• Here's a video of a blind kitten playing with toys for the first time (this one choked me up a bit): http://www.wimp.com/kittentoys/
• This is one of a man with no arms who plays the trumpet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt6oc1frNsQ&feature=share
• Finally, here's one about an orchestra in Congo...it's definitely worth your time: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7404678n&tag=api

 In other news...

We went to Titanic in 3D...a few hours after I posted about hoping to do so.  It was everything we hoped for, and more! 

We had another photo shoot for the studio on Saturday.  What was supposed to be a few head shots and "ensemble" shots turned into this...(as well as shots of us as carolers in Charles Dickens-esque costumes - products of those to come soon, I hope).

Also, because I took one of the kiddos I nanny for to preschool the other day, he, his sister, and I had the following conversations:
(They're fascinated by my car (a red Honda Prelude).  Their parents drive big cars (an SUV and a truck), so they're not used to little 2-door ones, like mine.)
4-yr.-old boy as he was getting into the backseat of my car: Do you ever travel in here?
me: Yes, every day!
him: No, I mean far away...like Minnesota.  (They have relatives there and have taken road trips there often...it's our default destination when pretending to take a trip.)
me: Yes, I have.  Why do you ask?
him: I was just wondering if you could fit a suitcase in here.
me: Well, yes, I could, but I could also put it in the trunk.
him: Oh yeah!  Cool!


2-yr.-old girl as we're stopped at a red light: Whatcha waiting for?
me: I'm waiting for the light to turn green, so we can go.
her: Oh yeah.
...
her, at the next stoplight: Whatcha waiting for?
me: It's a red light.
her: Oh yeah...it matches your car!




I think that's all, for now.  Hope you enjoyed some or all of this post!


Have a great rest of the week!


-Kensy

Favorites of the day:

the movie "50/50"

having an unexpected day off (I was supposed to sub today till I heard otherwise late last night)

running errands