Chrismahanukwanzakah

     Little did I know that  the moment I stepped through the doors at MHS this December, I was walking straight into the world of political correctness.
     Let's get this straight: I'm all for acceptance, and in the same way, not a fan of marginalization.  But there is one thing I can't stand: hypocrisy.
     It's surprising to see people stutter over the inclusive "Happy Chrismahanukwanzakah!", and fall miles short of a hearty  "Merry Christmas!",  while I am consistently the only person in my classroom to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.   I don't see this odd behavior stemming from any sort of controversy over the "One Nation under God" statement,  I feel it's directly a wanton disregard for patriotism.
     An odd statement I'm aware, coming from this proud Canadian citizen.   I'm definitely not the one tearing up over the National Anthem, or wearing a flag swim suit; I just like to see respect given where it's due.
I'm bothered that laziness and the heavy magnetic pull of peer pressure is actively pressing students down in their seats.  
     The other day I asked my Muslim friend about her plans over Christmas break.  She politely reminded me that she does not celebrate the season, and that she would be maintaining a typical (albeit school-free) routine.
    I'm navigating unfamiliar waters where a typical holiday greeting is exclusive, and the all-embracing Pledge is left to the nasally voice over the intercom.
    So I'll continue wishing Merry Christmas, and ask about plans for "break".
     Once school resumes, I'll persist in standing.  Just yesterday I noticed another student rise from his desk.

Breathing Space

One of the most beautiful color displays in nature occurs at the open and close of each day. I managed to capture this striking West Virgina sunset just as the sun melted into the hilltops.

This Skier

Is missing her snow.

Every frosty bit of it!

Happiness

On a stinging winter's night drive I was struck by the lyrics of The Fray's "Happiness".
     Happiness is just outside my window
Would it crash blowing 80-miles an hour?
Or is happiness a little more like knocking
On your door, and you just let it in?
     Happiness feels a lot like sorrow
Let it be, you can’t make it come or go
But you are gone- not for good but for now
Gone for now feels a lot like gone for good
     Happiness is a firecracker sitting on my headboard
Happiness was never mine to hold
Careful child, light the fuse and get away
‘Cause happiness throws a shower of sparks
     Happiness damn near destroys you
Breaks your faith to pieces on the floor
So you tell yourself, that’s probably enough for now
Happiness has a violent roar
     Happiness is like the old man told me
Look for it, but you’ll never find it all
But let it go, live your life and leave it
Then one day, wake up and she’ll be home
Home, home, home
As I considered the lyrics I recognized a new depth and understanding expressed by foreman Isaac Slade.
Within the length of the song, I had a string of musings.  Putting fleeting impressions to words is difficult, but I will take you through to my conclusion.

I flew back to a warm summer's night,

The first time this song struck me

Isaac's ethereal moans

Yeaahh aaa mmmmm.

Between verses as he delivered "Happiness"

To start and end the show.

He sang:

Happiness feels a lot like sorrow

Both so all-consuming. 

Happiness is a firecracker sitting on my headboard

A fleeting moment in the scheme of time.

I'm becoming a  believer in joy.  Something lasting, thriving, and ever present even in the uhappiest of times- a hope that's always with me.

Someone once said:

"Joy is a heart full and a mind purified by gratitude."

And how much I have to be grateful for!

No, I cannot say that this moment is happy.

But that is what it is,  a moment.

I have reasons for joy, and I have a feeling that as I lose myself  in my reasons for gratitude...

As for my happiness...

...let it go, live your life and leave it

Then one day, wake up, she'll be home
Home, home, home

I hummed

Yeaahh aaa mmmmm
I have many more warm summer nights to come.

Music for Christmas

 My favorite seasonal tradition is still alive in the hills of West Virginia!   Our family was lucky to run into Boyd Edwards and his family in the early stages of our move.  Upon the discovery that my siblings and I are music lovers as well, we starting jamming at the Edward's home one, two, three times a week.  As a Stanford grad and music minor, Brother Edwards has an excellent collection of music.  It's been fun to play everything thing from Bartok to arrangements by Michael McClean. 

An oboeist, cellist, bassist, pianist, and singer have all been incorporated into several different arrangements.  We've been playing in groups resembling a small orchestra, as well as lively duets, and joyful quartets. With some pertinent connections, the gigs are lining up!  We've had the opportunity to play for three church firesides and one Christmas party already.

 I'm so grateful for this shred of normalcy, and I'm so lucky to have the power of music in my life.  It's something I love to share, and my favorite way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Also, in the month of November and early December, Hunter, Anne, and I have all found excellent teachers at the University.  I'm also very grateful for this, and can't wait to see where violin will take me.

B&W D.C.

Washing[ton] of Fun

Throughout the D.C. trip, I discovered that taking pictures at a brisk jog is exactly as hard as it sounds!  If I paused for too long the Fam would manage to be two blocks and three street crossings ahead.    Nearly every picture is angled up;  the back of my head was glued between my shoulder blades as we passed towering and breathtaking architecture.