Busy as a Bee

My dear, faithful readers,
I am sorry to have been M.I.A. for so long, it was very unintentional. Had I known I would have told you. I don't believe I wrote a single post the entire school year! Life happened. I was extremely busy. Perhaps to excuse myself and because some might find it interesting, here is what most days of the week looked like for me.

Sunday
7:20 rehearsal (on occasion)
8:00 church
9:30 youth group
1:00 lunch visitation
Homework marathon

Monday
Homework
1:30-2:45 class
Homework
4:30-6 orchestra sectional
Work like crazy to finish school homework!!!
3:00 or 4:30am bed

Tuesday
9-3 school
4:15-6 orchestra
6:30-8 awana

Wednesday
11:00 viola lesson
11:45-2:00 babysit
2:30-6:30 teach violin
7:00 youth group

Thursday
11:45 dulcimer lesson
1:00-3:00 science T.A.
4:15-6 orchestra

Friday
12:15-1:30 class
1:45-3:45 babysit
4:00-5:15 babysit elsewhere
6:30 class
8:30 cello lesson

Saturday
8:30 music group rehearsal
10:00 viola or cello choir
11:00-12:30 chamber group

Keep in mind that any of the fifteen minute segments in between are likely used for traveling, not resting! And there is always an extra babysitting job, or extra rehearsal, or extra class prep. that wasn't listed. You may wonder...how does she ever eat? The answer is: I don't! I run around all day on empty with bites of this and that and then I stuff myself at dinner, assuming there is one.

Near the end of the school year, in May, I had a concert at least once every weekend if not two, final papers/projects in every class, and an art show. That meant more rehearsals, more homework, more stress, less food, and no sleep! I was so swamped and nearly went overboard. I didn't even finish about ten of the books I should have ( sorry teachers!). I tried, I really did, but it was just too much. I know I'm whining but I don't mean to. I sincerely loved all of my classes, some more than others, and I wouldn't have dropped any if I could, but I hope 7th year isn't as bad.

So forgive me for not updating. I would have loved to forget about my homework and just blog, but when you're given a second chance at something, and you're paying for it, it's best not to slack. I will be around for the summer at the very least. If I'm being super productive I'll even backtrack into some highlight posts I'd half written during school. Until next time friends :)

Wizarding Birthday

I have some advice for all my readers that I hope will stick to you throughout your lives. When you keep putting things off, piles form and it doesn't get done. As a result I have missed a number of important blog posts! As much as I wish I could, I am not in a position where I can turn each idea into the separate topic it was supposed to be, so this is going to be a crash course of the last month or so since starting school. I'd also like to reassure anyone who feels like they might be losing their mind that no, my posts aren't usually out on Friday, but they're supposed to be, so I make them say that. Most of the time they should be timeline accurate however even when I've moved on into the next week.

So let's rewind a bit. I auditioned for the college orchestra on....I can't remember. One thing I learned is that no matter how much I've practiced, I always feel as if I should have done more. By God's mighty hand I made it in and now am going to two hour rehearsals three times a week plus concerts. I sure didn't know what I was getting myself into or I'd have been a nervous wreck about time. I have adjusted to it however and it has been rewarding in many ways.

On Sunday I became legal in the wizarding world. How did that happen!? I don't feel any younger for sure but that sounds so much older to me than last year. I sure don't look it. In fact I was wandering around Diagon Alley and went into one of the children's robe shops and found a black sweater that looked and fit very nicely...it was a 10/12. Anyhow, other than dawdling and pretending I had no homework, I took my apparition test and passed!! I think I nearly splinched because I was very tired afterwards, but it was exhilarating. Not that I can apparate around muggles, but it is an accomplishment all the same. Last year wasn't a good one, so it shouldn't be too hard making this one better.

I was going to add to my list of interesting things I've done that three years ago, if I'm remembering right, I spent the night before my birthday sleeping at the airport. Interesting experience...I got donuts for breakfast though so it was all good.

All for now.

Q and A with Melissa

Today we're going to take a post and do some get to know the author through an interview composed of fun questions, strange, and a few serious. Shall we begin?

What is a one of your favorite past times?

I must confess that I really enjoy doing laundry because for some reason it fascinates me to see the washer fill up.

What instrument do you wish you played?

Chanter

Languages you want to learn?

German, Spanish, Greek, Dutch, French, and Elvish

Do you prefer...

Heights or underground?

Heights

Chocolate or gummies?

Gummies!

Next name (s) for a cat?

Posey, Nala or Celia for a girl and Lorax or Simba for a boy

Favorite age?

9

Most worn shoes?

Flip flops

Worst sport?

Volleyball...or is it soccer?

Favorite degrees?

88

Favorite musical?

Wicked

Yummy foods?

Mainly desserts, but for real meals I enjoy smoothies or cheese on fresh bread.

Who are some people that have influenced you?
Mostly authors and youth group leaders.

Favorite show?

So You Think You Can Dance

Favorite place(s) to visit?

I love to go to bookstores like Barnes and Noble and Anderson's and browse the new books. Normally it's just the library though.

Ambitious ambitions?

Meet my favorite authors and collect signed copies of their books. So far I have Gail Carson Levine's signature and Jessica Day George's, although I did not get to meet the latter. I would still really like to see Jennifer A. Nielsen, R.J. Anderson,

Sports you've done/enjoy?

Swimming, running, climbing, dancing, archery

Best smell?

Fresh bread

Most satisfying job once finished?

Mown lawn

Claim to fame?

Memorized The Lorax

What are some things that frustrate you?

Losing things, mummblers

Worst noise?

Cleaning rosin off bridge or mosquitoes near my ear

Best time of day/night?

10  O'Clock p.m.

Worst season?

Winter

Fears?

Kudzu taking over the world
Forgetting to do assignments

Places you would like to travel to?

Sweden, Germany, Costa Rica, England, Brewster NY, Neverland...

Confessions?

I am scared of the ten monsters and one Umbra that live in the cubby hole in my house. I'm also not completely honest. Now what should you believe?

Recent revelations?

My hairbrush handle glows!

Random talents?

Spelling, pull ups, ride a unicycle, sort of juggle, not at the same time...

Bad habits?

Rip nails, answering questions before they are finished being asked

Far fetched wishes?

Learn braille

Secret obsessions?

I don't know if these count, but I am a solid believer in the existence of Nessie, nargles, dragons, and fairies. I might as well add that Peter Pan is supposed to be carrying me off to Never Never Land any day now, he has just forgotten.

Things you live without?

This might be long...microwave, dishwasher, TV, cell phone, internet, video games, for a long time we also went without a computer and a dryer, which is still used rarely, oh and no air conditioning, ever!

Feel free to ask questions below if there was anything you wish was asked and Melissa will answer to the best of her abilities, long as it's not creepy.

Interviewer: special correspondent Rita Skeeter

Winter Wonder What?

Sorry, I know that was a lame attempt at an interesting title. Since I've been so behind, this is just going to be some of my thoughts on winter. With such cold weather, this has not been a good week for instruments. As soon as I get one tuned I hear a click that means one of the pegs just completely loosened and I have to start all over. Ugh! Why didn't I pick a recorder or something that doesn't care about the weather? Here's a whole list of laments and complements about living in an area that has a cold season!

I hate winter, the way it freezes me to the bone.

Yet through all the bitter cold, I love how it brings people together.
All the men in our neighborhood have snow-blowers.
They've shoveled our sidewalk like three times this week.
And then there's the one who offered to do our driveway as well.
Did I mention we're not really friends with any of these people?
Then again, what about the pleasant reminders,
Of how our little space heaters are nothing to fight against the cold?

Like this week, -15 degrees with -50 wind chill?

Ach! It makes me want to hibernate.

But thinking twice again, 

What about the hot chocolate with whipped cream

When you come in from the cold and feel yourself thawing.

I hate winter. The snow, the boots, all the heavy clothes.

At least in December there's Christmas to look forward to.

But what about in January and February, the bitterest of the year?

I don't know how I survive around here.

Kittens, blankets, heaters, hats, I couldn't live without them.
Except none of those help the way my hands are always cold.
But however much I dislike winter,
No one can resist hoping for snow days!
Staying indoors, the snow locking us in,
It's cool how whole states shut down because of God's power.
Like he's telling us to stop being busy, relax, and enjoy the snow.
This was my attempt to have a positive outlook on winter.

It's not so bad really, but with two and a half months left,
I'll be glad to see it go.

My favorite thing this winter so far has totally been the Disney movie Frozen! I've seen it almost five times I think. It is so fun and the music is absolutely, perfectly written (except the snowman) plus they used the best Broadway singer ever--Idina Menzel =P I've heard that they're making it into a live musical, that will be fun.

...And Beyond

With 2014 fast approaching, it's time to make new plans for the new year. Recently I've been kinda thinking that maybe it's better to start resolutions in the middle of January, like the time everyone else quits theirs. Did you know that 50% of Americans give up their goals within the first month? And 75% within three months? Those are pretty horrible and I'm hoping to be part of the few who keep with it. I mean, I like the idea of starting with the new year because it means fresh starts and fresh goals. But at the same time, if it doesn't work out, as it's bound to become bothersome at some point, my gut reaction is pretty much oh well, guess I'll try again next year. And that gets me nowhere because if I'm not attempting to try again even if only to get a day farther than the last try, I am probably going to give up in the same amount of time and then the goal is never reached. In fact, most of my reached goals like reading the Bible, were made not at the beginning of the year, but during school. I mean, why not make new month resolutions? It seems more practical. However, I'm not that practical and I love making lists, so I can't resist making one to at least think about and perhaps I won't begin it until February, who knows.

I think my first three all go together and will in turn help the rest because I should be saving more time. I would like to have better time management, work harder, and yet breath more. My thinking in this is that if I work harder to finish things in a timely manner I shouldn't waste hours on one subject, and then I should have more time to relax or pray or whatever without feeling guilty for not doing something else. With some of the extra time I really need to get into a schedule of practicing my instruments every day. The second half of characteristics I am working toward is simply being more real, more open. I don't think this will be a goal I can simply throw out at the end of 2014, but will probably struggle with all my life, not only because of experiences, but because it's a natural part of me that I'll always fight with. Something to help me with this would definitely be to pray more, and of course I'll be navigating my way through the Bible again, though I had a head start on that because I finished and started over again like in October. 

So those were all the ones relating to my character, these next one's are more like wishes, and hopes, just for my pleasure. There's a few that will need all year to achieve, and some just for over the summer. Firstly, I would love to get to a point in my Spanish learning where I can understand at least the gist of most everything and be able to speak at least a little. My first step in this would be to complete Duolingo. My two goals relating to physical training would be the one handed pull-up and the splits (for real this time). The splits have probably been on my list for the last four years and the longest I've gone is three months. They are not only cool looking to be able to do,  but being flexible prevents injuries as well. Then the one handed pull-up is somewhat of a continuation from last year, again simply because I think it's cool, not that I use those muscles for anything else at all. I will continue my regular routine this month just so I can do thirteen regular pull-ups and then there is this trick with a towel that I will change the level on every month until I can do one. The only other one on my list that will take the entire year is my reading challenge on Goodreads. I barely got my forty books last year and this time I upped it by five so we'll see how that goes.

Then over the summer, I'll probably pick up some new lists here and there of things I want to do, but one of them is getting some animal volunteer work. As I've mentioned before I would like to train dolphins at some point as a side job and one of the requirements I can easily start on now is simply working with animals. I am hoping to do it with the cat clinic by me. This next one isn't necessarily a goal because it's not something I'm just dying to get off my list, but perhaps I can take some steps that will someday allow me to travel someday. I would love to go to Germany to become fluent, also to Costa Rica with my sister. Then of course something I've been drooling over for years....to be able to attend Gail Carson Levine's writing workshop. Anyone near Brewster out there?

That's basically my plans for this year. Not that the Lord won't have his own plans swirling around, but I find it nice to be prepared to grow in certain areas and then the years don't feel like such a waste.

Looking Back...

So at this time of the year, I like to think about what I've accomplished and try to think about how I can improve. Gah, no I don't. That's a school assignment, but it makes for a good post, and since it's on my mind anyway, remember I write these for myself to sort out my thoughts. I'd planned about three different things to post on, but if you've checked my blog in the last three weeks, I'm behind and most everything has already occurred. I'm going to pretend like it hasn't however, and split this up into three smaller parts so the other two aren't blank. This will be the one about 2013.

Looking behind me, for any given year, I tend to be disappointed by what I should have done rather than content in what I've accomplished. It's overwhelming to think how much yet how little happened. At the moment it occurs, it feels like one of the biggest events of my life. Practicing non stop for a check up, staying up super late to do homework, not getting to go on a retreat. These all seem like pretty pivotal points in our current week, but for the most part they turn out later to seem no more than a couple stressful hours that might have been better spent cuddling with kitties or helping someone else. I don't know, that's just how it goes for me. So that's why I'm first going to focus on what I did accomplish.

I didn't exactly conscientiously decide on that many goals, but I know that two of them were finish reading though the whole Bible, and be able to do twelve pull-ups. I am very proud to say that I reached both of those, if only barely. The Bible one started back in the summer, it was the second time I got fired up about reading it consistently and I actually stuck with it. The first time was in middle school when there was a prize for whoever did the 90 day plan got a prize. That's right, the goal was to read through the entire Bible in only three months. There's nothing like a good contest to get me excited. I think I tried it three times in all. At least I didn't completely give up, yet I always lost my speed when I finished the old testament and by that time it doesn't look as worth it anymore. This was not a good goal in any case, I should not have wanted to read for personal gain but simply out of thirst for its knowledge. I don't think that I learned much at that rate. Well, not the second two tries. The first one I was doing really good, keeping a notebook and writing a page or so worth of things I learned, questions, prayers, and whatever else. That was worth it, but I tend to lose hope when I miss so much as one day and then I give up. So this summer, I've been told so often that on breaks people get spiritually lazy, but for me it was the opposite. It gave me a purpose and by creating my own schedule, I was more motivated. I made a list of how much I needed to read of certain books every day to finish by certain dates and without feeling horrible if I skipped but also not allowing myself to be extremely inconsistent, I was able to feel good about it. It was also a better aim too I think, without feeling obligated, at least not always, but truly looking forward to it every day. One last thing, I might have mentioned it a couple months ago, but I had a special spot. I really like heights, it makes me feel closer to God and I can be somewhat alone. So I read high up in a tree. I could sing if I liked or pray aloud if I liked, and no one bothered me. It was great. The last obstacle which I overcame in this was that the very last part of my plan went into the first month or so of the school year, I had foreseen this and hoped it wouldn't completely bomb my time set aside and it didn't. In fact it was quite a good time to do it because the end was in sight to keep me going no matter what. I kept time aside for it and finished right on time and it was the best feeling.

The other goal, in its own way just as ambitious, though not as useful, was the twelve pull-ups. In fact, that was just for my own sake to prove I could do it. And, I must admit, also to show off. I hadn't realized how close I was until we got into November. Most of the time I know deep down that things will get done, but not in a timely manner. I had no idea that I would truly be able to do it without that much work. Here's how it happened. My brother got a bar that hangs on the door frame for Christmas 2012. I could do between two and three, perhaps four at my max. This was disappointing seeing as that was about the same I could do in fifth grade and I'd done a lot of swimming since. So I decided to add on one pull-up for each month. So one every day in January, two in February, and so on all the way to twelve in December. I was pretty good in the beginning. Especially in January it gave me great joy to do one pull-up and feel like I'd completed a goal for the day. Those first months were my best but as you can imaging, with each month, I got a little worse about missing days until November, I think I only did about a scattered week's worth. Yet I still made it! Even if I only did it twice in December, I can now say that I could, at one point do twelve successive pull-ups.

One failed goal that wasn't a real proposed one but just something that's been sitting in the back of my mind, was being able to do the splits. I think that's been a goal of mine for over four years, you'll have to see if it makes it on this year's list. No matter what, the good comes with the bad, and sometimes the bad appears significantly greater. We're supposed to take those bad things, at least the ones relating to character, and try to fix them. But that will come next week.

Beyond goals, if I were to pick a major event of the year, it would be going back to Greenhouse! I can't thank the Lord enough for convincing the teachers for the first time in forever to allow a Rhetoric student join at the end of the first semester. And then the day! I would probably have picked Thursday because I know practically everyone that goes on it, but clearly God had other plans and it's worked out wonderfully. Tuesday was the only day that had room and it must have been meant to be because that's the day I went on way back when and now I'm here again and I couldn't be more pleased with the way I was welcomed. And I am so so happy to have one of the same teachers I had when I left. He even was gone for a while as well but he's back and just as awesome as ever =P Of course the other triumph would be officially closing the court case, but the way it dragged on forever, it kinda felt part of life and not much to worry about. However, I will not be sad to see it go. Other little things might be just like getting lots of little part time jobs, winning NaNoWriMo, visiting my niece, and just enjoying the small things of life. I don't know if I believe in best years, either way this wouldn't be it, but it wasn't a horrible one and that's what counts.

Green Lake

This summer I was lucky enough to get the chance to visit Green Lake, (not to be confused with Blue Lake- the music camp I went to), because my oldest brother was being deployed to Korea for a year and I was there to see him off. It is in fact the same place that he was married at. Okay so usually I don't really like camping, especially seeing as it was just me and my mum, but despite the tent made for either one person (or for a couple?) it wasn't so bad. In fact, I found myself alone much of the time which is surprisingly hard to come by. I also got to see my niece which was worth it because she'd just started walking and she's pretty cute! During the day we went to the craft place and painted. I finished two little bunnies that I put in my garden. Then in the evening we visited with my brother, niece, and sister-in-law. We stayed about four days but funnily enough, what I enjoyed the most was exploring alone.

There was a huge field, over 20 acres, all covered in prairie grass and wild flowers right by our campsite. As I was wandering along beside it I realised that there was a  path mowed through the middle! I decided to follow it and see where it went. Before long I got rather hot so when I came to one of the few trees in the field I sat down underneath and did my Bible reading. It was so nice and I felt as if I were the only one for miles around. Eventually I continued down the path until I got to where I figured the middle was. There were a few other paths but I knew the one that would bring me almost right to my camp site so, happy to have found a place of my own, I ran all the way back thinking as I did so that I would be back very soon. When I first got the chance I made an excuse saying I was going to go practice my viola and I ran off. I chose my practice spot carefully, ending up somewhere near the middle and behind a clump of tall plants so no one could see me.

At first I was a little nervous because, though I was quite a ways in I could still see people on the dirt road every so often and I didn't want to draw attention. I started out quietly. Gradually however, I had a need to fill the air with music and I built up to the loudest I could go. I forgot about my worries and just played to my hearts content. I felt completely alone and I was happy. I practiced until the sun went down and then I realised I'd have to remember my way in the dark. I thought I'd been careful in placing my case down the path that would bring me back but I must have gotten mixed up. I began trudging down the one I believed to lead back but turned around when I came to a clump of trees I didn't recognise. Not at all discouraged, I went back to where I started and, feeling sure I was correct this time, tried that one. Well, I went all the way before I saw it ended in the running path before I turned back for the second time. I was getting tired by then because my 20 pound viola case (it was a loaner, made of metal so one could throw it down a staircase without hurting the instrument) weighing me down. I probably took about two more wrong turns, one of which took fifteen minutes to correct. As I walked I got a bit frightened as one does at night when they're alone. By then the only light left was whatever the moon provided so of course the rustling in the bushes was the boogie man out to get me, not a common forest animal. There were a few instances I ran- both to hurry it up, and once because I was scared of the shrubs. After trying what seemed like all the possible routes and after my arm seemed as if it might fall off, I finally ended up on the correct one which I should have known all along because of the office light. A bit relieved but already laughing at myself I found mum waiting by the camp fire. I told her I got lost and she, not being the worrying type, said she wondered if I might and didn't question me further. I asked if she had heard me and I was surprised when she said not at all. This was confirmed the following day when I got back from practicing and my family informed me that they had been on a walk and would have invited me along but they couldn't find me. They knew I was in the field but couldn't hear me. They went up in a tower to look from above, but they couldn't see me. I was completely hidden from everyone.

On a separate occasion the next day I went back (now not labored with my case) to explore some of the other paths. I could hop, skip, and dance as I pleased, and sing as loud as I liked, knowing no one would hear or see me. I ran as fast as I could until I was completely winded. It was the first time I felt free in a long time. I went everywhere and when I got bored, found the tower that the others had looked for me from earlier. I climbed up and stayed for a long time writing, thinking, and enjoying the beauty of it all. Finally the sun was setting and, not wanting to repeat the same mistake twice, took off sprinting back to the tent.

There were other moments I enjoyed, like reading in the little chapel, and wandering through the gardens looking for the camp cat, but none were as peaceful nor as special as my field. And yes, the paths were mowed intentionally; there were signs up to show what kind of plants grew so I know that it was meant as a nature trail. But since I was the only one who used it (except for one family who didn't linger) I call it my field and I will always go back there, every time I visit. I have some pictures I was going to post, but I've had trouble uploading them so that will have to wait for later in the week.

Life as a Musician

Late night rehearsals, concerts every weekend, biannual recitals in front of friends (and enemies), getting over nerves, meeting awesome people, sharing our gifts with others, such is the way of a musician. As I've mentioned before, I'm really into music. More specifically making music. As my first instrument I am much better at playing the viola than the cello but I enjoy them both immensely. Most people don't even know what a viola is- I guess I didn't either until I started lessons but then again, I was only five. At Wheaton College a lot of kids start young and that automatically puts you in Suzuki which is a listening based method that really works because little tikes can't read music and then when you're older it helps to be able to play by ear. I can tell you that a big pet peeve of violists is when people ask "is that like a big violin?" It's understandable yes, but no, it is nothing like a violin. Sorry if any of my readers play the violin! For one, violas are much better. Your first bias lesson against violins! Actually the only visible difference would indeed be the size of the two instruments. A full size violin is only about 14 inches whereas a full size viola can go up to four sizes larger than that. The thing that makes them truly diverse is the strings. A viola has a C string which is one string lower than the violin whereas the violin has one string higher which is an E. This is one of the main reasons we don't like violins because especially when they're smaller, the high notes are so screechy. The other reason is that they always get the melody while us violists are stuck playing the harmony which is usually not very interesting. Especially in quartets the viola is lucky if it gets any eighth notes at all. Lastly, a specific kind of person is attracted to playing the violin and, not that there aren't exceptions, but they're usually snooty and keep to themselves. 1st violins that is. 2nd violins talk way too much and don't listen enough and are therefore not any fun. Violists are the only section you would ever find say eating or playing a game together. I'd say what makes the difference is that we're all friends, not opponents fighting over first chair. We have a decent relationship with the cellos as well because they are neither stuck up nor super chatty. I was going to give a link to this awesome viola poem I have but I couldn't find it online anywhere! So I'm just going to put it below and trust no one will go complain. I take no credit whatsoever, it is entirely written by Elizabeth StuenWalker. Here it is, I hope you like it:

VEE-OH-LUH

a musical

instrument

grander

than

the

violin,

with

a rich,

royal

purple

tone, played by those of high

intelligence and musicality. Those who

play the viola (vee-oh-luh) are called violists

(vee-oh-list). A violist often performs in a 

chamber music group, orchestra, and as

a soloist. In addition, they work to educate

others to appreciate the depth and

richness of the tone of the viola.

The viola tone has been likened to

royalty, dazzling jewels and brilliant

sunsets. One who plays the viola is one

who stands alone, who is not afraid to be a non-

conformist, to be themselves. Violists are special,

unique individuals. A violist is also a team player,

ready to support others through the harmony

lines written for them.

(Stuen-Walker)

Normally it is lucky to get two violists in one area but around here there is no shortage. I think we have the biggest viola choir in the U.S. or maybe anywhere! The violas outnumber both the cellos and the violins at Community School of the Arts. It is a rare blessing for me and it's amazing to hear the viola power. Sometimes when we go on tour and meet up with other violists they are in awe of the sound we produce. Oh I forgot something really important! The official color for violas is purple. No other instrument is assigned a color but violas, and I don't mean the instrument itself, are represented as having to do with purple.

Now that we've established the order in which you should like an orchestra section, I'll get back to life as a musician. It's tough, there's no doubt about that. A lot of time for practicing and rehearsals must be sacrificed if you ever want to get anywhere. This past week I've been scrambling desperately to learn all my Elgin music for my playing check-up tomorrow. Please pray for me if you remember! Learning orchestra parts requires lots of patience, energy, and a whole bunch of dull metronome work. Once it's learned it's really great though and it's always the better idea otherwise you don't feel right just pretending to play. The summer orchestra I'm in is fun because it's not the traditional classical music everyone plays, but popular songs from musicals and movies. Our last concert we played "Harry Potter", "Lord of the Rings" and "Forest Gump" among others.

I've been up to my ears in music camps and the like all summer. This was my first year attending the Blue Lake Suzuki family camp in Michigan. I didn't go with my family rather drove up with some friends and stayed in a cabin with my private teacher. It was really great and I was able to meet a whole bunch of violists from all over who go every year and are all good friends just from being at Blue Lake together. They were nice about inviting new players like me too! The best part was that sometimes when a class was running late we were allowed to go out and play a game until we were ready. We violists stick together and aren't afraid to speak our mind and go against the norm. By the way, that poem was compliments of Blue Lake.

It was also my pleasure to attend Credo for the first time at Elmhurst college. Now this isn't the official one in Oberlin but perhaps someday I'll get the chance to be at  that one. This is a less divided camp than what I was describing before. In fact it promotes fellowship among musicians which was helped along by the fact that a lot of the classes are in quartets, quintets, or just small groups in general. Each day was started with a "Sing" all together which was where we sang a couple hymns and studied the Christian faith from a musicians perspective. It was very unique and special to me. The theme verse for the entire program is Philippians 4:8 which says:
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

It's a verse that musicians can really connect with and strive for. Next we broke off into our assigned rooms to meet the people in our group and practice our piece. The in between parts of the day were filled with other classes like technique, improv, orchestra and lunch. Though these were great fun and the kids were nice my favorite part was when the Oberlin kids joined us for the very last day to do final rehearsals of our piece with us and then we performed it later on. They brought an energy and excitement with them that our group alone had been somewhat lacking in. They were fun and joked around a lot while still managing to get things done.

Lastly, I just had my first dulcimer lesson this week and I think I'm really going to like it. It's a mountain instrument usually only played by hippies at Bluegrass festivals but I thought it sounded cool and since I already play the strings I decided it'd be fun to try.

I hope you feel enlightened with this newly acquired knowledge and not overwhelmed, I know it was long. I thought it was interesting...

Magical Me

So you know almost everything there is to know about my cats and next to nothing about me, so I thought I'd give some details about the person behind the words. One thing is that you would never guess that I am the author of this. My writing is completely different from the way I speak and act. You don't have many examples from my posts yet but I can be a completely different person. I prefer writing because I can express my ideas without getting them all mixed up. I love to edit. I have hundreds of ideas but the amount that I actually copy down before forgetting is considerably smaller. That time in between getting the idea and extending it is the part I have trouble with. Sorry I'll try and organize this better...

I am the youngest of five; I have two brothers and two sisters. My parents were divorced when I was eleven. I could have cared less except for the way the justice system dragged things out. It's been five years and the case is still not settled. I won't rant about that right now. It's terribly hard to explain and again, I'll elaborate in a future post. I have many interests. I've played the viola since I was five and the cello since seven. Since then I have become a part of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Wheaton Symphony Orchestra/ Wheaton Pops (during the summer) and Vivaldi strings at CSA. I am also a swimmer. I was on the swim team for seven years before I got too overloaded to go to practices. The only other sport I've done on a team is softball which I did through 7th grade but wasn't that good so I didn't pursue it any further. I also enjoy running and dancing although I am not currently training.

Up through fourth grade I was home-schooled and attended Greenhouse. Then trouble came along and I've been to public school ever since. Performing Arts was one of the classes taught at Greenhouse and from that I have gathered a liking for acting, something you would never guess. I love the feeling of being someone else, forgetting your own troubles, and leaving everything behind. I am still good at Pretending, though not as good as when I was younger, so now I use most of my imagination to create worlds through my stories.

I'm a Christian and I go to College Church which includes youth group once a week. I was in the choir there K-6th because I like to sing. There is a student choir, but we only have practices when we are requested for a certain theme like Missionary Sunday. You will always find great leaders, teachers, and friends at College Church and I am truly grateful. Another Christian organization that I have been a part of for as long as I can remember is AWANA. It was created to help kids study God's word and memorize Bible verses. This year I hope to finish my 2nd Journey handbook and then go on to complete the entire program, something no one has done from this particular church. I've heard that some colleges even give scholarships to students who have finished them all. That would be so cool!

My ideal job as you can probably tell, would be in the Arts, but I have a knack for languages as well. I'm currently learning German, Spanish, and Latin. In the future I hope to learn French, Greek, and Elvish! I have always wanted to travel. If I had the money I would go to Germany, England, Costa Rica, and Sweden. I would love to be a dolphin trainer like at Brookfield Zoo and also to publish a book. It is my dream to go to Gail Carson Levine's writing workshop in Brewster, New York. I would give anything, do anything, stay with almost anyone, to be able to go! (anyone have a relative that lives close to Brewster? =P)

I hope that helped you readers who've never met me to gain some insight into a bit of the crazy life of Melissa. I know I flatter myself that more than three people even read this but that's okay! I can imagine big if I like. Visit again next Friday!