I Hear A Symphony

...and dogs barking, horns honking, and people speaking en francais.

That sentence pretty much sums up my weekend, and what a fabulous weekend it was. You know I must first mention the weather, right?  Absolutely gorgeous! It's really starting to look and feel like fall here, and I'm just going to pretend I don't see that high of 82 predicted for Wednesday, because now that fall is here I'm ready for cooler temps.

We had sunny bright blue skies all weekend long, and spent as much time out of doors as we could.  Friday night a business friend of the hubs invited us to be his guests at the opening night gala of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. We actually know several people connected to the symphony as trustees and supporters, but we'd never been to a performance here.

The venue is stunning and the acoustics are amazing. Musicians say this particular venue has some of the best they've ever experienced, and I'd definitely love to see more. The symphony performs in the NJ PAC (Performing Arts Center) located in the Ironbound section of downtown Newark. I've written before about all the wonderful restaurants in that area, but the gala event included a cocktail hour, the performance itself, and then a late night supper after the show so we had dinner in the PAC. Everything was so lovely, truly, whoever organized the event gave it just the right touch.

Hubs and I like to dress up, and doesn't going to the symphony sound like a grown up thing to do? The music was fabulous (yes, I know I'm overdoing it with the adjectives, but really-it was fabulous) and the dinner afterwards was delicious. I sat beside the percussionist and enjoyed hearing more about how the symphony works, and how he got involved with it. Plus, here is my dessert-

I didn't take a lot of photos because it felt a little bit obnoxious, but this dessert was so good I didn't think anyone would mind.

Saturday was another blue sky kind of day so hubs did some yard work and I did some fun things like wash the bathroom rugs, and then we went into town and had a lovely al fresco lunch. Hubs wanted to take the MG, but I had a new haircut that was still feeling new so I said we had to go in a car with a lid.  Convertibles + hair =convertible hair.  'Nuff said.

Sunday was yet another beautiful day and we had plans to trek into the city to check out an event at the Javits Center.  Super cool building!  The Javits Center is home to some of the biggest events in NYC, and hubs has been to a couple of work related convention type things there, but this was my first time inside. We were there for an event called 'Meet the Breed' aka puppy time!

There were hundreds of dog and cat breeds represented, but sadly no Gordon Setter breeders. We really want another Gordon, but hubs has also always wanted an Irish Setter and I've always said no way, because do you know any Irish Setters? They're crazy. Fun crazy, but still a little too high energy for me. Except maybe this one-

What a love, and so mild mannered. Her owner is going to breed her later this fall and we took his contact information, and now hubs will start the process of trying to convince me we need an Irish Setter.  We do have some Gordon contacts, so right now I'm still holding out for another Gordon.

After we'd wandered around the dog show we headed out of doors, because quite honestly there are few things better than a sunny fall day in The Big Apple.  We walked all the way to Bryant Park and had a lovely lunch on the patio at The Bryant Park Grill. I highly recommend.

As it happens there was a French festival going on in the park all weekend long, so we wandered through that and dreamed of trips to the French countryside while savoring dessert-a French cheese plate.  Si délicieux!

We thoroughly enjoyed the weekend.  When you live in the Northeast you need to take advantage of the gorgeous autumn, because we all know what comes next.  Hopefully not a foot and a half of snow in October, but hey, it's happened the last two years before so not as crazy as it sounds.

Soaking up the sunny mild days of fall makes the coming winter a little easier to bear.
A trip to France wouldn't hurt either.  

Five Minutes of True

Linking with Five Minute Friday over at Lisa Jo Baker's today.  Lisa posts a one word prompt on her blog, and then we write for five solid minutes, no editing, no filtering, no over thinking. The only other 'rule' is that you add your link to the hundred plus others writing too, and then leave a comment for the bloggers beside you on the list. Why not give it a try?

Today's word-true

I try to glance at the word prompt on Thursday evening before I go to bed, so I can mull it over some before I write. I don't know if that's considered breaking the rules, but I try to never write without thinking first. Most word prompts can go in as many different directions as there are writers, so I let it find a place to land before I put my fingers to the keyboard.

Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so

True.

The words to that simple childhood song were sung to me, and by me, and with me over and over and over again when I was a little girl. They permeated my mind and my heart and are embedded so deeply into my soul that they are never out of reach.  

My mother tells the story of sitting in church one Sunday morning, all of us spread out in a row across the pew, when my baby sister, a toddler at the time, spontaneously began singing Jesus Loves Me out.loud. in the middle of the service.  I asked my mom what the congregation did, and she said they all just listened.

I thought about that story today when I read the prompt. About the sureness of those words and the simple innocence of children. About how we adults so often want to twist or bend or manipulate truth, but if something is really true, it stands up to our human-ness and looks the same at the end as it did at the start.

Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so.

True.

When the world feels heavy
when my heart feels anxious
when I doubt myself
when people let me down

when I'm worried afraid angry lost

I reach back into my childhood and grab hold of what's true.

Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so.

Falling Into the Hodgepodge

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Add your link at the end of my post and then be a good neighbor and go say hi to the bloggers linking around you. Here are my answers-

1. What's one thing that's still the same about you as when you were young?

Two things came immediately to mind...a) I'm an eternal optimist, always have been, always will be, and b) if an airplane, boat, or amusement park ride are on the agenda I'll be needing that Dramamine.  

2. What's more important-history or science?  Why?

It's a tough call.  I think most disciplines are interconnected, but if I'm forced to choose I'll say history. Science is powerful, but history is what helps us use that power wisely.    

3. Lima, kidney, string, garbanzo, black, or pinto-your favorite bean?

I like all beans, but string (green) beans are my favorite. 

4. What's something people come to your town to do?

Hmmm...not a lot happening in our little town. You kinda need to go somewhere else if you actually want to do things.  There's a lake, but you can't just pull up and dump your boat in.  You might come here to sit by the lake, get an ice cream cone, or watch the water ski team practice or perform. 

5. When was the last time you were in a meeting? Sum it up for us in five words or less.

As it happens a meeting is happening at my house this morning, but since I answer the HP on Tuesday and the meeting is on Wednesday I can't summarize.  

Did that sentence make you feel like you'd stepped into some kind of time warp?  

I was in a meeting of sorts yesterday (and by yesterday I do mean Tuesday)-my women's bible study.  Does that count?  Since I make the rules I'm going to say yes, it definitely counts.  To summarize-

I'm loving the story of Ruth. 

I realize that's six words, but I needed every single one.  Is anyone surprised that my five word answer is now paragraphs long?  

6. What special event would you like a VIP pass to attend?

The Olympics, Wimbledon, or a concert by one of my favorite bands.  

7. What's one piece of advice you'd give a writer?

Use your own voice.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Have you seen this video of the Star Spangled Banner that's been making it's way around various sites? I normally hate it when a singer messes with the anthem in any way, shape, or form, but I have to say I love their rock and roll version of the song. 

I went to their website to see what else they do, and they talk about loving America which is kind of refreshing. They perform at a lot of veterans events, and it turns out they're local boys. Hubs and I might have to check them out in person one of these days.  

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 143

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, but be sure to hop back here tomorrow and link up with all your friends and neighbors.

1. What's one thing that's still the same about you as when you were young?

2. What's more important-history or science? Why?

3. Lima, kidney, string, garbanzo, black or pinto-your favorite bean?

4. What's something people come to your town to do?

5. When was the last time you were in a meeting? Sum it up for us in five words or less.

6. What special event would you like a VIP pass to attend?

7. What's one piece of advice you'd give a writer?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Makin' A List, Checkin' It Twice

I woke up this morning with a list running through my head, which is pretty typical for me on a Monday. I know some people dread Monday mornings, but I love them. A brand new week lies in front of me, I feel energized to accomplish great things, and I wake up happy to face my coffee and my  calendar.

Course by end of day Wednesday I'm usually forced to look reality in the eye and admit to myself all those to-dos are not gonna get done. But hey! Thursday's practically the weekend, which means another Monday morning is right around the corner.  

Is anyone else a little bit fascinated by the concept of time, or is that just me?

Speaking of lists, and yes I was because Mondays in my house are full of lists-things to do today, a weekly menu plan, groceries, and my favorite-a list filled with all the things I'm going to do before Friday gets here. There is something supremely satisfying about drawing a line through an item on a to do list.  Not nearly as satisfying when done electronically btw, which is why I still have scraps of actual paper scattered across my kitchen counter.

One thing on my list today is 'blog'. I'm reduced to writing write on a list beside return the Redbox rental and pick up a hook for a picture that needs hanging, because if it's on my to-do list it feels legitimate and not frivolous. Is blogging frivolous?

Where in the world is this post going?  How 'bout I recap the weekend which contained a happy surprise in the form of this-

Daughter1 booked a train ticket home to surprise me for my birthday. That's our attempt at a 'selfie' in front of Rita's Italian Ice. I'd dragged her along on a million errands on Friday including the dry cleaners, the pharmacy, the vet, and the supermarket, so Rita's was the least I could do to say thanks. Errands are so much more fun with a daughter in tow.

Friday night hubs made a fire in our outdoor firepit, and we grilled salmon, and then had leftover birthday cake. Hubs knows it's not officially my birthday without this cake-dark chocolate filled with a delicate raspberry mousse, and then the piece de resistance-a rich chocolate ganache topping.

It is every bit as delicious as it sounds. We had a piece on my birthday, and as I was cutting it he said, 'Let's not eat it all, we should save some for Daughter1'. Seriously? Did he really think the two of us could eat an entire cake in a single day?

We couldn't, could we?

Saturday morning we woke up to fall temperatures so hubs re-lit the fire and we had our coffee outdoors, which makes my list of top ten favorite things to do on a weekend.  I rousted Daughter1 out of bed early so she could get in on the fun too.

She didn't mind.
She's used to us.

Later in the day we went over to the ski resort in a nearby town to check out their Oktoberfest celebration.

Vegetarians look away.

We had some fantabulous barbecue, grilled sausage, potato pancakes, and of course that traditional German dessert-cotton candy. What can I say...my girl loves her cotton candy.

Is she too cute for words, or what?

We listened to a little oompah music and then took the requisite ride up the mountain to check out the view. Y'all know this is not my favorite thing, and you can tell by the crazy hair that it was windy. Why is it always windy when I have to ride a cart up a mountain?

There are loads of mountain bike trails cut into the mountain, and we saw lots of bikers out enjoying the pretty weather. The views are gorgeous from up top, plus we had to get a closer look at the zipline course.  Hubs and daughter1 were making plans to come back and do that, and of course hubs started giving me his usual pep talk that runs along the lines of 'You could do that' and 'You'd love it!'.

I gave it a solid maybe.

Daughter1 and I watched Pitch Perfect on Saturday night.  I'd never seen it and thought it was cute, plus I liked the music. Hubs watched too, and by 'watched' I mean he napped on the couch.

We didn't have to trek to the train until Sunday night which was nice. Daughter1 helped me with our Christmas card (whoohoo-it's still September!), and she set up an Ipod speaker we got for Christmas last year that I could not for the life of me figure out how to work.  When I say set up I mean she turned it on.  Really, it was pretty much that simple, except somehow blue tooth is involved and when I hear the words blue tooth I stop listening.

We grilled turkey burgers for dinner, and I'm just gonna go ahead and admit I'm not really a fan.  I want to like them because I know they're better for you than beef, but there is something about ground turkey that gives me the heebie jeebies.  I love roast turkey and turkey sandwiches and turkey soup, but ground turkey?  Shiver.

I always doctor them up to add flavor, and yesterday we marinated the burgers in a soy-ginger-citrus concoction and then topped them with grilled pineapple.  I loved the grilled pineapple, and the burgers didn't taste bad, there's just something about the texture I don't love.  Where's the beef?

Okay, those to-dos are not going to cross themselves off, so I need to get busy.  It's Monday, and Mondays are made for productivity.

Or a good book and a nap on the patio in the afternoon sun.  Maybe I need to put that on my list!

Five Minutes of She

I'm linking up with Five Minute Friday today, because it's Friday and because I have approximately five minutes to be on the computer this morning.

Here's how it works-Write for 5 mintues flat for pure unedited love of the writeen word. Link back to our hostess, Lisa Jo Baker, and invite others to join the party. Then leave a comment to the writer who linked just before you.  If you're reading here, why not play along?

Today's word is-She

huh?

Yikes!

Okay-here we go...

She locked eyes with herself in the form of a newborn baby girl. She held a miracle in her arms. She felt every inch of her being expand and make room.  She knew in that moment what it meant to say your heart is so full it might burst.

She grew up beside the golden haired girls she had birthed. She relished the rocking and the singing and the scent of a freshly bathed toddler. The princess crowns and the ballet slippers. The homework at the kitchen table, and the let's pretend, and the word momma said aloud by a pony tailed miniature version of herself.

She held soft little girl hands and got a peek into their souls via car ride conversations and bedtime prayers. She colored and painted and giggled and played. She talked and listened, and marveled at the turning of the years and the deepening of the well.

She prepared a thousand lunches and wiped a dozen tears. She bandaged skinned knees and soothed wounded hearts.  She read a million books and laughed ten hundred times ten hundred.

She packed boxes and memories and moved them from the midwest to the east coast to the other side of the pond and back again.  She held on to the promise I will never leave you or forsake you, and felt the truth of those words as she logged miles from familiar.

She made birthday cakes and appointments and mistakes and a home. She loved the barefoot teenager, guitar in hand, and the brave one too who inspired with strength and determination and self-discipline.

She loved the holidays and the everydays and she laughed more than she cried.

She prayed for wisdom and patience and eyes to see, and she smelled the roses, lived the minutes, and let her heart be grateful.

She let the chord out slowly, deliberately, sometimes fearfully, but still she ungripped her hand and let it all the way out, and it was in the letting out and letting go, she got back ten thousand times ten thousand.

She bows her head in thankfulness and stands in awe of a God who created the glorious scary beautiful messy funny blessed thing called motherhood.

They Say It's Your Birthday Hodgepodge

Welcome to the Hodgepodge...so glad you stopped by on my birthday!  I might mention that another one or ten times here today.  

Here are my answers to this week's questions...add your link at the end of my post, then go see what the other party goers had to say-

1. When did you last sing happy birthday to someone? When were you last sung to? Does that embarrass you or do you enjoy being the center of attention on your special day?

We sang happy birthday to hubs and my brother in law when we celebrated their birthdays on the boat over the Labor Day weekend. I think? Did we actually sing? I'm officially a year older today, and your ability to remember 'stuff' goes down exponentially in relation to your age going up. Just sayin'.  

I honestly can't remember the last time I was sung to, which is fine. I can be spoiled in other ways on my birthday-ha!  I'm a big believer in everyone feeling like a rock star on their big day. 

Oh, and I just remembered I have a friend who calls and sings to me over the phone and that totally counts. 

2. Name a famous or 'infamous' person who shares your birth month and day. Is that someone you'd like to meet in person if it were possible?

There were quite a few on the list I checked, but here's two I'd definitely invite to my party-

Ben Carson-world renown neurosurgeon, former chief of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins, son of a single mom from Detroit, a truly inspiring story of brilliance and plain old fashioned hard work.  Plus he called out the p.c. (politically correct) police when he was the guest speaker at the National Prayer Breakfast back in February. I'd definitely love to hear more about that.  

James Marsden-easy on the eyes. Former model, now a singer/actor best know for his roles in 27 Dresses, The Notebook, Enchanted, and Hairspray. Did I mention he's extremely easy on the eyes?  

3. Someone hands you a box tied up in a lovely bow...what are you hoping to find inside?

Jewelry of course. 
Or a great purse. 
Or tickets to someplace fabulous. 
Clothes would be okay too. 

4. What is something you can guarantee about yourself?

I don't do mean.

5. Talking about art and beautiful cities here...'The Last Supper' in the Santa Maria della Grazie Abbey in Milan, Italy or 'The Mona Lisa' in the Louvre, Paris...which would you most like to see up close and in person?  Why?

Oh my word-two fabulous cities.  If I'm making my choice based solely on the artwork, then I'd choose The Last Supper.  I've seen The Mona Lisa in the Louvre and it's always jam packed with tourists.  I think you can almost get a better look in a great art book.  I've never seen The Last Supper in person.  

Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world, and Italy is my happy place, so as far as location I'd be supremely happy with either one.  

6. Your favorite dessert?

Possibly the hardest question ever to grace the 'pages' of the Hodgepodge...I'm going with creme brulee. It's got to be done just right though, because a soggy brulee is just too sad to contemplate.

7. This coming weekend marks the official start of autumn (in the northern hemisphere)...what is something you do to get ready for fall?  What is one thing you're looking forward to on your fall calendar?  Spring or fall-which do you prefer?

I don't do a lot of seasonal decorating outside of Christmas, but I will change out my apothecary jars, replace the dead summer flowers in our patio pots with mums, and add some autumn candles around. I love the scents of autumn.

One thing I'm looking forward to? Well...I'm having two strangers I met on the Internet come stay with me for a long weekend.  Not as creepy as it sounds (I hope!)...they're women I 'met' four years ago, about the time I started my blog. We connected on the Living Proof website (Beth Moore's site) and ever since have been exchanging emails, prayer requests, cards, and presents...this fall we meet in person. 

Fall is my favorite season of the year. Perhaps if I lived in Florida I'd feel differently, but I live in the northeast which is never more spectacular than when autumn explodes in all her multi-colored glory.  

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Today's my birthday-whoohoo!