A bit of sad news today...

LeRoi
LeRoi Moore 1961-2008
 
LeRoi Moore, saxophonist of Dave Matthews Band, died yesterday. To say how shocked and saddened I am by this news would be an enormous understatement. I know I've mentioned here a few times how important the music of DMB has been to me over the years. I've basically lived on it. My entire courtship with my husband is flavored by it. I know there are so many of us in our late 20's and 30's who have been inspired in some way or other by the music of this band.
 
Anyway, my shock over this news is so great that I don't know what to say, except that I wish comfort to those closest to him.
 
PS: This is me, Grace. Aren't my guest bloggers doing a beautiful job? I feel so blessed that each of these inspiring women has been willing and able to contribute to Uncommon Grace this month. I'll be back to regular posting at the end of the series, in early September. Until then, I'm excited to see what summer is to some more amazing ladies!

52 weeks ~ 2

52 weeks ~ 2

::for 52 weeks, my kids and me::

We have had a weird, long week. It hasn't been bad, but just somehow out of balance. Baby sleep troubles, thinking about moving (to a bigger house, not a different locale ... sorry dear friends!), a couple of headaches for the mama (I so rarely get them that it's been pretty odd), and very few ideas about posting here. And a lot of projects begun, but none completed. So.

friday

Today seems a bit better. Elisabeth and I started reading Little Town on the Prairie today. We'd read all the Little House books through The Long Winter last year, and then took a little pause (mostly because we didn't have the others). We haven't been able to put it down! This has to be my favorite of the books. I love the evocative way that she describes the simple pleasures in keeping a home so well, and the satisfaction of taking comfort in home and family after a day of real work. It has nearly brought me to tears a few times today. (Well, it's been that kind of week.) More than once, I wanted to jump up and rush in here to exclaim to you all, "You have to read this now, friends!" And my real-life friends will chuckle when they read that it has me thinking about a housecleaning kick. ;)

Anyway, I want to leave you (and me) to look forward to the weekend (and the upcoming spring, which is not really so far away afterall) with some words from the book:

"Beyond the open door and window the prairie was dusky but the sky was still pale, with the first stars beginning to quiver in it. The wind went by, and in the house the air stirred, pleasantly warmed by the cookstove and scented with prairie freshness and food and tea and a cleanness of soap and a faint lingering smell of the new boards that made up the new bedrooms.

"In all that satisfaction, perhaps the best part was knowing that tomorrow would be like today, the same and yet a little different from all the other days, as this one had been."

Holiday & Winter Reading

I've been planning to do this post all month and life has just gotten in the way of my regular posting. I'm so sorry if it's too late for gift buying! File the ideas away for next year, perhaps. Or check the library, or buy locally. ;)

in the chair

We have so very many winter and holiday-themed children's books. I did a list last year, and many of those books are still in our very frequent rotation. But I'm not going to duplicate any of them here. Except ... The Mitten. Which is, after all, Elisabeth's favorite.

The Tomten. This book is so, so lovely. Almost too lovely to describe. You know how there are "kid favorites" and "parent favorites"? This one is definitely both. The language (though translated from Swedish), is so gentle and subtle. The book is reassuring and sweet ... I love the way that the ever-turning wheel of the year is described: "Winters come and summers go, year follows year..." Elisabeth could hear this book many times every day, and I think I could easily oblige her.

Winter by Gerda Muller. A sweet wordless board book, one of a set of four (one for each season). James likes to read these to himself. He'll sit down, turn the pages, and "talk" to each one. I like to hear his version of the story much more than my own.

Winter by Eva-Maria Ott-Heidmann. Another wordless picture book, also one in a set of four, this series is newer to us than Gerda Muller's. The illustrations have a much different "feel" to them -- more magical, and more festival-oriented compared to the very dailiness of Gerda Muller's. Eva-Maria's Winter features little gnomes on every page and a visit from St. Nicholas, for example. I think I prefer Eva-Maria's just a little bit to Gerda Muller's. But being fortunate enough to have both is really enriching, I think. :)

Big Susan. This is new to Elisabeth this year, though it was on my book wish-list for her even before she was born. I have always loved dolls, doll houses, miniatures, museum dioramas, and everything of that nature. I'm thrilled that my daughter seems to be following in my footsteps with a love of miniatures. We are totally loving the description of the dolls' lives, and their perspective is charmingly, hilariously, and poignantly written. A big favorite!

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. I love Robert Frost's simple, quiet poem. The illustrations here, by Susan Jeffers, are funny, surprising, and ultimately, depict the vastness of nature so quietly and humbly.

The Little Fir Tree. There are so many versions of the story of the little tree who becomes a Christmas tree. I have no idea what the origin of this story is; Hans Christian Andersen's darker version was the first I'd encountered, many years ago. But this sweet version by Margaret Wise Brown is my favorite. The tree, rather than being filled with envy or dissatisfaction, is portrayed much more positively, and I love the "new" words to familiar carols. (We have the Barbara Cooney illustrated version, although the Jim LaMarche one looks exquisite. He's a favorite illustrator of mine.)

The Snowman. I guess wordless board books seem to be a theme for us. This one, despite being a board book, is really above James's head, but Elisabeth loves the soft illustrations. Last year, when we pulled the books out and looked through this one for the first time of the year, she sat silently for a moment or two (this is a child who never stops talking), and then said, in a small voice, "Oh. That's sad." It is a very bittersweet little book. But so perfect at the same time.

The Night Before Christmas. We like Tasha Tudor's version, and Grandma Moses's version is also really, really special.

reading

Ollie's Ski Trip. I've been told before that this book is the origin of the characters King Winter and Mrs Thaw. Whether or not that's true, those characters live in our home in a big way. I love Elsa Beskow's illustrations so much, and Ollie's Ski Trip is so adorable. The idea of a secret wintery adventure is very, very appealing to me. Oh, and Elisabeth likes it, too. ;)

Christmas in Noisy Village. We have read this book probably hundreds of times, and Elisabeth never, ever grows tired of it. The simple pleasures and homemade traditions of the children of Noisy Village are so comforting and inspiring. And the children are so very much like real children. Sometimes they bicker and tease one another, but for the most part, they are loving and so full of joyful celebration of the season. I love this book -- and all the Noisy Village books.

The Nativity. This book is breathtakingly exquisite. It was Elisabeth's gift from St Nicholas this year, and I think at 5 1/2, she is just old enough to appreciate the amazing beauty of the pop-up scenes. James really cannot be allowed to handle it, so it's kept separate from the rest. Elisabeth spent a lot of time poring over the amazing scenes when she was sick in bed.

Night Tree. This is the story of a family who drives to a little forest outside of town each year on Christmas eve to decorate a live tree for the animals. I love the thoughtfulness of the family, their interactions with one another, and the fact that I come away from the book feeling energized: I can create simple, meaningful traditions for my family. I can step away from commercialism even for one night. You get the feeling that the family goes home and celebrates a "normal" Christmas with a "regular" tree, presents, and so on. But this experience, of preparing their gifts for the tree in the weeks leading up to Christmas eve, of going out together for a nighttime walk, all bundled up, to their regular spot, brings them together and holds them as a family in a very special way.

Owl Moon. Another book about a nighttime walk, by one of my favorite children's book authors. This is one of my husband's all-time favorites to read aloud. He and Elisabeth have had some very special, important times together reading and discussing this book. One night last winter, an owl alighted on a fence outside our suburban condo as he was coming home from a gig, and it moved him very deeply because of his experiences with Elisabeth and this book. It's one of my most cherished hopes that one day we can move outside of town where these experiences won't be so rare and fleeting. And that we can go owling one day.

White Snow, Bright Snow. I really just love the writing in this book. It's more of a mama favorite, but my wee ones do enjoy it. Well, because they just love to be read to, I think.

The Book of Christmas. With really unusual contributions from writers and poets like Ted Hughes, EE Cummings, Christina Rossetti, and Alison Uttley, this is not the typical Christmas anthology. It is definitely a Christmas anthology, however, and not a winter one. Each poem and story relates to the Christmas holiday (some are secular, and some are religious), not to other winter holidays or general snowy gaiety. Just so you know. For me, that in no way lowers its considerable esteem. ;)

The Mitten. Because Elisabeth loves it so much. And because who doesn't love Jan Brett?

And I could go on and on, and instead I am going to stop here. And maybe save a few for next year. ;)

Late Birthday Gifts

One of our family's favorite little boys turned four in July. Between busy summer schedules, a gift that didn't arrive in time, a few cancellations, teething little ones in both families, and so on, we hadn't had the chance to give him his gifts until yesterday.

gifts for a 4 year old

Pelle's New Suit is a big favorite at our house. The text is simpler than in some of Elsa Beskow's other books. I love the story of a boy shearing his own sheep and then bartering chores with family and friends to have the wool made into a new suit, from carding to spinning to dyeing, and finally being made by the tailor.

the card!

I thought it would be great fun to pair this book with some raw wool, some hand carders, and instructions for dyeing with kool-aid. From there, it's up to him. He comes from a pretty crafty family, so I'm sure they'll make good use of their new fairy wool. Happy belated birthday ~ and wool working ~ little man!

Wonders: Flame

We are all sitting
Legs crossed round a fire
My yellow flame, she dances

~from "Tripping Billies" by Dave Matthews Band

flame

We are back from our camping trip! We had a lovely time, and I'll share more photos soon. First ... must wash a lot of laundry and get the dirt out from under our fingernails.

I realized that this week's posts had a "four elements" theme (sort of), so I thought I'd share some photos of our campfire.

fire

Dancing flames have a way of evoking so many memories for me: of spending Thanksgivings in my grandparents' mountain condo, of my first camping trips with my husband (heavily influenced by Dave Matthews), of cozy evenings spent with Elisabeth before our fire at home -- and looking forward to many spent with both of my wee ones.

baking some dump cake

Who couldn't just sit and watch a fire? It's really endlessly entertaining, if you think about it. Plus, anything cooked over an open flame just tastes better, doesn't it?

more birthday goodness

birthday book

Here's some more birthday goodness. Natural Knits for Babies and Moms, a gift from my friend Laura (who happens to be sweet C's mama, as well). This book has become an instant favorite. I am just not sure what to make first!

booties

First off, I absolutely adore these booties. They are just perfect in their complete simplicity. I love the garter stitch on the soles.

hat

Awww, look at that peaceful wee dreamer.

mittens

I instantly loved these mittens. Look at that stripey, mitteny goodness!

sweaters

I cannot resist the cuteness of these kimono sweaters. Oh, so yummy!

vest

And finally, the vest. I never really thought I was a vest person, until I saw my son in one at Christmas, when I promptly changed my mind. I love the subtle striping on this one. So cute! Is it calling my name for Easter?

two of the three

cherry pie

Mmmm. Cherry pie. Courtesy of my mama. (An aside: it's only been since I started this blog that I began to refer to her as my "mama" -- we've always just said "mom" -- but then I found out that she'd always wanted us to call her "mama" but my dad couldn't break the habit of referring to her as "mom" around us. I have been very insistent since Elisabeth was born that I am to be called Mama and nothing else! I hate the name "mom"!)

Anyway, by now I'm sure no one wants to hear me complain some more about my slow internet connection. But really, I've been trying to upload these pictures for two days, and the session just keeps timing out, and I keep giving up. So, at least one birthday goodie is going to have to wait another day.

Thank you all so much for your very sweet birthday wishes! I am just overwhelmed with gratitude. I can't imagine how I'd feel if I ever got 492 comments to a single post!

yarn

So, there was no snow on my birthday (though it's snowy today -- a belated birthday surprise from the heavens, no doubt), but plenty of cherry pie and these wool gifts. The pink is locally spun and handpainted (sorry, can't give away where "local" is) and the blue is just Lion Brand, from the craft store, but I was immensely thrilled with Elisabeth for picking it out on her own when taken to the craft store to choose something for me. She knew it had to be "100% wole" (as she says). She also made this for me:

hair tie

It's a "hair tie." Obviously.

some birthday books

This was also a good year for book-gifts. My husband gave these two to me. The left one has already helped clarify some things for me (I have a new-to-me serger), and I already have many plans and ideas for the one on the right!

some more birthday books

And these, along with this, were from my parents. I love taking pictures, I love my camera, but I want to be able to photograph objects better than I've been able to so far. I am happy with my pictures of my wee ones, but I have not yet discovered how to "style" a photograph of food or my own creative works so that the photo looks really beautiful. These books are good photography books, but not quite in the exact vein that I need. Any recommendations?

We had a lovely, quiet dinner out with my parents and the four of us at a small family-owned Italian restaurant where they still serve the old homemade spaghetti, and plenty of good wine. Then we came home, ate pie, and enjoyed the Academy Awards. Because what could be more fun on your birthday than a night at the Oscars, right?!!

Inspiration in music

As some of you know, I am a classical cellist & cello teacher in addition to my full-time job as mama to Elisabeth and James.

I have pretty eclectic taste in music ~ I like everything from Renaissance music to my favorite band for the last, well, many years, Dave Matthews Band. But the music of Bach is my true love. I have often said that I hope the last thing I hear before I die is the sound of Bach's music. (And no, I am not superstitious about that.)

One thing has been on my mind for the last couple weeks more than any other music:

Bach Cantatas BWV 82 & 199 ~ Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, mezzo-soprano

Edited: A cantata is a religious vocal work written to accompany the Sundays and feasts of the year, in Bach's case in the Lutheran church.

I could listen to this all day long, especially the opening Aria of BWV 82, "Ich habe genug". I normally would not describe either the oboe or mezzo-soprano voice as favorites of mine, but in this setting, they are both otherworldly.

The melody is hauntingly beautiful, and the oboe's timbre -- so opposite to the warm, deep resonance of my own instrument -- is perfectly plaintive here. Michael Steinberg, in his liner notes, describes the melody as "both ornate and achingly expressive," which perfectly describes it, I believe. Far from being angst-ridden or whiny, it's deeply peaceful, and perfect for a snowy winter day. The string accompaniment is murmuring and just sparse enough -- Bach was a true genius.

Winter day

And Lorraine Hunt Lieberson's singing? Oh, my, just a little bit of heaven! She's achieved a perfect balance of expression and restraint. She was originally a violist before her singing career took off, though, and I think that explains her approach a bit. She has a lovely, light voice; it's mellow, but also full of pain when appropriate.

So there's my music review for anyone wondering if that snippet about my being a musician on my About page was for real. It is! And I encourage all of you, regardless of your feelings one way or the other about classical and/or classical vocal music, to listen to this at your first opportunity! (It is available on iTunes, for you technophiles.)

PS: We had Elisabeth saying that Bach was "the greatest composer that ever lived" when she was 20 months old. ;)

Holiday reading

I keep meaning to update my reading list in the sidebar with holiday favorites. I will do that, too, but I thought I'd post about them first, and give a little description of each.

In addition to a winter or Christmas-themed book on one day of the advent garland, St. Nicholas also brings a Christmas book every year for each of our children, so we really have a lot more than this. But here's a selection of our favorites:

First, Winter, one of the Wynstones series of Poems, Songs, and Stories.

Winterbook_1

We have all six books in this series. I just love all of them and have used them quite a bit in our daily lives. We're really enjoying a lot of the stories and songs in Winter right now.

Tiptoes is new to us this year. Elisabeth absolutely loves these stories, although I think they're a bit simple and trite. But they are really perfect for a four-year-old, if not a mama!

Elsa Beskow is our favorite children's book illustrator. I'm always thinking that's kind of cliche, but then whenever we open one of her books, they are so beautiful. The children she draws are so soft, warm, and child-like. Truly gorgeous.

This is my favorite nativity book. Jane Ray's illustrations are breathtaking. And Mary is nursing Jesus in at least three of them!

This is, hands-down, Elisabeth's favorite wintertime book. I'm rather liking it lately, too. I've always enjoyed Jan Brett's illustrations, but lately I have really appreciated them because I'm kind of in a "Scandinavian-ophile" (?) phase -- probably because I'm knitting more now than I ever have in my life.

Another great Jan Brett favorite. The illustrations in this one are among my favorites of hers, though the "lesson" at the end is a little bit contrived and the book would still be cute if there weren't a "lesson".

This is also a favorite of Elisabeth's. I really like Karma Wilson's use of alliteration and rhyme, although I thought it was probably best in Bear Snores On, which is still a favorite of mine years after I first saw it.

I originally got this book for the transparency stars, but there are so many good and beautiful ideas in it. It's a true holiday winner. (Many of the crafts in this book are for older children and adults -- such as folding the complicated stars -- but even the littlest wee ones appreciate the finished results!)

I have all four books in this series, too, some of which I got before even having children (the first was Halloween Treats, which is still my favorite in the series). Parts of this book are just OK, but there are some sweet crafts that Elisabeth can do, and a few recipes worth trying.

Mail makes me happy

I received these lovelies in the mail TWO months ago now ... and I have been saving them, knowing in the back of my mind that a new blog would come along at some point this fall.

mail

First was this beautiful note of encouragement from a dear friend during a week that I was really struggling. It was so thoughtful of her, and the woman in the painting (Bocca Baciata [Lips That Have Been Kissed] by 19th century British painter Gabriel Charles Dante Rossetti) looks mysteriously like me!

mail

And, on the same day, I also received this wonderful package from my best friend from college. I love the necklace, especially the way she did the hardware (could I love one thing about this necklace more than any other? It's all so beautiful: the colors -- it's a bit hard to tell in the picture, but it's three shades of green -- the braided strands ... sigh). It was wrapped in that sweet little envelope, and came with the beautiful handmade card. Also in the package was some new music (Sympathique  and Hang on Little Tomato by Pink Martini, Tanto Tempo by Bebel Gilberto, Blacklisted and Fox Confessor Brings the Flood by Neko Case, and The Greatest by Cat Power). Such fun!

mail mail