She marries the prince...

I really didn't mean for it to be over three months since I last said "hello".  My plans were big, so maybe that is why they weren't carried out- to share the little details, feelings, and fun of my sister's engagement. I was looking forward to sharing the moments with you all, but I only shared the beginning. Life changed for a few months as we prepared for her dream day, and I apologize that I haven't shared it with with you, too.

For me, dreaming of of my wedding day has been a part of my life, most likely ever since I was a flower girl in a friend's wedding.  For Susan Liana it probably was the same way with dreams starting early, though she was more quiet about it. Therefore, I never really knew her dreams, but I suppose there was no need for me to. Because when she actually planned her wedding it couldn't have been more, well, Susan Liana. Soft, glowing, and lovely all describe the bride as well as the ceremony.  I was more than blessed to be her Maid of Honor, though it was strange watching my only sister say her vows and become Mrs. Whatley.  I am very happy for her!  The day was one of the most wonderful, fun, and exciting ones I have probably ever experienced. We are all looking forward to seeing the rest of the pictures so we can relive our memories.

Here is the link to the photographers blog with some photos of the event.

Lillie Visits Savannah

Neither Lillie or I know when we became the friends we are today.  After trying to wind through our past we concluded, somewhere between eleven and two o'clock one night, that it must have been a gradual climb. We have known each other for almost every day of our lives, but, personally, from both sides we had to grow into the fact that we were both the reverse of eachother. Now, I honestly don't think we could be any better friends than we already are.

When she and a few members of her family came for the night we were able to talk her Mama into letting her stay for a few extra days. It almost never happens, and, if I gave you the probability statistics, they would be low, but sometimes things can work out! We seized the opportunity and started a project. While she was here the majority of our time was devoted to making a mini radio clip, complete with commercials, music, interviews, and radio theatre. Quite an exciting few days.

We made our way into Savannah to play tourist for a little while.  But a highlight of that trip was climbing up into our church's bell tower. Not only impressive, but very beautiful at times. 

Right before she left she gave a me a music lesson.  Since then I have been having a delightful time playing the violin. 

I'm looking forward to your next visit, Lillie!

Engagement In The Family: Entry One

She had picked out a spot under a beautiful oak tree to watch the sunrise with her sweetheart. Having no idea that it was different than any other day, any other walk, or any other conversation, until he began his question. The question that makes your heart flutter: "Will you marry me?"

She said "Yes".

I admit the fairy tale hits harder when it becomes a reality. We have had our share of  sad feelings, tears, fears, and love, but at the end of the day we are growing under God's tender care.

My sister has always meant the world to me, but, I never knew truly to what extent, until the past few months.  When you realize your life as you have known it is about to change forever, it can steal your breath, catch in your throat, and break your heart for a moment.  She will be leaving, but she will be going to a beautiful life which God has planned for her.

Susan Liana is blossoming under these happy conditions. Excitedly awaiting the day that she will say "I do", and go to marry her prince. I don't begrudge any of her happiness, but I will miss her...we all will.

Now we have a new life to look forward to!

Pt. Pleasant in the summer.

This past Sunday night I had the opportunity to sing a solo at Pt. Pleasant. These sweet girls were all so encouraging and made me feel so loved and supported. What a memorable evening......

Peachtree City

 Myself, Miss Lisa, and Anna.  Anna and I are in Miss Lisa's Thursday voice class.

When you see a friend after several months, that first hug can't get much sweeter. That is just how I felt this past weekend when I saw friends, old and new. 

I made the trip up to Peachtree City for my voice Master Class with Miss Lisa. I was nervous/excited about the entire event, but all played out wonderfully. The entire weekend I tried not to be nervous about the end of class when I performed my solo...which turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the weekend! Singing Danny Boy, I don't believe, could get any better. We learned eight songs, performed in front of mirrors, sang to a buddy, and did our best to soak it all in.

That was the reason behind my trip, but I had just as much fun with our family friends. We baked something sweet (still unnamed), enjoyed the horses, fed the goats, played music, and let loose our laughter.

I miss it all....

Back To Basics

My Aunt Celesta, and her two children, Audrey Kate, and Evan, just left our house today with sadness in all our hearts. But isn't that how lovely times always feel when ended? We had a wonderful, too-short visit.

The agenda for our few days was to learn canning and a follow-up sewing lesson from their first class in April. I believe they aced the test! Aunt Celesta and Audrey Kate are great little seamstresses and Auntie can now can away!

Celtic Woman 2013

Y'all. I don't think I've ever gotten goose bumps from anything other than cold weather. But these girls gave me thrills!  They all have a captivating stage presence, which, when it comes down to it, made me want to jump right up there with them and perform.

Playing old favorites to songs that were new, gave us all a great connection with the girls.  Having them walk down the center aisles in among the crowd, giving their song an interesting twist, was a huge highlight for me. But I especially loved She Moved Thru The Fair...Classic.

My family and I have enjoyed Celtic Woman's music since 2005 and it was an honor to be at their performance.

Crafty

Our craft room oozes inspiration. You can hardly walk by without being caught in the trap. In many ways that is good.

My Auntie, and her family, joined us a few weeks ago to learn how to sew. They started on paper and then at the end of class two, had made shoe bags.

I was slightly distracted by other inspirations such as jewelry making...:).

Is anyone else getting spring fever? I am in the mood to paint almost everything in the house. Color is calling my name this year.

Youth Choir Trip 2013

Every year our youth choir makes a trip to a church outside of Savannah and we spend the Saturday before doing some unique event. It is always a lovely time spent together.

After settling in at the hotel, the dinner stop was at Medieval Times. Jousting, falcons, roses, horse tricks, eating by hand, "my lord and my lady", all gave a wonderfully authentic atmosphere of a fairy tale.

Afterwards, we went out to the Gwinnett Braves ball game. I think we won, but, hey! It wasn't about the plays, but about the enjoyment of being together and laughing. Right?

On Sunday we sang for the Old Peachtree Presbyterian Church in both of their services. A very joyful time.

We had buckets of fun.

I'm Honored

This is a lovely lady. It has been a privilege being able to hear Miss Lisa's advice and and encouragement these past few weeks. A technique here, a tip there, a story told, and hugs all around make class quite enjoyable while gems of information are placed in our hands.  I look forward to each week with excitement- enjoying the fun with my classmates. I am blessed with new friends.

Another class today! 

4 of the 11 days

As nothing new magically appeared on this blog for the past two weeks (barring this post), I hope that you made the assumption that I was travelling...yet again.  I feel so bad letting my blogging slip into a very sporadic rhythm.

On our little trip, which in reality was a very big trip, being gone eleven days, we spent some time with my oldest brother. For a little while now I have had this urge to go to a zoo. I really do love them! So, we made plans and off we went. It was frightfully cold (snow fell), meaning not too many animals showed their faces. We just ran into their indoor exhibits and watched them through glass. Monkeys and pandas are my favorites!

In the process of the four days we managed to fit in some shopping....That made very happy.

It was a wonderful trip! Looking forward to going back...

The Opening Of A Door

Have you ever had a dream? I mean a really BIG dream. One that almost seems unconquerable? You hope and hope that one day it will come true, but deep, deep, deep down there is a little voice that says "it will never really happen". As you watch day after day go by you get just a little less sure and slowly, unconsciously, give up that big castle in the air.

Lately, this seemed to be staring me in the face...though I don't think I wanted to hear that little voice.  But I was giving up my dream.

It was Valentine's Day when I received an email stating that Lisa Kelly was opening a voice studio in Georgia. I was in shock; completely blown away. As you might know, I am a huge fan of Celtic Woman. Lisa has been with the group since 2004 and my family and I have enjoyed listening to her songs for several years. So, as you might imagine, it is very exciting to have an opportunity to take voice lessons from such a talented lady.

I could hear the creak of the door as it swung open. It is such a sweet blessing that God has placed in my lap and with it comes the excitement of watching Him work out the beginnings of the dream I have cherished for as long as I can remember.

Yesterday was my first class. It was a very, very, very happy, enjoyable, lovely, amazing experience. She is such a fun person to work with and I am so excited for my next class!

Songwriting

Songwriting with the Hobson's.  2014 new hit single! Hopes are high :).

Last week I had the privilege to live a week with my good friends, the Hobsons.  They are musicians extraordinaire and we wrote a song.  When the lyrics kept coming and ideas were bounced between five girls, a song was formed. The lyrics are written and the music is on paper! I now am working on the vocals.  It will be so much fun to record!

Dancing Under The Stars

It has been a v-e-r-y long time since I have put even a snippet on my little blog.  And for that I am very sorry.  Life over Christmas wasn't all that slow; I had moments of calm, but selfishly, I kept them to myself.  It hasn't been all that fast either. For 16 days I had the flu , but I got to enjoy the tree (yay!). It wasn't my favorite time in my history, but, on the other hand, it wasn't too bad.  Something deep deep down, (that may be more on the surface than expected), enjoys a little bit of that loving pampering. Looking back, I must have had fun! Think of that. I can't believe my own ears.

When I felt better we hosted a dance the day after New Years Eve. It was a lot like my party with the lights, pretty food, and a lovely time with friends.  It was an English Country dance like this one we've done before.  We danced the night away under the stars!

My Little Week

This past week has been rhythmic in a very new way. Each day looked the same, but yet very different.

After I read through the stack of school books piled higher than I would wish, take a few tests, speak in Gaelic, eat some way leftover hors doeuvres, and write some letters, I walk up the stairs with a very happy feeling of momentary bliss. After the chores of the day- so to speak- are checked off the list, it is time to get done the things that are fun, but necessary.   I spend the remainder of my day in the craft room, listening to books and watching old Dick Van Dyke shows while making many a gift for this holiday season. It isn't really easy to express the little happies that make your day worth it, but you all know the little thrills I am talking about. The smell of the Christmas tree, drinking hot coco and reading a book, singing and dancing. Life is worth it!

This was my little week.

Sixteen

Sixteen doesn't feel any different than fifteen, however, a happy birthday is always a happy birthday. If you have been around me at all, you would have know 43 days ago that my birthday was coming up. I get excited.  Maybe a little thrilled because I never would I think of it as "just another day".   So, all that to say: I am now sixteen. I am still enjoying what is left of my enthusiasm, and looking forward to getting my license even more than I looked forward to make-up, and earrings, or getting my braces off, my permit, thrilling vacations, and who knows what else! The main point, I hope, is very clear. I was so happy to turn sixteen. I loved fifteen, but now it is sixteen's turn to make me happy.

You will also know when I get my license. :)

  

After opening the gifts, we went shopping at the outlets for the whole day! Happy day! Then we came on home to welcome in my grandparents for the holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving!