Decorating for the Holiday, Naturally: The Holly and The Ivy

Long work day yesterday, but I did take some time today to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, warm weather, and do some trimming of the holly and the ivy* - both literal and seasonal. I just thought the office porch and environs needed some holiday decor.

 My air conditioner condensation catcher looks prettier this way.

All materials sourced from the grounds; pine limbs, 

holly I trimmed from random bushes, and ivy pulled away from taking over Education buildings.

Ah, leftover rosehips from last night's party ...

(*%)@(#*%

You so pretty,

 But why you got to stab me with your razor sharp thorns?

Pretty Evil little ... Beauties

* If you don't have "The Holly and The Ivy" stuck in your head yet, you will soon.

 The holly and the ivy,

When they are both full grown,

Of all the trees that are in the wood,

The holly bears the crown. 

The rising of the sun 

And the running of the deer, 

The playing of the merry organ, 

Sweet singing in the choir. 

~ Sharp's English Folk-Carols (1911)

Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57l6dSbVppM

~ photos by iPhone

Note: I WAS wearing gardening gloves, but not leather ones. I was pulling thorns out for a few days. 

Even later note: c. January 2016, I have a SCAR in my palm from not getting one of these little buggers out.

Beethoven on Deck

Where are we on transporter technology? Because not only would I live elsewhere (like near a beach/water) and not have to worry about my commute, and be closer to the nieces and nephews, I would be able to attend the activities my extended circle of "honorary" nieces and nephews.

Today in St. Chuck, Kari's Krew is performing Beethoven on the Deck as the Catalpa Trio of chamber musicians.

I am BUMMED I can't be there. Those girlies are so lucky -- for a variety of reasons.

I came to chamber music at the end of my formal training. Things were different when I taking lessons. It was more about solo tracks, and not what is now known formally as "Collaborative Piano" - chamber music, training on how to be a equal chamber music partner, and even training on how to be a 'real' chorus, ballet, or rehearsal pianist for theatricals. I picked up a lot on the "job" at church and high schoo chorus/pitl, but there was a lot I didn't know. I know for a fact that some orchestral directors had negative things to say about my playing when I worked with instrumentalists, but they didn't know that *I* didn't know what to do. I was working with what I knew - and the fact that I was highly uncomfortable? (Well, that's another story.) When I played for vocal auditions at UCONN for some regional competitions or auditions, some of those adjudicators and coaches were kind enough to give me some feedback, in the middle of the singers' auditions. (Sorry!) It wasn't until I got to college when I REALLY got chamber instructions - and I have to thank my fellow TRIO NON SACRA* cohorts, Jane and Kristin, for putting up with me -- and Dr. B, Dr. C, and Dr. LaM.

TRIO NON SACRA 4EVAH!

Thanks to social media, I can get glimpses of what the girlies are up to as part of their youth symphony orchestra and in rehearsal. (Not to mention have actual SM interactions with them and now play I spy with parental units. (BECAUSE I MISS THEM. NOT IN A CREEPER WAY!)

My parents are like a @timbuk2 ad! #swag pic.twitter.com/ePSgWYm9Gl

— Stella (@StellaChilds) July 3, 2015

Representing #EYSO last day of Swedish Days! #stringworks http://t.co/HEk60MGPl4 thanks for hosting The Catalpa Trio. pic.twitter.com/EQZfa889sQ

— Kari Childs (@karimamasaywhat) June 28, 2015

@EYSO Fall Camp volunteers. pic.twitter.com/otseFzGx5P

— Kari Childs (@karimamasaywhat) August 29, 2015

@kristins4kids last week @gpmf so grown up! pic.twitter.com/LzOvo2I55k

— Kari Childs (@karimamasaywhat) July 13, 2015

Thanks to WQXR's swag from Opening Night -- Beethoven's Ode to Joy - I sent along my love and a semi-permanent reminder that I am there in spirit, if not body.

Break a leg, girlies! Have FUN!

Beethoven on the deck with the #catalpatrio pic.twitter.com/WzMF3DIEPI

— Kari Childs (@karimamasaywhat) August 22, 2015

Catalpa Trio play Beethoven on the deck at 3pm #obeythoven pic.twitter.com/vJ91LxNUHH

— noel childs (@noelchilds) August 22, 2015

*Unholy Trio

Photo of the Day: A Porch of One's Own

Thursday, August 8, 2013, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Public Gardens

Forget a room of one's own, I would like a porch of my own .. just like this, with a water view.

Photo of the Day: Portrait of a Porch

Ye Olde Homestead, Connecticut House

Why is that we don't take the time to sit on our front porches anymore -- to read, to get to know our neighbors, to yell at the pesky children cutting across our yard? So they sag a little around the edges ... so do we when we get to be their age.