Long Road Ahead

I think we are quite lucky in our small town to have our own music store. Prussia Valley Music Shop of Waverly is in the old Arrowood Jewelers building at the corner of Market Street and Emmitt Avenue. They stock mandolins, banjos, fiddles, guitars, hand made dulcimers, CDs, books, and accessories. If you're a musician and you need strings, a tuner, or other small stuff, this little shop can help you there as well.

We purchased my new violin/fiddle for Christmas from Prussia Valley. (Check here to read about the difference...or the lack of difference...) I am also taking lessons on Thursday nights. I set a goal for myself to be able to play a song or two along with the band at church by Easter....and now I am having doubts. I consider myself fairly musical with my experience on piano, sax, and voice. But an instrument with strings is an entirely new arena.


My violin/fiddle teacher is a very sweet girl by the name of Stephanie Stanley. She has a lot of patience as I make these strange sounds during the lesson and is quick to compliment me when I don't! Honestly, I should practice more often.....I remember when Trent was learning guitar--he played it for pure enjoyment! He played it ALL THE TIME....even took it in the car on vacation. Now I wish I could be that dedicated.



I think there are 9-10 weeks until Easter. I love the violin part on "By His Wounds" and I have already completed the notation for the part using my piano. If I can only remember "raise the elbow"..."control the pressure"..."let the bow work for you." I so want to do this as a way to bring beautiful worship to my Heavenly Father. But--don't worry--if it stinks, I'll stick with something else. It might be a LONG ROAD AHEAD...

So do you know the answer: What's the difference between a violin and a fiddle? "A violin sings, a fiddle dances." "A fiddle is a violin with attitude." And I love this one... "No one cries when they spill beer on a fiddle."

His words stirred my soul...

Last May, I was privileged to be part of a school trip to Atlanta, GA. We visited the Martin Luther King National Historic Site, which includes a Visitor's Center museum to bring awareness to MLK's amazing story, his unforgettable Ebenezer Baptist Church, MLK's gravesite and reflecting pool at The King Center, and Peace Plaza--beautifully landscaped grounds with sculptures and other decor offering tributes to various peacemakers throughout history.



Early in the day, we took in the "Courage To Lead" exhibit inside the Visitor's Center which follows the paths of MLK and the Civil Rights Movement. As I walked along looking at scratchy, B & W videotape, the voice of the great Martin Luther King, Jr. filled the room. WOW! His words stirred my soul! I have read his speeches/sermons in the past....but hearing that voice moved me to tears. His calm confidence and humble spirit together with the words he spoke gave evidence of a heart focused on others. No doubt...this man was a true Jesus-follower...and, thankfully, I really discovered more of it that day.


I also fell in love with Freedom Road--an exhibit which memorializes everyday people known as the "foot soldiers" of the Civil Rights Movement. These statues look so real as they "walk" along the road, smiling, cheering, chanting.. ordinary, believable people who took unbelievable chances to stand for their cause.

Ebenezer Baptist Church where King and his father and grandfather pastored...ahhh, such beautiful memories. (They also have built a new spacious Ebenezer Baptist Church up the street...) We happened to be taking the tour with an all-black boys prep school from nearby.


If you ever get a chance to go, you won't soon forget its impact. On this holiday, I remember Martin Luther King--and this year I feel good because I know my brother's voice, his words, his soul a little better.

Empty Nest Blues

Bill and I are very proud of our 18 year old son, Trent. He has participated in the PSEO (Post Secondary Enrollment Options) program since sophomore year of high school, and will graduate both HS and (be very close to) an Associate's Degree from Ohio University in Electronic Media in May. I realize this requires real academic commitment on Trent's part as well as often sacrificing the social perks of his high school years. (But, of course, we think it's worth it since it is TOTALLY FREE -- even books!)

Since September, Trent has been attending OU Ironton full-time, and has even landed a university job this quarter, working for the EM department. The experience is invaluable. But, because of the threat of Ohio winter weather, and the 75 minute drive to Ironton, we decided to rent a small upstairs apartment for him next to the university. He will "move" there tomorrow....YIKES!!!


1510 S. Tenth Street, Ironton, OH

I am not sure if it's moving a high schooler into an apartment or moving "my baby" out of the house or losing Mommy control, but I feel like I am beginning to suffer from ENS--empty next syndrome---and I am freaked out.

Hopefully, it won't take too long for me to realize that I am not spending so much time picking up wet towels, stepping over guitar cables, and lowering the toilet seat. Then, at just about that moment, Trent will be back. RECESS OVER.....

PS - I LOVE THAT BOY!!!