Songwriting

Probably one of the most exciting things that has happened this fall, and well late summer, is I have begun writing songs. And, I think pretty good acceptable songs. For a long time, years, I would try to write songs, but they were always teeming with minor chords and they were just incredibly depressing. I think I remember some of the lyrics to one of my songs: I'm a stranger in this room filled with reminiscent faces...something something...alone alone...horrible life so horrible. Not real uplifting. My old songs just made me feel worse.



But, now, that has changed! There has been a mini-rennaissance in my soul and brain and I am able to write songs!! They are practically flowing out of me and it just feels so right. I've known for awhile that I've had an artist's temperament, but I always felt lopsided without a medium through which to express. Music has always been a passion of mine and a safe, hopeful place. Now, the music is there inside me and coming out all around in this kind of perfect harmony and alignment of the stars. Who knows how long it will last...



So, there you go. I am not planning on cutting a record anytime soon. These songs are for me...they're my self-diagnosed therapy and it seems to be working. But, I'll play you one if you're ever in town.

Halloween

Halloween, halloween

Halloween is here!

Ghosts and goblins,

Spooks and bats

Are flying through the air. Boo!

This is one of the many songs I sing around this time of year in my classroom. This one is sung to the tune of Jingle Bells...try it out. It's hard to get in all the ghosts and goblins and spooks and bats into one line of melody. My students were in tip top hysteria about Halloween this year. Yesterday, several times, kids would just turn to me and with all their pent up glee and say, "It's Halloween!". Thank you, children, for that update. They just couldn't help themselves. It really is a very fun day. Our school is one of the only schools left that still celebrates the holiday with a parade and a party. I was Miss Mary Mack as I am every year. I love my costume...simple and yet pleasing.

We also dressed up for the history grad student party this past weekend. All the grad students do a nice job of dressing up, but I was especially proud of us. We borrowed some materials from my Kindergarten supply closet and came up with these winners: organ donors.

You know, I've never really liked the bloody, scary, spooky side of Halloween, but I really do love dressing up and just being silly with others.

My Famous Husband

Check out my hubby. He is big time. I am very proud of him.

What is Happening

1. I was in a wedding. Like my dress? And the hair?

2. T.J. was an usher in a wedding. Our friends got married in St. Louis and we made a weekend out of it. We stayed at a swanky hotel downtown and spent an afternoon in the botanical gardens. So many beautiful things...it's ridiculous how I forget to look at the wonderments of nature so frequently. Look at these leaves...unreal, but yet, real.

3. I am singing in a community choir. We are working on pieces from Handel's Messiah. I am loving all those trills and runs.

4. We went to see ARCADE FIRE at Starlight Theatre. It was possibly the best concert experience I have ever had. I hope heaven is like that concert. I really mean that.

5. School is going well. My students are giggly, squirmy, and perfect five-year-olds.

eggs are the best

t.j.'s advisor told me about this. it is a real promotional campaign. that is so great.

**click on "song"**

Beginning of School

On our way to lunch:

Kid: Mrs. Tomlin, why does school have to be all the day long?

Me: You know, I wonder that myself sometimes.

Probably not the answer he was looking for.

Movies to See

Here are two movies you must make sure to view:

Once - sooo beautifully nice. we now own the soundtrack as well. you know, it's been the longest time since i bought a movie soundtrack. i used to do that all the time.

Sweetland - you can rent this one. i just loved this film. it is just so refreshing. it's romantic but not gooey. it's thought-provoking, but far from preachey.

I am also very excited to see The Bourne Ultimatum. That Jason Bourne (or whoever he really is) has sure been through a lot.