Purchased and Practiced

Today I bought the sheet music for "The Way I am", recorded on the above pictured album, and went home to jam on the piano. Needless to say, I averaged singing about a word a minute. It took considerable concentration playing the notes. It's coming along though. I couldn't embed the music video directly to here but if you'd like to see it, click HERE. I would suggest listening to the song without watching the video. The video is full of clowns, which promotes the creepy factor upon first viewing. If you must watch, watch. But if you've never heard the song my recommendation would be to simply listen first. Processing the audio and visual at the same time afford a completely different experience.

P.S. If you come on over for a visit, maybe you'll get a personal concert or something. Just be warned that I might require you to play the bongo drums.

Finished

I finished reading this last week. As far as ratings go, I'll give the author brownie points for creativity. Haddon wrote with a unique style and "perspective". Overall, I didn't really care for it. It wasn't realistic, though the writing seemed to assume that stance. It reminded me of the movie "The Truman Show". I also didn't like the fact that there wasn't much meat to it. It was a brainless read, which is a good at times, but nah. So to end on the positive note, I'll give it the brownie points for the creativity and it was easy to read through with with a medium level of interest.

I picked up this book today and read the first short story. It was definitely a good read and requires rereading for analysis. I love good short stories.

Demitri and Selfish Jean

I couldn't embed the video here on the post so click the link HERE to see it.

Friday Freebie!

I'm pretty sure you've all been dying to find a good free crochet flower pattern. Be at peace. I found you two:

This first one comes from Attic 24. Visit the site HERE for an excellent tutorial and detailed photos. I'm thinkin they'd go quite nicely on a granny quilt.

This next flower pattern comes from Salihan. Visit HERE for a worthy step-by-step guide that will even satisfy a beginner.

Sounds Good to Me

Kindergarten comments from this week...

1. Kendra (who is nasty, feisty, very smart, and still very lovable) came over and gave me a hug the other day:

Me: Hey girl.

Kendra: You look skinny when I hug you.

And lately, when I walk by in the classroom:

Kendra: Erica. Call me.

When I turn to look at her, she's gesturing a phone call with her hand up to her ear.

2. Braden (who is a picture perfect boy and usually doesn't pay much attention to me) ran up to me on the kinder playground outside as I was leaving to walk home:

Braden: Watch out for busses and cars. There are some crazy drivers out there. Look both ways (He looked both ways as he instructed me to do so).

3. Jess (from my moms class, who lives 4 houses down from me and is the size of a munchkin child) has a habit lately of approaching me, and when she has my attention says:

Jess: I love you.

I habitually tell the kindergartners I love them. It's impossible not to after a year of wiping noses, tying shoes, putting on millions of band-aids, listening to endless stories, and returning the warmest hugs. I feel a powerful connection when it's said. Sometimes it just pops out of my mouth and other times I'm more deliberate with specific kids. There's such a light that twinkles in their eyes when it's said.

Jess said it to me a week or two ago and it made me stop and pause for a minute. She was so sincere and I appreciated it so much. I didn't realize I needed it, but I did and it felt good to hear. Since then she says it out loud and often. "I love you" spoken sincerely is so powerful.