30 Day Winter Photo Challenge Day Thirteen - "Wanderlust"

"Wanderlust" by Shannon

"Wanderlust" by Debi

Just a short drive north of where we live, we can play in the snow and go skiing. I would love to go up there more often just to sit by the fireplace in the lodge and look at the mountains.

Debi is obviously dreaming of visiting Europe again? Let's go!

30 Day Winter Photo Challenge Day Twelve - "Gift-Wrapped"

"Gift-Wrapped" by Shannon

"Gift-Wrapped" by Debi

Jude and my husband wrapped a birthday gift for me and then drew pictures on it the wrapping paper.

I love Debi's colorful photo. And where did she get those cool scissors?

30 Day Winter Photo Challenge Day Eleven - "Decorated"

"Decorated" by Debi

"Decorated" by Shannon

Debi's photo isn't actually from Alabama...she took it of our tree just a few weeks ago on their visit for Thanksgiving. Of course we have a Beatles ornament!

My photo is a view on the drive home from work. Lights on palm trees and an evening sky.

30 Day Winter Photo Challenge Day Ten - "Candlelight"

"Candlelight" by Shannon

This photo shows a Christmas decoration that we brought out every year throughout my childhood. The heat from the flames makes the top turn and ring the bells. You're supposed to put tall candles in it but for me, tealights will suffice. Jude has so much trouble resisting the urge to blow them out. 

No photo from Debi today. She headed out to Alabama earlier than planned. We'll see if she can send us some photos from there in the next few days.

30 Day Winter Photo Challenge Day Nine - "Naked Twig"

"Naked Twig" by Debi

"Naked Twig" by Shannon

Debi's photo today was sent to me with only the explanation of "This is the only naked twig I could find." I have yet to ask her what it is exactly. Hmmm.

Mine features a naked branch on an Australian Bottle Tree in our backyard, with one of the birdseed ornaments Jude and I made. The birds ate them all up in just one day.

Goodbye, Violin and Flute

In another burst of gotta-get-rid-of-stuff energy, recently I gave away my violin and flute. So to honor their departure, I must tell their stories.

I was working in Branson, MO, in Mel Tillis’ show years ago when I bought the violin. I had always wanted to learn, and there I found myself surrounded by top musicians, including a whole fiddle section. One of the guys agreed to teach me, so I was all set.

But I never took one lesson. I know I even bought the beginner lesson book he suggested, but we never got started. Now, twenty years later, I have no idea why. I guess I’m just the type of person who has great ambition but doesn’t always follow through? Hmmm.

My flute is much dearer to my heart. When I was in fifth grade, mom let me choose whatever instrument I wanted so I could be in the fifth grade band. I couldn’t decide between the French horn (?!) and flute. Finally, I choose the flute because it was easy to carry, and because it would fit in nicely if I played with my family which was filled with guitarists and pianists.

There are sooooo many stories I could tell about my flute and the opportunities and experiences it gave me. But overall, it was something that I practiced and accomplished…a lesson in perseverance. And I think every person should be able to experience the comradery of playing in a band or orchestra. There is magic in keeping your eyes on the conductor and at the downbeat, hearing your instrument join in with all the others.

My instruments were given to Music for Hope, which will give them to a local school. I am so glad they will be played and loved. Much better than sitting on a shelf in my living room.

30 Day Winter Photo Challenge Day Eight - "Foggy"

"Foggy" by Debi

"Foggy" by Shannon

The person who came up with today's prompt obviously doesn't live in the desert like me. Nothing is foggy in Las Vegas. There is no moisture, so there is no actual fog...no condensation on a glass or windshield, no steam on the mirror during a shower. My photo of my Starbucks drink (Iced Venti Sweetened Green Tea, thank you) wasn't actually foggy, but I pretended for a moment that I was in a climate with condensation.

Debi had no trouble finding fog on her bathroom mirror. North Carolina has plenty of humidity!