| Advent begins |
I just got back from shopping on Camrose's quaint mainstreet. I returned with three things. 2 advent devotionals and one purse size sketchbook. Advent begins tomorrow and I find it helpful to have a daily guide to focus my thoughts and prepare me for Christmas.
The two devotionals I bought are:
1. "Our Light and Our Salvation" Advent reflections from the works of Henri J. M. Nouwen
For each day there is a scripture, an excerpt from a work by Nouwen and a short prayer. This was what I picked up first - it helped that it was $1.19 and we are on a budget. I've never actually read any books by Nouwen - just quotes here and there and he comes highly recommended.
2. "A Journey Through Advent" A spiritual focus for personal or group use
This 31 day guide (for all of December) includes about three pages per day comprised of a passage to read (which is explained in the book), a "pause for thought" section, a "punch line" section (probably the key idea for the day) a prayer section - included a section on praying for others, and a reflection section. Okay, I admit it, the cover of this book caught my eye. It's got candles on the front and they looked peaceful. But what really sold me is that the devotions for each day were longer - but not too long - and challenged thought and encouraged reflection, as well as basing each day on a large chunk of scripture. This one is an actual book, compared to the other which is a pamphlet, so it cost $14.99.
But hooray I had part of a gift certificate remaining so I paid $8 in total.
There was a book there called something like, "Preparing my heart for Advent". It seemed to be geared towards women and included devotions for all of November and December - that is my kind of Advent book - for the past two years I have begun reading advent devotionals weeks before Advent officially began - because I need more than four weeks to prepare and regain perspective. The author of this book must've known where I'm coming from. Why didn't I buy this book - two reasons, November is pretty much over so I'd be missing that part of the journey and the cover, really it's true.
Any guesses as to when this book was published? I'd guess late eighties early nineties. Nope, this is a brand new book that just released this November. 2005. Had the author spoken to me I think I could've helped her with some graphic design ideas that could help her book appeal to a larger range of women,
That being said, next fall I will take another look at it, and if the insides are good I'll buy it regardless of the cover.
Catching up:
Lance's tour went well. Each of the shows had a different highlight - you can see some photos on my mom's and brother's blogs. Lance had a great time and looks forward to touring again maybe in the spring.
It was great having Steven and my Mom around. Mom was so helpful. I didn't do dishes for days! What a treat - and on top of that we had lots of good visiting too.
Immediately following Sunday night's Camrose show, we began teaching a course at school - 8:30am Monday morning. We, more than other times, truly felt the need for God's sustinance and inspiration. The course went very well -- it was on Relationships (family, friends, but mostly dating/courting) so the students were quite attentive. We praise God for bringing us through and for the work he did in students lives this week.
Last night Lance played at our local coffeeshop "Merchants". I thought he did a great job and he thought it went so badly that he wasn't even going to accept the money. Crazy how people's perception of the same event can differ so much. I really felt he did well. It was laid back, he did a lot of covers - Beatles, Jason Harwell, Ron Sexsmith and even the Flaming Lips. It was a great coffeeshop set. People enjoyed it.
This Sunday is CLBI Sunday at Solid Rock Church in Camrose. This means Lance is very involved and busy. We were planning to go on a getaway this weekend but this special Sunday got in the way. But...next weekend we are planning to go somewhere for TWO NIGHTS instead of one. I am excited. I think we really need a break.
Well, it's getting to be supper time and I should plan something.
Hope you are all well.
Aimee |
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| On the Road |
Hello folks
Lance played the first concert of his tour last night. He played at Vanguard College in Edmonton. Lance said it went well. Steven and Kenton said it went really well. And Jonnie (sound guy) said it was the best show yet! (of course). Lance phoned me as they were heading home from Edmonton and filled me in on the news. I was so glad to hear it. Lance said the promoter Dave said that it was worth every cent they paid to have Lance come. How encouraging.
Currently the guys are on the road to Saskatoon. Well, they're probably still running last minute errands in Camrose - but soon they'll be crossing the windy fall prairies. I won't see them till we meet up tomorrow night in Sherwood Park for their third concert. Please pray for safety as they travel and for a great turnout and excellent concert.
A former CLBI student Aaron Zepick will be playing with the band in Saskatoon and then joining them for the Sherwood Park and Camrose concerts.
Today is so windy and sunny I hope to go for a walk. I do have some overdue library books which should serve as some motivation to get out.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to do a photo shoot with the Rawling Brothers band. Bruce, as you may recall, was a big part of making Lance's CD this summer. He and his brother Doug have a group that plays what they call "rocky mountain country music".
Here they are. From left to right: Lucas, Doug, Craig, Bruce.
It was a fun time shooting their photos. A beautiful sunny day. Afterwards we met up with Lance and the guys for lunch at the Lefse House - delicious as always.
Well, I think that's all for now. You can expect to hear from me again soon - I tend to write more when Lance is away.
Again, please pray for their trip. Thanks.
Aimee |
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| Reviews and Dreams |
Thanks to Erin, Melanie and Brent for writing reviews on CD baby. They each point out different features of the album and will hopefully get the music into the hands of people who will like it. All others readers please feel free to add your reviews.
Okay I must share with you two dreams I had -- 1. because they're hilarious (in my opinion) and 2. because they involve members of our blog ring.
1. TRIP TO HALIFAX
Lance and I have never been to maritimes, but in our dream there we were and who would we visit in Halifax but the Abarbanels -- who in real life we've never met but hope to some day. So here's how it went. We didn't tell them we were coming, but just showed up. They weren't home but for some reason we just went into their garage. Why the garage you ask? Well to check out the fine canary yellow corvette that Ron was restoring! Yet, upon closer inspection the "corvette" turned out to be an Elcamino. Yuck. Anyways, Marsha and the kids came home - with some friends who were planning on sleeping over. It was at that point I felt a little awkward about not calling ahead, and just assuming we could stay there too. But Marsha was very welcoming and I got the impression that if the dream had continued we could've stayed - though I think she too thought it was a little odd us just dropping in completely unannounced. Anyways if you've ever been to Abarbanel home you'll know that it is surrounded on two sides by a wild verdant rainforest and across from the back yard are tonnes of 1960s beach style condos that look like they've been constructed from some sort of children's blocks. The house has more decks and balconies than I have ever seen and was gigantic. In the dream I wondered, "did they buy this house before they worked for the Navigators?", I wanted to ask Marsha but I thought it was prying. Thus ended our brief trip to Halifax.
A note to the Abarbanels: if we come to Halifax we'll call you ahead of time, and we won't need your address because I'll be able to pick out your house no problem.
2. Heidi and the Whale
The context for this dream is a little blurry so I'll just have to start right in. We're (and I'm not sure who "we" is) were watching a video of Heidi at the beach with some friends. The video shows Heidi swimming out to sea - a perfectly "Californian" picture. As she swims we see a dark shape moving towards her. It is a huge whale! The whale is coming right at her. I thought, "It's going to swallow her!". It didn't. Instead it swam under her and for a couple moments she was riding on its back. That is, until she got near the blow hole. I thought, "O cool she's going to look in the blow hole". And she did, right before she slipped into it. That's right, she slipped into the blow hole, caught herself for a brief moment, before falling into wherever it is that a blow hole would leave you in a whale. That was it. I have the feeling that I was watching the movie with Heidi so I knew she'd be okay, but what an experience to have. wow.
Lance commented that these dreams sounded like the stories four year olds make up that you never know what parts are true, if any, and what is completely fabricated. Funny.
Lance and the band are practicing tonight. They were just over here for supper and now back to work. It's great to have Steven and Kenton out. Jonnie Scrivens (a former CLBI student) is running sound for the tour so he's at practice, as well as Jane's boyfriend Curtis who may play keys for the Camrose show.
Okay that's all for now.
Two days in a row. Good for me.
Aimee |
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| Greedy Blogger |
Didn't work to post this last night so here it is in the morning:
I admit it, I am greedy for blogs. I check the blogs many times a day – a fact which embarrasses me but oh well. I’m excited when people blog and post photos. I just keep checking and checking. Today I was talking with mom and saying I liked the pictures she posted from Cara’s birthday party, but that I was getting annoyed at seeing the “Choco Wowie” cake everytime I checked back for a new post. Hmmm. Can someone say “Hypocrite”. My last entry was from November 6 and mom’s “Choco Wowie” entry was from the 14th.
So here I am blogging again.
I’d like to interject here and honor Melanie, who has posted THREE times today. Puts me to shame.
Which leads me to a thought: you may not know this about me but I am a ridiculously literal person. Let me explain. After typing, “Puts me to shame”, I wanted to add in brackets, “okay so I’m not actually experiencing shame because of it, I just meant that she’s doing great at blogging and is inspiring to a blog slacker like myself”. Hmmm. Why did I feel like I couldn’t just leave that statement there without the disclaimer/explanation. Perhaps saying I’m a literal person doesn’t clarify – this is just what Lance labels this tendency as. It would maybe be better to say I am someone who is hyper aware of accuracy. Almost to a fault. Yes at times to a fault. But I’m growing, here is an example:
We got some AAA Angus Alberta Beef from Jena Friedrich’s parents who are ranchers. The meat was delicious and Lance was raving about it to Jena’s dad. “Man, it is so much better than meat from the grocery store. We had some just the other day and I sure enjoyed it. What a difference”. My thoughts, “Aimee, hold your tongue, it would not be appropriate, or worth it to correct Lance and let him – and Jena’s dad – know that the meat Lance was referring to was from Co-op grocery store” When I told Lance later, and in private, where the meat was really from he was surprised and grateful that I hadn’t corrected him right then and there.
Anyways, enough about that.
Lance is doing a mini-tour. Check out his website, which I’m too lazy to create a link for: www.lanceodegard.com, for details.
It has snowed on and off here. Right now its –10 so the tiny bit of snow that is on the ground isn’t going anywhere. I just love snow falling and can’t get enough of watching it. When it’s snowing at night I want to sleep with our curtains open to watch – which doesn’t work well since there’s a streetlight that shines right into our room.
Well it’s late and I’m tired.
More later.
Hope you are well.
Blessings on you.
Aimee |
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| Regarding Lance's CD |
Hello friends.
Lance's album is now available for purchase from "CD baby" an online distributor. It is of course still available online through House of James too.
A request: there is a place for people to write reviews of Lance's CD on the CD baby site. If you have heard Lance's music (if not you can hear some on his website or at CD baby) please consider going to the CD baby site and writing a quick review. Your review could encourage someone totally outside our present circle to order the CD.
Click here to go to CDbaby
Hope you are well.
Aimee
ps. it didn't snow very much, but it sure is getting chilly. |
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| A Baby |
For members of this blog ring this may be old news - old as in one day old - because my mom has already blogged about it. Nevertheless this super exciting news deserves to be celelbrated on more than one blog.
My brother Steve and his lovely wife Carolyn are expecting a baby in June! Hooray! We are so excited for them. What an adventure.
Lance talked to Steve on Monday night and found out the news. Exciting times, growing families.
We do have atleast one excellent nurse in the Camrose maternity ward. But I recommend you stay put in Abbotsford. You pretty much just got back there. There are also excellent nurses in Abbotsford. If my memory serves me correctly Cherylene has begun some work and training for the maternity ward in Abbotsford (be sure to correct me if this is wrong Cher) So Carolyn will be in good hands.
Perhaps this baby news will satisfy the readers who were hoping I had something to report when I wrote two entries back about "when I have a baby".
Have a good night folks.
Aimee |
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| It's snowing |
Okay, so here I am with time on my hands and little motivation. I read a book - a thinking book, an art textbook, then fell asleep, woke up and make myself get up. When down to the school kitchen where we do our laundry and moved some abandoned-since-Saturday laundry to the dryer (no mildew smell so that's good) Forced myself to do some dishes and it wasn't so bad. Ate a farmer's market carrot. Checked the blogs for the like third time today. Checked my email, again. I found myself wandering the internet. Where do I end up? The weather network.
It was on the weather network that I discover there is a 60% chance of flurries tonight, and that it is one degree. I think, "Maybe it is snowing now". I go the green room window from where I can see a light that shines on falling snow if there is any... and sure enough there's snow. I head outside, in my slippers to feel the first snow of the season on my face. Somewhat dissappointing. It's really hardly snowing, the only place you can see flakes is in the bright light beam and I can barely feel the light kisses of the snow on my face. Maybe it will pick up.
Two funny things.
1. I learned it was snowing while sitting at my computer infront of closed curtains.
2. I actually want it to snow more. This is silly. We will have cold and snow for a long time. It would be great to have fall last longer. I know the root. My westcoast upbringing. When it rarely did snow we would hope and hope that it would snow harder and stay longer than just the night. Sometimes it did and we could actually sled for awhile before the grass showed through. Othertimes we'd end up with rain following so soon after the snow that we had little chance to enjoy it. I think this has conditioned me to panick when it snows. "I better get outside... go for a walk...sled down a hill immediately or the snow will be gone" This is not something I need to worry about in Alberta. I truly do want it to stay fall for longer...but I just love snow!
Comments on comments and welcomes.
There are new folks visiting my blog - or atleast new folks commenting - so I shall introduce them.
1. Brent. He has commented before but I don't believe he has received a proper introduction. I am connected to Brent through my Camp Luther life. We worked together many summers. Brent is hilarious, thoughtful, creative, musical and newly married. Brent works at a church in Surrey as a youth pastor - is that right Brent? My earliest memory of Brent was when he was a counselor and I worked in the kitchen, he died his hair purple that summer. I have a vague memory of it being super white like silver another summer, could you verify if that's correct? Brent recently recorded a CD of his songs with my brother. I know some of the songs from days gone by and am glad they are on a CD now and that I can hear them even when Brent is not around.
2. Shannon. Now Shannon is a pleasant blast from the past. I haven't seen or heard from Shannon in years and years. For sure since highschool. We were in youthgroup together. We have discovered each others blogs through other blogging church friends and I am excited to be reconnected. Two funny memories of Shannon both having to do with legs. At some sleepover girls were bemoaning the length of time it took to shave our legs (actually it could have been just me bemoaning this, I was, and am, terribly lazy when it comes to shaving). Shannon shared her strategy - shave one leg each day when you shower. That way the hair never gets long so it takes just minutes to shave, doing one each day saves time too. The other tip she gave me was to be careful to not scratch your legs after applying self-tanner or you'll end up looking like a zebra.
Okay I'll be honest, part of the reason I am blogging is because Lance is at a meeting and I'm a little bored waiting for him to get back. But he just walked in! Hooray.
I was out of words anyways.
Hope you are well.
Aimee |
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posted by Aimee at 