Beautiful Music

This is one of my all-time favorite songs, "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young.  It's called a "suite" because it is actually several songs blended together.   The music compliments the lyrics perfectly and the ache in the singer's voice for his love is beautiful.

This song reminds me of my mother, for I first saw the movie shortly after she passed away.  The lyrics are beautiful and the sentiment is so true.  We don't measure our lives in the major things we do.  That's what we like to think we do, but it's not true.  We measure our lives in the little things we do, and, hopefully, the positive impact we have on others.

This song is so beautiful, I want it played at my funeral. AND I want everyone one attendance (and this is what I'm counting on my students for now) to do a flashmob dance around the casket.  I'm serious!!  You know this, so it's you're duty to pull this off in the event of my demise.

Beautiful Art

The works of Jackson Pollock are amazing.  He pioneered the 'drip method' for abstract art.  This is so in-depth that every time I stare at it, I see something new.  If I ever win the Power Ball, I'm buying an original.

Here are some real jerks in front of my all-time favorite painting.  This is at the MOMA in NYC on the choir trip.  I didn't get to go because my *&(#$ divas wanted to go shopping on Fifth Avenue instead.  I'm not bitter (much) though.  But I missed a once in al lifetime chance!  

Lichtenstein's use of dots and his use of pop art are beautiful.  This reminds me of teen drama, for it is literally a young girl drowning in her own tears.  Puts a new spin on the old cliche - "cry me a river"!

Natural Beauty

There isn't a more beautiful time of year (at least in my book) than autumn.

And my yard, with 50 oak trees, is a beautiful place to be on a warm fall afternoon.

And the trails in TRF in the summer aren't bad either.

Even in the winter there is natural beauty to be had.

Artificial Beauty

I will never forget the first time I walked into the front doors of the "new" LHS.  I was struck by its beauty.

I can't believe I get to come to work in this place every day. #livingthedream

Acts of Beauty

Prom last year was an amazing act of beauty.  My oh my what Lincoln can accomplish!!  I'm just glad I had a front row seat for this, which moved me to tears.

And look at the smiles on the faces of Mr. Zutz and Mr. Brekke. They are enjoying this more than Nate!

Even in the face of tragedy, there is beauty here.

Spontaneous beauty

Two years ago we attended an ECFE event. We didn't know that some of Cash's friends - namely Macey - from daycare were going to be there.  But as soon as we heard, "Cashie!" We knew someone was looking forward to seeing him.

Then without anyone expecting it, Cash ran up to Macey and hugged her like they were long lost friends reuniting after 20 years.  

I'm just glad I could get my iPhone out in time to capture it.

Beauty Taken for Granted

Health and family.

 My family 2013

My family 1977

I took so much of my youth for granted.  What kid doesn't?  But it was so full of love and happiness and beauty that I can't begin to repay my parents and family.  All that I can do is try to provide the same love and happiness and beauty for my family.  

Oh what I wouldn't give for just an hour . . . even one minute . . . to be sitting on my mom's knee again or to hug my father one more time.

And that's why I never take these two for granted.