"Just one more push!!"

Finals week is in full swing. Tomorrow at 8 am is my last final. Tomorrow at 6pm I hand in my last assignment. Tonight? Study party at Pratt Central!! Can't say I mind when it involves good food and great company!

Reading Day at the Brigham's

Real Winter and Sleep...

The weekend was incredibly busy and culminated in an equally full monday. Our first real snow came Sunday night, covering everything in a purity which Monday's clear blue skies and bright sunshine would set to sparkling like the ocean on a summer's day. I love snow and I love the crystal clear night skies which follow these winter storms. And last night I loved the chance to slip into bed very early and finally rest. Today started a full 12 hours later....certainly a gift of tangible grace from my Merciful Savior.

This evening I had the pleasure of dinner with a dear young woman and friend at Suzette's in Downtown Wheaton. It was a truly refreshing time and I simply can't wait to do it again soon!! 

And this one's for yesterday: I just love the way shops look at dusk during Christmas time. The intense cold and early darkness makes me look more eagerly into the warmth of indoor spots. The happy smiles of customers and the soft light and the rich reds of Christmas decorations make me almost chuckle out loud with happiness and anticipation: that holy theme of Advent.

Lava Cake...

There are no words for how happy this makes me...

Too many lasts, and yet so much joy!!

Those first few notes on stage with the orchestra. The chill in the air as we all rustled to and from dinner in our concert black. The bright stars sprinkled through the night sky, shimmering from behind the quivering mist of our breath. The smiles shared across a stage filled to capacity with friends and collegues. These are memories I won't forget....a night I'll always remember.

Of course we had to end the evening with food, so we rounded up two cars full of friends and headed to The Bank in downtown Wheaton. An excellent way to round out the day :)

A beautiful fall day....on the other side of the camera!

Being on the opposite side of a camera lens is not on my list of favorite activities. But with a senior recital to advertise and a professional website needing updated pictures, I scheduled a shoot with dear friend and outstanding photographer, Margaret Henry. She is able to work the rare wonder of capturing little bits of who I really am (as a person and a musician) in still shots. I still don't know how she does it. But here's a little bit of the result. After you're done here, be sure to check out the rest of her work on her website, www.margarethenryphotography.com/blog. 

With the Photographer herself. Isn't she beautiful?