Bookshelf: More Christmas books

Some quick reviews of the Christmas books I've read so far:

• The True History of Chocolate: (from my parents) I'm a chocolate freak (as we know), and I found this book on Amazon awhile back. The authors trace the history of chocolate from its roots in Middle America to the fashionable cafes of Europe to Hershey Park, as well as the evolution of chocolate and cacao from pods to drinks to solid bars. The book is well-researched, but shows a definite slant in opinion, so that made the book a bit irritating at time (for example, the authors always write "Columbus 'discovered' America", or some such thing.). But, if you're a foodie or a chocolate lover, it's a good book to read. 
• The Sugarless Plum:A memoir by Zippora Karz, a New York City Ballet soloist who was diagnosed with diabetes at the height of her career. I found this book very interesting, since I love dance and I'm diabetic, and Karz addresses the problems faced by diabetics forthrightly and honestly. Although she was diagnosed in the 1980s (and a lot has changed since then), she also includes up-to-date materials. She retired from NYCB in 2002, and is now gives talk on diabetes and activity and is involved with diabetes awareness efforts. I found the book inspirational and informative, an excellent blend of dance and medicine--perfect for me!
• St. Francis: (from my parents) a Continuation of my 2009 Patron Saint reading, this novel by the author of Zorba the Greek combines fact, legend, and fiction to create a stunning portrait of one of the most famous and beloved saints. Through the eyes of Brother Leo, a poor beggar and eventual confidante of Francis, Francis' dramatic conversion from wealthy Italian playboy to stigmatist saint is documented. A great read. 
• The Annotated Christmas Carol : (from mom and dad) MUST have for any library. Dickens' classic story is supplemented with copious notes, a detailed introduction and full-color illustrations. All of the Norton Annotated's are worth having, but this might be my favorite. A really lovely and beautiful book. 
• Film (from my brother): A guide to the top 100 movies, top directors, and foreign films. If you're a movie buff like me this is perfect for your library.
• Speak: (Bryan again) A YA book my brother's 8th graders read (He's a middle school language arts teacher). I love YA lit, and I loved this well-written book. 
• Giada's Kitchen: (also from Bryan) A new cookbook, because it's not Christmas without one. Still determining what to make first from it--so much looks good. 

KIds, con't...

More from the Pittsburgh trip:

Suze studies the world of rabbits.

Brothers. Aren't they adorable?

Me with Paige, the big sister of the boys above.

Family

Photos from the Pittsburgh Trip:

Di and the Adorable Suze. Isn't she HUGE?! Last time we saw her, she looked like this....

(July '09 in Houston)

babies, stop growing! Stop it I say!

I got to share a room with Cindy Lou Who (I mean...um...Suze) and Di. We had lots of fun, and Suze was wonderful.

For a Texas girl, she is well prepared for snow. She had mittens, a hat, and a big fluffy parka on top of this. She didn't really like the hat. It snowed 1-2" yesterday in the 'Burg.

At the family dinner--(L-R), Kelly, me and Carrie. Kelly is a sophomore at UM, and Carrie is a freshman at IUPUI. Carrie is studying graphic design and Kelly is a flute performance/music ed major.

I really, really love these guys.

My favorite, the Angel Baby, AKA Justin. Still has wonderfully curly hair, and a penchant for photography. He loves having his picture taken...

but...

Is not real great about opening his eyes...

(above, Cousin Matt, almost 17; directly above with Big Brother Brendan, who is a total cutie.)

More pics to come...

Late Christmas Gift for Dad...

Pitt won. 

Tidings of Comfort and Joy--Branden's Christmas Party

Every year, my friend Branden has a Christmas party at his house for all our high school friends. Most of us manage to come home at least once during the Christmas season, and Branden throws the party then. This year it was the day after Christmas, as opposed to the week or so before, so the crowd was a bit smaller, but lots of fun was still had.

Tom (aka Joe Cool) with his wife Andrea in the background. Tom and I met the first day of high school, in French class.

Tiffany. What more needs to be said? She cracks me up.

The gang's all here.

Back row: (L-R) Sean, Bill (Tiff's fiance), Gary, Tom and Andrea, Casey (Lindsay's boyfriend)

Front row: Amanda (dating Gary), Tiffany, Branden, Lindsay and me.

Tiffany (the bride) with three of her five bridesmaids: Me, Andrea, and Lindsay. The wedding is in August! Tiff's twin sister is the matron of honor, and our friend Amilia (from high school) rounds out the bride's side of the bridal party.

Tidings of Comfort and Joy--Christmas Pictures

My tree

Our Lady of Grace at St. Pat's--her statue is in the gallery connecting the church proper and the parish activity building/offices/library.

The Sanctuary--it's it beautiful? And check out the altar boy in his old-school digs on the left. I love the altar boys here. They're so solemn and they all do a great job.

Wizard of Oz Pez Dispensers! I didn't even know these existed! 

Tidings of Comfort and Joy--Christmas Books

The Christmas Book List (because it's super important):

• From my brother: Speak, Giada's Kitchen, Eyewitness Guide to Film
• From my parents: The True History of Chocolate, The Annotated Christmas Carol, St. Francis

A very merry Christmas...

To all my blog readers. Thank you for reading! I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas.
(Oh, you want something to read, too? Well try this, about a very memorable Christmas gift.)

Ode to Italy: Movie Night Carbonara

The scenario:
It is Christmas Eve Eve. My gifts are bought. I am not leaving my house because I live on the same street as a Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Bath and Body Works, Hallmark, and a Target. It is INSANE out there.
So, instead, I am saying in for Christmas Movie night and the mother of all pastas: carbonara.
Carbonara, how I love thee.
The link provides a SLIGHTLY different version. The one she has in "How to Eat" doesn't use cream, it uses 1 egg yolk and 1 egg.

The last Advent post (for this year...)

Is up at CPG.

The Ghost of Dickens' Drafts

The manuscript of A Christmas Carol 

Seven Quick Takes Friday Vol. XVIII

I.

Last night, I went back to my alma mater to see the annual Christmas Festival. I hadn't seen it since 2003, when I was ushering it, and I'd been in the ones prior to that. So this was the first time I'd gone to the show and just watched. It was strange. I felt like I should be doing something, especially when the hymns were sung. At that point I was usually processing in or out. So it was strange.

II.

For those who didn't go to Cap: The Christmas Festival is a HUGE concert, given four times over four days (it runs until Sunday) that rings in the Christmas season at Cap. All of the University choirs participate, plus a large amount of instrumentalists. It is a lot of work, taking months to prepare, and usually sells out as soon as tickets go on sale. People plan their entire December around Christmas Festival. Not kidding. You can get some of the recordings online, but the link is currently down, so I'll post it later.  Every year, there's a theme: my freshman year it was "All Creatures of Our God and King", so the readings and the songs had to do with (or mentioned) animals, this year the theme was "There Shall A Star", so stars were the theme.

III.

A lot of my old college buddies (and current theater folk) are in the choirs--the Choral Union is a student/alum/community choir. So it was great to see so many familiar faces, and it made me want to try out next autumn. We'll see...

IV.

The SAIs (my fraternity) were ushering. Whoa, that brought back memories. I forgot to wear my badge, but I talked to some of the girls anyway. They seem fantastic.

V.

Before I had dinner with my brother and sister at the Bexley Monk. Lots of fun, lots of delicious food. Mel and I then went back to her dorm room so she could change before the concert. She and I ended up chatting to a older alumni couple who were seated next to us. Mees is "intimate" (code for--CROWDED, it seats about 900), so we were pretty close together.

VI.

A few of the songs were oldies, ones that I had sung in high school and college. That always makes me happy.

VII.

All my Christmas gifts are wrapped, and now I can prepare for another audition: Company, on the 14th. I'm singing "The Ladies Who Lunch." Robin and I are knocking it out at lessons and I hope I get cast. Updates to come.

Have a great weekend!

This, That, and the Other

x

--Stitch is topping this post, because he can.

--It's been raining almost all day here. At least I can break out the Hunter boots when I traipse out tonight for voice. (Mine are violet, just like Bella's in Twilight. And no, I haven't seen New Moon. It's my least favorite book, so I'll probably just wait until it's out on DVD. And my December is insane. More on that below.)

--Voice: Working on some random pieces. I have another audition coming up, for Gallery Player's "Company" (this is the group I did Parade with last winter). I really, really want to do this show because there is a FANTASTIC Alto part. Really, honest to God contralto. Problem? The woman is thirty-something. Do I look 30 something? Not. So I'm counting on some eyeliner, dark clothes and my voice to make me look 30. I'm hoping we can nail down a song tonight, too.

--Crazy December? Here's what's on tap: Tomorrow night, Cap's Christmas Fest with Melanie. I haven't been since...oh....2004? 2005? When I helped the SAI chapter girls usher it. This will be the first time I've gone as a spectator--I've usually been in it, or working it. Not this time. I'm watching and singing along with the audience during carols. Can't wait to see how my old Purple Robe is holding up. Dinner with the friends on Dec. 11, Tiffany's Christmas Concert Dec. 12, Messiah rehearsals Dec. 13 and 18, and performance in Hilliard on the 20th. That doesn't count regular Mass stuff, work stuff, any other "stuff" that might pop up.

--These books rock my world. As I am a Jane addict, I got both Jane books. Why they do not offer ALL Jane books is a mystery to me. Because they should. And I would buy them. (duh.)

--How's your Advent going so far? Enjoying it? At my parish we're using the Latin antiphon for the entrance, and for the psalm. Waaaay cool. I still have to figure out how to read the Latin chant music. It's not a normal 5 staff pattern.

--My tree is up. A few ornaments are still in storage at my parents', so it looks a wee bit bare right now. 'Twill be righted later.

The Simple Woman's Daybook--November 30, 2009

Outside My Window ...

Very light blue sky with some dark grey clouds. The clouds look threatening. 

***

I am listening to...

Messiah—Christmas section.

***

To Live the Liturgy...

Mass as often as I can; Magnificat; Rosary; Magnificat Advent Companion; Advent and Christmas with John Paul II.

***

To Fit and Happy...

Gym! I went three times last week, going to match it this week.

***

I am thankful for…

The Advent season

***

I am pondering ...

New scenes for the novel

***

From the kitchen ...

A new chicken dish from Everyday Italian; Chicken Piccata later this week.

***

I am wearing ...

Heather gray skirt; blue/grey boatneck sweater from Banana Republic; brown knee-high boots (also BR), pearl studs

***

I am creating ...

The novel. I am really happy with how it’s going.

***

On my iPod...

Christmas albums.

***

I am thinking...

***

Around the House

The kitchen table is almost clear! And the tree is up!

.***

I am reading ...

Catherine of Sienna and The King's Good Servant, But God's First. Also dipping into The Time Traveler’s Wife from time to time. And reading various cookbooks.

***

I am hoping and praying ...

For everyone who’s sick/in the hospital/getting chemo, etc.

***

On Keeping Home ...

Presents all wrapped and under tree!

***

One of my favorite things ...

My Christmas ornaments

***

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

W: Voice lesson

Th: Christmas Festival at Capital (my alma mater) with Melanie

Saturday: Baby shower for my friend Leah, whose baby is due in January.

For more daybooks, go visit Peggy!

The Simple Woman's Daybook--November 16, 2009

Outside My Window ...

It's sunny and a bit chilly--mid 50s. 

***

I am listening to...

The "Oliver!" 1994 London cast soundtrack

***

To Live the Liturgy...

Signs of Life, Scott Hahn's new book; Mass as often as I can; Magnificat; Rosary

***

To Fit and Happy...

Gym and ballet this week.

***

I am thankful for...

Time with my friends

***

I am pondering ...

My to do list, which is pretty long.

***

From the kitchen ...

Pasta in various incarnations.

I am wearing ...

Gray pants; mint colored camisole; green v-neck cardigan.

***

I am creating ...

My holiday calendar

***

On my iPod...

more "Messiah" and voice lesson music.

***

I am thinking...

That I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving. Where did the year go?

***

Around the House

The apt. is amazingly pretty clean. Getting stuff off the kitchen table, organizing my books, which are sort of out of control.

.***

I am reading ...

Catherine of Sienna and The King's Good Servant, But God's First.

***

I am hoping and praying ...

for my grandpa.

***

On Keeping Home ...

Holiday prep continues--only a few more gifts to buy!

***

One of my favorite things ...

singing with talented people

***

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

W: ballet 

Th: Voice lessons 

Sunday: Messiah rehearsal

A picture thought I am sharing:

One of the trees near my apartment in October.

O Holy Night

Blogging may be light for the next few days....

To you and your families, I wish you a Wonderful Christmas Season full of love and joy.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

(Oh, and if you're in the area: come over to St. Pius in Reynoldsburg for music starting at 11:20!!)

O holy night

the stars are brightly shining

it is the night of our dear Savior's birth. 

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

Till he appeared, and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees!

Oh hear the angel voices!

O night divine!

O night when Christ was born. 

O night divine!

O night

O night divine!

updates!

Yes, I know, I've been awful about writing lately. But with the last week of the General Assembly upon us, the most I wanted to do when I got home was mainline some food and go to bed!
So, with Christmas less than a week away, here's what's what:

--still no word on new job. Going slightly mad. That's another reason for not writing, because the posts would've all sounded like whining. I didn't think that was readable.

--Choir rehearsals are long and quite productive. Our last one before Midnight Mass is on Monday night. We have a really good group this year and I think we're going to be splendid.

--The St. Francis project--go over to CPG for updates on that. (Which will be up later today) For those who don't know: The "St. Francis Project" is me studying the life of St. Francis, as he is my patron saint for this year. (see pic on side bar) I may end up having a Google doc, like I have with the Jane project. Stay tuned.

--New books: So many, it's not even funny. A real bookshelf will be up for those I really liked. A quick list:

• The Godmother
• Getting Rid of Matthew
• A Great and Terrible Beauty and Rebel Angels (part of a series--phenomenal)
• Truth and Tolerance--I finally finished it!!!!!
• The Gift (Richard Paul Evans, re-read)
• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (My Aunt Mary sent this to me. It is a fantastic book, on several Top 10 lists. READ IT)
• G.K. Chesterton, St. Francis of Assisi (this is part of the St. Francis Project)

--theater: Parade auditions tomorrow, which I'll probably do as a lark. :) 

--Movies! Dark Knight on DVD, and Christmas specials: A Charlie Brown Christmas, It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown and 'Twas The Night Before Christmas. 

--music: Josh Groban's Noel in the CD player

AWOL-ness

I'm still here, just so busy!
I had my phone interview on Monday--it went well, I think, and I have sent forth some writing samples.
Monday night was Immaculate COnception Mass at 7:00, and then after that the ladies had rehearsal for our ladies-only number Christmas Eve.
Last night Tiff and I exchanged Christmas gifts (two books--bookshelves soon), and watched The Dark Knight (popcorn here).
And today I had session at work, and choir at 6:30, and--oh yeah--gotta type those Parish Council minutes....

This Year's

"Christmas album I can't stop listening to" is this. 

If you love music, especially good music, you must get this immediately. 

The whole album is fantastic, but my favorite tracks include "The Seven Rejoices of Mary"; "Good King Wenceslas"; "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen", and "Emmanuel" (O Come, O Come Emmanuel sung in Latin!). 

It begins anew

And so it's over.
I have things to do at the house, Christmas music to practice, memos to read.
But the next four years will see much prayer, and I will be a member of the Loyal Opposition.
We shall see.....