Like the Movies

It seems recently I've been really in touch with the romantic in me. Every sappy song, chick flick, romance novel (the good kinds), I am soaking them all in. I'm single, so I can dream a little, right? Sooo, here are some fav movies, songs, and books, and why they are my favorites. Here goes, prepare yourselves.

Top favorite romance novel of the moment, Persuasion by Jane Austen. I love this book, I must have read it at least five times. Short synopsis, A man and woman fall in love when they are young, but for various reasons, she is persuaded by those she cares about not to marry him and they part ways, with a lot of bitterness on his side. Favorite quote, "There could have been no two hearts so open, no tastes so similar, no feelings so in unison"
8 years later, they cross paths again, and not to spoil it, you should probably read it yourself;) But to me, it is a beautiful story about real love lasting even when they don't communicate or see each other for years. *sigh*, it really strikes a chord:)

This is my favorite movie version, but I still recommend reading the book.

Next, I would have to say my most favorite chick-flick of the moment is Leap Year. I won't give you the full run-down, but I like it because Amy Adams' character, Anna, finds unexpected love when she wasn't looking for it, and it makes her so much happier than the path she was taking. And not to mention, Matthew Goode, total cutie!! Definitely watch this movie if you need a romantic pick-me-up!

 

Also, I recently watched My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding because it had been a while. When Toula's family doesn't accept Ian because he isn't Greek, he tells her he will get baptized because he wants to make her and her family happy. He tells her he will do whatever it takes to make them accept him. He tells her he loves her, she asks why, and he says it's because he came alive when he met her. Talk about making a girl feel worth while, special, important, all those great things we want to feel!

 

Okay, now it's time for a favorite song.  Don't you laugh at me, but here it is. Ain't No Mountain High Enough, the Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell version. Yep, that's right. This song speaks to me. They tell each other "ain't" nothing that will stand in their way. "Our love is alive way down in my heart, although we are miles apart." What a great line! *another sigh*          

Look at them singing together, aren't they so cute?

Well folks, that's all for my romance rant, for now anyway:)

Board? Yes!

SOooooooO, I have been going a little crazy trying to find stuff to do while I have had these past few weeks off, I start teaching in June, but since graduation, I have had pretty open days.

Creating things to do gets difficult after a little while, but here are some of the things I've been doing.

Reading The 5000 Year Leap by Cleon Skousen. His ideas are very insightful, and I am happy to know more about the true history of our Country.

Cleaning. I am already kind of a clean freak, so I like to do it, and I think the house stays pretty nice while I am here with nothing else to do:)

Practicing, because I am giving a concert in July. It will be fun, but I have to have a full program ready, which makes me a little nervous.

Crocheting. I recently acquired a new phone, so I crocheted a case for it so it doesn't get scratched when it is my purse. Also, I started crocheting a purse.

Playing on the computer, reading article after article, face-booking, e-mailing that sort of thing.

Running, because my fat dog needs to get in shape and lose a few pounds.

Tagging along with my mom while she does errands.

AND, last but not at all least, skate-boarding!!

I haven't done it very much this past week because it has been cold, also I don't like to do it alone, but my little sis has been practicing on Dwight's old board, and she is pretty good! So we have been practicing together and it is quite fun. Here are some pics!!

Look At her gooo!

Some of Graduation, Some of Senior Recital

 

Graduation day was so fun!!

Some senior recital pics and more grad pics

Anastasia and I played two duets in my recital.

Some More Great Memories

Senior Recital

Yesterday I played my senior recital.

Let me just start by saying I am the most blessed person. Blessed with love of friends and family immeasuarble.

I was so nervous and stressed all week. I was so wrapped up in my own worry that I could barely look outside myself and be a good friend to other people.

On Friday it dawned on me. This recital, although it was a culmination of all my piano studies to this point, it was not about me. It was about my parents. My family. My good friends. All the people that have sacrificed so I could be the best I could. So I could have the opportunities I've had. I needed to let go of the stupid worry of "what if I mess up" and just play for the people I loved that came to support me. Debby and Tody Wanlass. who came all the way from Reno, my mom and dad who flew in, Dwight who drove from Provo, my roommates Jessica, Dani, Ashten, and Ashlee who blessed me with beautiful flowers, a beautiful necklace and earrings, and most of all their love and good wishes. It was such a good day and I just feel so blessed it's indescribable.

Saturday, I was anxious of course, even though I was trying to give myself little pep talks. And then Dad came and gave me a blessing. He blessed me with calmness and control, that I would play to the best of my abilities, but the thing he said in the blessing that I really grabbed onto was that I would have the Holy Ghost with me as I played.

I was nervous almost until the very beginning. But when I got out on the stage to play, this overwhelming confidence and comfort filled my heart. I was happy to be out there playing the music I loved for the people I loved. My mind became clear. I didn't have the usual hesitation, the usual rush of blood to my face if something went wrong, I was just me playing like I was in a practice room, comfortable and happy. I played some duets, one with my friend Sasha, who plays amazingly, and another two with Anastassia, my teacher's daughter.Those both went well. Playing duets is always fun when you have great duet partners. And I played some Chopin, Brahms, Liszt, and Gershwin solos.

Overall I feel really good about how things went. Which with a larger program, it is hard for me to be happy with everything. But I really am.

I don't have pictures to put up yet as they are on my dad's camera, but I will post them in a little bit.

Music has been a large part of my life for a very long time, and I have taken for granted how much of a blessing it really is. But yesterday, I felt so lucky to be able to play piano. To have the ability to make music if I want to. To bring music to other people. It is truly a gift from my Heavenly Father. This is all personal to me, but I want everyone to know how much I love them and the support they have shown me through the years. I couldn't have done it without that. 

I know Heavenly Father wants me to be happy and He has put so many wonderful blessing in my life that I would be the most ungrateful person if I allowed little things to upset me. Yesterday was a sign of His love for me. I know that one of the greatest ways He shows His love is through others and I felt it so strongly yesterday. Life is gooood=)