Booked!

It's been a busy week. Too busy, probably. All kinds of good things happened at once. And that's on top of the routine things like educating the girls and visiting the gym to do my cardio and strength training.

Monday evening was the first official rehearsal for the early music (Baroque and Renassaince) choir I sing in. We'll perform our Christmas concert in November.

Tuesday, we heard a wonderful young Cuban-born soprano, Eglise Gutierrez in recital. When she walked onto the stage in a lovely floor-length, shiny aquamarine dress, 10-foot long sheer shawl, glittery rings and long curly brown hair, I knew I would not need to shush Dumpling or Cuddlebug -- not once! And I was right. I could almost see Dumpling superimposing herself into the moment; she was on that stage making all those grand gestures and singing with bold vibrato.

The real Eglise Gutierrez has superb control over her pianissimo, can hit an octave above high C and is wonderfully animated in her delivery. She is clearly talented and certainly destined for greatness.

Wednesday brought the much-anticipated first workday on the farm for Fifi. She had a wonderful time and I got an encouraging report from the woman who runs the place. She said Fifi was a great help! And I think she meant it -- really meant it. That's not to say that I'm suprised that Fifi is helpful, but...well...she spends a fair amount of time with good books and knitting needles so I wondered what would happen when the animal stink hit the fan, so to speak. After lunch and a shower, it was time for piano lessons here at the house.

Today we had an early call to see the opening concert of this season's Young Person's Symphony. We heard Strauss Jr.'s Blue Danube Waltz and Leroy Anderson's Typewriter. Whimsical. Wonderful!

Then it was out to lunch during which an old friendship was renewed, and then home to dress for ballet. It was the first day that Sarah taught a separate class for the older girls and I think they enjoyed the challenging workout; Fifi commented to one of the other girls, "I think Mrs. Walston was determined to make every muscle in our bodies sore." But she said it with a smile.

Meanwhile though, I know a friend in need and I'm feeling very sad that I've become one of those hyper-scheduled moms who can't find time to minister to others. It's something I'm praying about and trusting the Lord to show me His Will and a way.