A Jazzy Summer

I observed a few things about jazz festivals this past weekend. Maybe your idea of a jazz lover slightly resembles your dad, or perhaps visions of dark and smoky jazz clubs from the '50's - '60's conjures up an artsy image for you. While maybe there were a few people in attendance that fit such a description, I was entirely unprepared for the um, unique individuals that came out of the woodworking at jazz fest. I'm still debating which was more entertaining - the music or the people! ;)

I also noticed that when the park ban on booze is lifted for jazz fest, it is greatly taken advantage of. I reemphasize the word, greatly. I'm not sure where the designated drivers all were... but I hope they all made it safely home! 

Tickets to the 35th annual jazz festival at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center was our gift to my dad for his birthday. I don't remember a time where I've seen him have more fun! My dad, the helpless and hopeless jazz lover was in all his glory (minus the alcohol, I do believe we were the only sober party on the great expansive lawn!) We walked away that night thrilled that we put such a smile on his face!   

Thanks to our delightful umbrella, we were able to survive the intense heat of the day and truly enjoy the day together! Thank you, dear umbrella, for saving our lives! ;) And for all you crazy jazz lovers... I'll never forget you! 

The real show is about to begin!! Chris Botti takes the stage!! What. A. Performance. A true artist. And my dad's favorite, perhaps of all time!! (I mean come on, look at that smile on the right!) 

Happy Independence to you all!! 

Lights in the Park

We walked into the park with warm coffees in hand, quickly taking note of a gathering Santa hats. Dressed in matching navy blazers and khaki pants, we knew they had to be the evening's entertainment. With their wonderful a capella voices, The Acafellas (from E. C. Glass High School) serenaded the entire audience with Christmas carols and their own rendition of "In the Still of the Night," making the lighting ceremony extra memorable this year.

It is safe to say, this is one of our favorite Christmas traditions together here in Virginia!

Christmas lights are ridiculously difficult to capture without a tripod... this is the best I could do! I promise you they are far more impressive than these photos!

Music, Bad decisions & Applause

This Tuesday night brought with it a long-awaited event for us. An Evening with Ludovico Einaudi! (If you are unfamiliar with his music, be sure to at least Youtube a song or two!). Strom purchased these tickets back in the middle of the summer and it was hard to believe we were actually on the road to DC for this show. 

As we drove through Georgetown on our way to the Kennedy Center, I had to make a decision. I stared at two pairs of shoes at my feet. Cute black flats? Or cute black heels. For whatever reason, I chose the latter - these events at the Kennedy Center are on the dressier side, so why not be cute, right? Yeah... Bad idea. We ended up parking further away from the Center than anticipated, and half way there, I was choking back tears of pain. The things we do to look nice, right ladies? 

That evening we sat in the theater with the most beautiful classical music filling the air and smiled at each other. Yes, I had five dime-sized blisters literally throbbing away. And yes, I knew I had to walk back to our car. But there we were together, doing something so purely enjoyable that it made it all okay.

At the shows' end when Mr. Einaudi closed his eyes to listen to the thunderous applause that was for him only, I was reminded that there are so many things in life worth working hard for. (No, I don't mean walking in heels... but that could apply too!) If he hadn't dedicated his life to perfecting his music, we wouldn't have been there enjoying a beautiful night. His hard work was evident in each and every note he played.

It is up to us to apply ourselves in our lives. We only get one shot at this thing called life. No one owes us anything. We have been given a gift to simply be alive. It's up to you if you want to work hard for your dreams. Whether that dream is to be the best mom, photographer, teacher, or even pianist you can be. If you want your thunderous applause, it's up to you. You may never have a moment on a stage, but we will all have our turn in front of our Great God. His applause is truly all we need.

A Yankee Summer

Remember last time I said how a few memories with my family stood out among the rest? Well, this day was another one. There was nothing that made it spectacular, it really was just a simple day. In fact, it was such a beautiful day that my dad attempted to rent a boat for us all to enjoy the river. When every boat in upstate New York was deemed 'reserved', we even contemplated driving up to Lake George for the afternoon. But in the long run, we just stayed home and enjoyed the river right from my parents' amazing backyard!! (Um, can we all agree it's gorgeous?! Kinda jealous here!) Like I said, sweet and simple!

One of our favorite things about this new place (they just moved in last month!) is how you can watch the tug boats, yachts, and even sometimes cruise ships working their way up and down the Mohawk River. It was amazing!

Can you tell we're a family of Yankee fans?? Completely proud of it too.

My lovely sister and gorgeous mama!

Strom and his faces *sigh*

Just like old times! Me and my daddy out on the kayaks!

After we all cleaned up, we headed to Brown's (our new favorite restaurant!) for some amazing wings and live music on the river! Apparently, the band was Bruce Springsteen's original band before he made it big. Can't say I was impressed by that factoid, but I definitely enjoyed the live music!

Strom jammin' out! (No, those are not Strom's girly aviators, they are mine. I'm a sweet wife to share!)

Gaaahh!! He. Is. So. Freaking. Cute. 

No, that is not my burger (y'all wished I ordered a burger, right? Then you could say you saw it happen!) I stuck with my trusty salad order!

My amazing brothers!

Kisses??

We took a quick exploration trip to enjoy the sights!

And as the sun began to set, we rushed home to get back in my parent's backyard to catch the sunset! Back where the amazing and memorable day began! :) 

God is so good. 

Mozart in the Park

Strom and I often have little discussions with each other about what each other is like. If you were to sum me up on one word.... What do you think I am more like, city or country? That kind of thing. Often I am better at this game (depends on my vocabulary capabilities that day), but sometimes he summarizes me in a point-blank fashion that actually blows me away. I shouldn't be surprised after four years together, but I always am.

Our latest discussion had Strom summarized as rugged (he had a shaggy beard I just couldn't see past!). Me? Queen. I took offense to this momentarily, thinking his thought process had me on a "holier than thou" pedestal, and although I still don't know what he meant by that (y'all are laughing, I know ~ you already know, don't you? Personal blind spot perhaps...) but he assured me it had nothing to do with vanity. It's just you, babe. Mmmmk. 

Well, I don't vacation in the Hamptons, never have. My makeup is Cover Girl (when I wear it) and I love a good bargain. My favorite pair of jeans are seasons old, and I squeeze every last drop out of the toothpaste before throwing it out. I'm not quite sure where Queen fits in, but my name does in fact mean that very word. So, perhaps I'm destined in some way or another! Royalty in Christ, perhaps?? :) 

In any event... We may not have been the attendees with cheese and wine in our little picnic basket, but we did enjoy an evening filled with the finer things in life... a little Mozart in the Park for my queen-like, classier side! ;)