Första Advent

There were some change of plans today. Actually we were invited to a Första Advent's dinner at Trudel's house (my mum's best friends daughter). She always has that as a tradition, but since her child Noah became sick, she has decided to postpone the dinner to next Saturday. That means that next Staurday I will be going both to Stockholm and to Trudel...which means that I'll be busy, busy next week again, haha...

Actually, I don't really mind not going to that dinner today. We are just going to have our own lovely Första Advent at home. Mummy said that she is going to bake some cupcakes and I am (hopefully) giving myself a facial...just a lovely Sunday =)

Here are some pictures of yesterday...

in my pyjamas

Here I am sitting. It's almost midninght and I'm sitting here in my pyjamas - YES, I am because it is freaking cold all the time, so no hotpants here, no! My updating has sucked lately and I don't really know what or who to blame, but what I do know is that I miss sitting here. Listening to the sound of my fingers on the keyboard...it's sad that you sometimes have to give up something you really like for something that is for your own good. However, blogging makes me feel kind of good so why give it up?! :P

Haiz, the drop-dead-gorgeous fur jacket (fake) I put up a picture of a while ago is finito everywhere =(, I am so sad but mum tries to comfort me and says that she will buy it as soon as it reach the stores next year, "because it is a classic model that always will arrive" - that did not make me any happier so instead I went buying this little cutie at Gränby Centrum's new wing the day (Thursday) when they had the big grand opening.

the view of the new Gränby from our livingroom

Nevertheless, today mum, sis and I went down to town, for a nice afternoon in the cozy Första Advent spirit the city has prepared. Första Advent is like a mager thing for the Swedish people and really gives them that Christmas feeling. It is the last day of November every year (always on a Sunday) and there are like four advents before Christmas arrives...Ooh, now it is Första Advent here. 30 November. That means that later today I have to get up and do a lot of stuff...better go to bed.

In search of "Standard"

Thanksgiving brings a time of preparation and reflection for most. When you are a musician, this calm before the storm is critical to surviving the month of Dec with its onslaught of emotion, opportunity and music, on top of music, on top of music. I read a lot of reviews these days, most are not about me thankfully, and as an artist I seek the affirmation of the critics, audiences, and beyond. In my book there are two ways to do it. In the first approach, I attempt to do everything as it has "always been done" just execute better, be better, more perfect. In the second, I embrace a sense of identity and passion verging on arrogance. With the confidence of a mature adult, I seek my own path and performance "within the rules" of course. Both of these approaches can be successful and indeed, a great artist must blend the two.

As we all continue into this new 21st century I propose that we use a new standard. We measure our art by the impact that it and our service to it has on all those involved. From the audience, to the artists, we must strive to make a difference in their world. That is the standard whether on the stage at Carnegie Hall or in the choir at Huguenot Road Baptist. The old concept of perfection is perhaps imperfect. We need to respond and lead our audiences, but not be totally subject to them or the critics. I understand my standard as a goal, but I will spend a lifetime pursuing it. Every day and every performance is an opportunity to explore and seek a balance of perfect tradition coupled with innovation and dynamic exploration.

Kung Fu Panda: Secret?

What a great movie for a family. It has something in it for everyone...

The theme of the secret to "infinite power of awesomeness" is believing.  Po believes and has passion, he follows it with discipline brought on by a master and finally he uses his knowledge of who he is to save the world and make a difference.   His secret power stemmed from first believing that he could do it.  This resonates deeply with me and ties so closely to my personal journey as a musician with Da Capo and our "way".  Love the movie, love the depth of the messages and the imagery from the noodlehead all the way to the ascension of Uguay on a cloud of petals. 

AWESOMENESS!  

white November

I still don't want to believe it. This is just suppose to happen on Christmas. When you know that you aren't going out the next day and just think that it adds up to the coziness of Christmas. Snow. Before December and it's not little. I really wonder why I am still livng here or maybe I should wonder why mum decided to settle here in the first place?

On the other hand, if I would live somewhere warmer I wouldn't be able to find these kind of cute things, would I? :P Unfortunately, I couldn't find my size; already sold out but I am going to continue the search. I must have it!!! But I think I will look for the black one, because I don't want this cutie to turn grey...

dropping by...

I totally abandoned my poor little blog. Or actually I didn't do it on purpose. It just happened since I've had so much going on these previous weeks. The really big things started from last Friday when sis was installing copy of photoshop she received from her friend. When photoshop was installed, internet was gone. My worst nightmare. I had been saving all my school work for the weekend and then internet was totally blocked! I was so pissed, until I cooled down after a nice visit to my friend Maria´s student home on Sunday. Sunday was also the day when the refridgerator stopped working -.-...

Thankfully, some good news reached me on Monday when I recieved the nice grade A on the history test, made a couple of weeks ago. Fredrik (the teacher) told me that my homework assignment where I got a F now was history and beyond his mind. I was sooo happy =). Tuesday was a long day though, so I was most happy about going to bed, which I was able to do like 01.20 am. after going to the theatre in Stockholm to see Hamlet. I had a really good time (besides the cancelled train...which always happens to me) and I would really like to go to another theatre some day.

Oh dear, my eyelids are so heavy...I haven't got my beutysleep for ages so I better get it now. A long but still short Saturday is what lies in front of me...

//Nights

The Road-wise Ranger theatre group entertain us!

Year 3 joined KS1 for an hour's entertainment on Thursday afternoon. There was a serious message associated within the comedy sketches however, it was all about obeying the rules of the Green Cross Code and crossing the road safely!

Year 3G's British Museum photographs are here!

This photograph shows everyone in Year 3 posing in front of the British Museum in London. We all look really excited don't we because we're about to go inside!



This is Geevitha posing with one of the Isle of Lewis Chessmen at the British Museum Children's Shop.





This is Mr. G standing beside a Roman artefact (it's a kind of inkpot!)found by his friend Justin Hayes in a field near Bishop's Stortford 30 years ago. Mr. Hayes sold it to the British Museum and he received so much money in payment for it that he was able to buy a house!

Legacy

As I awakened this morning, I thought of the freedoms provided us by the millions of American veterans that have gone before. I had the privilege of interacting with a Va Vets organization during the recent election and I was amazed at their energy, confidence and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

I am not a veteran myself so I cannot provide a legacy like theirs to his world. However, their example set my thoughts in motion. Some other people who leave a legacy for us are ministers, musicians, and even builders of all types.

Our churches exist because dutiful ministers have followed God's call and struggled through good times and bad despite the frequently despicable actions of congregation members seeking power and self recognition. For that I am thankful for a place to worship that is profoundly beautiful in intention and facility.

When I was about to graduate from Drewry Mason HS I spent the Summer working for a construction crew. This taught me the value of the men and women who "make" our world and sometimes even fix it. I cut down trees, cleared trash, poured foundations and even did some basic carpentry work. To this day I can go by those condominiums and homes and feel proud to have played a part in their construction. I am thankful for the millions of tradesmen who make our world work and provide for us.

Perhaps of most importance to me is the legacy given to me by musicians who have gone before. To this day, I'm not sure how a small town guy from Ridgeway VA gets to NY, the Juilliard, and the classical music traditions that I cherish now so closely. I got there because of the legacy of the musicians who helped me. I am the musician I am today because of my colleagues, peers, friends, family and because of the thousands of musicians who have gone before. I learn from their artistry. I am inspired by their technique, spirit, and elegant performances. I strive to remember as I create. I am not the first and will not be the last. Their legacy and mine intertwine to "make" music for today's world.

I pray that my legacy to this world will be built with music, ministry and excellence. I am thankful to so many who have sacrificed their lives for me to have the freedoms and opportunities that I now enjoy.

On this Veterans Day 2008, I offer up my words to honor those who have provided their legacy to me.

Perfect Breakfast c.1999

don't panic

To read about the Renaissance and Classicism is both interesting and not that difficult. It is only if all the information will stay in my head between 03.00-05.00 pm. tomorrow. Please, bless my brain for the day that haven't yet arrived! And just in case I am going to wear my Buddha, protective medallion, I mean just so I don't panic. :)

Now I'm going to read the chapter through one more time and then finish this Sunday with One Three Hill and Gossip Girl. Wish me luck that my essay is going to blow my cute, little Swedish teacher Joakim's mind - or maybe not, because I really wouldn't want that to happen...aaahhh, I just wish myself luck!

//Nighty!

let the countdown begin -.-

The weakly Kaya is officially finished. From 3 jars to 0. Now my countdown to summer has begun for real...

time for celebration!

Let's just say that this week has been a lot about celebration. Maybe it wasn't the best feeling going back to school but I got some kick-ass feelings about some results from previous tests. x) I am not going to line them up in chronilogical order just to bore my poor little blog. I mean, isn't it enough that I barely put my fingers on it every week? So, now going back to the main topic. Celebration. So why celebration? Well, OK one result of a test is going to be written down...I PASSED, I PASSED, I PASSED in maths!!! Haha, actually my family wasn't aware of this but they must have had some kind of feeling as they came home with this yummi piece of treasure :)

So, that was Thursday. But now it's Friday and since we didn't really celebrate the true winner!

I am so happy that he won, so was my mummy and most of the Americans, haha...so that is when the cake story comes in.

Mum and sis went to KVANTUM yesterday to order this cake (the blueberry one we are always supporting :D) and the baker asked if they wanted any text on it. Mum said that she wanted the cake to say 'Obama' and the baker was like "Seriously?" and my mum said "Yeees". "How do you spell it?" was the baker's reaction...hahaha, quite a funny story. So, just hope Obama now knows that we are totally supporting him all the way from Sweden and that this cake was from us to him---even though pieces of it is in our tummies right now x)

Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for All

We have come through a trying period. The election cycle has been debilitating and infuriating for many of us who embrace passion and politics as a way of life. I make no apologies for where I was, nor how I voted, but starting right NOW, it doesn't matter.

We have a new president on the way. Our lives and mentalities have changed and we must look to the future as one people. Americans all.

I am proud to be an American today. I am proud that we elected a black man as our next president, but most importantly, I am proud that we the people have embraced a cultural shift of people, process and perspective without a WAR. What a tremendous advantage we have as Americans that we can navigate such volatile waters without tearing each other apart.

Campaigns are filled with decisions and words. Administrations are filled with decision and actions. Real leadership comes from the actions.

Let us all unite for a common purpose and get busy.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

I have a new president to support and work with and so do you!

Science news!

This term we are looking at materials and their properties!

Challenge: Change? First 100 days...

What will you do to help the next president of the United States change this country?

We have all listened for weeks to the rhetoric of change from both parties. The reality is that with very little money available and an impaired economic foundation, the larger government action that we all want is very unlikely to happen.

I propose that we all identify something that we can do to make a difference in our community and go out and do it for the good of our country. Don't seek recognition. Just do it.

Patronize a local business that you didn't before.
Volunteer at a shelter or a church.
Become a mentor/tutor and help a student.
Make a list of things that you and your family can do and then check them off.
Influence and talk to your kids about the hard issues.

Is it really so hard to come up with a list of things that you could do for others? try...

If we all had our own "First 100 Days", just imagine what this country could accomplish.

We live in the greatest country in the world.
We are blessed beyond all reason.

I will do this with my family and we WILL make a difference. No matter who wins, we will do our part as citizens and seek to be an instrument of change for a world that sorely needs it. We have been and remain mavericks in our thinking and plans and we will use that energy to Love our neighbors.

Faith, Hope and Love.. The greatest is LOVE.

DO NOT WAIT for the government to succeed or fail.
DO NOT simply vote for change! Lets go make it happen. One person at a time, one family at a time... We can do more. We should do more. Lets roll!

If? but?

I have a lot of ideas running around in my head tonight.

We are on the verge of a very important week for our country. I am still young and idyllic "in my mind", I want to believe in the change that so many have embraced. I am however, stuck in a place where I don't trust institutions for much of anything. I don't trust churches and governments to do much of anything well. I am in a cynical place tonight.

I trust in my competitive drive. I trust in my intentions. I know my methods work and deliver results. Above all, I trust in God and his plans to prosper me and my family if...

There is always an if or but in these sorts of thoughts. I long ago gave over my music, indeed my entire life, to God. I have never regretted that decision. The institutions of my world have failed me "early and often." My faith and belief in love, and my humility before my heavenly Father has sustained me through it all.

Mom and Dad were in Richmond this weekend to visit and we discussed moments of my life that I self reported as "defining". Wow, the exercise I began months ago for myself is still evolving.

just sugar and me -.-

This is what happens when you realize that you start school tomorrow...