ResQgeek

We were given tickets to see ICE! Featuring "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" at the Gaylord National Resort, at National Harbor, MD. After juggling our schedules to free up some time, we headed across the river Friday afternoon to visit the exhibit. I understand that there are long lines on the weekends, but when we arrived, around 4pm, there was no line. It still took us a while to get to the ice exhibit, though, because we had to enjoy the exhibit of Dr. Seuss's art that decorated the waiting area where the crowds queue when it is busy. There was a wonderful collection of original artwork from his books, as well as early work from his advertising career and his personal paintings. All of it was characteristically Seussian, and it was fun to look at. When we finally reached the ice display, we put on the blue parkas they handed out (the display is maintained at 9°F (-13C)!) and stepped into the freezer. They used something like 2 million pounds of ice to build the display, much of it colored in Dr. Seuss primary colors. The displays tell the whole story of the Grinch, from his mountain top lair, to Whoville, with the Grinch stealing all the Christmas "stuff" and ending with the Christmas feast after the Grinch's conversion. It was all really well done and the carving was incredibly detailed.

On Saturday afternoon, my daughter performed in her fall piano recital (video available at youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aojQZj0nbF4). She played Faber's "Tempest", which sounded a bit like a George Winston piece to me. It is one of the more difficult pieces she's performed yet, and while she did miss a note in the middle, she still did really well. I enjoy going to the recitals and seeing how the various students improve each time. The most advanced students are becoming truly impressive pianists!

Yesterday, friends of ours invited us to attend a community spaghetti dinner and Christmas Carol sing-along hosted by their church. There was an overwhelming amount of food, and the crowds were almost too big for the available space. After dinner, we all settled into the church to sing. People could request songs, lighting candles to dedicate in memory or honor of loved ones. The songs were a mix of religious and secular holiday music (with a couple of Hanukkah songs mixed in...one dedicated to the memory of the victims of the holocaust). It was both fun and moving, especially when someone dedicated "Frosty the Snowman" to the memory of our daughter.

Somewhere in the middle of all of that, I managed to get our outside Christmas decorations up (better late than never, eh?). Now I just have to put up the tree and figure out what presents to buy for everyone...

During the 2007 BookCrossing Convention in Charleston, SC, a number of the visiting BookCrossers accepted bookczuk's invitation to attend mass at The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist to hear the cathedral choir sing. The group included a number of lapsed Catholics and at least one non-catholic. I'm pretty sure I was the only currently practicing Catholic in the group. At the time, I found myself thoroughly overwhelmed by the incredible beauty of the music. The Church itself is gorgeous and the light streaming through the stained glass windows sparkled off of the gold leaf trim throughout the interior. It literally moved me to tears.

When I returned home, I ordered a copy of the Choir's CD (available here), and have listened to it regularly since. So, when I returned to Charleston over the weekend to participate in the BookCrossing "Un"convention, I was determined to return to the Cathedral for Sunday mass. Again, bookczuk extended an invitation to everyone to come to mass, and so three of us (including crrcookie and mojosmom) attended mass together. The music was a beautiful and moving as before, though it didn't evoke any tears this time, perhaps because of my regular exposure to the CD. I'm curious what the others thought, but I know that I'll be back again someday, if only to listen to this amazing music.

I have a new favorite CD! As I posted a couple of weeks ago, I was deeply moved by the music at the Cathedral in Charleston. In response, bookczuk posted a link to the music program at the Cathedral, which includes information for ordering CDs of their music. I ordered a copy of "Oratio", which arrived in the mail last week. I've been listening to it a lot at work since then, and am just thrilled with the music. It is calming and peaceful, and when I stop and really listen to it, I find that it deeply emotional. I'd recommend this CD for anyone who is a fan of choral or sacramental music.