Thanks, Daddy

The first flowers I got at a performance, and they're from my daddy :D

Retirees

My friend and I went to a Music and the Spoken Word broadcast at Temple Square. We ended up getting there quite early, so we walked around the garden for a while. They sang, “Let Me Fly” which is a spiritual that I really enjoy. After the show, we waited for a while for some people to clear out for a special service that was being held to honor the 23 members that were retiring from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for whatever reason. While we were waiting for people to clear out, President Monson got up and started playing little ditties on the organ, which was very endearing. He played a birthday song, and another boom-chuck ditty that you’d probably recognize but I don’t know the name of.

President Monson conducted, and it was very touching. Even though I didn’t know 22 of them, it was a neat experience to learn about them and celebrate their achievements with them. Dr. Sorensen (the director of the International Children's Choir that I was in) shared her favorite memory, and it is one of my favorite memories too–of ICC singing “Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise” in the World Choir Games opening ceremony with the American Flag on the screen and then again on the Great Wall. One of my favorite memories is beginning to sing that piece in one of the rounds of the competition when it had been pouring rain upon the tin roof in a thunderous din, and to have it subside when we started singing that piece, and to have people in the audience that may not have even understood the words, crying.

Whoa.

This is the most beautiful tree I've ever seen. Can someone tell me what it is?

On a walk...

This is the kind of thing that makes me wish I always had my camera with me.

Peonies!

I don't recall ever seeing peonies in person before this summer, I'm sure I have, but sometimes I'm better at stopping to smell the r...erm...peonies, and I could hardly believe how big and beautiful these are. Absolutely amazing. I only remember seeing two-dimensional peonies in Chinese watercolors, which are also amazing and beautiful, but it's cool to see the real deal. Recently I was at a splendidly decorated wedding reception and the bride had peonies in her bouquet. Lovely :)

Waffles!

I made waffles for my first time ever. These ones are made with whole wheat flour, flax seed, and oatmeal, and are surprisingly delicious! I wouldn't let myself buy maple syrup, because I like the kind that is cheap, and is consequently straight corn syrup...I know it's bad for you, but I love my corn syrup. So instead, I chopped up an apple and heated it slightly with honey, vanilla, and cinnamon and used that as my delicious topping. I was overall pleased. Plus my waffles are heart-shaped :)