MY FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT FALL...

Fall is winding down. The trees in the valley are dropping their leaves and the mountains have lost their color, our first storm is on the horizon. Here are just a few reason why I'm sad to see it all go...

Williams Sonoma's Pumpkin Seed Brittle! Its only available in the fall and it is delicious! 

Pumpkins up the staircase... they make me wonder what's at the top???

The Widow's Broom 

by Chris Van Allsburg, author of The Polar Express and Jumanji. This is the best ghost story I know of.

The smell of wet leaves!

Chunky socks and PLAID! boots

Apples purchased right from the local orchards.

 Perfect weather!

 And of course... Halloween!

I hope you enjoy the last few days!

MIRROR, MIRROR...

Someone sent this to me on facebook and I laughed my head off.  This is how I feel every morning when I stand in front of my mirror trying to look presentable. I would describe my once  predictable and easy to manage hair as a bonafide crap-shoot.  No two days are ever the same. You see, the grey hairs are coarse and wiry and have a mind of their own. I thought at my age I wouldn't be so vain but.... I am. 

photo taken from pinterest

I'm conflicted about whether I should continue to color my hair.  I've seen all the gorgeous pictures of older women with beautiful white hair. But I'm not "white" yet... just grey. Its that in between stage... I've been there a few times. 

So many things have changed.  I've given up high heels, anything with a waist, and wearing bold prints. I'm lactose free, gluten intolerant and on a good day I'm a vegan. I've always been a "morning person" but now I'm a "night owl" as well.  I take little power naps. Ok, I will say it... I remind myself of my mother.

We are all headed in the same direction and there's no way to stop it. So, looking forward, I intend to buy prettier clothes (that requires a trip to Nordstrom) smile bigger and be kinder to my fellow man and woman and the 600 hundred children that come through my library every week. Life is good!

photo taken from pinterest

This is the young skinny person trapped inside my body... 

Oh to have my 25 year old figure and my 65 year old brain!

JENNY OAKS BAKER...  
a remarkable woman, mother and musician

Shortly before I graduated from college, Brigham Young University welcomed a new president. His name was Dallin Oaks. He was only 39 at the time but from my 21 year old perspective that was ancient. 

Four years later, when his youngest child was thirteen it was announced that his wife June was expecting a baby. Although a little surprised, the whole community was thrilled when a beautiful baby girl was born. 

I remember hearing that their their daughter was taking violin lessons at the tender age of four. Deep into my own family I lost track of any other news.  

Years later a violinist with Grammy nominations and Julliard Music school behind her, performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  I knew instantly who it was... Jenny Oaks Baker... our former presidents surprise and gift in mid-life.  She is beautiful and plays the violin with her whole soul.

Listen to Jenny play ...

This is a nice story but the remarkable part is Jenny's family. Supported by her husband she has managed to instill in her children not only the love of music but the discipline it takes to become musicians. Listen to their performance of "Its a Small World"  They are precious!

How has she managed it all. Listen as Jenny talks of her love of music, her family and the gift she believes came from God.