"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagnination, and life to everything." ~ Plato


Saturday, April 30, 2011

127 - My First Bridal Shower

Today was the day of my best friend's bridal shower.  Her wedding is next week, but I can't be there for the reception because of a choir concert.  To make up for that, I am being as involved as possible!  haha.  :)
This was the very first bridal shower I've ever been to and it was exciting that it was Hannah's!  I mean, it would be exciting no matter what, but my best friend is about to get married to the love of her life in 7 days.  Kind of a big deal.  haha.
It was fun seeing some old friends from high school and seeing all of the handy apartment/house-y things that Hannah received.  I'm looking forward to the day that I get excited about bowls.  :)


Love&Harmony,
Erin

126 - Relay

I had a wonderful opportunity to be involved in PLU's Relay for Life this year.  I was on a team last year, but ended up not being able to go to the event for some reason... but I was there this year!  It was a lot of fun so here are a lot of pictures to remember it by (and as my apology for posting late...)
Steph and Lauren walking the Team lap, I believe.  Lauren is a good friend of ours and lives in our wing, is in choir with us, and is a vocal performance major.  She is a cancer survivor and I am so thankful for that.  I don't know what I would do without this strong, beautiful friend in my life.  :)

Melissa and Jo - the other part of our team!  They stuck out the night in tents on the track - bless their hearts!  Even though it apparently rained like the dickens for a few hours in the early morning and soaked Jo's tent... *sad panda*.  Furthermore, Jo was an excellent team captain.

Other teams getting set up on the field... the clouds were amazing - you can see the rain that miraculously wasn't falling on us!

John came to visit our team area!  Yay!  Pictures ensued...

Pictures of the picture-takers.  Nice, Jo.  :)

Then it was nighttime and it got very very cold.  Steph's hands were freezing, so Melissa and Lauren simultaneously warmed them and prayed... haha.  The warming part was intentional, anyway. 

Yay team!  Being cold together!  haha.

Lauren, myself, and Steph walking together.  I think it might have been for a certain lap, but I don't remember what it was...  All I know is that it was after HERmonic and PLUtonic performed, which was a lot of fun.  :)

Good morning Brendan!  Steph, Lauren, and I spent our night (1am to 9am) back in Hinderlie, but Brendan came to walk for our team at 2 in the morning.  We were happy to see him when we got down there at 10:30.  Unfortuantely, Jo did something to her foot earlier in the morning - it's still a mystery, but we're hoping she's okay!  They certainly looked cozy.  :)

Team picture with our sign!  Woot! 

Team Wonder Wo(MEN)!

All in all, it was a great experience and I am looking forward to next year.  We're hoping to put together a Choir of the West team - COWS Against Cancer!  haha.  (Title credit to Melissa on that one.)


Love, Harmony, & MORE BIRTHDAYS,
Erin

Thursday, April 28, 2011

125 - Giant Ball of Nerves

I am a giant ball of nerves this weekend.  Opera auditions tomorrow, relay for life, a bridal shower, and a recital.  Tonight's dress rehearsal for the recital did not go so hot which is not the most ideal situation. 

This is when my favorite Psalm comes into play (Psalm 27):
The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom [or what] shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom [what] shall I be afraid?

:)

Love&Harmony,
Erin

A Cool Link I Want to Remember

Ways to spark your creativity!  :) 
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/46PPzF/writetodone.com/2010/06/28/201-ways-to-arouse-your-creativity/

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

124 - Miau

Steph and I are getting excited about our recital next year.  :)

Love&Harmony,
Erin

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

123 - Going Crazy

... 35 days until the end of the year... it's starting to get to us...


Love&Harmony,
Erin

Monday, April 25, 2011

122 - Mundane Monday

Today was mundane, yet headache inducing...
Then I remembered this poem I read over Easter weekend that I think I would really like to set to music someday.

"There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but Nature more."
~ Lord Byron

Love&Harmony,
Erin

Sunday, April 24, 2011

121 - Easter!

Happy Easter!  He is Risen!  Alleluia!  <3
...
Lent is over!  I get pizza again! Alleluia! 
hahaha.  But really - it was a nice 3 day weekend.  I had fun having Gina over and being with my family.  I am also now completely attached to the car... which I am referring to as "my" car.  I think her name is Florence (in honor of Florence + The Machine).  :)


Love&Harmony,
Erin

120 - Easter Lilies

Easter lilies!  :)  Gina and I sang for Easter Vigil last night and it was a lovely experience.  Now it's off to Easter Sunday Mass!  Yep, we're Catholic.  haha.


Love&Harmony,
Erin

119 - Phantom

Yes, these next two are both late, but I have a friend over for Easter and we have been busy doing lots of fun things.  Like going to see Phantom put on by a local high school...
Good for them.  It definitely showcased some talent and was obviously an undertaking.  They pulled it off, however, I am still of the opinion that it is not a show to be done by high schoolers for a couple reasons... but good for them.


Love&Harmony,
Erin

Thursday, April 21, 2011

118 - Late Night Icees

Old Main Market now has an icee machine.  Flavor of the week is Strawberry Limeaid or something like that.  It is bright green and tasty.  In celebration of a three day weekend?... Late night icee run.  Woot!  Happy Easter!



Love&Harmony,
Erin

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

117 - Alex!

Dear Alex came meekly knocking on our door tonight to practice for our conducting class tomorrow.  He is such a joy and a sweet-heart that I asked him to be my picture of the day!  :) 
Part of the reason I love our music department is how many friends it has given me.  Not only are they wonderful people, but we form this huge support network for each other.  People will help you with homework or even just by noticing if you're having an off day and giving a hug.  It's a fantastic place to be. 


Love&Harmony,
Erin

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

116 - Welcome Distraction

PLUtonic rehearsing in Hinderlie tonight while I was at the front desk was a welcome distraction from my paper abstract/studying for my religion test tomorrow.  Maybe not a good distraction, but a welcome one.  Love these boys!  :)


Love&Harmony,
Erin

Monday, April 18, 2011

115 - Blue Skies

Today was a day of blue skies.  :)
It made it a good Monday.


Love&Harmony,
Erin

Sunday, April 17, 2011

114 - Neverland!

Taken by my roommate, but concept by me (inspired by my friend Tida).  :)
From our photoshoot for our trio recital that is coming up in two weeks!  Ah!  (My friends in the picture are Emma and Sorayah.)


Love&Harmony,
Erin

Saturday, April 16, 2011

113 - Hangman

A game of hangman with Stephanie... I guessed the letters in a funny order, huh?  :P

Today was fairly chill  - slept in (after talking until 3 in the morning...), lunch, work/homework.  We did get to catch glimpses of the Quidditch game that occured between Hinderlie and Ordal today from our window, which looked like a lot of fun!  Lauren and Steph and I ventured to Taco del Mar because we could for dinner, as Saturday night at PLU is almost never good food.  Whether we got much better at TdM is debateable, but whatever.  Then we saw PLU's Dance 2011 performance with a large group of friends!  It was pretty amazing.  So jealous of the ease with which those people move.  :)  Spent some time in the market afterwards (a traditional post-PLU-event occurence) and now back at Hinderlie to fall asleep while working on homework.
A typical, nice Saturday, I'd say.


Love&Harmony,
Erin

112 - Calling All Angels


An afternoon/evening of singing with HERmonic today.  The most meaningful song was "Calling All Angels" which we sang at a benefit concert.  The concert was to help fund a scholarship being made in honor of a PLU employee's daughter - she had a rare condition and died at age 8.  She would have graduated high school this year.
I actually teared up when we were performing this tonight.  I love being reminded of the power of song.


Love&Harmony,
Erin

Thursday, April 14, 2011

111 - Quotes

A quick, bad picture of our quote board.  Spent an hour and a half with a friend tonight who proceeded to read them all and laugh at the ridiculous stories we had to tell to explain them all.  :)


Love&Harmony,
Erin

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

110 - Please!

A note for a friend... he didn't check it.  *sigh*



Love&Harmony,
Erin

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

109 - Wow, Julian, wow.

Conducting 1 today was a hoot.  :P


Love&Harmony,
Erin

108 - Ridonkulous

My roommate.  Late at night.  Monday April 11.  'Nuff said.

Love&Harmony,
Erin

107 - Crash!

Computer down with a virus = not a happy Erin.  (Sunday, April 10)

Obviously, it is now fixed!  Yay!!  :D


Love&Harmony,
Erin

Monday, April 11, 2011

Project on Hold for Now...

Sadly, the daily postings have to be put on hold for now, as my laptop is down for the count.  It's suffering from (now) a double hit of various "Vista Security" viruses... The first one popped up yesterday evening and after a freak out and restless night, I turned it into the PLU Library Tech services.  And they fixed it!  So I picked my baby up and took it back to my dorm and tried to get online.  The minute I do, another alert pops up... it looks and functions the same but is calling itself by a slightly different name.
So, alas, I write this from a library computer and hope to high heaven that everything gets back to normal ASAP.... I have school work to do and I'd like to do it in my room!  And, of course, I'd like to post my daily pictures.  I will still take them daily, but posts will have to come later...

*sigh*  Welcome back from spring break.

Loathing&Discord,
Erin

Saturday, April 9, 2011

106 - Shopping Saturday

Purposely somewhat mysterious, as these are my gifts for Hannah's wedding!  :)
Obviously, this is the shopping I did today, along with a couple smaller things for me... I don't have the biggest affinity for shopping.  One of the many ways that I am not your average almost-20-year-old girl. 
I will very rarely get into a shopping mood.  I suppose I kind of enjoy grocery shopping, as I have started doing that for myself this past year or so.  I'm excited for next year when Steph and I can buy lots of fresh food for cooking in our apartment!  :D


Love&Harmony,
Erin

Friday, April 8, 2011

105 - A Good Friday

My sea-star doing one of my favorite things - playing piano for me.  :P  I was pleased to hear Pride & Prejudice music coming from the piano today and tried to sneak a picture... this only looks sneaky - she knew I was there the whole time. 
Had some nice time with Em, the dog, and our neighbor Joanna today on a walk up to our high school to play on a nice big field with Buddy.  The sun was out!  It was warm!  It actually IS spring!  :D  I maximized my outdoor time by playing in the backyard with Buddy and reading in the sunshine later in the afternoon.  Then the family went out for dinner and to see the musical "9 to 5" at the 5th Ave in Seattle.  Dinner was Cheesecake Factory, so of course it was good.  Although, I confess, there was definitely a Lenten slip and I had Lactaid.  But you go to the CHEESECAKE Factory and not have a bit o' cheesecake... seriously.  :P  The musical was fun to watch and done very well.  I found it a bit cheesy/sugary sweet for my musical theatre taste, but either way, it made me miss performing SO SO SO bad, so it was definitely a good show.  *sigh*  Hopefully this summer will work out for me to be in something...

All in all, a good Friday, especially since it marks the close of spring break... (NOOOOOOOooooooooo!!!)

Did you hear that?


Love&Harmony,
Erin

Thursday, April 7, 2011

104 - Thoughts on Cameras

I love my current camera.  I've had it since 2007 and it has served me well.  However, I'm looking for a point and shoot upgrade to break in over my trip to Europe at the end of this school year.  Any suggestions out there for something that's good with macro (my fave), portraits (for friend shots) and travel shots (meaning landscapes, architecture, etc...)?


Love&Harmony,
Erin

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

103 - Encroaching Storm

We had mostly sunshine today!  It was a blessing to wake up to a brightly lit room.  :)  Clouds passed over the sun occasionally, but all-in-all it was gorgeous.  Until sunset.  Dad and I took Buddy out for a nice long walk at about 6:30.  As we walked and chased balls around the high school track (the chasing was done by the dog, of course :P) dark, dark clouds creeped across the sky.  Luckily, we missed the hail downpour by about 15 minutes... we also heard some thunder, though I only caught one flash of lightning out of the corner of my eye when we were back home...
Ahhhhh spring.



Love&Harmony,
Erin

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

102 - I know where Sheldon Cooper buys his underwear...

a la Target.  :)  heehee.
Had a wonderful day!  Morning at my BFFE's house talking life and wedding stuff (eee!), afternoon out shopping avec ma mere et ma soeur (with my mom and sister for the non-French literate out there...), and an evening with my BFFE and her family at a wonderful pho restaurant in Covington. 
A good, relaxing, what spring break should be kind of day.  :)  Not a lot of homework done, but whatever.
Also, there may be family plans in store to go see the musical 9 to 5 at the 5th Ave this Friday!  Woot!


Love&Harmony,
Erin

Monday, April 4, 2011

101 - Spring Break Project


Our family project for the past year or so has been re-vamping our kitchen... painting, new cupboards and countertop went in last summer.  This spring break, after much hemming and hawing on my parents' part, it was finally time to put in tile on the walls under the cupboards and as backsplash. 
It's really pretty and meant to look slightly off - in a "done by hand" kind of way.  Most of the prep and actual application was done by my dad and I.  Something exciting to tell my kids about someday, I suppose.  It looks really gorgeous, I have to say, and will be even better with the grout in.  :)


Love&Harmony,
Erin


Sunday, April 3, 2011

100 - 100!


Woo-hoo!  Day 100 of 365!  A milestone has been reached.  To celebrate?
Bedtime.  :)


Love&Harmony,
Erin

Saturday, April 2, 2011

99 - Dad

Internet, meet my dad.  Well, one side of him anyway... :)
We are working on adding tile to the walls of our kitchen - a family endeavor.  I took this picture as a memory I will always have of my dad, the constant handyman and amazing craftsman.

I also took this picture because today was a reminder of the importance of family and what we do together.  My best friend's father passed away this past Wednesday from close to a year long battle with leukemia.  In October, 2010 he was given a number of weeks to live - not past Thanksgiving - but he pushed through for another 5, almost 6 months.  His strength for his family and in his faith was admirable.  Admittedly, I did not know him all that well and the man I heard about at the memorial service this afternoon is one that I wish I had gotten to know better.  There is a lesson to be learned from all people - something I should know and trust more often.  In spite of that, I still saw in David his immense love for his family whenever I visited my best friend and her sisters.  Together, he and their mother have raised their girls to be beautiful and strong and they are a family that I have always and will continue to admire.  They are friends - family - very near and dear to my heart.

The service made me pause and think about my own family.  I take less for granted now that I'm away from home for a majority of the year, but taking time to reflect on what they mean to me is not something I always have or use in that way.  We are a family of love and laughter.  That is something always evident when I am home. :)  My parents have brought my sister and I up to be smart and respectful people who set high goals and achieve them - not for their sake but because of the appreciation for a job done well that they have instilled in us.  My sister, who is almost on the brink of adulthood (scary!) is maturing into a lovely young woman and a talented visual artist.  My mom is a firecracker and busy bee, whose strength and love for her family are a constant variable in our lives.  My dad is adventurous and ambitious and his love for us is evident in his faithful care for our well-being.
Like I said, just some thoughts...

I'll leave you with Yoda's words and David's headstone (because it's something else I want to remember):
"Do, or do not.  There is no try."


Love&Harmony,
Erin

Friday, April 1, 2011

98 - Sweet Sixteen


My sister's 16th birthday was this past Tuesday, but we also celebrated tonight since I am FINALLY HOME FOR SPRING BREAK!!!  WOOOOOHOOOOO!
Also, we had lactose-free ice cream, which meant I could eat it!  :D

Love&Harmony,
Erin

97 - Late

Late night... late picture.  But a good/exciting planning meeting for things to come...  :)


Love&Harmony,
Erin