Filed under: Odds and Ends
Anyone surprised that The Dark Knight didn’t receive more Oscar nominations than it did? I didn’t like the movie. Not at all. It was too depressing. The “there is no hope” type of depressing. Yes, Christian Bale and Heath Ledger did wonderful jobs portraying Batman and the Joker, but knowing it was Heath Ledger’s final role made the movie even sadder. And even more depressing. My brother, Mom and I watched The Dark Knight together. None of us liked it.
I love teaching music. There is something so intrinsically satisfying about coaxing the perfect sound from a group of young singers. It’s magical. Otherworldly. Eternal. Made all the better when their faces light up with the recognition that they are creating something beautiful and intensely personal with each other. A precious gift for anyone who is fortunate enough to be listening. A gift for themselves that will stay with them long after their tenure in choir is over.
I have sixty-two singers in my senior high choir this semester. By far the largest high school choir I’ve ever worked with. And they are an excellent group. Not perfect, but really good kids that I enjoy working with so much. Six of them will be auditioning for membership in the Arkansas All State Choir on February 6. What a joy if all of them make it!
Filed under: Nature
My “little” brother is 45 today. Talked to him this morning before heading to Lake Wilhelmina for some bird watching. Cold and windy at the lake. Brrrr…..
Spotted two bald eagles sharing a tree branch. They must have been huddled together for warmth. Too far away for a decent picture. I am always awed by the majesty of these birds. The usual assortment of ducks were on the lake plus a large number of great blue herons. And, surprisingly enough, I spotted a ruby-crowned kinglet fussing around in some grass on the shore. The real sighting of the day occurred on my way home when I stopped on the river bridge to check out some ducks on the water. As I focused in with my binoculars, I was amazed to see this odd fellow swimming along with a female counterpart.
The Hooded Merganser isn’t very common in this part of Arkansas. Definitely the first time I’d seen one. What a treat!
A Day In The Life 