Making Magic

Making Magic. It's what Maestro G always tells us to do. When we are performing. Making the audience "feel" the music. Do more than play your instruments, sing the words, and dance. Make people feel the music. Make them cry. Remember. And fall in love.

Tonight, I take the stage with some of the most amazing musicians out there. Full of talent and accomplishment. On such a big anniversary. I'm beyond excited! And to know, these musicians are also some of my very best friends, I know that I'm blessed!

Now that my "Music Man," S and I are on good terms again, it makes many, many people happy. Por que? We trained together. I learned how to sing with him. We became the performers we are today, by working together. Many days and nights...blood, sweat, and tears...and even broken hearts, got us to where we are. And let me tell you, we know how to put on a show!

For days now, we've been rehearsing. Long after the participants and students have gone to bed, we are on the stage. Working with all the "Maestros." The lighting is perfect. There's not one mistake in the music. Everything is good to go. And in the middle of those "Canciones de Amor," my heart dancing. A feeling that I never thought would happen again.



Did you watch that? From 1:44-2:50, el Maestro G tells us, we can recreate that magic. On stage. For everyone to see. Ya, S gets that "sparkle" in his eye. And I roll my eyes! But tonight, we are pulling out all the stops. For one "Grand Performance!"

I've got my "Music Man" back. Two performers that are destined to perform together. Possibly forever. That part of our story...well it's still left to be written. But the music part, we can't deny that. We are a good team...together.

I can't help but have butterflies in mi pansa! I really can't. And to get to share the stage with all of my good amigos again. That alone is the reason I couldn't sleep last night. Add in my cute ahijadas who are dancing, and we are set for one grand Fiesta Mexicana! ♫

Princess Perfection

We happened to have a little "Princess Party" in my hotel room this morning. Being that some of my Goddaughters, and many of my favorite little girls are here, we decided to celebrate the Royal Wedding.

A was a great help in that. Of course all the girls were dressed to the nines! They had all of their princess gear on. Because what princess leaves home without all of their princess attire? Not these little ones.

We also made sure, that all these girls took a nap. A LONG nap. Last night. You know, while us grown ups were working. So bright and early this morning, they were up. A was setting up a tea party for them. And we had tons of yummy food. I'm telling you, A is a catch! Any single ladies looking for a good man?

We watched all the coverage. I stayed with the girls. As the rest of the group headed to teach classes. After 5 hours of Royal Wedding coverage, I'm pretty sure A was ready to go work! :) But we had a blast!

"Nana, the princess is pretty. But she doesn't look as beautiful as I thought. How come?" The things that come out of the mouths of babes. :) I think they really thought Kate was going to be like their favorite fairy tale princesses.

My take on the whole affair. I think Kate looked amazing! I loved her dress. The top half, it was just gorgeous. And the veil. So simple and elegant. I love the grandeur of the British Royalty. But the simplicity that Kate and William wanted for their wedding.

What a fun morning we had! Tons of little girls, tutus, tiaras, tea, yummy food, princesses, and flowers. What better way to start a Friday! But now folks, I need to get ready for work. We have rehearsal in just over an hour. Happy Friday! ♫

Friday Fill In #17

This week has been so full of fun and laughter! I'm just so honored to be living my life. It's funny how I can't really even concentrate on this week's Friday Fill-Ins. :)

1. I love to read.

2. Everyone needs laughter and a smile.

3. It's how you live life, that's important.

4. Please don't tell me!

5. Well, would you like to dance.

6. Happy spring peepers.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching all the amazing students perform, tomorrow my plans include performing in the big Anniversary Show, and Sunday, I want to have fun with my friends! ♫

My Little Monkey

Something that you might not know is, Mi Princesa, she is IN LOVE with monkeys! All and any monkeys. I'm not lying.

So recently, I shouldn't have been too shocked. I was looking fro a new sewing project. And Mi Princesa saw this picture. Needless to say, she requested that I make her a monkey. Just like this one! Because "Nana, you can make anything!" :)




I love this little girl. And if it's a monkey that she wants, it's a monkey that she'll get! I've got tons of scrap fabric. I just need to find some time to sew. You know, before finals take over my life! ♫

Crafty Ideas

I've seen wreaths like this, all over "Blogland!" All over. With so many different color pallets. And I want to make one. First things first, you should know, I change my door wreaths every 2 weeks! Yes, I'm one of "those people!" :)

But there is something fun, vintage inspired, and unique about these wreaths. And let's be honest here, I don't need to buy much to make one. I have the yarn. Believe me. I have plenty of yarn! And tons of felt! All I need is the wreath form.

I'm thinking one in a more pleasing and neutral pallet. Maybe various shades of white. No bead. Just yarn and felt flowers. That sounds so nice. I better pack my felt. I can make tons of these flowers while I'm in Tucson! ♫

Oriental Lilies

I don't know about you, but Oriental Lilies are some of my favorite flowers. I'm not lying here! There's something about this flower. Beyond the exotic color. And the beautiful bloom. Which, smells amazing! They're just so exotic! Almost like a "forbidden" garden gem.

And because of the size of my yard, and the way it lays, I've been able to create separate almost "Garden Rooms." I've concentrated heavily on the side yard. As it's the largest. And thanks to all that good USDA certification, I've been able to add lots to my yard. Lots of fruit, pretty flowers, and even a couple of small trees.

But the "gem" of my property, is the back yard. Ya, the part with the palm tree. The one that was almost 100% responsible for me buying my house. I'm not even joking here! The same tree that died 5 years ago. And started to come back to life last November. Yes, the one that sat in the middle of 18 inches of snow in February. Yes, that palm tree, it gave me an idea.

Because of the area I live in, tropical plants, trees, and flowers thrive out here. Thanks to all those 100+ degree days! I've started out slowly. As tropical plants cost significantly more than your average rose bush, or packet of flower seeds.

So far, I have a nice little mix of plants. And a palm tree that is fighting to live. I'm almost positive, that baby is not going to make it. And I've already started saving for a "King Palm." I'm super excited!

I want my backyard to feel exotic. Like a hideaway. I have all sorts of plans. And little by little, I've been adding to it. I'm on the search for the perfect outdoor furniture. And I'm really loving all the tropical flower vines growing on the fences. It's really starting to look amazing. Thanks goodness!



But one of my favorite flowers, I still haven't added in the mix. The bulbs are so expensive! $6 a bulb! Last year, I managed to find a semi good deal, and bout 12 bulbs for $8...on clearance. But with the deep freezes that we had, they pretty much died. So I'm on a hunt. For some reasonably priced bulbs to add to my little piece of paradise. Oh, I can't wait to see these lilies taking over my flower beds! ♫

Vintage Dresses

I'm not talking about dresses I'd wear today. Oh no! I'm talking about all those dresses I wore as a little girl. They seem to be making a comeback. Have you noticed? Lots of bloggers are hunting for them. I read about "Vintage Lovers" searching high and low. And you see so many little girls wearing these cute dresses.



Just take a look at this picture. I swear, I wore almost all of those dresses! And this is not a picture I took. Rather, one that I found online. But look at these fun dresses. From times past. When life was easier. And do we dare say, full of a lot more fun!

I know, I know. Most little girls didn't have the number of clothes, dolls, and books that I did. But those little dresses, were definitely my favorite! A number of which, my Mom mad for me. And although, some have been lost through the years. Thanks to relatives that never returned them. :( I still have a number of these precious gems. Who knows, one day, my own daughter might be running around in my favorite dresses! ♫

Happy Easter!

Today is a glorious day! He is risen! I honestly can't think of a better day. Or a better reason to celebrate. Our Lord gave his life for us, and today, he is risen.

My plans are very simple. We're going to church. Sunrise mass. My favorite way to celebrate Easter. Then, my parents and I are going out to breakfast. Most likely, Cracker Barrel. One of my favorite places to go on a holiday.

Our afternoon will be filled with "Family Time." My cousin is hosting a BBQ at her house. And I'm honestly, really excited about it. I miss spending time with my family. And this, well it's going to be a nice day. Lots of family time. And lots of rejoicing! Happy Easter! ♫

Pluot

Have you ever had one of these? They're Pluots. A mix of a plum and an apricot. So yummy! I first tried them in one of my college classes. Soon, they became a favorite of mine. At first, they were little hard to find. But oh they were so yummy! Very juicy, and so sweet!

Now pluots are everywhere. I see them at Wal-Mart, Albertson's, and even the Farmer's Market! And they're not expensive at all. Most of the time, they're less expensive than plums.

Honestly, if you haven't tried them, you should. You should try any of the hybrid fruits out there. Some are really interesting. While others are really delish! Give them a try. And let me know what you think. ♫