Loud Nonsense

I think this November is broken. It is unnatural for it to be this warm. I feel like there is some Rankin/Bass adventure going on somewhere out there. A little woodland creature is on a hunt to find Winter (which has gone into hiding because it felt unloved). I wish that furry little hero the best of luck. Find our beloved Winter and let him know we DO need him. I'm sure Herbert (the name of our animal adventurer) is running into many obstacles and possibly making some friends along the way. He may be joined by such companions as Penny, the South African Penguin who dreams of snow. Or Jack, the cross country skier with two left feet. They'll do their best to make it through the Valley of Heat, governed by the Evil Roberta, hater of all things Winter-like. God-speed little friends.

Friday night I made my way downtown to see a favorite musician of mine play. She was playing at Yoga One, making promises of an "intimate night of music." Well, they delivered. Upon entering the yoga studio where the event was being held, everyone removed their shoes. We sat on the floor, on yoga mats or blankets. Wine was flowing, people were chatting. It was like a musical picnic in the middle of a dance studio. There was alot of group snapping and whistling as the night progressed. 2 1/2 hours later we departed, a little stiff, but thoroughly content.

As you may have noticed, I mentioned group whistling. Sadly, I was unable to participate seeing as how I cannot for the life of me make any sort of sound resembling a whistle. Maybe resembling a dying, mute bird, but not a whistle. The yoga studio, resonating with the sounds of whistles, was definitely a bitter sweet place for a few minutes. I was enjoying the whistling, basking in it almost, but thoroughly disheartened that I couldn't contribute to the joy.
Do you know of any whistling lessons? Is it even something that can be taught?

Rainy Days and Mondays

The weather has been wonderfully fall-like these past few days. The first days of cold bring such a change in people. I've noticed that many young San Diegans love talking about how great cold weather is. However, very few actually seem to appreciate it when it comes. It's wonderful as long as they can stay at home, sleep in, and drink cocoa. But make them get up and go to work in what could only be described as a "sprinkle" and they recoil and complain. I admit, I fall prey to the same attitude at times. It is so much nicer to fall asleep to the sound of rain then have to wake up and go out in it. But I do love the opportunity to wear a scarf, coat, and yes, even leg warmers. Now all I need is a big pile of dried leaves to jump in, and life would be perfect.

With the cold weather, I begin to get more and more excited for the upcoming holidays. Thanksgiving is first. Along with the typical Ring Family partially gluten free feast, I have something extra to look forward to this year. The homecoming of my newly collegiate brother and other friends pursuing a higher education away from home. I'm already planning to make some special homemade applesauce and bake my special zucchini bread in celebration. It shall be a week to cherish, almost a teaser for the Christmas break to come. For December marks my favorite time of year, Christmas-time. The music, the decorations, and most importantly, the smells. I love the smell of Christmas. A good Christmas movie at any time of year can always inspire what can only be described as a "phantom scent." A perfect mix of cinnamon, apples, pine, cranberries, and happiness. I am very grateful for the scented candle industry for helping my bedroom smell like Christmas year-round.

I am getting ahead of myself. November has only just begun. I still have field trips, exams, finals, showcase, and many other things to accomplish before I can truly feel the freedom the holidays allow. But it is the promise of that freedom that makes it a little bit easier to get out of bed and go out into the rain.