Yesterday were the final two concerts under the direction of Gail, our beloved musical director. It's hard to put into words how much she means to the choir members, both past and present. Her direction and demands for excellence have pushed us, challenged us, inspired us and ultimately made us proud of our hard work after concert days. But her guidance is about more than just the music. The community and sense of belonging that she has been able to create and inspire are second to none. 

There are so, so many good choir memories from rehearsals, concerts, and retreats. The retreats in Whistler every fall were so much fun: the talent show, the (super competitive) silent auction, walks, games, the hot tubs and of course the singing. At rehearsals: the beauty of harmonies coming together, the laughter, running to beat the washroom line, reconnecting that first Monday night in September, and debriefing after an event. On concert weekends: the excitement in the stairwell right before a concert, playing cards in the green room, stepping onto the risers, the audience, the band, Gail's piano playing and her voice, the high after a concert. The happy times are why the choir is so full of joy and love and friendship.

 But there were some sad times too and it's those times that show how Gail made us all family. There was the death of Nichole, a long-time choir member who actually brought me into the choir. There were other deaths and serious illnesses, personal challenges, surgeries, COVID, the Lapu Lapu tragedy and hard times of many kinds....During difficult times, we came together. We talked, we cried, we hugged, we prayed, and we sang. It was healing and beautiful. In fact, when my father passed away and I had to take a leave from choir, I went to our Christmas concert. Sitting in the audience singing along and seeing my choir family was the best medicine for my grieving soul because, thanks to Gail, it really is a family. I'll never forget how my choir friends comforted me after the concert and Gail's big hug and comforting words. I will sorely miss being in choir under Gail's direction.

students

These two are not my students. But since my class and their class do a lot together, they are often in my classroom. In fact, for some odd reason when the two classrooms are open, mine will have 30 students and the other will have 10....But these two, they also come to find me at random times of day. They run to hug me so hard that I am nearly knocked off my feet every time. They're sassy and funny and on this particular day pictured, posed with my sunglasses on. They bring me so much joy.

Election day

On this rainy election day, I am immersing myself in a sweet book about kindness, generosity, friendship and wonder.

Excited!

I am excited about new courses starting at my church, my mom and her husband coming for a visit, a weekend away, waffles with whipped cream, school restarting, sunshine in the forecast, choir practise tomorrow, my new patio umbrella, my new striped sweatshirt, daffodils, a new playlist on Spotify, my choir concerts, seeing my students, finally decluttering upstairs, donating two bags of clothes, my best grandma ever mug, and spring. 

Prayer

Having friends who wish you well, have your best interests at heart, and who love you, are wonderful. They can support you and share your burdens. Do you know what they can't do though? They can't fix your anxiety. All the positive thoughts in the world aren't going to calm your anxious heart. Friends who promise to pray for you, on the other hand, are another matter entirely. They can go to the sovereign ruler of the universe on your behalf. Through prayer, they can move mountains.

Recently I had really bad anxiety for several reasons. I mean based on the frightening, chaotic state of the world, who doesn't have anxiety?? But I had personal reasons too. I told my best friend. She prayed for me. I shared with my community group and they prayed. I went to church and I asked for prayer from the prayer team. A friend saw my teary face afterward and put her arm around me and promised to pray for me. The thing is, people often say "thoughts and prayers", but they really only mean good thoughts. I'm glad to have people thinking good thoughts, but that doesn't actually change anything. What I am very blessed to have is friends and a church community who says that they will pray for me and then do so. Really. It reminds me of a song that we sing in choir: "long as I live, and troubles rise, I'll hasten to His throne". What a privilege that I can hasten to His throne, but how amazing that there are people who are willing to go there on my behalf as well.

So, anyway, back to the anxiety. After all those prayers my anxiety was replaced by inexplicable peace. Not a single thing in my circumstances changed. But my worries and anxieties were brought before God, the one for whom nothing is impossible. He answered the prayers for peace and a calm heart. I am well aware that He does not always magically remove all anxiety. But in this case, because of all my praying friends, I had peace. And as a result I had the most wonderful time with the thing I had been most anxious about.

Granny Annie

In January, I became a grandmother and a few weeks later, we were able to fly out to Alberta to see our new granddaughter, Marina. She is perfect and beautiful and cuddly and I could go on and on. I love babies, I always have. But to hold my own granddaughter was something quite unique and wonderful. Looks like I will be making vacation trips to Alberta....

Resolutions

I did not make any resolutions this year. At least not in the usual sweeping way that I normally do. Instead, I am going with moderation, more of some things and less of others. I am doing (way) less shopping, less (no) wine, less junk food, less sharing of my opinions, less social media. And I am doing more exercise, more water, more reading, more prayer, more trying new things. This seems to be more manageable and is working so far. Today I went to the gym for the first time in five years!! No, I did not enjoy it before, during or after. But I went. Last night I went for sauna and swimming. Perhaps there's a chance I can actually keep this going. Well, except the not sharing my opinions part, we all know that's a lost cause, lol.

2024

2024 had some bitter disappointments, death, unexpected drama and conflicts. But, it also had answered prayers, new friendships, new family and travel. Overall, I am grateful. The hard stuff hopefully changed me for the better and besides, I can trust that it came from the sovereign hand of God.

Some of the highlights from my travels with family and different friends are in the collage. Naturally, we went to Hope multiple times. But, I was also able to go to Powell River, Washington, Orlando, Victoria, Whistler, Rock Ridge Canyon, San Francisco and Lumby. Washington was full of museums and walking. Powell River was chilling by the ocean. Lumby, which we visited twice as a family, was relaxing with extended family. Rock Ridge was spiritually enriching connecting with ladies from church. Victoria was educational and fun and turned into a weekend of food and shopping. Orlando was a spiritual retreat among the palm trees. Whistler was a perfect weekend away. San Francisco was pure fun and adventure. Every single one of these trips was a highlight of the year in a slightly different way. But now on to 2025! And before I can even think of travelling, I need to declutter my house...