What Broadway can teach us about the human spirit

MIA is one word to describe my blogging presence. Time flies when you're having fun...or when you say yes to too many things...or just because everything seems to go faster with each passing year...

Am I right? 😜

And perhaps one of the reasons I haven't been writing here at all of late is because I haven't felt compelled to share anything in particular. That's not for a lack of things happening - kids are in my office nearly every day, planning for my one class is taking more time that I expected, marathon training is messing with my sleeping habits, etc. etc. etc. - it's more for feeling that my blog post may not add any value to this world or help anyone.

But, then again, maybe it will...

Just yesterday I was explaining to a good friend how I was feeling pretty exhausted because I had my 20 miler training run that morning. She asked, "What do you think about for 20 miles? I can't imagine running for 1 hour let alone 3!"

The truth is, I don't do too much thinking. My mind wanders...a LOT. But mostly I let myself get lost in music, when one particular soundtrack tends to take center stage for that particular marathon's training. (For the Oakland Marathon it was actually two - "Dear Evan Hanson" and "Fiddler on the Roof.") The Indy Marathon is no exception, and training run after training run I've listened to and fallen in love with "Come From Away."

If you haven't heard of this musical or listened to its soundtrack, stop reading this blog post right now and find it on Spotify. (I'll be right here when you get back. 😉)

"Come From Away" is based on the true story of a town called Gander on the island of Newfoundland, where they landed planes that were outside of American air space on September 11, 2001. It's about true generosity of spirit, what bonds us as humans, and the good that can result from something as terrible as an act of terrorism. Just when you feel your heart is about to break during the show, you find yourself laughing or smiling, and it's impossible not to feel transported back to where you were on that day. The characters are lovable, relatable, and real. Their feelings are palpable. (And I wanted to stand up and cheer when the female pilot sings about becoming the first female captain in history - hooray for strong women and strides for equality!)

Perhaps I have a special place in my heart for this musical because my grandpa's best friend is from Newfoundland, and he is one of the most generous, welcoming, and fun-loving people I've ever met. One of the lines in the last song of the show pretty much sums him up:

A: Why are Newfoundlanders so bad at knock-knock jokes?
B: I don't know.
A: Well, try it. I'll be a Newfoundlander.
B: Knock knock.
A: Come on in, the door's open! 

Yep, that's accurate. But I digress...

I think this show and its music has really been on my mind and tugging at my heart lately because with so much hate in our world and terrible things on the news, it's easy to get swept up in the same mentality. But there is so much good...and there is room for so much good when we give it a chance. Did you see how Brandt Jean forgave his brother's murderer in a courtroom in Dallas? Some people were up in arms that he could do that in court (and that the judge hugged the woman too)...but it's forgiveness, and it's his to give, not ours to judge. It's beautiful...and it shows strength of the one forgiving. How much easier would it have been in that moment to look at the police officer in hatred and wish her harm to repay for what she did? But he didn't... And there are so many other acts of love and good out there that we may never know about or only hear about years later (such as was the case for me with learning about the people of Gander on 9/11), but they're there.

Why does the right thing have to be so hard to do these days? What is driving people apart and making us forget that we belong to one another, to God, to the larger human race?

I wish I had an answer...and a solution. But for now, I'll keep trying to do good a little at a time, to do the next right thing. That's something we can all try to do. And we can remember and celebrate the good when it comes our way, whether that be in the news or in a Broadway show.

Hearts, Hope, and Questions Burning

When I mention the Lenten song "Jerusalem, My Destiny," many people nod and say something along the lines of, "Yeah, we sang that all the time in my parish growing up." Interesting...we never did. Maybe it's a midwest thing?

Here's how it goes:

Refrain:

I have fixed my eyes on your hills,

Jerusalem, my Destiny!

Though I cannot see the end for me,

I cannot turn away.

We have set our hearts for the way;

this journey is our destiny.

Let no one walk alone.

The journey makes us one.

Other spirits, lesser gods,

have courted me with lies.

Here among you I have found

a truth that bids me rise. (Refrain)

See, I leave the past behind;

a new land calls to me.

Here among you now I find

a glimpse of what might be. (Refrain)

In my thirst, you let me drink

the waters of your life,

Here among you I have met,

the Savior, Jesus Christ. (Refrain)

All the worlds I have not seen

you open to my view.

Here among you I have found

a vision bright and new. (Refrain)

To the tombs I went to mourn

the hope I thought was gone,

Here among you I awoke

to unexpected dawn. (Refrain)

I honestly heard it for the first time this year, and for some reason it struck a chord with me. I haven't been able to shake it since. I've been to Jerusalem, yes, but I don't think that's it, or at least it's not the only reason. I think, instead, that it's the idea of being fixed on our destiny, which is heaven, the "new Jerusalem." And if you really dive into the lyrics, the references to scripture are simply beautiful. But even more than these individual parts is the overarching theme of hope - a hope that is shown to us in a "bright and new" way, something that is "unexpected."

So as this Lent draws to a close and we enter into the Triduum tomorrow, I can't help but meditate on what it means for me to "set my heart for the way." What am I doing that allows me to live with a singular focus on Jesus Christ? What's is distracting me from the ultimate end goal of heaven? Who has walked with me and with whom have/am I walked/walking?

My dad always quotes a recording of a preacher talking about Good Friday in light of the hope of the Resurrection - the man says, "That's because it's Friday...Sunday's a-comin'!" Sunday is "a-comin'," and we, as Christians/Catholics, can find so much hope in that. God fixed His eyes on His people, and He sacrificed His only son so that we might have eternal life. This Easter season, let us, in turn, fix our eyes on Him and work to right our steps for our journey home.

Play On

All humans are musical; why else would the Lord have given you a beating heart? 

- The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto

Growing up, I can hardly recall a day in our house that I didn't hear the tinkling of piano keys or the strumming of guitar strings. Music in all of its glorious forms is something that has been a part of me, deep within me, for as long as I can remember. My parents put me and my sister through lessons, piano first (starting in kindergarten and going through college) followed by flute lessons (starting in third grade and going through high school) as well as different choir and voice opportunities. It was such a gift, and now, as an adult, I realize how special those opportunities were.

But recently, I realized I was missing being able to play the piano. Only after I purchased a keyboard (88 weighted keys + a sustain pedal!) did I realize just how good it would be to practice again. I have found that my fingers can find their way (mostly) to the right keys when I take out my music. Yet, scales hurt my left hand (because it's so weak), and I have a lot of work to do to be able to play some of the songs I once did. Still, I have also found such peace seated on my small bench (which also came with the keyboard). Between playing the keyboard and going to the gym/running, I know I can reduce the stress of the upcoming final semester of grad school.

Beautiful, isn't it?

And so, I play on...

It's beginning to look a lot like...Advent!

The coming of Advent means a few things for me:

1. Wear green...for next week I wear purple.

It started out as a bit of a joke, but then I thought, hey, why not? I bet I have enough green to wear it to school every day this week to finish out this liturgical season in style. And so I did. Some of the kiddos caught on, even taking time to wish me happy end to Ordinary Time on Friday afternoon. (Sometimes you just have to bring your own fun.)

Don we now our green apparel...fa la la la la...

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

2. Finish Marian morning devotions book...and get ready to start the Advent Saint reflections book on Sunday.
The timing of this book was perfect, and I recommend it for everyone, men and women alike. It's simple...and that's what is so beautiful about it. The book reflects on a different attribute or desire of Mary in each chapter (4-5 pages), and it covers the span of one month (31 days). What was extra special for me is that it focused on some of the Marian apparitions, which I had just been teaching my students about. Talk about timing!

3. Spend time in meditation and silence to make some extra room for God.
I am so grateful for the invitation to attend a Taize prayer service out west of the city this past Friday. It was just what I needed - it was a chance to take a step back and just sit in God's presence. While I had heard most of the songs before, even the ones new to me were easy to follow. Silence. Music. Mmm...
At one point they invited the children and teens to light their candles, and they then walked down the aisles and passed the light on to everyone in the church. During the psalm and alleluia, we raised our candles - it was a sight to behold. Later on, we brought our candles to the front in a procession. It was absolutely wonderful. 

4. Get my iPhone ready...
I have only had a smartphone for a little over two years. Yet, in those two years, I am afraid that I have become somewhat dependent on my email. So, I wanted to challenge myself this Advent to remove its easy access and, therefore, delete the app from my phone. I did a dry run yesterday, and let me tell you, it's hard! But I think that's just the point. I don't need my email to be at my fingertips - everything can wait, even though society wants us to think this is not the case. The hope is that with less focus on my phone I can put more focus on God.


5. Open the Christmas presents I bought for myself...and start planning next summer's road trip!
I was practically giggling with excitement upon opening my new Camelbak and my hiking boots, though my hiking boots still had the protection tag on them. (Sad day.) This summer I am looking to drive with my friend out west again but to some different national parks, having previously been to the Badlands, the Black Hills, Devil's Tower, Teddy Roosevelt National Park, and Mount Rushmore. Because we'll be hiking and camping, these items seemed like wise purchases (especially since I had a gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods).

protection tag...womp womp...

Yes indeed. It's beginning to look a lot like Advent. In fact, I am shortly off to the Christkindlmarket and then to a Christmas high tea with the ND women's connect group. Let's kick off this holiday season! Have a blessed Advent!

And all that jazz

Come on, babe, why don't we paint the town,
and all that jazz?...

Can't you just hear the chorus of "Chicago" in your head?

Well, it wasn't quite that jazz scene this weekend at Millennium Park, but we did hear some good tunes on Sunday at the Chicago Jazz Festival, and we took delight in watching the small corner of the room with people swing dancing and having a good old time... It was a nice break and a good excuse to get out of my apartment for awhile.

What do you mean, you don't like jazz? (La La Land)

I see what you did there...

This Labor Day weekend hasn't been anything extraordinary; in fact, it's actually been filled with both school work AND grad school work for me. But it'll be nice to go into this school week prepared (and maybe just a little ahead of the game) with only four days of school till Friday at 3:30pm. (Plus, there is plenty to look forward to for next weekend - a fun race AND the ND - GA game in South Bend - woo hoo!)

Hello September! It's full speed ahead...

Alone Time

It's been a fun couple of days around here. Last night was a free concert in Millennium Park, which I attended as a birthday celebration for a friend, and then today a little further north was a music festival at which one of my all-time favorite artists, Brendan James (!), performed. Music is wonderful for the soul, and it's even better with friends.

It's weird to actually be alone right now. Up until a couple of weeks ago, I didn't have much alone time. Now, I find an abundance of it, and I know I should soak it in while I can because starting next Friday my life is going to get a whole lot busier once grad school summer starts up. But it's so different - the people who used to fill my time (students & co-workers, ex-boyfriend, roommates, etc.) are not around, and my routines are completely thrown off...

But mostly I just don't like the waiting phase. I know I've talked about this before - at least to people through conversation if not on this blog - the waiting phase is like that time in the airport from where you get dropped off and through security to when the plane actually takes off. Let's just go already! It drives me nuts. And I know that's where I metaphorically am right now - the in-between of I just ended school and am back from road trip but not quite ready to start grad school yet. I'm ready for the change of scenery...now.

La La La... The Music that Makes Me Dance

iTunes had a sale this week: "Albums We Love" for $6.99.

I wasn't going to look...but then I saw "La La Land" and decided to make the purchase.

I've had it on repeat on my phone the past couple of days. It's so catchy - some so upbeat and some downright melancholy.

I just might have danced around in my kitchen to the opening few numbers. (No judgment, please.)

I love music.

I thought about the idea of being blind versus being deaf (which is not a new idea) - which would I prefer? Well, I would not willingly choose either of them because both are such spectacular gifts to be able to use, seeing and hearing. But honestly, to live without hearing music or people's voices - for me, that would be harder than not seeing things.

Music makes me so happy - my heart feels lighter and my soul is happy. I just want to dance when there is a good beat or strong melody. It's hard to explain...yet it would be even harder to replace or live without.

Tra la la la la...let the beat go on...

magically swept away

How very true that statement is. There is something that simply sweeps the audience away. 

In terms of theater, then, living in Chicago has its perks, as there are so many venues which boast such talented directors and performers.

Just this year alone, I've seen "Q Brothers Christmas Carol," "Newsies," "Sondheim on Sondheim," two Catholic grade school productions, and now "Sense and Sensibility."

While each of those shows was magnificent in its own right, this latest one (program pictured above) definitely became one of my all-time favorites. (With a discount through the theater, my sister and I only paid $20 each for tickets!) The actors/actresses were witty and charming; the comedic timing was on point; and the music had both striking melodies and command of the English language. (To cap it off, it's a Jane Austen novel - what's not to love?)

As they say in theater, "there's no business like show business"...

God Is Good

God is good.

If you ever doubt that, go to Reconciliation.

Last night was absolutely beautiful - so solemn, so sacred. The lights were dimmed, the candles were lit, the music was meditative, and the homily/reflection was relevant. I was able to sit in Church and pray, tuning out other distractions and noise that I am accustomed to hearing.

While confessing to the priest, I explained how in praying the Examen each night, I have found that the times when I did not act as God would want me to act have been the same. I told him that I want to be able to let go and that one night I hope that won't be what comes to mind when I pray. And, he assured me that one day it won't be.

When I knelt to pray, I honestly felt like something that has been holding me back was lifted. And it was incredible and beautiful. And so, I remained a bit longer, just sitting and listening to the music, letting my eyes wander to the different sacred artwork around the church.

Yes, I'll say it again: God is good.

AWE-some

"Ice cream for my ears" is how one fan described it, and I would have to agree: The Piano Guys performed at the Chicago Theater last night, and it was absolutely mesmerizing. (And the performers were funny, engaging, and grounded.)

If, like many of my co-workers and friends, you haven't heard about the Piano Guys yet or taken the time to listen to their music, you are missing out. (Quick! Click HERE for their YouTube channel!) Most of it is completely instrumental (with some oohs, ahs, and occasional lyrics) and performed with piano and cello. (Yes, they are called the Piano Guys. Yes, they referenced the cello in many jokes over and over again last night. And, yes, it was funny each time.)

It just made my heart happy to listen to their talented interpretations of classical and pop songs. In the encore number, the two producers came to the stage and joined in as the four of them gathered around the piano plucking, playing, and slapping the instrument to create a beautiful rendition of "What Makes You Beautiful"...and they looked like they had so much FUN doing it.

Their musical performance was the epitome of what happens when passion and talent come together - WOW.

Sooooooo, are they coming to a city near you...?

Going, Going, Gone

When life throws tons of things at you at once...make sure you keep your head above water.

For me (this past week), that meant giving up running and blogging (sadly).

I did take some "me" time with friends for a concert on Tuesday:

Yes, the opener (Mikey Wax) for Brendan James played the keyboard with his left hand while simultaneously picking the guitar with his right hand

Brendan James at SPACE

I could listen to this man play and sing all day...

...But that was pretty much the only "break I took. Between coaching 5th grade volleyball (practice 2 times a week and games up to two (other) days a week and school stuff (and being sick), there was not much time left for anything else.

I hope to change that this week. While I have (and will) spent (spend) quite a bit of time this weekend preparing materials/handouts/projects for school, I'm also making sure I get outside and enjoy the weather. Just this afternoon, my sister and I went to the art fair right at the end of my street. And tomorrow, I will be going to family Mass at my school. Today, I got a text from a friend about free tickets to a Cubs game this week, so that's definitely an opportunity to take a "time out" from the work and stress. (We just better wear some layers - it's going to be chilly!)

And I do hope to be back in the blogging action. So many thoughts and questions (especially about the classroom) have been swimming around in my head, and I want to share...

Until next time...

Love First, Teach Next

In attending "The Sound of Music" last night (which was incredible, by the way), I couldn't help but watch the play through my "teacher lens..."

I really liked looking at it that way - seeing the relationships develop between Frauline Maria and each of the children, much like relationships develop between a teacher and her/his students. It reminded me that it appears children respond to scolding and strict rules, but that's done more out of fear of getting in trouble. Instead, what they really respond to is love and to those who take an interest in them.

Seems like a simple realization, doesn't it? But how often as teachers do we forget this, getting wrapped up instead in annoying behavior and frustration because we can't get things done? Are the kids going to remember the extra 3 minutes of grammar a teacher tries to squeeze in while raising his/her voice to get the kids to settle down, or will they remember that their teacher always let them out late to lunch? Will the students remember all the big events that happened in our Church history, or will they remember that we spent each day with student-led prayer (even when it took longer than 5 minutes of class time)?

Now, at the end of the school year, is as good a time as any to review our teaching practice. (And trust me, I need to do it just as much as the next person!) And now is just as good a time as any to return to why we're teachers in the first place - For me, it's because I love working with children. They give me energy and push me with questions that require me to be stronger in my faith and values. They help me laugh and not get too serious about any given day.

Teaching is truly a special job - it is unlike any other one you can have. Sure, we may never thank teachers enough for what they do, but, at the end of each day, there is usually some small reward - a smile or hug from a student, a chance to spend time in conversation with a co-worker, an opportunity to see students involved in sports or extracurricular activities...

Kids respond when they realize their teachers care. They may not always be the best behaved when doing so, but they usually know where the line is if the relationship is there first.

So, as any frustrations or tasks at the end of the year start piling up, I want to remember to be like Maria - love them first, teach them second...

Daily Emmaus

Nearly moved to tears tonight at Mass...not sure what exactly hit me so strongly...I think the preparation song had something to do with it (and the Gospel being the story of Emmaus):

Who are you who walk in sorrow
Down Emmaus’ barren road,
Hearts distraught and hope defeated,
Bent beneath grief’s crushing load?
Nameless mourners, we will join you,
We who also mourn our dead;
We have stood by graves unyielding,
Eaten death’s bare, bitter bread.

Who is this who joins our journey,
Walking with us stride by stride?
Unknown Stranger, can You fathom
Depths of grief for one who died?
Then the wonder! When we told You
How our dreams to dust have turned,
Then You opened wide the Scriptures
Till our hearts within us burned.

Who are You? Our hearts are opened
In the breaking of the bread—
Christ the victim, now the victor
Living, risen from the dead!
Great companion on our journey,
Still surprise us with Your grace!
Make each day a new Emmaus;
On our hearts Your image trace!

Who are we who travel with You
On our way through life to death?
Women, men, the young, the aging,
Wakened by the Spirit’s breath!
At the font You claim and name us,
Born of water and the Word;
At the table still You feed us,
Host us as our risen Lord!

So beautiful. So powerful.

Sitting in Mass today (and afterwards while attending a presentation on the Archdiocesan "To Teach Who Christ Is" campaign), I realized that I am so blessed to worship with such a vibrant faith community that worships within a beautiful church building, has an angelic choir, and has dynamic priests. (And I feel that I've been blessed along the way growing up with such similar combos of worship dynamics in my Catholic parishes at different points in my life too.)

I pray to take the words of this hymn with me this week, keeping them ever present in my heart and on the tip of my tongue. Thank you, Lord, for speaking to me through song tonight.

Hallelujah Christmas

From the website: "This version of ‘Hallelujah’ by Cloverton will touch your heart." -->

A Hallelujah Christmas