Saturday afternoon gypsies

After a busy Saturday morning working out the last few touches on our upcoming Christmas program for church on Sunday, I made a quick drive up to Fredonia NY to play some music for my friend Andy's last Christmas bazaar of the holiday season.

I was feeling a little rushed when I arrived, but after walking in the door, getting a cup of coffee, setting up my stand and guitar, I was happy and ready to play.

I played a song and waited for Andy to come up and accompany me on drums and we started to jam to my tweaked version of 'Silent Night'. After a chorus or two, a guy with a cello wandered up on stage and sat down and started to play along with us. I asked Andy if he'd sing the verse and I'd take the 'peace' round I'd learned in high school and as he set up his mic, the cellist played a solo verse of the song. Andy and I sang harmonies on the chorus and he continued and I went off and improved the 'peace' part. On the last two chorus repeats, my friend Jacinta walked in the door and smiled at what she was hearing. (That smile means a great deal, as she is an accomplished musician!)
We wrapped up 'Silent night' with a hush over the room. Something special had happened in that moment. We were all one, in song and we felt bundled up in the fluid movement of harmony, melody and percussion. It was magic.

After we finished the song, I called Jacinta up on stage to play some of her songs and we jammed for a little while the crafter's tore down their wares and tables to wrap up the sales for the day.

It was a great moment on Saturday. For a while I've kept on asking, "Where are my gypsies?"
Meaning, where are the folks who would like to work on some music with me? Why is it, that I seem to have trouble finding people who's like to partner on some creative project?

Apparently my gypsies are 20 some miles North of where I live.
Who would have guessed?

It's nice knowing that I do have some gypsies to jam with. Thanks Andy, Thom, and Jacinta. Let's do this again sometime soon.


Link to my music page: Tara Lamont Music

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Sorry, there isn't an EASY button

If it weren’t for holidays, I think it would be possible for people to keep on trucking through days and weeks before they’d take notice of how quickly time was really passing. Rush is such a part of our western world, that most of the time we don't know any other way to function. Advent is passing into Christmas and Christmas to New years and we find ourselves in the midst of resolutions and hopes for the upcoming year. What will this year hold? What do I hope and dream of in the 365 days of 2009? Before I get thinking too far in the future, there is a point that I’d like to make. The holidays have a way of marking time for us. When we return to our lives beyond Christmas, New Years and Three Kings day – what will help us to slow down and become more aware of life and spiritual matters? Living in an attitude of contemplation is one way of striving for this awareness.

Contemplation is defined as being given to or characterized by contemplation. Some synonyms of contemplation are: meditative, pensive, reflective, speculative, thinking, ruminant, thoughtful, attentive, intent, introspective and musing.



In the last week or so, I’ve been reading an excellent book called “Contemplative Youth Ministry: Practicing the presence of Jesus”, by Mark Yaconelli. This book is starting to help me think in a more contemplative manner by addressing the human tendency to rush through life, often times leaving prayer or spiritual disciplines in the dust, because we want the quick and easy result. We’d like to have an easy button to help make things, well, easier.

Living contemplatively requires that we take a look at our lives, much the way we do as we think about and plan our resolutions for the New Year, but contemplative living is something that has a tendency to last longer than a well intentioned resolution. Our motives in resolutions usually revolve around the betterment of our health and wellness. What if living contemplatively helped us to achieve what we resolve and hope for as well as what we are yet to imagine?

Ephesians 3:20- 21 says,

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen."

It is easy in life and in ministry to simply make resolutions and hope that these goals come to life, but the truth is there isn’t an “Easy” button or a magic genie lamp to make our dreams instantly appear. Please understand, I believe that there is dreaming and planning to be done for the upcoming year, but I think it would be helpful for our church communities to begin this year with a simple question.
“How do we as a group of people called together to pray and serve, go about sharing the good news of God’s presence among us? (Contemplative Youth Ministry, Yaconelli pg 156).”

It is in asking questions that we often find the next step in our journey. Our dreams and hopes are just a glimpse of what is possible in the upcoming year. In this New Year, let’s take the next step in the road closer to God by asking, “What would be your dream for our church this year?” and even more, “What God is your dream for me?”
May this year of possibility, hope and promise also be one with hearts and lives that are attentive to the dreams of God for us and individuals and as communities of faith. Happy New Year!




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Connections

© All rights reserved. Dee Muzzi. Jan 08.


Connections was a ten-episode documentary television series created and narrated by science historian James Burke. My husband and I used to watch reruns of the show when our kids were little and really enjoyed the varied and unique way the show went about teaching the audience about science.

I've always had this love for connections. Things that bring people and ideas together really have a way of making my day. Even in writing for this blog, it is an exercise in connections of what is brewing and bubbling in my mind and hopefully connecting with the reader. Connections in writing, science, community and life are life-giving.

Last night, some of my church kids and I went to a retirement home to go caroling. We brought caroling books, a Santa hat for one of us to wear, and some battery powered electric candles we borrowed from a supply closet at church.

We wandered around the floors of the home and sang in hallways, dining areas, and even took requests from residents if they had any. Most people were happy with whatever song we sang. There was one lady who told us no when we asked if we could sing her a song, she said, "I'm to miserable for Christmas carols." That was difficult for the students and myself to hear, but I'm sure she had good reason to feel that way. At least we were there to listen to her express her sadness.

On a warm fuzzy note, the upper floors had a community pet: Dale a calico cat came to greet us and followed along with our group for a while. The people listened, some even came out of their rooms in their pj's to get closer to the music. All in all it was a great opportunity to make connections with people that are sometimes forgotten about.

On a personal level, I'd forgotten how fun visiting a retirement home can be. Doing something so simple as bringing a handful of students to visit, really brightened the residents day. To be honest, the residents brightened mine.

There were two ladies that really made a connection with me. One lady was sitting in the dining hall eating her dinner, and as soon as we started singing she put down her fork and sang along with us. She knew all the words of 'The first noel' by heart! I was looking in my book to remember and she knew all the words. It made me wonder if she was ever the one standing there holding a carol book singing to a roomful of strangers?

One other lady we met in the hallway. She and her friend were cruising around the halls and visiting all their friends while in their wheel chairs. The even greeted us when we arrived on their floor to sing. On their second pass by our group as we were singing by a nurses station, the one lady looked me in the eyes and sang along with me. We held eye contact for the longest time, but it was not awkward or strange. Her eyes locked on mine as we sang the same words. We were connected.

This exchange of eyes helped me better understand the statement, "The eyes are the window to the soul". She looked into my soul and I into hers and we were no longer visitor and resident, we were just two souls singing praise to God together, in fact I sensed Jesus was strongly present with us in that moment. Maybe even what made the connection of our eyes, words and heart so powerful was the Spirit that unites us - if we are willing to be united.

May your Christmas be one of friendships, family, and connections that unite you in mind, heart and spirit.


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Space: Eye and ear perspective

My friend James sent me an email this morning that showed the scale of the earth compared to the sun. The diagram even went on to show the scale of our sun to star further out in the universe. At this level of the diagram, the earth is invisible on the chart. The earth is invisible! Wow!



Sometimes it is easy to allow little things to overwhelm us. It's possible that there are many little things that add up to a large burden, but in the light of this universal diagram, what we think is important is determined by our perspective. What may seem like a big deal could be invisible to someone else and vice versa.

Going one step further, take a look at an image taken with the Hubble ultra deep field telescope of countless 'entire' galaxies billions of light years away.



This next image is taken of one of the darkest spots in space.



It is humbling and awesome when I consider the vastness of the universe. Even in a section of space that seems to be dark and void, when looking with the right perspective unexpected galaxies are discovered.

In this time of advent, we are waiting for the light to arrive. On Christmas morning, we celebrate the birth of Jesus as well as the illumination he brought and continues to bring to humankind. When Jesus was born he created a new galaxy of light, hope and love on our humble little planet.

It is necessary that we have,
Ears that hear and eyes that see (Proverbs 20:12), if we are to take part of the becoming of earth as it is in heaven.

My friend's email helped me to see a little clearer this morning. Even in the midst of all that is to come this week and the next before the arrival of Christmas Day, may I keep my eyes and ears focused on the light in the seemingly dark spots of the universe, both yours and mine. I might be humbled and surprised by the light of an unexpected tiny star.



The Light of the World by William Holman Hunt

1851-53 /Oil on canvas over panel /arched top, 49 3/8 x 23 l/2 inches

Discussion in detail

Keble College, Oxford.


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POEM

I find this t-shirt so funny.

Pretty good goods is where you can find it.
For me right?


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Mess

Photo from webshots


Taking this old bed apart
rail by rail,
turning the wrench,
thinking of all the childhood memories it imparts.

Stuffed animals there
and comics here.
Action figures strewn everywhere.

Still there are clothes to sort
and order to restore.

I'm in not so much of a hurry though.
Without this bed, the room won't look quite the same anymore.

Sleeping with bread: Peace and deodorant

It's Monday morning and it's the first time since Friday that I've had time to catch up with reading in the "blogverse" (as my blogging friend Mary Lue says). Speaking of Mary Lue, today is Sleeping with bread Monday and that is the day that I (along with other bread bakers) assess the last week of life and look for the moments, things, conversations and experiences that I felt the most alive and the most drained of life.
This examen is one that I've found most helpful, and I'd be happy to have you join in on the Monday bread bakers. If you'd like more information go to Mary Lue's Sleeping with bread. Now on with the baking.

____________________________________________________________________________

The moments that I felt most drained of life were ones where I was unexpectedly put in situations that I was not prepared for. One of my friends calls those opportunities, baptisms in fire. While I do enjoy challenges and figuring out solutions, I don't enjoy having to work out ones that are not mine and suddenly become so. In the middle of one of these baptisms this week I thought of the commercial for deodorant that boasted, 'They'll never see you sweat' and I knew that it was too late. I was sweating and others saw it. I did my best to handle the challenge and got through it knowing that the next time around it won't be mine to carry. I hope they remember to wear their deodorant.



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Sunday afternoon I attended a vespers choral performance that was held in the nave of the church I work. The room holds about 1,100 people including the balcony and the balcony even had people seated there. The music that was performed by the Jamestown A Cappella Chorus was amazing.



For over an hour the variety of choruses sang. Everything was lit by candle light. The singers exited row by row still singing the song "Silent Night". They continued humming and walked down the center isle and paused there. They continued humming the hymn, all-surrounding the hundreds of people sitting in the church, candles softly lighting their faces. It was beautiful. It made me remember singing 'Silent Night' in my high school Christmas program. We had candles, robes and evoked that same peaceful presence. Who would have imagined, years later, a different school, a different state but the same song and the feelings that go along with it. Connections like this make me feel alive.

In reading a devotion in Sacred Space last week, I was challenged to think in terms of all the adapting Mary had to do. She was unexpectedly pregnant, needing to explain this to her fiance, and needing to move to Bethlehem in the most uncomfortable part of her pregnancy. She had to learn to adapt and go with the flow. She had to be able to embrace peace in a way that went beyond the circumstances of what was going on around as well as inside of her.



Today there is much to do even on my day off. There is a tree to put up and decorate, cookies to bake, cleaning and moving of furniture, laundry (there is always laundry), and music lessons to taxi my son too. I will try to hold on to the peaceful feeling I was wrapped up in at vespers yesterday afternoon, even in the midst of things that make me sweat. Just like Mary we have to learn to adapt to what happens in life and hold on to peace even in the midst of our labor.
Peace

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"The origin of the Christmas carol we know as Silent Night was a poem that was written in 1816 by an Austrian priest called Joseph Mohr. On Christmas Eve in 1818 in the small alpine village called Oberndorf it is reputed that the organ at St. Nicholas Church had broken. Joseph Mohr gave the poem of Silent Night (Stille Nacht) to his friend Franz Xavier Gruber and the melody for Silent Night was composed with this in mind. The music to Silent Night was therefore intended for a guitar and the simple score was finished in time for Midnight Mass. Silent Night is the most famous Christmas carol of all time!


Silent Night

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "

Christmas Carols

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Loose Lucia Fest

Photo from Wikipedia

Lucia Festivals are common to churches that originate in families from the Scandinavian or Italian culture. Lucia was a Christian woman who lived in the Roman empire who decided to give her dowry to the poor instead of marrying whom she had been promised to. Lucia was burned at the stake for her rebellion against what she described as pagan society, but is remembered and held as a Saint for her willingness to stand true to her faith. She is often referred to as the "Queen of light".

This evening, First Lutheran Church held its annual Lucia Festival. The festival includes a meal, some entertainment, the procession of the Court, flower girl, crown boy, star children and tom te goobers (Sorry for the bad spelling, I'm not Swedish.), the announcement of the Lucia bride and the eating of cookies.

In the past, I've helped and organized Lucia Fest's in other circumstances and mostly remember panic and anxiety as partners in the program. In the effort to retain the tradition of the event it can be held too tightly, making it difficult too enjoy.

That was not the case this evening, thanks to Beth J. who's put the program together for sixteen years. The atmosphere of the program this evening was easy-going. I'd even go so far as call it relaxing!

The music entertainment was well received: Britta Johnson sang and played a song called, "Even Santa fell in love.", my friend Julia came a played three traditional Christmas songs on her violin, and I played and sang a few songs too.

The participants had fun, the Lucia court was radiant, the brides were serving cookies and all of the sudden, it seemed like Christmas had arrived.



Ginger snaps photo from rgbdream.com

Coffee cups clinked, laughter lilted around the room, children played tag and hide and seek as the adults milled around telling stories of Lucia past. The warmth of the room seemed to full everyone's heart and chased away worry and stress from everyone's minds.

Christmas had arrived in an unexpected way for me this year.
This loosely held but greatly loved tradition helped me to open up my heart to the warmth of those around me. This years' Lucia fest opened a door to a stuffy room I'd closed up several years ago.

Lucia, help me to keep the door open to Christmas. Let it's light shine, even in the darkest of corners.




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