Friday, December 26, 2008

I Believe in Love, Music and Joy

The Sunday Scribblings prompt is "I believe..."

I have done less scribbling than picture-posting this time around. I am feeling euphoric about our wonderful Christmas yesterday, and these photos seem to me to be an integral part of it that I want to share with everyone.

How can I not believe in the special magic worked at Christmas? This family is one to which music is a special (and frequent and practically continuous) joy. But it is love that ties it all together.

Above are my son Otto and his sweet wife Kristin at a special moment on Christmas morning. They are both accomplished musicians with experience on varied instruments, but the ones that are seldom out of their hands are Otto's concertina and Kristin's violin. Hundreds of students have profited by Kristin's music teaching and have caught her infectious enthusiasm.

Above: Our granddaughter Anna gives her father a hug. She feels especially lucky to have arrived yesterday five days after she was expected, having been stranded in New York by flight cancellations. She had spent the semester in England, so this is the first time they have seen each other since September. Sharing the sofa is my husband, Otto, unwrapping a gift that Santa Claus (looking remarkably like Anna) has just given him.

Below: An accordion was just what Anna had been wanting to add to her musical repertoire. Here her father gives her a few pointers.



Above: And now back to the instrument she, like her mother, loves and plays most often. In the background her father is accompanying her on his concertina. Several of the pieces they are playing are of Anna's own composition.

Above: Kristin joins them in marvelously spontaneous, soaring improvisations to compliment the music in progress.

Above: Ocean and his Daddy Joe and Mama April arrive and Ocean unwraps his first gift, a bicycle horn for his bicycle. His bicycle, on which he has become proficient, is a real one but without pedals. Ocean immediately discovered that the bicycle horn made a satisfyingly loud sound. He called it his "trumpet", and the family ensemble played pieces to which he could join his rhythmic beeping.

Below: When Ocean discovered that the ensemble would come to an abrupt stop if he ceased to beep, he was overcome with laughter as he started and stopped the music.

Below: Ocean's mother April watches the concert.

And should I mention that we feasted on smoked black cod and salmon (contributed by Joe and April) with a zillion other delicious fixings?

I hope you all are enjoying this most joyous of seasons!

36 comments:

Linda Jacobs said...

your family looks so loving and handsome. (And I love the name Ocean!) Thanks for sharing your life with us!

Forgetfulone said...

What a beautiful and talented special group of people you have Granny.

latree said...

what a wonderful day and family you had...

merry christmas, granny..

anthonynorth said...

That looks like an excellent Christmas. Music is a great thing to have around you.

Glowby said...

What a picture-perfect Christmas. I'm very glad you had one. Cheers!

gautami tripathy said...

Granny Smith, what a wonderful post!

Loved your family!

Seasons Greetings!

guts wrenching out....

Devil Mood said...

What a bunch of musical people! It does look like you all had a wonderful time, I'm glad.

Lucy said...

you can just see the love and joy everyone is sharing! It is so generous of you to give us this intimate glimpse into your very lucky world Granny! SO happy that you and your family shared such a beautiful holiday together!( I want to hug u right back and yell "the best Christmas ever'!!)

Maggie May said...

What a lovely, talented family you are. Lovely pictures. No wonder you are so happy!
Excellent Christmas day.

Kelly said...

You are right, there is absolutely magic in the Christmas season, and these pictures capture your family's magic and love and joy perfectly!

What a wonderful Christmas!

Alison May said...

Oh music is such a gift isn't it? I am delighted to make your acquaintance Granny Smith. May all your Christmases be blessed with such obvious joy...x

Yvonne said...

Thanks so much for the comment! I know you believe in your granddaughter and that is all some people need to not quit! I'll probably run into her in NYC someday when I get out there!

What a fun party!!

Roan said...

I believe I can see the love in this post!

Keith's Ramblings said...

How lovely to be surrounded by music on that special day. You must be so proud of your family.

Marguerite said...

Looks like there was plenty of love, music and joy! Really enjoyed this post. You must be so proud of your family.

Mine is here

floreta said...

thanks for sharing!! i play violin as well so I definitely know the joy of music, especially when playing holiday concerts :)

Rinkly Rimes said...

I'm in awe of your talented family! And they know how to laugh too!

present said...

Your post shows the love of your family. You are so fortunate! Happy Holidays.

John E. Tran said...

As the song lyrics go, "I believe in music; I...I believe in love!"

What a loving an talented family you have. I wished I had taken my double-bass-playing beyond my high school years.

Cheers...

Unknown said...

**MERRY CHRISTMAS** Ocean is really adorable!

Unknown said...

Wow - what a beautiful family! Thanks so much for sharing!!!

Ocean - what a great name - never ending, never ceasing ...

DJPare said...

Looks like a fun time!
Glad you had a nice Christmas.

quin browne said...

what fun!

Unknown said...

Lucky you!

Tammie Lee said...

Oh my goodness, your sharing has me smiling and my heart overflowing with good spirit. I feel so happy for you and yours!

Christy Woolum said...

I love the faces of joy on everyones' faces. What a gift to have all the talent and music to help celebrate the holidays!

Tumblewords: said...

Charming family! I'm delighted to have shared (vicariously) a little of your wonderful celebration!

ChefDruck said...

What wonderful pictures! I could really feel the joy and what a special musical family you have. Thank you for sharing Granny!

Gel said...

Your photos are worth more than 1000 words. Loving, talented, joyful family. THanks for sharing.

Head Cookie said...

What a great holiday and a loving family. I believe you had a great time and a lot of good pics to put in an album to reflect back on at another day.

Anonymous said...
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Sandra.if said...

Your joy is contagious...thank you!

Andy Sewina said...

Hi Granny, what a wonderful family you have!

Rob Kistner said...

Phyllis -

What a wonderful post, rich with love and the warmth of Christmas!

I too embrace the power of music and the magic of this season -- my favorite by far... ;)

Thank you for sharing...

...rob

Melody said...

What a joyous gift you have shared with us Granny, thank you. May the New Year be just as splendid.

TMTW said...

Can I place myself up for adoption and be added to your happy home?

It looks like you had a wonderful Christmas. May 2009 bring you even more blessings.