Feather Pen's First Workshop

I have been writing this for over two years.  TWO!  Well, let's be real.  It's a very off and on relationship because I am also a Mom.  And a wife.  So I write hard for a few months, and then I don't for a few months.  The difference between writing Feather Pen Fairy Tales and writing Cursed By a Woman (my first), is I had no clue what I was doing with Cursed.  I had no professionals to guide me.  I didn't know formulas.  I didn't know what a protagonist was.  Or a story arc.  I didn't know any of those terms.  I didn't know if it was any good.  I also wrote a lot of songs before I even had the script in place.  With my second, I STILL didn't really know what I was doing.  I just had an idea.  The past six months I have been working with a mentor, Caroline Russell-King, and what a difference it has made!  I mean, it's not really her job to tell me if my story is good or not, so I still don't really know!  Ha!  But, she is there to poke holes in my story, give me formulas, and leave me to figure them out.  She has taught me so much and I thank her for it.  Two days ago was my first workshop for Feather Pen.  Getting these things organized is probably the worst thing ever.  People flake because I have no money to pay them to stay.  They come because they are my friend, or they truly want the educational experience, or they are doing me a favour, or they want to add to their resume, or they want to network, or they think it's fun.  But if they have to work late suddenly or a paying gig comes up, or they don't have a babysitter, ....all those things become my problem!!  It is very stressful to live in a world of noncommittal people.  This is theatre.  And it's the worst.

But the best are workshops that go well.  Which I think it did.  After a bit of last minute scrambling, I was able to breathe and focus the day of and those in attendance did a great job.  I was a lot less nervous this time around (I couldn't sleep before "Cursed's" workshop), because I knew what to expect.  Caroline did her job and poked holes in my story.  And I have given myself a month to edit and get all the music in place (most of the songs are already written, but with the edits I will need to make changes, etc.  And write new ones, one of which I just wrote yesterday called "You Were In The Market" and it's really cute).   I have spent the past few days writing, which is really hard to do when you know it is 30 degrees outside.  But easier when you know you only have a limited time to write.  Usually Jane's nap time.  I may have already cried about all the work ahead of me.  Today actually.  I'm going to try to just keep it to that one, and get to it.  What else can I do?  All this being said, I am really excited about this musical.  I think I'm getting it.

I think.

Hashtag Granny Bees Farm

It's not really a farm.  But they keep bees.  So.  A farm of bees.  And there's a chicken coop (chickens yet to be added).  And their lot is massive.  And there's a pond with lots of frogs.  And not one, but two gardens.  So.  It's basically a farm.  Right?  The kids could stay there all day because if they get bored of one thing, there's a nice long list of other fun activities they could do.  Rob and Colette officially moved in last Saturday.  And we came to visit the very next day, which I'm sure they loved!  Thankfully, the kids spent most of their time outside anyway.

Zoe even needed to take a break from her day.  Playing is exhausting work.

Ellie always surprises me. On that list of surprises is the amount she loves to hunt frogs (which might make other girls squeal---me) whom she lovingly names and becomes best friends with for the rest of the day.

It was a bit chilly during our visit, but that sure didn't stop my kids.  Except for maybe Zoe.

I am always sure to wear shoes, because I would hate to stomp on one of Ellie's treasured friends.  They're pretty cute.

Then there's this little raggamuffin!  Sure.  She's cute in this picture.  But in the moment?  I had about five hundred heart-attacks in the span of five seconds near the pond with her.  She just wants to walk right in.  I forgot her life jacket on this trip, so I put Zoe's floaties on her, and, well?  They were massive.  She is also a goggle-thief and basically just get what she wants.  Because she's a screamer!!!  But come to think of it, she might have been screaming because her diaper was full of mud and water.

Jackson was a dream to have around.  Whenever I was feeling overwhelmed with this little toot, he was there to give me fifteen or twenty minutes here and there and take her away from me.  She is at a very busy stage in life.  Not to mention, very independent.  And she screams at you.  You never really know what she wants because her favourite word is "no."  Which also means "yes."  She is a true woman I guess.

Noah has said more than once how much fun he had at the farm.  When I asked him what his favourite thing to do there was, he said, "jump on the tramp."

And when I say that Granny has gardens, I mean real ones.  She always has fresh strawberries to be picked (and wild raspberry bushes), snap peas, and lot of flowers for the bees (and other rows---no idea what they are.  Maybe rhubarb?).  Our favourite of course are the fresh strawberries.  Jane and I had a good time eating those.  Man.  You have never tasted something so sweet!  Except, of course, the fresh honey.

One thing that I tried to do while there was read.  As soon as Jane went down for a nap, I put my phone away and remembered how much I love reading.  Jackson was often my reading companion. 

Joe taught me and the boys how to mow the lawn in this thing.  It was fun.  I didn't love mowing around the bees!  But I enjoyed the beautiful sunshine on my face.  I think between all of us, this thing took two hours to mow!  I also think this was Noah's second favourite thing to do at the farm.

I look forward to many-a-visits here.  And what will be exciting is experiencing the visits through the various seasons.  The skating rink when the pond freezes.  The sledding hill.  Playing in the shop.  Visiting around a warm fire.  And hopefully next Summer, some chickens.

The Pippets is Five

 This gorgeous girl just turned five today.  And when I say gorgeous, I mean inside and out.  This is how our morning went.  Zoe was the centre of attention because, well, she's the birthday girl.  Her door was decorated with balloons and streamers.  She got "birthday cereal" (that she shared).  She had a banner hung that Ellie made her.  And I gave her a gift in the morning (school clothes) complete with a rainbow necklace to tie in with the "theme" of her birthday party.  Ellie.  Dear.  Sweet.  Ellie.  The Ellie I almost left at home with a babysitter, makes a big stink about how she's not getting presents and Zoe is getting everything.  Hasn't Ellie already had seven of her own birthdays?  Hasn't Ellie already been to a million of her friend's birthday parties to KNOW that the birthday girl is and should always be the centre of attention on her birthday?  Well.  Zoe noted Ellie's behaviour and felt bad for her, so she went straight up to her and gave her the necklace that she had JUST unwrapped and put on.  This is the kind of sweet soul I have living in my house.  Whatever day of the month it is for Ellie, Zoe always seems to find a way to balance it out.  Aaaaand then after a couple hours Zoe let her know she wanted that necklace back.  Haha!

When I asked Zoe what kind of a party she wanted, she said rainbows.  That about sums her up.  After I bought all the supplies, she wanted to change it to kitties.  Not a surprise because that ALSO sums her up.  I said no.  And then after I had made the cake she said it would look better if the icing was brown.  Haha!  A chocolate lover like her Mama.

We rented out the pavilion so Zoe's friends AND their families could join, so it was a proper party with lots of friends to be had.  Thankfully the cake was massive and fed everyone.  We even had leftover ice cream somehow!  Noah, Maryn Johnson and Rachel Leavitt working their magic on Ellie.

Jackson also got a turn.  They got a kick out of his tiny "sea-shells."  Kids?  Skye Chubak, Hannah, Rachel, Noah, and Ethan Johnson.

I literally made no plans for activities.  The beach was the activity and that was just fine with these kids.  They played nonstop, and it was almost a chore for them to HAVE to eat cake and stop their worlds to open presents.  Haha!  They had a blast.  Back, L-R: Miriam Steed, Hannah Steed, Zoe.  Front L-R: Maci Hill, Paisley Johsnon.  (Missing are the boys who were tied at the hip: Chase Leavitt and Parker Hill).

Little Pip.  I can't even handle your cuteness sometimes.  You are loud but sweet.  Bossy yet gentle.  Social, but snuggly.  I often find you on the lap of whatever parent or authority is in charge.  At church, it is your CTR4 teacher (sweet Kimberly Gordon).  At a friend's house, it is their Mom.  At home, it is me.  You love to be loved, and thankfully you are easy to love.  Each time I think about sending you away to Kindergarten I feel sick.  But I know you will be in good hands and your school teacher too will soon know the feel of your cute, squishy bottom on her lap in no time.  Spreading the love.  That's what you do.  That's who you are.

These days your thing is drawing and colouring at the table.  You could do that for hours.  And you are good!  There is not enough refrigerator space for all your artwork, and I'm sure there will be no shortage with Kindergarten around the corner.  You also love to sing.  Your raspy vibrato is one of my most favourite things in the world.  You have also become very social this year.  It's almost painful to be at home with you if you don't have a friend over (especially during the school year when the other kids were at school).  When that friend comes over (usually Paisley Johnson or Lillian Bateman), you play and play and play.  It is wonderful.  No drama.  Just lots of hearty giggling.  Another one of my favourite things that I wish I could just bottle up.

I love you Zoe!  Happy birthday my little sweetheart.

Love, Mom

Moroni's Quest

 And just like that, all of those hours of hard work were absolutely worth it.  This weekend was our Youth's camp in the Foothills Stake called, "Moroni's Quest."  Throughout the weekend the kids either watched or were involved in various reenactments from the Book of Mormon.  They were divided into different tribes with tribe leaders and would often hold discussions after each reenactment and have a mini-fireside with their tribe at the end of the day.  I got to be apart of this, people!  What an amazing journey to watch these kids see the Book of Mormon come to life, or even better, immerse themselves in these touching stories from long ago.

I was involved in a few ways.  Last year, I was asked to help with the theme song.  I wrote a partner song to "Book of Mormon Stories" that the kids sang at various times throughout the year at firesides and in meetings as well as this weekend.  I also got to direct the first eight reenactments.  Lehi's journey to the Promised Land.  Without fail, I came to each of these rehearsals grumpy.  I knew that I needed to be in the right mind to direct these scenes, so I relied heavily on the Lord.  I would come early to rehearsal and sit in my car.  Breathe.  And then I would pray.  And without fail, not only did our scenes come together, but I also came away from rehearsals feeling the Spirit.  God's hand was 100% in this.  I think my favourite scene to watch was when the sons return from Jerusalem with the plates.  Laman (Mark Walker) threw his stuff to the ground and sprinted to his Mom, Sariah (Teralee Pircher) and swooped her up in a hug.  Definitely had tears there.  Sam (Colton Blum) did the same with father Lehi.  I think what's so moving about Laman hugging his Mom that way is it makes him human.  It gives him a heart.  In the scriptures it always talks about Laman and Lemuel making all these dumb choices and murmuring, etc.  But they had hearts and they loved their family.  They had many moments of good and change.  This moment was one of them.  It made me think of sons returning home from their mission.  I wasn't able to capture every moment with my camera because I had to have my director hat on, but I did managed to capture a few shots of my wonderful team.

 My dear friends, Dallin and Tami Doney (with their "Bishop's Blessing."  Or, fake baby).

Poor Lehi (Mark Pitcher) had to eat his lunch very carefully.  Haha!  This man.  What a sweetheart.  He truly was the father of our little group.

Craig Matthiewson played an incredible Nephi.  Colton Blum was Sam, Dallin Doney was Lemuel and Mark Walker was Laman.  Below is my favourite scene.  Partly because Dallin and Mark were hilarious as the evil brothers.  This is where Nephi and Sam were constructing tools to build a ship.  Laman and Lemuel were making fun of them and were about to hurt Nephi when he stretches forth his hand and through the power of God shocks them.  Up to this point it's all pretty funny.  But then, there's a softening of Laman and Lemuel's hearts and they have this connection with Nephi.  Almost like an, "okay.  We get it.  God is with you, brother."  I wish I could explain it.  But it's a powerful moment and I always tear up watching that change from pride to humility.

L-R: Nephi (Craig), Sam (Colton), Lemuel (Dallin), Laman (Mark).

Isn't this boat incredible!!!?  Someone built this ship just for Moroni's Quest!  Here is the gang (and my dearest Kelly Moore, the head director, in white beside me) all together before our journey to the Promised Land.

Lehi holding the liahona (post-lunch/sans moustache.  Ha!).  Aren't these props and set pieces amazing?!

 What an amazing journey to be apart of this with these incredible people.  Part of the joy was everyone's commitment to rehearsals and the fact that they really wanted to be apart of this. It showed.

L-R: Liv Price, Rachel, Scott, Craig and Carrie Mathiewson, Cosette and Mark Walker, Mark Pitcher, Me, Teralee Pitcher, Dallin and Tami Doney, Colton Blum, Kate Long, and Kent Pomares.

I got to be apart of the Tree of Life reenactment as well.  This time I got to be an evil influence in the great and spacious building.  My job was to try to get those kids to let go of the rod of iron and join me.  It was a terrible feeling calling those kids "fools!" and mocking them as they held fast to that rod and continued on to the Tree of Life.  I am happy to report that not one kid left the rod because of me.  Some left to pet a puppy, or for money, or doughnuts, or to drive a sweet car, but not for me.  My platter of cookies wasn't tempting enough I guess!  I am glad they had their eye on the prize.  They strung popcorn balls on the tree (the fruit) and the tree was lit with Christmas lights.  It was incredible.

I missed the Stripling Warrior's scene the following day, but I heard it was incredible.  I came just as the kids were reading their letters from their Mother's.  Lots of tears.  I was really hoping to see the Stripling Warrior's scene and prayed that it would be what I needed that day to strengthen me (I was having just about the most terrible day a person could have).  When I found out I had missed it entirely (they were ahead of schedule) I was really disappointed.  Why didn't God answer my prayer?  And then God did.  The kids were in their Ward groups bearing their testimonies and sharing their experiences of that day.  THAT is what I needed.  Hearing those kids talk about their experiences was something really special.  I need to be better at trusting God.  Sheesh.

 I came back because I was also asked to come MC skit night that evening.  They wanted me to bring my guitar and host a sing-along between skits if they needed set-up time.  I mostly just played "name that tune" and had a contest with some of the youth to see if they could beat me in doing "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" the fastest.  I am still the reigning champion.  It was fun to interact with the youth.  As I was preparing for this, I kept thinking, I should sing "Tempted By the Storm" (which is a song I wrote several years ago, but totally still pertinent to my life today).  It's a song about knowing why you do the things you do.  Why do you read scriptures?  Why go to church?  Why follow Christ?  What is the purpose of it all?  We have storms all around us every day tempting us this way and that and shooting us with really hard stuff.  Ultimately it is Christ who helps us through those storms.  Anywho, I decided that if the opportunity presented itself to sing that song, then I would.  And if it didn't, then I would stick to fun upbeat games.  Well.  The opportunity came and I'm so glad I got to share that part of me with the youth.  I hope the song touched someone.

 Our last day was today.  I wasn't involved in today but I wanted to go because I knew the reenactment for Christ visiting the Americas was going to happen.  I got special permission to come and I'm so glad I did.  The kids were blindfolded while tumultuous music played.  They had to make their way across a large field into a ravine.  The music stopped after a while and it got really quiet.  All you could hear were the footsteps of the youth and their leaders leading them along.  I can only imagine what they were feeling trying to make their way in the dark.  They had no idea what was coming next.

Once they were situated in the ravine, the undid their blindfolds and Christ appeared over the hill.  I could not stop the tears from this point on.  He then proceeded to approach each person, called them BY NAME and hugged each one of them.  Our Stake President, President Spackman was dressed as Christ.  And what a great parallel of how God delegates and calls people to watch over his sheep.  

 He then gave the Sermon on the Mount.  The whole time I kept wondering, "is he going to give the leaders a hug?"  I so badly wanted a hug!  And each time I envisioned receiving an actual hug from Christ, I continued to cry.  What a touching and beautiful moment I got to partake in today.

Thank you to all those who participated in this HUGE production allowing these kids---and me---to be able to immerse ourselves a little more in the scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon.  It was amazing to see the scriptures come to life.  I really needed this.  Every once in a while I wonder if God really cares.  Did Christ really come?  Is the Book of Mormon of God?  My testimony was truly strengthened this weekend and my desire to really know the scriptures was reawakened.  An experience I will never forget.