musical nourishment

i've been so caught up in busy busy writing that i've kinda forgotten what life was BEFORE this. as I sit before my computer here, i'm trying to reconstruct myself and see what I should be spending my time on.

firstly, a short recap. a couple of friends and I went to see Ron Sexsmith play last night @ the Vancouver East Cultural Centre (LOVELY theatre, lovely acoustics). I had really forgotten about the concert until a couple of days before, and wasn't really sure if I could sit for a couple of hours listening to music (especially because I've been so restless). However, despite the long wait outside, the concert was magnificent. yes, few instances where I would use "magnificent", but I shall use it here! Most notably, I loved loved loved the opening act. Jill Barber, and Les Cooper had a simple two-guitar arrangement...and just enthralled us with their jazzy folk. Her particular song on jazz musicians was particularly memorable. They even taught us a song acoustically!

Ron Sexsmith was of course...not disappointing. We tried to not directly look at him too much...heehee. Of course, "Secret Heart" and "Gold in them hills" were particularly memorable, as well as "A Reason for our love"(he said that he wished Bing Crosby/Michael Buble could sing that one...but I thought his voice was just lovely too). He's a really humble guy, and amazed me on one song at how he could emulate the sound of two guitars while playing only one.

During this busy time, I've been a little distant with my piano...it's kinda like we've broken up for the short term...however, I've been trying to get reacquainted and I hope that my piano will forgive me! I've been enjoying playing "have yourself a merry little christmas" which has such a lovely Amin7 chord at the end and "o come o come emmanuel" (which is also my favourite christmas hymn, snerk).

i'm trying to get into the holiday spirit...keyword...TRYING. i've been reflecting more on what this season means...and at the end of the day, there's nothing more important during christmas than to give thanks for the great gift of grace from above. "jesus is the reason for the season"=)
No need for gifts, fancy doo-dahs...but I do believe in lots of eating and family time! and baking...winter is the time for baking.

let's set aside the demands of our consumer culture...and just remember for once the great gifts of loved ones who require no cash to be obtained.