Saturday, January 5, 2008 - The "Reel" Movies

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to tell you about a new website I have started : The "Reel" Movies. I just love the old black and white musicals especially! But there's just something about the old movies with the sophistication, orchestral scores, fascinating dance numbers, and classy vocals. The era of Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire, Audrey Hepburn,  Bing Crosby, and many more. I would love to introduce you to the "reel" movies.

www.homeschoolblogger.com/thereelmovies

I would love for you to check out my website and let me know what you think!

Thanks!

May God bless you,

          ~Hannah

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Monday, December 24, 2007 - Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!

    May you have a wonderful day as you celebrate the greatest Gift of all!

    Blessings,

              ~HannahElizabeth

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Thursday, December 20, 2007 - "Peace on earth, good will to men!"

“I heard the bells on Christmas day, their old familiar carols play, and

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Saturday, December 15, 2007 - More A Christmas Carol Photos!

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Friday, December 14, 2007 - "God Bless Us, Everyone!"

Hello everyone,

    I apologize I am a little behind with keeping up with comments and everything. My schedule has been a fairly hectic one as my fellow A Christmas Carol cast mates can testify. :)

    We have our very final performance this evening. I am saddened to think of it as being over, but I can't ingore the wonderful 12 performances we have already put on. Our cast has gone under an amazing transformation as our performances have become incredibly tight and cast members have started considering others as "family". The King Opera House, to me at least, has become home, and then more than home. I just love being there and I am going to miss it greatly once we leave.

   My grandparents came in town yesterday evening to get to see and they got some really good photos. You can kind of see my Spirit of Christmas Past costume in these, but I'll try to get a better one of the costume sometime too.

     Hope you all have a great week and please keep the cast in your prayers as we perform once more tonight!

    God bless!

                ~Hannah

"Carol of the Bells"

"Do you remember this place?"

"He has spent but a few pounds of your mortal money. Is that so much that he deserves this praise?" "No, but the happiness he gave is as much as if it cost a fortune!"

Cast Photo

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Friday, December 7, 2007 - Five down, eight more to go...

Hello everyone,

   I just wanted to make a quick update while I had a few spare minutes!

   Performances are going well! Our audience tonight was amazing and so responsive, so we (the cast) really enjoyed tonight's performance. I don't have any good photos of my spirit costume yet but I'll try to get some soon. We've been experimenting with putting glitter in my hair! I love it! ;)

    Here is a photo my mom snapped of me before our performance yesterday... the theatre we are performing in is so majestic and grand yet still captures the quaintness of the small town... I love being there. And of course, who doesn't love red velvet curtains? :)

    Please keep us in our prayers! I'll have more photos coming soon!

    God bless!

         ~HannahElizabeth

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Wednesday, December 5, 2007 - "...And therefore, though it's never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket... I say, God bless it!

Quote: "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens

Well it's day three of our Christmas Carol performances! We have put on two performances so far, one Monday night and one yesterday evening. Response has been slightly slow so far but we are very excited about it and we are looking forward everything picking up as we near the weekend. I'm including several photos, one of my sisters and I in the foyier of the Opera House last night, and then a couple of some of the costumes I made for other cast members. (Thanks for modeling, Eliza!)

We would love for you to continue praying for the cast and crew! Also, if you would like, check out our official Earthen Vessels Drama Ministry website at: www.evdrama.com .

"God bless us, Everyone!"

~HannahElizabeth

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Wednesday, November 28, 2007 - Four more days!

Hello everyone...

            Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

            I am so excited about Christmas and everything that is going on! I’ve almost even finished all of my Christmas shopping! We’re down to four more days and three more practices before our first performance! I am so excited and I’m very much looking forward to it. I’m stressing about it some too, but I’m trusting that as long as we’re putting God first He will bless it and will use our efforts! I can’t wait to see what will happen! If you think of it, please join us in praying for this production, for the people who will be coming to see it, and for the cast and crew as well!

            I can hear “Frosty the Snowman” from where my sisters are watching it in the living room.  Have you ever thought about how the first thing Frosty says isn’t “Merry Christmas” but “Happy Birthday”? It seems like a mishap but perhaps that snowman was celebrating the real Reason for the season all along.

            Well I need to go check the cookies I have in the oven so I better go! I’ll try to post some costume photos tomorrow!

            God bless!
            ~HannahElizabeth

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Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

            I just love Thanksgiving and this time of year. I can hardly wait to make the pumpkin pies, and I’m looking forward to watching the Macy’s Parade as well. I’ve enjoyed the parade every year for as long as I can remember.

            Well we’re down to 13 more days until our first performance! Practice has gone really well lately so I am getting very excited but I am still wishing for a little more time. :)

            I finally have my costumes completely finished! I’ll try to post photos of them soon.

            Well I need to sign off but I just wanted to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving!

            In Christ,

                        ~Hannah

 “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.  Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!  For His mercy endures forever.” ~ Psalm 136:1-3 

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Friday, November 16, 2007 - In which the countdown begins....

Hello all,

                        I hope you have had a great week! This one has been busy once again but good as well!

                        This afternoon I baked over 100 chocolate chip cookies while listening to my Bing Crosby Christmas cd.

                        Speaking of Christmas, can you believe there are only 38 more days! And, believe it or not, (I think I would rather not!) there are only 16 more days (yes, I said 16 !) until our first performance! Don’t get me wrong, I am so excited, but, I for one certainly would not mind a little more time (and a few more practices!) before we start performing! It’s hard to believe it’s getting so close!            

                        I almost have my Spirit costume completely finished! I ran out of sequin thread today, but one more spool will finish up the other sleeve and then it will be all ready to go.

                        Well, I’m afraid this is going to be rather a short post as I still have a rather long list of things that I need to do before tomorrow. May you have a Blessed week-end!

                        In Christ,

                                    ~Hannah

                        “Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praises on the harp to our God.” ~Psalm 147:7

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Tuesday, November 6, 2007 - Thankfulness, too many flats, and other things... :)

             Alright, this post is for Dadrian, as she seems to think my posts are too far apart for her taste. :) But in my thinking, I have finally advanced from posting once every one or two months to around twice a month! Isn’t that a commendable achievement? ;) 

           I hope this finds you all having a good week! Yesterday I had homeschool choir practice; and would you believe the Sleigh Bells song is getting easier every week? Unfortunately though, after the really fast “jing-a-ling-a-ring-a-ring-a-ring” part when I got into the next verse I found myself singing that birds were ‘ringing’ rather than the written ‘singing’. :) After that was “A Christmas Carol” practice. Our “time is growing short” but I think things are coming together well. (that was one of my lines by the way :)

            Today was the usual, school studies, then I taught a piano lesson, then practice my own piano for a considerable amount of time. I’ve recently been assigned a version of “Simple Gifts” that is written in a key of six flats. At the time I can’t remember what the actual key is but I do know it is not a good one. :) Then I took Princésse out for a walk. The trees are all turning orange and red and yellow and I just love the way that the pines and cedars stand out against them. So pretty.

            Anyways... I was thinking about Thanksgiving and how quickly it is approaching and I wanted to share with you something I read awhile back on thankfulness...

"All of God’s grace abounds toward you, all of Christ’s riches are made available to you, and all spiritual blessings are provided for you. In Christ, you have received the treasure that can never be taken away, the hope that can never fade away, and the life that will never pass away.

God wants us, as His children, to cultivate thankfulness. Why does He desire this?

Thankfulness is not something God gives us. It is not a spiritual gift and it is not a spiritual fruit. We can receive God’s peace, joy, and love, but thankfulness is something that we give to God and to others. It is a choice that we make. Let us thank Him today with songs of celebration, hearts of strong diction, and acts of admiration."

          Wishing you a Blessed week,

                        ~Hannah

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Friday, November 2, 2007 - Random update...

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Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - Purple Inspirations (and more!)

Hello all,

            I wanted to tell you about “Purple Inspirations”, an online business by my friend Jolene (who by the way is a homeschool graduate). She makes custom made flower arrangements that are beautiful! She also does custom photo slide shows and other things as well! I know she would love for you to visit her website! users.wildblue.net/purpleinspirations .

            While I’m at it, another I would recommend is Brielle’s Wardrobe: www.homeschoolbloggger.com/BrielleCostumes . Brielle is another homeschooled girl who makes gorgeous book- and movie-inspired costumes.

            And my own. :) www.homeschoolblogger.com/HannahsHats . Hand-made Crochet Boutique.

            Hope you all have a great week!

            In Christ,

                  ~Hannah

"She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands." ~Proverbs 31:13

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Tuesday, October 16, 2007 - "Legacy"

Hello friends,

            I hope you are doing well. We have the windows open and the cool breeze just feels so autumn-y. (I do know that is not a word but I could not find another quite as fitting.) ;)

            We had our graduation class photos taken last Friday. I can hardly believe I am finally nearing the end of my school years. Photos were fun and getting to start planning the ceremony has been really fun too. I do believe I have finally chosen my song for my slide show. Those of you who know me can testify that it has been chosen through much meditation and consideration (though there are some who might substitute the word ‘indecisiveness’ there). ;) But, I think I have finally reached a decision with the lovely song “Legacy” written and recorded by Nichole Nordeman.

“I want to leave a legacy; how will they remember me?

Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things?

I want to leave an offering, a child of mercy and grace

who blessed Your Name unapologetically

and leave that kind of legacy.”

            We have seven more weeks before Christmas Carol performances begin. I must say I am very much looking forward to it but I’m a little anxious at the same time at the prospect of merely seven weeks. I couldn’t be more excited about it though. And it’s simply amazing how often the lines come to mind. :) I find myself quoting them non-stop! You’ll have to watch the preview at the top of my blog if you have not yet seen it. It’s not the best, but you can see a little of what it is like.  

           Which also reminds me, if you haven't yet seen the photos I posted of the "Royal Sheltie" you simply must scroll down and see them. ;)

            Well I hope you have a good week, and I close out now with a quote:

            “God bless us, everyone!”

                                    ~Hannah

            “Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”   ~Isaiah 40:30~31

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Saturday, October 13, 2007 - The Princésse and her royal hat...

Thought you all might enjoy these photos I took today of my sheltie, Princésse :)  

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Saturday, October 6, 2007 - Bonjour les amis !

Hello friends,

            Hope you all have had a good week. I’ve been rather busy but it’s all been good. I’ve gotten involved in a homeschool choir and we are currently preparing for our Christmas concert. Have I ever mentioned that I *love* Christmas music? :) It’s been so much fun to learn. Speaking of Christmas, I was at the mall yesterday evening with a dear friend and JC Penneys had the most gorgeous Christmas tree, all decorated in red and gold and the most elaborate ornaments. It was so beautiful. I’m quite ready to put up my small tree in my room, but I think that will have to wait for a while, seeing as we are barely into October. :)

            We’ve also started planning our homeschool graduation for this spring. I’m so excited! Unfortunately it’s been too easy to get carried away with graduation plans and forget about my school studies, but I suppose I must finish that up before graduation will be needed. :)

            I’ve really been into a song lately by the McRaes called “He Knows My Name”. The lyrics aren’t anything innovative or deeply poetic. In fact they are things I’ve known my whole life. But what an awesome reminder:

“[God] counts the stars one and all

He knows how much sand in on the shore

He sees every sparrow that falls

He made the mountains and the seas

He’s in control of everything

Of all creatures great and small.

And He knows my name.”

            I think it’s easy to kind of skim over the first part, but if you really stop to think about it, how Awesome is our God! He created the mountains and the seas, out of nothing! He is in control of everything. Yet He knows my name! It goes on to say “(He knows) Every step that I take, every move that I make, every tear that I cry.” And not only does He know every step that we take, but He is there to guide us through each one. I know for me, looking ahead to after graduation, and even now, there are a lot of decisions to be made; it can be a little overwhelming! But what an encouragement to know that He is there with me at each and every step.

            Well I should go, as I have several sewing projects I’m hoping to get started with today.

            May you have a Blessed week in Him,

                        ~Hannah

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Saturday, September 22, 2007 - Fall is (almost!) here...

         Only one more day! I don’t know why I am so excited about it this year. I guess because there are so many exciting things to be looking forward to this fall and winter. And the cooler weather is always wonderful!

         Well I hope you all have had a great week. My family took a quick two-day trip to Branson, Missouri. Tuesday we enjoyed some fabulous shopping (can you say Tanger Outlet Mall? I love it!). Wednesday we spent at Silver Dollar City. I love it there; the atmosphere is just so much fun. They had an all new musical, “Headin’ West.” The theatrics were amazing! I came away quite inspired and looking forward to our “Christmas Carol” production. We start practices next week and I am so in the Christmas spirit already. :)

         I’ve really been into the Psalms lately. Psalm 33:11~15 is a passage that I have been reading a lot recently.

11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
         The plans of His heart to all generations.
 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
         The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.
          13 The LORD looks from heaven;
         He sees all the sons of men.
 14 From the place of His dwelling He looks
         On all the inhabitants of the earth;
 15 He fashions their hearts individually;
         He considers all their works.

        I usually stick with either the King James or New King James versions, but verse 15 in the New Living Translation I think is really beautiful:

15 He made their hearts,
      so he understands everything they do.

         What a beautiful picture, to know that God “fashioned” (formed, created) our hearts “individually” (separately, one at a time). His plans of His heart will endure to all generations.  What a beautiful thought.

         May you have a Blessed week filled with His joy. And while you’re here I would love for you to leave me a comment so I will know you have visited my site! Sometimes I feel as if I am talking to myself. :)

May God bless you!

~Hannah

“I will sing unto the LORD, because He hath dealt bountifully with me.” Psalm 13:6

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Sunday, September 16, 2007 - A Christmas Carol Movie ~ The Preview

Hello friends,

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Tuesday, September 4, 2007 - Literature, Autumn, and other things...

Hello friends,

            I decided it’s time to post for this month. :) Mrs. M if you read this, I loved what you said about blogging “seasonally”.  I’ve even thought about adding it across the top : “Hannah’s Website ~ A Seasonal Blog”. But then I decided just to try harder to update more often. ;)

            I’ve been really busy lately but with enjoyable things mostly, school being the exception. :) I have five piano students right now and I am enjoying it immensely. I love music so much and it is really a privilege to get to teach the joy of it to others.

            I finished reading the entire Bible a week or two ago. I don’t say this in any way to brag or anything like that (rather I wish that I would have read the whole Bible much earlier than now), but I do hope if you have not ever read the whole Bible in it’s entirety that you would make it a goal of yours to do so. I know I will never cease to be amazed how God can use any Bible reading format (365 day in my case) to give us the specific scriptures we need for each and every day! How amazing!

            Well lets see what all else I have been up to lately... crocheting and reading some...I’m trying to pick which work of classic literature to read next; I’m thinking “Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens but I am not yet sure. It will probably be either that or another Jane Austen. I’m studying for my drivers license.... yes I know, I still don’t have one. :) But do you know I believe that study guide gets longer each time I pick it up! ;)

            I’m so ready for the cooler weather ~ and I think it may be finally coming! It’s amazing how I rejoice at return of the 80 degree days when I mourn the arrival of them in Spring! :) But I can hardly wait until it will be time for scarves and hot chocolate and snowflakes, and Christmas music! We’ll be starting Christmas play practices at the end of this month and I know that there will be no getting me out of the Christmas spirit after that! :) But until then I’m just looking forward to the arrival of autumn weather. Hopefully it won’t delay too much longer.

            Well may you have a very Blessed week. Wait on the Lord and may He be your strength!

            God bless!
                        ~Hannah

“Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”                                                                                                                                                 ~Isaiah 40:30~31

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Thursday, August 9, 2007 - "then sings my Soul..."

Hello friends,

           I hope you all are doing well! My fall schedule is quickly getting busy! It would nearly feel like it was truly autumn were it not for the 100 degree days that we have been having.

            Several weeks ago in church we were singing the beautiful yet familiar hymn “How Great Thou Art”. I’ve always loved the majestic and sacred feeling to it. And yet, as we sang it that time, the words I had sung over and over so many times suddenly struck me with their startling beauty. We all know the words to the chorus, “Then sings my soul...” and that’s where it struck me. Then sings my soul; un-restricted by tempo, flats, sharps, warming up or anything that may hinder our voices at times. When the soul sings, none of those things matter anymore!

            It seems to me the Psalms state the very same thing.  “My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto Thee; and my soul, which Thou hast redeemed.” ~Psalm 71:23.

            May you have a Blessed day, and may you never forget to let your soul sing and praise the One who has redeemed you!

                        ~Hannah

            “Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee! How great Thou art!”

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