So Much Snow

The snow we got last week....

it really was a LOT! 

It's melting quickly, so that's good.




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It Won't Stop Snowing

I have lived in snowy places...

I lived in Vermont for 4 1/2 years and then in Minnesota and then in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I've seen a lot of snow! When we moved to Oregon, I was happy to leave the snow shovels behind because you can't shovel rain. Sure...we've had a dusting every now and then the past 9 years but nothing crazy. What's crazy is the ice storms we get.

Then last fall we moved to Hood River...just an hour east of Portland in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge where winter snowstorms are more common. But this storm isn't common...it's crazy! We have a couple feet of snow and it just keeps snowing. 

It has given me the opportunity to practice getting some macro shots of snowflakes....

This first one is my favorite....the temperatures were just cold enough for it to be perfectly formed. 

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A Winter Walk

We got a little snow this week. It was so beautiful when we woke up and we decided to go for an early morning walk.

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Music Goals

Once upon a time I played my violin (and taught) all day, every day.

And then I had two daughters of my own. 

And we moved 3 times. (from VT to MN to MI to OR)

And I started homeschooling my daughters. 

I still played a little and taught a little, but basically I was a violinist only because I owned a violin.

2018 was the year that I really started playing the violin again. I challenged myself to practice 100 days in a row and I completed the challenge in December. I loved it so much that I have continued practicing daily and am currently on day 140. 

Last week I issued myself a new challenge that I'm calling the "1-2-3" challenge. Every week I will practice at least 1 hour 1 day (easy), 2 hours another day (harder) and 3 hours yet another day (takes some planning!). It's only been one week, but I have found myself much more excited about practicing - especially on the longer days. And, I'm planning my practice sessions more - both in terms of when I practice and what I practice.

It feels so good to have this renewed passion for playing my violin. I feel like a violinist again!

My Corner of the World,  Pictorial Tuesday and Image-in-ing 

From My Corner of the World

A few shots I've taken from my yard and neighborhood recently....

Mt. Hood

Mt. Hood again

sunrise

frosty dandelion

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It's More Than a Dress

I had two concerts over the weekend...we played selections from the Nutcracker Suite and Messiah. I cannot even begin to tell you how much fun it is for me to be part of an orchestra again!

During the month of December, I'm wearing a dress every single day. Why? I'm participating in Dressember...an international fashion challenge to raise awareness and funds in the fight against human trafficking. Modern day slavery is a huge problem and fighting it takes a lot of money. I know that young girls are the most vulnerable to human trafficking. I have two young daughters. I also have a passion for doing my part to make things right and just. If wearing a dress every day for the rest of my life would eliminate the evil of human trafficking, I'd be the first to sign up. 

If you want to donate to this cause, here is a link to my team page.... Dressed to Bless.

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Carol of the Bells

A little treat from my girls and I....

and some pretty snow pictures because we got snow!

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Advent is Here!

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Dressember

December is almost here! The arrival of December used to always be about the Christmas tree, but now it's all about the dress.

Dressember is a growing campaign that uses a fashion statement to raise awareness and funds in the fight against human trafficking. Last year over $1 million was raised. Very few people have the skills and training to operate rescue missions, but all of us have the ability to wear a dress (or tie) to speak up for those who are victims. 

This year my youngest daughter is joining me in wearing a dress every day. Would you consider supporting us? You can follow our journey on instagram @fiddlejillsdresses or visit our team donation page Dressed to Bless. 

And now I'm off to find a comfortable pair of pants to wear....only 3 more days of pants!

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Collecting Beauty

Sometimes I grab my camera and head out the door in search of beauty. I recently had an hour to spend while my daughter was at a library event, so I walked around town capturing the beauty I saw around me. It's not as obvious this time of year, but it's still there.

Wednesday Around the World,  Pictorial Tuesday and Image-in-ing