Cello Dreams

Last year I started a bucket list.

It actually consists of just a handful of things... but it's a work in progress...

I think I posted some of it on here at one point.

Anyways, one of the things on it is learning to play the cello.

You see, I love music. Always have.

I love to make music -- I play the piano and I played the clarinet in band all the way through middle and high school { that's where I fell in love with Phil actually -- but that's a story for another time :) }  And I love to sing...

And I love listening to other people make music.

It lifts me up.

So, I decided I loved the cello when I was young.  But, since I was already taking piano lessons, and participating in sports and band and everything else I never got the chance to pursue my cello dreams.

I've told Phil a hundred times, "I will learn to play the cello before I die."

He laughs at me and then says, "Then do it!"

Anyways -- on to the point of my post -- I stumbled upon this video recently.  It gives me goosebumps.  And makes me want to play the cello that much more.

Enjoy.

Hunger Games

Almost every time I go into Target, I scan through an aisle called "recommended reading."  And I always get ideas as to what book I should read next.

So, awhile ago I saw this one...

I quickly skimmed the back cover synopsis (I never read the entire thing because it always gives more of the plot away than I wanted to know) and decided this would go somewhere near the top of my mental need to read book list.

Then I started seeing it on my kindle top 100 list... and then on pinterest...

So, I decided it would buy it and take it camping at Higgins Lake.

And let me tell you...

It was so good.

I had to pace myself so I wouldn't sit down and read the entire book in one sitting.

There are a total of three books in the series, and I highly recommend them. I don't want to give away any plot points, so I'll just say it's an action packed series that had just the right amounts of sci-fi, action/adventure, and romance.

If you love to read, this is definitely a can't miss series.  Read it!!

Talent

So, I was introduced to a new singer/songwriter recently.  Her name is Jilian Linklater.

She's actually my cousin's cousin.

Have a listen...

Isn't she excellent!?!?

I was not expecting her to be so good.  I'm so impressed by her!

She has a gorgeous voice and I love the way her fingers flow over her guitar...

And you can just tell she's enjoying herself.  And that makes me happy  : )

Friday Night Extravaganza

So my Friday night started off pretty good.

Let me elaborate...

Yup... a mocha coconut frappuccino and walking aimlessly around target equals a very happy Rachel.

Whoever decided to put Starbucks inside Target was a freaking genius  : )

So, now I'm back from my excursion and my plans for tonight are wonderful...

Phil's at work so it's just me and the dog at home, enjoying some of the following:

• California Pizza Kitchen - Garlic Chicken Pizza

• SoCo and Simply Lemonade

• Endless episodes of Lost on netflix

• Pinterest, pinterest, and more pinterest

Sounds like a pretty satisfying evening to me.

Hope your Friday night is as relaxing as mine!