Nell Hill's Stylish Weddings

My book has arrived from Pat! Thanks so much, Pat. I can't believe I actually won something just for being a die-hard blog surfer! Yay Me! If you haven't already done so, please go visit my buddy Pat at Back Porch Musings. She's always up to something good! In fact, I think she's been working on her dining room this week, so head over for a look-see! Look how sweetly she wrapped the book for me!
This book is "Nell Hill's Stylish Weddings" by Mary Carol Garrity. And while I'm not planning a wedding, this book is chock full of lovely photographs of inspirational tablescapes, floral arrangements, and gift-wrapping ideas. I just love me some entertainment eye candy! You can visit Mary Carol's website for more inspiration at Nell Hill's.com as well, and visit one of her stores--I would LOVE to do that myself some day, if I can ever find a map out of NY. Heh.

In other news, Kathleen had her spring concert last week, and it was really great. She's in the chorus and the band. The band has shown HUGE improvement this year, and it's great to be able to witness their progress. They are going to be in a NYSSMA competition this year as well, and I think they'll do very well. I think they're finally motivated!

Kathleen will play her clarinet in a clarinet/flute duet with a friend at NYSSMA, and they will be rated on their performance. She'll also be singing a solo--"The Rainbow Connection" is her song of choice this year. Last year she got "outstanding" remarks and scores. I have no doubt that it'll be the same this year. The kid has some musical talent! I'm glad she got at least SOMEthing from her momma! :) Here is a fairly lame video of the chorus singing. I don't have a video camera--I just use my hand-held digital, so the quality is iffy. I didn't take a band video because I couldn't see her cute face this time! I was on the wrong side of the auditorium! BAD mommy! In the chorus, she's in the second row from the top, second kid in--right above the girl in the bright red dress.