An End and a Beginning

Our business closed today, beginning a four-year hiatus (a lapse in continuity.)  Why only four years?  I am clearly optimistic about business-friendly changes coming in 2017.  The break will simplify capital preservation and provide time for patient preparation.  Better times lie years ahead; I feel positive.

This year was especially profitable, and rewarding in so many ways -- doing what we love, and getting paid for our service.  Everybody’s happy, we hope (about most things.)

The next part will be boring to some, and too familiar to others, so skip to the end (beginning.)  Our state charges a low annual fee for registration renewal.  Our fair city exacts a high annual fee for being honest and above board in doing business here, while it prohibits employees, signage/displays, and selling at our home office; we agreed and paid three times.  Our vibrant, growing county requires an annual report listing all business equipment, and payment of a tax if a low-$ threshold is crossed; this helped our short-term cash flow as it discouraged economy-boosting capital expenditure.  A fine website service put our business out there, never skipping a beat, but increased the low monthly fee by 45%; (what happened to low inflation?)  Kudos to Kinko’s (now FedEx Office) for inexpensive business cards which may return to action some day; (our company name is so unique and odd, it will be available in four, eight, or twelve years.) 

The list goes on, but not for Fast Food.  Treats (and Kay) are calling me, while sparkling cider waits for the Square ball to drop.

As we end the wonderful old year of 2012, let us begin a simpler, new year, with a focus on family.  Make it happy!

Christmas Choirs

This one’s for music lovers.  As Christmas music has blessed my life this season, an early-morning pause before choir practice brought to mind some great choirs I’ve enjoyed in the past, and a heavenly choir I’ve read about, which blessed the scene of our Savior’s birth.  On the first day of this special week, I decided to share a few, including some results of a survey I took among several friends at church. 

My question: What are two favorite choirs you sang in or listened to at Christmas time?

I first tested this on my wife Kay, the Primary song leader, as I interrupted her preparation of children’s songs.  Without hesitation, she agreed with my suggestion: East High School A Cappella Choir, which reminded me of Christmas performances I loved with my EHS choir directed by the legendary Lorraine Bowman.  With further thought, Kay would have mentioned the local high school choir our daughters sang in; recently we enjoyed their concert (with orchestra) which ended with a thrilling rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah (1742) by Handel (1685-1759).  The annual concert always brings joy to us ... and to the performers, I am certain.

One young brother at choir practice named the Weber State University LDS Institute Choir he was in years ago, which reminded me of my U of U Institute choir.  (We toured the Northwest while I was dating my future wife, Kay.)  Having recently returned from military duty in the Middle East, he recalled his men’s choir at church in Afghanistan, which also performed at a Christmas party.  A very young brother who leads the choir in our ward (congregation), named the Mormon Tabernacle Choir as his favorite (also one of mine, since Mother was a member of it when I was little.)  He also wrote for me (as the bishop was starting the meeting): “singing in ward choirs.”  Sweet!

The jacket of an LP (with a 50-cent DI price tag) found in our basement “archive” lists the members of the Brigham Young University A Cappella Choir 1980, including Brenda Boyer, Cherie Crosby (any relation to Kay’s Crosbys?) and Loralyn Tenney (must be related to my great grandmother Eliza.)  And in the men’s section: Dale Bowman (related to Lorraine?) and Clark Searle (reminds me of my sister’s jazz piano teacher.)  Among other sacred songs, they recorded “Come, O Thou King of Kings” (appropriate at Christmas time) with trumpets and organ.  I’d like to listen to the album this week for the first time!

One album I am sure must exist (not searched yet) is one to go along with Kay’s CD, "Angel Voices -- Libera in Concert" recorded May 30 & 31, 2007 in a Netherlands cathedral; (pronounced with accent like liberate.)  I haven't heard their Christmas music, but it’s on my wish list.  The boys’ choir provides a heavenly listening experience that would lift anyone’s spirit this season.

There’s more I could add here, but this will do for a fast one.  Suffice it to say, “I’m crazy about choirs!”  So … Merry Christmas, and have a happy choir experience!

The Kneeling Knight

In the front common area of a public high school out here in the West, there is a noble statue of a knight, with sword and shield, kneeling in prayer (in my view.)  For many years it has commonly (pardon the pun) been called "the kneeling knight."  Some people at the school think he doesn't look strong that way; I say there is strength in prayer to the Almighty! 

Such an inspiring reminder to those who know the power of prayer should not offend free thinkers who respectfully favor uplifting freedom of thought.  Others, unaware, can view it as a tired knight resting after a victorious battle, or pondering his next attack.  And to the dedicated agnostics, the statue has nothing to do with prayer or religion.  To the not-so-dedicated ones, well, ... I pity them for sitting too long on the fence (painful!)

I recall the painting of General George Washington, one of the strongest leaders of our country, kneeling in prayer.  “The Prayer at Valley Forge by Arnold Friberg is one of the best known paintings of the American Revolution. It depicts George Washington at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania in prayer on his knees beside his horse Nelson at the Continental Army's encampment, during the terrible winter of 1777-1778.”

-- revolutionary-war-and-beyond.com/prayer-at-valley-forge.html

The result is history which must never be altered to satisfy doubters.  The depiction inspires me -- and millions of others worldwide.  With the horrible shootings in recent years, the world is painfully aware that our schools are no longer a safe refuge as previously assumed.  Let us welcome a reminder to pray for protection, guidance and strength in difficult times.  From personal experience throughout my life, I know without any doubt that it works!