Life Isn't Always Peachy

Well, hi.

To say I fell off the blogging bandwagon would be an understatement. It's been almost a year since my last post. I've missed you guys. And I've missed sharing my adventures with you.

But this past year has been one crazy, busy, not-always-great adventure. There have been some major ups and downs.

I finished my first year of teaching. It was rough. Don't get me wrong - I loved most of it, but I was put into a few situations that caused emotional stress almost every day. I was exhausted by the end of the year. But the students make it all worth it. Nothing compares to giving a great concert with my high schoolers or a hug from a still-thinks-you-are-awesome sixth grader.

Next year is looking up, and I'm excited about my new teaching positions.

Along with my full time job, I was also teaching eleven private violin and viola students, helping with an after school orchestra, and playing with four different orchestras. Needless to say, I haven't had much time to focus on my blog or Etsy shop.

A major up happened in December: Daniel and I got engaged!!!

(AHHHHHH!!!)

Story coming soon!

(I still stare at my ring. No shame.)

We're getting married one year from today!

So, life isn't always peachy - sometimes it's downright not fun - but sometimes it's fabulous!

And speaking of peaches, I've got a peach pie recipe for you!

Check back later!

:)

20 Questions: Take 1

I've gained quite a few followers in the past week or so, and I thought it would be fun to share some things about me. Now that you know I'm a violinist.

I found these questions in a magazine about Greenville, and I thought they were fun.

***

What one thing really makes your day?

I always smile when I get a sweet text from Daniel.

Is your desk messy or neat?

It's messy at the moment, but usually I'm very neat.

What was your first job?

I'm looking for it.

What is your pet peeve?

Besides people invading my personal space, it annoys me when people don't know how to drive. That's pretty much the entire population of Greenville.

What is your favorite thing about Greenville?

I love that it's close to the mountains and only a short drive to the beach. I also love that it has the cultural appeal of a big city yet still retains a lovely small-town charm.

What was your first car?

A mauve 1995 Toyota Camry.

What is your favorite comfort food?

Macaroni and cheese. And chocolate, of course.

What is your idea of a dream vacation?

Well, if we're talking about a location I've never been to, I would love to relax by the blue waters of Santorini, Greece. But London will always hold a special place in my heart.

What store would you choose to max out your credit card?

J. Crew. Or Banana Republic.

What is your favorite thing to cook?

Chicken and snow pea pasta.

What was your favorite subject in school?

Music, of course. And English.

What advice would you give a student just starting out?

Do what you love!

Do you prefer the mountains or the beach?

Mountains!

Have you ever met a famous person? Who?

I've met lots of famous classical musicians including Arnold Steinhardt and Lynn Harrell.

If you could invite five people, living or dead, to dinner, who would you invite?

Jane Austen, Itzhak Perlman, Elizabeth I, Johannes Brahms, and Abraham Lincoln

What is the best gift you have ever received?

An education!

What makes you laugh?

My friends.

What chore do you really hate to do?

Wash the dishes.

What do you like to do on your day off?

Curl up in a comfy chair and read. Watch movies. Craft.

I can't live without my...what?
Computer. Sad, I know.

If you want to find out my favorite things about summer time head on over to Maegan's blog, Chesterrific, where I'm being featured today!



Adventures in the South: Part Four

After all of our traveling, Daniel and I spent a few days at home in Greenville, and he got to meet my parents and sister. We took him out for some good ol' southern barbeque.

I also took him up to Caesar's Head, which has some spectacular views of upstate South Carolina.

We hiked down to this viewpoint and watched the sunset.

We then walked back through huge rocks to a higher viewpoint.

A gorgeous sunset over the mountains...

The next day, it was time for Daniel to go, and I really miss having him here in the south with me!



The Little Things

My new reading, coffee-drinking, and knitting corner makes me smile.

:)

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day full of family, good food, and festivities!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

My mom only makes her delicious coffee cake on Christmas, so it's always a special treat!

(Shelby's thoughts: I hate my life. Get it off.)

I hope everyone has a blessed, beautiful holiday!

Love,



p.s. IT'S SNOWING!

Peace

Silver Bay has such a rich and beautiful history. There are families here that come every summer. Church conferences and family reunions happen here. One of the ladies living with me in Sunnyside has been coming since 1944 and met her husband here! So sweet!

I'm on the verge of getting sappy, but I may as well continue. I went to the EMPS musical last night - Nunsense. On the back of the program, the director, Mike, wrote, among other things, "This is a place of healing and peace, of love and compassion, of friendship and family....This is truly a home and ours is a loving one." I can't think of a better way to describe Silver Bay. Besides my own home, I've never been in a place where I've felt more welcomed and loved. Although I am looking forward to going home, I am reluctant to leave such a gorgeous place and wonderful friends, both old and new, that have been so restorative for my soul.

This evening's Vespers was at Slim Point where we could see the sunset and hear the water lapping up on the beach. We took several minutes to just be quiet and still and feel God's presence. It was an inspiring moment, and I am so grateful to have been invited to play in the quartet here. Little did I know that it would be such an amazing experience.

The end. Sappiness over. Probably until tomorrow.

I'll have more pictures soon!

Em