I am so proud

[pensnest]

I posted my Yuletide story! Go me. I'm quite pleased with it — big thanks to frausorge for a very helpful and timely beta.

*

The big machines in the back garden are quiet, as we think the chaps have all gone back home for the weekend. Two of the three drill holes have been dug and filled with hose and grouting. One more to go, then some trenching to join them together and to the house. Not sure when this will happen as it will undoubtedly take them at least two days next week to drill the final hole, and they knock off for Christmas on Wednesday.

Oh well.

*

Had a concert on Saturday evening, our first true concert since February 2020. It's *usually) a regular date at one of the local churches, and it went really, really well. I was announcing in the first half, which was fine, but the CO2 alarm—which we use at rehearsals to check that the ventilation is adequate, and had brought to the concert—went off after the first number, so we had to open a door next to us. After that it didn't go off again until almost the end, right after we performed our Hawaiian Christmas Carol with kazoos.

Last night was my chorus's Christmas party, to which we invited members of the men's chorus. So they sang to us, and we sang, and our mixed-sex chorus sang. There was a competition for the best Christmas hat, so I dangled baubles from the brim of Beast's authentic Australian hat, and added fir, ivy and holly to make one of my hats into a reasonable wreath/bush. Plus baubles and a big bow. Didn't win, but the hats were pretty good for >hour each.

The mixed chorus had had a coaching day on Sunday, which went *really* well. Our splendid coach was so good at getting us to sound the way we want to sound, and I think also really good at finding ways for our MD to get us to produce that sound. By the end of the day I think every member of the chorus was energised and enthusiastic. Great stuff. It was lovely to be part of a chorus that was singing with so much heart.

We had the coach staying with us for Saturday and Sunday nights, and invited a few chorus members round for dinner on Sunday evening—Camp Sparklers will recognise the fish pie/shepherd's pie/veggie pie combination. Very easy to produce, as I made the pies in advance. Our guest did individual coaching as well, with one session on Sunday and a full day on Monday, during which I kept her infused with fresh tea every so often. And lunch, of course.

So with one thing and another I have been quite busy of late. In theory that is calmed down somewhat, though I think I will spend this afternoon dispatching local Christmas cards, and will have to buckle down soon and wrap some presents. Happily, apart from (ugh) Sainsburys early next week, I don't have to go anywhere else.

Comments

[sperrywink]

YAY YOU!! You rock. I hope your recipient loves your story, but then how could they not? You have a delightful writerly voice.

ENjoy your restful Christmas after your busy time!

[pensnest]

Aww, thank you!

I'd probbly enjoy it more if I could get a decent night's sleep, but I will try.

[turps]

That's so great you've got your story posted!

It sounds like you've been really busy, I hope you enjoyed your quiet afternoon.

Also, your hats sound fab!

[pensnest]

I'm quite proud of myself for not having deadline angst. Normally I start a challenge story with *just* enough time to finish it before it has to be posted. Hmm. Maybe I'm growing up?

[minoanmiss]

That singing sounds glorious. :D

[pensnest]

It really was. Everyone was still talking about it on Wednesday and Thursday, *and* we managed to remember and reproduce a good bit of it on Thursday evening.

[ephemera]

That sounds like a fantastic singing-based long weekend - and you are a fabulous host, so lucky coach ;)

[pensnest]

She was plied with Camp Sparkle++ levels of tea, and ate all that was offered, so I think she was happy!

[frausorge]

Hurray, and congrats on getting it in! I'm very glad I was able to help out, and get the sneak peek of something so lovely too.

Your concert sounds marvelous, and your hats very grand! (Are there photos?)

[pensnest]

I really appreciated your comments. :-D

Sadly, I did not take pictures of our hats, and have already deconstructed them, but they were pretty decend for a very last-minute effort.

[turlough]

Congratulations!!

You have indeed been very busy - so much fun singing!

Good luck with the cards and the gift wrapping!

[pensnest]

I still have a newsletter to produce and ought to try and get the Yearbook done, sigh. But maybe the Yearbook won't take as long as I think it will? *hollow laughter*