So, I think I just finished writing and illustrating and formatting the book I've been preparing to give out this Christmas. Correction, almost finished. My editors (sisters, daughters, and granddaughters) have been giving me lists of things to fix. The last of these is to agree on which cover (of the four I prepared) to finalize. I think I know which one they'll pick, so I'm pretty sure I'm done!
After working for so long on this book about Aunt Janie, it's got me in the mood to think about all of the magical Christmas shows she produced. More importantly, the magical Christmas shows she allowed me to have part in from such a young age. I have vivid memories of rehearsing with Janie when I was just eye-level with the keyboard at her piano. She put me in a kid's trio with older kids Tanya and Cory when I was still just 4 years old! We were learning "Jingle Bells," "The Christmas Alphabet," and "Don't Wait 'til the Night Before Christmas to Be Good" in 3-part harmony. (Posted are my takes on Janie's arrangements which she never actually notated.)
I wish I had more pictures of our little trio performing. My mother and aunt were always busy at the piano. If any pictures were taken, it was through the graciousness of other folks. (My memories are in color, thankfully.)
Janie told me that I had the highest voice, so I needed to learn the highest part. "You just watch my little finger and sing the notes it plays." I didn't know that singing a harmony part was considered too hard for little children. I was just obedient and followed the notes her little finger played.
Tonight I am going with my sister Bonnie to a Tabernacle Choir party in the Ballroom of the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. I'm pretty sure that some of Janie's Christmas shows were performed there. Our little kid's trio was used as a "fill-in" act on Christmas shows when she couldn't get enough of her BYU students to do an entire show. (College kids actually like to go home during the holidays, go figure.) That was all right by me. I loved the excitement of performing at Christmas!!!!!
By the way, here's what I think we'll agree for the back cover of Janie's book.
Tonight I am going with my sister Bonnie to a Tabernacle Choir party in the Ballroom of the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. I'm pretty sure that some of Janie's Christmas shows were performed there. Our little kid's trio was used as a "fill-in" act on Christmas shows when she couldn't get enough of her BYU students to do an entire show. (College kids actually like to go home during the holidays, go figure.) That was all right by me. I loved the excitement of performing at Christmas!!!!!
By the way, here's what I think we'll agree for the back cover of Janie's book.
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