Back to Nature

I am really feeling this title. I am yearning for quiet and solitude in nature. Call me "John Muir". We were hiking up to Delicate Arch one morning last week and I supped in the quiet as it completely enveloped me. It was transforming. I said to myself, "THIS is my Father's world" There's a song by that title that of course was humming through my mind at the moment. This past week I also heard a recent talk from Jeffrey Holland where he recommended being in nature and finding quiet and solitude to feel closer to Heavenly Father. In the LOUD and demanding world we live in, this is a way that we can actually leave it! All around us seems to have become the wicked world of men but it is not so! This is our Father's world and always will be. He controls it with love,long suffering and infinite patience. We can ALWAYS be in our Father's world and feel Him near...just go on a quiet walk in nature or sit outside your front door in the early morning and watch the sun rise.

Bel & Mel

I am really enjoying my association with Mel Bartholomew, author and creator of Square foot gardening.
We seem to really click. He is a big fan of the choir too. He has asked me to work for him as the teacher coordinator for his foundation. I am responsible for over 200 certified square foot gardening teachers around the country. I get to work from home on my own hours too. I'm having a lot of fun and it is a valuable relationship for our business as well.

Bye-Bye Britney

Britney has just left to live in Maryland for two months.  She has unselfishly gone to live with her cousin, Emily, who has two month old triplets.  She dropped her school schedule, put her job on hold, said goodbye to dear friends & family and packed her bags to be a nanny.  I am proud of her for her choice. It will be a good experience and her first time away from home for so long.  She is my dear friend and I am blessed to call her my daughter. I will miss her happy face and beautiful smile but I know I can find her on facebook  anytime!

Thankful!

Truly blessed and truly thankful I am! The Lord is very kind to me and has blessed me all of my life. How grateful I am for a unusually good man as my husband. I am blessed with five upright and noble sons and three beautiful and precious daughters. I cherish my three grandchildren, Reese, Sawyer and Stella. These relationships are truly my greatest blessings and I know will last through all time. What a joy and blessing to live in America and to experience freedom to its fullest. I will always remember my Dad for his personal sacrifice in protecting this sacred gift. My heart is especially full today even to overflowing.

There Were Angels Among Us

On June 14, our Tab Choir tour had a very special send off by President Monson. He promised that we would receive many miracles and that angels would surround us and bear us up. I believe he is a prophet of God and I carried his words with me throughout the tour. The first angel that I felt was my Dad. He passed away recently on D-Day, June 6, from a long battle with cancer. I felt the distinct impression that he was assigned to watch over me on this important choir assignment. The second angel I detected was at our concert in Omaha, Nebraska. Earlier that day we had toured the winter quarters area where the temple and old pioneer graveyard are located. At the visitors center there, Barry called my attention to four words displayed prominently at the entrance: Consecration, Sacrifice, Cooperation and Charity. I realized that these things were what we specifically needing to practice during this choir tour. These pioneer angels were certainly in attendance at our concert that night and I especially felt the presence of William Clayton who composed Come Come Ye Saints at Winter Quarters. It was as if he was conducting us during that rendition.
The Spirit taught me that the Lord uses the choir to prepare the hearts of true and honest people for His coming. There were countless miracles taking place in the hearts of the many people who heard us sing.
At our final concert in Denver, Co. at the Redrocks ampitheater, We had the joyous surprise of Pres. Monson attending! What a spectacular setting! I rejoiced in song as I gazed at the beauties of the Lord's creations around me. Toward the end of the concert, as we sang Come Come Ye Saints, my mind had a fleeting glimpse of special angels in heaven. They were the truest and most loyal friends revealed to my mortal mind from past eternities. Their faces and hearts were full of love, care and comfort for me . They had been watching over me all along. My heart was filled to overflowing so much that I could not sing. What a sweet and precious moment that I will always remember and cherish. I thank the Lord for His kindness and concern over the details of our lives. I thank Him for the blessings he sends us through a living prophet and for the privilege and honor it is to sing in His choir.

An Amazing Life

Walter Scott Barrett
W. Scott Barrett Logan, Utah Walter Scott Barrett peacefully passed away on June 6, 2009 at his home in Logan, Utah at the age of 84 due to cancer. Scott was born May 19, 1925 in Logan, Utah to Walter William Barrett and Myrtle Jeppson. The family moved to Phoenix, Arizona when Scott was in junior high. During World War II 19-year-old Scott set off to join the Air Force, but was so excited to learn to fly that his soaring blood pressure disqualified him. He was inducted into the Army July 1943 and served in the 99th "checkerboard" division as a corporal infantryman, the best marksman in his squad of 200. Captured at the start of the wintery Battle of the Bulge, he spent five months in a POW camp in Nuremburg, Germany until the end of the war. He was discharged from the army December 1945. Scott then served a three-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western States, 1946-49. After his mission he earned his bachelor's and law degrees at the University of California at Berkeley (Boalt Hall). He married Julia Ellsworth in 1951 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Upon graduation he began practicing law in Oakland, but when he was offered the job of assistant attorney general for the island of Guam he jumped at the chance. He wrote the bill that established long-awaited post-war security clearance for Guam which was read into the U.S. Congressional Record. Scott subsequently practiced law in Guam, San Francisco, Oakland, and American Samoa with several firms, including Barrett, Ferenz & Bramhall. As Scott and Julia raised their six children they resided alternately in Guam and Piedmont, California. In 1976 the family moved to Cache Valley to a farm in Lewiston while Scott opened a new practice and had their riverside home built in Logan. About this time he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot and flew his Beechcraft Sierra for more than two decades logging 3,300 hours and landing at more than 300 airports. Scott served as city attorney of Logan for 12 years and as a member of the Logan firm Barrett and Daines. In 1992 he helped found the Moab Music Festival and served as a generous and wise trustee. From 1999 on he was also deputy attorney for Grand County, making countless trips to Moab with Julia for both business and pleasure. He never retired, settling his last case from his sickbed. Scott served in the LDS Church as the Guam Branch President, in a bishopric in the Oakland 1st Ward, and taught the High Priests group in the Logan 8th Ward for many years. Most recently, he especially enjoyed home teaching. Throughout his life Scott's interests included photography, gardening, home improvement, health, music, astronomy, maps, reading, word puzzles and games, chess, coin collecting, walking and hiking, tennis, bike riding, skiing, and golf. He was a great example of physical and mental well-being, intellect, wit, and wisdom, unconditional love and boundless generosity. Scott leaves his family with many wonderful memories of love of life, faith, humility, integrity, and humor. Friends and family can enjoy some of his thoughts on http:// scottshumbleopinions.blogspot.com/. He is survived by his wife Julia, of Logan; his children, Cathryn Frisby (Stephen R.) of Orem, Utah, Janice Graham (Stephen F.) of Pleasant Grove, Utah, Michael Barrett (Leslie Tomkins) of Bronx, New York, Belinda Jensen (Barry K.) of Pleasant Grove, Utah, Clark Barrett (Brenda Gardner) of Hyde Park, Utah, and Blake Barrett of South Lake Tahoe, Nevada, 26 grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren, a brother, David Bruce Barrett of Salem, Oregon, a sister, Joyce Barrett Stephenson of Salt Lake City. W. Scott Barrett was preceded in death by two brothers, Gwynn William Barrett (2006) and Stephen Lee Barrett (2008). Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 10, 12:30 p.m., at the LDS chapel at 325 Lauralin Drive, Logan. A viewing will be held previous to the funeral from 10-12 noon. Interment will follow at Logan City Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the famiy at www.webbmortuary.com. The family wishes to thank friends, business associates, and extended family for unfailing support and Alpine Home Health Care and Hospice for generous and tender care at every turn of events.

The Birth of a Business

Its been about a month now since I came up with a business idea. I was contemplating how to exercise my freedom and rugged individualism in a gloomy economic climate. I read a sentence in a book, "free choice is the essence of free enterprise". It inspired me! Then, I got to thinking about my gardening experience last year in building a square foot garden. I reflected about how hard it was to get my soil just right for healthy vegies, and all the time an effort that went into this project. When I first started I had searched the web for anyone that sold these products to get started. There was no one and I had to refer to the book over and over and over trying to get the details just right. I still didn't get it all right but managed to enjoy myself and have some success. I suddenly identified a need. I realized that I could really help people with square foot gardening. This is a perfect time too, when people are really thinking about being more self reliant and wanting more organic foods. With the help of family members, we came up with Home Gardens To Go; we supply the 4'x4' garden box AND just the right soil for it. We will deliver and set up your new garden and all you do is plant! I have had such positive response about this that we have worked really hard to be ready for this coming season. I am especially excited about our soil. I have a company mixing it just the way we want. It is less expensive than if you tried to buy and mix it yourself. I would like to give my teenage boys work to save for their missions. We're not expecting to make a lot of money but hope to have a great family experience of working together in our own business.Check out www.homegardenstogo.com and get your box early to avoid being put on the waiting list! I want to especially thank Jonny Rejholec for creating our logo and Ben for designing the web site!

Spiritual Creation

I recently watched Elder Bednar’s talk from last conference and was impressed with the thought he had about spiritually creating each day with prayer.  He compared it to the doctrine that the Lord created all thing spiritually before they were temporally created.

It occurred to me that I need to do better at spiritually creating my choir performance each Sunday.  I am going to do this by attending the temple Sat. morning, having gospel study, praying, and studying the music. I have to be careful too, about what movies and activities I involve myself  in on Saturday night.   I have already been doing these things but just being more aware of creating a performance spiritually will make a difference.

I really love serving the Lord in this calling!  Last week we ended the broadcast with “Rejoice the Lord is King” .  During the performance,  I felt the Lord’s very command:   Rejoice!!!    We live in the fullness of times and have the greatest blessings ever to be on the earth!

Barry’s Happy!

Remember the sitcom called Newhart?  It is Barry’s favorite show of all time.  Its the one with Larry, Darrell and Darrell.  The first season came out a year ago on DVD but nothing else since.  He found the entire season on the web for sale that was recorded off TV.  It came today and he’s watching it as I type. He’s pleased with the quality and very happy!

Get Lost!

                                      

 

Bree and Chad are hosting a “Lost” party tomorrow night.  Its the new season premier.  Our kids have been pretty big fans.  In fact, last year Bree suggested we all get different “Lost” t-shirts to wear.  Barry and I are lukewarm fans but try to go along with the crowd.

 

                             

 

This is our new granddaughter, Estella  3 1/2 months .  She is really mild tempered and sweet.  What a blessing for Bree, Chad, Reese and all of us!

 

Merry Christmas!

Our stake had a Christmas fireside this last week and Barry gave the stake presidency message. He spoke about the three levels of Christmas. I really learned from it so I want to relate what he said. The first level is the Santa Claus level which includes the giving of presents, singing of carols and general good will feeling. The second level is the silent night level. This is the story of the baby born in the manger. We sing and celebrate the birth of the Christ child. These two levels really do not last. The Christmas tree dries up, presents are forgotten or broken. The shepherds at the manger left, the Christ child grew up. It is the third and most important level that we should seek. It is the Adult Christ level. Keeping the Adult Christ in our lives and honoring and obeying His word is keeping Christmas all year long. I joy in my Redeemer and testify that He lives!

New Granddaughter !

 

This is Estella Fowles, 7 lbs. 12 oz 19 in.

My daughter, Breeann and her husband Chad have a new baby girl (their second)born Monday,Oct. 6.  Britney and I were visiting her, playing games, (while in labor ) and got to be there for the birth and 4:04 pm!  We LOVE her!

                                                         

Square Foot Gardener

Last spring I happened upon a book I’d had around for a few years  that I originally found in my choir box in the tabernacle as the kind author had gifted every choir member with a copy.  I began reading and could not put it down.  I had always made an attempt at gardening through the years but never really excelled at it.  I can’t say that I have now either but at least I’ve had a rebirth.  Barry constructed us two 4x4 6 inch tall boxes.  We put tarp on the bottom and set them right on our cement driveway.  We bought the specified soil mixtures for the boxes and then measured off 16 divided squares in each one.  I actually sprouted cherry tomatoes, cucumbers,watermelons,and marigolds back in the early spring.  I really enjoyed tending them each day or so.  In May I transplanted these and also planted lettuce, beets, zucchini and yellow squash , cilantro, carrots, onions, peas,peppers and beans.  I have worked hard but have to say that the box planting is SO much easier and makes more sense than long rows and large spaces that are harder to care for.  The garden is right out my back door and I have pulled very few weeds!  Not everything worked well but I am pleased with the bounty.  I am still harvesting  lettuce,cucumbers, squash,tomatoes,beans,beets,and chard,  I planted peas and spinach in late July for a fall harvest.  The boxes have taken more watering than I expected…almost every day.  I recommend this method to anyone who has little space to garden, even just a patio!

We Had A Great Summer

We had fun in our above ground pool, playing badmitton, and tennis. Barry and the two youngest boys went to Joe's Valley for a week long scout camp. I went to my high school 30th reunion in Logan. I went to Sun Valley, Idaho with the choir where we performed and were treated like royalty. The kids didn't seem to get too bored. They practiced with their rock band, had friends over almost every day, worked at their jobs, filmed and watched movies, went to Bree's place to swim, etc.

Family Vacation

We used our Disney Vacation Club points (time share) and took all us us (13) to Anaheim the first week of June. It was SO FUN!!! I'm so glad we joined the club because we know that we always have a vacation waiting every year or two!! We stayed 5 nights in the Disneyland hotel which before would have been cost prohibitive to us. I highly recommend it...

Final Day 5

Saturday is the marathon day because we report by 9 am and are tired from the night before and the whole week as well.  This is when I totally  rely on the strength of the Lord to bless us physically and mentally to finish.  By this point too, I don't even need to warm up, I'm just conserving what voice I have left.  We started with "How Bright is the day".  It reminds me of a Scottish folk song.  Its message is so reassuring and faith building!  They speak of  the restoration of the gospel, the building of zion, and our family in heaven where we can "be there forever at home".  We then recorded again "Bound for the Promised land" which is Britney's and Brian's favorite.  Hopefully it is even better than our past recording of it.  Amazing Grace  was next with bagpipe guests.  They played out in the middle of the tabernacle floor  and the sound echoed throughout beautifully. This is such a powerful tune I believe the recording of it will reach many many Christian people and speak truth to them of the restored gospel.  We broke for lunch at 12:45.  We all walked over to the church office building cafeteria where we were served "chicken surprise"  and fruit pies.   Its always good food.  We had an hour break and then moved on to "Old Time Religion"  I felt to raise my hands and sway to the spirit!  Then our last piece was "Battle of Jericho"  These last two were accapella  .  We ended at 4:00 but knew we had to go home and rest up for the early morning 7:15 call for the relentless broadcast schedule.  We would put it together in the morning and it would be pieces from the recording sessions.   This CD is scheduled to come out in the spring of 2009. 

Day 4

By Friday I was really conserving my energy and not doing much other than singing in the evenings.  My throat was a little sore and my sinuses throbbing now and then.  Mack asks us constantly to use the head voice and put the sound in our molars.   Our first number tonight was "My God My Portion and My Love"  Its a little like "Come Thou Fount" and  just as moving.   "Down to the River to Pray" is one of my favorites of this CD.    I was really feeling the emotions of the need for repentance and  being born again .   Than on to "His Voice as the Sound"  which has amazing words! ...His lips as a fountain of righteousness flow that waters the garden of grace....It is a subdued melody and exquisitely beautiful.  We had the traditional "Cowboy Cookies"  that a sister organized to be made and served to everyone.  Food, books, sudoku, Ipods are always around during recording sessions.  I have to say though that to me there did not seem like very much down time; just 10 or 15 minutes here and there.

Day 3

 

This night the men got to come later after the women recorded "Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling"  The interesting thing about this piece (and many others) is that Mack wants all the women to sound like sopranos in an alto range.  Just when we thought we could belt out our low notes, he wants us to lighten up for a more unified soprano sound.  go figure...its a little disheartening but I do what he says!   "My Song in the Night" was next up.  Its really a beautiful song.  "Oh Jesus, my savior, my song in the night.  Come to us with thy tender love my soul's delight.  Unto Thee in affliction I call.  My shadow by day and my song in the night...". Then on to "I Want Jesus to Walk with me" which is mostly a solo by Alex Boye.  At the end of it Alex sings a really high note.  After recording this part for the first time, most of us heard an enthusiastic  "Wow"  come from down the stairs in the recording room.  We all laughed.   When this piece was done, Alex grinned widely and gave a leap of joy.  He's got a great ,friendly personality.

Recording Day 2

This recording has been pretty demanding vocally.  I especially feel worn out when  the pieces are loud and high for my range.  Wednesday night the men had an earlier call time so the women got to come later around 7:45.  The men were recording "We'll Shout and give him glory" BUT some volunteer altos were asked to help out with the VERY high tenor sections.  So.. I volunteered.  Mack  emphasized that he knew the tenors sang those notes very well but just for recording purposes (which require singing those high notes over and over and over) he wanted about 30 altos.  It of course is not as straining for us.  I think we sang many "b's" above middle "c"   That's one of the best notes for my voice.   It is a rousing piece and we finished it around 8pm.  The ladies then came in and we proceeded with "Death Shall not destroy my Comfort", another M.W. arrangement thats been around for a while.  It starts with womens voices in a minor mode, and strains of  "oh halleluja, how I love my savior.."   Mack has such an amazing ear for pitch.  We've all noticed that his ears are tilted forward.   He is constantly asking  us to raise the pitch when it must be but a mere  fraction off that I'm sure is not even noticeable to most people!  The last piece for the evening was "Rock-a-my soul in the bosom of Abraham"  Mack told us how he saw this done on TV or something and that he loved it so much he hunted down the composer and got the music for it. its accapella and features short solos by Alex Boye.  Its a spiritual that builds and builds with excitement.  I like it a lot.  We finished a little late at around 10:20.

A Recording Log

 

This week the motab is recording a new CD called "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing"  It is American Folk Songs and Spirituals, conducted by M.W.  I thought I would give a day by day entry of the process.  Last night we began at 6:45  in the tabernacle.  I drove a van full of people up to SLC leaving at 5:35pm.  We sat according to a new seating chart.  We were asked to bring blankets to lay on the benches of the tabernacle to muffle the sound a bit.  Half the choir forgot to bring them but we seemed to have enough.  We were introduced to the recording engineers and staff, some of whom are not Mormons.   We began with some sound checks for the orchestra and then the choir. By about 7:45 we were beginning to record.  We started with "Saints Bound for Glory".  We did a few full run throughs and then took is apart and recorded sections at a time.  I brought my ipod along and listened to talks when we had a few minutes of waiting.  At around 9pm we proceeded with  "Come Thou Fount".  Some new people had never even sung this with us and here they were expected to record it right off.  That's how it goes in this organization.  Its made up of people who CAN do that!  We spent quite a while on perfecting the different verses and then finished around 10:15.  I drove everyone home, dropped off the church owned van at a guy's house and arrived home at 11:20.  This will be the schedule for every night this week and all day Saturday.