A Pie is a Lot like a Concert

I had the opportunity last Saturday to sing and have great fun in participating in a gospel concert as part of a pay-it-forward opportunity for Miracles Can Happen Boys Ranch.  The ranch is a private non-profit boys home where teaching family and love is the order of the day.  Following the concert was a pie supper with many wonderfully yummy treats to share. 

Before the concert, there were many hours of practice.  We met regularly, normally gathering in the family room with dogs running around.  Songs were tried out, weeded through, and then slowly crafted into something that we would be okay with sharing.  In practice, we all had times when we had to keep working to find the harmony, listen to chords, and count through timing.  In the course of practice times, a list evolved and assumed an order of music.  More demanding songs would follow with something that would either be easier or would give the lead a break.  Pacing the songs was another decision, when to go with a slower or faster song.  Discussion, laughter, tea drinking to soothe overworked throats, and lots of music go into creating this or any other musical event we do.

The day of the concert, I spent the morning in the kitchen making pie.  As I was reading recipes, preparing ingredients, mixing, and baking; I was thinking about how making pie and preparing for a concert are a lot alike.  First the crust was made.  Ingredients were measured, mixed, and then just the right amount of ice cold water is added in to create a good dough.  Just as the musical choices start as a broad selection that get selected through and mixed together, the dough becomes the list of songs. 

After the dough is made, the filler gets the attention. Lemon, apple, berry, chocolate, or varieties of other flavors are there to choose from.  The sugar, corn starch, flour, and other ingredients are mixed; when the recipe is right, they are prepared for cooking.  When the music list is created, more work is done on those specifically; sweetening the notes and making it work until the harmony is tightly and comfortably working.

 

Heating the oven, it’s time to bake the final creation.  Either browning the crust or a light meringue, the smells fill the kitchen with pastry and fruit.

The concert arrives, creating the final mix of sound and song.  All of the hard work pays off.  The last song is sung, and it’s time to share pie with friends and take a moment to catch your breath.  

taerT ro kcirT

   What a great night for taerT ro kcirT. Never heard of it? Well, we were just having too much fun away from the house on the night when all of the cute little beggars come out for candy. So, when we returned, there was no candy to give. The general discussion as the house was being approached was, “make a dash for the door”, “get everything you need now,” “don’t make eye contact and Hurry!” It was a mad dash with giggles all the way. There were a few persistent door ringers and knockers even though the lights were turned out. So, the concept was born, a backwards trick or treat – rather a taerT ro kcirT! The trick-or-treater approaches the door. But, when they are about to knock, we knock from inside and start yelling trick or treat. Then, we open the door and they give us candy. Sounds like a great plan to me! Candy, candy coming to me, I don’t even have to put on my shoes to go out! Okay, so obviously the kids aren’t going to go for it. But, you can’t blame a girl for trying.
   I started wondering what else we do that for in life, where do we have it backwards. What else do we approach, only to have someone inside the door take instead of give? Perhaps you have been in a taerT ro kcirT relationship with someone, be it a professional or friend or family relationship. It is essential to have not only good boundaries, but to also be ready to give instead of take. You see, we can be on both sides of the door any given day. We can be the one who is intending to receive the gift, and end up being the giver instead. Boundaries are essential to know your role, otherwise we can become confused and just start approaching random houses with our candy – having it taken away from us, rather than being shared with. No matter where relationships occur, they are quite difficult. They are messy, confusing, and at times just frustrating. They can also be rewarding, gratifying, and encouraging. But, think of successful relationships that you have witnessed. The roles are understood, and both give and both receive.
   I don’t think we will be seeing a taerT ro kcirT trend starting anytime soon, at least with candy. But, I hope that we do become more aware of how we may indeed be stealing someone else’s candy from the wrong side of the door.

Vets Visit

    Megan, my chocolate lab, has a head cold. It started out about a week ago with a little sneezing and a stuffy nose. It progressed to a night where I finally just moved her mouth so it was open. I wasn’t worried about my own lack of sleep at that moment, and was more concerned about her breathing. So, it was a trip to the vet.

    I have a great vet! He’s a farm vet and really loves the animals. Megan was very excited to go for a RIDE when I got home and started pulling out the leash and collar. She did her happy puppy dance all the way to the car, twirling and spinning. She parked herself in the backseat in front of the air vent. We have years of car rides with the two of us and Megan learned a long time ago that her balance is best when she sits or lies down in the car. So, she sat down and we started off.
     Arriving at the vet, Megan went in and I was relieved that there were no other dogs in the lobby. For a people friendly dog, she isn’t terribly dog friendly. It can make for some tense moments. And that happened just a few minutes later. Out of an exam room came three collies. One slipped its leash and came over to say hi. Needless to say, Megan got moved over and I tightened my grip on her collar as the collies’ person came over to reclaim her.
     Then, one of the ladies working there came by and offered Megan a treat. She was all wiggly once again and accepted the treat happily. We sat there a little longer. And if I would be in a hurry it would have been hard to sit. However, a vet trip is kind of a nerve wracking thing for Megan, so it’s good if she can wait for a little while before heading into the exam room. Then, a graying Great Dane made its way inside. The poor baby got so nervous that he pottied all over the rug. The people looked embarrassed, and the staff handled it with considerable aplomb. The poor dog though, he was taken outside and sat down on the side walk. If a dane could look embarrassed, this one did.
     Anyway, Megan made it through her exam, got lots of treats and was proud of herself. I’m glad to have a good vet!