It is my tradition to write an annual Christmas poem during Christmas time; however, this year I got stuck with a bad case of writer's (poet's?) block. I wrote several poems and even posted them on my website, but none of them were appropriate for Christmas. I just couldn't get the ridiculous thing right. Last week I finally got it. I always find it interesting to see people's reactions. For some people it is among their favorites. For others, it's just another great poem. I'm fine with it either way. I'm just happy I finally got it out of my system. I posted it on my poetry website at http://rwwriting.blogspot.com/2015/12/vaporizing-breath.html
Last Friday I was invited to go to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert. As usual they did an amazing song and we always love the guests they invite. This year they invited not only Broadway's Laura Osness, but also four singers from the Metropolitan Opera. Absolutely amazing! It's the hottest ticket in town during this season and they've had to limit the availability of the tickets due to its popularity. The tickets themselves are no charge, but it's quite similar to a lottery. You have to register through their link and then after the registration time period is ended they run the application through the system, selecting randomly the lucky ones who get to go. I've submitted a lot, not all years, but quite a few. I've been rejected several times, but I have been before. They always do an excellent job with their performance and are always flexible with the performers to help them feel as comfortable as possible. 
Temple Square was still lit when it was over, so we (my sister and I) walked around for a few minutes enjoying it. Temple Square is always a great place to visit for Christmas lights. They have a nativity set out where they play the Christmas story and it's all lit up in a variety of colors. The night wasn't too bad either. We've been getting periodic snow storms and were fortunate enough to get a good night, not too cold or stormy. Since it was a weekend evening it was busy, but I don't mind that...as opposed to the City Creek Center mall, particularly the food court. Whew! I took one look at how packed that place was and wanted to get out as soon as I could. I cannot handle crowds in enclosed spaces. People get claustrophobia in small rooms. Me? I get claustrophobia in enclosed rooms packed with people--the people being a large part of that. That's the main reason I have kept away from metropolitan areas. It's too overwhelming for me.
I sang with our choir in church Sunday for our Christmas program and recorded it for family because they were unable to attend it live. I listened to it and didn't think it sounded too bad--for amateurs. Everyone is volunteer and at different skill levels in music in the choir. We have some who are trained vocalists, some who have a little experience singing in choirs, and some who have never sung at all until they joined. I took one of the recorded songs and put it in video format so that I could share it with those in the choir who might be interested in listening to it. I think they enjoyed it. I like sharing things like that with people.
And it looks like we are going to have a white Christmas this year! It snowed this morning and they are saying that we will be getting the next storm on Christmas Day. I love it.
