DOGWOOD

Here is some of Lee Ann's recent art. The large wall hanging - which is hanging over our mantle - is a ceramic mosaic. She pulled an old window out of a garbage heap back in Philadelphia that became the frame for this piece. She also did a bit of iron work to create the tree branch.

Also pictured is a representation of our family on the left and a tiny tea set on the right. She did both of these this last year using the handbuilt method of ceramics. On the far right is an abstract vase she made in college. On the far left is a vase someone in Indonesia made and we got as a wedding present. :)

Twinkle Twinkle

Well, the recital was a hit! It was one of the coolest things we have seen as parents in the last four years. Jennalee got on stage before everything got going, while the students were still tuning, and she played her whole song through... she then bowed, came back to our seats and said, "I did it!" There were several cute moments like that. When the big moment finally did come (you can see the video below), she did as well as we could imagine.

She looked tiny all by herself on stage. And we felt confused emotions -- our chests bursting with pride and the feeling that someone had ripped our hearts out, all at the same time. The song was quick, but it seared into our minds and hearts. It was wonderful.

RECITAL!

This is a big weekend at the Dunn house. On Saturday, at 2:00 pm, Jennalee has her first violin recital. She will be playing "Twinkle, Twinkle" for what I am sure will be a packed house. In typical Jennalee fashion, she does not want anyone to be on stage with her - not her parents or instructor. She feels she can handle it herself. We hope to post a pic or even a video so check back in sometime soon.

And say a little prayer for Jennalee if you think of it this Saturday - this is kind a big deal for a four year old.