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About Me
- Zepmom
- Las Cruces, NM
- Child of God, Wife of one, Mother of two, Mother-in-Law of two, Grandmother of 3 girls and 2 boys - , Friend...Growing in the knowledge of Christ, always reforming as the Holy Spirit faithfully and graciously applies the Word of God to my heart.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Reed's Musical Christmas Advent Calendar
Reed's Musical Christmas Advent Calendar
In honor of a childhood favorite, the Advent calendar, here's an eclectic blend of great holiday tunes - one for each day from now until Christmas.
By Reed Eckhardt
reckhardt@wyomingnews.com
One of the best holiday traditions of my childhood was the Advent calendar.
Each year, my mother would pick one out for my sisters and me to help us count down the days until to Christmas.
I can still feel the glitter on the cardboard and see the brightly decorated scene with the closed flaps, one for each day. And I can remember how hard it was to resist opening them all at once, which was a real no-no. Who would dare risk Mother's - or Santa's - wrath?
I continued the tradition with my daughters, and the search to find just the right calendar brought early joy to my Christmas seasons. One year, a miniature nativity scene was formed as the girls opened the doors to find plastic sheep, camels, Wise Men and, of course, Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.
I haven't gone Advent calendar hunting in a while, but I thought I would continue the tradition this year with a listing of holiday music.
Unlike my 2008 list - which was more old school - this group is more eclectic. And it features a number songs and artists that I have discovered during recent years' Christmas music searches. It includes songs that make me happy, inspire me or add a little hop to my step.
I love Christmas music, and I know you do, too. I hope this list will add a bit of holiday cheer.
So here is my 2009 Musical Christmas Advent Calendar. It is designed so that you can "open" one song each day, starting today, the first day of Advent, with the last track set for Christmas morning.
Or you can open them all at once and build a holiday playlist to carry around on your iPod of MP3 player. Go ahead and do that if you want to: Mother isn't watching.
Nov. 29: "Sleigh Ride," Boney James - Grammy Award-winning saxophonist James turns it loose on this track from his 1996 album "Boney's Funky Christmas." I bought this album on a lark last year, and this track kept my 2008 Christmas in full, funky swing. It will get your 2009 holiday season off to a bouncing start, too.
Nov. 30: "Do You Hear What I Hear/Drummer Boy," Vanessa Williams - This is another song that I couldn't get enough of in 2008. A friend of my wife's introduced me to this track on a gift CD at her Christmas party. I love the beat and Williams' voice. This is from "20th Century Masters: The Christmas Collection, The Best of Vanessa Williams (1996)."
Dec. 1: "O Come, Come Emanuel," Sixpence None the Richer - With a name inspired from the C.S. Lewis novel "Mere Christianity," this Christian band offers a sweet, uncluttered approach to Christmas music on its 2008 album, "Dawn of Grace." Lead singer Leigh Nash has the perfect voice for this song
Dec. 2: "My Favorite Things," Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass - Alpert's trumpet was a staple of my childhood; it was always on the stereo. The group's 1996 "Christmas Album" was ruined by overproduction that pushed the star - Alpert's sterling trumpet - to the background. Still, this song will stick with you.
Dec. 3: "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," Jethro Tull - Has anyone every played the flute like Ian Anderson of this 1960s rock group? He gives every tune its all, including this jazzy instrumental adaptation of my favorite Christmas carol. You'll enjoy the piano and guitar work as well on this track from the 2004 release "The Jethro Tull Christmas Album."
Dec. 4: "How Many Kings?" downhere - Another Christian rock group, downhere's lyrics on this song really hit home - the idea that God sent his son to join man at the first Christmas. This track is from their 2009 album "How Many Kings: Song for Christmas." This one will stay with you all day.
Dec. 5: "First Noel," Chris Botti - In his 2002 album "December," Botti turns his trumpet loose on a contemplative set of holiday songs, running toward the quiet side of the holiday. Some critics have called Botti's sound "chill," meaning smooth jazz with a touch of cool jazz. Enjoy this artist's approach to a wonderful traditional carol.
Dec. 6: "We Three Kings/Carol of the Bells," Kenny G - I know it is hip to make fun of Kenny G's work, but I love the sound of his soprano sax. This cut is from his 2008 album, "The Greatest Holiday Classics," which takes the best of his three previous albums: "Miracles" (1993), "Faith" (1999) and "Wishes" (2002). Yeah, I'm a sucker, but this is just great for the holidays.
Dec. 7: "Nutcracker Suite, Overture," Moscow Philharmonic - It is not Christmas without the "Nutcracker," preferably the ballet with a live orchestra. This 2007 recording is the most complete that I can find of the suite; I commend it to you.
Dec. 8: "Christmas Must Be Tonight," the Band - In order to fulfill its contract with Capitol Records, the Band recorded "Islands" in 1977, after its touring days were over. I'm letting my age show with this choice, but this group still speaks to me.
Dec. 9: "Who Comes This Night," James Taylor - Another old timer, this cut from Taylor's "At Christmas" (2006) is another nice addition to our advent calendar. Taylor's well-known voice and earnest sound make this song - and album - a winner.
Dec. 10: "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" Chicago - Take this 1945 Christmas song and mix in Chicago's brassy sound and arrangements and you've got something going. This is from "Chicago Christmas: What's It Gonna Be Santa (2003)." I stumbled across it just this holiday season, and it has risen near the top of my favorite holiday albums.
Dec. 11: "Must Be Santa," Bob Dylan - Dylan, the great cynic, doing Christmas songs? Yep. For the first time ever, the man with the gravelly voice has released a holiday set that will challenge your ears - at least on the first listen or two. But "Christmas in the Heart" grows on you. Besides, it's for a good cause: All the royalties go to Feeding America.
Dec. 12: "Sing!" Josh Wilson - Perhaps not strictly a Christmas song, "Sing" by the Christian singer-songwriter Wilson captures the underlying spirit of the holidays. The lyrics are powerful and the instrumental backing will knock you over.
Dec. 13: "Joy to the World," Brian Culbertson - Ah, some more smooth jazz funk, this time by pianist Culbertson from his 2006 album, "A Soulful Christmas." He sets a gospel tone with the backing of a choir, but you'd never mistake this for a church song.
Dec. 14: "Winter Wonderland," Roy Hargrove and Shirley Horn - This musical Advent calendar takes a turn toward harder jazz with this piece by Grammy-winning trumpeter Hargrove and singer/pianist Horn. Her voice is lush and blends with Hargove's groovy horn. A great combo.
Dec. 15: "I Believe in Father Christmas," Sarah Brightman - This piece by the internationally known soprano speaks about the joy and excitement of the season. Yes, this piece from "A Winter Symphony" (2008) is a bit overblown, but what about this holiday isn't?
Dec. 16: "Jingle Bell Rock," Jo-El Sonnier - Is there any happier music than that which comes from south Louisiana? Fiddles, accordions, singers with French accents. In this cut from the 2002 album "Cajun Christmas," Sonnier cuts loose with the joie de vivre (joy of living) that marks life in a special part of the world. Ai-eee!
Dec. 17: "Here Comes Santa Claus," Ramsey Lewis Trio - Jazz pianist Lewis and his boys keep the happy feelings going in this cut from "Verve Presents: The Very Best of Christmas Jazz" (2000). Lewis was known as the "great performer," and he shows why in a rendition of this 1947 tune that was co-written by Gene Autry.
Dec. 18: "Christmas Time Is Here," Vince Guaraldi Trio - Christmas is not the same without a viewing of "Charlie Brown's Christmas." Here, pianist Guaraldi leads his trio in one of the highlights from the 1965 TV special. It's a chance to slow down before the final week of the holidays begins.
Dec. 19: "A Christmas Song," Jethro Tull - Sixties' rocker Anderson and Jethro Tull are back for a message song. A bit preachy perhaps, but it is good to remember what this hullabaloo is all about. Another track from the 2004 release "The Jethro Tull Christmas Album," Tull is the only performer to make this list twice.
Dec. 20: "All My Bells Are Ringing," Lenka - A little bit of sugary pop from this Australian songwriter and performer. Yes, the last few days of the season are supposed to be fun; this will help. This song comes from the 2008 compilation "The Hotel Café Presents Winter Songs."
Dec. 21: "Come On, Ring Those Bells," Kristin Chenowith - Another bouncy number to keep you smiling. Taken from "A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas" (2008), this song lets the soprano, who is known in Broadway circles for "Wicked" but who also has appeared on TV and in the movies, to have some fun. Join in on the chorus.
Dec. 22: "The Christmas Song," Dave Koz - Settle in with the smooth jazz saxophonist and his friends on this calm rendition of the song made famous by Nat King Cole. Included are pianist David Benoit, guitarist Peter White, trumpeter Rick Braun and singer Brenda Russell. From "A Smooth Jazz Christmas" (2001).
Dec. 23: "The Christmas Waltz," Beegie Adair - Jazz pianist Adair eases us into the final days of Christmas with a fine performance of this standard from "Jazz Piano Christmas" (1999). The Nashville session veteran lays down this tune with precision and care. Well done.
Christmas Eve: "Zat You, Santa Claus?" Louis Armstrong - Well, it is Christmas Eve, and the kids will be asking that question before long. Armstrong provides a dose of New Orleans jazz as the hours tick down. From "Verve Presents: The Very Best of Christmas Jazz" (2000).
Christmas: "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," Jackson 5 - Fitting, in the year of his death, that the young Michael Jackson wraps up the 2009 musical Advent calendar. A fun song for Christmas morning. What a great voice the young man had! From "A Motown Christmas" (1999). Merry Christmas! And a Happy New Year's.
In honor of a childhood favorite, the Advent calendar, here's an eclectic blend of great holiday tunes - one for each day from now until Christmas.
By Reed Eckhardt
reckhardt@wyomingnews.com
One of the best holiday traditions of my childhood was the Advent calendar.
Each year, my mother would pick one out for my sisters and me to help us count down the days until to Christmas.
I can still feel the glitter on the cardboard and see the brightly decorated scene with the closed flaps, one for each day. And I can remember how hard it was to resist opening them all at once, which was a real no-no. Who would dare risk Mother's - or Santa's - wrath?
I continued the tradition with my daughters, and the search to find just the right calendar brought early joy to my Christmas seasons. One year, a miniature nativity scene was formed as the girls opened the doors to find plastic sheep, camels, Wise Men and, of course, Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.
I haven't gone Advent calendar hunting in a while, but I thought I would continue the tradition this year with a listing of holiday music.
Unlike my 2008 list - which was more old school - this group is more eclectic. And it features a number songs and artists that I have discovered during recent years' Christmas music searches. It includes songs that make me happy, inspire me or add a little hop to my step.
I love Christmas music, and I know you do, too. I hope this list will add a bit of holiday cheer.
So here is my 2009 Musical Christmas Advent Calendar. It is designed so that you can "open" one song each day, starting today, the first day of Advent, with the last track set for Christmas morning.
Or you can open them all at once and build a holiday playlist to carry around on your iPod of MP3 player. Go ahead and do that if you want to: Mother isn't watching.
Nov. 29: "Sleigh Ride," Boney James - Grammy Award-winning saxophonist James turns it loose on this track from his 1996 album "Boney's Funky Christmas." I bought this album on a lark last year, and this track kept my 2008 Christmas in full, funky swing. It will get your 2009 holiday season off to a bouncing start, too.
Nov. 30: "Do You Hear What I Hear/Drummer Boy," Vanessa Williams - This is another song that I couldn't get enough of in 2008. A friend of my wife's introduced me to this track on a gift CD at her Christmas party. I love the beat and Williams' voice. This is from "20th Century Masters: The Christmas Collection, The Best of Vanessa Williams (1996)."
Dec. 1: "O Come, Come Emanuel," Sixpence None the Richer - With a name inspired from the C.S. Lewis novel "Mere Christianity," this Christian band offers a sweet, uncluttered approach to Christmas music on its 2008 album, "Dawn of Grace." Lead singer Leigh Nash has the perfect voice for this song
Dec. 2: "My Favorite Things," Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass - Alpert's trumpet was a staple of my childhood; it was always on the stereo. The group's 1996 "Christmas Album" was ruined by overproduction that pushed the star - Alpert's sterling trumpet - to the background. Still, this song will stick with you.
Dec. 3: "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," Jethro Tull - Has anyone every played the flute like Ian Anderson of this 1960s rock group? He gives every tune its all, including this jazzy instrumental adaptation of my favorite Christmas carol. You'll enjoy the piano and guitar work as well on this track from the 2004 release "The Jethro Tull Christmas Album."
Dec. 4: "How Many Kings?" downhere - Another Christian rock group, downhere's lyrics on this song really hit home - the idea that God sent his son to join man at the first Christmas. This track is from their 2009 album "How Many Kings: Song for Christmas." This one will stay with you all day.
Dec. 5: "First Noel," Chris Botti - In his 2002 album "December," Botti turns his trumpet loose on a contemplative set of holiday songs, running toward the quiet side of the holiday. Some critics have called Botti's sound "chill," meaning smooth jazz with a touch of cool jazz. Enjoy this artist's approach to a wonderful traditional carol.
Dec. 6: "We Three Kings/Carol of the Bells," Kenny G - I know it is hip to make fun of Kenny G's work, but I love the sound of his soprano sax. This cut is from his 2008 album, "The Greatest Holiday Classics," which takes the best of his three previous albums: "Miracles" (1993), "Faith" (1999) and "Wishes" (2002). Yeah, I'm a sucker, but this is just great for the holidays.
Dec. 7: "Nutcracker Suite, Overture," Moscow Philharmonic - It is not Christmas without the "Nutcracker," preferably the ballet with a live orchestra. This 2007 recording is the most complete that I can find of the suite; I commend it to you.
Dec. 8: "Christmas Must Be Tonight," the Band - In order to fulfill its contract with Capitol Records, the Band recorded "Islands" in 1977, after its touring days were over. I'm letting my age show with this choice, but this group still speaks to me.
Dec. 9: "Who Comes This Night," James Taylor - Another old timer, this cut from Taylor's "At Christmas" (2006) is another nice addition to our advent calendar. Taylor's well-known voice and earnest sound make this song - and album - a winner.
Dec. 10: "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" Chicago - Take this 1945 Christmas song and mix in Chicago's brassy sound and arrangements and you've got something going. This is from "Chicago Christmas: What's It Gonna Be Santa (2003)." I stumbled across it just this holiday season, and it has risen near the top of my favorite holiday albums.
Dec. 11: "Must Be Santa," Bob Dylan - Dylan, the great cynic, doing Christmas songs? Yep. For the first time ever, the man with the gravelly voice has released a holiday set that will challenge your ears - at least on the first listen or two. But "Christmas in the Heart" grows on you. Besides, it's for a good cause: All the royalties go to Feeding America.
Dec. 12: "Sing!" Josh Wilson - Perhaps not strictly a Christmas song, "Sing" by the Christian singer-songwriter Wilson captures the underlying spirit of the holidays. The lyrics are powerful and the instrumental backing will knock you over.
Dec. 13: "Joy to the World," Brian Culbertson - Ah, some more smooth jazz funk, this time by pianist Culbertson from his 2006 album, "A Soulful Christmas." He sets a gospel tone with the backing of a choir, but you'd never mistake this for a church song.
Dec. 14: "Winter Wonderland," Roy Hargrove and Shirley Horn - This musical Advent calendar takes a turn toward harder jazz with this piece by Grammy-winning trumpeter Hargrove and singer/pianist Horn. Her voice is lush and blends with Hargove's groovy horn. A great combo.
Dec. 15: "I Believe in Father Christmas," Sarah Brightman - This piece by the internationally known soprano speaks about the joy and excitement of the season. Yes, this piece from "A Winter Symphony" (2008) is a bit overblown, but what about this holiday isn't?
Dec. 16: "Jingle Bell Rock," Jo-El Sonnier - Is there any happier music than that which comes from south Louisiana? Fiddles, accordions, singers with French accents. In this cut from the 2002 album "Cajun Christmas," Sonnier cuts loose with the joie de vivre (joy of living) that marks life in a special part of the world. Ai-eee!
Dec. 17: "Here Comes Santa Claus," Ramsey Lewis Trio - Jazz pianist Lewis and his boys keep the happy feelings going in this cut from "Verve Presents: The Very Best of Christmas Jazz" (2000). Lewis was known as the "great performer," and he shows why in a rendition of this 1947 tune that was co-written by Gene Autry.
Dec. 18: "Christmas Time Is Here," Vince Guaraldi Trio - Christmas is not the same without a viewing of "Charlie Brown's Christmas." Here, pianist Guaraldi leads his trio in one of the highlights from the 1965 TV special. It's a chance to slow down before the final week of the holidays begins.
Dec. 19: "A Christmas Song," Jethro Tull - Sixties' rocker Anderson and Jethro Tull are back for a message song. A bit preachy perhaps, but it is good to remember what this hullabaloo is all about. Another track from the 2004 release "The Jethro Tull Christmas Album," Tull is the only performer to make this list twice.
Dec. 20: "All My Bells Are Ringing," Lenka - A little bit of sugary pop from this Australian songwriter and performer. Yes, the last few days of the season are supposed to be fun; this will help. This song comes from the 2008 compilation "The Hotel Café Presents Winter Songs."
Dec. 21: "Come On, Ring Those Bells," Kristin Chenowith - Another bouncy number to keep you smiling. Taken from "A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas" (2008), this song lets the soprano, who is known in Broadway circles for "Wicked" but who also has appeared on TV and in the movies, to have some fun. Join in on the chorus.
Dec. 22: "The Christmas Song," Dave Koz - Settle in with the smooth jazz saxophonist and his friends on this calm rendition of the song made famous by Nat King Cole. Included are pianist David Benoit, guitarist Peter White, trumpeter Rick Braun and singer Brenda Russell. From "A Smooth Jazz Christmas" (2001).
Dec. 23: "The Christmas Waltz," Beegie Adair - Jazz pianist Adair eases us into the final days of Christmas with a fine performance of this standard from "Jazz Piano Christmas" (1999). The Nashville session veteran lays down this tune with precision and care. Well done.
Christmas Eve: "Zat You, Santa Claus?" Louis Armstrong - Well, it is Christmas Eve, and the kids will be asking that question before long. Armstrong provides a dose of New Orleans jazz as the hours tick down. From "Verve Presents: The Very Best of Christmas Jazz" (2000).
Christmas: "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," Jackson 5 - Fitting, in the year of his death, that the young Michael Jackson wraps up the 2009 musical Advent calendar. A fun song for Christmas morning. What a great voice the young man had! From "A Motown Christmas" (1999). Merry Christmas! And a Happy New Year's.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Extraordinaire
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 cup white sugar
1 (12 ounce) package fresh cranberries
1 orange, peeled and pureed (I used 4 'Mandarins')
1 apple - peeled, cored and diced (I used 'Honeycrisp')
1 pear - peeled, cored and diced (I used an 'Asian' Pear)
1 cup chopped dried mixed fruit
1 cup chopped pecans (I eliminated these)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions
1. Use a food processor to chop your fruits (fresh and dried) if you have one. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker, stir well, cook on 'low' temperature at least 8 hours.
2. Refrigerate to cool, may be divided into smaller portions and frozen.
I made this for our Thanksgiving feast this year. It is delicious, but very sweet. A little goes a long way. Perfect with turkey!
1 cup water
1 cup white sugar
1 (12 ounce) package fresh cranberries
1 orange, peeled and pureed (I used 4 'Mandarins')
1 apple - peeled, cored and diced (I used 'Honeycrisp')
1 pear - peeled, cored and diced (I used an 'Asian' Pear)
1 cup chopped dried mixed fruit
1 cup chopped pecans (I eliminated these)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions
1. Use a food processor to chop your fruits (fresh and dried) if you have one. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker, stir well, cook on 'low' temperature at least 8 hours.
2. Refrigerate to cool, may be divided into smaller portions and frozen.
I made this for our Thanksgiving feast this year. It is delicious, but very sweet. A little goes a long way. Perfect with turkey!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thanksgiving: Just Who Are We Thanking?
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we thine unworthy servants
do give thee most humble and hearty thanks
for all thy goodness and loving-kindness
to us and to all men.
We bless thee for our creation, preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for thine inestimable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we beseech thee,
give us that due sense of all thy mercies,
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful;
and that we show forth thy praise,
not only with our lips, but in our lives,
by giving up our selves to thy service,
and by walking before thee
in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with thee and the Holy Spirit,
be all honor and glory, world without end.
Amen.
Amen.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Pumpkin Pie-Lets
Just in case you need a new take on an old favorite:
Pumpkin Pie Tartlets
16 (2-1/2 inch) foil baking cups
Nonstick cooking spray
1 c. granulated sugar
1 T. cornstarch
1t. ground cinnamon*
1/2 t. ginger*
*(or 1-1/2 t. Pumpkin Pie Spice)
1/2 t. salt
2 large eggs, beaten well
15 oz. pure pumpkin
1 can (15 oz.) evaporated milk
16 Nabisco brand Gingersnap Cookies
or 2 c. or more graham cracker crumbs
Garnish:
whipped topping
gingersnaps - broken in
1/4 in. - or smaller - pieces
or graham cracker crumbs
Method:
Preheat oven to 350*. Place baking cups on baking sheet with sides. Spray each cup with cooking spray (you may also want to put parchment under the baking cups or at least spray the baking sheet with cooking spray as well). Place 1 Ginger Snap cookie or spoonfull of graham cracker crumbs in the bottom of each baking cup.
Combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon/ginger/pumpkin pie spice (if using) and salt in a small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Spoon in 1/4 to 1/3 cup of mixture into prepared baking cup.
Bake for 25-28 minutes or until knife inserted near centers comes out clean. Do not overbake or cookie may over-brown...(but even if it does scorch, it still tastes good, it just won't be as pretty)
Cool on baking sheet for 20 minutes. Refrgerage for at least 1 hour. Carefully remove each pie-let from baking cup. Place on a pretty serving plate and top each with whipped topping and cookie/graham cracker crumbs.
Attractive mini-dessert, great for little hands to manage! Hendrik loved his 'baby' pumpkin pie!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Random Thoughts for a Saturday
After work yesterday we actually went on a date. We watched a matinee showing of 'The Men Who Stare At Goats', it was pretty enjoyable - lots of funny stuff. Afterward, Rick preceptively commented on the casting of Ewan McGregor. I'm the one who usually notices vagaries - this one slipped by me - I must be slipping too!
Funniest sight of the day #1: Flock of pigeons - unofficial state bird - roosting in the top of the giant 'advertising' bucket of KFC up the street. That's what that new recipe is, eh?
Most recent observation on the aging process: No one can 'tell' you what it's like to suffer the infirmities of age - it's something you have to experience in order to fully empathize. You don't really know what it's like to BE old until you ARE old.
Funnier sight of the day: Esther and (willing participant) Hendrik playing 'cow'. Esther put a rope around her brother's waist (thankfully not his neck) and proceeded to run across the back yard at break-neck speed with her prize steer scootching along in the grass behind her. (Note to self: always have the camera along in case unexpected local wildlife appears)
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