DIANE'S CORNER ... Celebrate Violin Day

The violin is easily the most popular bowed string instrument across the world, and we’re really not all that surprised to see that the violin does in fact have a day dedicated to its existence. After all, everything from Western and Indian classical music to bluegrass and jazz would be unimaginable today without the violin. It’s quite possibly the most versatile instrument in the world in terms of repertoire, and that’s why there’s a Violin Day to celebrate it!

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History of Violin Day

The violin itself evolved from medieval fiddles, and came into a distinct form by the 15th century (most violins today are copies after either Stradivarius or Amati, the latter being active as a violin-maker in the 16th century), becoming the most popular virtuoso instrument in Europe by the 1660s.

Today, the violin not only remains an indispensable feature of western classical music, but has found its way into various forms of classical and folk music around the world as well as various other genres. There are a lot of violinists and fiddle players throughout the world today, so we can see why Violin Day caught on.

In fact, the violin is present in the most prestigious musical groups in the world, including the Venetian Philharmonic Orchestra! Imagine an instrument with such humble beginnings becoming such an important mainstay of modern classical music.

EMILY CARR (Dec 13, 1871 – Mar 2, 1945) Canadian Artist and Writer: Emily Carr studied in San Francisco in 1889-95, and in 1899 she traveled to England, where she was involved with the St. Ives group and with Hubert von Herkomer's private school. She lived in France in 1910 where the work of the Fauves influenced the colourism of her work and she came into contact with Frances Hodgkins. Discouraged by her lack of artistic success, she returned to Victoria, Canada where she came close to giving up art altogether. However, her contact with the Group of Seven in 1930 resurrected her interest in art, and throughout the 1930s she specialized in scenes from the lives and rituals of Native Americans. She also showed her awareness of Canadian native culture through a number of works representing the British Columbian rain forest. She lived among the native Americans to research her subjects. Many of her Expressionistic paintings represent totem poles and other artifacts of Indian culture.

Word of the Day

intoxication

Definition:

(noun) A temporary state resulting from excessive consumption of alcohol.

Synonyms:

drunkenness, inebriety, insobriety, tipsiness

Usage:

Kevin drank beer after beer, heedless of the hangover that would undoubtedly follow his intoxication.

Idiom of the Day

screw (one's) courage to the sticking place

— To remain bold, resolute, determined, and courageous, especially in the face of possible danger, difficulty, hardship, or adversity. Taken from a line in Shakespeare's Macbeth: "We fail! But screw your courage to the sticking-place, and we'll not fail."

This Day in History

Council of Trent Convened (1545)

The Council of Trent made sweeping reforms to the Catholic Church over 18 years, eliminating many abuses criticized in the Protestant Reformation. Convened by Pope Paul III at Trento, Italy—28 years after Martin Luther issued his 95 Theses—the council fixed the canon of the Old and New Testaments, set the number of sacraments at seven, defined the nature of original sin, and confirmed the doctrine of transubstantiation.

Emily Carr (1871)

Now considered an icon of Canadian art, Carr did not receive widespread recognition for her work until later in life. She primarily painted indigenous-themed or landscape scenes, and she was relatively unknown until her work was featured in a 1927 exhibition at the National Gallery, when she was in her 50s. Carr continued to paint thereafter but had to reduce her artistic output in her 70s due to health concerns.

Susuharai

In Japan, many people choose to give their houses a thorough cleaning at year's end. Worn or broken furniture and utensils and items that have been lost are replaced. New tatami mats, the thick straw mats on which people sit and sleep, are brought in, and damage to the paper sliding doors in traditional Japanese houses is repaired. In some areas, it is customary to tie pounded rice cakes (mochi-bana, "rice-cake flowers") to the branches of willow trees as an offering to the gods. Friends and co-workers may also throw "year-end forgetting parties" known as bonen-kai.

Man coughs up part of lung while being treated for heart failure

A 36-year-old California man who was admitted to the intensive care unit with chronic heart failure was coughing so severely that he hacked up a piece of his lung. The unidentified patient, whose case was written about in the New England Journal of ...
READ MORE: Image result for Man coughs up part of lung while being treated for heart failure

Man coughs up part of lung while being treated for heart failure

Image result for 1642 - New Zealand was discovered by Dutch navigator Abel Tasman.

1642 - New Zealand was discovered by Dutch navigator Abel Tasman.
Image result for 1769 - Dartmouth College, in New Hampshire, received its charter.

1769 - Dartmouth College, in New Hampshire, received its charter.
Image result for Jane Todd Crawford.

1809 - The first abdominal surgical procedure was performed in Danville, KY, on Jane Todd Crawford. The operation was performed without an anesthetic.

Image result for 1913 - It was announced by authorities in Florence, Italy, that the "Mona Lisa" had been recovered. The work was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris in 1911.

Image result for 1913 - It was announced by authorities in Florence, Italy, that the "Mona Lisa" had been recovered. The work was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris in 1911.

1913 - It was announced by authorities in Florence, Italy, that the "Mona Lisa" had been recovered. The work was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris in 1911.
Image result for 1918 - U.S. President Wilson arrived in France, becoming the first chief executive to visit a European country while holding office

Image result for 1918 - U.S. President Wilson arrived in France, becoming the first chief executive to visit a European country while holding office

1918 - U.S. President Wilson arrived in France, becoming the first chief executive to visit a European country while holding office

Image result for 1928 - George Gershwin's musical work "An American in Paris" was premiered by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

1928 - George Gershwin's musical work "An American in Paris" was premiered by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.
Image result for 1961 - Anna Mary Robertson Moses, "Grandma Moses," passed away at the age of 101.

1961 - Anna Mary Robertson Moses, "Grandma Moses," passed away at the age of 101.

Image result for 1966 - Jimi Hendrix released the single "Foxy Lady." The title was misprinted as "Foxey Lady" on the U.S. version of the album "Are You Experienced."

1966 - Jimi Hendrix released the single "Foxy Lady." The title was misprinted as "Foxey Lady" on the U.S. version of the album "Are You Experienced."

Image result for 1978 - The Philadelphia Mint began stamping the Susan B. Anthony U.S. dollar. The coin began circulation the following July.

1978 - The Philadelphia Mint began stamping the Susan B. Anthony U.S. dollar. The coin began circulation the following July.
Image result for 1997 - The Getty Center in Los Angeles, CA, was opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Image result for 1997 - The Getty Center in Los Angeles, CA, was opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

1997 - The Getty Center in Los Angeles, CA, was opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Image result for 2001 - NBC-TV announced that it would begin running hard liquor commercials. NBC issued a 19-point policy that outlined the conditions for accepting liquor ads.

Image result for 2001 - NBC-TV announced that it would begin running hard liquor commercials. NBC issued a 19-point policy that outlined the conditions for accepting liquor ads.

2001 - NBC-TV announced that it would begin running hard liquor commercials. NBC issued a 19-point policy that outlined the conditions for accepting liquor ads.

DAILY SQU-EEK

If You Were Born Today, December 13

You are a very versatile person with an adventurous spirit, yet you have a very grounded outlook and a practical streak. Material success is likely in your life time, as you are hard-working and proud. As well, you are filled with ideas, and they're usually quite marketable! A true problem solver, you love to find answers and help others to do so as well. There is a distinctly private element to your love life. You are often attracted to all that is forbidden. Famous people born today:

Industrialist and Inventor Werner von Siemens

1816 [Ernst] Werner von Siemens, German inventor and industrialist (siemens electrical conductance unit and Siemens corporation), born in Lenthe, German Confederation

First Lady of the United States Mary Todd Lincoln

1818 Mary Todd Lincoln, American wife of Abraham Lincoln and US First Lady (1861-65), born in Lexington, Kentucky (d. 1882)

1911 Kenneth Patchen, American poet and novelist (Cloth of the Tempest), born in Niles, Ohio (d. 1972)

1913 Archie Moore, American light-heavyweight boxing champion (1952-60), born in Benoit, Mississippi, (d. 1998)

1929 Christopher Plummer, Canadian actor(Sound of Music, Doll's House), born in Toronto, Ontario

Economist and Chairman of the Federal Reserve Ben Bernanke

1953 Ben Bernanke, American economist and Chairman of the Federal Reserve (2006-14), born in Augusta, Georgia

1967 Jamie Foxx, American actor (Ray, In Living Color) comedian and musician, born in Terrell, Texas

1989 Taylor Swift, American singer/songwriter(Our Song), born in Reading, Pennsylvania

READERS INFO

Hot 97 Hot for the Holidays 2018

Dec 13, 2018 | Brooklyn, NY

Kings Theatre|1027 Flatbush Ave

You’re probably thinking, unless you’re soaking up sun in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s not hot during the holidays. Well, that heat dial is turned past 10 at Hot 97 Hot for the Holidays in Newark, New Jersey. This festival features the same hot hip-hop the New York radio station Hot 97, sends traveling through car speakers across the Big Apple. Past performers include Mariah Carey, Lil Wayne and Mary J. Blige.

further information: Hot for the Holidays Tickets | Vivid Seats

Argosy Christmas Ship Festival 2018

Nov 23 - Dec 23, 2018 | Seattle, WA

Lake Union Park & Other Puget Sound Communities|860 Terry Ave N

For fans of Christmas cheer and brisky Northwestern seaside breezes, the Argosy Christmas Ship Festival comes to town each year to delight thousands of revelers aboard a floating parade festooned with lights. Travelling along the Puget Sound and making stops to various waterfront towns and cities, the ship features a variety of holiday festivities to keep revelers on board smiling and dancing to a variety of performances by choirs and other live musical acts. What’s more, when revelers are guided back to shore, they can enjoy complimentary bonfires and fireside treats.

further information: Christmas Ship™ Festival

PRCA National Finals Rodeo 2018

Dec 6-15, 2018 | Las Vegas, NV

Thomas & Mack Center|4505 S Maryland Pkwy

Held in Las Vegas, the National Finals Rodeo invites cowboys from the United States and Canada to compete in what is fondly referred to as the rodeo equivalent of the Superbowl. The participants compete over the course of ten days in the hopes of placing in any one of the seven events. As one of the major rodeo events in the country, the festival attracts more than 140,000 attendees each year.

further information: National Finals Rodeo (NFR)

Pictures of the day

The Sound of Music is a musical play written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, based on Maria von Trapp's memoir The Story of the Trapp Family Singers. Set in Austria on the eve of the Anschluss in 1938, it tells the story of Maria, who takes a job as governess to a large family. She falls in love with the children, and eventually their widowed father, Captain von Trapp, and together they flee from Austria to escape the Nazis. Songs from the musical include "Edelweiss", "My Favorite Things", "Climb Ev'ry Mountain", "Do-Re-Mi", and the title song "The Sound of Music". This picture shows actress Mary Martin with children in a 1959 publicity photo for the musical. In the movie version, the role was played by Julie Andrews.

A giant bust of Abraham Lincoln

at a storage yard of presidential heads, sculpted by David Adickes, in Houston

knit
thanks, Rae

Peverly

knit
thanks, Connie

Cozy Hat Dishcloth pattern by Lily

knit

Color Block Hoodie
knit

Kate's Shawl

knit, Christmas

Image result for knitted christmas ornaments patterns

Santa, Angel, Snowman and Tree

crochet, Christmas
thanks, Valerie

Crochet Snowflake 4

crochet
thanks, Alexa

Faux Knit Rib Camel Stitch Throw Blanket

crochet

Ambrosia Scarf

crochet

Striped Mittens
crochet

Side To Side Cowl Neck Sweater

RECIPE

Mashed Potato Casserole

thanks, Shelley

https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1013923-mashed-potato-casserole?

CROCKPOT RECIPE ... Christmas

Classic Pecan Snowball Cookies

Prep Time 10 min Cook Time 15 min Total Time 25 mins

Serves about 32 cookies

Classic Pecan Snowball Cookies are the perfect classic treat for your holiday cookie platter. They are buttery, melt in your mouth shortbread like cookies with chopped pecans.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size
Amount Per Serving	As Served
Calories 118kcalCalories from fat 72
% Daily Value
Total Fat 8g
Saturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 15mg
Sodium 1mg
Carbohydrate 11g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Sugars 4g
Protein 1g

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:

	Calories	2000
Total Fat	Less than	65g
Sat Fat	Less than	25g
Cholesterol	Less than	300mg
Sodium	Less than	2,400mg
Total Carbohydrate		300g
Dietary Fiber		25g

INGREDIENTS

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly - spoon & sweep method)
3/4 - 1 cup finely chopped pecans
More powdered sugar for rolling cookies - about 1/2 cup

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon mat. Set aside.
In a stand mixer or using your hand mixer, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and slowly add flour and mix until just combined. Fold in chopped pecans. beating at low speed, scraping bowl as necessary, until well mixed.
Roll dough into 2 tablespoon sized dough balls. Place on prepared cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Repeat until all the dough is used up. *I recommend chilling the dough for 30 minutes in the fridge so the cookies stay round but you can choose to bake them right away if desired.
Bake cookies for 14 - 15 minutes until bottoms are just slightly brown - rotating pans halfway through. Be careful not to over-bake.
Remove from oven and cool on baking pan for about 2 minutes until you can handle them comfortably with your hands.
Meanwhile, sift 1/2 cup icing sugar into a medium bowl. While cookies are still warm, roll them in icing sugar. Place cookies on cooling rack, once they have cooled completely, roll them in icing sugar again.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to one month.

SWEETS ... Christmas

thanks, Ida

Make a Graham Cracker House Nativity with the Kids This Christmas

ADULT COLORING ... Christmas

CRAFTS ... Christmas

For most of these projects you'll take a coffee filter, place the center at the bottom, and squeeze up the filter to make a "flower" shape, and twist the bottom to hold in place.

Snowball Topiary -

I took a styrofoam ball from Dollar Tree and started hot gluing these twisted coffee filters around it. There is no right or wrong way to do it. I started by making a circle around the middle, and then added more and more until the top was full. Then I began filling the bottom.

I hot glued on a candle holder from Dollar Tree to be the base. I then filled in any holes left with more coffee filters until I got it to be as full as I liked.

You can leave it plain or I added a little Mod Podge around the edges of the coffee filters and then sprinkled fake snow onto it.

Snowman -

I hot glued 2 different sized paper plates together.

I filled them with the twisted coffee filters until I got it as full as I wanted. For this one I started at the bottom and worked my way to the top.

I added a scarf, hot glued on button eyes and nose, a yarn mouth, and a top hat I found at Dollar Tree. I put a piece of fish line on back so I could hang him.

Winter Wreath -

Any wreath form will work, and any size you like. I had this one on hand. I started hot gluing the twisted coffee filters onto the wreath working around in a circle. I started on the inside, then moved my way to the outside until it was as full as I wanted.

I added some battery operated LED (cool lights) I found at Dollar Tree. I hot glued the battery pack onto the back side to hide it.

I kept the original hanging tag on it so I could hang it from that.

Table Top Tree -

I cut holes of different sizes and layered them onto a recycled bottle. I used a little hot glue to hold each layer in place.

I added a strand of battery operated LED (cool lights) lights that have a "cork" on/off switch on top.

I cut out a tinfoil start and glued it to the "cork" on/off switch, and I also added some Krylon Glitter Blast spray paint to the filters to give it some shimmer.

I cut the letters "J" and "Y" out of cardboard. I hot glued on some twisted coffee filters onto the letters until I had the look I wanted. I added my wreath from before to the center to be the letter "O" and created the word Joy. I used gaffers tape to hold up the letters and wreath onto my mirror.