Paul Chappel

Experience of a new hymn

2009-06-12T04:20:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night, 10th June 2009, I was getting ready to close down the ol' computer for the night, when an idea hit me about a hymn I'd been commissioned to write.
For only the third time in my life, I sat down and it just flowed like water. There were some edits to make, but in the main its form and content are the same as when it just poured out of me.
The first time this happened was writing The Light of the World, an Advent candle lighting song that is still used often these day, except of course in the weeks before Christmas.
The second time was writing Mary Wept. It took about five minutes - I was keeping a student waiting, but I knew I HAD to get it down on paper. I remember so clearly both times this happened.

Following this kind of experience, I often spend some time looking over what I've written, and I see all kinds of images in this new hymn (which I'll share later), and I'm very pleased. It was a great boost, only made better by the letter from Hope Publishing last week - about which more another time!

Early Monday Morning

2009-02-02T05:28:00.000-08:00

So here I am, early on a Monday morning, trying to figure out the week ahead. Today I'm performing a funeral, then teaching for most of the afternoon. Tomorrow I have two funerals (one is just graveside, which, at this time of year, will be short) and after the two are over, it's up to the clinic for needles. Wednesday, I'm playing two funerals, so it's quite week ahead. Mercifully, it's a week with more income than we'd expected, and this is something about which we are both very grateful.
I have a new commission to work on - an Easter season hymn, with organ music to match. It will be a wonderful challenge to try to create something new, or at least put old ideas in new ways. The Baptismal hymn written for niece Emma is like that, I find. I haven't shared that hymn here, but if you're on Facebook, it's in the group about my music - Paul Chappel Music & Hymns. Yes, I know, an utilitarion title, but I quite like the simplicity and clarity it brings. Well, it's time to plan this morning's funeral and get cleaned up and ready - hopefully I'll blog again before the week is out!

Early 2009

2009-01-28T05:45:00.000-08:00

I am now joining many of my friends in saying how sorry I am that it has been so long since I blogged. Heck, it's been so long, no one's likely even checked it in a year, but I'll get 'er going again.
Yesterday, Sara started a group on Facebook about my Hymns and Music. If you're not on Facebook, it's dead easy to join, and quite painless. We're exploring ways of getting the hymn texts 'out there' so they can be used. They're doing no one any good in my computer's silicon-based brain.
In the last three weeks I've cranked out two good hymns, which is quite nice. If I can keep that pace up, it'll be a productive year.
I got to the end of 2008 trying to figure out what I'd accomplished in the year, and it was a long, blank look I took. Well, maybe most of us are doing that, now.
In the coming weeks, I'm planning to post at least once a week, and maybe more. It's hard to keep so many different irons in the fire, but it's also challenging and fun in the long run.
Welcome, new readers, and welcome back, former folks who had given up on me!

Vicente Sings!

2007-10-22T15:42:00.001-07:00

C O N C E R T

2007-10-04T06:19:00.001-07:00

CONCERT! Sunday 18th November 2007 4:00 pm St. Paul's United Church 29 Park Street at Cross, Dundas ON

The music of Paul Chappel - in celebration of his 40th Birthday
MUSIC TENDS THE HEART & HUGS THE SOUL

Lakefront (premiered at the Glenn Gould Studios for broadcast on CBC Radio 1997) will be performed by David Gerry, Flute & Patricia Johnston, Harp.

The Noiseless, Patient Spider (text by Walt Whitman) - Sara Chappel, Soprano, Anne Barnshaw, Piano

The Song of the Arden (text by William Shakespeare, As You Like It) - Richard Crossman, Tenor, Anne Barnshaw, Piano

Prelude on Hyfrdol (published in Te Deum Volume II - RCCO Publications) - Ruth Watson Henderson, Organ

Quails - World Premiere Performance, David Gerry, Flute, Paul Grimwood, Piano

Riverbed - World Premiere Performance - Patricia Johnston, Harp

Can You Hear the Whippoorwill (text by Shirley Chappel) - published by Leslie Music Supply in English and edition Reimers in Swedish (Kan du hora natsckarren?) - Sara Chappel & Richard Crossman with David Gerry, Flute, Anne Barnshaw, Piano and Patricia Johnston, Harp

Follow the Star (tune: Path Head) - Douglas Brownlee, Organ

And I'll post more music lists as we decide on them!
There will be the premiere of a new hymn text, with Paul Chappel at the organ!

Second post in same day

2007-09-23T04:22:00.000-07:00

I cann't help noticing that it's been exactly two months since my Chive Seeds post (which has been submitted to Harrowsmith, by the way). And I cannot pass today without recalling Dad's mother who was born this day in 1897. Her 80th birthday bash in 1977 was a blast, and I was looking at the photos only a few days ago. Only two years later, she had a devestating stroke that took her in mind, but kept her in body for another three years. Hard years, having your grandmother thank you 'strangers' for visiting. When she made that much sense. I think she knew we loved her - I'm sure of that.

Long time, no see!

2007-09-23T04:15:00.000-07:00

Good morning (or one hopes it will be). I have neglected this poor blog now for FAR too long, and I wish to thank Matthew for his gentle reminder that anyone ever read the danged thing, so I'll start again.
Where have I been?
I've been enmired quite happily, if for unaccountably too much time in Facebook. It's the heroin of our age. You log on and suddenly an hour's gone. I won't complain any more, though, as for people in my age range, who went to high school shortly after the 70s ended (very shortly) it's wonderful to recconect with friends from ages ago. To see a old school chum's two lovely kids and happy gardens, to keep in touch with people we've not seen in twenty years is wonderful.

How is the garden here growing? Well, it's almost done. I've severed the zucchini plant at the base so it'll die eventually. Sara harvested almost a full 4 quart basket of TINY hot peppers - I've no idea how many there will be there when the final tally is taken, and I must havest the basil before the old frosts hit. It's been a better year than last year, so that's something. The gardens are beginning to bend to my will again, perhaps more than any gardens in a long time, as I had dreams of this years ago. It's good to move back in to the house you grew up in, as the ideas of childhood about the gardens (don't all kids have gardening ideas?!) can become manifest. Oh joy! Oh rupture!

Chive Seeds

2007-07-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

As a younger man, I dreamed of chives. Really. I imagined their blooms, so full of promise I made a tasty vinegar of them but always left enough so there’d be seeds. I dreamt of owning an herb farm, where every few years one patch of chives would be dug up and composted so I could plant new ones from my favourite blossoms of the past year.

Saturday morning I had much to do. We were having company the next night and none of the two couples had seen our gardens before. It’s rough the end of July, with only some lilies blooming, the garden is a touch bleak. I had shopping to do, and running around to do: all the regular stuff. Then in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, I noticed that the chive seeds were ready.

In Canada, we spend all winter dreaming of our gardens - well, I do. The catalogues arrive and we start seeds and we pray for the days to come when we can roam the gardens like Lords of the Manor. We have two months of preparation, fighting lines at the garden centre, planting until our hands ache. At the end of the season we have about two months of final stages of the garden year. We give or throw away zucchini large enough to be seen from space. We dig the tubers that need our care, we pull the tomato plants that were so fruitful. So after six months of winter, two months of preparation and two months last year of disassembly, we end up with two good months in the garden. Some of the days are so hot - I can’t go out. I sit in air conditioned splendour and watch my plants wither. It’s easier, you know.

In these two months of summer, we take it all for granted. All winter we’ve said, "I’m going to relish every moment of the summer . . ." but we don’t. Or I often don’t. Then the chive seeds were ready so it all stopped.

When you can see the black seeds in their little cups of dried bloom on the chive plants you’ve got to act fast. Harvest too early and they won’t be viable. Wait a day, even an hour for a strong wind, and they’ll be all over the garden and next year they’ll look like grass to be weeded until you smell the faint odour of garlic and life on your hands.

Company was coming - a doctor and an Archdeacon whom I wanted to impress, but I took almost a half an hour to harvest beautiful chive seeds. With a little cup and a pair of scissors, you work to snip the blooms right into the cup so you don’t loose too much seed. You will lose some, but that’s like the lost whisky in Scotland - the Angel’s share. Then when the blossoms you’ve been watching for four weeks are in your vessel, you rub and shake them until their precious cargo drop out. This might be a moment to tell you I was wearing a black shirt which made strays terribly hard to find, the seeds being small and black, but there was no time to change into a white shirt, such was the urgency.

And as and I sat in an imperfect garden, thinking of a nice evening that nevertheless would be imperfect (they all are), I had a perfect moment dreaming of chive plants to come. Next year I wouldn’t harvest any from the seedlings, so chives for two years away at the earliest, but I loved them just the same. And in that instant, I knew I was getting the most out of my summer day and my dreams came true.

Elora Shots

2007-07-18T15:59:00.000-07:00

We went to Elora Ontario for Sara's Birthday last week and I thought I'd share a couple of photos. The sky was so lovely that day - I took a few shots, but I like the one of the car best. We'd been to have it washed en route, as it sits under two Lindenbaum (Linden Trees) and is being constantly barraged with sap, so a run through the new Shell car-wash in Ancaster produced a shiny car for out festal outing.

We were enjoying Raspberry Frozen Yoghurt (Sara) and Raspberry & Coconut Ice Cream (me - and YUM YUM) when I noticed how cool the car looked framed like that - and it turned out quite well, really.

"You don't remember me . . ."

2007-07-18T15:53:00.000-07:00

By some twist of fate, yesterday, I had three people address me by my first name and we chatted a little. They all in different places looked basically familiar, but when you do about 50 funerals a year in a small town, people get to know you.
Each and every one of them at one point said, "You don't know who I am, do you?" in one way or another. I always say that they look very familiar, and I remember the face but I'm not good with names. One dear heart went on to list the family members I'd buried, but I couldn't remember her name for all the tea in Dundas. Each one was gently unnerving, and I felt I wanted to write about it.
NOW! Today, as I was coming out of the bank (two cheques for funerals - woo hoo) I met an older lady who'd written about me a few times and who keeps a lovely garden. We spoke for a moment, then I stretched my hand out and said my name. "Of course," she said, "I knew you but I couldn't remember your name right now. I'd have thought of it later and kicked myself." This was a much brighter situation. Why do people need to ask if you remember them - if you don't use their name, you likely don't remember it.
I'm forever speaking to people at the market, then Sara comes over, and I have to say, "This is Sara, my wife" and leave a blank for them to introduce themselves. Amazingly!!! This rarely happens.
AURGH!
Well, I'll make it all better with some flower photos posted in a few moments.

They said "No."

2007-07-06T03:43:00.000-07:00

Well, more rejection letters. I think I've said this before - mercifully, they come now not as a form letter (like Snoopy always got in the Charlie Brown cartoons) but a nice letter, often from the head person there, usually being very nice in their comments. Both of my limerick books fell under the "We could hardly do our work for laughing . . . but we feel there just isn't the market . . ." I guess that's the big picture.
I'm considering self-publishing, but the pains there are potentially massive! I think I could go travelling hither and yon selling little volumes of limericks, couldn't I? Picture Professor Leacock, having a little stall in the Montreal train station, selling his self-published books for travellers to read on the trains. It worked, didn't it? Mind you, I'm no Leacock, but Canada has been a land where self-publishing isn't impossible. Again, consider the amazing popularity of the "Company's Coming" cookbooks!
One may be trying to convince one's own self . . .

2007-06-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

Purple Peas! William Dam Seeds of Dundas Ontario sells this purple snow pea. This is the first one to break through its gorgeous bloom. Isn't it a cool colour?

I think I'll plant more next year, but we'll see how the flavour is. The plants in the foreground are bush beans and we'll be picking them this week, too.

The round garden hasn't been cultivated well for ages, so I'm planning to do some work this fall, as the tomatoes seem to be scrawny in that garden this year. I've so enjoyed watching the peas grow (I started the seeds indoors in the late winter) and so this feels like a completion of a long journey. I'll let you know how they taste. Like the purple beans (also being grown) they turn green when cooked perfectly, but I think I'll use them more for their raw colour.

Flashing

2007-06-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

We have a point-and-click digital camera, and it often kicks in the flash. Here's an example of one with and without the flash - the really blue flower is without, in case you had trouble.

In some cases, I look at the camera viewer and it looks better without the flash, then its grainy when I get it on the computer. Ah! the problems of a camera.

I'm always looking for 'the' shot that will motivate and move me to write, especially when the winter snows blow, so I take loads of shots. I'm really hoping to write two more Visions of Canada - the first was Waterscapes - I want to do one on birds and one on plants, so I keep snapping. One hopes for two things - 1. Inspiration, and 2. Canada Council funding (keeping the fingers crossed!).

Spirit Gone

2007-06-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

In my work, and having an older extended family, I've seen many people die. I've held hands as the last breath happens and seen the head gently fall to one side. In only a couple of my memories of these do I recall a sudden change in what I saw. Dad's sister, my Aunt Betty, was sick and very sick for a long time. For days, she had no words, and when I saw her moments after her last breath, she looked as she had a few hours earlier when I was there. I wondered, "Had the spirit already gone on?".

My maternal grandmother looked so different, even a while after her death than she had only hours before that I was shocked by the apparant loss of something tangible. The idea that there is something that moves on is so clear to me in all of this.

Mom - it having been the anniversary of her passing - I've been thinking about her a lot. Sara and I saw her the day before she died and she looked like herself. She was coming out of x-ray with a big smile and she waved happily at us. She had an oxygen mask on, so she couldn't speak. It didn't look like she would die the next morning or we'd have never gone to a choir party that night. When Dad and I got to the hospital to see her, her face was fundamentally different than 18 hours before. She looked empty and gone in a way I'd never known before, as though she'd just stepped out of her body for a moment.

I held her dead body and told her she'd been a good Mom - always a worry for her - everything was, but she was already gone home.

Working in the funeral/care field, I see so many interesting and thought-provoking things, but little has made me think like the sight of her body - empty. The funeral home did a fine job embalming her, but funnily enough only her nose - her mother's nose, and lately MY nose told me it was really her.

Why all these thoughts on a scorching Monday afternoon in June? I just found this picture, and remembered that I'd been around all three ladies near the time that they left this world, and how much I miss them all - two 'girls' - Mom and her older sister Norma, and their Mom - Alma. I think they were going to a wedding that day - one of my cousins, no doubt.

Roses

2007-06-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

Both of these shots were taken only this morning as I continued to work training these two amazing David Austen roses. Austen has been breeding roses for fifty years, and we love these two. The fuller one is Abraham Darby and the more open varietal is Benjamin Britten, if I recall correctly (I don't have my notes right to hand). Both fit in to our requirements - organge hues and fragrant at some level.

The top shot shows just how double double double the rose is - note some sections are more yellow than others.

We have some other roses, like the Rosa Gallica Officionalis and the R Gallica Off var. Rosa Mundi - who hasn't had a superb spring with the dear chipmunks burrowing under the poor dear's roots. I did get some shots of their blooms, but these are inferiour photographs.

I recently planted Joseph's Coat, which will climb wildly, but it'll be next year before we have any kind of remarkable blooms. I tied it this morning for the first time to it's stakes, and it looks a little sad, to be honest. On the bright side, there is also a yellow black-eyed susan on one of the 9 foot bamboo poles, so it'll provide some interest, for sure.

22 June 2007

2007-06-22T04:29:00.000-07:00

Well, this is always a bit of a rough day as Mom died four years ago about 10:00 in the morning. I think deep down we all knew it was coming, but there's always a shock.
This is the seminal event in my writing in the last five years - in the last ten, I could add getting married and giving up playing the organ regularly. So, a mix of emotions there.
I found it next to impossible to write for ages after Mom died, then I had to finish Visions of Canada I: Waterscapes (still no Visions of Canada II, but when a commission comes . . .) for Marnie Giesbrecht and Joachim Segger, and I loved getting that monster done. It was a really big job and it's been so rewarding to hear it played a couple of times in the last few years.
The other thing that will affect my writing will be recieving coaching from Ruth Watson Henderson, beginning TODAY - see, new and old in one day - what a renaissance man, eh?
Well, speaking of this last, I'd better get dressed for my drive into Toronto!

Sibelius Music

2007-06-19T06:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.sibeliusmusic.com/cgi-bin/user_page.pl?url=paulchappel

No, this post isn't about the composer of Finlandia and other great works, it's about the music publishing program, and website - Sibelius Music. I've been using it since it came to Canada - indeed, I had the second copy available commercially in the county. Recently, as more and more rejections have come in, I decided to take advantage of the Sibelius website to sell some of my music. You can go on, listen to any pieces you like, and purchase those you wish to own f0r quite a reasonable price. I've only got one up and one pending now as it's a lot of computerised paper work for each piece, but there will be more and more.

Funny, you know, a year ago now, I had almost no web presence, if you looked me up on Google you'd usually find the fanatical evangelist Dr. Paul Chappel, British snooker player Paul Chappel or the Australian football player Paul Chappel - now it's more likely you'll get me (I hope!).

Grilled Veggies

2007-06-18T16:46:00.000-07:00

What we have here, dear friends, are some lovely provender being cooked on the bar-b-que. For some reason, I can never make the pictures appear in the order I want, but I hope you'll forgive me.

I use one marinade for everything, just in different bowls, so it works for the chicken, too. Basically, it's some oil and Balsamic Vin, Salt, Pepper, Sugar, Basil Vinegar, chopped Shallot, and loads of whatever fresh herbs are available. For this load, I used a lot of Basil.

We didn't only serve Peppers, Fennel, and Eggplant - we had Zuchini, Mushrooms and Asparagus, too. Love Grilled Asparagus! It's all so easy and healthy.

Then . . . the next day we were off to Port Hope for a party of Sara's university class and I chopped the left-over vegetables into some cooled pasta and nice dressing - voila!, although I wished I'd put some feta cheese into the salad, would have given better punch.

Honourable Company of Organists

2007-06-18T16:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.thehco.ca/

Well, wasn't Friday an interesting day. We hosted a party for the staff at Cattel, Eaton & Chambers Funeral Home, where I often work, and I was admitted as a Fellow of the Honourable Company of Organists. A rather nice honour, that last, and you can give their web site a peek-a-boo using the link above.

For dinner at the party, we had grilled veggies and chicken, along with some super salads Dad made, and local bakery buns (I just couldn't make them this time!). In the next post, I'll share some shots of the veggies cooking.

2007-06-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

Plants in this noon's garden! First, Foxglove (digitalis digitalis) that lovely pink rising star of flowers. They're so exciting looking with their little lips hanging down like a basset hound's.

Two roses here - the Betty Boop mentioned before and the Rosa Gallica (three blooms). The Gallica only blooms at this time of the year, so I need to celebrate them with every moment I may. It is growing under the old school bell in the front garden.

Last bloom is the amazingly blue (why I chose this colour of writing) Iris Siberica - I don't know the type or varietal, but it looks so wonderful and SO blue. The hosta below is the only one we have front my paternal grandmother's garden at 119 Victoria Street Dundas (across from St. James' Anglican Church - which is why going to church often 'smells' of my childhood, if you know what I mean).

Tonight, off to the Hymn Society meeting and Garden Party in Toronto at Mel Hurst's house. They'll be singing 'Dancing Tongues of Fire & Spirit', and I'll have a moment to speak about the writing and composition of that piece. It should be lovely. I've made a nice pasta salad using fresh garden herbs and a superb feta cheese with pasta. I'll let you know how it all goes.

10 June - a dewy morning

2007-06-10T04:38:00.000-07:00

One of great joys of going away this time of year, even for only one night, is to come home and see the difference in the garden. As I left Friday afternoon, the storm that sent funnell clouds only a few kms away was raging. Indeed, I saw a tree come down in my rear-view mirror only down the street. All things considered, we fared alright. The Bachelor's Buttons are a little dazed this morning, and other tall items suffered, but not the poppies, not one is down, and there are a dozen tall strikingly red blooms out there today.

(photos are of Rosa: Betty Boop with Saxifragia and Pelargonium spp in the background, in the old tin pail are trailing Rosemary (Rosemarius O, sp: Blue Carpet) along with a Lobelia whose name I don't recall right now and in the back Pennyroyal var: Power Puff Pink)

Dahlias are a new joy in our garden, having seen them in the glorious garden of my father's cousin Allan Chappel (who'd died only a week or so before we were there). We were hooked, and I'm glad. I've tried to resist the temptation to buy all the blooming ones in the garden centres, as we had loads of tubers here to plant. (I got some last week at $1 each, which is a steal - they may not reach full glory before we have to dig them, but then again they might.)

It's only our second spring here, so there are still new surprises that my Mom and Dad must have put in as little plants that are now showing up here and there. Most aren't blooming yet, but I'll share them when they do.

As to composing, I got the hit-in-the-head kind of idea to begin work on a setting of the traditional Evensong pairing of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis for SATB choir and organ. I've only got part way in to the Mag, but it's sticking with me, which is a good sign. Although the home key is G major, I'm moving it through the flat keys for the Mag and will move through the sharp keys for the Nunc - i.e. in the Mag, moving from G to c and G to Eb or Ab, G to d, and so on, in the Nunc, from G to f#, G to e, G to A nd D, see? (note, upper case is major and lower case is minor).

Amarath Stoneware

2007-06-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.amaranthstoneware.ca/

For twenty years, I've been collecting earthenware herb and plant labels from the amazing company from Kingston Ontario called Amaranth Stoneware. They are beautiful and useable labels, and their line has increased more and more by the year.

This spring, I noticed that thier website had changed, with some photos of the different labels. A bit afraid of being too forward, I wrote to them, offering some of the many pictures I've taken of herbs with their labels. To my delight! they were pleased and have taken many photos that I hope they can use in the coming weeks.

Happily, this week, a package of thanks arrived with a new Feverfew label (I broke mine a week or two ago) and a pile of hangers for the many I've had without hangers over the years.

I have some photos to share with you . . .

Flowers & Birds

2007-06-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since a post - tisk tisk. I've been rather busy in the garden rather than makes notes about it!
Here is a shot from the front garden, with the pretty iris giving its first bloom in the new place I gave it last year. Next down is a baby Blue Jay (we have Blue Jays, Cardinals and remarkably loud Carolina Wrens nesting in our gardens). This little one was on his or her first journey, we think, and it's in the blue spruce, so it's quite camoflaged.
The third was taken this morning - the Poppies have opened - always for us, a sign of summer for certain. These are the red ones, later on the orange ones will bloom. I'm not sure if the pink ones will bloom this year, but I'll continue to hope . . .

Killer Quail

2007-05-25T10:02:00.001-07:00

Our first You Tube video from our bird cages - more to come!

Continuing gardening . . .

2007-05-20T04:34:00.001-07:00

The gardens are shaping up! One of these photos is of the little red squirrel who has taken over our garden shed. We approach noisily to get him to move out before we need to go in. It'll be quite a job to squirrel-proof the building before next winter.
Below is the now grogeous bloom of the Ajuga (A. reptans) and in front the Wooly Lamb's Ear (whose taxonomy I don't know offhand, but I'll post it later for the Latin geeks among us, like me!). This is an old part of the garden, indeed it was the pond for a while. The liner's still there somewhere under the plants.
Today will hopefully be a planting day. We've got lots of neat things to plant. I love hitting smaller garden sales - if you see a sign posted around as you're driving, stop in. This is especially good in your own area, as people won't sell plants that didn't thrive in their own gardens, will they? For if they didn't do well, the people couldn't divide them and sell them - so it's like having a window into which plants do best in your gardening area.
Yesterday, at one such sale, we found what looked like a dead twig, but was a Rosa Rugosa, that ancient rose varietal with the bright flowers and wonderful rose hips (which I've been wanting for teas and jelly), so now we have three old roses on the land - the Rugosa, an apothecary rose and a Rosa Mundi, all of which bring great delight. Sadly the Apothecary Rose is overrun with gypsy moth larvae, and we spay with a non-deadly oil when we can, but it looks bad.
I hope if you're reading this, you can garden today, or sometime this weekend!

Our First YouTube Posting

2007-05-18T06:51:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfPKvZk7Fo4

This is called "Killer Quail" (Killer whale . . . get it?) and it's our little button quail Mrs. Quail pecking at the camera. We've had this digital camera for almost three years and only this week did I figure out how to use it as a video camera. Gosh! I'm a techno-geek, aren't I?

Mother's Day

2007-05-13T04:33:00.000-07:00

This picture is from Easter or Mother's Day 1972. Mom was in a lovely dress in style then (and perhaps now) and I was in a purple and black polka-dot tie I loved so much I could hardly stand it! My maternal grandmother bought it for me at Towers in Stoney Creek Ontario, and I felt like it was very Saville Row (had I known such a thing). My brother, Thomas - then Tommy - was enjoying his first Spring and loving it all.

I felt on Mother's Day it was important to share some memories of Mom - she's been gone since June 2003, and although the wounds are scabbed, they can open easily. I'm going to skip church proper this morning to spend time in the garden at the graveside at Grove Cemetery in Dundas where Mom is now. We try to keep a lovely garden there, as she always loved such things. I'll plant some Portulaca later this morning in the sunny part of the garden and some hostas will get divided from here for the shady area.

Sara's Mum will be with us later today, so we'll have a nice time all 'round!

It's hard to find the time . . .

2007-05-09T03:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, let's be honest. Brutally honest. How many of you waste time on Facebook or other sites like that. Well, I thought I did, too, except that I'm reconnecting with friends I've not seen in ages, and it's nice to have a quick, direct method of communication (other than the phone, of course).

This does lead to what we percieve as a 'lack of time'. Now, on the last Sunday of May (this year) my anthem Dancing Tongues of Fire & Spirit will be premiered in Alliston Ontairo by Dr. Kenneth Inkster and his grand choir there. I had hoped to finish a chorale prelude to go with this piece, but it just doesn't seem to be happening. The call of the garden, the computer. And, of course, Monday was my epidural injection and both hips were also destrained upon by long nasty looking needles, so I'm a bit tender today yet.

Today, we're off to the United States of America for a bit of a shopping jaunt with friends. But don't worry - I'll take my little black book (Moleskine) along and if I feel the need to write, I'll write. I'll tell you how it all comes out. In the mean time, here is a picture of the new pea-bean-cucumber section of the garden I made with hunks of the trees that were taken down last summer.

Spring bulbs

2007-05-05T08:05:00.000-07:00

What a lovely day! I took this shot yesterday, and I think it shows the garden at the front of the house well. Beside the tulips, our new (last year) David Austen Roses are coming up well. No doubt, there will be a tonne of photos of them whem the time comes.

I have a funeral to perform today at the Crematorium in Burlington, and Sara's painting the kitchen cabinets (she has more energy than I do). I'm planning to spend the afternoon supine watching the Cooking shows on PBS. I LOVE THEM! Also, right knee is terribly swollen, so a little 'down' time won't hurt a bit.

Swans in Coote's Paradise

2007-05-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

We are so lucky in this area to have Swans in the western tip of Lake Ontario. I had a meeting after taking Sara to the train, so I took a few moments by the water to take about 40 pictures of the swans. I'm sharing three with you today. Aren't they amazing?

More Akro Agate Scans

2007-05-04T04:22:00.000-07:00

I love this Akro Agate flower pot. In the first scan you see what collectors call "flames" and they are much desired. We found it at the Christie's Antique Show some years ago, and it glows well, too. It's obvious that this was the first time that lump of glass was put in the mold, as there is almost no mixing of colours. It's a real gem, and the scanner does a good job, don't you think? I love this kind of glass, so endlessly interesting, as you find something new and wonderful every time you see it.

New Hammock Chair

2007-05-04T04:16:00.000-07:00

There was nothing for it but that I share this photo with you. I just love it! Dad bought a new hammock chair, and this is a shot of Sara in it near the big garden. The little swing is for my niece and the little kids who visit here. I love it when a picture works out like this, sigh.

You can see the gardens are beginning for real to come to life, as the Bloodroot is showing the blooms that are in full force this morning. Such lovely white blooms.

Hope you like the shot!

I'm off to meet with a funeral family this morning, then I have to do some serious composing this afternoon - it just HAS to get done. A big Chorale Prelude for the organ, and I want it in the mail by Monday. Here's hoping . . .

Patience

2007-05-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

One of the hardest things about being a composer & writer is waiting. Those who are considering it as a career - take some joga classes or something. Every day when the mail hits the mailbox, I jump (as much as possible) to see what's there. Again today - nothing. I know I'll be hearing from one publisher any day now, because they've told me . . . (gentle sigh)

On the bright side, the weather is super and we're getting a lot of garden work done. I find time in the garden so glorious and beneficial. About 20 years ago my uncle made an arbour for me to grow plants on, and the chicken wire I put on it all those years ago had to be removed. Today I put some super Lee Valley mesh over the metal construct and it looks very good. The Clematises (Clemati? - ha!) are already looking at home with the new mesh for them to climb and hopefully bloom their little hearts out. The Perennial Sweet Peas are just poking their heads up too.

I've got lots of Morning Glories (all colours) and Nasturium raring to go - outside today for their first 'hardening off' to prepare for planting. I sowed some seeds indoors this morning to complete my little set of those I'll transplant in two or three weeks. Huzzah.

Also in life, I've discovered Face Book, well, my friend Paul told me I had to get on, and it's been good, too. I've found some friends I've not seen in ages, and lots of silly pictures of some former students at University and all. Are you on Facebook? If so, look me up!

A Limerick to Lighten Your Day

2007-04-29T04:33:00.000-07:00

During solemn and great elevation
Tintinabulum and consecration
The elderly chatted
So loud the priest batted
His eyelids with great consternation!

one of my church limericks (now being looked at by another publisher, one keeps one's fingers crossed!)
Enjoy - If you like this one, let me know, and I'll publish more here.

WOW

2007-04-29T04:13:00.000-07:00

Last night Sara and I went to the majestic St Thomas' Church, St Catharines Ontario to hear the Oakridge Presbyterian Concert Choir with Ian Sadler and Mary Ellen Ferguson accompanying. It was the Royal Canadian College of Organists' Niagara Peninsula Cenre that put the evening on.

In the middle of the concert, Ian and Mary Ellen played one movement of my Visions of Canada I - Waterscapes. Majestic Lakes is the middle movement where the 'big tune' of the piece rolls off the keys of both the piano and the organ. It was amazing, first of all to hear my music played by performers of such calibre (I've been very fortunate with this piece, I've heard it played by some of the finest players in the country) but to have such a warm and loving reception from all my friends!

That 'big tune' has also become a hymn, alas, not yet published.

Janet Fischer, Oakridge's Director of Music is an old friend of mine, as is the resident organist at St Thomas - Kenneth Hutton. I heard Ken play a recital when he was in university and I was in high school. It stays with me to this day!

What a great time - and how wonderful that several friends' music also was heard. Good time for Canadian music.

Home Again

2007-04-27T05:57:00.000-07:00

Just home last night from an amazing get-away at The Quiet Place in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. We were in the Honeoye (honey-oy) Cabin and it was glorious. I cannot share our pictures yet (they're on Sara's laptop), so I do share a photo here from The Quiet Place's own website, which is wonderful. If you are going to be in that area, please consider going as the personal touches make the holiday a joy.

In the nearby towns of East & West Bloomfield there is an area called "the Antique Mile", where we thoroughly enjoyed a good look 'round. We bought a milk glass feeder for the birds here at home.

I'll share some more information later, and maybe some recent writings!

Paul Eddington

2007-04-19T06:31:00.000-07:00

As my regular friends will recall, I love Audio Books, and am at the moment listening to the late Paul Eddington CBE reading his autobiography "So Far So Good". It ends on an up note, despite the knowledge we now know Eddington had that his cancer was terminal. His life story is also illuminated in biographies in the DVD sets of Yes Minister, Yes Prime Minister and The Good Life.

The other picture is from the "Yes Minister" days, Eddington in the middle, with Sir Nigel Hawthorne to the left (who played Sir Humphrey Appleby) and to the right, the Baroness Thatcher KG. In those days, Margaret Thatcher was the powerhouse of British government. As an aside, although I never followed her politics, I love Baroness Thatcher's autobiographies, which she reads herself.

Eddington's work is always superb, infused with light and joy and love. If you can't get the Audiobook version, do get the book, it's superb.

Seeing the Archbishop

2007-04-17T04:21:00.000-07:00

Last evening, I was at Trinity College, University of Toronto for an Evensong with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Rowan Williams. Sara was singing in the choir, and I was afraid there wouldn't be room, but there was. Before the service, I got a hymn written I've been wanting to do for some time.
Isn't it interesting that I can write more clearly in a church building than outside one? This fascinates me.
At the end of the service, the Procession made its way by with Lord Williams sketching crosses to the congregants, but I was lucky enough to have him stop briefly and bless me personally. It was wonderful! He said, quietly, "Keep doing God's work." It was out of nowhere, and I continue to be amazed by it all. I feel so deeply lucky and blessed. I loved the smiles and handshakes from several of Canada's Bishops (Anglican) who were there as they processed out after the host Bishop of Niagara and the Archbishop. They are now off to Niagara on the Lake Ontario for a meeting that will last a few days. Oh! to be a fly on that wall!

Akro Agate Scans

2007-04-16T06:46:00.000-07:00

Again recently I've been playing with our scanner! These are the bottoms of Akro Agate pots that Sara and I collect. Akro dishes of all kinds were made by the great marble maker Akro Agate through an interesting history that you can find on any of the great Akro web sites. It's been fun to scan the pots, seeing the shadows of the edges in some cases. I also have several pieces of cullett (the bits of broken or left over glass) and they've scanned well, too. I'll share them later on.

Composing Notes

2007-04-16T06:38:00.000-07:00

I had an interesting email asking about how different scores look when I've written them, and the final version. I found my original sketches for the movement "Freezing Rain" from Visions of Canada I-Waterscapes, an organ & piano duet written for Dr. Marnie Giesbrecht and Joachim Segger of Edmonton Alberta. This piece was premiered in Mary 2005 in Hamilton and has had many performances since then. Indeed, one movement of it will be played by the illustrious Ian Sadler in a couple of weeks in St. Catharines Ontario (I'll post more information later). As with all larger-scale works - frankly, a piano-organ duet is like writing for full orchestra - I start with simple sketches, then fill them out more later.

Easter Postcards IV

2007-04-07T05:16:00.000-07:00

More Easter Postcards for you to enjoy! I love the German, last of the scans here. It's such a typical style, or at least as we imagine typical from Canada!

Wings of Paradise - Butterflies & Quails

2007-04-07T04:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon Sara and took off for one our very favourite places, the Wings of Paradise Butterfly Conservatory in Cambridge, Ontario.

I love the top photo! As with most people today, having a digital camera means taking dozens of photos when one would do. This was an example of that precept, except I managed to get the little chap as he took flight. I'm not sure it'll come through perfectly unless you click on it to see how wonderful that shot is! Below that is a nice little flutterby (old joke) on a Buddelia, which I plan to plant in a few weeks. They're great plants and the colour variation in the bloom is terrific.
At the conservatory, they have Button Quail just like ours. Indeed, I think ours is directly related to these little ones, but you can see a wider diversity of colours and markings than just with our Mrs. Quail. Going to see such wonderful living creatures seemed so right for Easter Weekend, a time of emotional and liturgical ups and downs! Well, I'd better get ready - I have a funeral at 11:00 then cooking lunch for the family - chicken breasts & lamb chops grilled, along with grilled asparagus (yum!). Happy Easter.

2007-04-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to Trinity College Chapel University of Toronto (Anglican) for the Tenebrae Service. The photo is of Sara just before the works got going. Tenebrae is a moving service, filled with chanted psalms and scriptures. The Responses sung that were written by Healey Willan were so beautiful and soul-grabbing. I know I wasn't the only one reaching for a hankie. During the Allegri Miserere, Sara sang the second soprano part, and it was stunning. I loved hearing her complete and resolve some remarkable Italian suspensions, but the highlight was the 'moving picture.' Dr. John Tuttle was conducting by candlelight, and his hands could be seen in the shadows flickering across the enormous and stoic walls of the chapel. A wonderful night (ended at about 10:30 pm).

In the hour or so I sat while Sara was practising with the choir, I got quite far in a new hymn text and finished another. The completed one is about Icons - I'll share it later!

McCoy Pottery II

2007-04-04T05:30:00.000-07:00

I've been enjoying learning about and playing with our scanner! One of my favourite parts of our McCoy collection is the different designs on the base of the pieces, and the way the glaze is more or less perfect on the bases. In the older pieces, the glaze is very rough as they must have done the waxing (keeping the glaze off of part of the base so the pieces don't stick to the kiln) by hand, as they're so variable. Later on, they're more and more perfect and even so mechanical interference must have happened. I've scanned a few of the bases that I find interesting.

Dancing Tongues

2007-04-04T05:16:00.000-07:00

It looks like Sara and I will spend Penetcost Sunday (27 May) in Alliston for the premiere of my new piece: Dancing Tongues of Fire & Spirit. It's been a week since I worked all day to finish it, and I still like the piece, so I'm hopeful it will get published. Dr. Kenneth Inkster, who commissioned the work, will conduct from the organ the first performance. Last year at this time, Ken premiered my Three Passion Perspectives, which St. John's Alliston had commissioned to celebrate his more than 40 years of music ministry. Nice to be able to plan ahead during this busy week before Easter.

Easter Postcards III

2007-04-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

Every spring, Grandma's whole house smelled of Narcissississi. Her patch of them is likely still there, and had been planted almost 100 years ago now. They were always among Mom's very favourite flowers. In fact, when I imagine heaven for Mom, it's a field of them, all in bloom with those tight red-rimmed trumpets, waving in a late spring breeze.
Of course, ours aren't anything like out yet, but they will be. Every year they're like a surprise. You see the leaves come and you think, "Oh dear, they didn't make it through the winter." Then like magic the flowers seem to appear on their stems in no time.
Besides the Narcissi on this card, the font struck me. I'm a font freak of old, from when we had to buy those Lettraset things and rub the letters off. (A far cry from the thousands of fonts online today.) If you click on the postcard, you'll see in better detail how super the font is!

Easter Postcards II

2007-04-03T05:35:00.000-07:00

The card on the left was mailed in 1928 and on the right in 1911. Isn't it amazing that eighty or more years ago, they are still in such good shape. The imagery is always so lovely. I like the ones with the eggs surrounded by flowers, or those with chickens. There are a couple of others I'll share with you before Easter. The right card has lovely snowdrops, and I thought of it this morning as I was folding clothes, looking out the laundry room window at the neighbour's snowdrops, which look just like those on the postcard. Happy Easter!

Schloss of the Red Ear Finches

2007-04-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

Some books call them Common Waxbill, and other Red Ear Finches. We called them "Red Ears", and it's that time of year when the nests are once again put in the cage. We suspect, in fact, that the Red Ears are a same-sex couple, and they sure designed a magnificent castle for themselves. In some of the shots, you can see a bit of building going on. It's a remarkable feat of avian architecture, and worthy of some fame.

Last year, we used a closed nest, and they almost filled it with nesting material, so much so that they had to enter by the given hole, then climb up a bit into a chamber in the 'roof' of the cage. It took a long time for me to clean this one out. We're not using them this year, hoping to employ the Society (Bengalese) Finches as foster parents, and just in case these aren't a same-sex couple, I'd like to be able to find any eggs that might appear. It'll be a job.

I love watching the Red Ears bathe - water is sent splashing all over the blessed place, but they look so happy. Great finches. If the castle continues to grow, I'll share more photos.

Palm Sunday

2007-04-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

These are pictures of palms just before the Blessing of the Palms this morning at St. James' Anglican Church in Dundas. The kids in my Sunday School class held the palms out for people to each collect one to take home with them.

If you see the post about ashes on Ash Wednesday I speak of the burning of last years' palms for the Imposition of Ashes. As I took these photos, I was taken with the image that ten or so months from now some of them at least will be burned at the church and might be imposed on my forehead. What will happen in the coming year? It's one of those things I think about at anniversaries of events and holidays: "How will things be different next time . . ?" I've never been able to figure out if this is a weakness or a strength of mine, oh well, no sense worrying. Heck, maybe by next year at this time I won't be worrying the same (ha!).

The wash of palms with the swirl of great red vestments on the clergy makes for a colourful and beautiful procession. When I was at First Baptist Church in Brantford, I loved the Palm Procession, where the Sunday School kids flap all around the building and it's just so very jubilant and beautiful. I used to play very loudly on the grand pipe organ there while the kids (and some adults) walked around. It's such a happy memory.

This is also the time of year that Sara and I got together eight years ago. She first met my parents on Maundy Thursday 1999 when she came to stay with me so she could sing in the choir the next morning. That Good Friday was the first performance of Mary Wept, which has now been used all over the world. It's published by MorningStar (there's a link over on the right hand column). I'm hoping to visit a church to hear the anthem this Friday.

I brought home a Palm to take to Mom's grave tomorrow. Sara and I got some cement garden borders for the little garden around her headstone as the plastic ones just don't deal well with the traffic and dogs and cars and lawnmowers! I'll get some of those Icicle Pansies and plant them so there's some colour for her at Easter. We've done this every year, and the pansies are beautiful, even amongst the Hostas late into the year.

Ride on, Ride on in Majesty, the Winged Squadrons of the Sky Look Down with Sad and Wondering Eyes to Meet the Approaching Sacrifice. Hosanna!

The Wing-ed Squadrons of the Sky

2007-04-01T03:24:00.000-07:00

Palm Sunday! In all my years as an organist, I loved playing hymns the best, and this Sunday above all others had the finest collection of superb music and stunningly beautiful poetry. Of them all, I found Ride On Ride On in Majesty so moving. In 'the old days' we had a choice between the traditional tune: Winchester New, and the hauntingly lyrical tune of Canadian Graham George. The former is triompant and jubliant, the latter sees what will happen later this week without being totally morose.

Ride on, ride on in majesty
The wing-ed squadrons of the sky
Look down with sad and wond'ring eyes
To see the approaching sacrifice.

It's the second line of that verse that always gets me. Most angel references are the jolly little cherubs bouncing off the roof top of the stable in Bethlehem, or a pre-Raphealite maiden calmly waiting for Mary to come and find the tomb open on Easter Sunday. Not so here - the winged (accent on last syllable) squadrons, looking down and knowing.

As a child, I used to see those scattered clouds on a sunny day and think of the winged squadrons. Where has this kind of imagery gone? Sadly this morning, I will sing those words, but I'll be mostly alone, as they've changed that verse, modernised it, but at least they left it in the hymn book. Many hymnic resources have left that verse out all together. "Change and decay in all around I see . . . "

Organ Pipes - Hymn

2007-03-31T04:38:00.000-07:00

Organ Pipes Sound Holy Praises 878787

Organ pipes sound holy praises;
Wood and metal sing aloud.
Skills of players, tuners, builders
Join to make the joyful sound.
Flutes and strings and booming trumpets
Lift us up to holy ground.

Singing blessed by prayerful organ
Brings the soul a new reward;
Lifting people’s worship gently
To a place where God’s adored:
Beautiful emotions raising
Now with every flowing chord.

Gifted writers of the music
That makes worship rise and sing
Have throughout the ages brought their
New creations echoing,
Giving sound to Alleluia
With a new, inspired ring.

People’s senses are embraced by
Every organ’s mighty roar.
People of all ages join the
Organ praising evermore.
Voices mingled with the organ
Laud and worship, sing, adore.

God inspires the organ’s singing:
Praise to the Creator’s might!
Jesus gives our souls redeeming:
Praise the saving, holy light!
God the Spirit fills our breath and
Gives our praising voices flight!

Copyright Paul Chappel (for permission to use, please email me)
Suggested tunes: Alan Crabtree, Westminster Abbey

written Sunday, 16 November 2003 at Port Nelson United Church, Burlington, Ontario where the Royal Canadian College of Organists (Hamilton Centre) was holding a complete reading of Bach’s Orgelbüchlein. The resounding ministry of the organ came so clear to me, that I scribbled this hymn text on the concert programme.

Writing Process

2007-03-31T04:28:00.000-07:00

I had a nice email the other day asking about the writing process, especially for hymn texts. I thought I'd share a page of this concert programme from the Royal Canadian College of Organists' Hamilton Centre Event, playing all of J. S. Bach's Orgelbuchlein (Little Organ Book). Nowadays, I always carry a little black Moleskine notebook with me, but then I didn't, so I had to write the hymn on the concert programme. Even if you can't decipher the scribbles, it is my hymn "Organ Pipes Sound Holy Praises" that has been used at several organ-related events, such as the dedication of new instruments. Eventually, I set those words with the tune "Alan Crabtree" honoring the newly-styled Roving Ambassador for the Organ of Meaford, Ontario.

Many of my hymns are marked "written at St. James' Anglican Church, Dundas", and although I believe that space is special and holy, I write a lot there because I'm often in that building. The hymn pictured above was written at Port Nelson United Church where I did all of my early organ training under the dear Keith L. Hopkins whose love of peacock-blue ink has rubbed off on me to this day!

Bath Morning

2007-03-29T04:24:00.000-07:00

I managed to get some good shots of the finches bathing this morning. The water splashes everywhere, and I only caught the droplets in the one picture of the Red Ear Finch (he's got the red marking that looks like a bandit's mask). The Fire Finch is shown in a moment of repose after bathing and shaking the water off (he's red, hence Fire Finch), and the Society Finches are shown in mid-dance of the post bath shaking. That makes even more water fly. You might notice a shiny background - the water was ruining the wood panelling, so I got a sheet of plastic for sheilding fluorescent lights in offices and the like - it works well! You might also enjoy the shots of Mr. Gold Breast (easy to identify) as he has a drink then bath . . . hmm, drink & a bath, sounds good!

Easter Post Cards 1

2007-03-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

Just after Christmas, Sara and I went to St. Jacob's Antique Market with our friends Catherine & Martin and their daughter Delia, and I found some right cool post cards. These are a fairly recently collection for me, but I'm enjoying them. I had a few Easter ones already, and I thought I'd share some over the coming week. This one I just had to purchase, although it's really terrible. It's a German post card, sold in North America, with a smoking Easter Bunny painting eggs - snort!

I love post cards about Easter & Christmas, and 'churchy' ones too. Lately, the Sunday School themed ones have kept me happy. Those "We missed you last week" jobs from the whole of the 20th century trace styles of the ages, from little lads in uniform, to rocket ships in the 50s and 60s.

Finished Anthem

2007-03-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning fairly certain I'd finish the new anthem: Dancing Tongues of Fire & Spirit, which I've been working on for some time, and I was right! I wrote the text first, actually, while my Dad was having a tooth pulled, based on the Pentecost story, and quoting Joel directly. The tune came next, and then a countermelody that could sit above or below the main tune. I harmonised the melody and completed the hymnic setting - in talking to Dr. Kenneth Inkster (who commissioned the whole lot) we've decided to call the tune ALLISTON for the town in Central Ontario where Ken lives. Then the anthem began to come together: it's a solid, traditional anthem for piano, SATB choir and optional trumpet. I began working with flute, but as I wrote it became obvious it was more and more a trumpet part, so with some re-writes it all came together easily. I'll take a day to re-play the anthem and checking before I put it in the mail tomorrow or Friday to Ken. I so wanted it done before Easter and voila! it is! Huzzah.

A bit cooler today, but I think I'll get out for a while into the garden this afternoon, then SLEEP! The picture is of one of my newer violets, with pretty variagated leaves. Good colour, too.

McCoy Pottery I

2007-03-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

On the longer picture, you may see a yellow flower pot at the top left. This is the first McCoy pot we ever had. It belonged to my grandmother and came into the house with a cutting of the Christmas Cactus mentioned before, and Mom gave it to me some years ago. I'd like to credit Mom with the collection Sara and I grow when we can, but Martha Stewart must also have her credit. To be honest, I thought the yellow pot a little ugly at first until I read an article in Martha's Magazine about McCoy and found their colours and styles so lovely. Now I'm fascinated with the glazes and the different work to keep the McCoy pattern clear on the bottom. Later pots are all quite even as the mechanical process of pottery grew, but the older ones are each unique.

On the longer photo, a couple of the pots are Akro Agate, which collection Mom also began, but more about them another time.

McCoy are so often expensive now we don't get many, but every once in a while . . .

I find different colours of the same design fasincating, and any that didn't come out of the mold properly so there are imperfections. Some people don't like those, but I do - it makes them one of a kind jobbies. In almost all flower pots the base is attached, so they're dead easy for planting.

You might notice also that most of the plants pictured are succulents, and to be more specific - Hawarthias. Amazing little plants, and I enjoy propogating them when I can. Now that it's spring, I can begin more regular watering, and they might even bloom!

Crocus Mania

2007-03-27T11:01:00.000-07:00

I love spending an hour in the garden, and especially now with our digital camera in my pocket. I trimmed the roses, took out some nasty yucca and mums (sigh, mums!), and took with great joy these pictures. About five years ago Sara and I gave my Mom a birthday gift of bulbs and the planting of them - and these croci are from those lots. The golden crocus aren't out yet, but I can seem them coming, and of course, I'll post more pictures.

Don't you think it's good for the soul, this gardening? I do, for sure. I feel like I could soar at this moment, in stead of sleeping heavily which is likely how I'll spend much of the remaining afternoon. This evening, I plan to make great strides on the new Pentecost piece for Ken Inkster, as I want to deliver it to him by or just directly after Easter. Get some dirt under your fingers, folks, and giggle with joy as you do it!

Spring's Coming!

2007-03-27T05:48:00.000-07:00

I'm planning to start some Morning Glory seeds today, and I thought I'd share a snap or two of last year's garden. I was working in the Herb Garden for a while yesterday before the storms came and whooshed us about for several hours. What joy!

Happy Day!

2007-03-27T05:37:00.000-07:00

What most of us call the Christmas Cactus is in bloom! It is a zygote cactus, and will bloom in the spring as well - you might find an ingenious seller labelling them as Easter Cactus just about now. I love it when they bloom, and especially this plant. We have a few other colours around, but this is the last one we have that my Mom actually started herself. I've taken loads of cuttings from this plant, so it doesn't often bloom. A few months ago, I snipped away at one half of the plant, and left this end hoping it might bloom. Huzzah!

The mug beside the plant is one I was given as a child and now forms part of our collection of American McCoy pottery. No doubt, I'll bore my dear readers about McCoy in the coming posts. I love the glazes, the way the colours flow, especially in older pieces. The picture just made me happy so I thought I'd share it. Have a good day.

We Need More Julia Child!

2007-03-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

Both while preparing for, and coming down after a funeral today I watched Julia Child on the 2nd DVD set (which I've reviewed for Amazon.ca, in case you're interested). She was doing this very act - Cooking Your Own Goose! She ended up with a braised goose that looked so GOOD. Mom and I used to howl with laughter watching Julia - especially as the scraps and bits flew off the table toward the floor. It's a miracle she didn't fall and break her neck. Thomas, my brother, and I loved that kind of TV. Geeks, perhaps, by today's standards, but we can both cook.

In one version of my bio I say I'm a fan of both Julia Child and Anna Russell, and it made me think that I needed to write about them both, so when I get 'round to it later this week, I'll write about Anna. I met Anna, but never met Julia. Now I'm going back to watch her do a roast Suckling Pig (sounds a bit odd these days, but ooh it also sounds delicious). I think we need a "Bring Julia Back to PBS" lobbying group in Ottawa and Washington, don't you? I mean, they have a lobby for every-bloody-thing else! Toodles.

Double Impatiens

2007-03-25T04:04:00.000-07:00

My late mother always loved double impatiens. Have you grown them? They're very expensive new, but buy one or two this spring and you'll have treats! I took cuttings last fall, and they've been blooming to beat the band for weeks. Usually after the bloom they get little lanky so I take more cuttings rooted in time to hit the spring plant, and whoop-ta-doo, you've got some lovely flowers ready for the May-June garden and they bloom all year. The second cuttings seemed to me essential, for that way you're not putting string-beany plants into the garden that'll take ages just to get looking decent.

For you notes - these don't even need plant lights, they just do it! Have a good day!

Mrs. Fire Finch

2007-03-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

On my way downstairs to eat lunch I saw Mrs. Fire Finch dead on the floor of the bird cage. Many of the pictures above were taken just this week when I posted "Cleaning the Bird Cage". She looked okay this morning, but I felt she was maybe a bit out of sorts, and now she's gone. Sara and I will bury her this evening in the garden near her chicks that had died. The first of our finches to die - a sad day.

Writing Wednesday

2007-03-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

I really was going to get more writing done today! I've finished the text for the new anthem for the season of Pentecost, and the tune I'll use. This is a commission for a hymn text & tune, and an anthem based on that tune. I really REALLY want to do a good job on this one - it's for my dear friend Kenneth Inkster. He has a grand group in his choir, but they're not miracle workers, so the piece really has to be done before Easter, which is soon.
I find I'm humming the tune, which is a good sign, and often the first hurdle: if I don't like the tune, I'm dead in the water.
Last year at this time I was just finishing my large solo organ work Three Passion Perspectives which Ken's church commissioned as a gift for him. They're mammoth not only in size and scope, but emotions. Despite the strong harmonic language, I still return to them with affection (also a good sign) - no publisher as yet, though.
For ages now, I've wanted to do a hymn text on the 12 layers of the Golden City in Revelation. It's done but I fear a touch boring - hmmmm - more editing needed - rash harsh editing, I think.
All this and a new skill - online photo albums. You may see a stream of garden snaps near this entry from my online photo albums, I hope I'm doing them right. Is there a chance? Maybe. Goodnight.

Cleaning the Birds

2007-03-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

Every lovely once-in-a-while, it comes time to clean the bird cages. I'm not talking about changing newpaper, I mean moving them out, washing, scrubbing, scouring and the lot. It's a huge job, but I thought I'd share some photos today. I take the smaller cage (that's usually attached to the big one) with the little finches in it upstairs to the bathtub, where they get a nice warm shower of water, followed by a medicated spray that seems to work wonders.

All the while, Mrs. Quail is languishing in a small little cage so I can clean top to bottom the big one, including moving the base and massive vacuuming. I've not done this since Christmas, and it only needs doing every three months or so, so I'm not too far behind. They're all happy now. I hope you like the photos.

Birds On Stamps

2007-03-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

http://www.bird-stamps.org/families.htm

The above link is for a neat birds-on-stamps site, and I've got some examples for you. I found it while looking up Button Quail (see the Mrs. Quail post below from a few days ago) and love this site. It's interesting and informative. You know, I think we all need a couple of 'middle-of-the-night' sites, where we look when we're awake but not wanting to actually work or anything. This is one of my favourites, and I hope you'll enjoy it, too. Stamps have been an interest of mine for years, I'll likely write more about them to come, but this is a start. Enjoy the site!

Harriet

2007-03-15T06:13:00.000-07:00

This is Harriet, the dear little white dog who makes me smile every time! She's owned by our friend, Rachael Scott, and she's such fun to play with. To get these pictures, I put the camera on the floor and called her - and although the progession is backwards (I can never remember the right way to do this in the blog) I think you can see what's going on!

Isn't she dear? There are more pictures I'll share later, but this series was so neat. She'll look different today, as she'll have been groomed, and have lost that gently tousled look.

Bishop's Marching Orders

2007-03-14T06:08:00.000-07:00

At long last I've finished a piece I've wanted to write for some time. Where Sara and I live, we're in the Diocese of Niagara within the Anglican Church of Canada, and our Bishop is Ralph Spence. He's announced his retirement early next year, and I've wanted to write him something for quite a while. Added to that was the announcement a few weeks ago that the Governor General had him create a Herald Extraordinary of Canada (a rare honour), so I've called the piece "The March of the Herald Bishop." It's a rather majestic solo organ piece, which I could easily imagine transforming into an orchestral piece!

I'll run it off today and drop it 'round the Cathedral to the Bishop - we'll see what the reaction is, and I hope he's happy with it. The crest above is the Bishop's personal coat of arms from the website of the Canadian Heraldry Webstie, which is cool - you should check it out!

Mrs. Quail

2007-03-09T04:47:00.000-08:00

Any morning when I can spend time with Mrs. Quail is a good morning. We tried to name her, using all kinds of names: Rockwyth was the most likely, from 'rock-with-head', which is what she looks like, really. All our birds are formally named 'Mr' and 'Mrs', and it works for us.
Most days Mrs. Quail lets me take her into my hand and I pet her with the other. She makes the most remarkable sound when this operation takes place - she seems to want it, as she bends down when we're near.
Last Saturday, we went to the Butterfly Conservatory in Cambridge, Ontario, where there are a number of Button Quails that I think are from the same hatchery as our dear Mrs. Quail. I'll share some photos another time of them - they didn't go into my hand, of course!

Pork with Orange Vegetables

2007-03-06T16:02:00.000-08:00

Cooked this the other night. Was good!

1 Pork Roast (I used a loin with bones, but anything'll do)

Red Onion

Carrots

Sweet Potatoes

Squash (Butternut or Buttercup best)

Herbs

In the roasting pan over a low heat on the top of the stove (if you can't do this with your pan, use a skillet), melt a little butter in oil and add a coarsely chopped red onion to soften. Liberally add salt, pepper, and rosemary. Add cut up carrots, sweet potatoes and 1/2 a large squash cut into 2 inch cubes or so. Coat with oil and let cook a little bit (this helps in the roasting).

When a couple of minuted have passed, take the pan off the heat, and make an open space in the middle, pushing the veggies all around. Put the roast in, fat up and coat with lots of pepper and rosemary and a little salt.

Roast at 375 until done (will vary with size of roast). If the pan becomes too dry, add a mixture of chicken stock and white wine, or apple juice from time-to-time, but don't make them swim!

Serve pork slices with a mound of orange veggies and the pan juices that have been boiled a little after the roasting, tasted and wine, lemon juice, butter, salt, pepper or hot sauce is added to your own special taste. Especially good the next day when the left over veggies can be added to chicken stock, boiled and blended into a super soup!

Winter Tulips

2007-03-06T15:15:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's been so long since I wrote - it's been an odd week. In any case, I bought some tulips for Sara on Sunday afternoon, and they are beautiful today. So lovely, in fact, that I wanted to share some snaps I took this afternoon!

Recital

2007-02-25T04:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon, Sara and I attended a Royal Canadian College of Organists student recital. There were five students playing, and three of them were mine! This is a picture of me at St. Christopher's Anglican Parish in Burlington Ontario with my three organ students, l-r, Susan Ricketts, Ted Verhey and Pat Johnson. They all played very well indeed. Ted premiered the set of pieces I wrote for him for Christmas, and copies of that set were given to all who attended. A good afternoon for sure.

Sir David Willcocks

2007-02-24T06:33:00.000-08:00

On the page (from the back of the photo), Sir David wrote: with best wishes to Paul Chappel - David Willcocks 22 November 1989 St. Cecilia's Day - This is a photograph of the bronze bust in the Entrance Hall of the Royal College of Music, London, England, of which I was Director from 1974 to 1984 .

Of the many teachers and instructors I encountered, Sir David Willcocks was among the most influential. Watching him with a group - strong and demanding, but creating great music - was a marvel. The photos here are of some items he's signed for me that I thought you might like. If you Google him, you'll find a panoply of recordings and writings (note: he was involved in the wedding of the Prince & Princess of Wales, which was seen worldwide, and the Christmas Eve broadcasts from King's College Cambridge for many years).

More Fluorescent Glass

2007-02-24T05:38:00.000-08:00

I'm preaching again tomorrow morning, and using the fluorescent glass! Years ago, I collected minerals, and was fascinated by those that would glow under a black light. Remember, I was a kid in the 70s, and black lights were everywhere. Then Sara and I began collecting Akro Agate glass (the marble makers) and much of it will glow, and quite beautifully too. Anthother glowing class of collection contains Canadian stamps, but I'm having trouble photographing them - keep watching - one day!

Glow little glow worm . . .

The Call Surrounds Us

2007-02-24T05:31:00.000-08:00

The elders in the temple
To whom young Jesus taught
Sat quiet, filled with wonder
While Joseph, Mary sought
Their child in great confustion,
But with a happy face
Their Jesus gave assurance:
"This is my Father's place."

Years later, when at Cana
The call was heard again
As Mary turned to Jesus:
"They search for wine in vain."
But Jesus wanted nothing
Of miracles that day,
Then listened to his mother -
And miracles obey!

"I call you to be fishers,
Rise up, and follow me,"
As Jesus called his foll'wers
To dance and to be free.
So now the call surrounds us
To travel in the light
And make this world of darkness
Become a beacon bright.

Suggested tune: Aurelia 7676D

copyright 2007 Paul Chappel
for permission to use, please leave a message and I'lll get back to you

Mum's Orchids

2007-02-23T15:01:00.000-08:00

Aren't these lovely? At one time, Mum has had more than one orchid in bloom, but to see this terrific plant as snow comes down in Elmvale,Ontario - a small hamlet near Barrie and Collingwood - is a joy.

Mum is known to most people as Rosella Laux, Sara's Mum. A few years ago, our cousin Kate (Imogen's Mummy) have Mum an orchid, and they've been doing well ever since. In her last house, Mum had more light, but they still do well here. I thought I'd share these pictures with you hoping they might brighten you day, too!

Remember you are dust

2007-02-22T04:48:00.000-08:00

Last night, at the Ash Wednesday Service at St. James' Dundas, I was deeply moved by the Imposition of Ashes. Well, I always am. Most stand, by force of nature (and often being in a wheel chair) I'm sitting, and the clergy (in this case, the Venerable Jim Sandilands, the dearest Archdeacon I ever knew) comes to you and with a thumb dipped in a mixture of ashes and oil he makes a sign of the cross on you forehead as he says "Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return". Whew. What was great was that after this sombre warning, I got to sit with Jim and Sara my love, along with Douglas Brownlee, the organist, and Ellen McMicking, a friend, at the pub after the service. Anglicans, you see, don't give up beer for lent! We spoke of all manner of things. Douglas and I talked about the new organ at the church - I kind of prattled on and on, but anway. We were alive! We know we're dust and to dust we'll return, but in the midst of that, we're alive.

It's hard to put into words how much I care for the people around that table. My book of limericks is dedicated to Jim and Douglas, as well as to the Reverend Stephen Murray, but I'll write about him another time!

Happy Lent!

Imogen & the Hymn of the Waters

2007-02-21T05:42:00.000-08:00

Imogen Claire -

our god-daughter. Here is the hymn text I wrote for her in the fall of 2006. Imogen's Mummy did herPhD working at the Canada Centre for Inland Waters and other research into various aspects of the waters here in Canada, so the combined images of Baptism and Kate's research seemed to make:

The Hymn of the Waters

Cooling waters washed the earth on
Bright creation's shining day,
Swirling 'round the sand and mountains,
Breathing life and love and play.

Holy waters - Red Sea parted,
Moses sweetened Marah's spring,
And the rock gushed forth at Horeb:
Miracles that waters sing.

Cleansing waters of the Jordan,
John Baptised to life and love,
Jesus went below the waters,
Rose to see a pure white dove.

Hope-filled waters hold the promise,
Gentle waters filled with praise,
Blessing waters show us Jesus,
Loving waters fill our days.

This hymn was written for the baptism of my god-daughter Imogen Claire, daughter of Grant and Kate (Sara's cousin). She was baptised on Christ the King Sunday 2006 in Guelph Ontario.

The tune for the hymn that I think works best is Shipston, collected by RalphVaughan Williams in his journey looking for British folk tunes.

Fluorescent Collection

2007-02-17T16:01:00.000-08:00

Sara and I have a collection of fluorescent glass, minerals & stamps. Someday I'll go into the history of the whole thing, but today's message is about a display case.

I'm preaching tomorrow morning at St. Mark's United Church in Dundas Ontario for the Sunday of the Transfiguration, when we read of both Jesus & Moses being changed in the light, and I thought that for the children's time, the fluorescent items would be perfect. To that end, then, I'm working to get ready, with a Sherlock Holmes talking book in the background.

I hope you enjoy the snaps. The top one is with a regular flash and the next with no flash but the fluorescent lights on.

St. James' Dundas

2007-02-16T07:56:00.000-08:00

A remarkable morning! I've had word from Hope Publishing that two of my hymn tunes are now available online. Before, the four texts were online, but now the tunes - one is an arrangement of an Old Cornish Carol, and the other is called St. James' Dundas. The attached photo is of St. James' new organ pipes - they don't sound yet but they're being attached soon. As you might be able to tell, I'm quite excited!

Happy Valentine's Day

2007-02-14T04:10:00.000-08:00

I am the so lucky to be married to my dear Sara. The first picture above was taken on our 6th Anniversary last July on a boat cruise of Hamilton Harbour and dinner. Such fun. The next was taken at Carlton Lake Camp just north of Manitoulin Island on our summer vacation last year. I'll post more about Carlton Lake Camp - it was our first time there and we had a ball. Everyone should go!

Sara sings like an angel, looks more beautiful than any model or actor, and is funnier than a comedian. She is loving and lovely, and I thank God every day for her dear smile and warm embrace.

Happy Valentine's Day, sweetie!

Early Morning Snow

2007-02-14T04:03:00.001-08:00

I went to get the paper from the mailbox this morning and was struck by the beauty of the snow. Last night, I wasn't as happy about it all, but this morning, coffee in hand, and warm, it looked cool. Here are some snaps I took with the little digital camera. I've no idea why the one was yellow!

Composing Tuesday Update

2007-02-14T03:59:00.000-08:00

Really, the speed of life is amazing! I finished the Passacaglia & Fugue yesterday morning, emailed the score file to Bruce (for whom it was written) and within minutes he was playing the piece, and trying it out.
I'm proud to say he likes it! H O O R A Y! You never know when you're writing for someone for the first time, but I'm thrilled that Bruce likes the new piece.
Also, I had a grand message yesterday from a kind gentleman in the States. When I sell organ music on Ebay, I send a copy of one of my compositions along with their music as a gift and a bit of free publicity. This fellow who's name I forget at the moment was so kind and generous. I'll have to copy his message on here so you all can share in my happiness.
With all the speed of the world, it's rare to have people take the time to be nice, and it always thrills me.
Happy Valentines Day!

Composing Tuesday

2007-02-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

Funny morning - snowing terribly here, so my teaching this afternoon was cancelled. I've been trying to finish a composition for weeks and finally completed it this morning. It's a Passacaglia & Fugue on the tune Yorkshire for solo organ, and I wrote it for Bruce Cross, who is a friend. The tune Yorkshire may be better know as the Christmas Carol "Christians, Awake! Salute the Happy Morn".
Bruce has a pipe organ installed in his house and this piece is for his house organ. It's a super instrument, and was formerly owned by another friend, the Reverend Doctor Theo T Gibson.
A Passacaglia just means the tune goes on and on. In fact, most of the way through, it's the Feet that do the playing of the tune. A Fugue is like a crossword puzzle for organists and composers, with the melody going here, there, and everywhere.
I'd best get back to work - more music to write!

My Muppet Personality

2007-02-13T10:11:00.000-08:00

You Are Kermit

Hi, ho! Lovable and friendly, you get along well with everyone you know.You're a big thinker, and sometimes you over think life's problems.Don't worry - everyone know's it's not easy being green.Just remember, time's fun when you're having flies!

The Muppet Personality Test

Hope Publishing

2007-02-10T05:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.hopepublishing.com/html/main.isx?sub=27&search=714

That is the link to my page on the Hope Publishing web site. The listing of my hymns isn't always working yet, but in time you'll be able to find both texts and tunes for use through the Hope site.

My EBay Selling

2007-02-10T05:17:00.000-08:00

http://members.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=composer1967

I'm currently working hard selling all kinds of music, mostly from my own collection on EBay. There are lots of interesting things there, and if you use the link above, it'll take you to my 'about me' page which can lead to my auctions, if you're interested.

It's been an amazing journey on EBay, meeting people from all over the world, making connections and having a great deal of fun. Many of our Christmas gifts for 2006 were bought with the proceeds from my sales - a chance to find unique gifts and not be out-of-pocket.

For the most part, the people who sell on EBay are the Nicest People You'll Ever Meet! These folks are kind and helpful, giving advice of all kinds and making the sales fun and enjoyable whether you are a purchaser or seller. I recommend just looking around and seeing what's there - you'll be amazed.

10 February 2007

2007-02-10T04:54:00.000-08:00

Good morning and welcome to my second attempt at Blogging. I am a composer and writer who lives in southern Ontario Canada and I hope you'll join me on my journey through writing and the general nonesense of life.

Yesterday was one of those days where I prepared two sets of music for submission to publishers. You edit and slave and then send to the music publishers with hope that something will catch their eye. In the piles I sent out a year ago, I managed to get some hymns published with Hope Publishing, the largest hymn publisher in the United States and one of the largest in the world. I've been very excited about this, and the people there have been so kind and wonderful.

Better get more coffee . . .