Art Tatum

I'm just going to come right out and say it.  I'm not in the mood to blog.  I haven't been for a few weeks now.  I've tried to think of things to write about, even wrote one out, but decided it was rubbish, so, obviously, I left it unposted.  << and that is something I've never ever done! (gasp).  But this is something that can't be avoided, and it is something that needs to be faced, so here-goes...but with a wee bit of a twist.

When we first got here, one of the fellas at the Anglican church asked if any of us lived close to Toledo, Ohio...(gasp) YES! I did!  (Britt too).  He went on to tell us of a famous jazz player, Art Tatum, who was from Toledo.  I probably thought something along the lines of, "right, okay, that's pretty interesting!"  And over the course of the year he continued mentioning Art.  And each time I got a little more interested in who this Art Tatum was.  I have no idea on who he was, or what his story is, but the other day I looked him up on YouTube.  And I rather enjoyed his music!  It isn't anything out of the ordinary, but I think what really draws me is that one of the darling British gentlemen suggested him.

So what I'm getting at is that this is one of the many memories I will be bringing home with me.  I probably won't always remember the name of the chap who first told me about Art, but I will always remember that he was the 'Art Tatum' guy....Just like I will remember so many other things, big or small, that remind me of my year spent here.

So here's to you Art!  And the lovely person who I will always remember, along with all the others who have become, not just friends, but family to me.

Art Tatum, Tea for Two

Twins

It's my BIRTHDAYYYY!!!  But more importantly, it is the day that I share with my beloved twin sister.  She has been there since day one.  My other half.  So today, I dedicate this blog post to the best twin sister this 20 year old could ask for.  I may not always be the most cheerful, or the nicest, or the most agreeable, or the most fun to be around, but you are always there for me, and I am forever going to love you.

Many times in the past we've been asked what it's like to be a twin.  I really have never had a good response to that.  How do you answer that?  It's like me asking, what is it like to not be a twin?  In a way it is almost like asking, what is it like to not have my right arm?  I don't know.  I've never been without my right arm, nor have I ever been without my twin sister.  I may not say it or show it enough, but she is irreplaceable, my life would lose half of it's meaning without her.

So a quick shout-out to you Elise, for always  being there for me, and being the best 'big' twin sister.

All my love.