Kaleb Thomas Crook is here!

Born 6:54 p.m., December 30
7 lbs, 15 oz
20 in

Tonight, at least for me, heaven and earth seemed to kiss each other.

A Crook Christmas

It's been a great couple of days at home in MS. Everyone in the family is doing well. Reese has grown up so much since I last saw her! This morning I went to worship with my folks at their UM church. There were 12 in attendance and 10 of those shared the same last name. ;) Reese and her parents go to another church in town, but my mom convinced Reese to come to their service today and sing. So...for the "special music" slot, she performed a medley of Silent Night and Away in a Manger. I decided to accompany her at the piano, but apparently I didn't play in the right key. Of course that did nothing to deter her from singing strongly in the key of HER choice. What a sweetheart!

Reese's little brother should arrive in the next few days. What an exciting time this is for the Crooks! Of course I will update as soon as it happens and I have pics of him to share.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

December 24

It's officially Christmas Eve (1:03 a.m.) and I have no idea why I am still awake. It's not like I don't have a few things to do on December 24. Today I sent my "farewell" email to my choirs, and I encouraged them to check this blog from time to time if and when they are interested in my journey. My intention was to get away from work email today. But I didn't anticipate the 47 well wishes from choir members in response to my message. I am crazy about those folks! Distance may separate us over these next few months, but they will remain with me in spirit and I with them.

Surely not

I received a jury form from the U.S. District Court this week. Apparently this is a precursor to a jury summons. I'm sure they'll call me the week I am to leave for study at UCLA. Oh well...I did write a lengthy explanation in the "remarks" section about my upcoming sabbatical and how unfortunate it would be if my carefully planned time away was interrupted to serve on a jury. I can hear them laughing now...

Ready

It's an odd feeling: attending staff meetings where the discussion and planning is related to events that will take place while I'm away...choosing repertoire for choirs to perform under someone else's direction...imagining worship services in the sanctuary that I didn't plan...realizing my choir is going to perform a major work without me! But I'm ready for this. I truly am.

Georgia on my mind

Nearly a year ago, I started putting together an amazing small group of people to help guide me through this process and hold me accountable to my plans and my accomplishments. The most recent addition to this "council" is my good friend Georgia. I received an email from her this week. It was one of the most insightful, beautiful and encouraging notes I've ever received. By the way, Georgia is convinced that, in her words, "God crossed our paths long ago and far away........this is not our first rodeo, my dear. Hopefully, not our last." I do believe she's on to something there. Are you guys familiar with the term "Old Souls"? I share this email with you now.

My dear, dear Chris, How you honor me with inclusion on your carefully chosen council. While I see my input as very limited in the core plans of your chosen discipline, my value may lie in exhortation in the "College of Life". If you need a cheerleader, I have a megaphone. If you need encouragement, find me in your "e-Contacts" list. If, upon reflection during that time period, your thoughts turn existential and you wonder what its all about, I've been there before you and will share my wisdom. I only turn the Blackberry off when I'm sleeping, for I have pilot "sons" in different time zones and their e-mail alerts sometimes come at 2 a.m.! I will walk beside you for joy, in front if you trip, or behind to catch you if you faint! You probably find that unnecessary in the excitment of your well thought-out plan. I'm just reminding you that, sometimes, there is a solution before a problem. I am standing in the wings if your needs ever take on that complexion. Your plans demonstrate your love and commitment to your family as well as to your work. I find that endearing. (Love Kaleb's name and am praying for his safe world-entry!) Keep up your ability to network. You couldn't make this kind of plan otherwise. Remember, this is a sabbatical.......a time to leave....to rest. You are by nature, a very hard worker, which is admirable. Try to make this time period less work than pleasure, while still learning and thus, growing. You don't need a syllabus, although you might have a loose sketch of how you will benefit from each experience. When you are on the beach, after the luxuriating wears off in a few days, you will probably replay the experience in your mind. That's when you'll be able to write a profound sentence or two about what you learned, how you grew and where you'll go with it. On Valentine's Day weekend, you might be free to find a jazz club and indulge yourself. UCLA has a jazz orchestra and you'll be in the 'hood. There's a So Cal jazz org., so you might have time to give some thought to researching that. Take advantage of being in a place where the options will be great and your mind is a sponge, ready to soak up a new form of music. I"ll do some research for you in Jan. and keep you posted if I find something good. (It goes without saying that CA is a better bet for jazz clubs than UT!) Chris, you've earned this sabbatical. Use it joyously and wisely. Indulge yourself harder that you work. Recharge and revitalilze yourself. While you seek to learn.........also plan on playing, goofing off, having new adventures that don't involve your profession and think about expanding your horizons in other areas just to feed your soul. The LA County Museum of Art is not hard to find and worth the effort. The J.Paul Getty Museum is in Malibu and sooooo worth the effort. If you get to Pasadena, the Norton Simon is a marvelous space to be in, it's holdings are gravy.....AND jazz abounds there. Try some new ethnic food. There are plenty of options for that in LA from Ethiopian (they sit on the floor and scoop food with their hands!) to Lebonese. When in Rome....................!!! It doesn't ALL have to be about your discipline, it's about expanding your wonderful mind. I'm so proud of you. I am excited about everything you are doing and I want to hear all about it as you go. Thank you for including me. I am blessed to have your sweet friendship and your trust. I send every good wish for your happiness and will keep you ever in my thoughts and prayers on your journey. I love you, Georgia Beth

another Crook on the way

My sabbatical travels take me first to Mississippi. That's certainly intentional planning. For you see, my nephew Kaleb will greet this world in early January. And, if all goes as planned, I will be there to greet him on that day. The actual due date is January 13; but every time I talk to my family, they tell me they'll be shocked if he doesn't arrive before the end of this year. I'd love to share a birthday with him on January 5. We shall see. We will already share the name Thomas (my first, his middle) Regardless of when he arrives, please join me in praying for a healthy delivery for mom (Jill) and Kaleb. And OF COURSE you'll see pictures right here, right away!

So what is this all about?

I plan to accomplish four goals while away during this time:

1. Reconnect with many who significantly influenced my musical journey and simply say thank you.

2. Study with several choral conductors and church musicians I respect and admire.

3. Vision for the next ten years--for my personal life and for the music ministry of St. Andrew

4. Rest--'nuf said.

The countdown is underway

Why didn't someone tell me how difficult and time consuming it would be to actually plan this sabbatical? Wow, there are so many things to cover...and in the middle of it all is this little thing called Christmas. Anyway...I figured I should go ahead and set up the blog and start sharing the URL with friends. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.