Reflecting on Music Memories

 As old artifacts were uncovered, more memorabilia has been added to each Westra Sibling box. Jen had taken quite a bit of music when she moved out, but some of her original compositions from PTA Reflections contests over the years hadn't made it out of the Westra home.  It was fun to get the actual music (printed and cassette recordings) to look at and listen to some 35-40 years later. Would you believe Jen still remembers the songs she wrote way back when?

The first official music entry was in 1985 ... the theme was "What Sparks My Imagination?" Jen was in the 8th grade, 14 years old. Writing the lyrics and the melody for piano was no issue, it was getting the musical notation written down on paper that was the problem. Music theory, notes/timing had always been a bit of a struggle. The collage below shows some of the steps and progress, the handwriting and piano penmanship, along with the final result and entry info ... the song was recorded on submitted on cassette tape.

The lyrics ... (Verse 1) "I see a cloud, floating by. I see a rainbow way up high. When suddenly in the back of my mind, my imagination sparks, it's one of a kind. (Chorus) What sparks my imagination? What makes it burn? What sparks my imagination? What makes it flow? What makes it glow? What makes it grow? (Verse 2) My imagination sees some things, and then it flies upon it's wings. It turns some words into a song, and then I sing it all day long.  (Chorus) What sparks my imagination? What makes it burn? What sparks my imagination? What makes it flow? What makes it glow? What makes it grow?" The recorded submission was just the piano ... no singing? Was Jen not confident enough in her voice? Was it written out of range? 37 years after the fact, Jen went ahead and re-recorded the song, with singing this time (going with the lower harmonies, because yes, it's too high in some places), just for this blog post, adapted for youtube (as sharing just audio is trickier than sharing a video). See/listen HERE. 

With that first music entry done ... Jen came up with a song for Reflections for the next three years. In 9th grade, the theme was "From Liberty's View". Won at the school level and went on to region, and was asked to perform the song at 9th grade promotion/graduation at the end of the year. 

The lyrics ... "If you will listen, you'll hear her calling you. And you might think, that she is just a statue. But she's part of me, and she can be part of you. She can see us all, we're all in Liberty's view. And so are the oceans, and so are the skies, so are the mountains, and so am I. And so are you, and everything you do. Let's make her proud. Let's make her proud. Won't you  believe, she's a part of you, she's a part of me. Then you might too, realize, she's calling you." Audio from the original submission can be found HERE. 

Jen's sophomore year (1986-1987) the Reflections theme was "A Past to Remember, a Future to Mold" which must have been especially inspiring, because Jen wrote TWO songs that year! Definitely some oversinging on the original audio.  Not sure which song was written first, or which did better in the competition. The two songs were "What is Tomorrow" and "A Past to Remember, a Future to Mold" and both songs have been added to the family youtube after having the audio transferred from the original cassette tapes. 

The final song was for the 1987-1988 school year. Jen was a junior. The Reflections theme was "Wonders of the World".  Interesting to mark the change in handwriting and how the notes and other musical markings are written. This cassette tape wasn't with the others, but a later pile of "Jen's stuff" had an envelope with this entry, and the cassette tape with original audio. Listen HERE. Jen performed this song at a school assembly (picture in the yearbook of her at the piano). 

No entry senior year ... but there with all the "Jen's Stuff" were a bunch of papers and poems. There was one poem that Jen had a distinct memory of also being a song for Reflections. It would have been back in 1981-1982. Jen was in 5th grade and the Reflections theme was "What Makes Me Smile?" Too intimidated by the music entry process (writing the music down, recording it) ... Jen simply submitted the poem in the literature category instead of music. 40 years later, Jen could still recall the simple tune though. So, just for fun, and for the first time ... it's been recorded HERE. 

Will Jenna remember her song submission in 40 years? Wendy did a write up of her Reflections win on the Jenson Journal (school win, region win) and while the PTA had the song posted online for a bit, the school link is no longer working, so the song is saved in Dropbox, and on Youtube (here). 

Janika also wrote a song in 2009 ... WOW was the theme. You can hear it HERE. One might wonder if Janika has shared this song with her husband (yes, she has) ... as this cute melody recounts the wonder of a cute boy ;) Sounds like it's out of a Broadway musical. 

Here's a list of all the PTA Reflections themes from the past years ...

I THINK all the musical entries have  been addressed here. Derek has been very musical in his later years, but I don't believe there was ever a music composition entry for Reflections. He did get a ribbon for a picture he took (see HERE). Aniston entered in 2021, also in photography ...

The Reflections categories have changed some over the years, with new additions of Dance Choreograph and Film Production (Jaiden entered in dance in 2014).  Wendy wrote up all the Reflections experiences for her kids on her blog, check them out: 2014, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.

 

Animals and Other Things ... Record not Required

When the box of old records was discovered ... I think I was most anxious to check out the "Animals" music again. Little Red Caboose was probably the song most remembered by the Westra Siblings as a whole, and Music Machine was a favorite, that I'd been lucky enough to find digitally. But "Animals" ... I'd done searches on YouTube and other music sites, general Google searches - and just hadn't been able to find any results. "Animals" is just too general a term.

So when the records resurfaced, it was fun to look over the booklet with illustrations and lyrics. When I received a record player, it was one I definitely wanted to listen to. There was one little problem ...

... the record had been dropped at some point, and the outer edge was broken in one part. This really only affected the first song, and I was able to listen to the rest. So next I was debating on how to share here on the blog. Make a video? Attempt to convert the record to digital (my record player has a USB input and seems to indicate this was a possibility). Looking at the cover in hand however, I saw the "and other things" and tried a Google search one more time, including the full phrase and there it was!

A full recording on YouTube, including the first song on each side -unlike my broken album. Easy to share here (and an MP3 copy has been saved to Dropbox, as I never know if external links will stick around). I found I remembered almost all of these songs, more so even than Music Machine. Like Music Machine, all the songs are about a quality we should strive for. Faithfulness, Diligence, Contentment, Perseverance, Loyalty, Self-Value, Thriftiness, Generosity, Boldness, Cheerfulness. Like Music Machine, the record case is actually a little booklet, with several pages featuring illustrations and lyrics. Here, there is a quote (scripture), a "story" and a "living lesson". While not LDS per se ... each song and story could be a family home evening lesson! The tunes are so cute and catchy, I found myself singing along and remembering the words some 35+ years later. When I was over to the folks, I sang several of the songs. Mom and Dad didn't remember them as much as me, but as I started singing ... they both said "I remember that one!"

I'm a Galapagos. I'm a Galapagos. I am a G-A-L-A-P-A G-olopagus.

And though I sound like some disease, I'm a tortoise if you please,

least that's what they call my mama and my papa-gus.

So here's the full album on Youtube, with timestamps for each song.

I've bolded my favorites *Ü*

00:00 Animals & Other Things 01:29 Cock-A-Doodle-Doo 03:56 It's So Great To Be A Beaver 06:30 Penguins 08:53 Gorilla Walk 11:04 The Waggin' Of A Tail 13:22 Itty-Bitty Flea 14:13 I Love Animals 15:41 I'm a Galapagos 17:55 The Nutty Factory 19:49 Livin' That Givin' Way 21:51 The King of the Jungle 24:56 Howdy-Do Kangaroo 26:54 I Love Animals (Reprise)

https://youtu.be/plhF4WHruWE

... and I took pictures of the booklet to showcase and share. I noticed that the complete lyrics aren't included (but just ask me, I probably know them!) All the songs aren't printed up either. The second "intro" song (first song on the second side) "I love animals, you love animals, we all love animals too. From chipa-munks, squirrels to each hip-pip-o-otamus, monkeys to the kangaroos" and a short final song on the first side "Itty-Bitty-Flea" (I always got a kick out of this one!)

Music Machine Memories

It was April 2015 when Scott discovered a box of records. Probably the most memorable for all Westra kids is the Chip and Dale song "Little Red Caboose" but Music Machine is a close second, especially for Wendy and Jen. Alas, the record itself was NOT in the "box of childhood". Many years ago, the record was left too close to a heating vent on cold winter day. It warped. I remember being SO sad about it! But unlike the "Little Red Caboose" song, which I have been unable to find anywhere online, I was able to locate Music Machine out on the Interwebs. MP3s of all the songs are now in the family dropbox (in the Media/Music/Video folder. Remember Westra grandkids, we have a general login for you if you want to check out Dropbox! Contact Grandma, Chris or Jen for the login and password) and the entire album is online as well (here). 

In all honesty, I don't remember ALL the songs from this album. On side one: Land Called Love, The Music Machine, Whistle Song, Smile, The String Song, Patience, Gentleness.  Side two: Faith, Joy, Peace, Goodness, Love, Self-control, Kindness, Reprise.

It may be obvious from the song titles, this came from a Christian group, teaching "Fruit of the Spirit". It's a little reminiscent of the Young Women's Values (there are songs for all of them too! That would need to be another post).  The main premise (as this is a story, not just random songs) is that in Agapeland, there is a ...

Music machine, music machine

Like no other gadget that you've ever seen.

Whatever you want to sing about,

Put something in and a song comes out ...

The album cover was more than just a cover. It was a little 10-page booklet with illustrations and lyrics. The "Music Machine" song (shown above) was one that we would sing over and over again. It's a melody I remember 40+ years later!

One of the other favorite songs was about Herbert the Snail, about PATIENCE ... I sang a little of this song to Landon and he said "so that's where that came from?" (Cooper and Colton didn't seem to have any recollection of my singing it to them though, I'll have to ask the other boys). The audio is fun, and Herbert's father's voice is SO low and slow!

The other favorite was about self-control ... it's the only way to go!

... as mentioned, there is a YouTube of all the audio.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqWVr_U6EfE

Music Machine is at 4:00

Patience is at 13:00

Self-Control is at 29:00

There's even an animated episode with some of the songs (Herbert is in there, at 10:00 minutes in) This looks familiar to me, although I don't have a memory of watching it (would it have been on a VHS tape we had?)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_D67IOdqR0

Here's a few final snapshots of the booklet in full ...

Now ... who remembers the record "Animals"???

Similar idea, songs about virtues, with an animal theme ...

Jen still sings several songs from that album!

Can't find anything online ... but we do have the record (it is chipped on the edge though). 

Coming up next!

The Boys of Sanpete County ~ Incident at Green River

 

Delving into family history, Christopher has been taking many of the old text memorabilia (included as images or PDFs) on FamilySearch and re-typing them as word documents/stories ... much easier to read and copy as needed. Chris read about "The Green River Ferry Incident" while converting some documents, and we found that TWO of our ancestors had this story in their histories. James Anderson and Philip Hurst (Grandma Zada's Great-Grandfathers) survived this ordeal.

What exactly happened? LDS emigrants came to America and then traveled on to Utah following the  Mormon trail. A major obstacle was the Green River, which they would have to ford, float or ferry across. In 1868, a number of men from Sanpete County were called upon to meet the emigrants to help them along the way. Our ancestors Philip and James were part of the teams sent to assist.

The Green River was running very high, fast and cold and the oxen refused to cross. It was decided they would load the cattle on the ferry. Tragically, the frightened cattle unbalanced the boat and capsized it. Men, cattle and supplies went into the water together. Most of the equipment was lost, and six men never made it to the shore. Members of the surviving group composed a song "We The Boys of Sanpete County" to tell the story of this tragic event. The lyrics, and a performance on youtube are included below ...

  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVk6T1yuIyI

We the boys of Sanpete County

In obedience to the Call

Started out with forty wagons

To bring in Emigrants this fall

Without fear or thought of danger

On our way we lightly sped

Every heart with joy abounding

Captain Seely at our head.

To accomplish the mission

We were called to fill below

Left our friends and wives and children

On the dreary plains to go.

Over hills and lofty mountains

Through the mud and in the dust

Slowly climbed the lofty mountain

Far above the snows white crust.

With the sun to set declining

glad to welcome closing day.

By some stream or gushing fountain

To refresh all night we stay.

When we reached Green River ferry

On its banks all night we stay

Next morning ferried our wagons over

Thinking soon to roll away

Next to drive our cattle over

But we found they would not swim

Though the boys were in the water

Many hours up to the chin.

While the boat was passing over

The water into it did pour

The Captain cried boys we‘re going under

We shall sink this very hour.

Some to planks and boards were clinging,
Down the swelling tide it flows;
Some by heaven seem protected,
Was driven to shore upon the boat.

Some to oxen horns were clinging,
But to them it was all o'er,
For boys and cattle all went under,
Never more to step on shore.

One had landed on an island

Clinging to the willow green

But with him life soon extinguished

Backwards fell into the stream.

Thus six boys from parents driven

And from friends whom they did love

But we yet again shall meet them

In that better world above.

In letters it was recounted "It was on this trip that Philip was in a boat which capsized in the Green River, when six men lost their lives. He was in the water 15 hours. His clothes were on one bank and he on the other. He and his companions picked up sticks all night to keep a fire going to keep warm and dry out the few clothes they had on. Philip was assistant captain to Wm. S. Seeley"

According to his his history, James was a good swimmer and was able to drag himself out a mile and half below the accident scene.

There is a great write up with additional details HERE

Radio and TV personality Glenn Rawson recounted the story of 

"The Boys From San Pete County" in one of his devotionals ...

  

Who knew that years later, Philip's baby son Walter and James's daughter Hannah Alzada (who wouldn't be born until a year after this event) would meet and marry and that they would have a great-granddaughter named Margie ...

Covid-Free World

I think by now, we all know that Scott is a poet. Many a Father's Day invites came with a rhyme, and there have been other fun phasings, such as his ode to Dad's Moles and his Covid Limmericks. 

As Covid continued, Scott wrote another poem, to the tune of "Part Of This World" from Disney's "Little Mermaid". The full story is not confirmed, but Scott MAY have introduced it to his co-workers, singing some of it during a company Zoom meeting. There may be video proof out there somewhere ... unfortunately none was found at the time of this writing. As 2020 progressed, and Covid made a new world where social distancing is expected, masks are mandatory and hand sanitizer and Lysol wipes are treasures untold, many of us wish we could be part of that old, non-Covid world. 

Wish I could be part of that Non-COVID World
by Scott Westra/2020

Look at this stuff
Isn't it neat?
Wouldn't you think my collection's complete?
Wouldn't you think I'm the guy
The guy who has ev'rything?
Look at this trove
PPE untold
How many masks can one earlobe hold?
Lookin' around here you'd think
(Sure) he's got everything

I've got cameras and speakers aplenty
I've got Lysol and Clorox galore
(You want hand sanitizer?
I got twenty)
But who cares?
No big deal
I want more!

I want to be where the people are
I want to see
want to see 'em smiling
Flashing around those
(Whad'ya call 'em?) oh - teeth
Gasping for breath you don't get too far
Airflow’s required for jumpin', dancin'
Working out at those
(What's that word again?) gyms.

Out where they walk
Out where they run
Out where they stay all day in the sun
Going mask free!
Wish I could be!
Part of that world!

What would I give
If I could live
Back at the office?
What would I pay
To spend a day
Free of my mask?
Betcha it’s grand
To understand
And not reprimanded by our bosses
It’s been a while
I’m sick of this trial
Ready to smile!

And ready to know what the people know
Ask 'em my questions
And hear their answers
What's a hug and how did we
Used to shake hands?

What are our plans?
What can I do
I just wish that it were all through!
Going mask free!
Wish I could be!
Part of that world!

A couple of the girls at Scott's work kicked him out of his office, set up a scene, got costumes and made this video using his custom lyrics ... then it was sent out to the company with this poem (not by Scott)...

Even though we can’t be together this year,
The EAC still wanted to spread some holiday cheer.
The link below is not a phish,
We’re hoping it fulfills your holiday wish.
For smiles and laughter…
And happily ever after!
So enjoy a little humor,
And know that no one is as good at this rhyming thing
As Westra….


Derek commented how he laughed that those at work call Scott "Westra"

Little Red Caboose ...

It was April 28, 2015 when Scott wrote an email (which is pretty momentous in and of itself), he included a picture with the note "Guess what I found? A whole box of childhood!" And sure enough, it was! Oh the memories music can create! "Little Red Caboose" is probably the most remembered song for the Westra siblings (at least for the older four kids). I remember we would take the square case and use it for a "wheel" as we "chug, chug, chugged" around the front room.  Even in today's tech-savvy world, I'd been unable to find a copy of the Chip 'n Dale version of the song we loved.

So ... take the train back to childhood. Chug, chug chug!
(click HERE for video)

I

Father's Day 2020

Father's Day 2020 ... this was the 14th annual group gathering in Scott and Amy's backyard. It's been held every year since 2006. Ironically (per the pandemic) this was probably the largest group there has been. There were even two dogs in attendance. The traditional family photo was first up on the docket (as Kellen had to leave for work) ... and there were going to be some water wars, so best to get it done before the kids got all wet. 

Blackham's brought Grayson's super cool water balloon filler - a nice set up where eight balloons can be filled at a time, with on/off spouts to keep the H20 in some control. Chris brought a bunch of baby balloons (and Jen brought some big ones). So there was tossing, chasing, throwing and launching, as Chris brought his "launcher" to fling them high in the sky.

Cornhole is a favorite, with the Blackham Bunch especially. The girls liked the hula hoops, and of course there was plenty of food and dessert for all (and the dogs were begging everyone for scraps). 

The Jensen's performed a rendition of "Oh My Father" with voice and bells ... 

Perfect for Father's Day! Videos below!

 ... and some family fun in action!

... and let's not forget Scott's poetic invitation! 

 On Father’s Day, the place to be 

 Is at our home, Covid free 

 We’ll gather and greet 

 And of course we will eat 

 And games we will play 

 To round out the day. 

 We’ll begin at 6 so it’s not too hot 

 And see how decrepit Scott has got 

 We will see how the Westra clan had grown 

 And allow for friendships to be sown 

 We hope to see you safe and sound 

 It will be fun to gather ‘round 

 And honor those who’ve done so much

 And pledge to better keep in touch 

 And since you all are dying to ask 

 No we won’t require a mask.

Singing Sisters and Mom's Memories

 

Since this quarantine, Jaiden and Janelle have been playing around with Rick's studio equipment and learning how to record. They recorded this fun song, Tonight You Belong to Me that was originally sung by The Lennon Sisters (MP3 attached). Also, here is a fun picture of them from their last concert.... Also, Janelle just got called to be on the Seminary Council next year. She is really excited!! 

User 65371523 · 2020 - 5-20 Jaiden And Janelle Singing TONIGHT YOU BELONG TO ME

Also, a local news story with some great footage of Janelle right in front... (Starting about ten seconds in -- after the ad). It was a fantastic concert. The girls are so sad that their director is retiring...

https://www.cedarcityutah.com/news/archive/2020/05/20/hsr-longtime-high-school-music-teacher-conducts-final-concert-before-retirement/#.XscKZmhKiUk

From Grandma to Janelle and Jaiden,

Very lovely Song and I love the harmony. Fun to have all the singers in your family! That is exciting that Janelle got called to be on the Seminary Council! That will be a great experience for her! Uncle Derek was Seminary President. Great that Jaiden was elected to the Student Council. All these experiences are great to have. 

My best friend and I were elected Song Leaders/Cheer Leaders in Jr. High. They only had 2. We would lead the school in our school song after each assembly (since I am so musically talented;-)---cough, cough!)

I was Sophomore Class Secretary. I remember we had to go around to the different classrooms and tell them why they should vote for us. These were called "whistle-stops." Back in the early days of our country, I guess the men running for President of the United States would ride on the train to different cities around the country, and crowds would come to hear them speak from the back of the train and these were called "Whistle-stops," because of the train whistles I suppose.

 I was one of the girls nominated for Prom Queen, but didn't win that.

Then we moved to Olympus High after my sophomore year and I went from being a big fish in a little pond to being a little fish in a big pond. There were 720 in my graduating class! 

 The next year Skyline High School opened and half of Olympus kids went there. Merrill was a senior that year. Seniors got to choose whether to go to Skyline or stay at Olympus. He chose to stay in Olympus. So he went all three years there.

My business teacher dictated a letter to me that I had to take down in shorthand and then type up for her to sign. I had asked her for a letter of recommendation for a scholarship to Henager's Business School. In it, she mentioned in the letter that academically, I was number 20 out of the graduating class of 720 students. I don't know if there was more than one with a certain ranking or not. I did get a full-tuition scholarship.

The top so many of the graduating students were invited to write a graduation speech and turn it in. I don't remember if I wrote one and turned it in or not. When I graduated from Henager's Business College, I was voted "the Secretary most likely to Succeed" by my fellow graduates. So write in your journals about all these experiences, and you can tell them to your grandchildren someday! Love, Grandma

Chandelier

Mom/Margie and Dad/Lamar have a huge chandelier in the entryway of the Havenhill home.

Over the years, dust and dirt collect, and it's time for a cleaning.

Did you know there is a song called "Chandelier"? It's sung by Sia.

 Did you know that Derek has a Sia-type wig?

 

You Tube - Derek Cleans the Chandelier

Now you know ...

Mom wrote in an email on Feb 8, 2020 "Derek came yesterday and cleaned our big chandelier---the method worked well spraying it with a special cleaner with dropcloth below. Sparkles now!" I don't know if she was aware of the music video until a bit later!

Grandpa's Garage and a Stairway to Nowhere

There have been pictures posted of the outside of the Havenmoor House ...  and here's a peek at inside the garage. Garages can get crazy, and I've definitely seen worse. There is an extra fridge and a couple freezers. All sorts of stuff hanging from pegboard along the walls. Shelves holding all sorts of stuff, some organized in apple boxes. Look at all those racquets! That blue metal shelving unit (below) I remember from the Hermitage House. It was right outside the basement backdoor, under the deck. I remember we kept all the "newspaper logs" stacked in it (newspaper logs were papers soaked in water then rolled up and then used in the fireplace instead of wood). 

In 2018, Grayson did a complete redo of the Blackham garage. He spent quite a bit of time (and money) but anyone who has ever seen it is quite impressed. Do you know who else was impressed? Grandma and Grandpa. Probably a little more Grandma ... she decided it was time that the Westra garage was reworked as well.

Here's a peek at Gray's Garage ...

Thus started a big job at the Westra home (well ... garage). A lot of things given or thrown away. Shelves emptied and repainted. Recreating some of the same look with the Gladiator shelving and wood paneling, getting a similar wheeled drawer and some nice big lockers. Crates to replace all the apple boxes, and Grayson even broke out his (up until then unused) CriCut machine to make matching labels for the crates.

... a little look at some of the changes

Some pictures Derek took while over working ...

We need some "after" shots when it was ALL done.

Grandpa doesn't spend quite as much time in his garage as Gray does, he's more known for his love of working in the yard. His pond and plants and buckets ... and holes. In fact, Grandpa has the ULTIMATE hole, a CAVE. It's under the deck. He built a nice set of stone stairs down to his cave entrance (and to the basement backdoor). The stability of the cave got to be a bit worrisome, so some time and money was spent reinforcing the walls and shoring things up.

Chris helped set up the construction, getting bids and deciding which route to take to ensure no cave collapse. After the workers came and did their job they told him " We appreciated serving you. We are here to handle any future cave projects. Keep digging." Future cave projects ;) Dad did once have dreams of having a raquetball court under the house/garage ...

Derek got a little song idea in his head ... Stairway to, instead of Heaven ... to Nowhere. He actually took the time to write the words down, and then to record it. He gave me the clips to work up into a video, and here it is ... Stairway to Nowhere!

Stairway to Nowhere 

There’s a man named LaMar 

And he works very hard 

And he’s building the stairway to nowhere 

When he gets there he knows 

He can store potatoes 

And hoses and junk from anywhere 

Oh, oh oh oh, and he’s building the stairway to nowhere 

There’s a cave in the hole 

Where you feel like a mole 

Living deep underneath Salt Lake City 

Then outside by the pond 

There’s a squirrel who sings 

Oh that stairway and cave are so pretty 

Ooh, it makes me wonder

Ooh, it makes me wonder 

There’s a feeling I get 

When I talk to the West 

Ra, and my spirit is longing for learning 

What drives you to dig 

Boring holes small and big 

And forever your shovel is turning 

And he’s building the stairway to nowhere

Marching Up Mt. Olympus (Chris/Kaden & Dad)

 On Wednesday, March 15, 2017, Chris sent out an invitation for a hike ...

Kadan and Dad (Grandpa) and I are hiking up the Mt. Olympus trail tomorrow. We will meet at Dad's house at 2:15 or at the trailhead on Wasatch Blvd. at 2:30. On the chance that any of you can come, you are all invited. Kadan and I will be hiking until about 5:00. Dad may turn back earlier if he needs to. The first part of the hike will be hot and exposed, and we will get up into the snow eventually. We probably won't make the summit in that time frame, but we will have a good time. There are usually rock climbers at Pete's rock near the trailhead, if Amy wants to come practice her rappelling skills. No catching allowed.

We will have awards for the fastest hiker, the best looking hiker, the oldest hiker, and the skinniest hiker. All winners will be able to attend Camden's percussion concert that evening at Riverview Junior High.

No one else was able to make it, so it was just the three guys going up (and down). There was a follow-up email with the pictures attached, but no other details of the day. Didn't the guys know there would be a blog post about it some day? A future hike to Timp in the summer would get a few more people involved.

Here's the recap Chris sent in his next email update ...

Kadan was off school for Spring Break and came up Wednesday. Thursday he and I drove to Salt Lake to go on a hike with Grandpa. We picked him up and then drove up to the Mt. Olympus trail, starting about 2:20. We planned to hike until about 5:00, so we would have time to get ready for Camden’s Percussion Concert that evening. It was a super nice day, and there were lots of other hikers. I left them after a while, and started running. I got about 3/4 of the way to the top, maybe 4/5 of the way. I was up pretty high and getting into the snow. I met one group coming down and they made it to the top, and said it was pretty slick. Their shoes and the lower part of their pants were wet, and I really didn’t want to run down with wet shoes. So I turned around and headed down, and met Kadan and Grandpa a short ways after the stream. I hiked with them for a while, and then explored the Bonneville Shore Line trail and took a loop on that to the bottom. 18,000 steps by the end of the day. 243 floors.

Before I found the emails memory**, I asked Chris about the photo and this was his present day (2020) recollection ... "I remember it was a fun hike, and very warm for March. It was one of my last strong Mountain runs before I got so weak in April and then diagnosed with cancer, with three surgeries over the summer. "

 ... and here's a picture of after the percussion concert (with a few more attendees). 

... not quite as physically demanding as hiking Mt. Olympus!

** The WestraWriteOn blog is a collection of correspondence between the Westra family from years past. Be sure to check it out too. Chris's entire letter from this week in 2017  is included here. 

Derek in Concert

 Derek and Blake performing at the Tahitian Noni

Wendy and Jen were very involved in music throughout high school and college ... but it was Derek who ended up playing at a couple of concerts. After finding several pictures in Dropbox, I reached out to Derek and asked if he'd share his memories ...

When I was at BYU, music was a big part of my life. My high-school friend and college roommate Blake Stillman and I had a little band and played lots of small gigs in Provo (a couple restaurants, Velour, the Tahitian Noni building, etc.) I had recorded a little album of guitar, piano and vocal music (I actually released it online under the name Three Three Three (our apartment number at BYU). You can find it here. :) I didn't use my name when I published these since I'm sort of embarrassed about college-age songs.

https://music.amazon.com/artists/B08NSR1R5F/three-three-three

 

In 2005, I was working at Zions Bank  (I had a huge crush on Danielle but we weren't dating - just working together). I had recorded a little demo CD and had sent it to some of the locals (Jon Schmidt, Peter Breinholt, Ryan Shupe, etc.) I heard back from several of them which I now realize was super nice of them to consider me. Peter and Ryan both pulled me on stage to sing with them in different shows. Jon Schmidt was starting to get really popular and I was thrilled when he called me and asked if I could open for his Thanksgiving Point show (which was his biggest show at the time.) He asked if I could do five songs. Blake and I practiced hard and were ready to do three originals and two covers. I printed and hung posters at the bank and in our apartment complex and secretly really hoped that Danielle would come.

Our student ward at BYU bought so many tickets that I think Jon Schmidt was really pleased with his choice of opener when he saw the crowd we brought with us. Blake's parents and my parents came to support which was meaningful since I can't remember Mom coming to much of my stuff growing up (Dad always came to my soccer games and tennis matches, but it was special that Mom made it!) That night was SO cold! It was in September 10, 2005 and it was absolutely frigid. Blake's Dad brought some hand-warmers and Blake and I needed them so much so our fingers didn't freeze (he played piano and drums and I played guitar). It was a full-house with hundreds of people there. It's fun because when I've posted about this on FB, people I know now, but didn't know then will say "Oh my gosh! I was there! I totally remember you singing!"

Danielle and her friend did come to the concert. :) When they got there and parked, I was already playing and she said "oh no! He's already on stage, I can hear him!" They ended up following the sound and were able to get into the show without paying somehow. Haha. I've teased her that my concert was the only thing she has ever stolen! When I got off the stage and Jon Schmidt started playing, Danielle came up and gave me a hug and told me good job. We started dating six months later!

I still play music, but I don't sing anymore. I was never a good singer and I always knew that, but since I wrote the songs, I had to sing them! Now, I just do piano albums. I've released 4 and I'm working on the 5th now. Our girls like to listen to "Daddy Music" at bedtime on their Alexa, so I've tried to record all my piano music as slow, lullaby style music.

Derek's Piano covers will need to be another blog post with the "music" label, but here is a little peek. Such creative covers (and I mean the visual, although the piano pieces are too) and love how he incorporates their piano into each one!

Derek's Instagram handle IS @DRockandRoll (https://www.instagram.com/drockandroll/) which is appropriate for this music part of his life!

Back to September 10, 2005 ... Mom's had mentioned the concert in one of her emails:

"We've only been to one concert in our life---Peter Breinholt (sp?) at the Sandy Amphitheater with Derek back in his dating days before Danielle. Oh, and I guess the Jon Schmidt one at Thanksgiving Point when Derek and his friend Blake, opened for him, when he just started dating Danielle. It was Sept. and we about froze to death."

Ah, musical memories ... and cold fingers! 

Jen - LDSingers/Snow

Wendy had gone to Snow College and had such a good experience, especially enjoying the singing group LDSingers. That was a big part in the decision of where I went to school (that, and the full tuition + fees/books + housing scholarship swayed me toward Snow). I made it into the singing group and that helped a lot socially, having that group of friends (as I hadn't really known anyone at the college going in). There were four marriages from this year (just for my own memory, John/JanelleWilmore, Dale/JanelleThompson, Ruel/TresaHaymond, Mike/JenniferFrishknect). I dated a couple of the guys myself  (going from tenor to bass).  

1989 - Christmas (Part1)     1989- Christmas (Part 2)

• at minute 12:00 there's a quartet of Mr. Santa
• just past 22:00 there's a quartet of "I'm Getting Nothing For Christmas"

Just a little easier to find me than when it's everyone! LDSingers would put on a Christmas concert, then a Spring concert, and do a spring tour.

Spring 1990 - Part 1

• at 10:30 it's "Telephone Hour" from Bye Bye Birdie

Spring 1990 - Part 2

• 2:00 "Golden Age of Rock&Roll"

My second year at Snow, I was again in the LDSingers group. As some of the guys had been in the group, gone on a mission, and then come back to Snow, there was a bit of an overlap between Wendy and I. Some fellows she knew from her time there from before their missions, I knew after they had returned. The director Brother Wilmore was there all through the years of course!

Having made friends last year, and getting an opportunity to live in a rental house owned by my Psychology professor, I was able to have several of the girls in LDs as roommates. Cindy, Lilly and I had been in LDs together last year, and Jaynee and Chris were new this year. There were three weddings that came out of this year (my roommate Jaynee and the boy next door Kevin were one, Jeff/JoyceGuymon, James/JennyWillmore). 

Christmas - 1991 (Part1)   Christmas - 1991 (Part2)

• 26:00 "Fruitcake"

Brother Willmore had uploaded all the videoed concerts he had ... I don't see my second year Spring concert up there, but I may have a copy. I'm looking to getting an old VHS tape converted. Mom and Dad were always good at coming down to watch the performances.