44. November 11

Tonight I attended an open mic night on campus. The night consisted primarily of vocals and guitar, with some random banjos, a ukulele, and one poor poet thrown in the mix. I loved it.

I admittedly have an undying weakness for the sound of live acoustic guitar and vocals.

My favorite guitarist? My little brother, of course.

This beautiful (and slightly dusty) guitar belongs to my suitemate, who just so happens to be amazing at playing it.

"A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul."

~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

And, may I just give a nod of thanks to our veterans. Isn't fantastic to be an American?
Happy Veterans Day and thank you to those who have fought and continue to fight for America.

42. November 9

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
___________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                                                                              November 6, 2009

Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas
- - - - - - -
By The President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Our Nation’s thoughts and prayers are with the service members, civilians, and families affected by the tragic events at Fort Hood, Texas. The brave victims, who risked their lives to protect their fellow countrymen, serve as a constant source of strength and inspiration to all Americans. We ask God to watch over the fallen, the wounded, and all those who are suffering at this difficult hour.

As a mark of respect honoring the victims of the tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, Tuesday, November 10, 2009. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

"These are men and women who have made the selfless and courageous decision to risk and at times give their lives to protect the rest of us on a daily basis. It's difficult enough when we lose these brave Americans in battles overseas. It is horrifying that they should come under fire at an Army base on American soil." 

~ President Obama, remarks on Fort Hood shooting

Also, twenty years to the day of the fall of the Berlin Wall. 
And...
Happy 21st Birthday Amy!
Congratulations to Danae and Nate!