Thursday, June 23, 2005

The heat is on...

I must say, it is quite the thing to get used to the heat around here. If the wind is blowing, it's perfect, but when it slows down, say at about 3pm everyday, the sweat starts pouring! Course, that could be because I am STILL pregnant, but I like to think it's the same for everyone. Bray is now in the thick of rehearsals and performing, but thankfully, we found out that he does get 1 comp ticket for each performance and I have been able to go so far. At the introductory performance, at which all the vocalists sang a solo, I heard some amazing talent, but of course none that surpassed Bray.:) I actually thought the men had much stronger, more unique voices on the whole than the women...which is good and bad. I have just been keeping up with chores, ready at any minute to drop everything and go to the hospital. It's hard to believe that the baby WILL be here within days(or hopefully minutes) but I know once he comes, it will be like we were never without him.
The people at the academy have been very interesting to get to know. I have gone to a few dinners/lunches they have had, and thus have met at least most of the vocal department. The resumes for practically all of them are astounding! These people don't know when to stop with how many degrees they get! However, for all of their schooling, they are fairly down to earth, I won't say normal, as they are musicians, but they are nice. Only a few true prima donnas amongst the group. I can't wait to hear them as an ensemble!
I hope all is going well for all of our friends and family, and if you feel like writing at all, we would lovveee to hear from you! I know I've said this before, but I will let you know when the babe decides to arrive. However, coming from an artistic and dramatic family, I am sure he will 'make an entrance!' Love and miss you all,
Bray and Kajsa

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Babies and music!!!

Well it's been a few days, but as I don't have my own computer, I can't always make it to the library- thus, sporadic writing. Both Bray and I feel the tension and anticipation of baby and music. We are ready at any moment, and are praying that baby comes before Sunday...as that is when Bray is submerged in musical happenings. We just found out that he is singing on the first performance which is this coming Tuesday, and he only just got the music 5 days ago! The world of professional music! However, some wonderful church friends of ours lent us an electric keyboard, and so I have been able to give Bray some assistance in learning his music. 2 days ago we were under tsunami warning, but I believe that has passed now. I think weather changes are some of the most strange when you move to another location. Anyhow, I don't have much time to write right now, but I shall keep you updated on baby happenings! God bless,
Bray and Kajsa

Saturday, June 04, 2005

Food and Fun!

I know those of you who have looked at this blog are expecting some exciting pictures....but it is taking longer than I thought, due to the fact that I have to upload them on public computers. However, never fear, I shall figure out a way to post them.
It has been nice having Bray to myself these past few days. The academy starts in about a week, and although he is learning music, I have had him with me 24/7.:) We have been avidly exploring, and just on the main street have found dozens of fun, tasty and atmospheric restaurants. We haven't tried them all, of course, but I must say, cities do offer quite the wide range in food accoutrements. We went into a Danish pastry/restaurant shop on our way to the library today, and ohhh the sights and smells! They gave us a sample of a chocolate charlotte cake, and a lemon mousse. That in itself has convinced us we might have to break our mold, and open our wallets for an evening out....it is hard to choose when you have so many choices and yet not a lot of options!:) Ah well, the never ending lesson of self-control.
This afternoon, Bray and I are going to venture down to Stearn's wharf; the main waterfront attraction in Santa Barbara. This should be great because there is a long walkway, bordered by palm trees, that goes along the shore. There are boardwalks and ships galore....and of course seagulls and seaweed. Every time I turn around there is something here that I would love to show one of my friends. Isaac and Katie, if you read this, you really MUST come to visit sometime...there is far too much fun for just the two/three of us.
Needless to say, I have ample amounts of things to keep me busy, for those of you who were worried, but that doesn't mean I don't have moments where I miss Moscow and all the fellowship.
We shall find out this Wednesday how soon the baby should be arriving, at least as far as doctors can tell....as I know that is what most of you are waiting to hear about. But, in the meantime, I shall keep up the walking( which is easy to do around here, so much to see!!!) and we are VERY excited for the academy to start as well, so we can delve back in to the music.
May God continue to bless you all....love you!
-Bray and Kajsa

Friday, June 03, 2005

New Beginnings

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Kajsa Wilkins. (Ki-sah is how it is pronounced) I have an amazingly good-looking and talented husband named Bray Wilkins. We are expecting another handsome family member to arrive any day now...and yes, it is a boy.:) I titled this blog 'new beginnings,' because that is where we are currently at.
It seems strange to think that I am never truly 'going back home.' As of May 25, 2005, I left my home of Moscow, Idaho, and am now living in Santa Barbara, California. Talk about an adjustment! Bray is a budding opera star, and was accepted at the Music Academy of the West, here in S.B.. Thus, we ventured out to start his career, while at the same time getting ready to start our family! I still don't think that the reality of beginning a new life with my new family has really sunk in yet. I remember hearing my dad speak of how he felt when he visited home for the first time after joining the navy....he said that even though he was home, it no longer felt like his home. I feel I can relate to that. I still think I can just drive over to my parents' house, stop by Logos, or go down to Bucer's anytime I want.
This isn't to say that we aren't excited about our new life. It's merely a new step in life, one that was bigger than all the rest we've taken so far. It was surreal to watch my parents drive away and truly 'leave' us. However, I know that God is in control of the future, and I look forward to the upcoming visits( which will happen as soon as Mr. Jackson Hobbes arrives) from family members.
Let me describe what the beautiful Santa Barbara is like, now. Although a city, it is probably the most beautiful city I have ever been in. We have a tiny little apartment near the main downtown street, which has every shop I could ever think of, times 10. There are palm trees and tropical flowers everywhere, and we are literally a five minute drive from the ocean. It is quite exciting to be able to walk to all the stores I've previously had to drive hours to, even if I am just window-shopping.:)
We have joined Grace Reformed Church, pastored by David Deutsch, located about 45 minutes away. Although a small church, they are wonderful people, and have already taken us under their wings. I am soo thankful God directed us to them, I feel quite at home.
I shall be posting pictures and more info soon, but for now, let me say that we miss you all terribly, and pray for you daily, as we hope you will do for us. Feel free to contact us anytime and keep us updated on the Moscow news! God bless, the Wilkins
Our new address is:
227 E. Haley St, #4, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
Phone #'s are: 208-596-2004, or 208-596-2003