A Brigham Young University Student Journal
No, it isn’t a continuation of Halloween. Contrary to how we often interpret the skeletons and skulls associated with the Latin holiday celebrated on November 1st, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is not all ghastly and grim. Instead, it is a day …
by Rebecca Hamson Sometimes you just need a delicious dessert, and you need it fast. These incredible pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be made in just 15 minutes (including baking time) and with only three ingredients!
by Cody Phillips
When the basketball court inside Brigham Young University’s Marriott Center morphs into an enormous stage—makeshift orchestra pit included—you know something memorable is about to happen.
Production crews and performers alike spend countless hours each fall preparing for BYU Spectacular a colorful and rousing display of talent held in conjunction with Homecoming.
In previous years, I’ve been lucky enough to perform in this outstanding show as a member of the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble. This October, however, instead of taking the stage in a traditional Hungarian costume, I sported a black shirt, black pants, and black shoes—the traditional wardrobe of the technical crew.
My job was to run around with a camera on my shoulder, getting close-ups of the dancers, musicians, and singers so that the entire audience could look at the big screen and feel as though they were seated on the front row. Shooting video for live projection is a fast-paced, exhilarating task. I love it. But this year, after the adrenaline of trying to find the perfect shot had worn off; I walked away from the Spectacular with a burning desire to follow the example of the everyday heroes that were spotlighted as part of the show. Each of them had a unique story, but they all demonstrated courage in the face of some formidable obstacle.
Rebecca Pedersen overcame family struggles and personal fears to develop her talents as a singer and to go on to win the prestigious Metropolitan Opera competition. Taylor Morris courageously made peace with the feelings of guilt that haunted him ever since he fell asleep at the wheel, causing an accident that took his sister’s life. Kathy McGregor fought the battles that come with being an outstanding single mother after she lost her husband to cancer. World-renowned classical/crossover vocalist Nathan Pacheco (this year’s guest performer) spoke of the courage he had to muster when he decided to follow his dreams and become a professional singer.
I’ve got to admit that tears began to form in my eyes a few times throughout the show. (That’s a bit problematic when you need to be able to see clearly through the camera’s viewfinder.) I couldn’t help but feel inspired by an invitation that Nathan extended before singing his final song. He encouraged the young people in the audience to follow their dreams, to follow the spark that dwells within each of them until it becomes a glowing flame. As the last notes of that finale resonated throughout the basketball-court-turned-concert-hall, he and the other performers stood as living evidence of the great heights we can reach when we let courage light our way.
by Sarah Perkins This has long been a favorite of mine, and if you happen to have a lot of zucchini that you just don’t know what to do with, it’s a great way to use it up!
by Melissa Hart Five. . . four. . . three. . .two. . . bang! The gun fired and the Pioneer Day Temple to Temple 5k began. I ran along the 5k route, happy to be running, loving the atmosphere of the race, and very …
by Jenna Hoffman
The Provo Farmers Market is a whimsical weekend escape from the daily grind of school and work. Over the summer, my roommate let me tag along with her and now I can’t get enough of those little tents lining the sidewalk around Pioneer Park. I’ve decided to pay it forward, so now I try to bring a friend with me every week, and without fail, they fall in love with the place. Something about the fresh fruit and vegetables, folksy music, and friendly vendors will make you feel like you’ve stepped out of Provo and into Portland.
The easy-going atmosphere and feeling of camaraderie is nothing short of cathartic. And even if you don’t think the farmers market is “your scene,” it’s definitely worth it to go check it out once. Sit in the grass and listen t
o the musicians, suck on a flavored honey-stick, andget to know the people who put their heart and soul into their crafts and want to share the love with the rest of the community. But hurry! The market has about run its course this year. After October, we’ll have to wait until next summer to bask in the charm of the Provo Farmers Market again.
To learn more about the Provo Farmers Market, check out their website.
I have a diverse educational background. I attended public school through fourth grade and all of high school. In between, my mother home schooled me and my siblings. I love and admire her so much for home schooling me. I was not an easy child …
One of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in Provo is also one that many drive past but few go inside. This is the Provo Library. It sits on the corner of University Avenue and 500 north, and looks more like a castle transported out …
It’s hard to find a dessert for just one or two, but this recipe is great for just that! And the cleanup is a snap! Only one mug, the icing bowl and a fork need washing. (This recipe was found on cookingclassy.com.)
This past spring, while chicks were hatching and new flowers were blooming, my nephew was born. Our whole family beamed with excitement as we held his tiny body in our arms. He was perfect. He still is, despite the diagnosis that came just days later; …