12/17/2010 Singing the National Anthem at Prowler Swim Meet

Swimming is a big deal at our house.  Three of my brothers are on the Prowler Swim Team.  They train daily swimming thousands of yards.  They usually put in about 5000 yards per day which is about 3 miles.  Many people shudder at the thought of walking or running three miles.  Imagine swimming it!  And they do it fast.  This particular day I drove my brothers to the meet and dropped off some items at concessions.  Their coach mentioned that they didn't have anyone to sing the National Anthem at this meet so I volunteered!  It was a great opportunity to sing our National Anthem to a packed pool!  Go Prowlers!

Did I mention that you can swim (although not this time of year...) at most Minnesota State Parks? 

12/12/2010 Christmas Caroling with the Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts is one of the many organizations I support.  They help develop young girls into future leaders by providing lots of activities and opportunities.  One of these opportunities includes "giving back" to the community.  Every year, our local girl scout service unit assembles and travels to local nursing homes to sing Christmas Carols to the residents. By the photos you can see that girls of many ages come out to sing.  There are usually girls ranging from Kindergarden all the way up to seniors in High School.  We usually first sing a good dozen carols or more and then we spend some time mingling with the residents.  We also distribute Christmas cards and sometimes wreaths to the residents, too.  The event is always lots of fun.  We usually cap off the event with a short pizza party of our own where Santa and Mrs. Claus usually attend.  Merry Christmas!

12/11/2010 Musick's Empire Choir Concert

 

Thief River Falls has the most amazing High School Choir around.  That being said, the director, Darcy Reese, gives her heart and soul to bring out the musical talent of all her students.  She does this by putting us through session after session of drilling, hours of sectionals, numerous rehearsals, and then she adds a pinch of perfectionism to the mix.  The results are staggering.  She has multiple concerts and they always sell out.  But the most important part is that she puts the students first.  Her audiences listen to students excel.  If you ever have the opportunity to take in one of these shows, don't hesitate.  Put it on your bucket list.  I have some photos of our choir from this year's Christmas Concert. 

She is constantly pushing the choir to be at its best and she puts us together with some pretty amazing artists, too.  Last year we performed with Robert Robinson and the Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir not only in Thief River Falls, but also in Minneapolis, Northfield, and at New York City's Lincoln Center, where Mrs. Reese even arranged a piano solo for me!  Thank you Mrs. Reese!

12/9/2010 Video, "Winter Wonderland" with piano and strings, featuring Miss Minnesota, Kathryn Knuttila

Winter Wonderland

Traditional Christmas Carol

Arranged by Kathryn Knuttila and Brianna Drevlow

12/9/2010 Christmas Gala with Miss Minnesota

In late November I received an excited call from my good friend, Kathryn Knuttila.  She was hosting a Christmas Gala in Frazee on December 9, 2010 and was hoping that my brothers and sisters and I could come and play some piano and string pieces with her.  I can't begin to tell you how excited I was!  I have grown up watching Kathryn play piano and to have the opportunity to share a stage with her, well, would be nothing short of spectacular!  So, I said, "Yes, yes, yes!" and began planning and arranging some pieces for the Drevlows to play with Miss Minnesota.  I was very excited for many reasons, but one of them was that the event would allow my brothers and sisters and I to play some unique pieces that I had arranged.  I took some Christmas classics, jazzed them up a bit, and then added in some funky jazz bass with my All-State brother Brett and some walking bass lines from my 7th grade brother Brock.  Brayden didn't want to be left out so we added some violin accompaniments for him, and then what to do with Brigham and Brielle...hmmm.  Brigham decided to have some fun with the Christmas sleigh bells and Brielle added some percussion with the cymbals.  Ta-da!  The Drevlows had some very fun Christmas pieces.  Now...just to match our hectic schedules with one very busy Miss Minnesota.  Fortunately, Kathryn's parents are the nicest people in the world.  They invited us over to their house for a rehearsal with Kathryn and there we put the finishing touches on our part of the Gala.  Needless to say, the event was a smashing success (see newspaper article) and we are very thankful to Kathryn for the opportunity to perform with her.  Thank you Frazee and Miss Minnesota!

12/9/2010 My First "Junior Explorer"

As you know, my platform as Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen 2010 is "Explore Your Backyard, Visit your Minnesota State Parks and Trails," so I have been meticulously planning how to promote that message.  I will be coming to a school near you to share the importance of using our state parks to become fit, all while learning about our State's history and spending time with our families.  I'll also be playing piano in many churches while talking with their congregations about my platform too.  In preparation for these events, I have created a platform brochure telling my story, and created a presentation and badge to present to youth and teens after I speak.  This badge is to encourage them to EXPLORE THEIR BACKYARDS and VISIT OUR STATE PARKS!  I had the opportunity to share my message with Miss Minnesota Kathryn Knuttila, who became my first "official" Junior Explorer!  She too, encourages you to visit a State Park near you!  By the way.... did you know there is a State Park within 50 miles of every Minnesotan?  Check out  the Minnesota State Parks and Trails map here.

12/2/2010 Elk's Lodge Christmas Party

Thief River Falls has one of the most active and friendly Elks Lodges that I know.  Their Lodge is located right in the middle of downtown Thief River Falls, but more importantly, the lodge is positioned squarely in the community as ambassadors of good will and community spirit.  They do so many things for our community, from a very public Flag Day observance to the annual Christmas Dinner for kids.  I was able to attend the Christmas Dinner with my family again this year and had the special treat of getting a photo with Santa!  And he even asked what I wanted for Christmas!  Thank you Elks Lodge!

11/23/2010 Fargo Moorhead Parade of Lights

It was an extra chilly November night for this year's Parade of Lights but wow, was it fun!  I met up with Miss Moorhead 2010 Tiffany Sjulstad- Peterson and our pageant director, Melissa Bunkowske,  about an hour before the parade.  Melissa and her family had so wonderfully decorated another great truck supplied by our friends at Muscatell!  We were glowing with lit trees as we drove across Moorhead to the parade starting point.  Once we arrive, Tiffany and I went for a stroll through a well-light up downtown Moorhead to visit with other parade entrants.  It was fun seeing all the Christmas spirit on display!   

 

Video, "Faith Noel"

Faith Noel

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Arr. Brianna and Brayden Drevlow

My family loves the Trans-Siberian Orchestra!  We have been listening to their Christmas music for years so Brayden and I had a great time arranging their "Faith Noel" for piano and violin.  I hope you enoy it!

Last May our school invited Mark Wood (one of TSO's violinists) to do a work shop and concert.  We were able to play several pieces on stage with him.  Lots of fun for all.  We certainly learned how to "Electrify" our stings!

Video, "O Holy Night"

O Holy Night

Traditional

Arranged by Brianna Drevlow

Video, "Oh Come All Ye Faithful"

Oh Come All Ye Faithful

Traditional

Arranged by Brianna Drevlow

Video, "Winter Wonderland"

Winter Wonderland

Traditional

Arranged by Brianna Drevlow

Video, "Joy to the World"

Joy to the World

Traditional

Arranged by Brianna Drevlow

Video, "What Child is This?"

What Child is This?

Traditional

Arranged by Brianna Drevlow

Video, "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer"

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Traditional

Arranged by Brianna Drevlow

Lake Bemidji State Park

Lake Bemidji State Park is so beautiful and serene but the history is pretty cool, too.  It had been home to the Dakota Indians for hundreds of years. They called the lake "Bejiji-gau-maug" which means "cutting sideways."  It was also sort of a trapping hub and early traders use to call the lake "Lac Traverse" which also means "diagonal."  This is in reference to the Mighty Mississippi River, which cuts diagonally through the lake.  The region is full of White and Norway Pine, so as settlers reached this area, it became a popular logging hub.  There is even a log mill remnant on the Nymore Beach shore. 

 The Park also offers one of my favorite activities-  Geocaching!  While I was here I did a lot of geocaching as our pictures show.  But at the end of the day, it was the sunset we enjoyed most.  Make sure you take in a sunset over Lake Bemidji!

Big Bog State Park

Big Bog State Park is very cool.  It contains a 500 square mile peat bog, making it the largest peat bog in in the Continental United States!  The park contains two units, a Northern Unit, and a Southern Unit.  The Northern Unit contains a 1 mile long boardwalk though a section of the bog, which makes it very easy to hike through the bog and watch the wildlife and see the fascinating plants.  It is also easy to take strollers and let the little ones enjoy, too.  The Southern Unit contains a campground and more recreation activies, such as hiking, biking, canoeing, and more.  The park also offers spectacular views of Upper Red Lake.  Check it out!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!



Photo courtesy of Thoele Photography



Thanksgiving is such a special day at my house.  Our family starts the preparation for our celebration early in the morning by preparing the turkeys.  Yes, that's two turkeys!  This year we are making 20 lb and 22 lb birds as one just wouldn't be enough!  We will be feeding our family of 12, plus my grandparents on my mother's side, my aunt Clarilyn Riedinger, my uncle Jordan Goldesberry, and our friends, the Hustad family, Jim, Aaron, and Daniel.  Thats 19 people!  We decided to do the extra bird just because then we have leftovers, and who doesn't love leftovers?  For our Thanksgiving celebration, we are having Turkey, potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, baked corn, dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, pickles, carrots, celery, olives, pumpkin pie, and pistaccio delight.   Of course, we will also have milk and coffee. 

One of the great things about Thanksgiving is that we get to take time to focus on the people and things that are important to us.  Its a great time to reflect on giving thanks for all these people and things, so this year, I want to share a short list of things for which I am thankful. 

1)  God.  God takes such good care of me!

2)  My family-  My family helps me in every way and loves me unconditionally.

3)  My friends who support me in everything I do

4)  My health-  working with Children's Miracle Network, I am reminded how blessed I am to have good health.

5)  My safety.  I thank all those that serve and have served in our armed forces.  Without their selfless service we would not be safe.

6)  My freedom.  As I study history in school I am reminded how many countries and civilizations do not have the freedoms that we have in the USA.

7)  Music.  God has given me this gift to share.  And I so thoroughly enjoy it, too!  I am so fortunate to have my piano and cello!

8)  Our park services.  This may seem small at first, but think about all the amazing places that our country has to explore!  City parks that tell our local story (check out the Riverwalk in Thief River Falls!), state parks that show us our heritage and provide outdoor recreation, and even the big picture- national parks-  that teach us our nation's history, culture, and science, like geology, too!

9)  Opportunity.  I am elated to have the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people around Minnesota while I promote "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails."

10)  You!  With out you, those reading my blog, I wouldn't have a network of supporters helping me achieve my goals.  I truly am thankful that you have taken time to help me!

I'd ask that you take a moment to add the things you are thankful for, too.  Simply leave comments after my post, and please mark my blog and "follow" it!

Happy Thanksgiving and God's blessings to each of you!

Franz Jevne State Park

 Franz Jevne State Park is one of Minnesota's smaller parks, however, its 118 acres are loaded with scenic beauty.  The park sits on State Highway 11 a ways east of Baudette.  It offers amazing views of the Rainy River and, on the other side of the river, Canada's Ontario Province.  The park boasts a short trail through its gorgeous birch and jackpine forest and some very cool rock outcrops.  It may be a small park but its full of big memories.  It even has a secluded campground that offers stunning views of the river and if you stay quiet, lots of wildlife.  Check it out!  Oh-  I should mention-  The park is named after a gentleman named Franz Jevne, who was a lawyer in nearby International Falls.  After his passing, his sons donated the land to the state.  Since Franz Jevne was instrumental in the development of the Rainy River area it was suiting to name the park in his honor.

Garden Island State Park

Photo courtesy of Minnesota State
Parks and Trails

Garden Island State Park has a rich history.  It is a small island out in Lake of the Woods and is about 19 miles from Zippel Bay State Park.  It is the only park in the Minnesota State Parks and Trails system that I likely will not visit personally this year, since the only two ways to get there are by boat or snowmobile, and I have neither.  Hopefully, I will get a chance someday to ride the Ballard snowmobile trail, which runs 35 miles from Baudette to Angle Inlet.  I am told that ride is so desolate over the lake that it leaves a lasting impression similar to crossing the snowy, icy Arctic, but only for 35 miles....  That would be cool!  History tells us that the Island has been home to humans for over 8000 years.  The Island provided these residents with plenting of fishing, hunting, and rice, and of course, gardens, where small grains and other crops were grown using substinance farming methods.  The Island has been home to many industries, too, including fisheries and fur trappers.  It is storied that one of the fur traders, French explorer La Verendrye, claimed to have taught the local residents how to raise corni in these very gardens.   Modern day Garden Island is a destination for sport fisherman and outdoor recreation enthusiasts. It’s a great place to take a hike or watch the unique bird community.  Or... enjoy a quiet evening on a secluded, sandy beach.

Zippel Bay State Park

 

Zippel Bay State Park is truly fascinating!  The park is located on the northern border of Minnesota on the south shore of Lake of the Woods.  Lake of the Woods is huge, in a word.  It is 80 miles from north to south and 55 miles from east to west.  Its like a mini-ocean, having southern areas as shallow as 4 feet and northern areas 150 feet deep!  And of course, there is great fishing here, especially in the winter!  If you have never gone ice-fishing, this is the place to do it!  The park has an awesome fine-sand beach where visitors can swim and relax in the sun.  My brothers seemed to enjoy the driftwood and had great fun finding huge pieces.  The day we were there the current was drawing North so they had a blast throwing the driftwood back in the lake and watching it float back to Canada!  There is also a lot of wildlife up here.  It is quite common to see deer and even moose, but its always cool to see a bald eagle.  Take a trip up north and check out Zippel Bay State Park!

Hayes Lake State Park

  

Hayes Lake State Park is part of the history of Northwestern Minnesota.  It contains the site of the first homesteader to the area, Alva Hendershot, and in the northwest part of the park, his grave and the remains of his homestead can stll be seen while walking along the trail.  Those date back to the early 1900s.  Many of his descendants' grave sites are also here.  Another cool fact that few people know is that Hayes Lake is a man-made lake.  Northwestern Minnesota doesn't have lots of lakes so in 1967 it was decided to dam the river, thus creating a lake behind it.  The lake was named for A.F. Hayes, who also was an early settler in this area.  The park has 13 miles of trails and along them, you can see lots of wildlife, such as deer, porcupines, and even mink!  Be on the lookout for the black bear, too.  If you are in the mood for a scenic hike, take the path to Beemis Hill, which the park also manages.  Its about a 6-7 mile hike, but once there, you can rest in the cabin, pump well water, and camp.  We are going back this winter because Beemis Hill also boasts an amazing sledding hill with a warming house right on top of the hill.