"I think comedy is good. When people are laughing they're generally not killing each other." Alan Alda
This was a memorable day! Alan Alda's appearance did not disappoint. He is one of the quickest, wittiest, most profound, and most articulate humans I have had the pleasure of hearing. It's still hard to separate him from "Hawkeye" because his delivery and jokes are completely Hawkeye-ish. Although in answer to this question, he swears that every single line on M*A*S*H* was scripted and memorized. It must have been the delivery!
He and Roger Rosenblatt must be very good friends. They were a hoot together. Alda told about how, at breakfast in the dining room this morning he was feeling a little philosophical and said to Rosenblatt: "Do you realize that every single person in this room is going to die?" To which Roger Rosenblatt replied, "Let's get out of here!"
All of Rosenblatt's friends this week are here because they are authors. The fact that they might be newscasters or actors in the mix is just icing. So Alan Alda read from one of his books. . . he chose to read the speech he gave at his daughter's college graduation. It was some of the most profound and moving writing I've heard. I think I need to get his books.
After lunch I decided to leave the house and see where the wind blew me. At first it blew me to the Starbuck's kiosk for ice coffee (which was strange since it has been cold all day and everyone is all bundled up. I'm the only one who bought ICED coffee!). I planted myself on a bench and watched Alan and Arlene Alda sign books for awhile. When he was done, I decided to keep moving. Strolling down by the book store I came across Roger Rosenblatt in the facing backward seat of a golfcart they were using to shuttle him around. Since he was just sitting there, I went up and asked him if he would sing "Boppo The Great" for me. This is a song mentioned in his book, Making Toast. He made it up to sing to his grandchildren. As you might guess, he is Boppo. He proceeded to sing the song to me. I told him that at tomorrow's lecture he should get the whole Chautauqua audience to sing Boppo the Great (anyone who has read the book will see why I asked him this). He said it was a great idea and asked if I was coming to the lecture so that I could ask that question. So I'll try to do that. Crowds being what they are, I may or may not succeed. As I was chatting with him, up came Alan and Arlene to join him in the cart. That was pretty cool!
From there I headed down to the lake. I had not walked down there yet this season. I came across a group of people doing lawn bowling. I had never seen this before. . . . .it's a little like Bocce I guess but with bigger balls that are not completely round which makes them veer off. I guess the object of the game is to get your balls as close to the little white ball as possible. It's a large area, so it's longer than a bowling ally in distance, and completely covered in closely cropped grass, much like a putting green. I watched this game in fascination for about 20 minutes, asking questions where I could. I felt like I was watching a scene from Dirty Dancing at that great old resort hotel where people still did old fashioned stuff.
Then I got back up to the quad area and sat on a bench by the fountain where one of the student musicians was sitting on another bench playing Bach on his violin. He was quite the artist and I sat there with the blue sky and clouds and the kids playing in the fountains and the Bach wafting on the air and was so grateful that the wind blew me in all these directions!
Tonight I went to Classic Movie Night at the theater. They were showing Dinner at 8 starring Jean Harlowe (the blonde bombshell), John and Lionel Barrymore (this was years before LB was Mr. Potter in It's a Wonderful Life. He plays a good guy in this movie, but you could see it was the same guy.) Also Billie Burke (?) who played Glinda the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz. Her voice was the same but she played Lionel Barrymore's wife. I kept expecting her to warble, "You can come out now!" to the munchkins! This was a great melodramatic movie from the 30's. I love me some old movies!!!!!
Skipped the Chinese acrobats in the Amphitheater tonight. But still, my day was Rich and Full (as we say in Chautauqua!).
Last year I related stories about my friend Sandy, who celebrated her 70th birthday by walking the Appalachian Trail the length of Shenandoah National Park (110 miles) in 10 days BY HERSELF!!!! Well, as of today, Sandy is in Egypt on her way to Uganda to visit the village of a little girl she sponsors. She'll be there for over a week I believe, and then is going on a three day hike into the forest to see the gorillas in the wild. I won't be getting daily updates this year, but I'll be thinking about her and will be anxious to hear all the details when she gets back. I will admire her from afar up here in my little safe bubble! What an adventurer she is!!!!
That's all for now. Signing off!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Day 5 - 2010
"The worst thing is to be around someone who is fortunate and doesn't know it. I know it."
Jim Lehrer
I am basking in the glow of being around creative people who share what they do and how they do it.
This morning's "lecture"/interview with Roger Rosenblatt was Alice McDermott - author of Charming Billy, Child of My Heart, and her newest novel, After This. I have not read her before, but I'm certainly going to read her now. What a bright, articulate, witty, and infinitely profound person she is. She is again a writer who writes without knowing how the story is going to progress. I find this fascinating. She was telling about her current book, when she wrote an obnoxious character into one scene to bother the protagonist. She only intended for this person, "Pauline," to be around for one scene. Then, she says, "I just got annoyed because she kept showing up! I couldn't get rid of her! She was just the most awful person, and I was so tired of her. But later in the book she became the catalyst for a breakthrough for the main character, and she was able to show her humanity after all." Now I find that just simply fascinating!
Then this afternoon I went back to the movie theater for another documentary by the same guy as yesterday. This one was called "We Believe." Sounds religious, no? Well, I guess it was, but not in the way you would think. This was a funny and touching portrayal of what it means to be a fan of the Chicago Cubs! This resonated with me in a number of ways. The shots of Chicago really made me realize how much I love that city. . . me being an Illinois native of sorts. And also, with Chad in his line of work, I am familiar with a city which bemoans the lack of championship play on the part of the local teams. The Cubbies have been waiting over 100 years to win a World Series. As Joe Montegna, one of the fans interviewed, put it, "This is our century!" Any Cubs fan, baseball fan, sports fan, Chicago fan would enjoy this movie very much. Getting another opportunity to hear the film maker describe why he featured some players and not others, how he selected the music for the film, and behind the scenes secrets is something I have always loved.
Both of these presentations were memorable!
Church this morning went well. The speaker, Rev. Alan Jones continues to provoke my thinking and to inspire me. I also went to the other gym today. . .this one overlooking beautiful Lake Chautauqua. The weather has turned downright cold! We're all running around in sweatshirts, and in my case, fleece lined windbreaker! It's supposed to be colder tomorrow. What a difference three days makes. I LOVE this weather. Feels like fall. Great for sleeping.
We had our once weekly evening Motet Choir rehearsal this evening which was lots of fun. Skipped the concert tonight to head back to Wegmans for oatmeal and ground flaxseed. Sounds yummy, huh?
Can't believe it's already going to be Wednesday. I'm so glad I'm staying two weeks this time. Getting towards the end of Angle of Repose. Got into a great conversation with a few women standing in line at the movies. We were all throwing book titles around like crazy. All three of them had read Angle of Repose!! That's Chautauqua!
Looking forward to Alan Alda tomorrow!
Jim Lehrer
I am basking in the glow of being around creative people who share what they do and how they do it.
This morning's "lecture"/interview with Roger Rosenblatt was Alice McDermott - author of Charming Billy, Child of My Heart, and her newest novel, After This. I have not read her before, but I'm certainly going to read her now. What a bright, articulate, witty, and infinitely profound person she is. She is again a writer who writes without knowing how the story is going to progress. I find this fascinating. She was telling about her current book, when she wrote an obnoxious character into one scene to bother the protagonist. She only intended for this person, "Pauline," to be around for one scene. Then, she says, "I just got annoyed because she kept showing up! I couldn't get rid of her! She was just the most awful person, and I was so tired of her. But later in the book she became the catalyst for a breakthrough for the main character, and she was able to show her humanity after all." Now I find that just simply fascinating!
Then this afternoon I went back to the movie theater for another documentary by the same guy as yesterday. This one was called "We Believe." Sounds religious, no? Well, I guess it was, but not in the way you would think. This was a funny and touching portrayal of what it means to be a fan of the Chicago Cubs! This resonated with me in a number of ways. The shots of Chicago really made me realize how much I love that city. . . me being an Illinois native of sorts. And also, with Chad in his line of work, I am familiar with a city which bemoans the lack of championship play on the part of the local teams. The Cubbies have been waiting over 100 years to win a World Series. As Joe Montegna, one of the fans interviewed, put it, "This is our century!" Any Cubs fan, baseball fan, sports fan, Chicago fan would enjoy this movie very much. Getting another opportunity to hear the film maker describe why he featured some players and not others, how he selected the music for the film, and behind the scenes secrets is something I have always loved.
Both of these presentations were memorable!
Church this morning went well. The speaker, Rev. Alan Jones continues to provoke my thinking and to inspire me. I also went to the other gym today. . .this one overlooking beautiful Lake Chautauqua. The weather has turned downright cold! We're all running around in sweatshirts, and in my case, fleece lined windbreaker! It's supposed to be colder tomorrow. What a difference three days makes. I LOVE this weather. Feels like fall. Great for sleeping.
We had our once weekly evening Motet Choir rehearsal this evening which was lots of fun. Skipped the concert tonight to head back to Wegmans for oatmeal and ground flaxseed. Sounds yummy, huh?
Can't believe it's already going to be Wednesday. I'm so glad I'm staying two weeks this time. Getting towards the end of Angle of Repose. Got into a great conversation with a few women standing in line at the movies. We were all throwing book titles around like crazy. All three of them had read Angle of Repose!! That's Chautauqua!
Looking forward to Alan Alda tomorrow!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Day 4 - 2010
"Chautauqua: Emphasizing the importance of a contributory life."
In keeping with my new desire to back off a bit from trying to do everything, I had a slow day for me, but it ended out being VERY significant.
Our first Motet choir rehearsal was at 8:15 in preparation for the 9:15 service. We read through a bunch of music which I always enjoy. We picked an old favorite, "With a Voice of Singing" which is an old choral war horse. I sang this one back in the choir at St. James Methodist Church while in high school! In stark contrast to the three pieces we botched yesterday!
The service was nice and the preaching by Rev. Jones very good. I need to remember to take something to write on when I go to stuff. I can't remember the two gems that he said that I loved, but they will no doubt be in the recap which will appear in the Daily Chautauquan tomorrow, so I can pass them along then. Of course by then there will be more gems from tomorrow's sermon. I guess having too many gems is one of the crosses I will have to bear!
Today's "lecture" was actually an interview between Roger Rosenblatt and Jim Lehrer. Both of these men are hysterical. There were some gems in that one too, but I'll have to read them in the paper to remember them. I remember hearing Anderson Cooper speak when I was in West Hartford last May prior to meeting Joan to go to Nantucket. He was hilarious! It is so interesting to hear these really top notch newsmen, who show nothing but a serious attention to their topic on the air, but then turn out to be these really laid-back, irreverent, funny funny people. I plan to go home and begin watching Jim Lehrer regularly if my Direct TV has that station! The first question Roger asked Jim (who has written several novels) was, "What is the difference between journalism and fiction?" Jim Lehrer's answer was, "Fiction tells the truth."
After lunch I took my obligatory nap. There was the pre-requisite torrential rain at the time, so sleeping and then reading was the order of the day. At 3:00 I went to the wonderful little movie theater to see the World Premier screening of the almost final cut of a documentary called Heaven by film maker John Scheinfeld, who was on hand for questions since this was a Meet the Film Maker presentation. The topic started as a 44 minute special for the National Geographic Channel. It is now feature film length and features stories from around the world following individuals of the Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Jewish faiths and their views of what heaven is. Very very interesting and worth watching for.
I am seriously considering the idea of being up here for the entire 9 week season next summer. And I'm seriously looking into staying in one place for the entire time to avoid the moving around. Denominational houses, while a terrific value, have limits on how many weeks you can stay there. Which would mean searching around and applying for a schedule where I move every two weeks or so, and hoping to get into the houses on the weeks I need. Today I answered an ad for an efficiency apartment which I will go see on Saturday. This would be MUCH more expensive than my current situation, but would be a great location, and what looks to be a really cute space. Now having contemplated that, I was beginning to wonder how I would swing that financially. Then I opened my email and found a message from Norman, our director of Choral Arts stating that they are making personnel changes, including the loss of our choir manager. Something about that message made me realize that I could save a bunch of money by not singing in the choir as a full member. There is a "guest chorister" status that allows me to sing some concerts and not others, as needed. I sent an email stating my intention to switch to guest chorister status. I'm hoping to still get to sing in the projects I really want (like the two concerts in Carnegie Hall in October!), but those won't be guaranteed. But I think it's time to wean myself from all that driving. This, as most of you know, is a huge decision. But it feels really right. I can still go to DC for my theater dates with Dave, and hopefully sing in a couple of concerts a year. But the money saved not being on the road, not eating out those nights, and not boarding Chester could go a long way toward getting me my apartment at Chautauqua.
Tonight's program was by a concert pianist who gave a spectacular program on the songs of the great American song writers: specifically George and Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern, and others. Anyone who knows me well knows that this is about my favorite thing in the world. He was on stage for 2 hours and had some wonderful vintage video of behind the scenes shots of the movie Wizard of Oz, vintage footage of Al Jolsen, and other gems of that era. I was in hog heaven.
Gotta hit the hay. I start every morning now (including this morning) getting to the farmer's market (5 minute walk) at 7 am to get my veggie pizza for my lunch, stopping by the bookstore to buy my daily paper, eating breakfast and getting ready for choir at 8:15.
And every once in awhile something happens to change the direction of my life. Like today. . . . . . I wonder what I'll do or decide tomorrow??????
In keeping with my new desire to back off a bit from trying to do everything, I had a slow day for me, but it ended out being VERY significant.
Our first Motet choir rehearsal was at 8:15 in preparation for the 9:15 service. We read through a bunch of music which I always enjoy. We picked an old favorite, "With a Voice of Singing" which is an old choral war horse. I sang this one back in the choir at St. James Methodist Church while in high school! In stark contrast to the three pieces we botched yesterday!
The service was nice and the preaching by Rev. Jones very good. I need to remember to take something to write on when I go to stuff. I can't remember the two gems that he said that I loved, but they will no doubt be in the recap which will appear in the Daily Chautauquan tomorrow, so I can pass them along then. Of course by then there will be more gems from tomorrow's sermon. I guess having too many gems is one of the crosses I will have to bear!
Today's "lecture" was actually an interview between Roger Rosenblatt and Jim Lehrer. Both of these men are hysterical. There were some gems in that one too, but I'll have to read them in the paper to remember them. I remember hearing Anderson Cooper speak when I was in West Hartford last May prior to meeting Joan to go to Nantucket. He was hilarious! It is so interesting to hear these really top notch newsmen, who show nothing but a serious attention to their topic on the air, but then turn out to be these really laid-back, irreverent, funny funny people. I plan to go home and begin watching Jim Lehrer regularly if my Direct TV has that station! The first question Roger asked Jim (who has written several novels) was, "What is the difference between journalism and fiction?" Jim Lehrer's answer was, "Fiction tells the truth."
After lunch I took my obligatory nap. There was the pre-requisite torrential rain at the time, so sleeping and then reading was the order of the day. At 3:00 I went to the wonderful little movie theater to see the World Premier screening of the almost final cut of a documentary called Heaven by film maker John Scheinfeld, who was on hand for questions since this was a Meet the Film Maker presentation. The topic started as a 44 minute special for the National Geographic Channel. It is now feature film length and features stories from around the world following individuals of the Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Jewish faiths and their views of what heaven is. Very very interesting and worth watching for.
I am seriously considering the idea of being up here for the entire 9 week season next summer. And I'm seriously looking into staying in one place for the entire time to avoid the moving around. Denominational houses, while a terrific value, have limits on how many weeks you can stay there. Which would mean searching around and applying for a schedule where I move every two weeks or so, and hoping to get into the houses on the weeks I need. Today I answered an ad for an efficiency apartment which I will go see on Saturday. This would be MUCH more expensive than my current situation, but would be a great location, and what looks to be a really cute space. Now having contemplated that, I was beginning to wonder how I would swing that financially. Then I opened my email and found a message from Norman, our director of Choral Arts stating that they are making personnel changes, including the loss of our choir manager. Something about that message made me realize that I could save a bunch of money by not singing in the choir as a full member. There is a "guest chorister" status that allows me to sing some concerts and not others, as needed. I sent an email stating my intention to switch to guest chorister status. I'm hoping to still get to sing in the projects I really want (like the two concerts in Carnegie Hall in October!), but those won't be guaranteed. But I think it's time to wean myself from all that driving. This, as most of you know, is a huge decision. But it feels really right. I can still go to DC for my theater dates with Dave, and hopefully sing in a couple of concerts a year. But the money saved not being on the road, not eating out those nights, and not boarding Chester could go a long way toward getting me my apartment at Chautauqua.
Tonight's program was by a concert pianist who gave a spectacular program on the songs of the great American song writers: specifically George and Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern, and others. Anyone who knows me well knows that this is about my favorite thing in the world. He was on stage for 2 hours and had some wonderful vintage video of behind the scenes shots of the movie Wizard of Oz, vintage footage of Al Jolsen, and other gems of that era. I was in hog heaven.
Gotta hit the hay. I start every morning now (including this morning) getting to the farmer's market (5 minute walk) at 7 am to get my veggie pizza for my lunch, stopping by the bookstore to buy my daily paper, eating breakfast and getting ready for choir at 8:15.
And every once in awhile something happens to change the direction of my life. Like today. . . . . . I wonder what I'll do or decide tomorrow??????
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Chautauqua 2010 - Day 3
"Today we will dedicate this season as the most robust example of lifelong learning on the planet!"
And with that statement, Tom Becker, president of Chautauqua opened the season officially with the ceremonial three taps of the gavel. I thought his quote was a spectacular representation of this place that is so often hard to describe to people. As a matter of fact, I'm taking to writing down great quotes like that as I hear or read them and include them in my blog. I need all the help I can get in telling the tales of Chatauqua.
This was a demanding day, singing-wise, as every Sunday is. After only two rehearsals, the Sunday choir (made up of the core group Motet Choir of which I am a member and then anyone else who wants to attend rehearsals for Sunday) bravely gathered in the massive amphitheater this morning to have one final go at the 10 pieces we would sing at the two Sunday services, morning and evening. Well, it was just too much music. Poor Jared, our conductor gets so excited about the services and he always picks about 2 too many pieces to learn. But we bravely stand up and do our best.
The morning service actually went very well. But then we only did 3 of the pieces. This is the only place where I enjoy going to church services because they get the best preachers in the country and it's always great to listen to what they have to say. They tell great jokes, have sparkling personalities and usually say things that resonate with me. This week's chaplain is Rev. Alan Jones (no, Joan, not the one from high school with whom I had a questionable experience at the reunion. . . .but that's a whole other blog) from San Francisco. I loved this quote from him: "The opposite of faith is not doubt. The opposite of faith is certainty." He was taking it to the religions who think they have all the answers.
After church I went to the annual fire department chicken supper on the quad. Actually, I brought the chicken dinner back to the house and ate on the back picnic table with some people I had not previously met. Then I had to crawl up to my room and take a nap!!
Instead of attending the afternoon Army Field Band concert, I dragged myself out to Turner gym to work out. I got a pretty good work out and then decided to walk back to the house rather than take the shuttle. About 2/3 of the way back it started to rain so I hid out on the porch of one of the hotels. Then I started out again but it started torrentially pouring, so I hid out on the porch of the Methodist house. Lucky for me, Chautauqua is known for its porches! I finally made it back, showered (well actually, mostly just dried off!!) and read for awhile.
Tonight we reahearsed again, and sang the remaining 7 pieces for the Sacred Song service. Four of those pieces went well. Let's just say for the other 3 the audience was very tolerant. But the service each week ends with Jared playing the famous Handel LARGO on the organ, and it's just so moving that I am one giant goosebump through the whole thing. All my organ playing juices flow all summer long when I'm here.
Tomorrow: First day of the theme: Roger Rosenblatt and friends. Roger's friend tomorrow for the 10:45 lecture is Jim Lehrer. He was here last year and is very entertaining and enjoyable.
I'm off to bed. I have some robust lifelong learning to attend to tomorrow!
And with that statement, Tom Becker, president of Chautauqua opened the season officially with the ceremonial three taps of the gavel. I thought his quote was a spectacular representation of this place that is so often hard to describe to people. As a matter of fact, I'm taking to writing down great quotes like that as I hear or read them and include them in my blog. I need all the help I can get in telling the tales of Chatauqua.
This was a demanding day, singing-wise, as every Sunday is. After only two rehearsals, the Sunday choir (made up of the core group Motet Choir of which I am a member and then anyone else who wants to attend rehearsals for Sunday) bravely gathered in the massive amphitheater this morning to have one final go at the 10 pieces we would sing at the two Sunday services, morning and evening. Well, it was just too much music. Poor Jared, our conductor gets so excited about the services and he always picks about 2 too many pieces to learn. But we bravely stand up and do our best.
The morning service actually went very well. But then we only did 3 of the pieces. This is the only place where I enjoy going to church services because they get the best preachers in the country and it's always great to listen to what they have to say. They tell great jokes, have sparkling personalities and usually say things that resonate with me. This week's chaplain is Rev. Alan Jones (no, Joan, not the one from high school with whom I had a questionable experience at the reunion. . . .but that's a whole other blog) from San Francisco. I loved this quote from him: "The opposite of faith is not doubt. The opposite of faith is certainty." He was taking it to the religions who think they have all the answers.
After church I went to the annual fire department chicken supper on the quad. Actually, I brought the chicken dinner back to the house and ate on the back picnic table with some people I had not previously met. Then I had to crawl up to my room and take a nap!!
Instead of attending the afternoon Army Field Band concert, I dragged myself out to Turner gym to work out. I got a pretty good work out and then decided to walk back to the house rather than take the shuttle. About 2/3 of the way back it started to rain so I hid out on the porch of one of the hotels. Then I started out again but it started torrentially pouring, so I hid out on the porch of the Methodist house. Lucky for me, Chautauqua is known for its porches! I finally made it back, showered (well actually, mostly just dried off!!) and read for awhile.
Tonight we reahearsed again, and sang the remaining 7 pieces for the Sacred Song service. Four of those pieces went well. Let's just say for the other 3 the audience was very tolerant. But the service each week ends with Jared playing the famous Handel LARGO on the organ, and it's just so moving that I am one giant goosebump through the whole thing. All my organ playing juices flow all summer long when I'm here.
Tomorrow: First day of the theme: Roger Rosenblatt and friends. Roger's friend tomorrow for the 10:45 lecture is Jim Lehrer. He was here last year and is very entertaining and enjoyable.
I'm off to bed. I have some robust lifelong learning to attend to tomorrow!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Chautauqua 2010 - Day 2
Between yesterday and today this place has exploded in activity and a sea of humanity! Now the joint is jumpin'!
But this morning when I woke up all was still quiet. I woke up before 7 and decided to drive to Jamestown to do my Wegman's shopping and get back before breakfast. Wegman's is truly phenominal. I was able to keep my purchases down since I knew that I would have to carry whatever I bought from the parking lot to my quarters. . . .at least a half mile distance. I bought mostly salad stuff. The daily farmer's market will be in full swing come Monday, and they have excellent prepared food (soups, veggie pizza, etc) that I can buy each day for dinner. With a big salad for lunch, I can maintain my healthy eating habits pretty easily here.
After breakfast I walked out to Turner rec center (probably a mile or more) to buy my season pass for the two gyms that are here. I plan my first workout tomorrow.
After lunch I was bushed so enjoyed an hour long nap! That and the iced coffee held me in good stead for the rest of the day. I met people as they arrived all afternoon. We had choir again tonight and the 10 pieces are coming together by some miracle. By this time tomorrow we will have performed them all. . good or bad. I remember this is how it is every week up here so I just go with the flow!
The first big concert of the season was tonight. It was the original broadway cast of Jersey Boys doing music of the 60's in concert. A HUGE contingent of locals bought tickets and came, so with all the pass-holder/residents, it was packed. Choir rehearsal did not get out until 20 minutes before the concert and then we had to walk to the auditorium. Not a seat left anywhere. So I just stood in back and sang my little heart out with all the songs of the 4 Seasons, Beatles, Beach Boys, and Motown. Little by little the older members of the audience (yes, there are people here LOTS older than me) give up and leave early. So I eventually got a seat. Thanks to my nap and coffee I had lots of energy for the concert. It was terrific!
I'm trying to devote as much time to reading as I can. But I already have seen many friends from last year, so I'm spending more time with people, which for me is a good thing. My room this year (the nun's cell) is adorable. A really cool, interesting shape, a huge window that overlooks the back of the auditorium (I could have listened to the concert from my bed if I had wanted to!), and it's right next to the bathroom. Here I am with only exactly what I need for day to day life, and once again I question the wisdome of owning so much "stuff" back at home.
Weather SOOOO much cooler than back home. I had to close the window in the middle of the night last night and add a blanket! Sweatshirt first thing in the morning. Life is good at Chautauqua. Welcome aboard!
But this morning when I woke up all was still quiet. I woke up before 7 and decided to drive to Jamestown to do my Wegman's shopping and get back before breakfast. Wegman's is truly phenominal. I was able to keep my purchases down since I knew that I would have to carry whatever I bought from the parking lot to my quarters. . . .at least a half mile distance. I bought mostly salad stuff. The daily farmer's market will be in full swing come Monday, and they have excellent prepared food (soups, veggie pizza, etc) that I can buy each day for dinner. With a big salad for lunch, I can maintain my healthy eating habits pretty easily here.
After breakfast I walked out to Turner rec center (probably a mile or more) to buy my season pass for the two gyms that are here. I plan my first workout tomorrow.
After lunch I was bushed so enjoyed an hour long nap! That and the iced coffee held me in good stead for the rest of the day. I met people as they arrived all afternoon. We had choir again tonight and the 10 pieces are coming together by some miracle. By this time tomorrow we will have performed them all. . good or bad. I remember this is how it is every week up here so I just go with the flow!
The first big concert of the season was tonight. It was the original broadway cast of Jersey Boys doing music of the 60's in concert. A HUGE contingent of locals bought tickets and came, so with all the pass-holder/residents, it was packed. Choir rehearsal did not get out until 20 minutes before the concert and then we had to walk to the auditorium. Not a seat left anywhere. So I just stood in back and sang my little heart out with all the songs of the 4 Seasons, Beatles, Beach Boys, and Motown. Little by little the older members of the audience (yes, there are people here LOTS older than me) give up and leave early. So I eventually got a seat. Thanks to my nap and coffee I had lots of energy for the concert. It was terrific!
I'm trying to devote as much time to reading as I can. But I already have seen many friends from last year, so I'm spending more time with people, which for me is a good thing. My room this year (the nun's cell) is adorable. A really cool, interesting shape, a huge window that overlooks the back of the auditorium (I could have listened to the concert from my bed if I had wanted to!), and it's right next to the bathroom. Here I am with only exactly what I need for day to day life, and once again I question the wisdome of owning so much "stuff" back at home.
Weather SOOOO much cooler than back home. I had to close the window in the middle of the night last night and add a blanket! Sweatshirt first thing in the morning. Life is good at Chautauqua. Welcome aboard!
Friday, June 25, 2010
CHAUTAUQUA 2010 - Day 1
I am back in Chautauqua for the 2010 Season and I couldn't be any happier! It seems like I blinked and a whole year went by. But in truth I've had a very wonderful and eventful year since last summer. Just last night I finished up the third recording session with the US Marine Band. Choral Arts along with the Marine Band has recorded a CD to be released in the fall of the music of Percy Grainger. It was a thrilling experience. I prefer recording to performing. . . .no uncomfortable dress, time to horse around between takes, lots of hard work and satisfaction in completing a difficult section to the Colonel's satisfaction. I am so blessed to have these experiences.
Chad's radio show (The Lavar Arrington Show with Chad Dukes) has expanded to 5 hours a day, and they have added a half hour weekly sports TV show which precedes Nationals games. He and Sara bought their first house in Centerville!
Casey jumped out of an airplane last weekend with his girlfriend Cortney and all the pictures they brought back certainly reinforce that a great time was had by both. He continues to love golfing and to do well in his job at Oracle.
So here I am back in my summer home. I'm staying in the DOC house for weeks one and two. It's fun returning to a place for the second year. Checking in today meant avoiding the checking in crowds of tomorrow. I arrived here around 3:30 after an uneventful and leisurely trip up here. I listened to Around the World in 80 Days on CD. Saw the movie as a kid. . .never read the book. What a fun adventure. Also started a Jan Karon book on CD - a continuation of the Mitford series, which is just too cute and Norman Rockwell for words, and a good prelude to time up here in Norman Rockwell Land.
We've already had our first choir rehearsal. . . with 10 pieces to perform on Sunday. . .that's two days and two more rehearsals away. We certainly hit the ground running!
I've decided not to take any classes this year. I will be rehearsing and singing in services most days, attending the main lectures at 10:45, and working out as much as possible. I also want to get alot of reading done. And then the movies. . . can't miss as many of those as I can get in. Still, this is much less busy than last year. Each year I come here knowing more and more people from before. It really does feel like home.
So I'm getting ready to cash it in for the night. I left before 6 AM and I'm bushed. I'm in another "nun's cell" room which I love. Believe it or not, after several days in a row in DC in the high 90's, I needed a jacket while walking around this evening. So I'm opening the windows and cuddling down into my bed. Stay tuned. . . .
Chad's radio show (The Lavar Arrington Show with Chad Dukes) has expanded to 5 hours a day, and they have added a half hour weekly sports TV show which precedes Nationals games. He and Sara bought their first house in Centerville!
Casey jumped out of an airplane last weekend with his girlfriend Cortney and all the pictures they brought back certainly reinforce that a great time was had by both. He continues to love golfing and to do well in his job at Oracle.
So here I am back in my summer home. I'm staying in the DOC house for weeks one and two. It's fun returning to a place for the second year. Checking in today meant avoiding the checking in crowds of tomorrow. I arrived here around 3:30 after an uneventful and leisurely trip up here. I listened to Around the World in 80 Days on CD. Saw the movie as a kid. . .never read the book. What a fun adventure. Also started a Jan Karon book on CD - a continuation of the Mitford series, which is just too cute and Norman Rockwell for words, and a good prelude to time up here in Norman Rockwell Land.
We've already had our first choir rehearsal. . . with 10 pieces to perform on Sunday. . .that's two days and two more rehearsals away. We certainly hit the ground running!
I've decided not to take any classes this year. I will be rehearsing and singing in services most days, attending the main lectures at 10:45, and working out as much as possible. I also want to get alot of reading done. And then the movies. . . can't miss as many of those as I can get in. Still, this is much less busy than last year. Each year I come here knowing more and more people from before. It really does feel like home.
So I'm getting ready to cash it in for the night. I left before 6 AM and I'm bushed. I'm in another "nun's cell" room which I love. Believe it or not, after several days in a row in DC in the high 90's, I needed a jacket while walking around this evening. So I'm opening the windows and cuddling down into my bed. Stay tuned. . . .
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