Good News and Bad News

On regular days, I'll be brief. Who wants to hear the details of my life anyway. . . . .

1. Good news: I will be a full member of Choral Arts for one more year. And I may still be considered for the Mahler performance in New York at Carnegie Hall in October. I'll know that by the end of the week. I was sort of getting used to the notion of not being in the choir, and planning what other neat things that would free me up to do. But finding out that I've been included in the final years for Norman when several of my good friends were eliminated is bittersweet, but gratifying.

2. Bad news (relatively speaking. . .this still isn't "bad news")My house was shown for the first time today but the people did not think it would suit their needs. How easy it would have been, and how couterintuitive to what is happening around the country, if I had struck gold on the first try. Ah well. . . . . . .

I am so lucky to love where I live and do what I do. Even being home from Chautauqua, I'm happy to be back in Nelson County and looking forward to each new day and the possibilities that exist every day. It was great to be working out again this morning, and wonderful to help my friend Kathy dismantle her Art exhibit in Charlottesville. I picked up Chester and gave him a bath. . . always an adventure. And I managed to pick up after myself all day. Maybe this is just what I need as I await a sale. . . . .

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggedy Jog

And in the blink of an eye, I'm sitting at my computer at home, listening to the sound of the dryer going round and round. And yes, it's 97 degrees out!

Uneventful drive. Listened to the remainder of my book on tape: Paul McCartney, A Life. I learned more than I ever wanted to know about Sir Paul. However, it did make the hours tick away. I finished reading Little Bee at the Temptations Cafe in Berkeley Springs where I stopped for lunch. I listened to Chad on the radio for about a half hour while I was coming down Highway 81 in Virginia. Before long, the religious music station that shares the call numbers kicked in.

I was able to drive directly to my book club just in time for the Little Bee discussion. I clearly got the "I came the farthest" award. . .nobody could top 480 miles!!

Now I'm home and there will be a showing of this house tomorrow at noon. So I'm in the awkward (for me) position of having to keep the house spotless! Not easy to unpack from a three week trip and not get things messy. So I'll postpone getting Chester until tomorrow at 5:00.

Got my pictures off the camera. Here is my apartment for next summer!



Bottom floor, middle door under the flags! This is a quintessential Chautauqua house. Looking forward to spending 9 weeks there next year. But also looking forward to seeing how all this house stuff works out. And whether or not I'll go to Florida in a couple of weeks to watch the Space Shuttle go up! Stay tuned!

Chautauqua Farewell

It's Sunday afternoon. Our last church service was this morning. I've had a splendid "grown up" lunch at St. Elmo's (yes, the inspiration for the movie) with some friends (wine was involved), and I'm making a third trip to the car with "stuff." I'm hoping to wake up and walk out tomorrow very early.

The computer goes this trip. So suffice it to say that this evening's Sacred Song service of goodbye, and the ceremonial closing three taps of the gavel will not leave a dry eye in the house. I've been invited to the home of one of my choir buddies for a closing glass of wine. So all communications via computer will desist until I arrive home tomorrow (95+ degree heat predicted all week) late afternoon.

I'll probably keep blogging as I make my way through the selling of one house and the buying of another (not necessarily in that order) and then the rennovation. Also, there's my possible trip to Florida for the final space shuttle lift off in a few weeks. So stay tuned is you care to.

I'm off to the car, then to the movies (The Kids Are Alright) and then the final service. I need to drop a few things in the apartment for next year, and deliver my bike for winter storage. It's been a fabulous summer. You should all come up here. . . . no really.

Gobsmackingly Beautiful

This is a term used by someone to describe Chautauqua according to President Tom Becker's final weekly column in today's Chautauquan Daily. What a great description of this place. Tomorrow night is the ceremonial closing 3 taps of the gavel. . .according to Becker, "a reminder that the work we do here in these nine weeks is in service to the living of our lives throughout the year." These words are so true. I always come away from my time here with new learning to pursue, new ways of living to investigate. The idea to sell my house and live small was hatched last year at Chautauqua. I have read books I didn't think I'd ever read, attended lectures I never thought I'd be interested in, met people I never knew before, considered ideas I hadn't even heard of. The rest of my year is truly shaped by my time here. Supreme Court here I come, for example.

I LOVE my new bike! It was a glorious cool day and I rode off and on all day. I arose early enough to see Bill and Phyllis off this morning. I took my bike out to turner for my workout. The beauty of this, is after taking the "long way" to get there, I don't need to start my workout with 20 minutes on the treadmill. As a result, I got an extra long weight training today, and took the long way back on my bike. I'm going to love having this bike next year. And since my landlady was less than thrilled about my storing it in the apartment, good old Dave Lollis of DOC said he would store it there for the winter with all their bikes. How cool.

Things were very quiet, relatively today. I took my lawn chair out on Bestor Plaza to observe the traditional "bubbles in the fountain" which takes place on the last Saturday. Seeing the fountain looking like a giant bubble bath really brought home that the season is over. I sat out and read Little Bee. . .I'm half done with it. .liking it alot. I admit I had a Buckeye ice cream cone. I recently discovered Buckeye flavor ice cream. . . peanut butter ice cream with chocolate/peanut butter buckeye candies in it. Good thing I don't have access to that at home. Took a one hour nap after my work out and all the biking.

Walked a load of clothes up to the car. On the way back, caught the tram and took it once around the grounds for a final look. Gorgeous day!!!

Biked to choir practice. . .the last one. And then went to the Bob Newhart show. He was hilarious. I remember listening to his albums which my dad had when I was a little girl. He performed one of his classic routines from the first album: Driving Instructor. What a thrill to see that in person. He is 81 years old and still going strong.

Tomorrow is the morning service and the evening sacred song service. Between that I will go to the St. Elmo's restaurant on the grounds with one of my choir buddies. .first time eating there all summer.

What a gobsmackingly beautiful summer I have had!

Transition Eve!

Tomorrow a whole bunch of people are going to depart this place. Just like every Saturday morning. But there will be no new people coming in come afternoon. At that point, the skeleton crew will be all that is left. However, tomorrow night's program in the AMP is An Evening With Bob Newhart! So there will be plenty of year rounders and locals coming in. I anticipate a big crowd. My dad owned lots of Bob Newhart albums, and this was before his television shows. So I love his comedy and really look forward to seeing him in person.

Last week day service this morning. . .ergo last performance of the motet choir. The last morning lecture was really good. The man who covers the court for the New York Times spoke about what it means to cover the court, and also he spoke about the court of John Roberts during the Obama years. John Roberts, he said, once referenced Bob Dylan in a decision. However, Judge Rehnquist once referenced Gilbert and Sullivan! Behind the scenes stuff is so fascinating and funny. After the lecture I got on the Supreme Court website and began my quest to see the court in session this fall, hopefully.

I drove to Jamestown today. My quest was to see if I could find a bicycle that I could buy and then leave here over the winter. I intended to buy a used bike, and I actually found an old Schwinn with the chrome bumpers like the ones we used to ride. It needed a little cosmetic work to remove the rust. But when I climbed on it and rode around the parking lot, a lot of memories came rushing back. However, I decided to take a look at a new bike for comparison, and once I got on the new one, I realized that the feel of the old one would get . . .well, old pretty quickly. So I bit the bullet and bought a new, 7-speed bike. I was sure there would be no problem putting it in the condo, since my landlady said I could leave stuff over the winter. However, once I got it in there, she was not exactly 100% on board with my leaving it because the cleaning lady would have to work around it. But she relented and was not too put out about it. But tomorrow I may try to find one of my friends who lives up here year round and see if they can keep it in the garage or something. I guess I could have bought it at the beginning of the season, but I took it for a spin after getting it back to the grounds, and boy was it fun. Please don't tell my sons that I did not buy a helmet.

Did not attend choir tonight (we only have to go to two out of three prior to Sunday), but went to the Friday night cookout at the DOC house where I stayed the first two weeks. I wanted to spend time with Phyllis and Bill before they left in the morning. They are wonderful to be around, and I got some pictures of them and of Betty and David, the hosts of DOC. These are such good people!

Neil Sedaka tonight. I've seen him here before. I was able to see the whole show from the balcony of my building. He actually puts on a great show, and perfect for this crowd.

At about 10 this morning I finished the Clinton/Starr book. . . all 690 pages. So I finished all 5 books I bought for this season. I've given most of them away already. I started reading Little Bee which my book club will discuss Monday. I don't think I'll be discussing it with them, because even though I will probably be driving through the neighborhood at the appropriate time on the way home, I will need to pick up Chester at camp! I'm going to savor these last two days. Our weather continues to be jacket cool. I checked the website for weather at home, and it's supposed to be in the 90's with no rain all week. YUCK!!!!!!

Dynamically Cranking Down

One more weekday church service to sing. One more morning lecture. One more movie to
see. We're cranking down, dynamically.

Tonight is a 50's music concert, which I can hear out my window. But instead of rocking out, I'm determined to finish my Clinton/Starr book. . . only 60 pages to go.

After church this morning a was on my way to the post office and I pass the booth where the morning live radio show is broadcasted. Today's lecturer was there. It's always fun to see these people prior to the lecture, and close up. After the lecturer was Ken Gormley, author of The Death of American Virtue: Clinton vs. Starr. I have been waiting all week to see this author who wrote this book I've been so involved with. And he did not disappoint. I procured a seat directly in front of him as he was interviewed. I always think about Chad when I'm watching these radio interviews and remember the times I've had the pleasure of sitting in on his radio show.

I was able to chat briefly with Mr. Gormley after his interview. I have enjoyed this monster book very much.

The 10:45 lecture was another big deal lawyer who gave an interesting talk on the various ways the court has of interpretting the constitution. The afternoon lecturer continued this theme and raised points that I had not thought of before. How about this. . .all rules are made in reaction to the past.

Ken Gormley's talk followed the afternoon lecture. It was a cool, sunny, breezy day with people rather bundled up. Almost a hint of fall in the air. However, rumor has it that we're expecting the high 80's on Saturday, so I'll enjoy this while I can.

I was offered a job while I waited for the afternoon lecture. One of the motet choir members is a pastor in a church in Amherst, Va, just south of where I live. He has an organist/choir director position at his church. It has been many years since I did a job like that. I don't want to have my weekends tied down, but how cool to be asked!

Ran into Lois Conrad and her husband Bill from back in Nelson County. They come up briefly each year, and it was fun to show them where my apartment will be next year. My landlady has told me I can leave whatever I want in the apartment for the winter. So I won't have to haul my $3 lawn chair home and back next year! I might leave some other stuff as well. I might look into buying a bike this weekend and leaving it here. I would love to have a bike here, but not at home!

It's getting pretty nostalgic around here. Our choir music for Sunday has some real tear jerkers in it. Brigadoon is about to disappear for another year. . . . .

Sandy, Bette, Monica and Me

It has been an amazing day. Here's an interesting fact: At Chautauqua, once you turn 90 years old, you get your season gate pass for free. This year, 128 of those were given out!!!! The benefits of being physically and mentally active throughout life!

Okay. . . .Well, I'm still basking in the glow of An Evening with Sandra Day O'Connor. What a great, funny, brutally honest, delightful woman. I remember back when she was on the court, and she had attended a party attended by then Redskin star, John Riggins. Now John could really really play football, but personality-wise could be a little bit of a Neanderthal. And the story the next morning in the Washington Post was that, after a bit to drink, John Riggins had been in the company of Justice O'Connor and was overheard saying, "Loosen up, Sandy baby." My but that was big news back then. But having heard her tonight, I'm guessing Sandy was not in the least offended, and perhaps did loosen a bit, if in fact she needed to. At then end of her talk she made a point of saying that the whole 25 years she served on the Supreme Court, that not one single time did any justice trade favors for votes. She maintains that this organization of judges is beyond reproach in their determination to do the work needed to get the job done correctly. That is nice to hear!

Prior to the presentation, I went to the 6:00 Classic Movie. This time is was Bette Davis in Now,Voyager, made in 1942. I've seen many classic movies over the years up here, but this one was one of my very favorites.

And I spent as much time as possible getting through my Clinton/Starr book, which is now heavily on the Monica Lewinsky situation. I have really enjoyed reading this account and look forward to hearing the author make a presentation tomorrow.

All of those things plus the 2 lectures regarding the Supreme Court, and I'd say that today was indeed Rich and Full. It's nice to have the season ending on such a dynamic theme. Hard to believe that a week from today I'll be at home, trying to keep it clean!

Stellar day!

This is proving to be the most interesting week. The fact that it's the last week of the season lends a poignancy to everything.

Our speaker this morning is a woman who has argued more cases in front of the Supreme Court than any other woman. . . .and she has prevailed 27 out of 28 times. These are pretty amazing credentials. But her speech was so interesting and funny. She gave a behind the scenes look at the Court, and explained the process of how an argument is decided upon and then how the oral arguments go. Her speech: Ten Things I've Learned about the Court was so easy to understand, and really funny. In particular she talked about how when you argue a case you have 30 minutes, but most of the time is taken by the judges (except Clarence Thomas who rarely speaks) asking crazy hypothetical questions. The amount of preparation it takes to get ready to argue a case, and then the different directions that the argument might take was truly amazing. I need to put on my bucket list to go into DC and sit in the gallery and watch the justices argue cases. She is so excited about the latest appointment to the court. The other benefit of these lectures is that they are great companions to the Clinton/Starr book I'm reading. I'm understanding the book more by hearing the lectures, and understanding the lectures more by reading the book.

The afternoon lecture dealt with The Supreme Court and Gender Issues, most specifically Gay Marriage. Really informative.

I went to the gym to work out after the afternoon lecture. It's a good thing because cookies and ice cream are hiding behind every door these days. But I love working out once I get there. And today's session was a landmark event as for the first time I arrived at the gym with everything I needed for my workout and shower, and then arrived home with everything I had taken. I think that's a first.

Tonight our choir practice was cancelled so I went to the movies again. Saw Cairo Time with Patricia Clarkson (I LOVE her!!). It was a terrific movie, filmed in Cairo. Very understated, as many of her performances are, but very touching.

Tomorrow night is the classic movie and then An Evening With Sandra Day O'Connor! How cool is that?

Last Monday

And the rain continues. I was in a jacket, jeans and heavy socks today. I love this weather! I slept until 7:45, which is oversleeping for me.

Only 4 more weekday services to sing. We have no choir tomorrow night. The theme will be great. I feel like I was in college majoring in history today. Morning lecture was a UVa professor giving a history of the Supreme Court. The afternoon lecturer (topic: The Supreme Court and Race), a Harvard professor, couldn't make his plane connections, so the morning lecturer, who is a former student of his filled in at the last minute. She did an admirable job giving the lecture of his topic and sounding like she had always been the one to do it! Her talk reviewed all the famous decisions made by the Court in regards to race. Very interesting.

Attended the book review for the Clinton/Starr book I'm reading. The author will be here on Thursday. I'm about half way through the almost 700 pages!

Went to the movies tonight. . .finally! Saw Solitary Man starring Michael Douglas and a host of other big stars. Very good film.

Hearing more news about the changes in Choral Arts. Quite a few of the regulars have been cut for the next year. I don't know if I've been cut or not, but with several of my good buddies no longer in the group, it will make a decision to not participate much easier. . . .if it's still my option!!!!

I have a potential trip to Florida to see the last space shuttle launch in a few weeks hanging on my status with the choir. Life will go on either way. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy my last 6 days here.

Rain rain. . . . .

Well I can't complain. . . it hasn't rained that much up here. And it's cooler. .better sleeping weather.

Last night's orchestra concert was amazing. . . . a Ravel piano concerto with a superb soloist, and the Dvorak's New World Symphony. It began a steady, but not too noisy rain, in the middle of the Dvorak. I rather liked that. It reminded me so much of my summers up at Interlochen when I was in college.

There was a choir party today at the home off the grounds of one of the members. A wonderful 100+ year old house. Pot luck. . . .wine!!!

Old fashioned hymn sing tonight in the amp. The choir sat in the audience with audience members all around that. It was fun. Reminded me of my days in church camp when I was a teenager. This place really harkens up the memories for me.

Last week starts tomorrow. Supreme Court. I spent the better part of yesterday and today making headway on the 700+ page book that is The Death of American Virtue. It is a step by step (I almost said blow by blow) account of the Bill Clinton scandals from Whitewater through Monica Lewinsky. I never paid that much close attention to just what was going on. This is a riveting, and fair portrayal of both sides of the argument, and is much more interesting and compelling than I thought it was going to be. The author will be here this week.

Also a classic Bette Davis movie on Wednesday night. Looking forward to my last week before getting home and being faced with having to keep a house clean at all times. YUCK!!!!

It's already Saturday!

I know. I haven't written. Partially because of internet frustrations, partially because I haven't written.

It's Saturday again. . . as it's referred to here: Chautauqua Sunday. The Week 8'ers have left the building (and the grounds) and a calm descends before Week 9'ers arrive mid-afternoon. Week 9 is notoriously less populated as people return to their real jobs. Imagine my pleasure to hear so many visitors bemoaning that "school starts next week" and knowing that it does not affect me in the least. Next year the theme for Week 9 will be The Civil War, so I'm guessing there will be an outpouring for that topic, especially if Ken Burns returns. Tonight marks the final performance of the Chautauqua Symphony, and along with the theater and opera seasons being over, and the music students having left, it is certainly more quiet all around. The end of the week's performance will be An Evening with Bob Newhart. I'm looking forward to that.

This should be a good week topic-wise. US Supreme Court. Sandra Day O'Connor, who is in residence most summers, will be a featured speaker. The book selection of the week, which I have just started is The Death of American Virtue: Clinton vs. Starr. It's a huge book of over 700 pages, but it is interesting and goes back into the whole Clinton vs. Starr thing in minute detail. I pay so little attention to what goes on in the world, that sometimes its nice to go back and scrutinize an event with a few years perspective behind me.

I did my last grocery shopping this morning as it looked like I was going to run out of grapefruit juice before next weekend. I can endure most things, but running out of grapefruit juice is not an option.

I find my mind occupied with thoughts of home: still not sure what my role in the Choral Arts will be this year. Through a series of events and emails, I find that I'm not sure what my status is with the choir. And I'm letting it play out the way it does, even though to not be in the group ever again would be an adjustment for me. We shall see. Also, my house went "on the market" today, and I am anticipating having to take a huge loss on this house. This is an attitude adjustment as well. I will not enjoy coming home to a perfectly clean house and having to maintain it that way full time until I find a buyer. It is such a glorious home on such a special lot that I can't imagine someone not falling in love with it. But I guess all homeowners feel that way. At any rate, I seem to be proceeding, full steam ahead, to my mission to be mortgage-free and to live as simply as possible. I do like it when my life is in a dynamic place. . . .

So. . one more week here and then back to the un-fray which is retired life. It's an embarrassment of riches.

Salman Rushdie afterglow

Okay, the guy is really cool. Who knew? His talk was interesting and funny and made me understand the book and his writing style in new ways. I may even try to read Midnight's Children, a book that won all kinds of awards. I love it when you come up here and are all fired up about something that turns out to not be as good as you thought. And then you go to something you're a little iffy about, in fact you sit close to an aisle for the quick get away if it doesn't hold your interest, and it turns out to be wonderful. I even stayed for the questions and answers for Mr. Rushdie. Very very cool.

I'm going to miss both of my events for the next book which I just started. Our director, Jared, is presenting a organ recital at noon at the same time as the book review. He needs some choir members to sing a number on that. Only two other altos showed for the rehearsal, so I feel like I need to do that. Then there is a memorial service tomorrow at the time of the other presentation about this book. Former Motet choir member and we will sing for that. I'm not too far into the book anyway, but I really really like it. May suggest it for book club at home. . . A Fierce Radiance.

I may get the opportunity to view the film "Fuel" this afternoon. It's supposed to be very powerful. . .concerning the energy/oil issues.

I walked to the post office after singing this morning and noticed all the other things that are going on during the church service in the AMP. Tom Becker, the president of Chautauqua was holding forth on the porch of one of the buildings with a small crowd of people hanging on his every word. The local NPR radio station has a booth where this morning's lecturer was being interviewed and I had a chance to listen to that very close up. No matter where I am or what I'm doing, the joint is jumping all over the grounds at all times.

Hump Day for week 8. I need a brain rest and will forego the Buddhist Monk for the afternoon lecture (although I'd really like to hear him) and go to the gym for an overdo workout. Getting out there, working out, showering, and getting back is about a 2 hour process, and it is perfect for decompression! Signing off.. .

Back on line. . . hopefully

I just now finished the last pages of The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie, in preparation for his presentation tonight. It is a very convoluted book. . . .many characters with multiple names, darting back in forth in time. However, having persevered I really enjoyed it. Rushdie has a wonderful writing style and I look forward to seeing and hearing him in person tonight.

I now will start A Fierce Radiance by Lauren Belfer, which will be reviewed TOMORROW so no chance of doing any more than beginning it before the review.

Saw Joe and Paco in church this morning from my perch in the choir loft. Which meant I got to say goodbye. They were on their way to see Falling Water by Frank Lloyd Wright, which I have yet to see. So much fun hanging with them the past week.

Wonderful morning lecture from a man who is from University of Maine and on the front lines of that state's mission to build an off-shore wind farm which will literally power the state. This is promising technology, and his presentation was entertaining and informative.

Afternoon lecture was given by a Hindu woman, explaining their religious beliefs and practices. Really interesting. A social hour at the Disciples house where I stayed during weeks 1 and 2 included a slide presentation by my friend Jean Chandler (Phyllis and Bill's daughter) on her recent 3 1/2 week trip to India. This was a wonderful parallel to the Hindu woman's presentation and the book I just finished. The lecturer this morning referred to Chautauqua as Disneyland for the Brain. . . and it is indeed that.

Choir practice tonight and then the Rushdie presentation. We're still in full swing up here!

It was not an hiatus!

Major internet problems at my house. I'm in the home of my friend Deloras, who is letting me use her very reliable internet to make this post.

This is going to be a great week, theme wise. But I will miss Joe and Paco who are leaving tomorrow morning. Every single week at Chautauqua takes on a dynamic of its own depending on the theme and the people who are here. Seeing "my boys" at the concerts and on the grounds, and being able to sit with them at concerts and laugh and share stories of my life back in Northern Virginia has been memorable. Hope they come back next year and that they look me up!!!

I had three acts of affirmation happen to me today within about 10 minutes of each other. I was listening to the afternoon lecture. When I got up to move, my friend Deloras waved to me and said that she had picked up extra tickets to this afternoon's chamber music presentation. These tickets are given out while I'm in choir each week, so I never have a chance to see this concert. I was so happy to get this ticket. Immediately after that I turned around to see Jean Chandler, Phyllis and Bill Duty's daughter who invited me to dinner with her parents on Wedensday night. Then I went home and got an email from a former student from my middle school pregnant girls class. . .Sindy. She had been looking for me and found me on Facebook. I was floating on cloud nine after these three examples of people who had remembered me and included me in their lives. What a gift.

This is going to be a great week, topic wise. This morning heard Ed Mazria, founder and CEO of Architecture 2030 discussing ways to survive the energy crisis in this country. Gave me lots to think about as I ponder how I'm going to rennovate my new house in "green" ways. Then this afternoon heard Diana Eck of Harvard University . . . we get lots of Harvard people here. . .talk about religious pluralism. Great wisdom about how our nation has to become more accepting of each other in order to create a nation that can withstand the challenges of the future.

So . . .losing Joe and Paco, but finding that there are wonderful people and opportunities still here to make each and every week special. Life is good.

Mama Mia!!!!

And here is a picture!! I could do this because Joe Holt took a picture of the three of us (him, me and Paco) at the Abba concert last night. What a hoot! We sang, we danced, we joined a conga line of little children who were running up and down the aisles. And believe it or not. . . . wine was not involved.

This was not the real Abba, but a band from Sweden who sing their music. Complete with disco ball and special lighting effects. It's not easy to find a group where all the kids and all the adults know the words. .thanks to the movie Mama Mia! So there were kids waving their phones in the air and people jumping up and down. And to think that the night before we had listened to a Shostakovich violin concerto, and tonight in the same space will be the ballet! There is no lack of variety at Chautauqua.

Today is transition day again. I helped the Dutys move to their next location, back to the Disciples house where I was week 1 and 2. Then I headed for Wegmans in Jamestown, and then found a laundromat to do my wash. Hopefully that's the one and only time I'll ever have to do that since I have laundry facilites next year. But it was a really nice laundromat and I got the pleasure of seeing on the television the report that the Washington Redskins fairly significantly trounced the Buffalo Bills in the opening preseason game. I was the only one in the laundromat with a smile on my face!

Attended a lecture this afternoon by John Helemann who has written extensively about Obama. Very interesting observations about this point in the presidency.

I'm off to choir and then the ballet. I'll miss my Abba buddies next week but Week 8, Theme: Powering the Future . . . a look at alternative energy among other things. Looking forward to that.

Let's just say wine was involved. . . . .

Tried to blog last night but the internet wouldn't let me. And it was midnight. . .

Yesterday I turned into a Chautauqua party girl of sorts. This adds a new dimension to the place for sure!

Knowing I had two (yes, that's right. . .two) social invitations for the day, I spent the morning playing hookie on the sermon and the morning lecture. I went instead out to Turner gym for my workout. I really like working out there, and I can get a really good shower. . .and use the hairdryers! I took the tram back which takes me out to the north end of the grounds where I can enjoy the beautiful houses, yards, gardens and chatting up the tram driver.

Had lunch and took a nap, and then the busy part of the day began. Attended the afternoon lecture. This was Yossi Klein Halevi, a resident of Jerusalem who purposely made a concerted effort to join in and appreciate and learn about the Muslim and Christian residents of that city. He had some important points to make about the situation over there and ways for solving those issues. Really really thought provoking.

Then inspite of sitting in my $3 lawn chair under an umbrella as a 5 minute rain burst went by, I stayed for the next presentation. . . the author of the book, The Lost City of Z. He told about his trip into the Amazon which he outlined in his book. I love seeing these authors after reading their work. In that vein. .the book for next week is The Enchantress of Florence by none other than Salman Rushdie, who will be here next week. I did not have high hopes for liking this book. I mean he wrote a book called The Satanic Verses and people wanted to kill him for it. I wasn't sure what to expect. But the book is a charming, magical and often whimsical fable of ancient India and Florence. He is a lovely writer and I am enjoying this book very much and look forward to hearing and seeing him next week.

Okay. . now to the wine part. I was invited to come after the book talk to the house of a friend whom I met at the movies while I was here week 2. She lives across from my friend Deloras, who was also there with another friend and her granddaughter and gd's boyfriend. Lovely group of people. Wine!!!! Staying in a denominational house is restrictive when it comes to a little nip of wine in the evening. I had two glasses and loved the hour I spent talking and laughing with these great people.

Unfortunately I had to go straight from there to choir practice, which I got through without too many people suspecting that I had been drinking!!! I think for the most part they would have been jealous.

Then the orchestra concert. . . Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. The second a violin concerto. At the end of that concert I was invited back to the home of Juanita Jackson who is hosting Joe and Paco this week. I had stayed one night with Juanita last year when I extended my visit by a day. The party was great, attended by many of the Jacksons' friends who live year round in Chautauqua. Also attending, Stefan Sanderling, the orchestra conductor, and Ilya Kaler, the solo violinist. What an illustrious group to find myself a part of! Great food and conversation. . . more wine. I had a interesting chat with Paco about his and Joe's recent trip to Ethiopia. I had no idea there was so much to see and do in Ethiopia! My my, people do travel the globe these days. And at the end of the party, I got a ride back to the center grounds from none other than Stefan Sanderling himself. He and his lovely wife graciously drove me back to the plaza, where I shared back seat space with the suit he had worn to conduct the orchestra. Wonderful couple. How cool. How much fun.

Got to my room at midnight and the internet was gritchy so I went to bed. I'll leave you with a quote from the Chautauquan Daily regarding Ken Burns: "Burns said he, along with everyone else on the grounds, is here to seek 'some sort of rearrangement of our molecules' consistent with lifelong improvement and transformation." This, I have learned, may or may not include wine.

Tryng to do it all!

The blissful downside to being here for the 4th year is that now that I know so many people, social events are finding their way into the schedule. This is only a downside because it means more choices, more things that can't be fit in. What a blessing!

The only time I could find today to schedule my very necessary 20 minute nap, was after choir was finished in church. . . .during the sermon. Now we leave the choir loft after singing, and if we want to hear the sermon, we disrobe (actually, I guess we de-robe. . trust me, we're dressed!) and join the audience. Today I came back to my room and laid down. It's hard to nap at 9:30 in the morning, but I think I got 10 minutes in, and that helps.

Morning lecture was a woman who has worked on the landscaping designs in Central Park. Her theme was the sacred space that can be created and has been created over the centuries using landscaping. Very interesting.

A quick lunch and then to the Massey Organ recital in the AMP. This is the huge organ as opposed to the tracker I saw yesterday. He played a Fantasy by Franz Liszt which was spectacular.

I had an hour to go to the post office where I did get a bill to pay. The forwarding is now working. To the flea market where I got two summer weight night gowns for a dollar apiece! I was looking for a robe, which I left home, that would make getting to and from showers more inconspicuous. But my showering at the gym is working out fine. It looks like a college dorm around here with people waiting in line for the showers!

Afternoon lecture was really interesting. . . a history of the City of Jerusalem and how it is sacred to Jews, Muslims, and Christians. I actually turned down an invitation to see the dress rehearsal of a new Gail Sheehy play, featuring my friend Susan Laubauch as Gail Sheehy. However yesterday I had made plans to meet Betty and Phyllis for the movies. . . Letters to Juliet, a shameless chick flick which we loved.

Have two invitations tomorrow to join people in their homes after events. Will report on that tomorrow. I think it's highly likely that I will have my first glass of wine of the season tomorrow. I'm looking forward to that.

Must go, because the evening program is An Evening With Ken Burns as he talks about and shows media about battlefields as sacred spaces. Our own sacred space, the AMP, will be packed to overflowing!

Kicking Back

Sort of took it easy today, by Chautauqua standards. Did not stay for the sermon after we sang in church. .helped the choir manager sort music back into numerical order. I don't know why I love doing stuff like that so much. Making order out of disorder. Considering my lifelong challenge with keeping my living space picked up. I also like unraveling knotted yarn or string. I guess it's because it is so obvious the steps to take to do these tasks. With everyday organizing, I just don't know how to get started. Or maybe I just don't want to do it. Oh well. . . I digress!

Did go to the lecture which was Dr. Evelyn Gates of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. She has a personal interest in matters of outer space. Her talk was accompanied by slides (okay. . .Powerpoint) and was very interesting to see. But I have never liked science. I'm curious about just about everything else in the world, but science leaves me cold. I don't get it, and frankly, I don't want to. I guess it's a good thing that my dad talked me out of nursing and into music!!

Went to an organ recital at 12:15. This is a weekly recital on a smaller tracker action organ in one of the climate controlled buildings on the grounds. I always enjoy hearing Jared, our choir director and organist extraordinaire play. Sometimes my fingers and feet just can't stay still in the process.

I moseyed (I hardly ever mosey around here) back to my room, stopping along the way to chat with several friends. Changed into my workout clothes and went to the gym. I chose the main gym because their showers have hairdryers. And really, it was time for my hair to do what it was supposed to. However, humidity such that it really didn't matter. But I got a really good workout in.

On the way back I ran into Joe Holt and his partner Paco. Joe was the associate musical director of the Choral Arts Society. Gifted musician, concert pianist, and choir director. He retired from the Army Band Chorus as accompanist and solo pianist, and thus retired from Choral Arts as well. He now lives and works with a choir in Sarasota, Florida. But what a treat to see him up here!

Dashed into the spa and was squeezed in for a pedicure. A big splurge with all my "people" needing to be paid back at home. But it was glorious and the toes look smashing, which is after all, very important.

Choir practice at 7:00. We sang in quartets.. . that is, instead of all the altos sitting together as usual, we sang all mixed up. Challenging and lots of fun.

Joined Joe and Paco at the orchestra concert tonight. Grieg Piano Concerto and I could see Joe's hands moving around as he listened to this wonderful artist play a piece that I know he has played many times. I've been invited back to the house where they are staying after the Thursday night concert.

And it's time for bed!

Sacred Spaces Day 2

This morning all 5,000 people who packed the AMP were treated to the velvet voice and thoughtful perspective of Ken Burns. The 30 minute film he showed is not new, but rather the 2nd part of a 3 part film he shot awhile back about his friend, philosopher William Segal who died in recent years at the age of 95. On Wednesday night he will have an evening presentation about battle fields as sacred spaces. David McCullough, when he was here last year, said that more people learn history from Ken Burns than in any other way. He is so delightful to hear, and he has been spotted walking the grounds with his family. As an aside, this unbearably young-looking man who is over 50 has a daughter who is expecting Ken's first grandchild in December, not to be outdone by his wife who is due in October. As he said, "Yes, there is much in production in my family."

I finished The Lost City of Z last night in the nick of time to attend the book review given at noon followed by a book discussion. Here's how you know it's Chautauqua. . . you go to a book discussion with 40 people present, and well over a quarter of them have been to the Amazon!!!!! And a couple more are going in the next year. I pretty much kept my mouth shut ( I know, I know. . . but it wasn't that hard since I knew I would probably humiliate myself) and just listened. What a crowd we have up here.

Heard the afternoon lecture by a Muslim gentleman who is director of Islamic studies at Stanford University. The afternoon topic this week is the Sacred Space that is Jerusalem as seen from all perspectives. Very insightful.

I'd like to give a big shout out to my new 3 dollar lawn chair which I got at the flea market. It has been named "most valuable possession" since I got it. Now I sit comfortably at afternoon events. This can be a problem if I don't also have my iced coffee after lunch (made in my $1 coffee carafe from the same flea market) as I tend to succumb as one of the many who need to drift off after lunch. I had iced coffee today and still needed a nap after the lecture. But now I'm ready to go again. I'm such an old lady!!

My main objective for the rest of the day is to attend the piano recital given by the winner and runner-up of the annual piano competition. The winner pocketed $7500 so this is no small deal.

Also am communicating fast and furiously with realtor Ed who is in charge of the homefront. He's supervising the burning of brush, weeding of driveway, cleaning of house, negotiating the mold issue in the crawl space of the new house (YIKES!!), and pretty much anything else that needs doing. He will have earned his commission by the time this is all over. Off to the post office and looking forward to homemade stuffed peppers from the farmer's market for dinner. It's a tough life but someone's got to live it!

Week 7 begins

I know it isn't rocket science, but I now fully appreciate the "heat" component of hair dryers. Having forgotten mine, and needing a shower and hair wash after working out at the gym today, I used the fan in my room to dry my very fine, easily dried hair. And my hair looks like. . . . well it looks like I've been sitting in front of a fan. . . .which is to say NOT GOOD. Oh well. I'm not up here to attract hot guys. . . .at least I'm not now! But it feels good to be exercised and clean. Luckily there are very few mirrors around here.

The theme for the coming week is Sacred Spaces and already it promises to be a popular topic. Hardly a vacancy anywhere on the grounds I'm told. The book for the week which I am about finished with is The Lost City of Z, about the search for the mythical city which the explorer Percy Fawcett searched for many times in the early 20th century, eventually disappearing in the quest. It is not a book I would have chosen for myself. As I tend to read while eating, this is not the book for that unless you have an iron stomach. Luckily for me I have an iron stomach. But if ever there was a book to convince me that traipsing around in the Amazon jungle is not for me. . .this is it. I don't even like traipsing around in my own woods during mosquito and tick season. The fact that men (women were too smart to do this) would go into the jungle, suffer every kind of disease, animal infestation, maggots, cannibalistic native attacks, gargantuan snakes, pirhanas, starvation, dysentery, deaths of friends, and then come out and decide to go again is just something around which my brain cannot wrap!!!!

Tomorrow's lecturer is non other than Ken Burns, whom I saw last year. He will give the lecture tomorrow which will include a new 30 minute film he has made, and then Wednesday night will be An Evening With Ken Burns program in the AMP. So it's possible that we will see him around the grounds between engagements. I'm guessing if he sees me, he will not recognize me from last year. Especially with this hair!!!

Our Sacred Song Service tonight promises to be meaningful. I love the music we are doing, and I think we can actually sing most of it. It will involve a ceremony linking the various religious groups: Christians, Muslims, Jews, etc. I'm a big fan of tolerance and acceptance and am looking forward to this program tonight.

My parents' friend, the Dutys and their daughter Jean are here so that will make the next two weeks special as well. Weather gorgeous. Life. . . exceedingly good.

Settling In

I'm sitting on the floor of the porch outside my room because that is the only place I can get internet. It's so dark I can't really see the keyboard. I think I'll blog in the daytime from now on!

I feel like I'm settling in now. I moved from my 3rd floor temporary room to my 2nd floor home for the next 3 weeks. This room is huge in comparison. A double bed AND a twin bed. Farther from the bathroom though.

Saturdays are characterized by a flurry of activity in the morning as weekly people meet the deadline for leaving. Then the quiet of mid-day. And then at 3:00 the new people arrive. It's fun to be here on a Saturday and not be checking in or out.

I got up and drove first thing to Mayville to the grocery (as opposed to going 25 minutes to Jamestown to Wegmans). Just needed a few things. Bought my paper and planned my day while I had breakfast.

At 10 I ran my errands. Stopped by next year's condo to get the payment envelopes. My landlady for next year, Anne, was putting up a curtain valance in what will be my apartment and asked my advice since it will be my home next year. I'm really looking forward to living in this space! And I don't give a rat's patootie what color valance is on the window!

Went to retrieve my gym pass from my friend Deloras who I loaned it to while I was gone. Stopped by the DOC house where I stayed during weeks 1 and 2 to see Betty and David, the hosts, and two of my favorite people on the planet. After all that reconnection I feel completely grounded here again.

Went to one hour's worth of the finals of the annual piano competition. Heard two gifted young piano players who were required to play 30 minutes of the music of either/or Schumann and Chopin. This year is the bicentennial for both composers. What exquisite playing. If my dad were sitting next to me when each player was finished, he and I would have turned to each other and said in unison, "He sure can render!" This is a line from the old Andy Griffith television show during the episodes where Briscoe Darling and his family played jug band in the jail. They were priceless . . . and Briscoe used to say of Andy's playing, "Sheriff, you sure can render." My dad and I loved that line and used it in many situations.

At 3:00 I went to the Contemporary Issues lecture and heard a wonderful talk about stem cell research. After dinner I had choir and then the orchestra pops concert featuring the resident opera company doing the music of Lerner and Loewe. Fabulous.

Happy to be in my little home for the next three weeks. NOw if I only had a hairdryer. . . . .

Later that night

Well, I've learned a valuable lesson today. Do not mention famous people by name, and if you are going to do it, do not malign them in any way because people who are googling their names will find your blog and post rude remarks.

So, to recap, I did end up skipping the concert by the two artists who shall remain nameless. However, there was a huge crowd, and everyone seemed to have enjoyed the presentation.

I went to see The Last Station, a movie about the final years in the life of Tolstoy. Great cast and beautifully filmed.

I would advise anyone against trying to pack for a three week absence at the same time you are trying to get a house ready to show. I have discovered that I'm up here without a hair dryer and my special pillow. I can live without the hair dryer, and I guess I'll have to live without the memory foam neck supporting pillow as well because there is no store for miles with that item. The book store definitely does not have it.

But I went to the flea market today and bought a coffee maker carafe so that I can make my own iced coffee every day, thereby saving the cost of a Starbucks every afternoon so that I can stay awake. Also found a folding lawn chair for three dollars and took it to the 2:00 lecture. So much more comfortable than the historic, straight backed wooden benches in the open air Hall of Philosophy.

This was the end of the week concerning the state of public education and both presentations I saw were excellent. There is not much good news in this field right now, and the remark was made that it was a depressing week, especially for a large state with lots of cowboys on the gulf of Mexico which shall remain nameless in case any of its residents find this blog and decide to comment. But apparently this particular state has more educational issues than the others. I'm just delivering the message. . . . .

Also saw a concert of opera scenes at, where else, the opera house. I missed the big operatic productions this year which were held the weeks I was gone. But these were great.

Two pieces of good news. . .the weather is very cool. Sweatshirts appropriate for after dark. I love it when it is like this. Also, tomorrow morning I switch from my two night temporary room on the third floor, to my home for the next three weeks which will be on the second floor. These rooms are about twice as big as the one I ended up in last time. Kind of like a double nun's cell! (I hope the nuns don't google themselves and then post rude remarks on my blog.)

So to bed. Maybe Wegman's tomorrow. I need grapefruit juice!

Breaking with tradition

Well, I've decided I just might not blog every night because this internet thing is again an issue, and I may use times during the day when I can get through. Or maybe I'll write more than once a day. Or maybe I'll skip a day! I'm just a loose cannon blog-wise right now. I could do ANYTHING!!!

It's Friday morning after church. The weekly choir breakfast was this morning. Pretty cheeky of me to turn up for the first time on breakfast day. I actually ate their breakfast which is usually some form of cheesy potatoes made by choir members. Most of the time I eat breakfast and then turn up for sparkling conversation. But I haven't made my Wegman's run yet.

However, I have made my first farmer's market visit at 7:30 this morning. On the way I bumped into Bill Duty. . . the now 92 year old gentleman who used to be good friends with my dad. He and his wife Phyllis (age 89 I think) originally told me about Chautauqua years ago. They still drive up from Kentucky or Florida every summer. This summer as they were driving in they hit a fierce storm which spawned a tornado not 20 miles from where they were. Yikes. My worst fear and they sailed through it. Maybe that's why he's a spry, active 92?????

Anyway. . .farmer's market. Got salad stuff, a piece of veggie pizza, a quart of red lentil soup, and a container of homemade 4 bean salad. Should do me for a few days of lunch and dinner until I get to Wegmans. We have farmer's market every morning but Sunday. How cool is that?

When I got in yesterday I realized that I had made it in time to catch the Clay Aiken/Ruben Studdard show which is tonight. For those of you out of the loop. . . these are American Idol winners from several years ago. This is back when I was watching American Idol. Well, I was going to go for sure. But this morning in choir our director told us that the AMP was going to be really busy today because of all the special demands being made by these two B level artists. . . special furniture and lamps for the dressing rooms, loads of snacks and drinks. I know this is common practice for celebrities, but it has made me decide to go to the movie I wanted to see tonight instead. Give me a break. . . you're going to be here for one afternoon and one concert. You don't need special furniture. Stay on your 8 million dollar bus between rehearsals. Or better yet. . . get out and walk these gorgeous grounds. And while you're at it, remember Rule #6: Don't take yourself so frikkin' seriously.

Well, now that I've ranted about that, I feel cleansed for the day ahead. I may write tonight. I don't know. The theme for this past week has been Public Education so I'm anxious to hear the final lecture today and maybe even the 2:00 lecture as well which will feature a panel of urban principals. Leave it to Chautauqua to tackle the very real issues about American Education. Ciao!

ACT 2 - Chautauqua revisited 2010

I'm baaaaaaaack!!

I may be having internet difficulties here like I did last year. So I shall try to get this out for all of you who have been worried sick all day that I was out on the cruel highway. . . . . .Yea, I know.

Big shout out to the Temptations Cafe in Berkeley Springs, West Virgina. I love great routines and today I established a new one because and for the second time this summer, I left home around 6 am and got to the Temptations Cafe around 9 for breakfast. This restaurant has the good sense to offer real food, prepared from scratch, using mostly local products. This is pretty much the only kind of establishment I bother with anymore if possible. I had the most scrumptious Summer Harvest Omlet. . . eggs, tomatoes, basil, mozzarella. Oh my. I eschewed the grits or hash browns and Gary the waiter brought me instead the most delicious wheat toast. . bread made from scratch at the restaurant. And bottomless coffee with a cup to take on the road. That is pretty much what kept me coherent on the drive.

I lost some sleep this week due to the fact that I bought a house. Yes, this is true. A tiny little cottage that will require a complete gut job to turn it into the small residence of my dream. Great lot, right across the street from my gym. Perfect in every way. . . . particularly when the rennovation is done. Of course that cannot start until I sell house #1 - I bit the bullet and listed with realtor Ed who will also be my builder for the next project. Hopefully this makes him highly motivated to get the house sold. Also new this week, yard workers par excellence. . . Fred and Richard. They work like fiends and have already transformed my jungle like existence to a tame, trimmed showcase. I also have Barbara and Christine who are cleaning my house while I'm gone prior to listing. Wow. . . I have PEOPLE! Like. . . I'll have my people call your people. What fun!

I also had a memorable time working at the Wintergreen Music Festival for the last three weeks. I squired around visiting artists: a tv chef from Austria, an Austrian painter/composer/musician named Wolfgang who was terrific. I also helped two other interns hang and art show. . . oil paintings from the Austrian Embassy. Do I know how to do this??? Absolutely not. Did I help do it. Yes!

So coming back up here was a little wild today. My heart felt still back in Nelson. But after the sweaty moving in process and a bit of dinner. . . .I got to go to my choir rehearsal. Heaven. We sing the Faure Requiem next week and we got a head start on it tonight. One of my very favorites. And I saw a wonderful orchestra concert - Beethoven overture, Haydn Cello Concerto, and Schumann's Rhenish Symphony. All viewed by me from the choir loft where I could look right over the orchestra's shoulders into the face of the conductor. Two very heavy rains already, but we've gone from warm and humid to cool and fresh. Ahhhhhhh! Should be a great three weeks!