Ain't-a That Good News!

So last Tuesday was the first Mahler rehearsal. This is the small select choir that is going to sing at Carnegie Hall in NYC in October. Oh man I wanted to be a part of that. But if you were reading back in Chautauqua, you know the first cuts came out and I was not among them. But I believe in positive thinking. . . . of visualizing myself surrounded by the conditions I wish to create. So for the past week, as the first rehearsal was approaching I was walking around the house saying out loud: "I will be chosen. It doesn't matter that tonight is the first rehearsal. He will listen to the chosen chorus and realize that he needs me." Then the first rehearsal came and went. And the message changed to: "Not to worry. Someone will drop out. I can see myself standing on the stage at Carnegie Hall. He would be a fool not to pick me. . . ." Then the next rehearsal, this morning in fact, was approaching. So I abandoned my pacing the living room and went with Sandy out to Clifton Forge yesterday to see Mary Hannah and her new granddaughter. We had a nice lunch and came home. CF is about 1 1/2 hours away, so this was a day-long adventure.

And I got in the house. . .and the message machine was blinking. . . . . and it was Norman saying that he needed me for Mahler!!!!! YEEEEE HAAAAAAAAA!!! And he didn't expect me to make it to this morning's rehearsal, which I didn't. But I did practice the music for a long time today. It's a different part from the one I sang when we were in London, so it will be a challenge. But I am so excited. And now I'm going to pace my house saying: "Of course this house will sell for full price. The right buyer is going to come along, love it, and offer me what I'm asking." Hey. . . it's worth a try!

Today I was showing one of my trainers the new house and I met my next door neighborhood. And joy of joys. . . she's a woman my age, very outgoing and friendly. . . works at UVa. . . and is delighted that I'm moving in. Maybe this is the neighbor I've always wanted.

I've sold the washer/dryer in the new house, and a woman is coming tomorrow to buy one of the sections of kitchen cabinets over there. I'm selling off my stuff to raise money for New York.

Tonight I drove to the charming Batesville store for Blues night. So much fun hanging with the locals, drinking a beer and listening to live blues music at its best. This is turning into an amazing life. . . that's all I'm saying.

My Crappy Little House

Well, I've been saying I wanted a crappy little house, and now I have one! And here it is! I have settled quite a few houses in my day, but if you pay cash, the settlement takes 5 minutes!!! Who knew?????? And I walked away with about 5 sheets of paper instead of a 25 pound box of paper. Wow. Of course, if I'm going to pay cash, we're not talking about a show house. But someday, this will become my own little showplace. I'm excited about the project.

I celebrated by having my smoked trout salad at the Lovingston Cafe. As a special occasion splurge I had dessert! Yum.

Then, drunk with power I decided to go have a pedicure. . . I mean, what the hell? So I went to Waynesboro where there is a PetSmart because Chester was nearly out of his "senior" Milk Bones. So I got those and went to my pedicure place. Unfortunately, my arrival was such that I got the only guy in the place. It would not be using any creativity on my part at all to refer to him as "The Man With the Dragon Tattoo." Yep, right there on his arm. It would have been okay, I think, except that he seemed inordinately smitten with the program on television. . . The Disney Channel. . . . Zack and Cody, the Suite Life. Highbrow stuff to be sure. And to complicate the matter, the tv was situated behind him over his right shoulder. So he was performing the pedicure with his head turned almost completely around so as not to miss a scintillating moment. I mean Zack (or was it Cody) was trying his hand at making sushi with utterly madcap hilarity. So I guess I could understand that when this guy was trying to scrub the callous off the bottom of my foot that is was really not his fault that he went off the target and literally scraped the skin off the side of my foot, causing bleeding and not a small amount of pain. Of course he didn't notice. . . after all Cody (or was it Zack) was involved with some slapstick of his own. Great stuff. So when the scrubber came back around and then scrubbed on the top of the part that was already bleeding, I just figured it was time for me to speak up.

Well, he was apologetic, and actually, a little too quickly for my peace of mind, grabbed some blue liquid he keeps on hand for just such occasions. He asked if it still hurt, then went back to watching the tv while he was doing the all important leg massage. Luckily, except for a scab, there is no sign of inflammation or infection today. You never know with these places. So the moral is, I guess, if there's a dragon tattoo on the arm, and Disney on the TV, go somewhere else for your pedicure. My toes look good, though.

All of that was yesterday. Today, Sandy joined me at the house and we sat under the trees and celebrated the house that was to be. We would have sat in the kitchen, but the cigarette smell was too strong. . . . . . .Hmmmm. There better be a beautiful purse under this sow's ear. . . .That's all I'm saying.

Living on the Edge!

By noon tomorrow, I will officially own two houses! All the paperwork somehow got done, and I rushed to two different banks this afternoon to secure the funds. Now I'm busy planning the party that I will have where we meet in the house and paint or mark up all the walls. Should be fun.

Cancelled my Kennedy Space Center trip, due to the fact that the shuttle launch has been postponed to Nov. 1. Not sure if I'll make that given my choir rehearsals. But if I don't get to do that, I can live with it.

I thought I had a house showing today so I left with all lights on, fans running, etc. Everything spit spot. But my realtor called later to say that the showing agent got mixed up and wanted to show one of my realtor's other listings. Oh well.

Ran across some piano music in a box today, so I have been having a great time playing my piano for the first time in years. Mostly Bach. I'm so glad to have the piano and to be able to get that part of my life back! I'm not sure how Bach feels about it, however.

Took myself to the Batesville Store tonight for a small supper and live blues music. One of my trainers plays bass in the blues band. Saw several of my gym friends there. It's fun to have a venue like that so close by.

So, as a real estate mogul, I would say that for the next few months, or until this house sells, less is more. . . . . Here's to tighter belts and the first steps towards living smaller materially, so that I can live larger experiencially!

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!