Weather in the Tries:
Would you settle for Sunny and warm to hot? I will. Mostly in the 80s, some 70s. Aaaah, Paradise. The Brave Dog is delighted, and so is his human!
A Fantabulously Wunnerful Week!:
A day late, but Happy Mother’s Day whether you’re a Mom or an Auntie of a Really Good Friend. All women, at sometime and for some time, become Moms.
I am now a volunteer in training for End-of-Life Washington. As well as an 11th hour volunteer for Heartlinks Hospice. On Friday I “worked” at a Senior Health and Wellness Fair. The lady who set it up asked me to come. She thinks Death Doulas are great people and who am I to argue? Several people came by my table, asked questions, and left with a couple fliers and business cards I put out. Two of the women were retired hospice nurses, so we had slightly longer conversations.
And, of course, there were the people who came by, and decided they didn’t need or want anything to do with the subject. As if discussing Death would hasten his arrival. If they ignore it, it will go away? Alas, Death is not someone/something that will go away when ignored. The motto of End of Life Washington is: “Your Life. Your Death. Your Choice.” Wish I’d thought of it.
By the time I got home, it was ready for the poetry prompt group I belong to. We get two prompts, and time to start writing two poems. Sometimes only one gets written, and sometimes people read an older one. We also have an opportunity to read what we’ve written. It’s a great group, and one of my favorites. Then it was time to see if there was anything new going on in the world. There wasn’t.
I turned on YouTube and in scrolling through some of the music offerings, found an old black and white tape of Van Cliburn – Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1, B-flat minor. It was taken in Moscow when he won the award. Oh. Em. Gee!!! I was in 9th grade (maybe 10th) and I fell hopelessly in love with him. Van Cliburn, not Tchaikovsky. Anyhow, I think that record album was the first album I ever bought myself.
After my discharge from the WAC (Women’s Army Corps) in l969, before the birth of Favorite Daughter, he came to Portland and a friend and I sat in the nosebleed seats and were enthralled by his virtuosity. He started with the National Anthem. Having just come out of the WAC, it took maybe three notes and I was standing and feeling some embarrassed as no one else in the audience was. As I started to re-sit, remembering I was once again a civilian, and a few more notes were played, it dawned on them, and I had company standing. 😉
(An aside: I tell people one of the main reasons I enlisted was to see a live Bob Hope show. I did. AFTER I came home from the WAC, and before Favorite Daughter made her debut.)
Anyhow, I watched the video Friday night, and again Saturday morning. Never did I think I’d see him play the winning piece in Moscow. His fingers moved so fast they blurred. I read somewhere online (so it must be true, yes?) that from his wrist to his fingertips measured twelve inches. There was something about Van Cliburn that in watching him this weekend, he reminded me of Jerry Lee Lewis. The hair? I don’t know, but I looked it up and nearly fell off the chair when I saw Jerry Lee Lewis is related to Jimmy (Lee) Swaggart! Why, bless my little heart.
I think I was in fifth grade, possibly fourth, when Mom started taking me to the Portland Symphony. On school nights! We would meet downtown when she got off work, go to Kress five and dime, and eat a hotdog sandwich, then walk several blocks to the symphony hall. I have been so fortunate. I’ve seen Yehudi Menuhin play the violin and got his autograph, Victor Borge (I think I met him, but not sure), and a host of other marvelous musicians whose names I can’t remember at the moment.
I don’t know if Mom took me because she wanted me to hear “real” music or if it was cheaper to buy me a hotdog and a cheap seat in Symphony Hall than pay a babysitter. I don’t care. I treasure those times. And after rock n roll came out, I’m sure she was very happy I’d been exposed to the classical sound and dumfounded I loved rock n roll. I still love the classics and the HU and everything in between.
Photos of the Week:
Remember a few weeks ago when I posted a picture of Buzz Lightyear? Well, his buddy Woody, finally found him. Woody is not used to rocket speeds, let alone truck speeds, so he’s hanging on for dear life, but at least they are together again.
from the desk of the big chihuahua:
my human says we must have a few new geese here this summer. they seem pretty tame, but if they are in our way when we walk, they hiss at us. they may be taller than me, but i just ignore them and their cute, fluffy babies. but i growls and barks if another dog on a leash comes anywhere near my human. it is my job to protect her, and i take my jobs very much to heart. and every time she leaves me home, she leaves me with a stack of chores to do while she’s gone. it’s hard, sometimes, but she gives me a treat when she gets home and tells me i’m the best dog in the whole world and gives me loves to go with the treats.
Earworm of the Week:
Whadda ya think? Yep, it’s Van Cliburn’s performance in Moscow.
Quote of the Week: From https://www.bookey.app/quote-author/van-cliburn
“Music is for people. The word ‘virtuoso’ literally means
‘ethical hero.’ It doesn’t mean ‘show off.’ ~ Van Cliburn
“Explanation
“Van Cliburn’s quote, “Music is for people. The word ‘virtuoso’ literally means ‘ethical hero.’ It doesn’t mean ‘show off,'” beautifully captures the essence and purpose of music. Cliburn emphasizes that music is meant to be shared and enjoyed by everyone, rather than being a mere display of technical skill. He draws attention to the true meaning of the term ‘virtuoso,’ which is often misunderstood as someone who flaunts their abilities. Instead, Cliburn suggests that a virtuoso should be seen as an ethical hero, someone who not only possesses exceptional talent but also uses it to serve and inspire others. This quote serves as a gentle reminder that the true essence of music lies in its capacity to touch hearts, uplift souls, and create connections among people.”