Its been a busy few weeks heading into a stretch of even busier ones. I visited Tina and Michael in Champaign, IL for five days, enjoying the escape from the stultifying heat-stroke-worthy-post-climatic-apocalypse weather of Los Angeles and getting to see some snow blizzarding with a bit of ground collection. Ostensibly I went to participate in a musical salon they were hosting in their home, the theme of which was “As Time Goes By.” They’d broached the subject with me several months before and I’m still convinced Michael didn’t think I’d “bite.” He as much as said so when introducing my vocally wavering rendition of “Young at Heart.” I’ve never felt like such a cabaret artist, however, accompanied by Michael on the piano to my right, and Sal on trumpet to my left. I had been worrying for the time I knew about the performance, and furtively learning the lyrics in my kitchen before shoving them back in the drawer and going about my life. I didn’t find the karaoke version to practice with, so when I got to Champaign and we gathered at the piano to sing it through, I was a little alarmed at the range required but quickly calmed under Michael’s tutelage. He managed to correct my errors with grace and encouragement. I can’t say I was professional sounding (as there were quite a few professionals there) but at least I enjoyed performing. We had about twenty four folks there, about eighteen of whom sang, including ninety-one-year-old Ron, who performed two songs, one of which accompanied by his wife Barbara, an exquisite cello player. Their rendition of “Unforgettable” was just that. The evening, with snacks and drinks was so lovely and such a nice way to see my Los Angeles emigrants’ new friends and community.
Both Tina and Michael had made so many preparations for the evening to run as smoothly and happily as it did. The high point of the weekend was getting to meet Michael’s sister, Cathy. We had several meals out and had a wonderful time getting to know each other. Saturday, in order to allow Michael time to rehearse for the event, Tina and Cathy and I went thrifting at the two conveniently located antique malls nearby. One of our weirder shopping stops was the Idea Store in a nearby mall, which is effectively a cleaner version of a recycle center. Incredible organization. Where else could you find a bin of used toothpicks for that tiny cluster of log cabins you’re thinking of? Bizarre but wonderful re-use store. I particularly thought these creepy dolls were noteworthy.
Sunday after the “salon,” we watched the weather come in, and had a brief and mercifully uneventful descent into the basement after the tornado siren in the area went off. We watched about an hour of the Academy Awards show in their storm-safe underground level. Here are some pics from the weekend. I’m so glad I went and had such a great time. The air travel part was a bit fraught as we got diverted to Colorado Springs instead of Denver for refueling – the winds were too strong in Denver to land. But Tina was there to pick me up at the Indianapolis airport despite my two hour delay.
I returned to the unseasonal heat of Los Angeles, and a full four of volunteering at the LA Food Bank and the San Fernando Mutual Aid Society that I recently joined. Finding the next words has involved stretching my comfort levels and that seems right.
Saturday, my dad and I attended a “Day at the Races” hosted by the Huntington Group, at Santa Anita. This annual event brings Thrivent financial clients to the race track, where we were treated to lunch, a tour of the paddock where the next race’s horses are being warmed up, and a trip to the winner’s circle, where we posed for a picture with the winning jockey, Mike Smith, after his race on six-year-old Coach Cronin won by several lengths. Happily, my $5 bet brought me $12.50 and we got a picture with the winner! The last time I’d attended this event was at least eight years ago, because I’d been there with my husband and our dear friends the Gleasons. Since then, the group has moved from the track level suite to the third level, so we had a lovely elevated perch from which to watch the races. It was a great day. Thank you to Tony Valazza and Isaac Taylor, whose hospitality was most appreciated.
It was hot at the races, as evidenced by the glean of sweat on the haunches of Coach Cronin at the end of the one mile race. There is such a lot to know about horse racing and the betting. This event was geared for starters but out of four races, I won two. Could be dangerous….Even given that 50% rate of win, I walked out a dollar down. So probably not too much danger that I’ll lose my shirt on the horses.
Things to look forward in the coming weeks include the arrival of my Aunt Irene’s wonderful painting Song of Summer, which will be here in mid-April. It will hang above the desk where I write and I know will inspire me for years to come. I’m so fortunate to have such a talented painter in my family. My first cousins below hold up her work and also support their parents’ care with amazing attention to detail.
Other upcoming events are the turf replacement landscaping project which I’m doing with a co-board member of our homeowner’s association. And sometime around the time when I receive the painting above, I will begin stage managing a wonderful production of Ain’t Misbehavin’ directed by Wren T. Brown at the Ebony Repertory Theatre in the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center. Don’t miss it – it will run from May 21st through June 8 and tickets are available here.
lifeinthethe8tre 