Opera Fan

Fan, as in admiration, not fanning as in stirring the air.  Two women and I enjoyed a matinee performance of The Magic Flute at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Omaha this past weekend.

It was interesting to see it was filled to capacity, and that whole families were there. No cell phone noise and no talking or disruptions.

A few weeks ago I went into Omaha with another friend to see her granddaughter perform in two different venues. The second concert was at the Performing Arts Center at UNO and she played French horn in honors band while two members of the opera society sang. It was like watching a live preview of the opera The Magic Flute, for they sang some songs from that opera. So when I was watching the opera at the Orpheum Theater, I watched them sing the same songs but in costume.

Our seats were a few rows behind the orchestra and to the right. It was fabulous to listen to the Omaha Symphony. I had taken small binoculars but did not need them. Great seats!

The production designer is the much revered Jun Kaneko. What a treat to see the workings of his mind on the stage at the opera. If you haven't heard of him, some of his upcoming projects should awaken you to his talent:  A sculptural installation in Millenium Park in Chicago with forty six-foot pieces and forty eleven-foot pieces.  Also, a fifty-six-foot glass tower in Lincoln, Nebraska that glows at night. There are projects in Toronto and Washington, D.C. as well. Lucky me, I will be able to see the finished project in Lincoln.

Use Your Brain And Use Your Voice

When you see unkindness, use your heart and use your voice. Say something gentle when the opportunity presents itself. A kind word can do wonders. I know. It has happened to me many times and each and every time I felt healing begin.  I learned through my own disappointments that other people cannot understand what is going on in my life; therefore, how would I be able to judge what is going on in other people's lives. A smile on someone's face does not mean they are happy, it may only mean that they have learned how to hide from inquiries, how to duck the well meaning questions.

I try to look at each person with kindness. Sometimes that is really difficult for me. I don't like everyone with the same enthusiasm. Especially after being mistreated by someone.

When I write things like this, I am not preaching; I am sharing the thoughts I have when I am "talking to myself". Aren't you lucky to listen in?

This Happens More Often Now

I Like These Kids

I think these kids showed their parent true love.  Why call them names?!

Try Not To Smile In Court

These are found in the book Disorder in the Court.

Court Reporters have to keep a straight face when these kinds of things are said.

ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?
WITNESS: He said "Where am I, Cathy?"
ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you so?
WITNESS: My name is Susan!

ATTORNEY:What gear were you in at the moment of impact?
WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks.

ATTORNEY: What is your date of birth?
WITNESS: July 18th
ATTORNEY: What year?
WITNESS: Every year.

ATTORNEY: So the date of conception of the baby was August 8th?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY:  What were your doing at the time?
WITNESS: Getting laid.

ATTORNEY: All your responses must be oral, okay? What school did you go to?
WITNESS: Oral.

ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: So, then, it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: I see, but could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible he could have still been alive and practicing law.

Chocolates And Flowers

Some people choose to nurture the love in their life; others throw it away as carelessly as tossing out garbage. Regretting it later is usually too late to retrieve the sweetness and ripeness of trust.

Gifting someone you love with chocolates or flowers is a symbol.  Neither gift lasts long; however, the daily reminder throughout the year of how important someone is to you is like watching the flowers grow and bloom or watching fillings be surrounded in chocolate in a candy factory. Giving chocolates and flowers to a loved one is like giving hugs and kisses. Chocolates and flowers are visible, tangible. If they are given with kindness and love, they can be received with gratitude and pleasure. And sharing chocolate with a loved one helps them stick with their diet.

However you celebrate Valentine's Day, I hope it brings sweetness into your life for the day that remains active all year long.

I Wonder

I wonder why parents think they are spending time with their children when they are on their cell phones and barely paying attention to those children. Is there real communication going on between parent and child, or between parent and the person on the phone. When a parent wants a pat on the back for spending "quality time" with their kid, I wonder....

I wonder why so many people around the world are hungry, starving, while so many people throw out enough food to feed the hungry. I wonder why this can be tolerated by those with plenty.

I wonder why older people are left in facilities to finish out their lives alone, waiting for someone to come see them, disappointed that they are not thought about or interesting enough to spend time with or remembered and respected. I wonder what age I will be when it is my turn to be sitting and waiting in a place for old folks unable to live alone. I wonder if I will always love the sound of music, the joy of laughter, a kind touch. Oh my, I do hope so.