Saturday, April 29, 2006
Vintage BD
Saturday: A lovely lazy day at home with MB. In the evening went with her to the "Vintage" belly-dance performance at the All Asia Cafe. I helped take money at the door. Talking to Spencer, and suggested talcum powder and bungee cords. Back home, and corn chowder, and then a "TV Fun-house Extravaganza" SNL.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Decompression
Friday: Woke around 9 AM as MB headed off to work. Spent a lovely lazy day, doing mostly what I felt, when I felt like it. Had some scrambled eggs and mushrooms for breakfast, listening to NPR. Laundry. Taking care of the cats. Putting away stuff. Guitar. Took a walk out and returned the disappointing video, and got a slice of pizza. More guitar. MB returned home. We walked back out and picked up "Goodnight, and Good luck". Ate left-over Chinese food for dinner (augmented with some extra vegetables). Watched the movie. Quite good. Guitar practice. Helped MB make a CD for a BD performance taking place tomorrow night. Down basement for practices.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Returning home/Stata
Thursday: Woke at 3:30 AM, and brief practices. Shower, pulled things together, wrote a goodbye note, and on the road by about 4:20. Stopped for gas, and to the Atlanta airport around 4:50 AM. Dropped off the rental car. Long lines at the ticket counter, and also at security. They wouldn't let me carry my guitar on. Slept for most of the flight, and arrived in Boston a little before 9 AM.
Talked to MB, and we decided it would be best to go straight to the Stata center. Got my luggage, and my guitar. Caught a cab. The driver kept making decisions that took us "the long way around."
A lovely sunny day. I was the first at the center, so I sat on my suitcase outside and practiced. Someone threw 50 cents into my open guitar case. MB and David K arrived around 10 AM. Dev, Victor and Martin, not long after. We set up inside.
We began around 11 AM. It was a spirited performance, if a bit on the sloppy side. The trio version of Bicycling almost came completely unglued in the middle, when I lost the count. Something about the acoustics made me hear the lead part in a new way, and I stopped trusting my foot taping. Deadly for the bass line. Invention 1 was tested and found lacking. Each piece had its flaws, it seemed. But, the kids from the day-care seemed to enjoy it pretty well anyway. After we ended, we tried to have a circle, but people were immediately around us asking questions. I shock the hand of each member of the GCNE, and then went to eat roll-up sandwiches from the free food table. We packed up and left. MB drove, heading home, and we got diverted by missing a couple of turns. Eventually back home. First time in what seemed a very long time. Drank some juice and spent some time going through mail. Mostly junk. Took a 5 hour nap.
In the evening, unpacking. We picked up a movie and some Chinese food. The food was good, but the movie left us overwhelmed, so we stopped watching it. Down basement for practices, and to bed late.
Talked to MB, and we decided it would be best to go straight to the Stata center. Got my luggage, and my guitar. Caught a cab. The driver kept making decisions that took us "the long way around."
A lovely sunny day. I was the first at the center, so I sat on my suitcase outside and practiced. Someone threw 50 cents into my open guitar case. MB and David K arrived around 10 AM. Dev, Victor and Martin, not long after. We set up inside.
We began around 11 AM. It was a spirited performance, if a bit on the sloppy side. The trio version of Bicycling almost came completely unglued in the middle, when I lost the count. Something about the acoustics made me hear the lead part in a new way, and I stopped trusting my foot taping. Deadly for the bass line. Invention 1 was tested and found lacking. Each piece had its flaws, it seemed. But, the kids from the day-care seemed to enjoy it pretty well anyway. After we ended, we tried to have a circle, but people were immediately around us asking questions. I shock the hand of each member of the GCNE, and then went to eat roll-up sandwiches from the free food table. We packed up and left. MB drove, heading home, and we got diverted by missing a couple of turns. Eventually back home. First time in what seemed a very long time. Drank some juice and spent some time going through mail. Mostly junk. Took a 5 hour nap.
In the evening, unpacking. We picked up a movie and some Chinese food. The food was good, but the movie left us overwhelmed, so we stopped watching it. Down basement for practices, and to bed late.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Fried/Goodbye
Monday (Last day for me in Lunlunta): Rise 5:33. And practices in the classroom. Sitting: There was a person close to me that coughed more or less non-stop throughout the entire sitting. I kept picturing clouds of virus laden spittle enveloping me. I forgot some parts of my practice due to my distraction.
Breakfast, feeling sleepy and sour. Big Time performed their awesome fast circulation piece. Wow! Not all the performances were this enjoyable. Looking out the window I saw a bird high in a tree. This gave me a feeling of comfort. A little down time, typing up last night's diary from notes. Shower. Helped some of my roommates with Bicycling parts. Realized how much the mid-lead has flown from my fingers.
10 AM, kitchen team for lunch: Juan chief cook. Lentils and fried potatoes (sweet and regular) were the menu. Peeling washing chopping. The frying was a bit of a disaster. We couldn't really get the oil hot enough, so the potatoes fell apart and absorbed too much grease. I tried a slightly different method for the sweet potatoes, but that had the same problem. Taylor began trimming little black spots off all the sweet potato fries. My sleepy/sour state started catching up with me. Juan wisely sent me out to fill water pitchers for a while. Later, more peeling and chopping. They eventually got the oil hot enough on one burner, and while the results were mixed, they were acceptable. Lunch was served on time.
1 PM lunch. After eating, let people know I was leaving. I had been contemplating whether I should announce my departure or not. On the one hand, drawing attention to my leaving might reinforce the feeling of the nearing of the course's end. On the other, I didn't want to "sneak out the back door" or leave people wondering what had happened to me. A gentle pat on the shoulder by a friend told me I had made the right decision.
Kitchen clean up, done by around 2:30. Getting the bits of fried potato off the big metal pot, and the strainer was a challenge. Had to walk to the other end of the facility to get a mop bucket.
A little guitar practice in the garden, then packing. Not so much to pack. Around 3:30 wheeled my stuff to the front door. More guitar practice.
4 PM: Tea. Zum played a lovely sentimental Classical piece. Don't know who by, or the name... But it's mood, and the sun streaming through the windows, and love of the community I was in brought tears to my eyes. MB and some of her Level 2-mates played a fun piece that combined two moods. Around 4:23, Peter came in and said the taxi was there. I dashed out, opened the gate, loaded my bags, gave a final kiss to MB, and was off.
On the drive to the airport, got another look at this part of Argentina. Beautiful vistas, and poverty. We drove behind some migrant works... perhaps a family or two. I found it hard to meet their gaze. What could I offer them? How could I relate to them? I had overheard a conversation between Billy and Juan a night or two ago, about how many factories and business were abandoned during the financial crisis of 2001. Often, the workers took the abandoned facility over, and formed a cooperative employee owned businesses. There is a sense that Argentina is a country in the process of reinventing itself.
At the airport, they couldn't print my boarding passes except for the flight to Santiago. I couldn't get to the gate area right away, so, wandered around. Then, I waited in line for the gate for a long time only to be told that I needed to pay "Airport tax." So, did that, then waited in line again. So sleepy waiting for my flight, I basically blacked out twice. But got on, no problem.
The flight to Santiago Chile was uneventful and brief. Couldn't see much of the Andes, since it was a night flight. Made my transfer in Santiago, and confirmed that they had my preference for vegetarian meals noted. Getting settled on the plane, two different families tried to rearrange the seat assignments so they could be near their children. I switched from an aisle seat to a window seat to help one father out. The flight to Miami left on time. They didn't have any idea that I wanted vegetarian food, but they were able to cobble something together. Quite good actually. Slept soundly for at least 4.5 hours.
Breakfast, feeling sleepy and sour. Big Time performed their awesome fast circulation piece. Wow! Not all the performances were this enjoyable. Looking out the window I saw a bird high in a tree. This gave me a feeling of comfort. A little down time, typing up last night's diary from notes. Shower. Helped some of my roommates with Bicycling parts. Realized how much the mid-lead has flown from my fingers.
10 AM, kitchen team for lunch: Juan chief cook. Lentils and fried potatoes (sweet and regular) were the menu. Peeling washing chopping. The frying was a bit of a disaster. We couldn't really get the oil hot enough, so the potatoes fell apart and absorbed too much grease. I tried a slightly different method for the sweet potatoes, but that had the same problem. Taylor began trimming little black spots off all the sweet potato fries. My sleepy/sour state started catching up with me. Juan wisely sent me out to fill water pitchers for a while. Later, more peeling and chopping. They eventually got the oil hot enough on one burner, and while the results were mixed, they were acceptable. Lunch was served on time.
1 PM lunch. After eating, let people know I was leaving. I had been contemplating whether I should announce my departure or not. On the one hand, drawing attention to my leaving might reinforce the feeling of the nearing of the course's end. On the other, I didn't want to "sneak out the back door" or leave people wondering what had happened to me. A gentle pat on the shoulder by a friend told me I had made the right decision.
Kitchen clean up, done by around 2:30. Getting the bits of fried potato off the big metal pot, and the strainer was a challenge. Had to walk to the other end of the facility to get a mop bucket.
A little guitar practice in the garden, then packing. Not so much to pack. Around 3:30 wheeled my stuff to the front door. More guitar practice.
4 PM: Tea. Zum played a lovely sentimental Classical piece. Don't know who by, or the name... But it's mood, and the sun streaming through the windows, and love of the community I was in brought tears to my eyes. MB and some of her Level 2-mates played a fun piece that combined two moods. Around 4:23, Peter came in and said the taxi was there. I dashed out, opened the gate, loaded my bags, gave a final kiss to MB, and was off.
On the drive to the airport, got another look at this part of Argentina. Beautiful vistas, and poverty. We drove behind some migrant works... perhaps a family or two. I found it hard to meet their gaze. What could I offer them? How could I relate to them? I had overheard a conversation between Billy and Juan a night or two ago, about how many factories and business were abandoned during the financial crisis of 2001. Often, the workers took the abandoned facility over, and formed a cooperative employee owned businesses. There is a sense that Argentina is a country in the process of reinventing itself.
At the airport, they couldn't print my boarding passes except for the flight to Santiago. I couldn't get to the gate area right away, so, wandered around. Then, I waited in line for the gate for a long time only to be told that I needed to pay "Airport tax." So, did that, then waited in line again. So sleepy waiting for my flight, I basically blacked out twice. But got on, no problem.
The flight to Santiago Chile was uneventful and brief. Couldn't see much of the Andes, since it was a night flight. Made my transfer in Santiago, and confirmed that they had my preference for vegetarian meals noted. Getting settled on the plane, two different families tried to rearrange the seat assignments so they could be near their children. I switched from an aisle seat to a window seat to help one father out. The flight to Miami left on time. They didn't have any idea that I wanted vegetarian food, but they were able to cobble something together. Quite good actually. Slept soundly for at least 4.5 hours.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
ClusterThrak
Easter Sunday: Woke at 5:30, and slightly less intentional about getting out of bed than I might have been. Began my practice later than yesterday by about 3 minutes. When I was wrapping up a little after 7 AM, someone came into the classroom. Don't know who. Sitting at 7:15. I began feeling quite chilled about halfway into it. At the end my body said "Glenn, go back to bed and get warm, or you will be sick." I did, and slept from 8 to 11.
Waking up again, and walking down the hall to look at the board, Rob R said "The groggy walk of shame." I laughed... But I wasn't really ashamed. The Level Three has changed my relationship to courses... I am at home, and nothing is compulsory. Still, I have obligations and responsibilities.
Took a shower, and then did a little sweeping in the room and hallway. MB borrowed some nail clippers, and we talked about her meeting with RF, which sounded very productive. Then out to the garden. Adrian asked me about the Chrysanthemum exercise, so I went over it with him. Played a bit more guitar. Saw Javier show up again. And soon it was time for lunch. I played Chrysanthemum in the corner while people got food. My hands were shaking quite a bit even from this, but I got through the piece. A nice lunch of polenta, carrot salad, a little fried potato fritter, and a bit of squash (clever use of leftovers). I gave up my seat after a bit. I don't think there are quite enough chairs for us all at the table at this point.
RF left the dining hall, so I knew there wouldn't be anything too important talked about. Ducked out to the garden intending to play a bit more. He was there with his digital camera. I asked him if he knew the history of the garden, he said he did not. Now I see he goes to the back corner for cell reception, as many people do. Talked to Sylvan. Found an Easter Egg under a tree. I sat in the corner by the fountains by myself for a spell. Talked to Lilliana. Worked on Lark's and Moving Force. Talked to Valentina about the fact that I'll be gone after tea tomorrow.
Met with the dessert team, which included Lilliana, Rob R and Barbara. We made flan and caramel sauce. The carmel boiled over and dripped into the stove. Quite a mess. Cleaned up, and then played some more in the dining hall. Martin came and asked me if what I did before was a performance, or a practice session... The time is now 5:27, and I'm intending to go play guitar in the garden until 6, when I meet with the dessert team again.
Practiced in the garden: 16 bar exercise, and then first primary variations. Back inside around 6. A bit of confusion getting the assembly line going. At one point I asked for translation in a loud voice. Then it all worked smoothly, cutting flan and plating it, adding a blob of doce de leche, drizzling on caramel, and adding a cherry, then carrying them out in sets of 5 to the dining hall. About 50 minutes later, we'd created 110 dessert plates.
Saw Tony in the hall and apologized for calling him "Matie" yesterday. Dinner was very good, with boiled (then broiled) potatoes, carrot and cabbage slaw, and cauliflower and peas with a cream sauce. Talked to MB about her day. The conversation got a little carried away when it drifted into politics (comparing the Nixon and Bush presidencies). Just about then Robert asked what we wanted to do with the evening. We wound up, after some amusing exchanges, with Robert agreeing to lead a circle at 9:30. Back in the room now, with about an hour and a half of free time.
Hung in bed, then out to the garden. Cold. Practiced until about 9:20, working more on 2nd primary permutations, and articulation. They had set the dining up up in big circle again. I had hoped the Level 1 would be with the buddies... So, we began again. Circulating triplets. There was some small improvement compaired with the previous evening, but still couldn't really handle it. So: Thrak. With some fun variations, and always a treat for the ears. RF broke it down a bit, and asked for several people to take solos. I broke a string during my "freak out" style solo. Then he gradually moved us all to tremolo, and then one big chord to end. He exited, leaving us staring at each other wondering what was next. Tony asked if we wanted to keep working. We did so, back to the triplet circulation. He tried several approaches to make it easier, but it was beyond us.
I helped put tables back. Talked to MB a BIT, then headed back towards the room. Had a NIN rehearsal, but we felt the piece wasn't really jelled enough to perform. Getting ready for bed, then chapel.
Waking up again, and walking down the hall to look at the board, Rob R said "The groggy walk of shame." I laughed... But I wasn't really ashamed. The Level Three has changed my relationship to courses... I am at home, and nothing is compulsory. Still, I have obligations and responsibilities.
Took a shower, and then did a little sweeping in the room and hallway. MB borrowed some nail clippers, and we talked about her meeting with RF, which sounded very productive. Then out to the garden. Adrian asked me about the Chrysanthemum exercise, so I went over it with him. Played a bit more guitar. Saw Javier show up again. And soon it was time for lunch. I played Chrysanthemum in the corner while people got food. My hands were shaking quite a bit even from this, but I got through the piece. A nice lunch of polenta, carrot salad, a little fried potato fritter, and a bit of squash (clever use of leftovers). I gave up my seat after a bit. I don't think there are quite enough chairs for us all at the table at this point.
RF left the dining hall, so I knew there wouldn't be anything too important talked about. Ducked out to the garden intending to play a bit more. He was there with his digital camera. I asked him if he knew the history of the garden, he said he did not. Now I see he goes to the back corner for cell reception, as many people do. Talked to Sylvan. Found an Easter Egg under a tree. I sat in the corner by the fountains by myself for a spell. Talked to Lilliana. Worked on Lark's and Moving Force. Talked to Valentina about the fact that I'll be gone after tea tomorrow.
Met with the dessert team, which included Lilliana, Rob R and Barbara. We made flan and caramel sauce. The carmel boiled over and dripped into the stove. Quite a mess. Cleaned up, and then played some more in the dining hall. Martin came and asked me if what I did before was a performance, or a practice session... The time is now 5:27, and I'm intending to go play guitar in the garden until 6, when I meet with the dessert team again.
Practiced in the garden: 16 bar exercise, and then first primary variations. Back inside around 6. A bit of confusion getting the assembly line going. At one point I asked for translation in a loud voice. Then it all worked smoothly, cutting flan and plating it, adding a blob of doce de leche, drizzling on caramel, and adding a cherry, then carrying them out in sets of 5 to the dining hall. About 50 minutes later, we'd created 110 dessert plates.
Saw Tony in the hall and apologized for calling him "Matie" yesterday. Dinner was very good, with boiled (then broiled) potatoes, carrot and cabbage slaw, and cauliflower and peas with a cream sauce. Talked to MB about her day. The conversation got a little carried away when it drifted into politics (comparing the Nixon and Bush presidencies). Just about then Robert asked what we wanted to do with the evening. We wound up, after some amusing exchanges, with Robert agreeing to lead a circle at 9:30. Back in the room now, with about an hour and a half of free time.
Hung in bed, then out to the garden. Cold. Practiced until about 9:20, working more on 2nd primary permutations, and articulation. They had set the dining up up in big circle again. I had hoped the Level 1 would be with the buddies... So, we began again. Circulating triplets. There was some small improvement compaired with the previous evening, but still couldn't really handle it. So: Thrak. With some fun variations, and always a treat for the ears. RF broke it down a bit, and asked for several people to take solos. I broke a string during my "freak out" style solo. Then he gradually moved us all to tremolo, and then one big chord to end. He exited, leaving us staring at each other wondering what was next. Tony asked if we wanted to keep working. We did so, back to the triplet circulation. He tried several approaches to make it easier, but it was beyond us.
I helped put tables back. Talked to MB a BIT, then headed back towards the room. Had a NIN rehearsal, but we felt the piece wasn't really jelled enough to perform. Getting ready for bed, then chapel.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
C Harmonic Minor
Saturday: Woke at 5:30, and to the classroom for morning practices, then group sitting at 7. Definitely less twitching and sniffing today. The session people had with Robert was effective. A lie-down in my bunk, and then "breakfast" at 8. I didn't eat anything, but the cup of warm water was comforting. I ducked out while a performance was going on to clean a shelf at the dish washing station. This was self-serving. I'm self-serving even when I pretend I'm serving others, it seems.
At 8:30ish, I met with the Level T team, and, after orientation, cleaned toilets for about 45 minutes. Word to the wise: if you're turning on a bidet, especially if you're bending over it, always make sure it's not on the 'squirt' setting. Completed around 9:40. The time is now 10:05.
Personal meeting with RF at 10:20. I gave him a report on my method of resolution related to the photography. Then we talked about what might be next for me. Back to my room by 10:32, and a much needed nap overtook me. The time is now 12:14.
Spent some time in the backyard, watching the fountains in the vineyard next door. RF strode to the back of the property with his digital camera, waiting for us to go in to lunch, so that he might take a picture of the grounds, sans people, as is his rule.
Lunch, delicious bean and carrot dish, and a rice bake from last night's supper. Sometimes old wine in new bottles is the best. Course-baked bread also. A long discussion about last night's "uber circle"... A wide variety of opinions were expressed.
2:15 PM: AT lie-down for kitchen team in the ballroom... We had to leave right at 3, as Tony was presenting "body beat" to the L1. The time is now 3:08.
Went out back and had some guitar practice. My friend from the Sasso performance project in summer 2001, Javier, stopped by with his family. I told his daughter "Su padre es loco." He was wearing too much after-shave. In a universe of constant flux, some things remain constant.
At 4, was sucked into the vortex of preparing dinner. One team baked squash slices. I boiled and mashed yams. There was also cauliflower with creme sauce. Tom, the chief cook, did a great job, but throughout he had a pair of Level T green gloves sticking out of his pocket. Some of the squash wasn't quite done in time... but otherwise everything turned out. Many performances Hernan and company (river rat?) played an excellent spooky piece. Big Time, Zum, A quite good Level 1 performance, a Middle Eastern melody performed by a bunch of the KT. Then just when we thought it was safe to stop serving, and eat, a huge group came out, that didn't announce a name, but I assumed was called "Horn Up Your Ass," and performed Happy Birthday (clusterthrak style) for The Mighty Bull, Andres. Not much discussion tonight. I helped mop the kitchen floor with toilet cleaner (we're out of floor liquid) and then went back to my room for some down-time. The time is 8:58 PM.
Found a pick-up team for Bicycling to Afghanistan in the hall: Igor, Rob, Taylor and me. Great fun.
9:30 and take two at the uber circle, this time in the dining hall, and led by Robert. Two concentric circles rather than three. First, circulation split between inner and outer circles, one keeping the pulse, and the other filling in 8ths, 8th triplets and 16ths. A few things like asking us how many guitars in the room there were, and the apparently Hurculean task of counting 8 bars of 4. Then the real fun, a 12 bar piece in C Harmonic Minor, with a bassline and twinkles. After handing out the parts, we stopped, I presume to give us a clean beginning. I felt that we were perhaps battling the speed of sound being in such a large hall. Shinkaro's foot tapping wasn't matching what I was hearing, for example. After we had it, Robert encouraged us to respond to our musical impulse, and the lights were turned off. Then, after some time, RF left us to our own devices. I had a great time playing, and I hope others did as well. It seemed I could hear everything quite well... And then, the piece naturally faded away, and we found an ending, at the end of bar 8 of the cycle... Then we all sat in quiet in the dark for perhaps 5 minutes. I had a couple of impulses: One: Ask who wanted to keep playing. Two: pass a note to the person on my right. Three: suggest we all file out in an orderly fashion. I suppressed all of them. Eventually Martin got up and left, which triggered everyone else. I wish I knew what would have happened if we just kept sitting there.
Said hello, goodnight to MB. Helped put the tables back in the dining room. Back to my bunk, and getting ready for bed. The energetic difference in the house between last night and tonight couldn't be more clear.
At 8:30ish, I met with the Level T team, and, after orientation, cleaned toilets for about 45 minutes. Word to the wise: if you're turning on a bidet, especially if you're bending over it, always make sure it's not on the 'squirt' setting. Completed around 9:40. The time is now 10:05.
Personal meeting with RF at 10:20. I gave him a report on my method of resolution related to the photography. Then we talked about what might be next for me. Back to my room by 10:32, and a much needed nap overtook me. The time is now 12:14.
Spent some time in the backyard, watching the fountains in the vineyard next door. RF strode to the back of the property with his digital camera, waiting for us to go in to lunch, so that he might take a picture of the grounds, sans people, as is his rule.
Lunch, delicious bean and carrot dish, and a rice bake from last night's supper. Sometimes old wine in new bottles is the best. Course-baked bread also. A long discussion about last night's "uber circle"... A wide variety of opinions were expressed.
2:15 PM: AT lie-down for kitchen team in the ballroom... We had to leave right at 3, as Tony was presenting "body beat" to the L1. The time is now 3:08.
Went out back and had some guitar practice. My friend from the Sasso performance project in summer 2001, Javier, stopped by with his family. I told his daughter "Su padre es loco." He was wearing too much after-shave. In a universe of constant flux, some things remain constant.
At 4, was sucked into the vortex of preparing dinner. One team baked squash slices. I boiled and mashed yams. There was also cauliflower with creme sauce. Tom, the chief cook, did a great job, but throughout he had a pair of Level T green gloves sticking out of his pocket. Some of the squash wasn't quite done in time... but otherwise everything turned out. Many performances Hernan and company (river rat?) played an excellent spooky piece. Big Time, Zum, A quite good Level 1 performance, a Middle Eastern melody performed by a bunch of the KT. Then just when we thought it was safe to stop serving, and eat, a huge group came out, that didn't announce a name, but I assumed was called "Horn Up Your Ass," and performed Happy Birthday (clusterthrak style) for The Mighty Bull, Andres. Not much discussion tonight. I helped mop the kitchen floor with toilet cleaner (we're out of floor liquid) and then went back to my room for some down-time. The time is 8:58 PM.
Found a pick-up team for Bicycling to Afghanistan in the hall: Igor, Rob, Taylor and me. Great fun.
9:30 and take two at the uber circle, this time in the dining hall, and led by Robert. Two concentric circles rather than three. First, circulation split between inner and outer circles, one keeping the pulse, and the other filling in 8ths, 8th triplets and 16ths. A few things like asking us how many guitars in the room there were, and the apparently Hurculean task of counting 8 bars of 4. Then the real fun, a 12 bar piece in C Harmonic Minor, with a bassline and twinkles. After handing out the parts, we stopped, I presume to give us a clean beginning. I felt that we were perhaps battling the speed of sound being in such a large hall. Shinkaro's foot tapping wasn't matching what I was hearing, for example. After we had it, Robert encouraged us to respond to our musical impulse, and the lights were turned off. Then, after some time, RF left us to our own devices. I had a great time playing, and I hope others did as well. It seemed I could hear everything quite well... And then, the piece naturally faded away, and we found an ending, at the end of bar 8 of the cycle... Then we all sat in quiet in the dark for perhaps 5 minutes. I had a couple of impulses: One: Ask who wanted to keep playing. Two: pass a note to the person on my right. Three: suggest we all file out in an orderly fashion. I suppressed all of them. Eventually Martin got up and left, which triggered everyone else. I wish I knew what would have happened if we just kept sitting there.
Said hello, goodnight to MB. Helped put the tables back in the dining room. Back to my bunk, and getting ready for bed. The energetic difference in the house between last night and tonight couldn't be more clear.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Smelling the Middle
Friday (good?):
Last night, I awoke from an unpleasant dream... not a nightmare exactly, but disturbing... The snoring in the room sounded like souls in torment. Then the fellow in the bunk beneath mine punched the upper bunk again... except in my half awake state, it felt as if he was directly punching me. "It's going to be a long night," I thought to myself. But, I found sleep again easily, and slept until my alarm went off.
Up at 5:30, and morning practices in the classroom. A sneeze and some sniffs, I think the pollen must be heavy today. Then to the ballroom for the group sitting at 7:15. Heard many sniffs sneezes coughs and fidgets.
Back to the room briefly for a lie-down, then breakfast at 8. The line was long, so just coffee at first. The muslix ran out, so they brought out cornflakes. I was "helpful" after a person asked if there was more yogurt... should have just let the breakfast crew do their job. I asked RF for a personal meeting, even though the slots were all gone. He said he would see what could be done.
I volunteered for Level T, but then Bill R called a meeting of the "coffee/tea" crew that conflicted with the L.T. activities. We got our plan for handling the beverages straightened out, and then went to find out what was up with Level T... But Tom thanked me and said maybe tomorrow. Then, someone from the L1 asked me from toilet paper. I went and got him a roll, and passing Tom said "I'm doing your work."
Picked up some trash in the backyard... Overcast and chilly today. Apparently the water is not functioning again. Then some guitar work in the backyard: C Harmonic Minor in thirds. Too darn cold. Had a conversation about history, and American's connection to their heritage. MB came out... then we went back in. More guitar in the hallway. C Harmonic Minor in 5th position. Ouch! MB's having a conversation with Debra.
The backyard, being very unpopular today due to the temperature, of course, was where I wanted to be. Sat out there wrapped in my sleeping bag for about 45 minutes. Others came and went, enduring the chill long enough for a smoke, or bravely trying some guitar practice before turning tail. The time is now 12:22 PM.
Connected with Igor in the classroom for a moment before lunch. He let me give his guitar a spin. It's neck is very similar to the guitar I'm having built... so, good thing I enjoyed playing it. A troupe passed me going to play in the dining hall. We were a little short on food today, and I'm not sure they got much when they were done.
After lunch, I took over coffee/tea duty from Bill R and John P. Got into a bit of a tangle with some other folks in the kitchen team over which pots were OK to use to warm milk on the stove. One fellow had told me something that seemed to contradict what they were telling me now... And feeling pressured to refill the pots, I just followed what made sense to me, a bit annoyed. Later I found that they were correct and the owners of the facility (the monks and nuns) had asked that some pans not be used on the stove. I'm not sure what good a pan is that can't be used on the stove, but they you have it. Valentina helped me by finding a pan that could be used to warm milk. They have finally gotten serious about sterilization in the kitchen, and have implemented a bleach soak. This should have been in place from the beginning. Rob R showed up and helped with the coffee/tea station. A light that had burned out, rather spectacularly, at lunch was being replaced by a man teetering on a high ladder.
I practiced guitar for a bit in the ballroom, then it was time for the KT AT lie-down. Almost fell asleep, but not quite. Very relaxing. The time is now 4:07.
At 4:30, there was a kitchen meeting in the ballroom. Several points were raised. Ants had gotten into the muslix because the container was left on the floor. It was asked that photos not be taken in the kitchen. Debra was very contrite, and had come to the conclusion that because she had done it, others had followed. I outed myself as the other shutterbug, and let her know I was acting on my own impulse. Robert was very generous in his comments... Later, I went and deleted that photo, and a few others that had the sense of violation about them. This didn't quite set things right, but it was a first step.
Getting the coffee ready for dinner was a major undertaking. The team in kitchen monopolized the burners until 6 or so... But Rob and I did manage to pull it together. There were many performances this evening, of varying quality... Some quite amazing. A new method of washing dishes was put in place by Bill R and Tom R.
Rob said earlier "You can smell the middle, can't you?" Indeed!
An uber-circle was formed in the ballroom, and we all marched in and sat down. Tom R led some circulation, and then a conducted improvisation of sorts. While I thought "man this is a drag" at some points, I also thought "what if this is as good as it gets?" Tony said a few words about banking energy, and we dispersed. The time is now 10:30.
Wandered around and found MB, drank a cup of herbal tea with her and a fellow from Rome. Walked around looking for a place to practice Invention 1. Didn't find place unfilled by Crafties loudly being crafty, or just being loud. Tony's message about energy apparently wasn't well processed. So, I decided to go to bed. My room was filled with Crafties being crafty. I took my sleeping bag and went wandering, looking for a place to sleep... but even the chapel had a hoard of Crafties being crafty right next to it. Despair set in. Back to the room, figuring I would just grit my teeth until things calmed down. Igor, Taylor and Al were working on a Nine Inch Nails piece and invited me to play bass... So, I did, and it was fun. Never thought I'd be redeemed by Trent Reznor. The time is now 12:09. To sleep around 1 AM.
Last night, I awoke from an unpleasant dream... not a nightmare exactly, but disturbing... The snoring in the room sounded like souls in torment. Then the fellow in the bunk beneath mine punched the upper bunk again... except in my half awake state, it felt as if he was directly punching me. "It's going to be a long night," I thought to myself. But, I found sleep again easily, and slept until my alarm went off.
Up at 5:30, and morning practices in the classroom. A sneeze and some sniffs, I think the pollen must be heavy today. Then to the ballroom for the group sitting at 7:15. Heard many sniffs sneezes coughs and fidgets.
Back to the room briefly for a lie-down, then breakfast at 8. The line was long, so just coffee at first. The muslix ran out, so they brought out cornflakes. I was "helpful" after a person asked if there was more yogurt... should have just let the breakfast crew do their job. I asked RF for a personal meeting, even though the slots were all gone. He said he would see what could be done.
I volunteered for Level T, but then Bill R called a meeting of the "coffee/tea" crew that conflicted with the L.T. activities. We got our plan for handling the beverages straightened out, and then went to find out what was up with Level T... But Tom thanked me and said maybe tomorrow. Then, someone from the L1 asked me from toilet paper. I went and got him a roll, and passing Tom said "I'm doing your work."
Picked up some trash in the backyard... Overcast and chilly today. Apparently the water is not functioning again. Then some guitar work in the backyard: C Harmonic Minor in thirds. Too darn cold. Had a conversation about history, and American's connection to their heritage. MB came out... then we went back in. More guitar in the hallway. C Harmonic Minor in 5th position. Ouch! MB's having a conversation with Debra.
The backyard, being very unpopular today due to the temperature, of course, was where I wanted to be. Sat out there wrapped in my sleeping bag for about 45 minutes. Others came and went, enduring the chill long enough for a smoke, or bravely trying some guitar practice before turning tail. The time is now 12:22 PM.
Connected with Igor in the classroom for a moment before lunch. He let me give his guitar a spin. It's neck is very similar to the guitar I'm having built... so, good thing I enjoyed playing it. A troupe passed me going to play in the dining hall. We were a little short on food today, and I'm not sure they got much when they were done.
After lunch, I took over coffee/tea duty from Bill R and John P. Got into a bit of a tangle with some other folks in the kitchen team over which pots were OK to use to warm milk on the stove. One fellow had told me something that seemed to contradict what they were telling me now... And feeling pressured to refill the pots, I just followed what made sense to me, a bit annoyed. Later I found that they were correct and the owners of the facility (the monks and nuns) had asked that some pans not be used on the stove. I'm not sure what good a pan is that can't be used on the stove, but they you have it. Valentina helped me by finding a pan that could be used to warm milk. They have finally gotten serious about sterilization in the kitchen, and have implemented a bleach soak. This should have been in place from the beginning. Rob R showed up and helped with the coffee/tea station. A light that had burned out, rather spectacularly, at lunch was being replaced by a man teetering on a high ladder.
I practiced guitar for a bit in the ballroom, then it was time for the KT AT lie-down. Almost fell asleep, but not quite. Very relaxing. The time is now 4:07.
At 4:30, there was a kitchen meeting in the ballroom. Several points were raised. Ants had gotten into the muslix because the container was left on the floor. It was asked that photos not be taken in the kitchen. Debra was very contrite, and had come to the conclusion that because she had done it, others had followed. I outed myself as the other shutterbug, and let her know I was acting on my own impulse. Robert was very generous in his comments... Later, I went and deleted that photo, and a few others that had the sense of violation about them. This didn't quite set things right, but it was a first step.
Getting the coffee ready for dinner was a major undertaking. The team in kitchen monopolized the burners until 6 or so... But Rob and I did manage to pull it together. There were many performances this evening, of varying quality... Some quite amazing. A new method of washing dishes was put in place by Bill R and Tom R.
Rob said earlier "You can smell the middle, can't you?" Indeed!
An uber-circle was formed in the ballroom, and we all marched in and sat down. Tom R led some circulation, and then a conducted improvisation of sorts. While I thought "man this is a drag" at some points, I also thought "what if this is as good as it gets?" Tony said a few words about banking energy, and we dispersed. The time is now 10:30.
Wandered around and found MB, drank a cup of herbal tea with her and a fellow from Rome. Walked around looking for a place to practice Invention 1. Didn't find place unfilled by Crafties loudly being crafty, or just being loud. Tony's message about energy apparently wasn't well processed. So, I decided to go to bed. My room was filled with Crafties being crafty. I took my sleeping bag and went wandering, looking for a place to sleep... but even the chapel had a hoard of Crafties being crafty right next to it. Despair set in. Back to the room, figuring I would just grit my teeth until things calmed down. Igor, Taylor and Al were working on a Nine Inch Nails piece and invited me to play bass... So, I did, and it was fun. Never thought I'd be redeemed by Trent Reznor. The time is now 12:09. To sleep around 1 AM.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Am I my brothers time keeper?
Thursday: Woke at 5:30, and morning practices in the classroom. Into the main hall for the group sitting at 7:15. A man behind me was wiggly and kept scratching his face and twitching. Heruko, sitting in front of me, was silent as a stone. Grabbed a quick bowl of cereal and yogurt, then went back to bed for an hour, until after 9:30.
Decided I didn't have time to take a shower before my kitchen meeting at 10. Saw Billy going into the shower. Down at the board in the entranceway, saw that Billy was on the team for 10. "He'd better be fast" I thought to myself, and then helped carry some vegetables in from the car.
Billy still wasn't at the meeting at 10:05. I lamely offered "I saw him going into the shower." Bill R, who was chief cook said "This isn't going to work" and ran to get him. When Billy joined the circle, we were told that he had been confused by the "HRS" looked after "10" and thought it said "10:45"... I realized I could have averted this if I had gone to check on him when I saw he was on the lunch team. Later when he was in charge of ringing the hourly chime, he was going to be a couple minutes late while occupied doing dishes. I went and let him know it was the top of the hour based on the kitchen clock, which it turned out was two minutes ahead of our time. I was trying to help, but then I realized that this probably came across as judgement. We made pasta with a cream sauce, spinach salad with grated carrots, and also plated some eggplant tapenade. At one point, I went to ask a woman who had provided us with gluten-free pasta to cook for her, if she would share it with another woman with the same dietary need. On the way, I saw MB in wrapped concentration, with metronome and guitar. I spent a lot of time with parsley, de-twigging, chopping and then, garnishing in the serving line. Also helped cook the pasta... which for 110 people is quite an undertaking. There was plenty for all, and it was good. Helped coordinate the clean-up at the end. Did some sweeping. Completion sometime after 2 PM.
Back to the room, and a lie-down, then took a shower and shaved. Organized my stuff a bit. It is now 3:30. I need coffee... good thing tea is at 4!
Snort. Didn't drink any coffee. Instead, took a nap until around 5. Spent some time in the backyard. It's so beautiful back there... Still hard for me to believe it is autumn. At dinner there was some discussion about this being a holy period in both the Christian and Jewish faiths. My thought was that these are both systems of the Northern Hemisphere. What are the native religions of Southern Hemisphere? After my time in the garden, caught the end of Tai Chi in the courtyard. I was enjoying the idea that, however you do Tai Chi is already perfect, and sent the wish for others to have that experience outward, as I saw the serious faces around me. Afterwards, I spent a little time reading. My time in the garden had me thinking about vibration, and the one "serious" book I had brought with me was titled "Music as Yoga." It felt that, even though we are asked not to read non-course material, there might be something there that would be germane. RF walked by on his way to dinner.
Lentils with potatoes, carrot and cabbage slaws. One comment about access to being present from a member of the L1 team (he said through body awareness and through Will). RF asked for his understanding of "Will"... RF's discussion directly stated that Will is something external to us, even though this is not my experience (Will is always there, but we are not.) Another person made a comment about an "Objective" experience, and RF asked for his understanding of "Objective." One of the kitchen team said that she had been being irritated by people, and it seemed to stem from her expectations of people's behaviors not being met. This led to an interesting discussion about cultural differences (RF's endless bowing with a Japanese promoter. "Here's your change, mate" in the supermarket.) Discussion of what is appropriate in the chapel (music OK, if devotion is its primary aim.) Nothing coalesced for the kitchen team tonight. I didn't cause it. The main hallway was heavy with the smell of Frankincense, and two small boys stood with trumpets by the door to the other part of the building (the church).
Worked with MB in the classroom on Invention 1, with Vincente listening for a bit at the beginning. The time is now 9:42 PM.
I took my guitar down to the dining-room, and practiced for a good stretch. My right hand is not feeling as loose today as it was yesterday. Contraction and expansion seems inevitable in many domains of growth. Larks, some of my compositions, the first primary permutation, second primary variations, Asturias at high tempo, and finally Moving Force. Frank, the Dane, came and talked to me a bit. I took a picture of some hands in bread dough in the kitchen. Missed a good one of several extended middle fingers. Walked around outside a bit. MB showed up and we had a cup of tea, talking to Mark Bernadini (who arrived tonight) and Rob Rushin. Talk of nightmares on courses, talking while sleeping, snoring, and so on. Rob has a big move coming up. Sad to see the CCA go on the market.
Sat in the chapel for a while. As I completed someone came and sat in the darkness with me. Then, some time later, a group of nuns, who have been preparing all week for tonight (the evening before Good Friday) came in and huddled around the large statue of the Virgin Mary. I, bowing, took my leave. The sisters are a lovely, graceful, and mysterious presence.
Decided I didn't have time to take a shower before my kitchen meeting at 10. Saw Billy going into the shower. Down at the board in the entranceway, saw that Billy was on the team for 10. "He'd better be fast" I thought to myself, and then helped carry some vegetables in from the car.
Billy still wasn't at the meeting at 10:05. I lamely offered "I saw him going into the shower." Bill R, who was chief cook said "This isn't going to work" and ran to get him. When Billy joined the circle, we were told that he had been confused by the "HRS" looked after "10" and thought it said "10:45"... I realized I could have averted this if I had gone to check on him when I saw he was on the lunch team. Later when he was in charge of ringing the hourly chime, he was going to be a couple minutes late while occupied doing dishes. I went and let him know it was the top of the hour based on the kitchen clock, which it turned out was two minutes ahead of our time. I was trying to help, but then I realized that this probably came across as judgement. We made pasta with a cream sauce, spinach salad with grated carrots, and also plated some eggplant tapenade. At one point, I went to ask a woman who had provided us with gluten-free pasta to cook for her, if she would share it with another woman with the same dietary need. On the way, I saw MB in wrapped concentration, with metronome and guitar. I spent a lot of time with parsley, de-twigging, chopping and then, garnishing in the serving line. Also helped cook the pasta... which for 110 people is quite an undertaking. There was plenty for all, and it was good. Helped coordinate the clean-up at the end. Did some sweeping. Completion sometime after 2 PM.
Back to the room, and a lie-down, then took a shower and shaved. Organized my stuff a bit. It is now 3:30. I need coffee... good thing tea is at 4!
Snort. Didn't drink any coffee. Instead, took a nap until around 5. Spent some time in the backyard. It's so beautiful back there... Still hard for me to believe it is autumn. At dinner there was some discussion about this being a holy period in both the Christian and Jewish faiths. My thought was that these are both systems of the Northern Hemisphere. What are the native religions of Southern Hemisphere? After my time in the garden, caught the end of Tai Chi in the courtyard. I was enjoying the idea that, however you do Tai Chi is already perfect, and sent the wish for others to have that experience outward, as I saw the serious faces around me. Afterwards, I spent a little time reading. My time in the garden had me thinking about vibration, and the one "serious" book I had brought with me was titled "Music as Yoga." It felt that, even though we are asked not to read non-course material, there might be something there that would be germane. RF walked by on his way to dinner.
Lentils with potatoes, carrot and cabbage slaws. One comment about access to being present from a member of the L1 team (he said through body awareness and through Will). RF asked for his understanding of "Will"... RF's discussion directly stated that Will is something external to us, even though this is not my experience (Will is always there, but we are not.) Another person made a comment about an "Objective" experience, and RF asked for his understanding of "Objective." One of the kitchen team said that she had been being irritated by people, and it seemed to stem from her expectations of people's behaviors not being met. This led to an interesting discussion about cultural differences (RF's endless bowing with a Japanese promoter. "Here's your change, mate" in the supermarket.) Discussion of what is appropriate in the chapel (music OK, if devotion is its primary aim.) Nothing coalesced for the kitchen team tonight. I didn't cause it. The main hallway was heavy with the smell of Frankincense, and two small boys stood with trumpets by the door to the other part of the building (the church).
Worked with MB in the classroom on Invention 1, with Vincente listening for a bit at the beginning. The time is now 9:42 PM.
I took my guitar down to the dining-room, and practiced for a good stretch. My right hand is not feeling as loose today as it was yesterday. Contraction and expansion seems inevitable in many domains of growth. Larks, some of my compositions, the first primary permutation, second primary variations, Asturias at high tempo, and finally Moving Force. Frank, the Dane, came and talked to me a bit. I took a picture of some hands in bread dough in the kitchen. Missed a good one of several extended middle fingers. Walked around outside a bit. MB showed up and we had a cup of tea, talking to Mark Bernadini (who arrived tonight) and Rob Rushin. Talk of nightmares on courses, talking while sleeping, snoring, and so on. Rob has a big move coming up. Sad to see the CCA go on the market.
Sat in the chapel for a while. As I completed someone came and sat in the darkness with me. Then, some time later, a group of nuns, who have been preparing all week for tonight (the evening before Good Friday) came in and huddled around the large statue of the Virgin Mary. I, bowing, took my leave. The sisters are a lovely, graceful, and mysterious presence.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
The Beginning
Tuesday: Woke at 5 AM, and actually got out of bed. Sitting/ morning practices in the classroom until 6:30. Met in the kitchen with my team for breakfast. Breakfast prep until 8. RF was standing in the corner, and I asked him the time. I was 10 second behind him. Rang the bell at 8, and the dance of refilling until about 8:30. Asked for 7 volunteers for 8:35 (where? asked RF). Then the dance of cleaning and managing cleaning until about 9:20. One guy was sneaking away and I asked him to stay to complete. He didn't understand English, so I had someone translate. There was a staff meeting at 9:15 in the ballroom. The inaugural meeting is set for 10. I am going to take a little recumbent down-time now.
At 9:45, I got up and walked to the ballroom. A kitchen meeting had been called, but I had not heard about it. The summary was all the usual though: work with intention, don't chop off your fingers, recognize the sacred aspect of food. The chairs were cleared, and there was a short break. At the end of the break (10 AM) all of the non-staff seemed to be hovering outside the door. I walked past them into the room, which seemed to signal that it was "OK" to enter. The chairs were against the wall in a large semi circle, with the stage as one end. Preferring to sit on a cushion, but not wanting to be below eye level of everyone else, I sat on the stage. Several others joined me there as people took their places. RF entered last, and, as he often does, gathered everyone together. He wound up sitting on the stage on a chair right next to me. This gave me a very interesting vantage point, because I could watch people's expressions as they addressed him: People with worthy goals, and lofty aspirations, shaking in their boots as they spoke. Many people were stone faced and solemn. Why? Robert played quite a bit with language during the statements of name, origin, reason and aim. Flemish, Japanese, Bulgarian and Welsh were a few of the tongues represented. The person of Polish descent didn't arrive. RF told a story about a Welsh phrase that his mother taught him that translates as "Scratch your ass with your toenail." This phrase was translated several times to enjoyable effect. One good question "What does it mean to be present?" RF gave three sensory examples: Hearing would be rich with full stereo definition, you would sense life in your body, and perhaps your pulse, and the lines between things in your vision would be very distinct.
To paraphrase important points:
*The previous 21 years of GC history have been about Injunction, that is "Do this." This has built up a large and stable body of practices which are largely ignored. So, the next 21 years are about Application. We know what to do, now, we best get about actually doing it.
*A Harmonic Minor will be added to C Major in the basic scale vocabulary (C Maj may already be beyond us, but after 21 years, despair is not an option.)
*RF said that chances are good that he will be present at the 42nd Guitar Craft Anniversary course, subject to change. He said it is unlikely that he will be around at the 63rd anniversary, and will most likely be ignoring us from a distance at that point. (A reference to a joke that Tom R had made about Patrick Smith's participation in this course.)
*RF said it was his intention to present a mysterious guitar technique called "The Slide."
The meeting took a very long time, running well past the slot originally designated for Tai Chi. We had two 5 minute leg-stretch breaks. After many mentions of friends not present, and a few commandments from the assistant house manager regarding smoking and the use of electricity and water (which RF did a good job of softening with some levity), the meeting was adjourned. The time was about 1 PM. Gave MB a quick explanation of A Harmonic Minor, building on our "circle of fifths" work from yesterday.
I took a quick shower, then got a bit of lunch (just before seconds were announced). The first empty seat I saw was next to Bill Reiflin, so as has been my practice, I took it rather than avoid sitting next to someone who intimidates me a little, which would be my default behavior. I asked him how much he gets to play guitar, and was surprised to learn that although he doesn't get to play much these days, he has worked as a professional touring guitarist.
After lunch, cleaned my shoes. Then, returning to my room, I found a bar of soap on my bed. This was a little disappointing, because I had twice asked the house manager for hand soap to be placed in the bathrooms. Having my own personal bar of soap wasn't quite what I was hoping for. I found the assistant house manager, and was able to make a little progress on the issue... The time is now 2:45 PM, and I sit in the newly named "Hall of Aspiration" (i.e. the classroom). Two course participants have just come in to practice.
I practiced guitar in the newly named "Hall of Accomplishment." Perhaps it is so named because the natural reverb in the room is so think, you should only practice music you already play quite well in there. Went and sat out in the backyard watching the course from afar. A little after 4, went in and had some coffee and goodies, language again being the focus of conversation. I headed back to my bunk, passing the first Level 1 meeting getting going, on the way. These people looked like they were waiting to be shot. Took a nap.
Woke a little before 7, and feeling a bit groggy, headed for dinner. Squash mashed, squash with oregano, and eggplant with sauce and cheese. It was a root vegetable bonanza. Of course. It is autumn here, and the produce we are eating is all coming from a local farmer's market.
Debra had a comment about a moment of grace as they prepared the eggplant... seeing the food as becoming the music in the future through those that it fed, and then feeling love for the eggplant and its preparation. There was tittering. RF commented he had an experience with a turnip. More tittering.
The comments from the L1 and L2 seemed a bit timid. I've been imagining what it must be like to lead a course like this, and lack of feedback I would think would be quite frustrating. The fear/respect that RF commands is powerful as a tool, but this is perhaps its downside. I suppose lack of feedback is feedback in its own way.
The work for the evening: I made the comment that last year at Lebanon the kitchen team didn't get much of a chance to play together. So, of course, had to step into organizing: 9:30 in the dining hall. I probably should have said 9:15. I am too generous sometimes. This was the second time today when I set a time too far in the future. Striking while the iron is hot often outweighs being accommodating.
Flan with dolce de leche on top. Yum. The time is now 8:32. Took a walk around the backyard. A quiet night with peace in the air.
Showed up a bit early for the KT meeting, and got a circle set up with the help of Heruko and others. Quite a large team. Eye of the Needle, circulations, Third Relation, Askesis, Calliope (no mirror leads), Hope (a bit floppy)... Blockhead (I don't know this piece), Where's the Nurse (small team), Asturias, Invocation. It was quite fun facilitating the circle. A fivish minute break, and then a smaller team for Askesis again and Intergalactic Boogie. Put the tables back together, and walked up to look at the board. Walked back to the dining hall, and smiled at Hernan, walking through the door, seeing someone tip one of the coffee flasks off the tea station. Turned around quickly and left. Now, sitting in classroom, Igor and Tim working on A Harmonic Minor. I showed Igor, and a fellow named Adrian, Chrysanthemum. Evening stuff and to bed... late, past 2 AM.
At 9:45, I got up and walked to the ballroom. A kitchen meeting had been called, but I had not heard about it. The summary was all the usual though: work with intention, don't chop off your fingers, recognize the sacred aspect of food. The chairs were cleared, and there was a short break. At the end of the break (10 AM) all of the non-staff seemed to be hovering outside the door. I walked past them into the room, which seemed to signal that it was "OK" to enter. The chairs were against the wall in a large semi circle, with the stage as one end. Preferring to sit on a cushion, but not wanting to be below eye level of everyone else, I sat on the stage. Several others joined me there as people took their places. RF entered last, and, as he often does, gathered everyone together. He wound up sitting on the stage on a chair right next to me. This gave me a very interesting vantage point, because I could watch people's expressions as they addressed him: People with worthy goals, and lofty aspirations, shaking in their boots as they spoke. Many people were stone faced and solemn. Why? Robert played quite a bit with language during the statements of name, origin, reason and aim. Flemish, Japanese, Bulgarian and Welsh were a few of the tongues represented. The person of Polish descent didn't arrive. RF told a story about a Welsh phrase that his mother taught him that translates as "Scratch your ass with your toenail." This phrase was translated several times to enjoyable effect. One good question "What does it mean to be present?" RF gave three sensory examples: Hearing would be rich with full stereo definition, you would sense life in your body, and perhaps your pulse, and the lines between things in your vision would be very distinct.
To paraphrase important points:
*The previous 21 years of GC history have been about Injunction, that is "Do this." This has built up a large and stable body of practices which are largely ignored. So, the next 21 years are about Application. We know what to do, now, we best get about actually doing it.
*A Harmonic Minor will be added to C Major in the basic scale vocabulary (C Maj may already be beyond us, but after 21 years, despair is not an option.)
*RF said that chances are good that he will be present at the 42nd Guitar Craft Anniversary course, subject to change. He said it is unlikely that he will be around at the 63rd anniversary, and will most likely be ignoring us from a distance at that point. (A reference to a joke that Tom R had made about Patrick Smith's participation in this course.)
*RF said it was his intention to present a mysterious guitar technique called "The Slide."
The meeting took a very long time, running well past the slot originally designated for Tai Chi. We had two 5 minute leg-stretch breaks. After many mentions of friends not present, and a few commandments from the assistant house manager regarding smoking and the use of electricity and water (which RF did a good job of softening with some levity), the meeting was adjourned. The time was about 1 PM. Gave MB a quick explanation of A Harmonic Minor, building on our "circle of fifths" work from yesterday.
I took a quick shower, then got a bit of lunch (just before seconds were announced). The first empty seat I saw was next to Bill Reiflin, so as has been my practice, I took it rather than avoid sitting next to someone who intimidates me a little, which would be my default behavior. I asked him how much he gets to play guitar, and was surprised to learn that although he doesn't get to play much these days, he has worked as a professional touring guitarist.
After lunch, cleaned my shoes. Then, returning to my room, I found a bar of soap on my bed. This was a little disappointing, because I had twice asked the house manager for hand soap to be placed in the bathrooms. Having my own personal bar of soap wasn't quite what I was hoping for. I found the assistant house manager, and was able to make a little progress on the issue... The time is now 2:45 PM, and I sit in the newly named "Hall of Aspiration" (i.e. the classroom). Two course participants have just come in to practice.
I practiced guitar in the newly named "Hall of Accomplishment." Perhaps it is so named because the natural reverb in the room is so think, you should only practice music you already play quite well in there. Went and sat out in the backyard watching the course from afar. A little after 4, went in and had some coffee and goodies, language again being the focus of conversation. I headed back to my bunk, passing the first Level 1 meeting getting going, on the way. These people looked like they were waiting to be shot. Took a nap.
Woke a little before 7, and feeling a bit groggy, headed for dinner. Squash mashed, squash with oregano, and eggplant with sauce and cheese. It was a root vegetable bonanza. Of course. It is autumn here, and the produce we are eating is all coming from a local farmer's market.
Debra had a comment about a moment of grace as they prepared the eggplant... seeing the food as becoming the music in the future through those that it fed, and then feeling love for the eggplant and its preparation. There was tittering. RF commented he had an experience with a turnip. More tittering.
The comments from the L1 and L2 seemed a bit timid. I've been imagining what it must be like to lead a course like this, and lack of feedback I would think would be quite frustrating. The fear/respect that RF commands is powerful as a tool, but this is perhaps its downside. I suppose lack of feedback is feedback in its own way.
The work for the evening: I made the comment that last year at Lebanon the kitchen team didn't get much of a chance to play together. So, of course, had to step into organizing: 9:30 in the dining hall. I probably should have said 9:15. I am too generous sometimes. This was the second time today when I set a time too far in the future. Striking while the iron is hot often outweighs being accommodating.
Flan with dolce de leche on top. Yum. The time is now 8:32. Took a walk around the backyard. A quiet night with peace in the air.
Showed up a bit early for the KT meeting, and got a circle set up with the help of Heruko and others. Quite a large team. Eye of the Needle, circulations, Third Relation, Askesis, Calliope (no mirror leads), Hope (a bit floppy)... Blockhead (I don't know this piece), Where's the Nurse (small team), Asturias, Invocation. It was quite fun facilitating the circle. A fivish minute break, and then a smaller team for Askesis again and Intergalactic Boogie. Put the tables back together, and walked up to look at the board. Walked back to the dining hall, and smiled at Hernan, walking through the door, seeing someone tip one of the coffee flasks off the tea station. Turned around quickly and left. Now, sitting in classroom, Igor and Tim working on A Harmonic Minor. I showed Igor, and a fellow named Adrian, Chrysanthemum. Evening stuff and to bed... late, past 2 AM.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Arrivals, not the beginning
Tuesday: My alarm was set for 5. I woke up on my own at 4:59, and turned off the alarm, then "rested my eyes" until 5:30, at which point there was a loud smack from the bunk below. I was wide awake, and thought that I must have been snoring, and my lower neighbor had been trying to silence me. Later on he said he had punched the upper bunk in his sleep. At any rate, I got out of bed at 5:36, and went and did some morning practices in the classroom, until a little after 7 AM. Went to the ballroom for morning sitting, and without intending to, sat next to MB. She gave me a nudge in the dark, or I might not have noticed.
Breakfast at 8, of muslix, served to us this time, with yogurt and milk. Sat near Robert, and next to Martin, MB on on my other side. A fellow named John H sat across from me. He and Robert talked about traveling, which led to discussion of the Stadium Buddy, vacuum packed socks and boarder guards suspicions of guitar smuggling. After, I practiced guitar on my own in the little classroom (right hand work, Hope, Chrysanthemum and so on).
At 10, I went and joined the lunch crew. Between then and 12:45, we made a potato mash with carrots onions and garlic, broiled squash slices, cabbage slaw with oil and lemon (also on the table, bread and cheese, water). I took a short break at Debra's (who was the head chef) request, and while I was away a pot I had on low was turned to high, and a serving pan, which I'd asked not be washed, was. Tony G and RF were first in line waiting for food.
Many things can be accomplished by simply making a good beginning, and then being patient while waiting for the inevitable results.
Many of the course participants arrived for lunch. We were 84 in number. Tony said that Curt, Igor, Sandra and Rob Rushin had just missed the plane from Chile, but they should be here by around 6 PM. Many familiar faces as I served the potatoes. It got downright quiet during the meal. Debra ended it with an announcement, and a song. Some coffee, and completion with the lunch team.
MB and I went to work on guitar in the classroom. Taylor was doing an AT lie-down... We worked on Invention 1, but then, started smelling something strange. I turned out the power adapter was melting. I tried plugging it in the other way around, which resulted in a loud pop, and a spark. This and the smell drove Taylor from the room. MB and I worked on Thrak and Growing Circle.
Tea at 4. I volunteered for some clean-up. John P said his father gave him two bits of advice: Never volunteer for anything, and never lie (life is complicated as it is). But he did volunteer anyway. So then, kicked around for a while until 5. Mopped the front entrance, which was difficult as people kept coming and going.
Lying down, sort of a nap. Privacy is getting scarce. More work on Larks and so on.
7:30 Dinner. Polenta, peas and carrot salad. My thoughts were mostly on those missing from the course. A large group version of Blockhead. RF announced that the course would not begin until the next morning, because so many people were delayed in their arrival. So, what to do with the evening. Hernan said "I want to be entertained by a hot group." And the surest way to have a hot group, was to just pick Zum. So, 9:30, in the ballroom for a performance. Igor, Curt, Rob R, Sandra arrived somewhere near the end of dinner, Igor sporting new crazy big hair.
I suddenly felt like I had too much energy... all nerves. I spent some time in the backyard, and then went for another lie-down in my bed. Debra came and found me, asking for help with her computer. I cleaned things up a bit for her, and then it was time for Zum. They played wonderfully...
After the performance, I helped put away chairs, then helped Debra a bit more with her Mac. As we walked back to our rooms, Cecilia told her that we had no water in the building... and sure enough, no water in any of the bathrooms. However, strangely, there was water in the kitchen (so it's not that the main is out...). 100+ people, no showers or flushing toilets. Ugh. This will get unpleasant rather quickly. Some very boisterous men were beating the snot out of their guitars in the hall when I found MB huddled in the corner trying to practice. We hung out a bit in the dining room, talking about the lack of water. I am on breakfast duty tomorrow morning, so I am going to bed soon.
About half an hour after writing the last entry, the water was restored.
Breakfast at 8, of muslix, served to us this time, with yogurt and milk. Sat near Robert, and next to Martin, MB on on my other side. A fellow named John H sat across from me. He and Robert talked about traveling, which led to discussion of the Stadium Buddy, vacuum packed socks and boarder guards suspicions of guitar smuggling. After, I practiced guitar on my own in the little classroom (right hand work, Hope, Chrysanthemum and so on).
At 10, I went and joined the lunch crew. Between then and 12:45, we made a potato mash with carrots onions and garlic, broiled squash slices, cabbage slaw with oil and lemon (also on the table, bread and cheese, water). I took a short break at Debra's (who was the head chef) request, and while I was away a pot I had on low was turned to high, and a serving pan, which I'd asked not be washed, was. Tony G and RF were first in line waiting for food.
Many things can be accomplished by simply making a good beginning, and then being patient while waiting for the inevitable results.
Many of the course participants arrived for lunch. We were 84 in number. Tony said that Curt, Igor, Sandra and Rob Rushin had just missed the plane from Chile, but they should be here by around 6 PM. Many familiar faces as I served the potatoes. It got downright quiet during the meal. Debra ended it with an announcement, and a song. Some coffee, and completion with the lunch team.
MB and I went to work on guitar in the classroom. Taylor was doing an AT lie-down... We worked on Invention 1, but then, started smelling something strange. I turned out the power adapter was melting. I tried plugging it in the other way around, which resulted in a loud pop, and a spark. This and the smell drove Taylor from the room. MB and I worked on Thrak and Growing Circle.
Tea at 4. I volunteered for some clean-up. John P said his father gave him two bits of advice: Never volunteer for anything, and never lie (life is complicated as it is). But he did volunteer anyway. So then, kicked around for a while until 5. Mopped the front entrance, which was difficult as people kept coming and going.
Lying down, sort of a nap. Privacy is getting scarce. More work on Larks and so on.
7:30 Dinner. Polenta, peas and carrot salad. My thoughts were mostly on those missing from the course. A large group version of Blockhead. RF announced that the course would not begin until the next morning, because so many people were delayed in their arrival. So, what to do with the evening. Hernan said "I want to be entertained by a hot group." And the surest way to have a hot group, was to just pick Zum. So, 9:30, in the ballroom for a performance. Igor, Curt, Rob R, Sandra arrived somewhere near the end of dinner, Igor sporting new crazy big hair.
I suddenly felt like I had too much energy... all nerves. I spent some time in the backyard, and then went for another lie-down in my bed. Debra came and found me, asking for help with her computer. I cleaned things up a bit for her, and then it was time for Zum. They played wonderfully...
After the performance, I helped put away chairs, then helped Debra a bit more with her Mac. As we walked back to our rooms, Cecilia told her that we had no water in the building... and sure enough, no water in any of the bathrooms. However, strangely, there was water in the kitchen (so it's not that the main is out...). 100+ people, no showers or flushing toilets. Ugh. This will get unpleasant rather quickly. Some very boisterous men were beating the snot out of their guitars in the hall when I found MB huddled in the corner trying to practice. We hung out a bit in the dining room, talking about the lack of water. I am on breakfast duty tomorrow morning, so I am going to bed soon.
About half an hour after writing the last entry, the water was restored.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Set up
Monday: Woke at 5:30, and up. Brushed teeth in the small bathroom across the hall, and then morning practices in the chapel, until 7ish. A shower in the odd "European" style shower, a shave, and clean clothes. There was a sitting scheduled for 7:30. Got my sleeping bag and headed to the 'ballroom'... People were stretching, so I did as well, and then sitting until 8, accompanied by the sounds of birds, cars in the near distance, and what I think is the water pump for the facility.
Did a bit of right hand warm up in the hall. Breakfast at 8:15, muslix, yogurt and fruit, with strong coffee. Took a walk out with MB, down the dusty gravel road that runs by the center. Vineyards and a horse breading farm. Even the garbage on the side of the road seems charming, somehow. The weather continues to be amazing, cool dry and sunny, with white topped mountains in the distance.
Changed my strings in the ballroom with MB and Vincente looking on. Vincente is a puppeteer, and on the Level 2, but considers himself primarily a vocalist. Got some instruction on the coffee and tea making apparatus, through the filter of linguistic incomprehension. John P and I were giving us strange looks when I realized I didn't need to do tea service.
Out front, and guitar practice for a solid hour or more. Shinkaru arrived while I was at it. Made a little progress on "Lark's"... Moving Force was seeming pretty good. Worked on the end arpeggio. Reminded myself of "Hope" and worked on the picking pattern, what had flown out of my hands.
Lunch at 1. A carrot and rice sort of thing. Debra K arrived. MB volunteered to help clean up.
More guitar out front. MB was going to practice with me, but my alarm went off at 2:40, reminding me I had to set up for tea. Victoria and I set out many little plates of quince jam, dolce de leche, butter, crackers, cookies and baskets of cut bread. Hot water and coffee. There's a door on the refrigerator that doesn't close well.
There was a house meeting called for 5 PM. I helped with the washing up until then. Not enough cleaning products to go around, so I helped sweep here and there. Pablo wanted to sweep the whole courtyard. Somewhere along in her RF arrived, along with Fernando K. When I felt like I had contributed what I could, I went out back and did a sitting of sorts, on a stump. At 6, completion.
The atmosphere changes a bit when RF arrives. Tension? Perhaps. Attention. Can you have one without the other? MB and I did some guitar work in the backyard: Invention 1, Thrak, then I showed her Growing Circle again.
Dinner at 7. Pasta and oniony red-sauce, and green salad. I felt a tug, and stopped eating, but the consensus wasn't there. About 5 minutes later, a definite quiet descended. It was interesting watching Shinkaro during this period. He stayed very attentive and turned outward, reminding me of a cat, or an owl. This is the opposite of my norm, so I tried it the other way. Interesting. Helped a little with clean-up, trying to set the chairs straight. An impossible task.
MB and I took a walk down the street, and found the little shop someone had told her about. We didn't really need anything so we didn't go in, and the conversation kept drifting towards crimes and misdemeanors, so we turned back. Our getting mugged would be bad for us, and worse for the course. The emissions standards here are seemingly nonexistent. Cars passing us left clouds of choking smog behind them. It's a shame given how lovely the surroundings are. Later, a longish sitting in the chapel, and then bed.
Did a bit of right hand warm up in the hall. Breakfast at 8:15, muslix, yogurt and fruit, with strong coffee. Took a walk out with MB, down the dusty gravel road that runs by the center. Vineyards and a horse breading farm. Even the garbage on the side of the road seems charming, somehow. The weather continues to be amazing, cool dry and sunny, with white topped mountains in the distance.
Changed my strings in the ballroom with MB and Vincente looking on. Vincente is a puppeteer, and on the Level 2, but considers himself primarily a vocalist. Got some instruction on the coffee and tea making apparatus, through the filter of linguistic incomprehension. John P and I were giving us strange looks when I realized I didn't need to do tea service.
Out front, and guitar practice for a solid hour or more. Shinkaru arrived while I was at it. Made a little progress on "Lark's"... Moving Force was seeming pretty good. Worked on the end arpeggio. Reminded myself of "Hope" and worked on the picking pattern, what had flown out of my hands.
Lunch at 1. A carrot and rice sort of thing. Debra K arrived. MB volunteered to help clean up.
More guitar out front. MB was going to practice with me, but my alarm went off at 2:40, reminding me I had to set up for tea. Victoria and I set out many little plates of quince jam, dolce de leche, butter, crackers, cookies and baskets of cut bread. Hot water and coffee. There's a door on the refrigerator that doesn't close well.
There was a house meeting called for 5 PM. I helped with the washing up until then. Not enough cleaning products to go around, so I helped sweep here and there. Pablo wanted to sweep the whole courtyard. Somewhere along in her RF arrived, along with Fernando K. When I felt like I had contributed what I could, I went out back and did a sitting of sorts, on a stump. At 6, completion.
The atmosphere changes a bit when RF arrives. Tension? Perhaps. Attention. Can you have one without the other? MB and I did some guitar work in the backyard: Invention 1, Thrak, then I showed her Growing Circle again.
Dinner at 7. Pasta and oniony red-sauce, and green salad. I felt a tug, and stopped eating, but the consensus wasn't there. About 5 minutes later, a definite quiet descended. It was interesting watching Shinkaro during this period. He stayed very attentive and turned outward, reminding me of a cat, or an owl. This is the opposite of my norm, so I tried it the other way. Interesting. Helped a little with clean-up, trying to set the chairs straight. An impossible task.
MB and I took a walk down the street, and found the little shop someone had told her about. We didn't really need anything so we didn't go in, and the conversation kept drifting towards crimes and misdemeanors, so we turned back. Our getting mugged would be bad for us, and worse for the course. The emissions standards here are seemingly nonexistent. Cars passing us left clouds of choking smog behind them. It's a shame given how lovely the surroundings are. Later, a longish sitting in the chapel, and then bed.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Arriving
Sunday:
We landed in Santiago Chile around 7:50 AM. Ran into Taylor and Billy waiting for the flight to Mendoza. The airport in Chile was lovely... spacious feeling and clean. Short but beautiful flight over the Andes to Argentina. No problem in customs, after managing to convey we were there for a guitar seminar. Ignacio and Jorge met us. Alasandro from Italy (not Bruno) was also on the flight. I called my mom and MB called her parents. And we were off, riding in a hired shuttle type bus. The weather here is really nice. Cool and dry. Big puffy white clouds and deep blue sky. We picked up Heruko in town, and then proceeded to the retreat center, about a half hour drive away.
Got settled, then had some lunch of boiled potatoes and squash at 1:30 PM. I volunteered for cleaning up. The language barrier is going to be a bit of a challenge. Wandered around until I found a spot that I felt comfortable doing some of my daily practices. This is going to be another big challenge for me. There is going to be almost no privacy here at all. The course is supposed to have 115 people on it. Strangely 40 of those are "kitchen team." And then it was time for tea. Bitter coffee, cookies and crackers. I felt some quiet knocking at lunch, but not at tea. Lots of conversation. Good to see some European Crafties that I met back in '01. The grounds here are just beautiful. Clean and airy. It seems to be a working convent, as there are nuns about the grounds. After tea group of them were singing in a circle, playing guitars (and one lute?) in the backyard. Hearing their voices, I got a sense that I remembered having on a previous guitar craft course. If it were a flavor, it would be lemony metallic, perhaps. Have no idea what that means. The nuns stopped singing at the exact moment a bird loudly called out. Did they take the bird call as a signal to stop, or did the bird sense the end, or was it coincidence?
The power adapter I brought seems successful in charging the laptop, so, I should be able to continue these entries, given I find time for them.
Practiced guitar for an hour and a half, or so, first outside, then in the hall. Found that I was practicing things slower with more attention to detail, as often occurs on courses. Visited several of my pieces, as well as the repertoire for the Earth Day gig. Moving Force was pretty good. Lark's continues to be problematic. Slowed down and worked on transitions and developing certainty and clarity in my muscle memory. Third Relation, and related, floated through.
Dinner, rice, fried onions and a cold salad of the potatoes and squash from lunch, plus some fennel. I love this part of a course, and people arrive. It's like Christmas. Talked to Pablo, who is living in Vancouver. An odd desert of cheese on quince jam.
I've been thinking lately that people really underestimate their own beauty and power. Having involved myself with several "self work" sorts of programs, I've found that the people are where the value really is. The rest is just a framework for them to sit inside.
Took a little nap, realized I was snoring at the same moment I heard MB saying from the hall "Have you seen Glenn?" I yelled "I'm in here!" Then seeing Billy looking at me oddly, I said "My wife is looking for me." He said "I thought you were talking in your sleep." I said "No, I was snoring in my sleep though..." Helped her string a new high G on her guitar. A trio of Argentineans are playing in the hall, and sounding pretty amazing. I'm getting the feeling this is going to be a real ass-kicker of a course. I'm on for tea tomorrow.
We landed in Santiago Chile around 7:50 AM. Ran into Taylor and Billy waiting for the flight to Mendoza. The airport in Chile was lovely... spacious feeling and clean. Short but beautiful flight over the Andes to Argentina. No problem in customs, after managing to convey we were there for a guitar seminar. Ignacio and Jorge met us. Alasandro from Italy (not Bruno) was also on the flight. I called my mom and MB called her parents. And we were off, riding in a hired shuttle type bus. The weather here is really nice. Cool and dry. Big puffy white clouds and deep blue sky. We picked up Heruko in town, and then proceeded to the retreat center, about a half hour drive away.
Got settled, then had some lunch of boiled potatoes and squash at 1:30 PM. I volunteered for cleaning up. The language barrier is going to be a bit of a challenge. Wandered around until I found a spot that I felt comfortable doing some of my daily practices. This is going to be another big challenge for me. There is going to be almost no privacy here at all. The course is supposed to have 115 people on it. Strangely 40 of those are "kitchen team." And then it was time for tea. Bitter coffee, cookies and crackers. I felt some quiet knocking at lunch, but not at tea. Lots of conversation. Good to see some European Crafties that I met back in '01. The grounds here are just beautiful. Clean and airy. It seems to be a working convent, as there are nuns about the grounds. After tea group of them were singing in a circle, playing guitars (and one lute?) in the backyard. Hearing their voices, I got a sense that I remembered having on a previous guitar craft course. If it were a flavor, it would be lemony metallic, perhaps. Have no idea what that means. The nuns stopped singing at the exact moment a bird loudly called out. Did they take the bird call as a signal to stop, or did the bird sense the end, or was it coincidence?
The power adapter I brought seems successful in charging the laptop, so, I should be able to continue these entries, given I find time for them.
Practiced guitar for an hour and a half, or so, first outside, then in the hall. Found that I was practicing things slower with more attention to detail, as often occurs on courses. Visited several of my pieces, as well as the repertoire for the Earth Day gig. Moving Force was pretty good. Lark's continues to be problematic. Slowed down and worked on transitions and developing certainty and clarity in my muscle memory. Third Relation, and related, floated through.
Dinner, rice, fried onions and a cold salad of the potatoes and squash from lunch, plus some fennel. I love this part of a course, and people arrive. It's like Christmas. Talked to Pablo, who is living in Vancouver. An odd desert of cheese on quince jam.
I've been thinking lately that people really underestimate their own beauty and power. Having involved myself with several "self work" sorts of programs, I've found that the people are where the value really is. The rest is just a framework for them to sit inside.
Took a little nap, realized I was snoring at the same moment I heard MB saying from the hall "Have you seen Glenn?" I yelled "I'm in here!" Then seeing Billy looking at me oddly, I said "My wife is looking for me." He said "I thought you were talking in your sleep." I said "No, I was snoring in my sleep though..." Helped her string a new high G on her guitar. A trio of Argentineans are playing in the hall, and sounding pretty amazing. I'm getting the feeling this is going to be a real ass-kicker of a course. I'm on for tea tomorrow.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Leaving
Saturday: MB and I woke at 7 AM. A quick shower, then down basement to complete the bulk of my daily practices, in anticipation of being in transit. Up right around 9:30, and made some breakfast: eggs. MB didn't want onions, so mine had mushrooms, onions and spinach, and her's had just mushrooms. Coffee, toast. Last minute packing. The cab arrived right on time at 10:45.
A friendly Haitian cab driver, with advice about having children, related to his son, still back on the island. They said our guitars wouldn't be let through security as carry-on, so we checked them. To our gate and waiting. The plane was a little late leaving, but we had lots of time on the other end, so no problem.
Arrived in Miami around 4:30. This airport must be listed as one of the far outer circles of hell... Low ceilings, poor ventilation, no windows, narrow halls, dirty carpet, not enough seating, and very few food options. We went out through security hoping to find somewhere better to eat. Not much luck. I opted for a fast food veggie burger, and MB got a bagel sandwich. We wandered around stopping various places, finding a Starbucks, and also venturing outside a bit. Went back to our gate, but it was deserted. Found it had been changed from C9 to E9. Eventually boarded our plane and departed, also late, around 11:30.
A long overnight flight. My request for vegetarian food had gotten lost, but eventually they were able to give me a very nice salad (from first class, judging by the cloth napkin and china plate) and some odd spinach and potatoes. It was quite good, but it gave me lots of gas, which I had to usher through my system the rest of the night. Watched part of Elizabethtown sans sound. Cramped, and hard to sleep, but did drowse.
A friendly Haitian cab driver, with advice about having children, related to his son, still back on the island. They said our guitars wouldn't be let through security as carry-on, so we checked them. To our gate and waiting. The plane was a little late leaving, but we had lots of time on the other end, so no problem.
Arrived in Miami around 4:30. This airport must be listed as one of the far outer circles of hell... Low ceilings, poor ventilation, no windows, narrow halls, dirty carpet, not enough seating, and very few food options. We went out through security hoping to find somewhere better to eat. Not much luck. I opted for a fast food veggie burger, and MB got a bagel sandwich. We wandered around stopping various places, finding a Starbucks, and also venturing outside a bit. Went back to our gate, but it was deserted. Found it had been changed from C9 to E9. Eventually boarded our plane and departed, also late, around 11:30.
A long overnight flight. My request for vegetarian food had gotten lost, but eventually they were able to give me a very nice salad (from first class, judging by the cloth napkin and china plate) and some odd spinach and potatoes. It was quite good, but it gave me lots of gas, which I had to usher through my system the rest of the night. Watched part of Elizabethtown sans sound. Cramped, and hard to sleep, but did drowse.
packing
Friday: Up around 9:30. Sitting in bed. Web. Shower. Cats. Had a nice breakfast of eggs and coffee. We're doing well at using up the last bits of perishable food before the trip. A good guitar session, working on playing without concern for playing bum notes... as if I were performing. I should spend more time working on this. Completed the mushroom kit, putting the earth in the compost bin. Did a little work on the lawn, spreading seed and fertilizer. Hooked up the watering system. More last minute things for the trip. Sent some strings and my final payment to my luthier. Mailed a box of goodies to the retreat facility in Atlanta, avoiding carrying too much to Mendoza. Quite a nice day out.
Remembered I forgot to get my coins, so stopped back at the house for them. Took these to a bank in H Sq, and turned them into paper money. Got a coffee at Starbucks... A deliciously evil concoction: a medium coffee with a shot of espresso. In at work, dealing with assembler issues, and then link problems. Exp files are not working correctly in XCode. Got my subsystem building and linking before I left, around 8 PM. Folks had gone out to raise the wrist in honor of the new version shipping.
Back home, and down basement for practices. MB returned. When I came up, we made some food (leftover noodles, instant soup, toast). Then to packing. Printing out important information. Last minute emails and phone calls. Around midnight we ate some apple crisp and ice-cream. Talking about plate tectonics, the industrialization of agriculture as the basis of modern prosperity, Italy's Berlusconi, the history of warfare in the twentieth century, and so on.
I watched the last half hour of "A History of Violence." A really wonderful movie... but quite violent. In a good way. Watched a bit of the commentary, and the making of a deleted scene... Then dropped the DVDs back at their home. Hopefully a bit of sleep will occur, sometime soon.
Remembered I forgot to get my coins, so stopped back at the house for them. Took these to a bank in H Sq, and turned them into paper money. Got a coffee at Starbucks... A deliciously evil concoction: a medium coffee with a shot of espresso. In at work, dealing with assembler issues, and then link problems. Exp files are not working correctly in XCode. Got my subsystem building and linking before I left, around 8 PM. Folks had gone out to raise the wrist in honor of the new version shipping.
Back home, and down basement for practices. MB returned. When I came up, we made some food (leftover noodles, instant soup, toast). Then to packing. Printing out important information. Last minute emails and phone calls. Around midnight we ate some apple crisp and ice-cream. Talking about plate tectonics, the industrialization of agriculture as the basis of modern prosperity, Italy's Berlusconi, the history of warfare in the twentieth century, and so on.
I watched the last half hour of "A History of Violence." A really wonderful movie... but quite violent. In a good way. Watched a bit of the commentary, and the making of a deleted scene... Then dropped the DVDs back at their home. Hopefully a bit of sleep will occur, sometime soon.
Friday, April 07, 2006
musk is not musk
Thursday:
Gus had made a stinky puke last night. Eeeew. MB and I got up early. Shower. Brief sitting. Cats. Headed to the dentist. Sitting around for quite some time. New crown installed, the dentist talking about software quality control. Impressions of my teeth taken. Stopped and bought an egg sandwich at the bagel shop.
More error slaying at work. At one point we had it down below 100. Took a spin out to do some shopping (clothes and goodies). The woman in the New Age bookstore told me a lot about "Musk." Back at the office and ate lunch at my desk. Left at 6:40, heading for Arlington.
Shawn had moved the rehearsal earlier, but had neglected to change the space reservation. As a result, we had no place to rehearse. We went back to his house, and worked on Thrak for an hour or so. Then, I headed back home, figuring I could use the time.
Did some stuff organizing. MB came home. Noodles. Down basement for practices.
Gus had made a stinky puke last night. Eeeew. MB and I got up early. Shower. Brief sitting. Cats. Headed to the dentist. Sitting around for quite some time. New crown installed, the dentist talking about software quality control. Impressions of my teeth taken. Stopped and bought an egg sandwich at the bagel shop.
More error slaying at work. At one point we had it down below 100. Took a spin out to do some shopping (clothes and goodies). The woman in the New Age bookstore told me a lot about "Musk." Back at the office and ate lunch at my desk. Left at 6:40, heading for Arlington.
Shawn had moved the rehearsal earlier, but had neglected to change the space reservation. As a result, we had no place to rehearse. We went back to his house, and worked on Thrak for an hour or so. Then, I headed back home, figuring I could use the time.
Did some stuff organizing. MB came home. Noodles. Down basement for practices.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
winterish
Wednesday:
Slept in after a late night. Sitting, cats, shower. Down basement briefly. Paid bills.
In to work. Chilly winterish day out. Set up an Intel iMac to work on. Actually chopped down the bug count from over 1000 to less than 500. Stayed late.
Back home, and a little time with MB, eating some food. Guitar. Down basement for practices, into the wee hours.
Slept in after a late night. Sitting, cats, shower. Down basement briefly. Paid bills.
In to work. Chilly winterish day out. Set up an Intel iMac to work on. Actually chopped down the bug count from over 1000 to less than 500. Stayed late.
Back home, and a little time with MB, eating some food. Guitar. Down basement for practices, into the wee hours.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
pests gone
Tuesday: Woke on the late side. Lots of cats and bedding. Web and sitting. Shower. Gave Gus his goodies, taking some photos of how to start a new saline bag. Laundry. Ate some breakfast (cereal, yogurt, coffee), and decided to front load the day by doing practices before going to work.
Stopped at the self-storage facility to buy a box. Then to work. A fiendish man in a small black car kept passing me on the road. I was a bit irritated, but then I thought of his death, and I felt sad. Things are so ephemeral, there's really no point getting to worked up about them.
At the office, continued setting up a new work environment, and building. Alx was in despite his broken collarbone. Ate the sandwich MB had made for me. Didn't really get into groove until later in the day, resolving compiler differences. Many warnings, but we're making good progress. Slow building on my machine though, even with distributed compilation. Stayed until around 11 PM. MB was at a lesson with Victor.
Back home, unloaded the dishwasher, and made veggie burgers for our lunches. MB returned home, and we ate some leftover noodles and toast. Leo is getting to be a big fat cat. Clean-up, then playing guitar. What do your hands feel like? And how does it sound?
Stopped at the self-storage facility to buy a box. Then to work. A fiendish man in a small black car kept passing me on the road. I was a bit irritated, but then I thought of his death, and I felt sad. Things are so ephemeral, there's really no point getting to worked up about them.
At the office, continued setting up a new work environment, and building. Alx was in despite his broken collarbone. Ate the sandwich MB had made for me. Didn't really get into groove until later in the day, resolving compiler differences. Many warnings, but we're making good progress. Slow building on my machine though, even with distributed compilation. Stayed until around 11 PM. MB was at a lesson with Victor.
Back home, unloaded the dishwasher, and made veggie burgers for our lunches. MB returned home, and we ate some leftover noodles and toast. Leo is getting to be a big fat cat. Clean-up, then playing guitar. What do your hands feel like? And how does it sound?
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
saffron
Monday: MB headed off to work, and I got up, some time around 8. Web, shower, cats. Sitting in the dance room. An interesting sensation that I've had occasionally for as long as I can remember visited me today. A little like the interior gains a new dimension. Headed out.
Stopped at the little Indian food store, and bought saffron. The man behind the counter was curious why I wanted $20 worth. Over to KKC, and filled water bowls. Saw Tsunma-la, Jf and Ngawang. Geshela and a guest were watching TV.
Stopped for an egg sandwich, and coffee, then in to work.
Fixed a couple of easy to squash bugs, and we're calling it a wrap for now. Switched gears and got set up with Tiger and XCode for the new project. Tinkered with builds. Took a break, and walked out to the pharmacy. Picked up a few things, and ran into my friend Ertha. I freaked her out a little by standing and watching her without saying anything until she noticed me. Went to a little Indian art store and bought a few things.
Stayed late at work, talking to B about Microsoft, and other computer related stuff. Rbt called saying the website was down. MB called. Headed home late, around 12. And down basement when I arrived.
Stopped at the little Indian food store, and bought saffron. The man behind the counter was curious why I wanted $20 worth. Over to KKC, and filled water bowls. Saw Tsunma-la, Jf and Ngawang. Geshela and a guest were watching TV.
Stopped for an egg sandwich, and coffee, then in to work.
Fixed a couple of easy to squash bugs, and we're calling it a wrap for now. Switched gears and got set up with Tiger and XCode for the new project. Tinkered with builds. Took a break, and walked out to the pharmacy. Picked up a few things, and ran into my friend Ertha. I freaked her out a little by standing and watching her without saying anything until she noticed me. Went to a little Indian art store and bought a few things.
Stayed late at work, talking to B about Microsoft, and other computer related stuff. Rbt called saying the website was down. MB called. Headed home late, around 12. And down basement when I arrived.
Monday, April 03, 2006
breakfast in bed, in the afternoon
Sunday: I had gotten an hour of a sort of half sleep, when Gus came in the room and shook litter from his foot onto my head. Picked him up and washed him off in the bathroom sink. MB again headed to Third Life for dance practice, although she'd only had about an hour and a half of sleep. She returned around 9. I slept until 2 PM. Got up and made us some breakfast, which I carried upstairs to her, still sleeping. We ate, and then she cleaned up a little while I showered.
She took off to an Franklin. I played some guitar. Email. Made a "what to take" list for our tirp. Took a longish walk. Deposit at the ATM, and up over the Broadway hill. Lovely sunny day.
Back home, then down basement and practices. Headed out to Guitar Circle just after 8. Would have liked to have left earlier.
Arrived at the dojo at the same time as MB. In the circle, we spent a good bit of time looping sections of Third Relation. Ran through the rest of our material for the Earth Day gig. Invention 1 was "almost" tonight. I felt quite confident playing Eye of the Needle tonight, focusing on dynamics and articulation. I think other than one dropped note I didn't make any gross errors. Afterwards, I gave Victor a quick run-down of the Growing Circle lead, and asked him a question about thumb position in "Lark's."
Back home, I made "American Chop Suey" with the leftover noodles from Friday night, plus some soy-ground-beef analog, onions, cheese and tomato sauce. We ate that plus salad, talking about MB's day. Both tired. Soon bed.
She took off to an Franklin. I played some guitar. Email. Made a "what to take" list for our tirp. Took a longish walk. Deposit at the ATM, and up over the Broadway hill. Lovely sunny day.
Back home, then down basement and practices. Headed out to Guitar Circle just after 8. Would have liked to have left earlier.
Arrived at the dojo at the same time as MB. In the circle, we spent a good bit of time looping sections of Third Relation. Ran through the rest of our material for the Earth Day gig. Invention 1 was "almost" tonight. I felt quite confident playing Eye of the Needle tonight, focusing on dynamics and articulation. I think other than one dropped note I didn't make any gross errors. Afterwards, I gave Victor a quick run-down of the Growing Circle lead, and asked him a question about thumb position in "Lark's."
Back home, I made "American Chop Suey" with the leftover noodles from Friday night, plus some soy-ground-beef analog, onions, cheese and tomato sauce. We ate that plus salad, talking about MB's day. Both tired. Soon bed.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Afternoon and late-night with MB
Saturday:
MB headed out early to go practice dance at Third Life. After that she was heading to RI to deal with her BD gear distribution stuff.
I slept in, realizing around noon that I best be getting on with things.
Brief sitting. Got dressed. Headed out, walking up over the Somerville hill to Mike's Auto. Picked up my car. Drove back home stopping for an egg sandwich and a coffee. Ate these in the kitchen.
MB got back around 2 PM, as I was giving Gus his saline drip. I took a shower, and then we stowed our snow-tires in the shed. A lovely afternoon together. We worked on Third Relation, then I showed her the lead part to Growing Circle. Later on pie and ice-cream.
7:30ish MB went out to Kasbah
Printed out info related to heating system rebate. Down basement for practices.
Drove to video store. Watched half of "History of Violence."
MB returned home around 1:30 or 2. We watched "The Aristocrats." And somehow it was 3:30 AM. Which, was actually 4:30 (daylight savings kicking in). Had to make the bed. Didn't take our feet off the floor until 5 AM.
MB headed out early to go practice dance at Third Life. After that she was heading to RI to deal with her BD gear distribution stuff.
I slept in, realizing around noon that I best be getting on with things.
Brief sitting. Got dressed. Headed out, walking up over the Somerville hill to Mike's Auto. Picked up my car. Drove back home stopping for an egg sandwich and a coffee. Ate these in the kitchen.
MB got back around 2 PM, as I was giving Gus his saline drip. I took a shower, and then we stowed our snow-tires in the shed. A lovely afternoon together. We worked on Third Relation, then I showed her the lead part to Growing Circle. Later on pie and ice-cream.
7:30ish MB went out to Kasbah
Printed out info related to heating system rebate. Down basement for practices.
Drove to video store. Watched half of "History of Violence."
MB returned home around 1:30 or 2. We watched "The Aristocrats." And somehow it was 3:30 AM. Which, was actually 4:30 (daylight savings kicking in). Had to make the bed. Didn't take our feet off the floor until 5 AM.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Farewell dinner with Christine
Friday: Up around 9 as MB headed out. Web, cats. Brief sitting. Shower. Loaded the summer tires into the car, then drove over to Union Square to drop it off at the mechanics. Walked back up and over the Somerville Hill to my house. Burned some "Dharma trash" in the fire-pit in the backyard. Guitar. Hands feeling better today than they have in quite some time. Breakfast (cereal, yogurt, coffee). Down basement and morning practices.
Walked to the stand, and picked up a taxi. Got an education on the very odd system in place in the city of Somerville, to regulate taxis. In at work, took another spin through the crash logs that came in over the last few days. Dispatched some of them. Looked more closely at others. One bug I thought I had solved was still in evidence. Got some help from Mrk, and determined that the pointer was fine, but the length was wrong. Added some defensive code to deal with this. Coffee. Checked today's and yesterday's changes in. Christine showed up around 6:25. I shut things down, and greeted her at the front door.
She suggested we walk home and I agreed. We strolled back along Kirkland, and then Washington streets, talking about life directions. Such a dear friend. Got back to my place around 7:05, then to the store for salad stuff and ice cream. A woman behind us in the checkout line, went to exchange something as the line was closed. She tried to drag us into her dispute with the cashier: I was here! They saw me... didn't you see me here? Back home, MB had arrived and had food cooking. I was momentarily thrown off by what MB had done with the mushrooms. We all helped cook, and very quickly, we had a lovely meal of whole wheat pasta with red sauce and a toping of portabella mushrooms (home-grown), fresh tomato and red pepper, a big salad with avocado, and garlic bread. After the food, we took a walk up and around the long Somerville block (up to Highland, then back around). I showed MB how to use the espresso machine. Pie and ice-cream. Relating raunchy stories. Lots of laughter.
Gave Christine a ride home around midnight. She's moving to Paris in not too long. The end of an era. But the beginning of another.
Back home, said hello to MB. Email.
Walked to the stand, and picked up a taxi. Got an education on the very odd system in place in the city of Somerville, to regulate taxis. In at work, took another spin through the crash logs that came in over the last few days. Dispatched some of them. Looked more closely at others. One bug I thought I had solved was still in evidence. Got some help from Mrk, and determined that the pointer was fine, but the length was wrong. Added some defensive code to deal with this. Coffee. Checked today's and yesterday's changes in. Christine showed up around 6:25. I shut things down, and greeted her at the front door.
She suggested we walk home and I agreed. We strolled back along Kirkland, and then Washington streets, talking about life directions. Such a dear friend. Got back to my place around 7:05, then to the store for salad stuff and ice cream. A woman behind us in the checkout line, went to exchange something as the line was closed. She tried to drag us into her dispute with the cashier: I was here! They saw me... didn't you see me here? Back home, MB had arrived and had food cooking. I was momentarily thrown off by what MB had done with the mushrooms. We all helped cook, and very quickly, we had a lovely meal of whole wheat pasta with red sauce and a toping of portabella mushrooms (home-grown), fresh tomato and red pepper, a big salad with avocado, and garlic bread. After the food, we took a walk up and around the long Somerville block (up to Highland, then back around). I showed MB how to use the espresso machine. Pie and ice-cream. Relating raunchy stories. Lots of laughter.
Gave Christine a ride home around midnight. She's moving to Paris in not too long. The end of an era. But the beginning of another.
Back home, said hello to MB. Email.
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