michelle ward

Rock Me Amadeus

Tomorrow, people around the world can experience a live broadcast of The Magic Flute, presented at The Metropolitan Opera, but shown at local theaters.  CLICK HERE to see if there are tickets available near you.  If you are familiar with the film Amadeus you will recognize segments from the opera, particularly the character Papageno, and the scene with The Queen of the Night.

Graham and I had been to a production of The Magic Flute when we lived in Boston, before we were parents.  The day we purchased our tickets at the theater box office, we snuck into the glamorous hall to poke around.  It was a rehearsal afternoon and we were treated, unbeknownst to the peformers, to a wonderful sneak peek.  We sat in the dark upper row and watched, listened.  Hey, they left the doors unlocked so who could blame us?  Reminded me of the days I spent in college as an usher at Northrop Memorial Auditorium, University of Minnesota.  As ushers we always would go in early to see the hustle and bustle of setting up the stage, the tuning of the orchestra, the dimming of the lights.  So, on the day Graham and I were stow-aways in the opera, we were 'caught' when we began descending the lovely long formal stairway, only to encounter the entire 'chorus' sitting on the lowest steps, being directed in song.  Excuse me, pardon me, excuse me.....as I try to slip through with my pregnant tummy.  Peter was born several months later.....middle name:  Amadeus.  {Not because of the event, but because we enjoy Mozart.}

On January 1st, we will be boarding the train to the city, then catching the subway to Columbus Circle, where we will see, as a family, The Magic Flute at the Met!  It was a real score to get 5 tickets to see this production, designed by Julie Taymor, famous for her Lion King on Broadway.  Of all Mozart's operas, this is the most kid-friendly.  I believe, after reviewing the seating chart, that we are in the last of the last rows.  Who cares!  We're doing it, that's what is important.  I think we'll watch Amadeus again this week, to remind the kids who he was and what history is behind the show they are about to experience.

I think it's so cool that the Met is offering a live broadcast viewing of this production, and others, to local movie theaters around the globe.  It's a terrific means of bringing us experiences we otherwise would not encounter.  Check into it - and go!

...................................1984

It's here! Enjoy.

Our little nativity scene that continues to grow as we receive shepards and angels from dear friends and relatives.  The stable is from an unfinished furniture store, painted and sanded with words added - lyrics to Joy to the World.  We have another set where baby Jesus lies in a manger.  On Christmas morning he is brought out on a frosted bed.....a birthday cake we will serve later that afternoon.  When I was in second grade I was one of two chosen students to carry a large cake down to the altar during the children's mass on Christmas Eve.  You can imagine the scene as all the children in church scurried up for a tiny slice.  It made such an impression on me that when it came time to begin our own family traditions at Christmas when Peter was born we replaced the usual apple pie with birthday cake for dessert.  Afterall, birthdays are something kids know and remember, especially when it comes with lots of presents!  I admit I'm not a baker during the holidays, we save cookie baking for after Christmas - something to do together during the break from school.  However, I do bake this one special cake.  Happy Birthday baby Jesus!

Another of our family traditions - to collect spoons from our travels throughout the years.  Yes, those cheesy tourist souvenirs.  Here is a fraction of the collection.  It is fun to pull them out each year and remember the places we have been together.  Since this is a tradition we are known for we are given beautiful silver spoons as gifts too.  This summer I went home to visit my family in Minnesota.  One afternoon I spent with my Grandmother and she told me to go into her curio cabinet to pick out something for myself.  She has this beautiful display for all her Waterford and Belleek and other special treasures.  Since I already scored her pearl inlay opera glasses when I got married I couldn't make myself choose anything.....until I saw on the bottom shelf, in the back corner, a small stack of silver spoons.  There were tales told of where they came from.....one tiny, sweet spoon spoke to me.  I held it in my hand, knowing I would add it to my tree to remember that visit, that afternoon.  The spoon, it turns out, is a salt serving spoon, from her silver set....somehow it had strayed from the velvet lined box and was hiding in that corner, waiting for to take it home.  Thank you Grandma, it's on the tree.

I was talking with a friend and we were discussing the political correctness of wishing someone a Merry Christmas, particularly if you're not sure whether they celebrate Christmas.  We came to the conclusion that most people know if you're saying Merry Christmas, and they actually celebrate Hannakuh, or something else, that they will take it with it's intended message which is "I wish for you and your family all the joys of the season, whatever it is that you honor".  None of wants to offend another, we respect diversity, and we just want to wish each other well, right?  Take a deep breath, smell the pine and cinnamon, turn on some wonderful music (Like Sarah McLachlan's Wintersong) and enjoy being with, or calling long distance, those you love.  Merry Christmas.

Visions of Sugarplums......

Today I took my daughter Fallon (right) and her friend Theresa to the city for a day of capturing the holiday spirit.  It's a ritual to visit the Christmas windows in New York City, but I do not recall ever being there when it was 59 degrees like today.  Here we are are on New Jersey Transit making the 50 minute ride from home, kids ride free on weekends!   And those wicked cool Vans?  They are mine, ready for a full day of walking.

First stop, Bergdorf Goodman to see what Linda Fargo conjured up, pouring her fertile imagination into brimming vignettes under glass.  The first two photos are from a Twin themed scenario.  I wish I could have captured every little detail to show you as it was simply breathtaking, clever, and utterly handsome.  Two of everything from the paired mannequins to the top hatted doves holding miniature old fashioned cameras.  The double vision phrenology heads was genius.  The black and white really lending itself to the discovery of the many nuances within.  Picture 3 is a glimpse into the series of circus windows rounding the corner.  Love this performer in her top hat and starry eyes.  Last photo showing a winged bust amongst a plethora of rusty, decaying, perfectly imperfect toys and memorabilia.

Within the store was this magnificent bird - perhaps an albino peacock or large pheasant.  Not sure I was welcome to shoot photos so I hastily snapped these two and legged it for the door.  The last is a view from the outside.....no detail overlooked here.

Another set of photos from a Gingerbread wonderland window.  You could almost smell this as you stood in amazement.  Check out the sepia architectural print of the elaborate frosted home (photo 3). 

Around the far side at Bergdorf's there are much tamer windows.  But I had to show you this one......remember when Fallon and I had our Gotham day in November?  I was wishing I could have popped into the open window for a quick shot of ME sitting on that loveseat.  Second picture shows you the photo I took when the access door was open.  Third is another Fargo window....not too Christmas-y but over-the-top in fabulousness.  Fourth shows you what we first saw when approaching the Barney's windows.....their theme this year:  Happy Andy WarHol-idays.  Can you stand that gigantic Fornasetti face on a tray?

Andy and his prints, and quotes, covering every spare inch in these Barney's windows.  Since I was carrying my soup bag I had to pose.  Should have been wearing my soup shoes too.  Terrific tribute to this icon, although not so Christmas-y.  Still - I wouldn't have missed it.  The girls didn't quite get it, had to explain who he was.

Between Bergdorf's and Barney's we made a little side trip into Tiffanys.  Well, it was going to be a little side trip....simply because Fallon recently saw Breakfast at Tiffanys and fell in love with Audrey.  But - we were stopped at the door by a terrific salesman who handed the girls a catalog, gave them a little speech about Tiffanys being a classic, and even would be stylish for a girl who was into Goth, as he notes Fallon's skull and crossbone bangle she's wearing.  He sent us up to the third floor where the girls could try on bracelets and fondle the silver charms.  I'm amazed I didn't cave and buy something as it was such a sweet little excursion.

We skipped Bloomingdales as I was worried the little legs would tire out so we headed down Fifth Avenue to Saks.  Didn't get any good pictures because there were too many people around.  I can't stand people in my pictures!  Next to Saks is the American Girl store.  Definitely a great place to visit (we even had a birthday party there) but it's crazy in there at this time of year.  We merely went in so Theresa could say she'd been there.  Next - Rockefeller Center and the famous tree overlooking the skaing rink.  Massive crowds in this section of town and all the way down to Times Square.  The photos above are taken at the Royalton Hotel.  44 W. 44th Street.  What a great address.  Graham and I stayed here the weekend we got engaged and I took the girls in to show them it's coolness.  I mean, look at the guest hallway!  The walls and ceiling and carpet are all royal blue and it makes you feel like you have to whisper.  A wonderful 15 minute respite from the bustle....plus they have a lovely restroom off the lobby.  You need to know where you can make pit-stops when you're on foot in the city. 

Here we are in a bicycle-driven rickshaw.  Fun night to be riding in style down Broadway.  Our destination was Union Square to see Bright Nights, a light and sound event sponsored by Target, featuring artist Tord Boontje.  You've seen his awesome paper cut decor all over Target this year, and his graphic elements don all holiday labels this season.  The coolest stuff.  This presentation was hard to capture as it's an interactive light show that moves and reacts to you as walk through the space.  I did get some video of it and may try to upload it to YouTube.  Very cool.  Edit:  Someone already has a flip clip to see HERE.

All through the city there are holiday fairs - small marketplaces set in booths surrounding parks.  Terrific artist offerings - lots of jewelry, felted bags, handmade scarves.  I think next year I'll come earlier and do my shopping in the city.  Last stop of the evening was Trash and Vaudeville on St. Marks Place.  Fallon had to show her friend the cool rocker shop.  Not a place to buy stuff, but fun to look.  We had hoped to see 11 Spring Street where there was an entire building that had it's interior covered in Graffiti Art.....but the line of people was long and it was supposed to close at 5.  The girls didn't know we missed it but I was a little heartbroken.  Here's a link to see what I'm talking about: SEE HERE

It was a grand day.  You could say.....visions of sugarplums danced in their heads. 

Edit:  For a grand book on Linda Fargo and her Bergdorf windows, SEE HERE.  And for a fun book about Barney's windows and Simon Doonan, SEE HERE.

 

 

Workshop

Tomorrow registration for workshops at Valley Ridge Art Studio will begin.  If you have never been there it is a rare treat.  Kathy and Bill are the hosts for fabulous weekend classes all through the summer and fall outside of Madison, Wisconsin.  I was lucky enough to teach there in 2005.  Had a rockin' group of gals, and my mom even join in and got messy!  It is an experience I will never forget.  The line-up is stellar once again this year.  Thinking of making an artful getaway?  This is your place.

October 6&7 I will be teaching a new workshop:  Backstage Pass.  It's about using your art journal as a tool and a document as you progress through making art.  We'll be making assemblages while working in our journals.....the title of the class coming from the idea that what goes on behind the curtain is kinda like what happens in your journal if you use it as a tool while creating.  If you're interested check out the details at www.valleyridgeartstudio.com 

Gifts

It's that time of year.  Parking lots are crazy.  Lists are being made.  Things to prepare, things to purchase, people to remember.  I look back over the year and have many fond memories I want to capture with words to go with the pictures I've taken.  I scroll down this blog and laugh as I continually change the setting so my entry "It's a Wonderful Life" won't fall off the bottom.  Why?  Because I love reading it.  I love re-reading the comments it generated.  I love re-living that moment.  I want to carry in my heart that feeling of pure JOY from the experience itself, followed by the immeasurable gratitude for unexpected gifts, like that day, and those people, who made a difference in our lives. 

Before I let the Sam's Story drop into the archives, I will share this video....grabbed by my digital camera since I didn't have my video camera with me that day.  It's only a snippet, but I know what it is, what it means, and I'm happy for the few seconds I have.....and I've finally posted it to YouTube.  Here is Mike, showing Sam to direct Kiska for a trick, and a small view of Kendra, and Sean's voice.  To them and to Nicholas, THANK YOU.

And while were at it, let's remember Jason.  You probably saw the news clips about him - a young autistic boy who became the basketball hero.  Here is a newscast that shows his story, and how he made a difference to a family with a young son just diagnosed.  I'm sure there are countless more people who were touched in some way by Jason.  I know I was when I first got a call from a friend's husband to report on the story which led me to catch it on the news.  I'll never forget Jason McElwain.....and how cool is this?  The evening after being at Marineland, Sam and I turned on the tv at the hotel and happened to tune into the Kid's Choice awards just as Jason received an honor.  Click here for more. 

"The best things in life aren't things".

This Christmas, remember hope and magic don't have pricetags, they're priceless.  Give an unexpected gift.

Street Team Crusade No. 3

Join the Crusade.  See Team link on right.  Winner for No. 2, Deborah Everton.  Curious?  Go see.