On Inspiration Friday (Saturday)

On A Midsummer Night's Dream - Lyric Opera of Chicago A

On Wednesday evening, Scott and I made our way to the Lyric Opera of Chicago to see their new production of A Midsummer Night's Dream by Benjamin Britten. Although I know a bit of Shakespeare's story, I hadn't seen this opera before and based on the images made available before hand I was excited to see it.

You know, I love the opera. The whole experience appeals to me, but the truth of the matter is that it is a costly endeavor and somewhat of an extravagance to partake in. We got a great deal on our tickets, but the night is an investment and so the desired result is something quite over the top. Something you couldn't or wouldn't see somewhere else. With this production, the Lyric delivers. It was stunning. The set was incredibly simple, but the way in which it was manipulated through light and navigated with opulent yet clever costuming, well, it was beautiful. The truth of the matter is, you don't see (or hear) anything like this anywhere else other than the operatic stage. Not on this scale and of this caliber. It is a three hour treat.

The singing was incredible and I had the distinct pleasure to be able to witness a friend from college give an outstanding performance. Elizabeth DeShong, a fellow Oberlin alum has made quite a name for herself as a young singer. I haven't really heard her since 2003, but I was amazed by the fact that she sounds virtually the same, but so much stronger. This reminded me that she has always been an extreme talent. As Hermia, she showed strong vocal prowess and commanding acting chops. It was impressive.

So, whether or not you're "into" opera, might I suggest you take the time to have the experience? It is unique and you won't get it elsewhere. I personally think it is a necessary treat.

On Winter Boots Cntd.

Hey Ya'll. After much searching and much thinking, I decided on a winter boot. It's kind of humorous given our recent 70 degree temps, but I am set on gearing up for winter this year. No cold toes for me. So, as you may remember, I was considering an expensive winter boot investment of high quality, but possible impracticality. I gave up on that. My friend Tim very astutely pointed out that those boots have no traction. Now, as someone who has taken a good fall or two on icy sidewalks, it is good to have traction.

The answer? The Cole Haan Air Vail Winter Boots. Not too clunky and not too wimpy. I think they'll be just right.

On Kombucha

So, let me start off by saying this drink is not for everyone and I'm perfectly aware that some woud consider it an acquired taste. But, that being said, I'm really into Kombucha. I've been trying it off and on for a while, but recently I picked up a few bottles at Whole Foods and have taken to drinking it regularly. I do notice positive results... digestively speaking.

Here's what Wiki says about this funny tasting tea:

Kombucha is a fermented tea that is often drunk for medicinal purposes. There is limited scientific information supporting any health benefit and few studies are being conducted, although there are several centuries of anecdotal accounts supporting some of the health benefits attributed to the tea. Kombucha is available commercially and can be made at home by fermenting tea using a visible, solid mass of yeast and bacteria which forms the kombucha culture which is often referred to as the "mushroom" or the "mother".

Kind weird, right? But, I think it no weirder than eating yogurt and I happily do that for similar reasons.

The funny thing about Kombucha is that it was removed from the shelves of a lot of stores recently due to reports that some bottles had "elevated alcohol levels." Ha! But, apparently those "elevated levels" have been removed and we're back.

Give it a try. You might like it.

On Video again.

You may remember quite some time ago I made an investment in a proper video camera for purposes of recording my vocal happenings etc. Well, not to go on and on about my new camera but upon it's arrival I spent some time this Saturday playing with the HD video feature. Ugh! Why did I not make this purchase much sooner? Check out the quality. I'm super stoked about what is in my future as a result of this great tool.



Now, I'm no piano player so try to forgive me for that but I've been thinking a lot about jazz standards lately, because every once in a while I get hired to sing them... and the truth is, I love them. Body and Soul is one that I learned in high school choir and it is incredible how these tunes stick with you. I'm happy to have them in my musical vocabulary.

On a New Camera

I finally made the plunge. Last Friaday. It was so worth it!

I've been debating buying a proper digital camera for, well, years. I felt that if I were truly going to make the investment, I needed to go all the way. Buy a professional grade camera with a professional grade lens. It seemed I would be doing myself an injustice by doing anything different, but due to the $$$ involved with that the result has been years of putting it off.

Recently, I decided I would just take the plunge, but not the full plunge. I would purchase a top level mid-grade camera with a stellar lens. I placed my orders online and waited patiently.The lens arrived promptly, but the purchase of the camera didn't happen because of a shady internet seller. So, on Friday I had enough and made my way to Calumet to make the purchase.

My expectations have been exceeded. I shoot film. I love film, but I'm getting too lazy for film! So, with this digital camera I am convinced that I can still be convincing. Scott was the unassuming victim of my all weekend long picture taking, so I' thought I'd just share a few images from our incredibly delicious lunch yesterday at Pastoral as well as a moment by the lake. It really was a beautiful day, yesterday.

Not bad, right? I feel like my expectations have been exceeded and I am excited to document more and more... something I have been lazy about as of late.

On Inspiration Friday

On a Jack Knife

This August, when attending my friends' Robin and Dave's wedding, they gifted me (and a few others) a knife for our duties as witnesses. They didn't have traditional bridesmaids and groomsmen, but friends and family who served as witnesses. The women, in a somewhat traditional move were gifted Pashminas and the men were gifted jack knives.

Despite the non traditional nature of this wedding, this gift took me back to previous weddings I had participated in as a very young man. See, I'm the youngest of four and my siblings have all had the privilege (?) of being married, so I spent some time participating in these ceremonies. There is something about a jack knife that seems so simple and right as a gift. Especially, a monogrammed jack knife like the one below.





Now, do I use a knife? Nah. Do I like to own it and look at it every once in a while? Sure. Do I appreciate the gesture? Absolutely.

On Wood Paneling

A while ago, Scott forwarded me a cute blog post about an Etsy shop selling vinal covers for Macbooks, giving them the appearance of having wood paneling. Truthfully, I'm not one to cover things up to make them look like things that they're not, but this seemed a charming idea. I had once seen a bicycle covered similarly and thought what a clever and cute idea that was. I could imagine it sitting a top desk and the contrast looking just right. Also, for a mere $10 how could I not give it a try.

Yesterday, I received it in the mail and quickly made the application. The result is as follows.






Sweet, eh? Harkens back to that old station wagon my parents used to have, but with a modern Mac twist.

On Voted!

Hey Ya'll.

I've been down and out for the past four days with a pre season nasty cold. A real bummer, but probably also the result of keeping a mad pace. So, I let it run its course and I am feeling much better today, just in time for November 2! Election day.

First thing I made my way to the polling place, only to be referred across the street... which was my actual polling place. Ha! So, I made my way into the second polling place and successfully voted. The candidates? questionable at best, but I count it my privilege to at least be a part of the process and so that I did. I hope you'll do the same.

Regular blogging will resume tomorrow, post voting and post cold.