Random Act of Gratitude #114: Showcase

Today my kids were performing and viewing performances at a board event celebrating the Arts. The kids did really well and it was a very enjoyable day when all was said and done.

Much like Tuesday, it was great to sit back and see a wide variety of performances, to see kids so actively engaged and having worked so hard. Choirs, drama, dance, Orff ensembles -- it was a pleasure.

Random Act of Gratitude #91: The Genius of Bruno Coulais

I finally got the soundtrack for Coraline. About thirty seconds into the film, I thought, "I will have to get this soundtrack." It's worth it for the opening credits music alone. Naturally, it went into my car stereo immediately. I'm should crank that first track, with its odd, haunting melody sung by a children's choir, at stoplights with the windows down. Haha!

Of course, if you haven't seen the movie, you really should. Don't worry about bringing kids as props. You don't need 'em. See it in 3D if you can; it's stunning.

*Edited to add:

Ha! While driving to work today, it suddenly occurred that the "opening credits" music I referred to above was actually the closing credits music. It's the first track on the CD, but not from the start of the movie. I was trying to figure out where Track Two fit into the movie and suddenly went, "OH! That's the start!" Ha!

Random Act of Gratitude #85: Awakening with Sarah

Now doesn't that sound shifty!

Tonight Sarah and I were off to see Spring Awakening in Toronto. This was Sarah's birthday gift to me.

We had dinner at The Pickle Barrel, Sarah having the rather amusing-to-watch-her-eating-it Thai Lettuce Wraps while I had the delicious Luau Chicken Salad. For dessert we shared the dessert sampler, which was a bit of a let-down. Avoid the carrot cake at all costs, as it seems to have been made in the summer of 1987.

The show was great, if not always "pleasant". The staging, in particular, was amazing -- a very contemporary style of storytelling that is both challenging and character-driven. Of course, this seemed to be missed by the girl beside Sarah (who spent the show sending text messages) and the three behind me (who just didn't get it). Haha!

Thanks, Sarah!

Random Act of Gratitude #67: A Surprising Burst of Purple

Out of the blue, Sonya asked whether I wanted to go and see The Color Purple in Toronto. Um .... let me think for a mome-- YEAH!

It seems her original companion to the show canceled on her so I got to benefit! Woohoo!

The show wasn't without its flaws, but the music was incredible, there were some really great performances, particularly from Felicia P. Fields as Sofia. It reminded me how much I love the story (I've both read the book and seen the movie) and that I really need to read / view it again. Naturally, hanging out with Sonya for lunch and a show isn't bad, either.

Thanks, Sonya, yet again!

Random Act of Gratitude #17: Art and an Artist

Today, was I thankful for many things: a night off work; winter weather that was tolerable (almost pleasant); and the chance to get some reading in.

But the focus of today's entry is the arrival on my front doorstep of Keltie and Andrew for a visit. We went out for lunch and then sat around on my ugly couch chatting. Keltie's one of my longest-standing friends and we don't see each other nearly enough, and I see Andrew even less frequently. It was smashingly good to visit, catch up, and hang out for a few hours.

On top of that, Keltie brought a completely unexpected gift. That's right. Keltie brought me one of her works of art, this mask that she made as part of the 365 Masks project. I finally own one of Keltie's original mask creations! Woohoo!

Thanks for visitng, you two, and thanks for the smashingly wonderful mask!

Random Act of Gratitude #15: Artistry in Motion

I could certainly use this entry to discuss a great visit I had tonight with Betsy and Jackie, but I don't want to be overly repetitive with "my friends are so great" entries, so instead ...

Today I had the chance to see a perfomance of At Nightfall by the Sursault Dance Company. An abstract, contemporary dance theatre production, it was filled with fascinating images, characters, and a simple, effective set and lighting. It was one of those performances that left me thinking, "Man, I want to be a dancer!" I love the opportunity to experience theatre that's outside of the mainstream (so long as it's well done, of course). I can imagine the fun these artists must have had creating the movements, particularly of the fantasy creatures that populate the piece.

And, to top it all off, the choregrapher and dancers made themselves available for quite an extensive Q & A session afterwards and were extremely down-to-earth and friendly. Thanks, Sursault! I loved it.