2-July-2009
Tonight's Green Show: Ghanian Drumming and Dancing
Strolled down to The Bricks to see the Green Show tonight. It was an enthusiastic and even educational performance. Since I wandered in a few minutes late, it took me some time to find a decent vantage point from which to take pictures. But eventually I found a spot.
Here's a little video I took with my phone.
He played different kinds of drums.
And told some stories of how Ghanian music survived Spanish enslavement of Africans in Peru. This drum, for example, is reminiscent of instruments formed in spontaneity out of tables, chairs—whatever was around the house. In this way, music (and with it, traditions and cultural education) could carry on, even though certain instruments were banned from use.
After that, he flew away.
Just kidding. After that, he danced...
...and danced some more.
We thanked him and he thanked us and then the emcee told us to come back tomorrow night for an ensemble performance of the same style of Ghanian music tomorrow. (That is, Friday, July 3, 2009.) I just remembered I will be gone, which is sad, because I so would have liked to hear and see a little more of this delightful Ghanian music and dance.
Epilogue:
On the way back, I stopped to listen to this violin duo playing in front of Earthly Goods (the entrance to which does have nice acoustics, I must agree).
I asked them what song they played and they told me and even showed me the music, but I've forgotten and even paged through 200 results at Sheet Music Plus to try and jog my poor little pea brain. Something with a B. And a E. (I think.) Anyway, they were very good. I quite enjoyed them.
Then, I continued walking down Main and passed by an alley, looking to avoid the large SUV approaching the sidewalk and what did I discover? The occupants of said vehicle knew my name! Indeed it was my friends from Beaverton, The Greenwoods, here in Ashland for the week. I was so lamenting not having time to connect with them this week and so what a treat it was to have a quick chat in the alley (until another car behind them came along, that is).
The end.
Happy Thursday.
28-June-2009
Summer Flowers
Been seeing these pink beauties pop up all over town. There were quite a few of them along the path in Lithia Park as well. I paused to take some pictures. Here are the two "keepers."
Hope the weekend treated you right. Mine went by much too quickly.
24-June-2009
The Nieces Get A New Cousin
The nieces, Adalie, Kylia, and Zoie, are very excited about their new cousin, Madelyn Mae. Sometimes we call Madelyn, Maddie Mae, but Zoie, for one, insists on Madelyn Mae. Every time she woke from a nap or came into a room she would ask, "Where is Madelyn Mae?" In fact, on Father's Day, when we visited the new parents and (more so) baby Madelyn, sure enough, Zoie, the moment she entered the house kept repeating, "Where is Madelyn Mae? Where is Madelyn Mae?"
The girls brought a present for Maddie. Kylia wanted to give it to her first. But I think she was a little unsure of how to present a toy to a sleeping infant.
Zoie, on the other hand, knew just what to do, but she didn't get the response she was hoping for, I think.
All the girls quickly discovered that the best thing to do with a sleeping Madelyn is hold her. They all took their turns.
Even Tucker The Puggle was a little curious about this new addition to his family.
Adalie wanted to know what Madelyn's feet looked like. Not only did she get to see her feet, she also got a lesson in why we swaddle her, in short, to promote calm and to prevent disorganization.
Although the visit was short, the girls enjoyed their time with their new cousin. And they even let their mom have a turn.
I wonder what thoughts are going through this mother-of-three's head... ;-)
Happy Wednesday everyone.
19-June-2009
Happy "Birth" Day, Madelyn Mae!
Madelyn Mae was born at 2:15 am this morning to my brother Brant and his amazing wife Jackie. Look how cute their little family is now!
She weighs 8lbs 4oz and is 20 inches long. (And her head is 13 inches around...note to self for crocheted hat projects!)
Maddie Mae is very talented. So far (and on her first day too!) she can...
...sleep...
...smile AND stretch AND sleep...
...and totally chill out after Auntie changes her first diaper! (She's already a good eater!)
Welcome to the outside world, Maddie Mae! And thanks for coming right before the weekend. Way to be good to your Auntie who would have driven across the country to see you but as it was, only had to drive 4 1/2 hours. ;-)
Now go back to sleep. Well, I guess you really don't need anyone to tell you that. :-)
Oh, and Adalie lost another tooth.
Happy Friday, all!
