Accordion Magic

Maestro Pino is a fine old gentleman who has promised to give me music lessons when I spend my sabbatical year in Italy.  But he threatens....I better PRACTICE.  And that is not just practice, but PRACTICE. Here he is enjoying a little tune that I think he might have written.  And you will enjoy it, too.  Check out those hands!

Puppy Waltz 

In January this year I was in his area for a week, and lunched a couple of times with him at home of friends, right on the Adriatic.  We visited a pupil of his, too, who was coming to give lessons to one of her own pupils.  She and Pino played a tune together.

A Dream Wedding Really Comes True

August 2009: Event of a Lifetime: Liv and Josh and their magical wedding

When this day finally arrived that had been anticipated so eagerly and so often, it felt unreal. The realization,... "it is happening!"..., interrupting the beads of time that mark most days. The schedule today was intricate...right up to when we were all set free to dance and frolic the night away. And we were already full to bursting with gratitude and pleasure from the shared company and artfully designed parties that had been happening for days. My chest felt full of emotion, and I could not stop smiling.

First stop: hairdresser. Basically, we started the day out with a Party at the hairdresser, with the bridesmaids and Diane. don't cha love the pincurls?

Pre-planning , Parties prior, Preparation for the nuPtials..

July 2009: Livie's Bridal Shower

Josh and Liv make a splendid match. The pre-wedding events and preparations were, basically, just a series of performance art pieces. Starting with the Save the Date postcard, above.

Felicia, Judy, Beth and Lucile hosted a beautiful shower for Liv. Josh and Diane flew in with her, and Angie came over from Hawaii.   Liv had rooms at a splendid little B&B that is a hidden gem.  We made a practice run to the SF flower market and bought buckets of beautiful blossoms and then practiced doing artsy things. with them.  Wendy and Nadia drove down for the event, too. Diane and the several girls's moms who are teachers got down with the shop talk instantly.
Later that night, we had a big dinner up at Boulder Creek out under the stars. There were some mosquitos, but also protection in the form of electric zappers and a screen tent. There was a huge long table with people sitting cheek by jowl. It was a dream come true for me. I always imagine sharing the beauty of this homestead with loads of friends and family, but we live all over the place, so it doesn't happen often.






April 2009
Quick weekend in town for our Chicago kids to sample the food and get things prepared for the August wedding, which will be at Chaminade. Ceremony outside, then walk up to the reception. Very wise choice!