tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51747385730330301122024-03-13T03:03:52.481-07:00Empty Nest -Whimsical Journey to Survive and Self Actualize A way to survive the empty nest and a "cracked "relationship with a fun daily challenge of new experiences, reflections, sources, and some biblical guidance. I hope this blog which offers a fun journey to survive by trying something new, either vicariously or by doing, will result in a survival tool kit to replace the past familiar doing, giving, and/or incorporating the interest of your child or your long gone love interest, with some new self interest(s). Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.comBlogger410125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-30466089652081386292024-02-23T16:37:00.000-08:002024-02-27T13:35:30.578-08:00Day 412- Pittsburgh Opera-“Proving Up” at the Bitz Opera Factory- Chasing the American Dream<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6O4LqNwu0_AStz73GbMxOn0Sft8ES-fqCawME6JCm51w8PPNnjJR-BIRasQ0v1a0nXe9LORceafSZsZyn7ZUwfsDtBGTdq75lKbmAd_KwBfs-09RsT-IRoOWRZP8XqWtFOjU_q4mKjCmRvCeeHU5kPxjeRM6rGBCwEXj0RBv3IISNxdKYvO7k4a3Jj44/s5184/proving%20up%20opening%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6O4LqNwu0_AStz73GbMxOn0Sft8ES-fqCawME6JCm51w8PPNnjJR-BIRasQ0v1a0nXe9LORceafSZsZyn7ZUwfsDtBGTdq75lKbmAd_KwBfs-09RsT-IRoOWRZP8XqWtFOjU_q4mKjCmRvCeeHU5kPxjeRM6rGBCwEXj0RBv3IISNxdKYvO7k4a3Jj44/s320/proving%20up%20opening%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Pittsburgh Opera’s <a href="https://www.pittsburghopera.org/season/proving-up">Proving Up</a> is a dark tragic collage of
the struggles facing Nebraskan homesteaders in 1870s. These homesteaders
flocked west dreaming of owning land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The opera, based on a <a href="https://mookseandgripes.com/reviews/2013/03/24/karen-russell-proving-up/">short story by Karen Russell</a>, gives a haunting portal of the Zegner family’s efforts to meet the
requirements of the Homestead Act of 1862 in order to own a piece of America. “Proving
Up” preformed in the intimate setting of the <a href="https://www.pittsburghopera.org/facilities/pittsburgh-opera-headquarters">Bitz Opera Factory</a>, has the ambiance of a horror film about chasing an often-unattainable dream. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70HXDIznjw4W5fD1IGluB0G8uwk2ZOq4EDlgfH2jS6-BUj-YkzFmCT63BPc7VfNYw4lVB8_64lwvMTF-LFC4Xuyobdpdg6XsRV3DaP9tAQu4i1TTaGfM1TWBvfhCsngsloVwj4cHTmTYiTmiwS0kkCXunGDC-e-shD68vg8AQT8RoFk40GhRklfKXfzE0/s5184/proving%20up%20start.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70HXDIznjw4W5fD1IGluB0G8uwk2ZOq4EDlgfH2jS6-BUj-YkzFmCT63BPc7VfNYw4lVB8_64lwvMTF-LFC4Xuyobdpdg6XsRV3DaP9tAQu4i1TTaGfM1TWBvfhCsngsloVwj4cHTmTYiTmiwS0kkCXunGDC-e-shD68vg8AQT8RoFk40GhRklfKXfzE0/s320/proving%20up%20start.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Reflection</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Proving Up showcases the talent of our <a href="https://www.pittsburghopera.org/resident-artists/2023-24resident-artists/">Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist </a> (see <a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2022/12/day-385-pittsburgh-opera-free-brown-bag.html">Day 385</a>). This 80 minute show, sung in English is a good opera for newbies. It engages the audience since you are close to the action in this intimate 213 seat
setting. The resident artists with strong vocals and superb acting captivate the hardness of the unforgiving land and the desire to own it even at the cost of their survival. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The requirements of the Homestead Act needed to own the land: a house of sod, 5
years of harvest and a glass window, which is the hardest to secure, are
repetitive themes in the libretto. The score uses dissonant harmonies, harmonicas, guitars and varied rhythms that are sometimes
down right spooky. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEfl_HbXSg3CE3kxDVXMXvL9WdJ02PvSS9rB4SG3VjEih4x6TxZZDF2JiGWWuXFqEYI2Chd0L1o04WZN-pV6ams708MIi9bC-REH13enZEgRgjjwjujuJMO-Zj6kuajVqeKogyDp1nnKfJl0kIT-RmkVB6e03eu7CdeSW-hlp4OKqH-KzenCQFUg1qwyz/s4989/proving%20up%20creepy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3326" data-original-width="4989" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEfl_HbXSg3CE3kxDVXMXvL9WdJ02PvSS9rB4SG3VjEih4x6TxZZDF2JiGWWuXFqEYI2Chd0L1o04WZN-pV6ams708MIi9bC-REH13enZEgRgjjwjujuJMO-Zj6kuajVqeKogyDp1nnKfJl0kIT-RmkVB6e03eu7CdeSW-hlp4OKqH-KzenCQFUg1qwyz/s320/proving%20up%20creepy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The father, “Pa” Zegner (Brandon Bell ) opens <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with the dream, “...come from every nation.
Uncle Sam is rich enough to give us all a farm.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mother, “Ma” Zegner (Emily Richter ) seems broken as she repeatedly sings, “Where is God’s rain?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The son, Miles (Fran Daniel Laucerica) fights
the elements of a rainstorm and blizzard to share the glass window with another
farmer before the government inspector’s visit asking, “Does a window make a
home?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRMzojiKa4T2Qln32GtS8E2TLFm6ZEBN0JDbgkDHPLZgVpcNKs6g9mmjAdmQ-5re3jbktRO4WL7F9rxGNcjqFQw09jTlhP2ewEgqHiC9C0L6tNGE9StK5WfInifVhpdn4DPrGvBMq7UrSQ-sCD9E2BYeJvSdWXZa0YNrv2oWwO9qw5l1WZsV49HSZXeXk/s5184/proving%20sisters%20singing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRMzojiKa4T2Qln32GtS8E2TLFm6ZEBN0JDbgkDHPLZgVpcNKs6g9mmjAdmQ-5re3jbktRO4WL7F9rxGNcjqFQw09jTlhP2ewEgqHiC9C0L6tNGE9StK5WfInifVhpdn4DPrGvBMq7UrSQ-sCD9E2BYeJvSdWXZa0YNrv2oWwO9qw5l1WZsV49HSZXeXk/s320/proving%20sisters%20singing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">There is bloody
brother in a steel tub, two dead Zegner singing sisters (Julia Swan Laird) and (Jazmine
Olwalis) and a zombie like Sodbuster
(Evan Lazdowski) that wonders the land.</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Yes it’s dark, like I said, akin to a good horror flick that does not end well. Yet this eerie opera is relevant today. It ponders the question of
the existence of the American dream, even for those that seem to do everything
right. </p><p class="MsoNormal">(Poven Up runs through 2/25/24. <a href="https://www.pittsburghopera.org/season/la-traviata/">La Traviata</a> runs March 16-24 and <a href=" https://www.pittsburghopera.org/season/the-passion-of-mary-cardwell-dawson https://www.pittsburghopera.org/tickets/free-rideshare-vouchers/"> The Passion of Mary Cadwell</a> runs April 27- May
5, 2024. Both of these shows are part of a new <a href="https://www.pittsburghopera.org/tickets/free-rideshare-vouchers/">opera ride share program</a> that puts a $60 dollar voucher in
your Uber account with your ticket purchases. This makes a night out at the
Opera a no parking, door to door experience. For tickets and more about the free
ride voucher go to <a href="https://www.pittsburghopera.org/">pittsburghopera.org</a>.)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><em style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">David Bachman Photography for Pittsburgh Opera</span></em></p><p style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 20px 0px 16px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><b>Other Sources</b></p><p style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 20px 0px 16px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.pittsburghopera.org/">https://www.pittsburghopera.org/</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.pittsburghopera.org/resident-artists/2023-24resident-artists/">https://www.pittsburghopera.org/resident-artists/2023-24resident-artists/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.pittsburghopera.org/season/free-low-cost-events/songshop/">https://www.pittsburghopera.org/season/free-low-cost-events/songshop/</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.pittsburghopera.org/season/la-traviata/">https://www.pittsburghopera.org/season/la-traviata/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.pittsburghopera.org/season/the-passion-of-mary-cardwell-dawson">https://www.pittsburghopera.org/season/the-passion-of-mary-cardwell-dawson</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.pittsburghopera.org/tickets/free-rideshare-vouchers/">https://www.pittsburghopera.org/tickets/free-rideshare-vouchers/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-90674659983067907262024-02-17T09:18:00.000-08:002024-02-22T14:41:49.038-08:00Day 411- Pittsburgh Public Theater - Dragon Lady- Generational Healing Through Story Telling <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__SyqX5sEvff8Ma0kRI4rz2EW7Ei4Vvrg7eU7Orvedo7huIUEsJKyylI4b6uuPxDMk_2-DxtwUO5GSQeIGGvftPClwZvV7Wot2J39WV3odzphD7-L4AKY16-2WHCGbmqx5NCFrWJlVo4AfGkXgQPNPQMGob9o5hMIudVrRcFBKYq9Fyzy4AyX8iQCMPUa/s5515/dragaon%20band.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3565" data-original-width="5515" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__SyqX5sEvff8Ma0kRI4rz2EW7Ei4Vvrg7eU7Orvedo7huIUEsJKyylI4b6uuPxDMk_2-DxtwUO5GSQeIGGvftPClwZvV7Wot2J39WV3odzphD7-L4AKY16-2WHCGbmqx5NCFrWJlVo4AfGkXgQPNPQMGob9o5hMIudVrRcFBKYq9Fyzy4AyX8iQCMPUa/s320/dragaon%20band.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.ppt.org/">Pittsburgh Public Theater's Dragon Lady</a> is the ultimate story
telling experience with a punch of music and song. The author and performer,
Sara Porkalob, tells the family history of the dragon lady, her grandmother who
was a night club singer in the Philippines before marriage brought her to the United
States. This one women show portrays three
generations of family struggles, pain
and joys. It’s raw, funny and an authentic portrait of generational healing
though story telling. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pkzkBTUU8xBUFFRVR1-2tBHzcofvZrpcj81JD2ktec5SeoDtrC20p5C_8cZ7HKGlkjClytnqrvAi0f4orOSBno8Wt0WsUFOjDm4MrB7EOBdvvCkKByNoGsUVoBDABUweX7R5B1242SKhVJpemaak3D7ZFdutnV4hJ99Rd_CL00hQCbT2oeIquDbKtmbd/s5471/dragaon%20talk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3804" data-original-width="5471" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pkzkBTUU8xBUFFRVR1-2tBHzcofvZrpcj81JD2ktec5SeoDtrC20p5C_8cZ7HKGlkjClytnqrvAi0f4orOSBno8Wt0WsUFOjDm4MrB7EOBdvvCkKByNoGsUVoBDABUweX7R5B1242SKhVJpemaak3D7ZFdutnV4hJ99Rd_CL00hQCbT2oeIquDbKtmbd/s320/dragaon%20talk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Reflection</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The show opens with the Dragon Lady singing and rapping<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>her life version to the beat of “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-43lLKaqBQ">House of the Rising Sun</a> ” and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw0_qHNRAEA">Gangsta's Paradise</a>.”
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On her 60<sup>th</sup> birthday she
shares it all with her first born granddaughter, Sara. She believes that “60 is last of old
person’s birthdays when we need to start to tell stories to our children before death.”
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Her story begins with childhood turmoil in the Philippines <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and her father’s proclamation that, “you have
my blood in your veins, trouble is a family trait.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The account, often told with humour, is of one tough
lady who had to claw her way through life.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1V96riIReKxjRF57tKEEy7Pnbp3KsHojZyD-SRyEKWNbb0AzUQ7NjkxTHiWTY322BO3y1LZItZEyAFz-YcAhp08ZO1szr82d7zwzqUVjUzEYb-pJLUWlfsSCUWtVOH2w3AWT__KoCBUR7h8LzpLVVLRMpHiuJnclFg4MHMTV7upIVrYpCLbDvssWlQ14/s6048/dragaon%20couch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4024" data-original-width="6048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1V96riIReKxjRF57tKEEy7Pnbp3KsHojZyD-SRyEKWNbb0AzUQ7NjkxTHiWTY322BO3y1LZItZEyAFz-YcAhp08ZO1szr82d7zwzqUVjUzEYb-pJLUWlfsSCUWtVOH2w3AWT__KoCBUR7h8LzpLVVLRMpHiuJnclFg4MHMTV7upIVrYpCLbDvssWlQ14/s320/dragaon%20couch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">After intermission, Sara’s mother (Maria) tells a different tale
of the Dragon Lady. Maria’s narrative is critical of her mother’s life choices
and her own upbringing. It’s a strained mother/daughter relationship sprinkled
with love. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I watched this show with
my own mother, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought about the many
times that <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I too played the “blame game”
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Porkalob portrays every character: her grandmother, her
mother, mother’s siblings, the night club madam and 18 others, with amazing alterations
to her voice, posture and expressions. These character changes often occur at
lighting speed but with understandable distinction. Porkalob’s singing and the quartet
from the band <a href="https://hotdamnscandal.bandcamp.com/music">Hot Dam Scandal</a> enhance this engaging painting of her life. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLB1657fwkE9dQKghcFpvLfMyEEwehlO0hq-_6eW81OU0xljQu7VwN0ei8AMTmFEI1fO7NUYeNjzVZWtI34kl9739D1g3Cfb7uoQ5VGSLwKCaS5AqHovD2Z6vNrZjaOkLHYu1n6lMInsXcUNLeJ3yl19v4AN0crxeOas9tU98Ly4H1-h5ltuebuUX5rloa/s5505/dragaon%20sing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3650" data-original-width="5505" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLB1657fwkE9dQKghcFpvLfMyEEwehlO0hq-_6eW81OU0xljQu7VwN0ei8AMTmFEI1fO7NUYeNjzVZWtI34kl9739D1g3Cfb7uoQ5VGSLwKCaS5AqHovD2Z6vNrZjaOkLHYu1n6lMInsXcUNLeJ3yl19v4AN0crxeOas9tU98Ly4H1-h5ltuebuUX5rloa/s320/dragaon%20sing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes all we have are our stories and memories of our
past. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like Porkalob, I have found <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>laughter and maybe even some healing
reminiscing about my childhood with my closest friends , or recounting the
stories of my immigrant<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Italian huckster
grandparents with my cousins.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This show made me
laugh and cry. There is sure to be something in Porkalob’s tale that will
resonate with everyone because <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>family
relationships, whether good or bad, bring meaning to our present. We all
have a history, a story and even some pain that runs through our blood that “is
of some use to us.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">(<a href="https://www.ppt.org/production/87715/dragon-lady">Dragon Lady </a> runs until Feb 25, 2024 at Pittsburgh Public Theater. To purchase tickets go to </span><a href="https://www.ppt.org/">https://www.ppt.org/</a>. Also, you can live stream the show on Feb. 23rd and 25th for $49 per household. Get the live stream tickets at <a href="https://ppt.org.prospect2.com/Prod/link-tracker?redirectUrl=aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cucHB0Lm9yZyUyRmRyYWdvbmxpdmU=&sig=2udSHqfT4GDrurRY7jiFFpatJxSQuJWZGiXZuaaTDCNQ&iat=1708098744&a=%7C%7C475886877%7C%7C&account=pptorg%2Eactivehosted%2Ecom&email=YOtMumJPkz8PHOC0h%2FXmDo0GNKmixgsYPLvrkoMZTaI%3D%3AvPf4SyG3%2BJ5n3dfsXVs9To5ZGMQRtWQS&s=426886f8ec42ce4f6d3ad2b098d26392&i=741A769A9A10272" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6; font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif; outline: none;" target="_blank">PPT.org/DragonLive</a><span face="arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16px;">.)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>All Photos: <span face=""Fakt Pro", "Segoe UI", "SanFrancisco Display", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #17181a; font-size: 14px;">Sara Porkalob in Pittsburgh Public Theater’s Dragon Lady by Michael Henninger </span>)</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDvypu9iThkMotzq2ocP4R2DWpxubVPFnqkwW106-4VHmqKa4EhyWtku7vmbzwZ870NxvzN50PNNr8esK1BfMCR7AriWWja2w8XUKRzIXrmedFLDXO1FJJuabM6g6JZA3sC8n7k2DDub4mHGi4NTOixX-5GvD5dXXziHypvCCTfailBuiqlWggBAJ791c/s640/mom.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDvypu9iThkMotzq2ocP4R2DWpxubVPFnqkwW106-4VHmqKa4EhyWtku7vmbzwZ870NxvzN50PNNr8esK1BfMCR7AriWWja2w8XUKRzIXrmedFLDXO1FJJuabM6g6JZA3sC8n7k2DDub4mHGi4NTOixX-5GvD5dXXziHypvCCTfailBuiqlWggBAJ791c/s320/mom.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom is<br />first US generation of our family.<br />I am second and my son 3rd.<br />Our stories bring meaning to <br />the present.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b>Spiritual Reflection</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">But now, O Lord, you are our Father: we are the clay, and you are the potter: we are all the work of your hand. <i>Isaiah 64:8 (ESV)</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b>Other Sources</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.ppt.org/">https://www.ppt.org/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.ppt.org/production/87715/dragon-lady">https://www.ppt.org/production/87715/dragon-lady</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-23340358938736973622023-12-09T18:11:00.000-08:002023-12-28T12:41:07.011-08:00Day 410-Get you Cheer on with This Guide to Holiday lights, Shows and Music in Pittsburgh<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRIIQSjm2i2S_Makio-oLG_0TqYi0Z71JzjxfBLduRVbjrEzEJgR3IreOX72mmW8DJ1rTUYAO3GIR4ugfeFqd2T8FUXljygKd-Nk0Dypaq66noUzIwgAxn5egHYxlW4XVDC0m5RW9XZLMHU0odW7rJ5PU3NyJwFT3ZdD65NKscTl-j-UvZLjEhv3sC8ck/s320/sing%20pic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="320" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRIIQSjm2i2S_Makio-oLG_0TqYi0Z71JzjxfBLduRVbjrEzEJgR3IreOX72mmW8DJ1rTUYAO3GIR4ugfeFqd2T8FUXljygKd-Nk0Dypaq66noUzIwgAxn5egHYxlW4XVDC0m5RW9XZLMHU0odW7rJ5PU3NyJwFT3ZdD65NKscTl-j-UvZLjEhv3sC8ck/s1600/sing%20pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Christmas is the most wonderful time of year in Pittsburgh. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The holiday lights, shows and music give you so many ways to get your cheer on. If you join me
in some of these experiences, you be like Buddy the Elf and</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">want to spread Christmas cheer by, “singing
loud for all to hear.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"><b>Lights </b></span><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 21.3333px;"><b>Camera</b></span><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"><b> Holiday Action</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">1. Dazzling Lights -Pittsburgh Botanical
Gardens- November 24 to January 2, 1024</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LJpw0suuoJrVE4h1qBIg_nhtsvC5DxwJ-4UdWYjkfQFcpFG6Ftxt7RT4OqgDJy0WIK564pyO1xhBui6h1smbZp69_gt_bSfieFjhJd-sIuXaK_UKflUbE94bVSKUrRQaPP5TZzokTSeCwXZ9ahBn88cY1wU65qvnwySO91r-HHjW93UXspvf7hq_-ZTp/s320/dazeling%20lights.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LJpw0suuoJrVE4h1qBIg_nhtsvC5DxwJ-4UdWYjkfQFcpFG6Ftxt7RT4OqgDJy0WIK564pyO1xhBui6h1smbZp69_gt_bSfieFjhJd-sIuXaK_UKflUbE94bVSKUrRQaPP5TZzokTSeCwXZ9ahBn88cY1wU65qvnwySO91r-HHjW93UXspvf7hq_-ZTp/s1600/dazeling%20lights.jpg" width="240" /></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">This is the second year for this immersive light
experience. Lights twinkle, sparkle and dazzle as you traverse through the
trees, fields, tunnel illuminated installations, and snow at the Pittsburgh
Botanical Gardens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grab a bite or adult drink
as you watch colours dance over a pond or throughout the trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Join me at <a href="https://www.dazzlingpittsburgh.com/">Dazzling Lights</a> and purchase your
tickets <a href="https://www.dazzlingpittsburgh.com/">here</a>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">2. Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and
Light Garden Phipps Conservatory-November 17-January 7, 2023</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYNGBHcALti6x_F3f9Jc2qLYp7Nk2LbAceemh3_mgSPp6LuplS774G9TGaiabJraD9_4CzlfWvxHKOGzWUkN8iSlGSvIyENiT_F59qauu5zcj5XJk3Ax-1Lo-HDHuRqehSg9U-IOIn0LoRgMYz_zXnS_wGBZMWmxKi18IBbPtbzxY_AGEhKFaR3-u0Hj8/s320/phipps.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="320" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYNGBHcALti6x_F3f9Jc2qLYp7Nk2LbAceemh3_mgSPp6LuplS774G9TGaiabJraD9_4CzlfWvxHKOGzWUkN8iSlGSvIyENiT_F59qauu5zcj5XJk3Ax-1Lo-HDHuRqehSg9U-IOIn0LoRgMYz_zXnS_wGBZMWmxKi18IBbPtbzxY_AGEhKFaR3-u0Hj8/s1600/phipps.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><a href="https://www.phipps.conservatory.org/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Phipps Conservatory</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> not only gives you over 21
varieties of poinsettias, adorned trees, and a train display, but they have a
magical shimmering illumined outdoor garden. This has become an annual Pittsburgh tradition because it had the "ah factor" each year. Have a hot chocolate or an adult
beverage as you stroll through the garden and the beauty. Join me for the Holiday
Magic and get your tickets </span><a href="https://www.phipps.conservatory.org/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">here</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">Read more about The Phipps Holiday Magic experience on <a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2016/12/day-180-phipps-conservatory-wonder-in.html">Day 180</a> , <a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2017/11/day-251-phipps-conservatory-wonder-of.html">Day 251</a> and
<a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2018/12/day-313-phipps-conservatory-let-it-glow.html">Day 313</a>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">3. Zoo Lights Drive through-November 24 to
December 30, 2023 (New walk-through Dec 15, 16, 22 and 23)</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQybov5MLfkozaovbxirE5l4jaXFkCiefkZrfBabjiQYX5npVyASJDMDkcMW1pSlq1HGiV5Oz3ygtNutn37JdAs0ms97uEt2N22agjzXcvP-AHUR49NvJsom0YAdiL1vAE3-ktS5PMbYvkIJBBTfCPtiBN5OzZJCJjzQkmyieqDjH2Mc1rYZR2fHAW5_Uw/s320/z00.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="294" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQybov5MLfkozaovbxirE5l4jaXFkCiefkZrfBabjiQYX5npVyASJDMDkcMW1pSlq1HGiV5Oz3ygtNutn37JdAs0ms97uEt2N22agjzXcvP-AHUR49NvJsom0YAdiL1vAE3-ktS5PMbYvkIJBBTfCPtiBN5OzZJCJjzQkmyieqDjH2Mc1rYZR2fHAW5_Uw/s1600/z00.jpg" width="294" /></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">If driving through the lights is more to your liking,
the <a href="https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/">Pittsburgh Zoo</a> will take you on an illuminated safari.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will be greeted by over 150 sparking, twinkling
and moving wild life installations, newly added zoo babies and more. (There
are also 4 walk through nights complete with live music) So, pack up your car,
put on the tunes and join me for a ride through Zoo Lights and purchase your
tickets <a href="https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/zoo-lights-drive-thru/">here</a>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">4. A Christmas Tree Stroll Through the City</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHS5VD_LanayaqYYuK9kvQxz_ipFzNM0is2J4EgfXwAScvxTeNO1Z78cT2FMk1QzoHn3leOX0p_iRQ7bEioOdanTOE6zBYoyLDd4dnqrO9O4h0BIBqYZeghyipxYz02E3-PGfh5allR1bZ2WJc82weUQpHB2-5E5AbXz_YhcEsxcG4nQz6rlm0VQboE66f/s320/omni%20tree.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHS5VD_LanayaqYYuK9kvQxz_ipFzNM0is2J4EgfXwAScvxTeNO1Z78cT2FMk1QzoHn3leOX0p_iRQ7bEioOdanTOE6zBYoyLDd4dnqrO9O4h0BIBqYZeghyipxYz02E3-PGfh5allR1bZ2WJc82weUQpHB2-5E5AbXz_YhcEsxcG4nQz6rlm0VQboE66f/s1600/omni%20tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Omni William Penn Hotel lobby</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">Pittsburgh is adorned with lights on bridges,
buildings and trees. There are lit trees from the tip of Point
State Park to the granddaddy evergreen at the City County Building. Make<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>your own magic with a scavenger hunt for decorated trees on a city walk. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">Take a tree stroll from the iconic towering Joseph
Horn's tree on the now Highmark Building, then venture to the <a href="https://www.fairmont.com/pittsburgh/?goto=fiche_hotel&code_hotel=A571&merchantid=seo-maps-US-A571&sourceid=aw-cen&utm_medium=seo+maps&utm_source=google+Maps&utm_campaign=seo+maps&y_source=1_MTIzNjE0NTctNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D">Fairmont Hotel </a> lobby tree, cross though the market square village to the PPG
dancing illuminated tree, then head uptown to the City County Building tree. Visit the life size nativity at the USX Tower. On your way uptown, make sure to stop and view lobby of the <a href="https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/pittsburgh-william-penn?utm_source=gmblisting&utm_medium=organic">Omni William Penn Hotel</a>. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">During your adventure enjoy a drink
and find even more festive trees in hotel lobbies and restaurants. No tickets are needed for this free adventure of your own making.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 106%; mso-themecolor: accent1;">Bring
Up the Curtain and Enjoy Some Holiday Shows<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">1. Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley-City Theatre-November to December 17, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"><a href="https://citytheatrecompany.org/">City Theatre</a> on the South Side offers a size venue for a more intimate theatrical experience. Celebrate Christmas with the characters from Jane
Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This play takes place two years later, when love
is sparked by an unexpected guest. The story transports you to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the 1800’s when our Christmas traditions such as a decorated tree began. Join me and celebrate with Austen’s charters at <i>Miss Bennet:
Christmas at Pemberly </i> and purchase tickets <a href="https://citytheatrecompany.org/play/miss-bennet-christmas-at-pemberley/">here</a>.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%; mso-themecolor: text1; text-underline: none;">2.Who’s Holiday-CLO-Greer Cabaret
Theatre-December 1 to December 31, 2023</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUnIgWNruWhcnvs9GalSp-L0kPFAN9d_lRdN6Md0PHEAFP-bCsQEQlhSvVzrFFjnMlll8pvDvRAyNVIgrLw5zQa2S58rZlYyyVtjsoJIVr1O-N2SGTLuuXvH7vn0OHqJgJsGBpeEB6p26Cv4YzmLo8VGPgaqQg98-xmt9CY_9t4FwY7aa-mwOcZ5qtr8r/s320/who.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="290" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUnIgWNruWhcnvs9GalSp-L0kPFAN9d_lRdN6Md0PHEAFP-bCsQEQlhSvVzrFFjnMlll8pvDvRAyNVIgrLw5zQa2S58rZlYyyVtjsoJIVr1O-N2SGTLuuXvH7vn0OHqJgJsGBpeEB6p26Cv4YzmLo8VGPgaqQg98-xmt9CY_9t4FwY7aa-mwOcZ5qtr8r/s1600/who.jpg" width="290" /></a></b></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you are looking for some
adult comedy, go to Dr. Seuss’s Whosville and catch up with grown up Cindy Lou
who lives in a trailer on the mountain in </span><a href="https://trustarts.org/production/90310/whos-holiday" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Who's Holiday</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">. She enjoys her cocktail and more and
rhymes her story galore. Join me with a cocktail for this funny witty show in
the intimate </span><a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/visit/facilities/cabaret" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Greer Cabaret Theatre</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> and purchase your tickets </span><a href="https://trustarts.org/production/90310/whos-holiday" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">here</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%; mso-themecolor: text1;">3. A
Christmas Story: The Play-Pittsburgh Public Theatre-December 7 to December 23,
2023</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7aX_8stZvL3ZnPITkAdFQji_tHvEBgvQpvw8igFObupYzYe52a4JPF6RLUY_jLtrQyaiBhINAwc8MrAl2-5HzMCtmB75OD6NJtjoUNlaAN67VU5SFkY1XoycLRUFxZ2E8ZjrEZ90NpzWL2xwj97mE0rcU2x-2ZKbKBAxBZEOvi_jjNLQvy6BzqNdBwr4/s320/christmas%20story.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7aX_8stZvL3ZnPITkAdFQji_tHvEBgvQpvw8igFObupYzYe52a4JPF6RLUY_jLtrQyaiBhINAwc8MrAl2-5HzMCtmB75OD6NJtjoUNlaAN67VU5SFkY1XoycLRUFxZ2E8ZjrEZ90NpzWL2xwj97mE0rcU2x-2ZKbKBAxBZEOvi_jjNLQvy6BzqNdBwr4/s1600/christmas%20story.jpg" width="240" /></a></b></div><a href="https://ppt.org/production/87685/a-christmas-story-the-play" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Christmas Story (The Play)</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> will immerse you in the iconic holiday movie. Every year my son and I
make it a ritual to watch the movie. Last year the play had us laughing over
and over at nine-year old Ralphie’s quest for a “Red Ryder, Carbine Action,
two-hundred shot, range rider air rifle with a compass in the stock” and the
father’s acquisition of a major award. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Join
me for this iconic lighthearted play and purchase your tickets </span><a href="https://www.ppt.org/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">here.</a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Read more about The
Christmas Story:The Play experience on <a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2022/12/day-386-christmas-story-play-pittsburgh.html">Day 390</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%; mso-themecolor: text1;">4. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CLO’s A Musical Christmas Carol-December 15 to
December 23, 2023</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijT7OvfSQU1AMhEkZz8XN4g2k8YlsjDHT1peK4X3Vo9UoiH23JTXpi0Hs-kf3VVQFGPfKLYwfAXAJr04ZzKczh0zgzZ9AvU-xrxZhTqaMaGhctYMEAEmuI4ApaUxm5wRJbAwGFED5aZFKOHgQf6LxTXi46af2QV45xATWlWNbZSiWS_EW2395CSn44-8nV/s250/CLO%20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="237" data-original-width="250" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijT7OvfSQU1AMhEkZz8XN4g2k8YlsjDHT1peK4X3Vo9UoiH23JTXpi0Hs-kf3VVQFGPfKLYwfAXAJr04ZzKczh0zgzZ9AvU-xrxZhTqaMaGhctYMEAEmuI4ApaUxm5wRJbAwGFED5aZFKOHgQf6LxTXi46af2QV45xATWlWNbZSiWS_EW2395CSn44-8nV/s1600/CLO%20.png" width="250" /></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Dicken’s tale where Scrooge
finds redemption and joy on Christmas morning is another holiday classic. The
CLO kicks it up a notch with the addition of beloved holiday songs in <a href="https://www.pittsburghclo.org/shows/a-musical-christmas-carol">A Musical Christmas Carol</a>. The story with the injection of holiday melodies heightens the spirit of the season. Join me for this charming
event that has become a Pittsburgh tradition and purchase tickets <a href="https://www.pittsburghclo.org/shows/a-musical-christmas-carol">here</a>. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Read more about A Musical Christmas Carol experience on <a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2018/12/day-312-musical-christmas-carol.html">Day 312</a>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 106%; mso-themecolor: accent1; text-underline: none;">Sing a Holiday Song/Dance</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">1.Pittsburgh Opera -Song Shop- Holiday Concert
-December 9, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxvBDWsKZnu9UQWhfx0h7Kv3xdj2JFIhPWDAF0z4OgyNx8hHQ6CXGLTiMVd3JXwiMsJxJgLXffHb3OiHlYMZccP0O1teQpJv7Kgjc8WPXnaYSqbd4nss9cOMdF4gmpn8osoaqKDuz3gyKO8lGNkBMXH7FfekGyyUhLW9siCTmwKHbnxHX7Qdhhn1-cYAk/s320/opera.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="320" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxvBDWsKZnu9UQWhfx0h7Kv3xdj2JFIhPWDAF0z4OgyNx8hHQ6CXGLTiMVd3JXwiMsJxJgLXffHb3OiHlYMZccP0O1teQpJv7Kgjc8WPXnaYSqbd4nss9cOMdF4gmpn8osoaqKDuz3gyKO8lGNkBMXH7FfekGyyUhLW9siCTmwKHbnxHX7Qdhhn1-cYAk/s1600/opera.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The </span><a href="https://www.pittsburghopera.org/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pittsburgh Opera</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> offers free Song Shop events (January
through May) at the Bitz Opera Factory. It’s a great way to experience opera in an
intimate setting and sample opera before you commit to a full performance. The
Holiday concert Song Shop is a choreographed collage of festive music sung by
some of Pittsburgh's best voices. Join me at the Bitz Factory in the Strip
District for a musical melody with the Opera. This is a free event and you can find the
Song shop Schedule </span><a href="https://www.pittsburghopera.org/season/free-low-cost-events/songshop/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">here</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">Read more about the Song Shop formerly Brown Bag experience on <a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2022/12/day-385-pittsburgh-opera-free-brown-bag.html.">Day 385</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">2. Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra Holiday Concert -Pittsburgh
Playhouse-December 21, 2023</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiwXbYp8oHsf0j3uI6u8x09ocMjq8z-o-NDbeKBBSWg09-UMQmznxNZWljSKZIojQv2bKzOS5PbnR-tyDGI_YYH56D45eYqnXKhoQh-5FmS3xRt7l32hxsiQcLvu337CyZN2y_oua6ObpJReacJNGyiEG9N9VETiLsCyCpffScXVPnJ7QaD2FPH8QxCKR/s320/jazz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiwXbYp8oHsf0j3uI6u8x09ocMjq8z-o-NDbeKBBSWg09-UMQmznxNZWljSKZIojQv2bKzOS5PbnR-tyDGI_YYH56D45eYqnXKhoQh-5FmS3xRt7l32hxsiQcLvu337CyZN2y_oua6ObpJReacJNGyiEG9N9VETiLsCyCpffScXVPnJ7QaD2FPH8QxCKR/s1600/jazz.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><a href="https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/playhouse-presents/index https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/playhous" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Point Park Playhouse Presents</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> brings a variety of
international and local talent to the intimate Pittsburgh Playhouse theatre. This is the forth year for the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra Holiday Concert at the Playhouse. This year Ann Hampton Callaway brings her blended jazz and pop style to the show. Join me for some head bobbing and toe tapping at </span><a href="https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/playhouse-presents/pjo-holiday-concert" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Pittsburgh Jazz Holiday Concert</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> and purchase tickets </span><a href="https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/playhouse-presents/pjo-holiday-concert " style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">here </a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">. </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">Read more about Playhouse Presents experience on <a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2023/11/day-409-playhouse-presents-noche.html">Day 409</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">3. Pittsburgh
Ballet Nutcracker-December 8 to December 28, 2023 and</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">Pittsburgh Orchestra Pops-December 15 to
December 23, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzZVb-02wPwLL5ajgbe59GjvJq0uRBPNVGgiqGbzKlFHS_N9Qsc3sE4UA_mOkqwno47e0jSDY43ABuDq8vB-2EwX5eH7AfAMnmrs_SC0asUxHz3XyDSSNGRRR81EK_zzo92tbB5sEr8SdUeiGHWKub_B8_JA3BEkwstKzpKFWQRaWWESlgJ8AnWbanVsk/s320/nutcracker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzZVb-02wPwLL5ajgbe59GjvJq0uRBPNVGgiqGbzKlFHS_N9Qsc3sE4UA_mOkqwno47e0jSDY43ABuDq8vB-2EwX5eH7AfAMnmrs_SC0asUxHz3XyDSSNGRRR81EK_zzo92tbB5sEr8SdUeiGHWKub_B8_JA3BEkwstKzpKFWQRaWWESlgJ8AnWbanVsk/s1600/nutcracker.jpg" width="240" /></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <a href="https://www.pbt.org/">The Pittsburgh Ballet's</a> Nutcracker</span> and <a href="https://pittsburghsymphony.org/">The Pittsburgh Symphony Holiday Pops</a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> have
become Holiday traditions for many. These both are world class companies that bring home the Christmas spirit with two masterful shows. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">The Nutcracker, with Tchaikovsky’s famous musical
score, contains snow, sugar plum fairies, dancing toys, ballet leaps,
jumps and spins and more. You will also enjoy spotting the Pittsburgh references in the show: bridges, Kaufman’s clock, Pirate and Penguin dolls, and Steelers Terrible Towels. Join me for a magical night of dance and music and purchase tickets <a href="https://www.pbt.org/">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra fills Heinz Hall with beloved holiday music. There is also a sing along, dancing and Santa. You will not want to miss taking a picture in front of a gigantic adorned tree in the lobby. Join me for a sing a long with the Pops and purchase tickets <a href="https://pittsburghsymphony.org/">here</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Read more about the Nutcracker and Holiday Pops experiences on </span><a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2014/12/day-90-share-nutcracker.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Day 90</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> and </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2017/12/day-257-nutcracker-and-holiday-pops.html"> Day 257</a>. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Bring In the New Year-First Night 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFv6u5syi6f4TNE_o4OU1TVGLscW-35rflgzDrH39uOQ-oVxZ1wXxt4vgMWvk6b7NVIEnj3J_QMNjqc0D8CDnkL_5LxzdnA9PCSOlogDeC1ol2SbmnKWuRrje8nszqXjf2kRSGdTrI44YpOoz-kC7BDPj_3fStbBby8DosusgpIH2uXxLuXqjFZ6pdFRU/s478/first%20night.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="478" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFv6u5syi6f4TNE_o4OU1TVGLscW-35rflgzDrH39uOQ-oVxZ1wXxt4vgMWvk6b7NVIEnj3J_QMNjqc0D8CDnkL_5LxzdnA9PCSOlogDeC1ol2SbmnKWuRrje8nszqXjf2kRSGdTrI44YpOoz-kC7BDPj_3fStbBby8DosusgpIH2uXxLuXqjFZ6pdFRU/s320/first%20night.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://firstnightpgh.trustarts.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA1rSsBhDHARIsANB4EJbH1NuHNmTsoHO7tlo-zvdB2TNIhFiy2zoVtiFK2DoXVfes6UvVItQaAmwjEALw_wcB">First Night Pittsburgh</a> is the perfect way to bring all that Christmas and Holiday cheer into the new year. There is free entertainment, music in the streets, a ball drop, fireworks and more. Join me in the Pittsburgh best 2024 First Night Pittsburgh celebration and get VIP tickets <a href="https://firstnightpgh.trustarts.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA1rSsBhDHARIsANB4EJbH1NuHNmTsoHO7tlo-zvdB2TNIhFiy2zoVtiFK2DoXVfes6UvVItQaAmwjEALw_wcB">here</a> and free schedule events <a href="https://firstnightpgh.trustarts.org/events">here</a>. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Read more about the First Night experience on <a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2020/01/first-night-pittsburgh-new-years-eve.html">Day 359</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSVDauGWWoTbm878LosjgxLZl0KPfPRCt5ZcssjXjT3MwhoC2r5lzJKW8HiHeaO5inNsiyITZJaqtnn1TibS-dmC6niFrhcyDxhjsVSx-F94blpO57P6cjjWKW05axOUiyEDICj_NmMm4GD2G-mZCyR5Yvc6WZtYAC8ZwviRMZ7NFHfrFPc61DYSKsfDk/s320/elf.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSVDauGWWoTbm878LosjgxLZl0KPfPRCt5ZcssjXjT3MwhoC2r5lzJKW8HiHeaO5inNsiyITZJaqtnn1TibS-dmC6niFrhcyDxhjsVSx-F94blpO57P6cjjWKW05axOUiyEDICj_NmMm4GD2G-mZCyR5Yvc6WZtYAC8ZwviRMZ7NFHfrFPc61DYSKsfDk/s1600/elf.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look, I found Elf </td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">These are some of my favorite ways to celebrate
the season in Pittsburgh. You may have others but no matter how you celebrate, it’s
always the people around the tree and table that matter the most. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">When my son
is home, I am instantly filled with Christmas cheer and like Elf, you will find
me singing out loud for all </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">to
hear. I am filled with happiness as I </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">explore the Pittsburgh holiday lights, shows and music with the one's I love.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Have a Happy Holiday and Wonderful 2024</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-10496260083147327192023-11-01T09:05:00.024-07:002023-11-12T06:26:40.536-08:00Day 409- Playhouse Presents-Noche Flamenca-Spanish Flamenco- an Explosion of Passion<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi612dyBT_rCQ2lXPsZ_2Bp0RWPAsF6By5yuL33n4_Jrp0TCSPvW_B5t57Jq2MEib-t1VLs-jYCLl1BYxjXmPsnO-8CBP0xziUr9FpaNUqH2lojbooJYikQ6pJ_oI-incqVDOy8ZDYRv5mFksPVPN4mWYVmhogfI5FTc-2I12U3QRRd9W0hkt3slm-p5Po8/s411/dance%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="295" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi612dyBT_rCQ2lXPsZ_2Bp0RWPAsF6By5yuL33n4_Jrp0TCSPvW_B5t57Jq2MEib-t1VLs-jYCLl1BYxjXmPsnO-8CBP0xziUr9FpaNUqH2lojbooJYikQ6pJ_oI-incqVDOy8ZDYRv5mFksPVPN4mWYVmhogfI5FTc-2I12U3QRRd9W0hkt3slm-p5Po8/s320/dance%202.png" width="230" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">The<a href="https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/playhouse-presents/index"> Pittsburgh Playhouse Presents</a> (PP) brings a variety of internationally
renowned dance and music performances to Pittsburgh. Managing Director, Kiersha
Lalama, explains that, “Pittsburgh Playhouse remains steadfast to transform lives
through art that captives, enriches, enlightens and entertains.” <a href="https://www.soledadbarrioandnocheflamenca.com/">Noche Flamenca</a>,
the first show in the Playhouse Presents series, does just that. The show has the
pulse of traditional Spanish flamenco dance, adds a modern twist and explodes
with passion.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6a0M0hhj9metFmniA86bsO2OFCfoxcocIbdNlERZybqtCe-Gxt_bSJFlUmhs-g3IV68_ctLDPG_1WBalp3zkfrJCBCPBlj34kKLW9fEEakTfZR2SFiSxp3ccGrhTyZMYzbFFHINmSAHc0kshq6oYE5pROlyttkc8Pn1w-XaiuEA7PWNQw3KIHgsYsHAr/s320/dance%20team.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="211" data-original-width="320" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6a0M0hhj9metFmniA86bsO2OFCfoxcocIbdNlERZybqtCe-Gxt_bSJFlUmhs-g3IV68_ctLDPG_1WBalp3zkfrJCBCPBlj34kKLW9fEEakTfZR2SFiSxp3ccGrhTyZMYzbFFHINmSAHc0kshq6oYE5pROlyttkc8Pn1w-XaiuEA7PWNQw3KIHgsYsHAr/s1600/dance%20team.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Refection</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When I think of flamenco dance, I invasion a tall handsome
man wearing fitted black pants staring into the eyes of a women in a red ruffled
dress as they both rapid fire their feet. This company gave us that and so much more. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first half was a dance inspired by the paintings of <a href="https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/goya/hd_goya.htm">Francsico de Goya,</a> a Spanish artiest that used art to send a message about the political
injustices in 18<sup>th</sup> and 19<sup>th</sup> century Spain. Two men and
two women told a story. They opened with claps, then taps on desks, and finally rhythms
generated by their staccato steps. The rhythms alone were spellbinding then add
in the expressions, the guitar, rhythm box and singer, and you are engaged in something
so different. It's a show that transports you to Spain and dancing that radiates passion on steroids. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2fObCyQ5eoKYH6IzaZmEVfWXKiTByoMPaSsT4qaEVFjvUYPsMFapdM4voYqPjLTczQOpAAHRgxDf6vd-iN9nwxLhseqeqR2yrbevap8uEQULQrg-Fm_q_kfF_5YO34wkThgg6yJ2dxMix2MAdc7JNpbeTVc-VecoUIzEmAgDMCFn28iiT4L_KB_mKXLA/s498/dance.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="498" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2fObCyQ5eoKYH6IzaZmEVfWXKiTByoMPaSsT4qaEVFjvUYPsMFapdM4voYqPjLTczQOpAAHRgxDf6vd-iN9nwxLhseqeqR2yrbevap8uEQULQrg-Fm_q_kfF_5YO34wkThgg6yJ2dxMix2MAdc7JNpbeTVc-VecoUIzEmAgDMCFn28iiT4L_KB_mKXLA/s320/dance.png" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">The song, although I understood none of the Spanish, was intriguing with what seemed to be a Middle Eastern influence. The second half included some traditional
flamenco together with the percussion of castanets. </p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">La Puerta Luminsoa (Two People Looking into a Luminous Room) by Soledad
Barrio contained relentless speedy foot tapping as her arms softly moved with the grace of a ballet. Her passion reached deep into her soul and to me, she hit the pinnacle of
this dance form. </p><p class="MsoNormal">(For more on Noche Flamenca go to <a href="https://www.soledadbarrioandnocheflamenca.com/">soledadbarrioandnocheflamenca.com</a> or see the <a href="https://www.soledadbarrioandnocheflamenca.com/touring">tour schedule</a>).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oh_eVENCUiunQ6BqA8hfY23my7jZ45Qn2S7G5_m9OmdDM37F136OoBI9r64GWLhShDLTn0UihKIlv1r2NDebDNANjb0__n76IuRf2NXyA5LSEyMHAiMVp0-o-3D03htO3glQnZSeuN16G7CBPlxqhIXAipHZdESf3ZV1e-ix3eqwUSCoXaZgtsN8ZJrS/s320/dance%20playhouse.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oh_eVENCUiunQ6BqA8hfY23my7jZ45Qn2S7G5_m9OmdDM37F136OoBI9r64GWLhShDLTn0UihKIlv1r2NDebDNANjb0__n76IuRf2NXyA5LSEyMHAiMVp0-o-3D03htO3glQnZSeuN16G7CBPlxqhIXAipHZdESf3ZV1e-ix3eqwUSCoXaZgtsN8ZJrS/s1600/dance%20playhouse.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I will definitely keep this series in my toolbox for finding new experiences.The Pittsburgh Playhouse Presents is another place to explore
international talent in Pittsburgh. The playhouse with it's three theaters is an
intimate beautiful venue and the shows will not break your piggy bank. For more
about the series and upcoming shows visit <a href="https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/playhouse-presents/index">Playhouse Presents</a>. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Other sources</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/goya/hd_goya.htm">https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/goya/hd_goya.htm</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/playhouse-presents/index">https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/playhouse-presents/index</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><a href="https://www.soledadbarrioandnocheflamenca.com/">https://www.soledadbarrioandnocheflamenca.com/</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.soledadbarrioandnocheflamenca.com/touring">https://www.soledadbarrioandnocheflamenca.com/touring</a></p>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-39960462607685846222023-10-27T18:55:00.029-07:002023-10-31T04:12:19.391-07:00Day 408-Pittsburgh Zoo (Special Event) Asian Lanterns-Vibrant Trip Around the World<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9-mNp_maIYFgxaymOQaE6jMt22beFQwGnrg0xe9BHPU6BkrkuH8J28-M9uGaR964V2r6Y4yFK1MpmHR5PEFdUDSuuWzQm43KpKRkAR82lOO7khrmtno9JepYA-h9dvgTvm7I6EwvUq_CBTJcPQphLkc6Iy30fWDVp-T_LFrSR2u8rijb4NE-dFPwE95V/s320/zoo%20flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9-mNp_maIYFgxaymOQaE6jMt22beFQwGnrg0xe9BHPU6BkrkuH8J28-M9uGaR964V2r6Y4yFK1MpmHR5PEFdUDSuuWzQm43KpKRkAR82lOO7khrmtno9JepYA-h9dvgTvm7I6EwvUq_CBTJcPQphLkc6Iy30fWDVp-T_LFrSR2u8rijb4NE-dFPwE95V/s1600/zoo%20flowers.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">The <a href="https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/">Pittsburgh Zoo</a> is home to many exotic animals from all
over the world. The <a href="https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/event-asian-lantern-festival/">The Asian Lantern Festival </a> takes you around the world using hundreds
of cloth illuminated sculptures throughout the zoo. These<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>works
of art line the serpentine pathways taking patrons to the wildlife of the mountains,
African savanna, jungle and the sea in vivid shades of reds, yellows, purples, and more.
It’s a colorful vibrant trip around the world.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitE_tqilD-xp8vig-KMlhljfn4e4Xxpje_wTKovbQMmN_pWV5JWVzmKY8KwNalovBjna6SQ5vO-YxfgAgwBjC01EhdH0QGyVGVnOMXJr9yMuf4MIpAU6uc0xDmc5GPDdYCNyVwXvzH9JCSsU7QDRqByKj-i1OtVQgb19lrDc95c-I8uth8fBPosgDvKitY/s320/zoo%20pagoda.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="245" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitE_tqilD-xp8vig-KMlhljfn4e4Xxpje_wTKovbQMmN_pWV5JWVzmKY8KwNalovBjna6SQ5vO-YxfgAgwBjC01EhdH0QGyVGVnOMXJr9yMuf4MIpAU6uc0xDmc5GPDdYCNyVwXvzH9JCSsU7QDRqByKj-i1OtVQgb19lrDc95c-I8uth8fBPosgDvKitY/s1600/zoo%20pagoda.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Reflection</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The ride up to the zoo entrance on the mountainous escalator drops you into another world like Dorothy landing in
Oz, but this time it’s China. The gigantic pagoda is the focal point. It is surrounded
by The Monkey King (from a famous 16 century Chinese novel), a blinking ornate
bust (representing the Chinese Opera) and a Phoenix Corridor (Chinese legendary
bird). The corridor connects to over 10 figures of a Chinese Dynasty. Everything pops with
color against the night sky and many lanterns have moving parts that bounce, twinkle or wave to heighten the ahh factor. <o:p></o:p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDsVZFNN8jI80Lf9QgT_ciZJK6Jrlp4IRUQtRFkPyTu4ezySUHLHxgNUKxOXS8i9kLug8G05AonW5CTKzr2i9UotFDwBvqT6Bg43K0n7UkPQTekZs_jw9yEp2cH-KUcpYky2rKLlqIHfYervYOrxQCSy7INdDLbLdU8qJSSAtj8FH73uiLrx792yW_H2d/s320/zoo%20white%20lepords.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="320" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDsVZFNN8jI80Lf9QgT_ciZJK6Jrlp4IRUQtRFkPyTu4ezySUHLHxgNUKxOXS8i9kLug8G05AonW5CTKzr2i9UotFDwBvqT6Bg43K0n7UkPQTekZs_jw9yEp2cH-KUcpYky2rKLlqIHfYervYOrxQCSy7INdDLbLdU8qJSSAtj8FH73uiLrx792yW_H2d/s1600/zoo%20white%20lepords.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White leopards start the journey</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">The white leopards in the mountains start the journey. My favorite was an installation of over 20
animals: zebras, elephants, giraffes, impalas, and lions from South Africa.
They were located across the only real animal that came to greet us, a baby giraffe.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygvw7Cr1Czfh2Xp1pkFD5BOG487Yz0SepAz8QcyhDmfvMA3DpmuJw7SmfJO3_HIClqSoio4OhcGTqTN4mUkEQUGr3mzPZy6CYV4v2xE4ORe-rYjfbq2o4-bxlW562A7eaB9fPIjqYxm9ZsdJAaqcWroKQi1JXlWuvpEXCauue7sOVDy5Fj7JpkC6tV1a0/s320/zoo%20fish.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygvw7Cr1Czfh2Xp1pkFD5BOG487Yz0SepAz8QcyhDmfvMA3DpmuJw7SmfJO3_HIClqSoio4OhcGTqTN4mUkEQUGr3mzPZy6CYV4v2xE4ORe-rYjfbq2o4-bxlW562A7eaB9fPIjqYxm9ZsdJAaqcWroKQi1JXlWuvpEXCauue7sOVDy5Fj7JpkC6tV1a0/s1600/zoo%20fish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">The sea section is complete with a shiny swimming blue
whale. A tunnel of fish makes you feel as if you are diving in a coral reef.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">There were so many sculptures that your head spins as you go
from an animal to a bird, flower, tree or giant cobra. That’s right, a big red
snake about the length of 10 people. There is a photo opt at every bend. Your phone
is snapping to the right, left, up and down. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Eti9NdgODn16Ln-BHvaSJPMgJq63FI68nFjLplXPdebZ5JZeSWBRZ9N87GrkAYggKK-Zb83ssxP9WMslOXDsuhG-02itYIe8nbglUguvzYFVSGRaX2hCdA1q1IktQwEOlgYMvG9I0K01SJ_tft88_j5wtQvhw8YIbJL1snns8a6hyphenhyphenpaGG6BZUhqVLMku/s320/zoo%20dancer.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="211" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Eti9NdgODn16Ln-BHvaSJPMgJq63FI68nFjLplXPdebZ5JZeSWBRZ9N87GrkAYggKK-Zb83ssxP9WMslOXDsuhG-02itYIe8nbglUguvzYFVSGRaX2hCdA1q1IktQwEOlgYMvG9I0K01SJ_tft88_j5wtQvhw8YIbJL1snns8a6hyphenhyphenpaGG6BZUhqVLMku/s1600/zoo%20dancer.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">They thought of everything for this around the world
experience. Music from Chinese instruments, Chinese acrobatics, traditional
dance and pounding drums also entertain. There are interactive games, lighted rainbow swings,
and stepping pads that generate pulsating colors on a towering elephant.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Zoo’s Asian Lantern
Festival not only takes you around the world but transports you to another
world of vibrant color and entertainment.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgp5Tz-QvHfTBs5HU2ydSqf6smoNu1IGDPttd2JxQ-kYZUtvbPGjPpV7PgostFRR4jZPXzPx8VplU8FYbsmwnfWcsco__jTWXDBpx7rVutkiBojyyzAi6vWGYIRaNWdM1Pro2LrwGJkLuXaHI9gpyy1iy5fSisrgHxURDhxw6Pre7UxzqgrSA0M6nuPcZR/s320/zoo%20elephants.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="291" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgp5Tz-QvHfTBs5HU2ydSqf6smoNu1IGDPttd2JxQ-kYZUtvbPGjPpV7PgostFRR4jZPXzPx8VplU8FYbsmwnfWcsco__jTWXDBpx7rVutkiBojyyzAi6vWGYIRaNWdM1Pro2LrwGJkLuXaHI9gpyy1iy5fSisrgHxURDhxw6Pre7UxzqgrSA0M6nuPcZR/s1600/zoo%20elephants.jpg" width="291" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Towering Elephant changes color by stepping pads</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal">(The Asian Lantern Festival runs through October 29, 2023. The
next event is <a href="https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/event-sip-swirl/">Sip and Swirl </a> on November 11, 2023. <a href="https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/zoo-lights/">The Zoo Lights</a>, a Christmas display, runs from
November 24 through December 30, 2023. These special events help support the
Zoo. For tickets and more information on
these events go to <a href="https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/event-category-events/">Zoo Events</a> )</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgrVn2gSD6pFCpVugX6r1K1BJsPmdIm4DIBYjq9Y5oL9CDMeSFPwmuUr_bNQ3KguCjiM_1wuXbvy-FkbNwbck4hQpAjjD7PGSGFrRF20ca9fBISxyGO7wWBwb0wqJtuZ4e9HssjGppc-JsQCFmmwknn8TKI0VuEyXEabuptUAgfMTywp3TpvELimYMuAx/s320/zoo%20me.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgrVn2gSD6pFCpVugX6r1K1BJsPmdIm4DIBYjq9Y5oL9CDMeSFPwmuUr_bNQ3KguCjiM_1wuXbvy-FkbNwbck4hQpAjjD7PGSGFrRF20ca9fBISxyGO7wWBwb0wqJtuZ4e9HssjGppc-JsQCFmmwknn8TKI0VuEyXEabuptUAgfMTywp3TpvELimYMuAx/s1600/zoo%20me.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Other Sources</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/event-category-events/">https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/event-category-events/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/event-sip-swirl/">https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/event-sip-swirl/</a> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/zoo-lights/">https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/zoo-lights/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-23547416732047024202023-10-20T13:42:00.113-07:002023-11-11T13:37:02.313-08:00Day 407 Pittsburgh Opera Opens its 85th Season with A (Block Buster) Barber of Seville, Despite Some Unnecessary Modern Additions. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BP-bKym-tIr8lDPzGF_DjMPa8UMr3TiXMzU32SgF4rt_QEdjul54Lx6vhAn5qQ2WzvEnIPtSMq5aWxQMJjaMYQJSOTrRJTux2Yuit3OSTwZG-XbGaWKWTrHf79tfw18b2H8FhBEoeZAYSe-M4Vb4SeNea3dmar63TuyZDsJbC5pZlbD_ENTbM9-BNh8-/s5184/Barber%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BP-bKym-tIr8lDPzGF_DjMPa8UMr3TiXMzU32SgF4rt_QEdjul54Lx6vhAn5qQ2WzvEnIPtSMq5aWxQMJjaMYQJSOTrRJTux2Yuit3OSTwZG-XbGaWKWTrHf79tfw18b2H8FhBEoeZAYSe-M4Vb4SeNea3dmar63TuyZDsJbC5pZlbD_ENTbM9-BNh8-/s320/Barber%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rossini’s <a href="https://www.pittsburghopera.org/season/the-barber-of-seville">The Barber of Seville</a> is an energized Italian comedic opera. The music will be recognizable even to opera newbies thanks to Looney
Tune's pairing, “</span><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Figaro!
Figaro! Figaro! Figaro!” with the antics of Bugs Bunny as Elmer Fudd’s Barber. Pittsburgh Opera's The Barber of Seville, despite some unnecessary modern additions, is a block buster that will have you tapping
your toes and laughing out loud.</span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Reflection </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The Barber is a jack-
of- all trades: barber, doctor, lawyer, matchmaker and in this production, supplier
of “white powder.” The Barber, John Moore, arrived from NYC just two days before
opening night to replace someone who became ill. He did not miss a beat with
his cartoon like animated facial expressions and baritone staccato opening, “Figaro!
Figaro! Figaro!..Tralalalalalalalalà.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPGMW1-B46tkbbwsn_idC3Kf0xw82_hpyLYCQPzbQux5H4dNOBTayGGef-bMCyPM8v1Ed3vE_1hhOB7UBVA2k6N5Cy1_dDa44AHGbs__sSRsSn6YvMM3d4UHLmeXpH3uL15c9CoFVxk-o6Lpyhfk3zo1I59Yxwx-_z-VKPolupAJxn65WbSp8FCzUesuO/s320/barber%20cast.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPGMW1-B46tkbbwsn_idC3Kf0xw82_hpyLYCQPzbQux5H4dNOBTayGGef-bMCyPM8v1Ed3vE_1hhOB7UBVA2k6N5Cy1_dDa44AHGbs__sSRsSn6YvMM3d4UHLmeXpH3uL15c9CoFVxk-o6Lpyhfk3zo1I59Yxwx-_z-VKPolupAJxn65WbSp8FCzUesuO/s1600/barber%20cast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The story is silly.
Simply put, it’s about two men who have a crush on Rosina, Count Almaviva and
her guardian, Doctor Bartolo. The Barber, for a price, devises a plan to disguise Almaviva
as a drunken solder and later a music instructor so that he can have access to
Rosina. After a lot of rigmarole, Almaviva and Rosina eventually end up
together (ahh), Bartolo is jolted (rats) and everyone is surprised then when the
Count reveals his identity (tada).</span></p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">At the end of the first
half, Rosina (Stephanie Doche) is amazing as she rapidly fires her verses. It’s a fun musical
mad cap. Unfortunately, Berta the maid (Emily Richter) who is the partier of the gang,
partakes in sniffing the white powder, overdoses and is revived with an injection
to the heart. (Yes, it’s a flashback to the scene<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in the movie Pulp Fiction). I was revived in the
second half when Emily Richter who is one of the Pittsburgh Resident Artists (see <a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2022/12/day-385-pittsburgh-opera-free-brown-bag.html"> Day 385</a>), <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>beautifully climbs to heights in her aria.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYm7M6mjxH1uhYrXMmUD2WOc0qNEuWqwwJVzr9ahwF4FXgjBHymGVVG66nLy9hDN2WNwHGGYnGjsKuQzFFk8nv-Y4lMSaD_ANcPMXDGv9moHinU69NoaMkpHiuCp7Za0aIvzpzwti1cM5ikutKvoHKFp8wN6XWv5ytYNwUC6saGI0vZuVj5vshmzJg2_Ip/s320/barber%20me.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYm7M6mjxH1uhYrXMmUD2WOc0qNEuWqwwJVzr9ahwF4FXgjBHymGVVG66nLy9hDN2WNwHGGYnGjsKuQzFFk8nv-Y4lMSaD_ANcPMXDGv9moHinU69NoaMkpHiuCp7Za0aIvzpzwti1cM5ikutKvoHKFp8wN6XWv5ytYNwUC6saGI0vZuVj5vshmzJg2_Ip/s1600/barber%20me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Opera companies sometimes make changes in order to update an opera or attract a </span>younger audience (see <a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2019/10/day-328-pittsburgh-opera-don-giovanni.html">Day 328</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>where the changes to Don
Giovanni enhanced the show). No joint rolling Barber or overdose makes The
Barber of Seville more relevant. In fact, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">it added little to Pittsburgh
Opera’s wonderful cast, the comedy and overall production. Why mess with Rossin's masterpiece in this manner. </span><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In my opinion, if you scrub out the drugs, you get a block buster Pittsburgh Opera production of The Barber of Seville. </span><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">(For tickets to The Barber of Seville and other Pittsburgh Opera shows go to <a href="https://www.pittsburghopera.org/tickets/">Pittsburgh Opera tickets</a>).</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Other sources</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.pittsburghopera.org/season/the-barber-of-seville" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">https://www.pittsburghopera.org/season/the-barber-of-seville</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: ES;"><a href="https://www.pittsburghopera.org/tickets/">https://www.pittsburghopera.org/tickets/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: ES;"><a href="https://www.pittsburghopera.org/resident-artists/">https://www.pittsburghopera.org/resident-artists/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: ES;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: ES;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-29357497328042085912023-09-24T18:52:00.048-07:002023-10-30T20:12:51.601-07:00Day 406- Wholey's Celebrates its 111th Anniversary by teaming up with Mancini’s Bakery to share a Whale of Sandwich with Pittsburgh <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPL6SdMmCmaYSOeTJBQV1fLCIWUdoA9b0vIJEkbT0ZNHF-zpI9SUw5wMJ5rjE1lLymJhHISTtq7GR6Qw818CNwDuGX32ZpXucpN-Jps31Xb4BquxF-w_WMCJS5Cudyt5v3EwRe2Irn1bPkAex8WzC1se-T_ARo9rGAhjfQ4A3KxANyVjBX-GntWeSZx97C/s320/fish%20standing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPL6SdMmCmaYSOeTJBQV1fLCIWUdoA9b0vIJEkbT0ZNHF-zpI9SUw5wMJ5rjE1lLymJhHISTtq7GR6Qw818CNwDuGX32ZpXucpN-Jps31Xb4BquxF-w_WMCJS5Cudyt5v3EwRe2Irn1bPkAex8WzC1se-T_ARo9rGAhjfQ4A3KxANyVjBX-GntWeSZx97C/s1600/fish%20standing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://wholey.com/ ">Wholey's Fish Market </a> and <a href="https://www.mancinisbakery.com/">Mancini's Bakery</a> are two business that have
been woven into the tapestry of Pittsburgh for over 100 years. Ask anyone raised
here, and they are likely to have a story about going to the Strip District for
a Wholey’s fish sandwich or savoring a loaf of freshly baked Mancini’s Italian bread.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes perfect sense that these two would
team up to celebrate Wholey’s 111<sup>th</sup> Anniversary with a whale of
a sandwich, 111-pounds of fish on a 200 pound bun, and then share it with
Pittsburgh. <o:p></o:p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CMqipBA_8SY3gW5cD1AhxhYVWoutSW8_MlYyb7ZawaFjt4jPVFhgDsZdRg_lq_Uh3E-hJQDLnYotoyquI3SOrTCbaqoa9R8M3Yu6JzAyMmNeEth-d9lMgLxs-TYCFTxs8dWz15xpn8PHZK3z-eduL11oeVUG43aPV96jOUhyphenhyphenKOU_QdnfpLIKiLFxxnGP/s320/fish%20bar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CMqipBA_8SY3gW5cD1AhxhYVWoutSW8_MlYyb7ZawaFjt4jPVFhgDsZdRg_lq_Uh3E-hJQDLnYotoyquI3SOrTCbaqoa9R8M3Yu6JzAyMmNeEth-d9lMgLxs-TYCFTxs8dWz15xpn8PHZK3z-eduL11oeVUG43aPV96jOUhyphenhyphenKOU_QdnfpLIKiLFxxnGP/s1600/fish%20bar.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to make a special bar to raise the bun</td></tr></tbody></table>.<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><b>Reflection</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1912, The Robert Wholey Company sold poultry, meats, sausage,
and coffee in McKees Rocks which has also been the home of Mancini’s bakery since
1929. In 1959 the business was moved to its present location at 1711 Penn Ave in
the Strip District and in 1960 they focused on fish and seafood. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as I can remember, our family’s Christmas
Eve tradition of The Feast of the Seven Fishes started with a yearly pilgrimage
to Wholey's. <o:p></o:p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbtapcH6UmyWNG6oo7DWPASGQ1tF6tYIoPU47-wf_j5DMCmkFaY1bvqSsemMz6luusDQtf7jhPJCUojggD1dqHAw-CtwnrmZ1jwIW6OAxlh2MYIY7lk5Ot-Dx5YK9eH7BvHtVaymNeRsGrwgQIJI7Ll-okqN58Rx-wCNC15CipmTifEAXYUy0M6Zb6wl7/s320/fish%20sand.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbtapcH6UmyWNG6oo7DWPASGQ1tF6tYIoPU47-wf_j5DMCmkFaY1bvqSsemMz6luusDQtf7jhPJCUojggD1dqHAw-CtwnrmZ1jwIW6OAxlh2MYIY7lk5Ot-Dx5YK9eH7BvHtVaymNeRsGrwgQIJI7Ll-okqN58Rx-wCNC15CipmTifEAXYUy0M6Zb6wl7/s1600/fish%20sand.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">111 lbs of fish and 201 lbs of bun </td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"> The Wholey company is a 3<sup>rd</sup> generation family business with
a mission to create “happy customers by selling the freshest product at the
best prices, in a friendly, fun atmosphere.’’ A trip to Wholey's is always an adventure with the rows of unusual fish but a giant sandwich has fun written
all over it.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlaLWVvrl-5wsck-7vAqGK0UqtHpwbhOaR8qj8sluQDwpM05dW8zg8mWQVwoh9jbJMppp6n3iOgdaPTZ5f57NdLDBGcq7kSBhyphenhyphen7Jdrqc8k3IluCNtUEqDJ3uL_RcCv3NhpZkZiljRusV8HVp2ZEQRbVhyViIXiDwjURRnK0Miete_Fh5rQy6FoN4Ubf8I/s320/fish%20store.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="320" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlaLWVvrl-5wsck-7vAqGK0UqtHpwbhOaR8qj8sluQDwpM05dW8zg8mWQVwoh9jbJMppp6n3iOgdaPTZ5f57NdLDBGcq7kSBhyphenhyphen7Jdrqc8k3IluCNtUEqDJ3uL_RcCv3NhpZkZiljRusV8HVp2ZEQRbVhyViIXiDwjURRnK0Miete_Fh5rQy6FoN4Ubf8I/s1600/fish%20store.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A trip to Wholey's market is always an adventure</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Making a bun this size was a first-time experience for Nick
Mancini Hartner, co-owner of Mancini's. “We
had to wrap it in plastic and turn it sideways to get it through the door and had to make a special bar to lift the bun in
order to add the fish,” he explained. Nick seemed very proud of his bread creation.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfGPvUKFpYFK0deuKYSinV0RzZrvywMHLGl33_ue8ylFswtrC7j6zAQRIl2gc8y8sVK-9qpAMvHHc_4B75-7M90o-WMLk-cGyMmdJq4HlLv4u9ME4LKdqG_TmzPM47P6FdznyjLW0tksqTu2ILzQTc0NzeOSEZxRX_oEFQOXFmaMO2S-JnvN7_GkjUswv/s320/fish%20picture.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="245" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfGPvUKFpYFK0deuKYSinV0RzZrvywMHLGl33_ue8ylFswtrC7j6zAQRIl2gc8y8sVK-9qpAMvHHc_4B75-7M90o-WMLk-cGyMmdJq4HlLv4u9ME4LKdqG_TmzPM47P6FdznyjLW0tksqTu2ILzQTc0NzeOSEZxRX_oEFQOXFmaMO2S-JnvN7_GkjUswv/s1600/fish%20picture.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">The Wholey brothers were on hand to stuff this massive Italian
bread work of art with their famous fried whiting. They pointed out the picture on the wall of their grandfather that made the 111 year celebration possible. This is one proud Pittsburgh family and I am proud to
be from a city that wants to share this whale of a sandwich with us all. It's all so good. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3EKcbuVHhjXnTi1dYdum7YI_3rYgVPj0Ej18JGl3mCzxo1uTlPITsz_xV9UjKBrq9dZvipixn0HUONDW3cX-nixGlpdkwbilGnd-wMrxxOuw78iDJLVTovv1VA_J_XC3wdd7OntYmeNVczZOsnW-JVQhuMRWJO6DdZ95-dIqSfQA4wUtA8e-mHhsdmcS/s320/fish%20eat.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3EKcbuVHhjXnTi1dYdum7YI_3rYgVPj0Ej18JGl3mCzxo1uTlPITsz_xV9UjKBrq9dZvipixn0HUONDW3cX-nixGlpdkwbilGnd-wMrxxOuw78iDJLVTovv1VA_J_XC3wdd7OntYmeNVczZOsnW-JVQhuMRWJO6DdZ95-dIqSfQA4wUtA8e-mHhsdmcS/s1600/fish%20eat.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> whale of a fish sandwich-yum</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <b>Other sources</b></span><b> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.mancinisbakery.com/">https://www.mancinisbakery.com/</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://wholey.com/">https://wholey.com/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-55081846259658342652023-09-10T07:49:00.021-07:002023-10-30T20:13:18.195-07:00Day 405-The Benedum Sparkles at The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Chandelier Event<p> </p><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFF7SGKkh35sfRqEIQZWw4imn5Krke-c3DygL4Ez91dnLe4GdfbrbH_ryM7dn4JzEcS42whl8C5Jcl862aYu70CTNnWqbGjAl8hgTE7t1LpQqbu9lc2FO43hUeYGIgUT2FZXAjr0D2rCu06MMxpCJgcd_QSLOxHBFCDHqd7jiaAh9nLPTzfIihvp2WnIV/s320/c%20big%20big.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFF7SGKkh35sfRqEIQZWw4imn5Krke-c3DygL4Ez91dnLe4GdfbrbH_ryM7dn4JzEcS42whl8C5Jcl862aYu70CTNnWqbGjAl8hgTE7t1LpQqbu9lc2FO43hUeYGIgUT2FZXAjr0D2rCu06MMxpCJgcd_QSLOxHBFCDHqd7jiaAh9nLPTzfIihvp2WnIV/s1600/c%20big%20big.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> </span><div>The <a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/visit/facilities/benedum ">Benedum Center for Preforming Arts </a> greets patrons with an ornate concave ceiling adorned with paintings,
gold trim and four crystal chandeliers in the lobby. There are ninety more throughout
the venue. The granddaddy, a 20 feet tall by 12 feet wide, chandelier hangs high
above the audience.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Once a year e</span>verything sparkles at this home to some of the biggest shows and brightest stars (pun intended) when the lights are lowered for cleaning. Friends of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
are invited to an eye level view of the brilliance,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>stand on the stage and a history tour during the “ The Chandelier Event.”</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ax5W2tsVIoF3pI0JhfdP0E_oUQEIFd1AJ2cGs9pyo8PnsLbxwvUDU8FRK3MyjzOc2dQD3VC4zQGsMNrC6PRLZtYj3R14Zi5BNG-6E07kwcQQHKGZYSz_5fR7NWjzddo092hZguzGLmsb7NVpoCn7UP7MbYz80S3SdaPVtPD1vSQiow31pHXypX5bIqzT/s320/c%20lobby.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ax5W2tsVIoF3pI0JhfdP0E_oUQEIFd1AJ2cGs9pyo8PnsLbxwvUDU8FRK3MyjzOc2dQD3VC4zQGsMNrC6PRLZtYj3R14Zi5BNG-6E07kwcQQHKGZYSz_5fR7NWjzddo092hZguzGLmsb7NVpoCn7UP7MbYz80S3SdaPVtPD1vSQiow31pHXypX5bIqzT/s1600/c%20lobby.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Reflection</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Chandler Event brings this gem (this pun also intended) of a
venue into the spotlight. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Benedum
was originally called the Stanley when it opened in 1928 as a “Pittsburgh Place
of Amusement.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Stanley was a movie
theater for many years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the 1970’s, the
walls were covered with dry wall and painted black and gold when it was
converted into a concert venue for DiCesare Engler Productions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Bob Marley's last concert was here. A picture of that night is
on display in the 2<sup>nd</sup> floor lobby.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Likely for the public, in 1984 the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
removed the dry wall to reveal the original beauty. The Trust restored the theater back to it's 1928 glory days and extended the stage. The theatre is one of the 10 busiest theaters in the country. There is always something happening at the Benedum because no show is too big for the stage.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiY3sbfo3bRR4IAoPPdNka5QqdhWx7VJveWil3zT0xqmL5USpqHhGAgnMZey-RiJvxfNUjXfr32bT6nWcUnRJjpva56Ab3CeTQhqsnEZM9htdr9bKX13P_-EbzxXR1zf7nmB2oO5t3YFjcgyOd9cTzcJshF_IGtl9tbWVmAHNQUh_gcvrwqy10_TXzvYI/s320/c%20close.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiY3sbfo3bRR4IAoPPdNka5QqdhWx7VJveWil3zT0xqmL5USpqHhGAgnMZey-RiJvxfNUjXfr32bT6nWcUnRJjpva56Ab3CeTQhqsnEZM9htdr9bKX13P_-EbzxXR1zf7nmB2oO5t3YFjcgyOd9cTzcJshF_IGtl9tbWVmAHNQUh_gcvrwqy10_TXzvYI/s1600/c%20close.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">During the event, the lobby feels like you’re entering a crystal palace. The row
of lights gives a warm glow as you get close to the lowered chandeliers examining the size, pendulum yellow tear drops, and round crystal works of art. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_Zua4v_l6M9rL1JdsLD1crTEQjIhlmhfaUpWMcvXkFFbp953Sp_e5l230gYV93AwOXYi12fUiZbxUFsLYcCnnAImYw1Lnh1MgtU2q5WYMWpSyBVGHEyYZnxf9tGItAJAV3nnPCNoqrjbqsqLVsVovjzer1kZMtQIUkK-hPkgTcvPMQUHT5OyxCeqDQ44/s320/c%20big%20looking.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_Zua4v_l6M9rL1JdsLD1crTEQjIhlmhfaUpWMcvXkFFbp953Sp_e5l230gYV93AwOXYi12fUiZbxUFsLYcCnnAImYw1Lnh1MgtU2q5WYMWpSyBVGHEyYZnxf9tGItAJAV3nnPCNoqrjbqsqLVsVovjzer1kZMtQIUkK-hPkgTcvPMQUHT5OyxCeqDQ44/s1600/c%20big%20looking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The main star is the huge 90-year-old chandelier that hangs at the
very top of the auditorium. The 500,000 Czechoslovakian crystals are almost
blinding. I had a flashback to the falling chandelier in The
Phantom of the Opera when viewing this one almost touching the floor of the balcony. </p><p class="MsoNormal">It takes 300 hours to clean to the 90 chandlers and to replace the 1,500 lights in the ceiling.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> Next time you’re at the <a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/visit/facilities/benedum ">Benedum,</a> look up and all around
at the lights that shine as bright as the stars on stage. Thank you, Pittsburgh
Cultural Trust, for keeping the sparkle alive in this Pittsburgh gem.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizd9W8aupw129sQW9FgJkY2fK3I-w84Tbh24Sx9c_oWsnSD29xqa7Us62DCygc-WjBswDvh9OT98YwhXPA__VjAwHkMiVU3n7UGYX95qAttsKqhlBepFKgWyP3YtXh7U1xEf0SK7z0Nrn1S7a6HbRs-ACKaz1lOQAHTo0zdfSDKFW2akbXvFFDF-gPX9su/s320/c%20lecture.JPEG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizd9W8aupw129sQW9FgJkY2fK3I-w84Tbh24Sx9c_oWsnSD29xqa7Us62DCygc-WjBswDvh9OT98YwhXPA__VjAwHkMiVU3n7UGYX95qAttsKqhlBepFKgWyP3YtXh7U1xEf0SK7z0Nrn1S7a6HbRs-ACKaz1lOQAHTo0zdfSDKFW2akbXvFFDF-gPX9su/s1600/c%20lecture.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">(The Chandelier Event happens once a year in the fall when the theater is dark. The Friends of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust are invited to the free event. Contact the T<a href="https://www.trustarts.org/contact">rust</a> for more information or to become a Trust Friend.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Spiritual Source</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">There is a glory and beauty of the sun, another glory of the moon and yet another glory of the stars: and one star differs from another in the glory and brilliance. (<i>1 Corinthians 15:41)</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Other Source</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/visit/facilities/benedum">https://trustarts.org/pct_home/visit/facilities/benedum</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><br /><br /></div>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-86885848941968352972023-09-03T19:15:00.004-07:002023-10-30T20:13:40.843-07:00Day 404-Climb Aboard a Train, Bike or Caboose for A History Tour in Titusville, Pennsylvania <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVT59rxVIlTkUcCIo6n6zX0eBWzKRN6LYEsEALlWb0pvfKHMnXFumGzXCgu9lhyrxxEVdwpeW48GNREquUQCHOZ_l-BNL6J20UqdH_dNLZuoX6MWt7A7o30-SuOmUh53TAae3RVjERI6w379qgge5N42Y3dfmmPGUeWOk_fT8U4cuXHlbLOvSQwtDSRF4I/s320/train%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVT59rxVIlTkUcCIo6n6zX0eBWzKRN6LYEsEALlWb0pvfKHMnXFumGzXCgu9lhyrxxEVdwpeW48GNREquUQCHOZ_l-BNL6J20UqdH_dNLZuoX6MWt7A7o30-SuOmUh53TAae3RVjERI6w379qgge5N42Y3dfmmPGUeWOk_fT8U4cuXHlbLOvSQwtDSRF4I/s1600/train%20view.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The <a href="https://visitcrawford.org/regions/titusville/">Titusville </a> area, about 2 hours from Pittsburgh, will
take you back to the start of the US petroleum industry in 1860’s. The <a href="https://octrr.org/">Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad</a> rides through
the oil country, now <a href="https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/OilCreekStatePark/Pages/default.aspx ">Oil Creek State Park</a>. You can bike the trail along the train tracks through the park then stay overnight in a real caboose car at the <a href="https://octrr.org/the-caboose-motel/">Caboose Motel</a>. This
is a place to climb aboard a history tour of where the oil rush started in America.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Reflection</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Railroad</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The <a href="https://octrr.org/">Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad</a> is a gem with its restored
1930 Pullman passenger cars each named after someone influential in the area's oil industry.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before boarding at the Perry Street
Station, you can browse the museum and find original relics from the railroad era.
There are lanterns, a weighing scale and safe that looks just like the ones in
old western movies. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VAyMytjlqaMIMQPvTI8CQLQ2T328i1_D4Q6VLHGWYx9h6qiCJlcJN4w-aCEgfy5WQFPiv2cQu5SVg3ss0Q8uvI4f52jzuxYXPjDiBvcbCC_IUv5mjmNi7hzEaeEKHBkMZUiPdwGRQ1sXwl4dG49X1J7PHu-XKxUef3Xk3ouFdPkxMm99NOIojUhH_eH2/s320/train%20stop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VAyMytjlqaMIMQPvTI8CQLQ2T328i1_D4Q6VLHGWYx9h6qiCJlcJN4w-aCEgfy5WQFPiv2cQu5SVg3ss0Q8uvI4f52jzuxYXPjDiBvcbCC_IUv5mjmNi7hzEaeEKHBkMZUiPdwGRQ1sXwl4dG49X1J7PHu-XKxUef3Xk3ouFdPkxMm99NOIojUhH_eH2/s1600/train%20stop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWnJGRMi_1QV_gauMMomkYuBcrwbthZ6o4NFGBpZtotInnZO10CTOmWQl1-qhwo7aH87D1vxXkJVpvuqZ9QvJCH7LyROm2NMjOH88stfMmfArWOi8X4TGxWfeidH-bK6fJ7okEyls2Q15vxMRm072zWvqmI85E22IbVVE049bJ9mI8eKyWYAbx76JrBKZ/s320/train%20car.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWnJGRMi_1QV_gauMMomkYuBcrwbthZ6o4NFGBpZtotInnZO10CTOmWQl1-qhwo7aH87D1vxXkJVpvuqZ9QvJCH7LyROm2NMjOH88stfMmfArWOi8X4TGxWfeidH-bK6fJ7okEyls2Q15vxMRm072zWvqmI85E22IbVVE049bJ9mI8eKyWYAbx76JrBKZ/s1600/train%20car.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">The 3-hour train ride careens through the valley along the river
and passes the remains of drilling wells. The ride is supplemented with tales of
the oil rush and the men that “changed the world.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will learn that The Seneca Oil Company hired
Edwin Drake to drill for oil. In 1859, the oil found on the Smith farm produced some
of the first instant US millionaires. The oil rush brought a population boom
from 250 to 10,000 in 5 years and with it, a little debauchery to the area. It was a surprise
that in 20 years, the Pennsylvania oil, that at one time supplied 58% of United States, was gone.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjGMhIEy945PEdsVJQGXOsF6tzpPPVhqjSRVcikRltdwqahSXH3-YOw5DF2dN_yCq-F5tOZjSF2CYj7YLUzIiaSFfFdzMXR5UJLqht__L1LcFIkvEyrjuu40EOWc17Dmaky-sWxQb0mqZd0DXbCqcm30PNYM-__uW4JJiGovKVbUw0roWVB_rbfy8Vr3h/s320/train%20turn.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjGMhIEy945PEdsVJQGXOsF6tzpPPVhqjSRVcikRltdwqahSXH3-YOw5DF2dN_yCq-F5tOZjSF2CYj7YLUzIiaSFfFdzMXR5UJLqht__L1LcFIkvEyrjuu40EOWc17Dmaky-sWxQb0mqZd0DXbCqcm30PNYM-__uW4JJiGovKVbUw0roWVB_rbfy8Vr3h/s1600/train%20turn.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">The train runs from June to mid-October on Saturdays and
Sundays. At a speed of 10 miles an hour, you can walk through the cars to an open gondola car for a 360-degree view of the green landscape. The railroad boasts of a
fall foliage run that provides a picturesque orange, yellow, and red ride through
the valley (October 1-15, Wed through Friday at 11 AM and Saturday and Sunday 10am and 3pm.).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Oil Creek Bike Trail<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Pennsylvania is unique with a variety of rails to trails
bike paths. The <a href="https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/OilCreekStatePark/Pages/Biking.aspx">Oil Creek Bike Trail</a> is a 9.7-mile relatively flat paved
trail. You can start at Titusville or in the park at Petroleum Center. There
are places along the trail to read about the oil rush history. You pass oil
wells, an oil barge, and access the <a href="https://www.drakewell.org/">Drake Well Museum.</a><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEMoZsjRSlwmRhJI6Nzhkv7mw07qTTzhbboQb0wulRU533Ei0tJpb6-J17SO6jNhdDTFgI5Hm8crpy7_Jw6QOS_Y_bYUzZguyYrHWTK23fiCEvid7wXMLAnN3J8bF4e56S9MplX_AovuXWicdnd_i0cLom8yxXpTLhMiC_u1r2rokKgRzih-XtuIAX-VN/s320/train%20bike%20trail.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEMoZsjRSlwmRhJI6Nzhkv7mw07qTTzhbboQb0wulRU533Ei0tJpb6-J17SO6jNhdDTFgI5Hm8crpy7_Jw6QOS_Y_bYUzZguyYrHWTK23fiCEvid7wXMLAnN3J8bF4e56S9MplX_AovuXWicdnd_i0cLom8yxXpTLhMiC_u1r2rokKgRzih-XtuIAX-VN/s1600/train%20bike%20trail.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">The thick trees along the trail provide shade and give the
feeling of riding through the woods. My curiosity about the black bear pictured
on all the trail maps was answered when turning a bend, I saw a baby black bear
crossing the bike trail. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my first
encounter with a bear in the wild. I was scared (you insert the adjective) as I slowly moved my bike backward looking around for the mama. I can now
say that this Oil Creek bike ride was a beautiful encounter with nature with a dose of
history.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JuP2Ivmnzc4zC-n1B_NbTFTgTofB7KMqrHsbUf21_w5S4Ic4rYcXmVeS79MkX_WJfjGGnsNxxjHhvl7zuC3bN-D5kx_sOVqk3pvu7lWcsorPOMrj3_GVYfnkaeDkym7_HiQJPR1wZOFOVERszixPZoQMA3WQA_NespkrqwGQPpHZKGOtEp84c1MWPTXj/s320/train%20wells.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JuP2Ivmnzc4zC-n1B_NbTFTgTofB7KMqrHsbUf21_w5S4Ic4rYcXmVeS79MkX_WJfjGGnsNxxjHhvl7zuC3bN-D5kx_sOVqk3pvu7lWcsorPOMrj3_GVYfnkaeDkym7_HiQJPR1wZOFOVERszixPZoQMA3WQA_NespkrqwGQPpHZKGOtEp84c1MWPTXj/s1600/train%20wells.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oil wells viewed from train and bike trail </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Caboose Motel</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have always loved the little red caboose at the end of trains.
My bag was packed when I found out that you can sleep in a real caboose at the
<a href="https://octrr.org/the-caboose-motel/">The Caboose Mote</a>l (open from April -Oct 29). There are 21 brightly colored train cars,
each one named after a railroad line. We had an orange, Illinois Central car. <o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVgFpW7XF90dpjhx8ELtZFhs9cMeOkdyNZMat9kmVdzo3e_VKQoSEh7o4dLjFzRn7ahyZQf_f6qUqqxlz57IDrm6yfOw_qN8H_e_ZY49EUw4ylBJ7PEaGkm2IRfM4TeuB_pSZmJ-WGJmPvieRSxjTWn6SMFD-hbrqKRLAaC2cs-iFfpB4y5z_XHGy_w2_/s320/train%20cabose.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVgFpW7XF90dpjhx8ELtZFhs9cMeOkdyNZMat9kmVdzo3e_VKQoSEh7o4dLjFzRn7ahyZQf_f6qUqqxlz57IDrm6yfOw_qN8H_e_ZY49EUw4ylBJ7PEaGkm2IRfM4TeuB_pSZmJ-WGJmPvieRSxjTWn6SMFD-hbrqKRLAaC2cs-iFfpB4y5z_XHGy_w2_/s1600/train%20cabose.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You get your own caboose, one of 21 cars</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">The rooms are very spacious, complete with a bathroom and
cable TV but could use some updates. There is something special about sleeping
in your own cozy car complete with an original train metal door. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidirwzL6tIytvTaONrpXE4V6W5DUI3tvYtcEOVQ67X6Z7zaS5zsZ9_lbnlByJgXjwSq4oed9I00jRGdnl6K-BIuIja96c6mDB-e_w9F2yzaZI4llwJdfvBZSU4R7_C9IXtuS3iMaZrP8arbihVaP6UF1w6x9FTUjkDMaO3Lr3Tc4yvVfuRgRv2tNTKTQ3X/s320/train%20room.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidirwzL6tIytvTaONrpXE4V6W5DUI3tvYtcEOVQ67X6Z7zaS5zsZ9_lbnlByJgXjwSq4oed9I00jRGdnl6K-BIuIja96c6mDB-e_w9F2yzaZI4llwJdfvBZSU4R7_C9IXtuS3iMaZrP8arbihVaP6UF1w6x9FTUjkDMaO3Lr3Tc4yvVfuRgRv2tNTKTQ3X/s1600/train%20room.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Titusville, where America's oil industry started, is a great
place to climb aboard. The railroad will give you a nostalgic ride through oil
country or you can bike on The Oil Creek Bicycle Trail enjoying the natural beauty
with a dose of history. The Caboose Motel is a unique opportunity to live the
history in a train car all to yourself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
can just hear the conductor shout “all aboard”’ in Titusville, Pennsylvania.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFF6aQMneqGPM3f3fNPZV-oxzGb4j1kLApEm0x9Ua3XUOmCMZgglZGyId7sZeTJ8eWVrdJ4qXL9YFGngpOSaRBKcjCmOl-00Iii2p1hoJ68GJxVEVO0CagZ5u3VtmHncSZ1YBfSiltMGw_j8aMjBpdsLe2tiXleDNr8zn9YVyho1VWJlT0aUwTU3bxHBf/s320/train%20tit%20cab.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFF6aQMneqGPM3f3fNPZV-oxzGb4j1kLApEm0x9Ua3XUOmCMZgglZGyId7sZeTJ8eWVrdJ4qXL9YFGngpOSaRBKcjCmOl-00Iii2p1hoJ68GJxVEVO0CagZ5u3VtmHncSZ1YBfSiltMGw_j8aMjBpdsLe2tiXleDNr8zn9YVyho1VWJlT0aUwTU3bxHBf/s1600/train%20tit%20cab.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Other Sources</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://visitcrawford.org/regions/titusville/">https://visitcrawford.org/regions/titusville/</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://octrr.org/">https://octrr.org/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://octrr.org/the-caboose-motel/">https://octrr.org/the-caboose-motel/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/OilCreekStatePark/Pages/default.aspx">https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/OilCreekStatePark/Pages/default.aspx</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> https://www.drakewell.org</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-80270859011926664502023-07-24T09:25:00.025-07:002023-10-30T20:14:08.363-07:00Day 404-Carnegie Science Center Skywatch-An Evening Under the Stars and Date with the Cosmos<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKR9W4eejKUTC7_QAPjcWZtDq__JJrIG6itYz-4j6N36noontG6rHox-x2Z50tPS85XbQkqv4hv4Q_sBrIoULZcIIgvgxzlMyBpnNsPneS0WpiHUlzNTQw5UynucsUN6_YcI4pYtfQIEUSnemPEaoId_IwtPJFKqOqgTEby5T_2sHuHZ9SE4dBksszKhk/s320/SC%20scop%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKR9W4eejKUTC7_QAPjcWZtDq__JJrIG6itYz-4j6N36noontG6rHox-x2Z50tPS85XbQkqv4hv4Q_sBrIoULZcIIgvgxzlMyBpnNsPneS0WpiHUlzNTQw5UynucsUN6_YcI4pYtfQIEUSnemPEaoId_IwtPJFKqOqgTEby5T_2sHuHZ9SE4dBksszKhk/s1600/SC%20scop%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High powered telescope aimed at the the moon</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="yiv5701570487ydpd5f34f5msonormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;"> <a href="https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/planetarium/buhl-planetarium-skywatch/">Skywatch</a> at the Carnegie Science Center offers evening stargazing a few times a year. A
planetarium tour of the Pittsburgh sky is paired with a visit to the
observation deck to view the night sky though high-powered
telescopes. With the help of the experts, you can make a date to
explore the cosmoses and enjoy the beautiful Pittsburgh skyline. It’s an evening under the stars.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="yiv5701570487ydpd5f34f5msonormal" style="background: white;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="yiv5701570487ydpd5f34f5msonormal" style="background: white;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CKsdpmgyRgov04J_sIW_j3DPNKyJewzgwN-q6RHcUhXW1HUGLNbIn3moCD3OXqU_bWDDsOUJTFuizE4JZLudYSBDp6hYtFVDyYrsfct5Ej9ldCXbIcWSzjqmaWVD7mQEsNA_LiiVLFhhVJ3KNySVPTOFXgfw7SNoiCZusRiPCPm4lpkwWslW91bEVSp2/s1025/SC%20me.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="872" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CKsdpmgyRgov04J_sIW_j3DPNKyJewzgwN-q6RHcUhXW1HUGLNbIn3moCD3OXqU_bWDDsOUJTFuizE4JZLudYSBDp6hYtFVDyYrsfct5Ej9ldCXbIcWSzjqmaWVD7mQEsNA_LiiVLFhhVJ3KNySVPTOFXgfw7SNoiCZusRiPCPm4lpkwWslW91bEVSp2/w170-h200/SC%20me.jpg" width="170" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More stars are visible</td></tr></tbody></table><b><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;">Reflection</span></b><p></p>
<p class="yiv5701570487ydpd5f34f5msonormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;">What
is better than a little stargazing. The belt of Orion is the only constellation
that I can spot on a winter night. Distinguishing between a star and a planet
is no easy task. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hoped guidance from
the planetarium and experts would add a little “light” on the subject (pun
intended). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="yiv5701570487ydpd5f34f5msonormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRUIekXQ7OugDF5T4xl0w62njo_lxC3UsgOmoYTcGLeab1WXYstrftDt0gG5hRpBbnoDF75qzUBcVYx52y7D05YNjbMY2LoH0MZVQMKoMj978sWlEvHQYGwMUNO3kxAm1FGayBp6cxPYbEgrwYmvnweSP5kOiam9Qf26NKeNS1YN9rJm4oWM9kehTQE5W/s320/SC%20bubbles%202.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="261" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRUIekXQ7OugDF5T4xl0w62njo_lxC3UsgOmoYTcGLeab1WXYstrftDt0gG5hRpBbnoDF75qzUBcVYx52y7D05YNjbMY2LoH0MZVQMKoMj978sWlEvHQYGwMUNO3kxAm1FGayBp6cxPYbEgrwYmvnweSP5kOiam9Qf26NKeNS1YN9rJm4oWM9kehTQE5W/s1600/SC%20bubbles%202.jpg" width="261" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="yiv5701570487ydpd5f34f5msonormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;">Before
the start of the “Stars over Pittsburgh Show,” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> the</span> comfy recliners
paired with, nothing short of “space music,” and floating purple bubbles, calms and hypnotizes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so relaxing that I
almost fell asleep. I guess that I was not the only one because the guy two down
started to snore. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5701570487ydpd5f34f5msonormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;">Then the
dome’s sudden blackness opens with a bang of white pinpoint lights producing
that ahh factor of a starry night (not the painting) but the natural beauty. You are immersed
in the stargazing. The state-of-art technology brings the real nighttime sky images straight from NASA. We find the Dippers,
North Star, stars Vega and Arcturus, some constellations, and planets. It gives
you the confidence to attempt to decipher the real sky without the apps. If you
need more instructions, they stay in planetarium after the show for individual questions. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="yiv5701570487ydpd5f34f5msonormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> </span></span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;">From
the observation deck the city skyline twinkles as much as the sky. Several telescopes point to the moon and stars. Through these powered
lenses the moon craters and rocky service look just like those in the magazine pictures.
I thought that if I zoom in just a bit more, Neal Armstrong would wave back at
me. </span></p><p></p><p class="yiv5701570487ydpd5f34f5msonormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;">Looking up the moon was a crescent. The dark side of the moon and full circle is visible with help of the telescopes. It’s an amazing sight.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="yiv5701570487ydpd5f34f5msonormal" style="background: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKLqcjYG0Dz5ax3pW09YbILP78r6PVhwD8XRoSrA3MFgWe8nsm3K4PnIWGHApf1kgyolzG4XxXIcpCGCzEm8HOq8XNZxWPnFK5g5l8DJ5FIr7iqHiqg02F8-TgHqsDK5oDam2ELTm1kNhFU2plKxLOXC9H4_2GWYDDzQC0b5P6N0P76_015AjjBwID4zm/s320/SC%20scope%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKLqcjYG0Dz5ax3pW09YbILP78r6PVhwD8XRoSrA3MFgWe8nsm3K4PnIWGHApf1kgyolzG4XxXIcpCGCzEm8HOq8XNZxWPnFK5g5l8DJ5FIr7iqHiqg02F8-TgHqsDK5oDam2ELTm1kNhFU2plKxLOXC9H4_2GWYDDzQC0b5P6N0P76_015AjjBwID4zm/s1600/SC%20scope%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="yiv5701570487ydpd5f34f5msonormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;">The
light pollution from the city keeps several stars hidden. A circle full of stars
is visible in the powered lenses. Skywatch makes possible a night under the stars
and a date with cosmos. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5701570487ydpd5f34f5msonormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;">(The future
Skywatch dates are: Saturdays, August 26, 2023 and September 23, 2023. To sign
up go to <a href="https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/planetarium/buhl-planetarium-skywatch/">skywatch</a>)</span></p><p class="yiv5701570487ydpd5f34f5msonormal" style="background: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="color: #1d2228;"><b>Spiritual</b></span></span><b><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;"> Reflection</span></b></p>
<p class="yiv5701570487ydpd5f34f5msonormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;">The moon
and stars govern the night; His love endures forever. (Psalms 136:9)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5701570487ydpd5f34f5msonormal" style="background: white;"><b><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;">Other
Sources<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="yiv5701570487ydpd5f34f5msonormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/planetarium/buhl-planetarium-skywatch/" target="_blank"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); color: #196ad4; font-size: 10pt;">https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/planetarium/buhl-planetarium-skywatch/</span></a></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5701570487ydpd5f34f5msonormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/individuals-and-families/science-after-hours/" target="_blank"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); color: #196ad4; font-size: 10pt;">https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/individuals-and-families/science-after-hours/</span></a></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5701570487ydpd5f34f5msonormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/events/requin-steel-beach-picnic/" target="_blank"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); color: #196ad4; font-size: 10pt;">https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/events/requin-steel-beach-picnic/</span></a></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-5693147302996366712023-07-19T05:08:00.007-07:002023-10-30T20:14:38.715-07:00Day 403- Body Glove Inflatable Paddle Board - Ocean Adventure<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDh1KOKCgruK1lluiE3tXHOfpsU7Fa7osOhhXa1o_MIMauCCCrFJwCr24-9w2agpTJhjtyK9AiC7KKFwn_ho_RaQFymGbcPbyiSW1vF5Mah2NpWQ1dE5BercX-fTN7PCU6lWqml49S2GX603jYvvp2wfZGF3rzB_7e_CwZNDg3TKJyapQBrzlspdXOwaRJ/s320/board%20glasses.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDh1KOKCgruK1lluiE3tXHOfpsU7Fa7osOhhXa1o_MIMauCCCrFJwCr24-9w2agpTJhjtyK9AiC7KKFwn_ho_RaQFymGbcPbyiSW1vF5Mah2NpWQ1dE5BercX-fTN7PCU6lWqml49S2GX603jYvvp2wfZGF3rzB_7e_CwZNDg3TKJyapQBrzlspdXOwaRJ/s1600/board%20glasses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">About 18 years ago I tried a stand-up paddle board (SUP) at
Lake Placid. My friend, whose middle name should be Mr. Outdoors had one before
they were a thing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess all those
dance classes paid off because I stood right up on the board. I was hooked and
took off exploring the lake.<o:p></o:p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0U2qQHf-QkJl1Ik3WNPJYpLadgSGNCenpswBMBsa9oyf5ywEmHmb1Wrld8gf1CWO-64YYbf_dGpa66GjSjTEYEoGSVqbFDcvntR_bDaOQnmagzGUainn2ejEnKtTSakSQdUWvIwfI7Ol1-zAqNXvMrqb_d6fXCaroJb3PNy0plfbDZ2sIOwG0xOIphIf/s320/board%20ocean.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="293" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0U2qQHf-QkJl1Ik3WNPJYpLadgSGNCenpswBMBsa9oyf5ywEmHmb1Wrld8gf1CWO-64YYbf_dGpa66GjSjTEYEoGSVqbFDcvntR_bDaOQnmagzGUainn2ejEnKtTSakSQdUWvIwfI7Ol1-zAqNXvMrqb_d6fXCaroJb3PNy0plfbDZ2sIOwG0xOIphIf/s1600/board%20ocean.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not lift the original
SUP wooden boards but over the years they morphed into inflatable options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a lime fluorescent green <a href="https://www.bodyglove.com/collections/isup-boards">Body Glove Raptor</a> (don’t you love that name.) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Raptor
has seen many lakes but this year a friend offered to drive it from Pittsburgh
to Florida. I of course flew, and we met up for a paddle board ocean adventure.
<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaEAsbmnlEokRFsjgfV4--qv_eHvPvdO44HSmvEYj3QegcH_yXcBx2XYYCGJrGZkmQJiwd_y-yVpXpal7u06a4RbO1RwzxmWj3YrEPx3aq2_uVopceBaBV4QUIeH_pyRS2zjsHowQfRl-DeZ7WLrW3MFs0eCAR_I3ESCpWGR0aw6b4XZZYLgUBOf5XNJ0/s320/board%20sunrise.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaEAsbmnlEokRFsjgfV4--qv_eHvPvdO44HSmvEYj3QegcH_yXcBx2XYYCGJrGZkmQJiwd_y-yVpXpal7u06a4RbO1RwzxmWj3YrEPx3aq2_uVopceBaBV4QUIeH_pyRS2zjsHowQfRl-DeZ7WLrW3MFs0eCAR_I3ESCpWGR0aw6b4XZZYLgUBOf5XNJ0/s1600/board%20sunrise.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><!--more--><b><br /></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Reflection</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a struggle to drag
myself out of bed before 6:30am to watch the sunrise over the ocean. The horizon
hues of yellow and orange before the sun pops over the water is worth the
effort every time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The morning water can
be as smooth as glass which is more inviting when your SUP is ready to go in
your hotel room. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_Rz1sLHSuk_5b8eDPzvRhDJdPRGCbjiQjmoS196xmDmeHnmZHE9FXyW_y05MvvbwWfyLowa8lkewkKMTzrvWjUbzvRY27n3vyT0GjG20tbkK1mVmpAEBWFy-xmX66J7CRqpiY851HIYpdJcUhKRC08prupNTvlAc8v1cs-iFYj2Hr6gmLoAlvWHPHvKa/s320/board%20ocean%20close.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="320" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_Rz1sLHSuk_5b8eDPzvRhDJdPRGCbjiQjmoS196xmDmeHnmZHE9FXyW_y05MvvbwWfyLowa8lkewkKMTzrvWjUbzvRY27n3vyT0GjG20tbkK1mVmpAEBWFy-xmX66J7CRqpiY851HIYpdJcUhKRC08prupNTvlAc8v1cs-iFYj2Hr6gmLoAlvWHPHvKa/s1600/board%20ocean%20close.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">During my recent visit to Lauderdale By the Sea (see
<a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2023/06/day-400-revisit-lauderdal-by-sea-summer.html">Day 400</a>) Raptor was my am companion.
We traversed the cost, finding a rhythm. The ocean waves challenge your balance but the
symmetrical ripples of the waves had a hypnotic calming effect.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oRnVx3PhuxmcfBtZ0ek3pGXsCmcUX0krnkBjdldVKO5EmaWReOPwYAPP4mTQNwdG4hi7rPcKgLhBq7DWl-mmrakOu6D9Y4-xNxBCzNLCx5AooAYTPp9Py1w9D6dUu0G64yURm04Y-fo4o5I44vMhGgnRoNHk61sw3Dl6UWgTMaSnK0TeUwxd4j-oScPh/s427/board%20chairs.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oRnVx3PhuxmcfBtZ0ek3pGXsCmcUX0krnkBjdldVKO5EmaWReOPwYAPP4mTQNwdG4hi7rPcKgLhBq7DWl-mmrakOu6D9Y4-xNxBCzNLCx5AooAYTPp9Py1w9D6dUu0G64yURm04Y-fo4o5I44vMhGgnRoNHk61sw3Dl6UWgTMaSnK0TeUwxd4j-oScPh/s320/board%20chairs.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">LBTS has coral reefs 100 yards from the shoreline but I am
not a confident swimmer. I could venture past the buoys to the reef with my Raptor. With the snorkel fixed to the board, I hopped
on and off the board to view the world below.
I saw a spotted eagle ray, colorful angel fish, several schools of fish and
even a nurse shark on the ocean floor. Yes a shark, but it had no interest in
me. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The inflatable stand up board is a great way to explore the ocean,
relax and exercise, multiplying the fun factor at the beach. Raptor is home and rolled up ready for the next adventure. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b>Other Sources </b></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.bodyglove.com/collections/isup-boards">https://www.bodyglove.com/collections/isup-boards</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.supworldmag.com/the-history-of-stand-up-paddling/">https://www.supworldmag.com/the-history-of-stand-up-paddling/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-3724358515216629282023-07-14T17:13:00.133-07:002023-08-02T13:00:39.630-07:00Day 402- Pittsburgh Hills are Alive with CLO’s Sound of Music<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE-PDtGHc-ms0FNG918dY5rLgeet5-lfK4mvlMlSrkBR4if-TC3DUU5-vt_YgRYyEMBSy5KFqwCoG_UnoemhOe0wmeOQU4QWEbpXiSBDlStc5PtB6FmNYRE4sA7uz-Ek4eKHLjHCCI-2OQfOHaZzWhDrO_REG-R6qkZT_eHNUJ2zg4LmELMLeBEQQTmDJ/s5318/music%20family.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3510" data-original-width="5318" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE-PDtGHc-ms0FNG918dY5rLgeet5-lfK4mvlMlSrkBR4if-TC3DUU5-vt_YgRYyEMBSy5KFqwCoG_UnoemhOe0wmeOQU4QWEbpXiSBDlStc5PtB6FmNYRE4sA7uz-Ek4eKHLjHCCI-2OQfOHaZzWhDrO_REG-R6qkZT_eHNUJ2zg4LmELMLeBEQQTmDJ/w400-h264/music%20family.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The Sound of Music is one of those musicals that most have
seen either in a school production, or on TV during the holiday run of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvQ4t-Nk128">movie</a> with Julie Andrews. The 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is a masterpiece. Even
with so much play, this show never loses its appeal because it is about love, strength and hope. This <a href="https://www.pittsburghclo.org/shows/the-sound-of-music">CLO production</a> hits the mark of perfection with its set, vocals, and
characters, bringing Pittsburgh alive with the Sound of Music.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1Y_4DSIsv3LfmFbU5vcAjJxsh_5sp-FnII1PKhopTifMhqXi0KecB7sTivPLHFJ1RwqfIMUHxOfZWv4blM0YSvN5j9WuHWS_dAsBiQ0yUdYxiEYJn8LuvOXuBda0a_WrVUb4Olkej2A1ftrVLBfMpSbsxevTeCAnxWaXWkItrI1C59HvB3GU6mb6FtPP/s5475/music%20group.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2846" data-original-width="5475" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1Y_4DSIsv3LfmFbU5vcAjJxsh_5sp-FnII1PKhopTifMhqXi0KecB7sTivPLHFJ1RwqfIMUHxOfZWv4blM0YSvN5j9WuHWS_dAsBiQ0yUdYxiEYJn8LuvOXuBda0a_WrVUb4Olkej2A1ftrVLBfMpSbsxevTeCAnxWaXWkItrI1C59HvB3GU6mb6FtPP/w400-h208/music%20group.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The children actors are as charming as the vocals.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Reflection</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are some historical truths to the story that takes place
in 1938 Austria during the rise of Nazism in the country. Maria becomes a
governess to the seven Von Trapp children following the death of their mother. She
is in training to become a nun but falls in love with the children and eventually
Captain Von Trapp. They become the Trapp Family Singers and flee the country
when the Captain is ordered to accept a commission in the German Army.<o:p></o:p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxCtM5GX8XeJIYLoNQ11ucp6uRMMnf6kuyk9bFlRDfezgx8ZG6oGx0r0LM-o45aqGTO8i8j90Tmba__cqvh4CuJNrJCgWNeB08gqcD5ZU-G4LUs9CnokWOtdG36QKbFq41JgEbZtfutTjDAiQQbxLYSIT-i5nN8EgGSauUB2E1nZxpuJpmHXniv_Z_LYF/s4254/music%20children.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3146" data-original-width="4254" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxCtM5GX8XeJIYLoNQ11ucp6uRMMnf6kuyk9bFlRDfezgx8ZG6oGx0r0LM-o45aqGTO8i8j90Tmba__cqvh4CuJNrJCgWNeB08gqcD5ZU-G4LUs9CnokWOtdG36QKbFq41JgEbZtfutTjDAiQQbxLYSIT-i5nN8EgGSauUB2E1nZxpuJpmHXniv_Z_LYF/s320/music%20children.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maria(Hanley Smith) has the vocal energy and spunk of the loving governess </td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The overture, Nuns in the Abby, Maria and the Von
Trapp children will have you singing along with “</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IagRZBvLtw" style="text-align: left;">My Favorite Things</a><span style="text-align: left;">,” “</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drnBMAEA3AM" style="text-align: left;">Do Re Mi</a><span style="text-align: left;">”
and “</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-VRyQprlu8" style="text-align: left;">Maria</a><span style="text-align: left;">.” The children are as
charming as their voices. Maria (Hanley Smith) has the vocal energy and spunk
of a loving governess. The Captain (Will
Ray) is dapper with a smooth tone to his voice. Mother Abbess (Danielle Dalli) stops the show at the end of the first half, eliciting wild applause with
her powerful pipes in “</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OtZ2h2swik" style="text-align: left;">Climb Every Mountain</a><span style="text-align: left;">.”</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuV_NC7kHVgqq9GlPHS7fm9crv61vfsNWNbBNRQbHHYuy9tp7UqdhARo4yFQQinrKFvOaWx0tnNNOkT3HUDvvDTYZu-tF9MLWz2LNyUVuAnO8HcnLkOdFbej7mEIvFJ0ZquFCEhPaIwTZjoBytiiix2gur-K35BvFszyiLTsvEms5_gJI0_jmLBT_2nT30/s5056/Music%20escape.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3612" data-original-width="5056" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuV_NC7kHVgqq9GlPHS7fm9crv61vfsNWNbBNRQbHHYuy9tp7UqdhARo4yFQQinrKFvOaWx0tnNNOkT3HUDvvDTYZu-tF9MLWz2LNyUVuAnO8HcnLkOdFbej7mEIvFJ0ZquFCEhPaIwTZjoBytiiix2gur-K35BvFszyiLTsvEms5_gJI0_jmLBT_2nT30/s320/Music%20escape.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">“<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6-P3pFhmQI">Edelweiss</a>,” a heartfelt farewell to Austria as the country succumbs
to the Nazi party, gave me goosebumps. No matter how many times I see this
show, I always cheer on the Von Trapp's
escape. It makes you rejoice, “the hills are alive with
the sound of music” but this time it is Pittsburgh that is alive, thanks to
the CLO.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">(The CLO offers quality <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>summer Pittsburgh musical theater at reasonable
seating prices which gives more the opportunity to experience the joy of musicals. The Sound of Music runs July 11-16. For
tickets and to learn more about CLO's 2023 summer season go to <a href="https://www.pittsburghclo.org/">https://www.pittsburghclo.org/</a> or <a href="https://trustarts.org/calendar?utf8=%E2%9C%93&utf8=%E2%9C%93&genre=All+Genres&organization_id=6&start_date=&end_date=&filter%5Bmin%5D=2023-07-16T19%3A10%3A15-04%3A00&filter%5Bmax%5D=2025-01-16+19%3A10%3A15+-0500">Trustarts.org</a>)<o:p></o:p></p>
<b>Other sources</b><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">Movie <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvQ4t-Nk128">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvQ4t-Nk128</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">* My favorite Things-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IagRZBvLtw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IagRZBvLtw</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*Do Re Mi-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drnBMAEA3AM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drnBMAEA3AM</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*Climb Every Mountain <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OtZ2h2swik">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OtZ2h2swik</a><o:p></o:p></p>
* link to movie version of songs <div>Photo Credit- Kgtunney Photography <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><span><!--more--></span>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-14708890794279857982023-07-08T14:32:00.005-07:002023-07-17T04:18:37.886-07:00Day 401- “Architects of Air: Daedalum”- Inflatable Immersive Installation that Transports to Another World<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3PRKDbo0GaE33VAbcVcf2rb5NuM6AlzOy0KbEaEhla1kmxMvu8hKB9y386xJXKoTGmSmiOISVTPYHF26onpJyLi1p5DZnobWFVe5ARgO161zNCLkD6WpqTKCJAAYHdrnXgHSFiuGqNF8s4KOKD__GfrxmFOHSJOVM6y8IgwnnGF-nuUSemdV-6Sn7fjf/s320/art%20tunnel.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3PRKDbo0GaE33VAbcVcf2rb5NuM6AlzOy0KbEaEhla1kmxMvu8hKB9y386xJXKoTGmSmiOISVTPYHF26onpJyLi1p5DZnobWFVe5ARgO161zNCLkD6WpqTKCJAAYHdrnXgHSFiuGqNF8s4KOKD__GfrxmFOHSJOVM6y8IgwnnGF-nuUSemdV-6Sn7fjf/s1600/art%20tunnel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">There is an inflatable world located in the Pittsburgh’s
Cultural District.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/pages/architects-of-air-daedalum">"Architects-of-Air: Daedalum,</a>"</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> is an air-filled space that is inspired by the Greek figure Daedalus, the creator
of the labyrinth. Traversing through this exhibit of only air, vinyl and natural color
from the sunlight is no corn maze or house of mirrors. It is an experience that
feels like you entered another universe or world-someplace that is definitely not
a former Pittsburgh parking lot. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Reflection</span></b><p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgK0Qgab2zP_SmSec8t6BBK8OPNcCex9W-rR2cQh2SqqwGPzCCZGT3sY0LHNsgW__5jdF2V13Zm3Jgt5ufkQnW7Hr9FeyE5js_S5x4fE9bwB1ArpOfv9-n1m5lDc7NLXlGKXOSHj0IqfE0WnsxV56F7vHtJiaEVLzDhHezNcupnCGzJrh58EXpAwo4F49W/s320/art%20outside.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgK0Qgab2zP_SmSec8t6BBK8OPNcCex9W-rR2cQh2SqqwGPzCCZGT3sY0LHNsgW__5jdF2V13Zm3Jgt5ufkQnW7Hr9FeyE5js_S5x4fE9bwB1ArpOfv9-n1m5lDc7NLXlGKXOSHj0IqfE0WnsxV56F7vHtJiaEVLzDhHezNcupnCGzJrh58EXpAwo4F49W/s1600/art%20outside.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In the past I have braved immersive theater (<a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2018/06/day-289-immersive-encounter-clearing.html ">Day 289 </a>) and art. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had mixed feelings about standing in the middle
of giant pictures of Van Gogh’s paintings when the Van Gogh immersive
experience came to Pittsburgh.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Daedalum sparked my curiosity as I walked past the
city of gray inflatables in the middle of town. From the outside, this art looks
like a village on a planet from Star Wars or maybe an alien spaceship. What is
this, I thought?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SkugoCIJit4whvzNcqqQTC1pLlrWAxOFgA6JMUTEIABUXNY_AyfhZWzJJBOXZbdmSk2lNc6LQCuZMqMYgwrFbRgNcOx62W0vsI1Em_BfFdOuFh9yB6GXnfqPJacMbdcxJYV63bGIjjnFWYlUUFhuUIeXtDMtiZ3KQp4Dh-by0HlarOozEWvKwnB6lymu/s320/art%20yellow.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SkugoCIJit4whvzNcqqQTC1pLlrWAxOFgA6JMUTEIABUXNY_AyfhZWzJJBOXZbdmSk2lNc6LQCuZMqMYgwrFbRgNcOx62W0vsI1Em_BfFdOuFh9yB6GXnfqPJacMbdcxJYV63bGIjjnFWYlUUFhuUIeXtDMtiZ3KQp4Dh-by0HlarOozEWvKwnB6lymu/s1600/art%20yellow.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It is whatever you feel as you walk through this air
chamber maze of round and cylinder shapes with windows of light that display varied intensity of yellow, green, red, and blue as the sun moves. It’s eerie yet relaxing.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lost track of time and orientation while walking through the
tunnels. They changed in form and color when approached from different angles. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92gnjvK_5idL0KFqnr206Hz1B0rDu7gWEzeidYVznaxT95nqHhBxhMboQsoFiyJ1MXtG0ot2K8C6NEFoDcQeEuiTwFt3JTDXY3whpNNUdsQ201TSGUiQYvMUpJ1rYPK-lnUE1cR2jahARPg04Qgn5TEi30Z_3lbl74TGWsgLMj8UxTUTuXKcbIfQip6kH/s320/art%20cheese.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92gnjvK_5idL0KFqnr206Hz1B0rDu7gWEzeidYVznaxT95nqHhBxhMboQsoFiyJ1MXtG0ot2K8C6NEFoDcQeEuiTwFt3JTDXY3whpNNUdsQ201TSGUiQYvMUpJ1rYPK-lnUE1cR2jahARPg04Qgn5TEi30Z_3lbl74TGWsgLMj8UxTUTuXKcbIfQip6kH/s1600/art%20cheese.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">There is a room with a celling of colorful circles that reminded me
of Swiss cheese and another large room that looked like a middle
eastern temple. Of course, this is just my impression. I heard people describing
the experience as moving through the body’s arteries, ventricle of the heart
or a beehive. Many describe it as, "nothing like I've ever experienced."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdat88MUJ31Ik7OY7nP6DXlM6pFw_FSpb-fPxnziHcMjKHOgrvex1iWpqmKHq-55VJhy8lbzNIRT_EHkN5AGXWlMUcbvvr1yr5CXbtuU9_voP7jxhdXplD1fpdS7wjk8Ix2cDrzX6Mkk4JBq1vKLkpMTKAeCJCScD4chOTvB3fbxn7g70EWDKKKBuc0w_/s320/art%20temple.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdat88MUJ31Ik7OY7nP6DXlM6pFw_FSpb-fPxnziHcMjKHOgrvex1iWpqmKHq-55VJhy8lbzNIRT_EHkN5AGXWlMUcbvvr1yr5CXbtuU9_voP7jxhdXplD1fpdS7wjk8Ix2cDrzX6Mkk4JBq1vKLkpMTKAeCJCScD4chOTvB3fbxn7g70EWDKKKBuc0w_/s1600/art%20temple.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This exhibit of light, sound and shapes changes your
perception of the present. It will transport you to another world by igniting the
imagination. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynNMr8wZ5NaEQvtxwR-U2BsqGgicc7X4nIKqMeFHygbaT-nJVYkso0pNM2NZy461Fuw2F27FBPHJUWmPs2IPwCCcJOuSi15EfjeIPqaVwc7yaCf1VKgtHCMvhzE-peS9SpotwOAfuJsgPLQBPysdxQWgsvTii4dDTUJvzLb4GFpkdVP-1S_C6nsacfZ91/s320/art%20me.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynNMr8wZ5NaEQvtxwR-U2BsqGgicc7X4nIKqMeFHygbaT-nJVYkso0pNM2NZy461Fuw2F27FBPHJUWmPs2IPwCCcJOuSi15EfjeIPqaVwc7yaCf1VKgtHCMvhzE-peS9SpotwOAfuJsgPLQBPysdxQWgsvTii4dDTUJvzLb4GFpkdVP-1S_C6nsacfZ91/s1600/art%20me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">(Architects of Air: Daedalum is open from July 1
through September 4, 2023. It is located in downtown Pittsburgh. Hours are Wednesday through Friday, from 5pm to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday, from 12 noon to 9 pm.
For tickets to <a href="https://trustarts.org/">trustarts.org</a> or call 412 456-6666.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="yiv5091696187MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span>Every Saturday you can also experience Yoga in this space between 12 and 12:45pm. For yoga tickets go to <a href="https://culturaldistrict.org/production/90229/yoga-in-architects-of-air-daedalum">Yoga tickets.</a> Architects of Air places these luminarium's around the world for details of tour go to </span> <a href="https://www.architects-of-air.com/luminaria" rel="noreferrer" shape="rect" style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; outline: none;" target="_blank">Architects of Air Description of the luminaria currently on tour (architects-of-air.com)</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Other Sources</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/pages/architects-of-air-daedalum">https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/pages/architects-of-air-daedalum</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://trustarts.org/">https://trustarts.org/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-78176030062521552002023-06-30T13:00:00.084-07:002023-07-17T04:18:04.054-07:00Day 400-Revisit Lauderdale-by-the-Sea - A Summer Cocktail of Fun and Relaxation. <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PV-qv4xwKMdxzfnhZDIPSmdNgxD3dJcxJfzl1u2eHVZYyNroVxLg8JOImma0gSx4b7iKeZqmcgpUWGoM8B333NaL-SRe-PFsJH_YmoB2wakoCN3YgdOojyJC-pZmOMSJk2FHgtjnQ_yi8UHq76nJTsMJxnN2CtevnRko01mASd6ssX858pKFsGkQkv1D/s320/beach%20tree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PV-qv4xwKMdxzfnhZDIPSmdNgxD3dJcxJfzl1u2eHVZYyNroVxLg8JOImma0gSx4b7iKeZqmcgpUWGoM8B333NaL-SRe-PFsJH_YmoB2wakoCN3YgdOojyJC-pZmOMSJk2FHgtjnQ_yi8UHq76nJTsMJxnN2CtevnRko01mASd6ssX858pKFsGkQkv1D/s1600/beach%20tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On Day 400 of blogging, I thought that I would revisit a travel experience that has become my happy place. I discovered </span><a href="https://www.lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lauderdale-by-the-Sea</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (LBTS), a quaint 1.5-mile area between Fort
Lauderdale and Pompano Beach. It is a mature paradise (</span><a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2018/07/day-290-florida-off-season-summer.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Day 290</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">) with a motto, “Relax
You’re Here.” That is exactly what you do when cooling off with some gelato sitting in one
of the pastel Adirondack chairs that line the town square. You can stroll to town
center to find many charming restaurants or snorkel/scuba dive (</span><a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2018/07/day-292-underwater-adventure-dive-and.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Day 292</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2019/06/day-334-scuba-diving-with-south-florida.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Day 334</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">) on the coral reefs which are swimming
distance from the beach. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This place will
grab you and keep you coming back for more of its a perfect summer cocktail of
fun and relaxation. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqHMjmKDbc1Ru5Eu714BB5TASarzg1WAWdPle3Bnrgp6dWT4ORzYLILbOVccU66_x4C4ExFW7e4IhlpX2k96j3_VClPc25CfooPLHnjqAzYWC31J26ds0Qu1ouEdQaC1W7r7qw9bZf5ferXoHnsuAIrcJzoCk83Alshf9UzUGelaiyxi72gYJdp_SHXuq/s320/beach%20center.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqHMjmKDbc1Ru5Eu714BB5TASarzg1WAWdPle3Bnrgp6dWT4ORzYLILbOVccU66_x4C4ExFW7e4IhlpX2k96j3_VClPc25CfooPLHnjqAzYWC31J26ds0Qu1ouEdQaC1W7r7qw9bZf5ferXoHnsuAIrcJzoCk83Alshf9UzUGelaiyxi72gYJdp_SHXuq/s1600/beach%20center.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool off with some gelato and sit in the Adirondack rainbow chairs</td></tr></tbody></table><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Reflection</b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I have traveled to LBTS at least twice a year since 2017. Why, because this
place<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>has the charm of Mayberry from the
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Griffith">Andy Griffith Show</a>. A day at LBTS is a flashback of my childhood beach trips. This
town has a 4 story or less hotel rule which eliminates the towering establishments
of other destinations. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">It's a place to make new friends and enjoy the beach without the barrage of pulsating music from all directions.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Everything: music,
food, and shops, are within walking distance. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">You can also take free shuttle rides on the “</span><a href=" https://whywalkshuttle.com/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Why Walk </a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” golf cart or new “</span><a href="https://www.lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov/235/Circuit-By-The-Sea " style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Circuit-By-The-Sea </a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” electric car. There is no need to rent a car.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdIknJuq-LWrs7Yjg9jwK4bGwta0U9PHLOPGd5yfTP_hb8GafM_-pbqRkqm-aIxxfQCROkfgHKPR4pkbnCB2crinGQKC2_WNBwN5w7PAgmtqN7yPsRpppNjIBOwdX7YSd_79HcDTwKaV1UaXfCY4qmUFWNSyrZ94lgNpejJ_SHenGvDpG3va-rNkuWQQl/s320/beach%20food%20place.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdIknJuq-LWrs7Yjg9jwK4bGwta0U9PHLOPGd5yfTP_hb8GafM_-pbqRkqm-aIxxfQCROkfgHKPR4pkbnCB2crinGQKC2_WNBwN5w7PAgmtqN7yPsRpppNjIBOwdX7YSd_79HcDTwKaV1UaXfCY4qmUFWNSyrZ94lgNpejJ_SHenGvDpG3va-rNkuWQQl/s1600/beach%20food%20place.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing <a href="http://ciaoammore.com/">Ciao Ammore</a> <br />authentic Italian cuisine with new beach friends </td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I prefer a summer trip to LBTS (the off
season) because the hotels are cheaper, restaurants have little or no wait, beach is less crowded, and the travel cost does not break the piggy bank. The
hotels are about one third the cost of those on the east coast. There are reasonably priced two and a half hour direct flights
from Pittsburgh on Allegiant and Spirit Airlines. If you
can travel on Tuesdays, you might find a flight that will have you doing a
happy dance. (I have found round trip flights close to $100.) <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjD4T4wqEuwrdWvNPFBE0TQAREiE7vFiI-bNp8DOKAVjPOCUVnN3uX84ySsth1T4Tfzj67nNjzrSmEKvSN6zuq6bD2CwDEpSIECT5WTNv5kFi_AssNhY6QufftcgoKG78WxpjB8ZLpcqd_9alxBIHziywhQPGOYZXVvuZxyffI_SUu-THpESgaiufMxCZg/s320/beach%20fly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjD4T4wqEuwrdWvNPFBE0TQAREiE7vFiI-bNp8DOKAVjPOCUVnN3uX84ySsth1T4Tfzj67nNjzrSmEKvSN6zuq6bD2CwDEpSIECT5WTNv5kFi_AssNhY6QufftcgoKG78WxpjB8ZLpcqd_9alxBIHziywhQPGOYZXVvuZxyffI_SUu-THpESgaiufMxCZg/s1600/beach%20fly.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reasonable direct flights from Pittsburgh to Ft Lauderdale</td></tr></tbody></table> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQNi-N403K4ygRxM5LM22cqeorJzh_nr7ewtuovHnxuzNLmxMEVDGB7vjTh1D2HLHLxo8tggE1QHMV11eFgIGhYN0A6wWG9I6AoapmRNNTMay1hujLLRWbnvAhbDMxmcWfTh5vI_u8vsC6er285VdlVgnzpwiTxoq_1OsmqVgn0aR-032pY1U-GbUmGf9/s320/beach%20plunge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQNi-N403K4ygRxM5LM22cqeorJzh_nr7ewtuovHnxuzNLmxMEVDGB7vjTh1D2HLHLxo8tggE1QHMV11eFgIGhYN0A6wWG9I6AoapmRNNTMay1hujLLRWbnvAhbDMxmcWfTh5vI_u8vsC6er285VdlVgnzpwiTxoq_1OsmqVgn0aR-032pY1U-GbUmGf9/s1600/beach%20plunge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plunge Beach offers convince and fun </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Although there are a variety of charming<a href=" https://www.discoverlbts.com/hotels/"> hotel establishments </a> along El Mar Drive (directly on the beach) or Ocean Drive (adjacent to the
beach), I continue to be a repeat patron of the <a href="https://www.plungebeachresort.com/">Plunge Beach Resort</a> (<a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2018/06/day-289-lauderdale-by-sea-at-plunge.html">Day 289</a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">.) </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">At this age, I opt for convenience. I want to
open the door and be on the beach. My dragging a chair and umbrella to the
beach are over. The Plunge is located on the beach and has a beach service (there is a
resort fee). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> They provide bikes for us riders, the </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">people are always friendly
and the breakfast, at the Octopus Bar, and lunch/dinner, at the Back Flipp Bar, have delicious menus</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">for moderate
prices. </span><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Plunge and LBTS continue to
be the </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">place to find that perfect summer cocktail
of fun and relaxation and an ideal place to celebrate 400 days of blogging.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xnBAdFuAI4wrf840ZrIKrsN_brK4jACl4FxtGgHLgjSgSro4iEWWkme4dz-VExTiepbnGmGg6t-ifX1ImxYve4GAxNRbcuZBLGAXnyrh2_o_mutmhnFmg6aBQ9K7Cr0suM00jbKJs6Y73QGoXgJtdvw6oLU2n8tjXnuCTlIBjB9eVvFQ4Lfz-V1X80Qc/s320/beach%20welcome.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xnBAdFuAI4wrf840ZrIKrsN_brK4jACl4FxtGgHLgjSgSro4iEWWkme4dz-VExTiepbnGmGg6t-ifX1ImxYve4GAxNRbcuZBLGAXnyrh2_o_mutmhnFmg6aBQ9K7Cr0suM00jbKJs6Y73QGoXgJtdvw6oLU2n8tjXnuCTlIBjB9eVvFQ4Lfz-V1X80Qc/s1600/beach%20welcome.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dive in-Welcome smiles when entering the Plunge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Spiritual Source</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff9ee;"><span style="font-size: 15.3333px;">The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea (Psalm 93:4)</span></span></span><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15.3333px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcwj87kZ8MjgcaEFZvLR2SYorWkobcFCzX1XfozU9kLGkkxIhJwhjSDsf-aoxgVNxCmJIim5WkKoi7-4uyBwKxoRZzDlpkCIxktPh8cpwPbXnwTKYMeq5ZN1937F7TJIi1lpJRVnZ9GSI73XSHEZciiaPAYbt4gYihtU89fZycqStXNs8VQgSlsjaCkZY/s320/beach%20eat.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcwj87kZ8MjgcaEFZvLR2SYorWkobcFCzX1XfozU9kLGkkxIhJwhjSDsf-aoxgVNxCmJIim5WkKoi7-4uyBwKxoRZzDlpkCIxktPh8cpwPbXnwTKYMeq5ZN1937F7TJIi1lpJRVnZ9GSI73XSHEZciiaPAYbt4gYihtU89fZycqStXNs8VQgSlsjaCkZY/s1600/beach%20eat.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly staff at Octopus Grill </td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Other Sources<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><b> <a href="https://www.lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov/">lauderdale by the sea homepage</a></b></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.discoverlbts.com/hotels/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hotels at LBTS</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://whywalkshuttle.com/">Why Walk Shuttle</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov/235/Circuit-By-The-Sea">Circuit-By-The-Sea</a><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Griffith">Andy Griffith Show</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://ciaoammore.com/">Ciao Ammore</a><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p></div>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-59391812049918774312023-06-24T04:42:00.008-07:002023-07-17T04:19:35.378-07:00Day 399-Drybar Hair Blowouts- “Hair Toss, Check My Nails-Baby How You Doing?-Feeling Good …”<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3Dkkd-4zUhVY_f905C-An7uEE2jd2LLkIOIR0Hwgt34IawKjenZfu8Ps-9NYTSLcI3XVha16A_MUO6Ziuy-i_w3prXPz0vMnfZn0Wl52SGmx8fs5ZhuGlvdaEtq87JLFygpn5yx121grYOQbMpE4EIVKKiniLeaDbv3nZfVqgo5327vwWH91B0AGsZ4d/s320/drybar%20desk%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3Dkkd-4zUhVY_f905C-An7uEE2jd2LLkIOIR0Hwgt34IawKjenZfu8Ps-9NYTSLcI3XVha16A_MUO6Ziuy-i_w3prXPz0vMnfZn0Wl52SGmx8fs5ZhuGlvdaEtq87JLFygpn5yx121grYOQbMpE4EIVKKiniLeaDbv3nZfVqgo5327vwWH91B0AGsZ4d/s1600/drybar%20desk%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.drybarshops.com/service/locator/detail/?slug=pittsburgh&y_source=1_MjI2ODA0NzEtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D">Drybar</a>, a California based company, has a positive mission
to “provide happiness, confidence, and empowerment to people with all hair
types." <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I question if a good hair day can
do all that but when my hair looks good, I do feel better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This place claims to be the master of the
blowout: giving you that glam hair that is seen in magazines. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wanted to try the Drybar experience to see if would make me act out Lizzo’s
song, with a “hair Toss, check my nails and feeling good ...” <o:p></o:p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Reflection</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As I waited, I observed hair transformations to smooth silky,
long spiral curls, flipped back and added body. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Women of all ages left looking like a better
updated version of themselves. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYXEIkWxQQ0nHvo-fVBEAxo9HYek5FnyiT57iK88WfyUuuVJi9cN5ttcssADuffHJp0CQ99Bl-DrZ0i-jeM8EaFWmABMLIWlac_9l69Wv9qbg6yEFx1XF-bnyyWo3_h6ubGrWHDvmZloLO2JpVUinN_ByBpx8TlqSVbNaYPUivLS0Af4fDSXqay-3VEj7/s320/drybar%20juice%202.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYXEIkWxQQ0nHvo-fVBEAxo9HYek5FnyiT57iK88WfyUuuVJi9cN5ttcssADuffHJp0CQ99Bl-DrZ0i-jeM8EaFWmABMLIWlac_9l69Wv9qbg6yEFx1XF-bnyyWo3_h6ubGrWHDvmZloLO2JpVUinN_ByBpx8TlqSVbNaYPUivLS0Af4fDSXqay-3VEj7/s1600/drybar%20juice%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Entering, you are offered something to drink. I ordered a
coffee. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then spied the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>other veteran patrons with sparkling wines and
mimosas. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked, “Can I get one of
those?’’ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When in Rome do as they do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sipped my drink thinking that even if I
don’t like the hair, I am bound to feel better. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Your hair is washed but there are no cuts or colors. Since I
really had no place to go today, I opted for a smooth look with a little body
on top and curl on the ends.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">I think Dolly Parton is right when she said in a
<a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/dolly-parton-beauty-secrets-quotes-hair-make-up#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThere%20is%20no%20such%20thing,echoed%20in%20her%20own%20life.">Vogue interview</a>, “If I’m gonna have any looks at all, I’m gonna have to create
them.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drybar helps you create your
look. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Appointments seem easy to get because they
have so many stylist and cost $55 or $45 with a membership. The Pittsburgh <a href="https://www.drybarshops.com/service/locator/detail/?slug=pittsburgh&y_source=1_MjI2ODA0NzEtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D">Drybar</a> is located in the South Hills.
There is one in over 11 <a href="https://www.drybarshops.com/service/locator/detail/?slug=pittsburgh&y_source=1_MjI2ODA0NzEtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D">states. </a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmXykrcxHeObZRTtwKZLCMzxn5EJDy-Z7t0uAv4BCx_QZeElJo9LlmMhLFVpCAk2CTUQdInrbzbzTZ6mng281kE69vqkNf4YE78iZSZsrGwSoG737v1ofFgkTYWscuT8NnsvPBaHY60gft2pnPbjPe8rkhIWZyf_k0-FufvMr5HJ5C3x-Z7hVfmQEqE0e/s320/drybar%20me%202.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="281" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmXykrcxHeObZRTtwKZLCMzxn5EJDy-Z7t0uAv4BCx_QZeElJo9LlmMhLFVpCAk2CTUQdInrbzbzTZ6mng281kE69vqkNf4YE78iZSZsrGwSoG737v1ofFgkTYWscuT8NnsvPBaHY60gft2pnPbjPe8rkhIWZyf_k0-FufvMr5HJ5C3x-Z7hVfmQEqE0e/s1600/drybar%20me%202.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>You don’t need a special occasion or reason to take time for
you. You are enough. I think being post pandemic and being more seasoned has heightened my agreement with these statements. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I left with a little extra bounce in my hair and with a
hair toss, I felt good. Next time I will try the swoopy curls. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Other Sources<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.drybarshops.com/service/locator/detail/?slug=pittsburgh&y_source=1_MjI2ODA0NzEtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D">Drybar Locator </a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.drybarshops.com/service/locator/detail/?slug=pittsburgh&y_source=1_MjI2ODA0NzEtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D">Drybar Pittsburgh</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-24736393630418662202023-06-19T12:21:00.018-07:002023-07-17T04:17:32.352-07:00Day 398 - Coopers Rock-Almost Heaven West Virginia Hiking- Easy/Intermediate to Views<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDp7yjt-69J6cP6ZaX6jeK5LwTUOFai8xcfDpkfkgyToF4YgmiZgr0x4zIIj3LplN4JTVoOX1mZFgS5u_uMbusAJjOOocnL8LIB_hB0PptTsS_TccwMrsCZw5_mMiV18W-dFv4F3K2gq5_9CY-A6nPOn-xaWUulTjZtFdKQrh71ZejFC1zOYfykewwL5j/s320/coopers%20rock%20valley.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDp7yjt-69J6cP6ZaX6jeK5LwTUOFai8xcfDpkfkgyToF4YgmiZgr0x4zIIj3LplN4JTVoOX1mZFgS5u_uMbusAJjOOocnL8LIB_hB0PptTsS_TccwMrsCZw5_mMiV18W-dFv4F3K2gq5_9CY-A6nPOn-xaWUulTjZtFdKQrh71ZejFC1zOYfykewwL5j/s1600/coopers%20rock%20valley.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I started the first few days leading up to summer</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">with a visit to </span><a href="https://wvstateparks.com/park/coopers-rock-state-forest/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Coopers Rock State Forest</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> a
place that requires minimal hiking effort to partake in breathtaking views
of West Virginia’s plush mountains. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hiking is one adventure that you can make as easy
or challenging as you desire. I especially enjoy hikes with a view. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia, is only
about 1.5 hours from Pittsburgh and boast that the canyon views will have you singing
the lyrics from John Denver’s song, </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUmnTfsY3hI">Country Roads</a>:</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “almost heaven West Virginia.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8j_hXb0Rukub3e5QycfGChCHfWlbUkZIOa9sYywypgPlubrFEfRzaE0V7TwYowzQNvp2HsYNm0gn8N1hWRf15QmdRh-kcQasayqxIk7kJ7wzXsTqzM5PH89d3I7fBLrQmAjbgvDjuahHkcwhf8aZyRZOzoDg6gI7sxgF2W9EPxm3efrVLPGCioUlWrjx/s320/coopers%20rock%20rock.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8j_hXb0Rukub3e5QycfGChCHfWlbUkZIOa9sYywypgPlubrFEfRzaE0V7TwYowzQNvp2HsYNm0gn8N1hWRf15QmdRh-kcQasayqxIk7kJ7wzXsTqzM5PH89d3I7fBLrQmAjbgvDjuahHkcwhf8aZyRZOzoDg6gI7sxgF2W9EPxm3efrVLPGCioUlWrjx/s1600/coopers%20rock%20rock.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Reflection</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Coopers Rock overlook is the main attraction of the
park and a short walk from the parking area. You can easily cross a bridge to a
huge rock with eye popping views of the mountains and the valley. The trees have
varied hues of green. They seem to be painted with a brush. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I sat on the rock
and observed multiple<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“wow” facial expressions on those that crossed
onto it. One young man looked to his partner with bewilderment, “you live so close,
and I can’t believe that you have not been here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought yep, I should have ventured to
Coopers Rock State Forest sooner. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioi-1b746JzZN-8Qf0sBOzgyLF7EAAMbtmk-6R3lMvNC3i7M6TF9ecXcTqYy8qtQqKj_TzxMXOh-mcA5RdVLQN9Pi0ccG22-l4fPGE-n3KcLICFXKlqA-Ux8BCeHj9anqt5hyBBVcrDxP6MLyjiCyO42tf3YJYoNgYpzh8C5AObmvws6dgtzJtRMYtSPrw/s320/coopers%20rock%20path.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioi-1b746JzZN-8Qf0sBOzgyLF7EAAMbtmk-6R3lMvNC3i7M6TF9ecXcTqYy8qtQqKj_TzxMXOh-mcA5RdVLQN9Pi0ccG22-l4fPGE-n3KcLICFXKlqA-Ux8BCeHj9anqt5hyBBVcrDxP6MLyjiCyO42tf3YJYoNgYpzh8C5AObmvws6dgtzJtRMYtSPrw/s1600/coopers%20rock%20path.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">From the rock overlook parking area, you can get a map
to a variety of day hikes between .2 mile (Chestnut Trail) to 3 miles (Roadside
Trail). You can pick your adventure. We picked a 7 mile loop that was mostly
moderate hiking that sampled the highlights of the area (Roadside Trail to
Advanced Ski Trial, Clay Run Trail, Rhododendron Trail, Ridge Trail and ending
with </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rattlesnake Trail </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">back to the rock.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqgkbv7pUP_NPT3aT0MVs_GK0y1SvFGcsq5gGzvc7KAe0Hk8psUqkgYGellJ__rIXk8UKgHn2UCyuOiJDgCTI8vClnlc6alX12sdVzuHaaGw6KYuukDFDfeInHxBRa1YtHIvIKz_WcHYp597CduIpWtwg5Z7BEwZ2SPfdRFh5aiacH5MEAUAtNkKKYWDH/s320/coopers%20rock%20map.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqgkbv7pUP_NPT3aT0MVs_GK0y1SvFGcsq5gGzvc7KAe0Hk8psUqkgYGellJ__rIXk8UKgHn2UCyuOiJDgCTI8vClnlc6alX12sdVzuHaaGw6KYuukDFDfeInHxBRa1YtHIvIKz_WcHYp597CduIpWtwg5Z7BEwZ2SPfdRFh5aiacH5MEAUAtNkKKYWDH/s1600/coopers%20rock%20map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It was not that hard to complete. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Rhododendron Trail was steep but seemed so
for only a short time. The Rattlesnake Trail weaved through big boulders and was interesting
and fun but it required a lot of up and down motion for the knees. Clay Run opened into the
historic Henry Clay Iron Furnace at the end, which you don’t want to miss. The
furnace looked like something from an episode of the Ancient Alien TV show. It
was hard to believe that where I was standing there had been a town employing about
200 people. Between 1834 and 1836, the furnace produced 4 tons of pig iron every
24 hours. Now it's all part of nature with only a glimpse left of its past power. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7Ai6X-J-5Ao7T-vJLsQ9L8dTa7WAeaV7yWSxrLfYf_zheK3toO-WQ0VZ2SjQfW_Mp1DuTiyX2IkPdrSp4XIlKwGy1OpLk8TDB7uUFDiWqyARaeCxfPGQqkYqNJTkYOGe70U5Dk9iAHcbtW1B2wxYD7K-Om2oo8rtGKHQafB8S1lhXOzYFFeE2fxll5Z7/s320/coopers%20rock%20furnance.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7Ai6X-J-5Ao7T-vJLsQ9L8dTa7WAeaV7yWSxrLfYf_zheK3toO-WQ0VZ2SjQfW_Mp1DuTiyX2IkPdrSp4XIlKwGy1OpLk8TDB7uUFDiWqyARaeCxfPGQqkYqNJTkYOGe70U5Dk9iAHcbtW1B2wxYD7K-Om2oo8rtGKHQafB8S1lhXOzYFFeE2fxll5Z7/s1600/coopers%20rock%20furnance.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">You just never know what you will find on a hike: some
history, a crooked tree, blossoms and butterflies. It’s always an adventure but
it’s your personal one. This one was almost heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJmmJXiEc91RBvC8kaUXqtYfqUcNe7YzJ6Fk_cRALkyWsVA8JC_kZ6GJYgaZvKr4519oWTMcXd18Kf4YYfwWiDbR9zhTQMhlxTKjW__Ef8xhlqfV4-DT1gcH98ud8W6x14QinB5lG3mOsX09oFHye5z4B-UGT4YaDyiHjSjsh9W1ivlat7rmzvaF06p6I/s320/coopers%20rock%20butterfly.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJmmJXiEc91RBvC8kaUXqtYfqUcNe7YzJ6Fk_cRALkyWsVA8JC_kZ6GJYgaZvKr4519oWTMcXd18Kf4YYfwWiDbR9zhTQMhlxTKjW__Ef8xhlqfV4-DT1gcH98ud8W6x14QinB5lG3mOsX09oFHye5z4B-UGT4YaDyiHjSjsh9W1ivlat7rmzvaF06p6I/s1600/coopers%20rock%20butterfly.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Spiritual Reflection<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The God who made the world and all things in it, since
He is Lord of heaven and earth, he does not dwell in temples made with hands.
(Acts 17:24)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaJNtNj3RBScHa-JNY8Nb8RirNAMaQ2R19x6a5Vu2Alvk3-jffP1CpboI6HlzzP9A1mdbYg6EUp_FoAt0-JdbaxF72ejCdQvUwrkyPNsyNotJfEMElCdb6-9XihPK4lWh2RgGvTXGo4RH4XcHpf0rhiO_N0SdWug7NxRYxr6R4vdc04Yl9Q9sbo5dYS7n/s320/cooper%20rock%20heaven.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaJNtNj3RBScHa-JNY8Nb8RirNAMaQ2R19x6a5Vu2Alvk3-jffP1CpboI6HlzzP9A1mdbYg6EUp_FoAt0-JdbaxF72ejCdQvUwrkyPNsyNotJfEMElCdb6-9XihPK4lWh2RgGvTXGo4RH4XcHpf0rhiO_N0SdWug7NxRYxr6R4vdc04Yl9Q9sbo5dYS7n/s1600/cooper%20rock%20heaven.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Other Sources</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUmnTfsY3hI">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUmnTfsY3hI</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://wvstateparks.com/park/coopers-rock-state-forest/">https://wvstateparks.com/park/coopers-rock-state-forest/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-38517301452998748412023-06-15T06:00:00.009-07:002023-07-17T04:16:57.649-07:00Day Day 397- Eric Jones is Back at Liberty Magic- His Skill Dazzles (June 15-July 2, 2023)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0KWckMCyb5vY-Zg48Dc5J8OnnotU2mCQ7UJBlPa-7x6zeZz2OwtgjeHHgjsenLQ2hfvz4sTt6qGPm05HDuNeyDZM0wTGsFxFqlInGEo_YUhnvB7SQ0vcuxkyBYYSKMJAUIm8vd8KUuexTbkSRWhGqqrj3Qgszjry7ztvsYOyCQWog24igOqB1LafvA/s1016/Eric%20Jones.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="1016" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0KWckMCyb5vY-Zg48Dc5J8OnnotU2mCQ7UJBlPa-7x6zeZz2OwtgjeHHgjsenLQ2hfvz4sTt6qGPm05HDuNeyDZM0wTGsFxFqlInGEo_YUhnvB7SQ0vcuxkyBYYSKMJAUIm8vd8KUuexTbkSRWhGqqrj3Qgszjry7ztvsYOyCQWog24igOqB1LafvA/w400-h208/Eric%20Jones.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: #303030;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://ericjonesmagic.com/">Eric Jones</a> is back at <a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series/liberty-magic">Liberty Magic</a>, a Pittsburg intimate space dedicated
to the art of magic. </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: #303030; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: #303030;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I saw Jones dazzle
the audience in 2019 (<a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2019/02/day-234-magician-eric-jones-at-new.html">Day 234</a></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: #303030; font-size: 13.5pt;">.)</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: #303030;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> Jones was a top 12 semi-finalist on the television show <i>America’s Got
Talent </i>where his sleight of hand illusions repeatedly mesmerized viewers and
the judges earning the descriptions: “Brilliant” (Simon Cowell), a “Superhero”
(Mel B.) and “</span><span style="font-size: 18px;">Mind-blowing</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">” (Heidi Klum.) He is back at Liberty Magic to show off his skills in a new show, <a href="https://trustarts.org/production/82912/eric-jones-in-immaculate-deception">Immaculate-Deception</a></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: #303030;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">.”</span></span></p><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: #303030;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: #303030;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303030; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">Refection</span></strong><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303030; font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">I have praised
the Liberty Magic experience before (<a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2019/09/day-343-liberty-magic-dennis-watkins.html">Day 343</a> ) because this club makes magic a perfect night out of fun and fascination. With only four rows, 70 seats, you are
immersed in the show. Liberty Magic brings a variety of artists with different
approaches to the slight of hand to Pittsburgh. Eric Jones has been one of my favorites for
his pure skill. </span></strong><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7peiRlnDARqxXGaR93N-NNbaefgB1ZWBJoVxh1zskJMh3UOnN999KYA0mCmEKp_rlIe97C0YNE7iFqqKqloPvxYK7YRPrbuLyYjDQVcLAIWMaFhX6IGgiYBLJne6jfmzb4ZB7mFxnyVwxddrUpISCd64fzu--VSQoSBzbHOP_kdEXij92M1Gy8NsBQ/s2048/jones%20room%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7peiRlnDARqxXGaR93N-NNbaefgB1ZWBJoVxh1zskJMh3UOnN999KYA0mCmEKp_rlIe97C0YNE7iFqqKqloPvxYK7YRPrbuLyYjDQVcLAIWMaFhX6IGgiYBLJne6jfmzb4ZB7mFxnyVwxddrUpISCd64fzu--VSQoSBzbHOP_kdEXij92M1Gy8NsBQ/s320/jones%20room%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303030; font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">In the show “Impossible,” Jones,
a 10+ year veteran of his art, made coins multiply, cards fly, and both
disappear and reappear in the hands of others. He challenged you to scan his
every movement. What I witnessed seemed impossible. Even when fixing my gaze on his every
move, I still repeatedly thought “how did that happen.”</span></strong></p><div align="center">
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: #303030;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Liberty
Magic gives you an intimate experience with the magician. Often magicians, like Jones, share their life story and motivation for
their magical passion. His fascination with magic drew him to read every
book on the subject as a child who lived in an isolated part of rural </span><span style="font-size: 18px;">Virginia</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">. He later
discarded his full engineering scholarship at Cornell University to entertain others.</span></span></span></p>
</td>
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</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MDf3Yp8LaXc85jB-9DOAJhRXB6HcUuZcBxH0XY-MQAUZ3gjpsZ75bnNQL1S7yEE6AqC66tBjnbWMRp_ywcGZJHfrrXoZ6o7RxPJ-ClbUV8S3mqwVz11NQs6A1Q577fUi5QSh8ymAhd2UU6BXk3ui9TfzZmvNohMMUIPB5N7hyavGVTwznpID3XtzSQ/s2048/jones%20and%20me.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MDf3Yp8LaXc85jB-9DOAJhRXB6HcUuZcBxH0XY-MQAUZ3gjpsZ75bnNQL1S7yEE6AqC66tBjnbWMRp_ywcGZJHfrrXoZ6o7RxPJ-ClbUV8S3mqwVz11NQs6A1Q577fUi5QSh8ymAhd2UU6BXk3ui9TfzZmvNohMMUIPB5N7hyavGVTwznpID3XtzSQ/s320/jones%20and%20me.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From 2019 show</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303030; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span><span style="color: #303030;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Jones who </span><span style="font-size: 18px;">admittedly</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> practiced 12 hours a day in his
early years, will amaze you with his skill with cards and coins that defy all </span></span><span style="color: #303030; font-size: 13.5pt;">boundaries of reason. Being so close
to magic, you gain a heightened appreciation for his skill and dexterity that dazzles.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303030; font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">(<a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series/liberty-magic">Liberty
Magic </a> is located at 811 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh. Immaculate-Deception<i> </i>runs from June 15 through July 2, 2023. For tickets go to t<a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series/liberty-magic/shows">rustarts.com</a>.)
</span></strong><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Other Sources</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Coin trick </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igG_lOq-8w8" style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igG_lOq-8w8</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">http://ericjonesmagic.com/</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><br /></p>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-55816298479024918902023-05-19T09:40:00.013-07:002023-07-17T04:20:42.343-07:00Day 396 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater- Connects with Pittsburgh- Spreads Joy and Unity through Dance. <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuTdKbEv4NQV-ANFz6kXzyXUq5WhpiUm1TP6MmnMhHTxH6IflTqA9Bf1214Cfs58k58cZpq_GVoTjiFa9uJPPJEY1nQ7L3SBbmti63Ch4aK0uqQ7dIEypUjpuuOTJ0QVcpTgybm0_dSnLiWPceWFa9ulnm_pRKYQEEePASI3Qx_q9DBZAup1pRRQ37A/s320/dance%20program.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuTdKbEv4NQV-ANFz6kXzyXUq5WhpiUm1TP6MmnMhHTxH6IflTqA9Bf1214Cfs58k58cZpq_GVoTjiFa9uJPPJEY1nQ7L3SBbmti63Ch4aK0uqQ7dIEypUjpuuOTJ0QVcpTgybm0_dSnLiWPceWFa9ulnm_pRKYQEEePASI3Qx_q9DBZAup1pRRQ37A/s1600/dance%20program.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, founded in NYC in 1960
by Alvin Ailey, was one of the first contemporary dance companies in the US. I
love the <a href="https://www.alvinailey.org/about-us">history</a> of the company and its mission to bring dance to the community
“using the beauty and humanity of the African-American heritage and other cultures
to unite people of all races, ages and backgrounds.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It’s been 20 years since they visited Pittsburgh. This company
was part of the very first season of the <a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series/pittsburgh-dance-council">Pittsburgh Dance Council</a> which is now
in its 53<sup>rd</sup> year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was
excitement in the air for this anticipated Pittsburgh reunion performance of two,
2022 world premier dances, and <i>Revelation</i> by Alvin Ailey, created in 1992.<i> </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On May 9, 2023, Pittsburgh welcomed
back Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, a company that brings joy and unity through dance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s28F-PEVmrjPbEkVPtH8rqJSgBgCFYHwtuTlZeU5lU-62GYEKegT8j6XwwDaKYNqc5dE-VQn_TqzxAAxI_5nQ_IDJhH6jQQgEHD10fzpiTUxN_pt7xGdnPr7T7Kqmg1TlGyUlnVBK6wH3u-vAWovT1jBV8TNXz633XsbPotkpLo9oVZm8Zdd0CEuwQ/s320/dance%20group.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="320" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s28F-PEVmrjPbEkVPtH8rqJSgBgCFYHwtuTlZeU5lU-62GYEKegT8j6XwwDaKYNqc5dE-VQn_TqzxAAxI_5nQ_IDJhH6jQQgEHD10fzpiTUxN_pt7xGdnPr7T7Kqmg1TlGyUlnVBK6wH3u-vAWovT1jBV8TNXz633XsbPotkpLo9oVZm8Zdd0CEuwQ/s1600/dance%20group.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Reflection<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I fell in love with them during the pandemic when they kept
the dance going with weekly online performances in Ailey All Access (<a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2020/04/day-367-alvin-ailey-american-dance.html">Day 367</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hooked watching the fluidity of the
dance that told stories though movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The opening, “Sentimental Mood” by Jamar Roberts carried the audience
away to the jazz age of speakeasys with music by Duke Ellington and other jazz classics.
I was transfixed on the arm isolation movements of the couple as they told the narrative of a yoyo relationship that ended in separation. </p><p class="MsoNormal">There were audience whoops and hollers for the dance “Are You in Your
Feelings?” by Kyle Abraham. Maybe it was because the creator is from our hometown or because
of the music choice ranging from Drake to Summer Walker. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The piece explored black culture, mixing hip
hop, soul and R and B. My friend leaned over during the performance, “I really
like this music” and I thought, “I really love the explosive energy in the room.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeXfaLJ5wHC-Je9ZBI7SGo-83DVz5EWwZiJUBDsK_4O_6ttTwAFnF3o9wApmZyewF8oRB3Ztg_EXpW2APxuKiD2xSD5H1_ff8FBMHAxusXAuMKwvoBsTZZ9RF55nQIMMpP1jAc8ecVr3CAq_t50yGE3SK2FMFNe7lvPkkg1TegnImTyzWJ57QDuXjoA/s1420/dance%20white.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1420" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeXfaLJ5wHC-Je9ZBI7SGo-83DVz5EWwZiJUBDsK_4O_6ttTwAFnF3o9wApmZyewF8oRB3Ztg_EXpW2APxuKiD2xSD5H1_ff8FBMHAxusXAuMKwvoBsTZZ9RF55nQIMMpP1jAc8ecVr3CAq_t50yGE3SK2FMFNe7lvPkkg1TegnImTyzWJ57QDuXjoA/s320/dance%20white.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">“Revelation” first preformed 60 years ago, choreographed by
Alvin Ailey, has been seen around the world. It was one of the first contemporary
works that explored the pain and joy of man in a dance to African
American spirituals. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had only seen excerpts online at Ailey All Access (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNqaixKbrjs">see here</a>). The full dance was mesmerizing and emotional,
depicting the harshness and the resilience of mankind. This finale lived up to
the hype and sure spread the joy of telling a story with movement.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">(Alvin Ailey Tour 2023 is a must, see the schedule <a href="https://www.alvinailey.org/performances-tickets/tour-schedules">here</a>. The <a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series/pittsburgh-dance-council">Pittsburgh Dance Council 23-24 season</a> brings another series of fantastic dance to explore. )<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_A2wxefINDFdAT3eNyh7wInvrsyvAgQgcLprVQCQfHTyiX86ByOlS92u27IojlaepbkgleQH-G6aLv1Q9_nf4ANo6t7-SJSXwuX2cWYsM442LQ37zXXgM_aIk69HUsBJfqqHO4iLnPXNHwddNJ_HcHDnU7PFu3dea-2xX0DTztK7PqJW2MU8U2a8bA/s320/dance%20me.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_A2wxefINDFdAT3eNyh7wInvrsyvAgQgcLprVQCQfHTyiX86ByOlS92u27IojlaepbkgleQH-G6aLv1Q9_nf4ANo6t7-SJSXwuX2cWYsM442LQ37zXXgM_aIk69HUsBJfqqHO4iLnPXNHwddNJ_HcHDnU7PFu3dea-2xX0DTztK7PqJW2MU8U2a8bA/s1600/dance%20me.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Spiritual Reflection</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper
time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. <i>Galatians 6:9.</i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Other Sources</b><i>. </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNqaixKbrjs">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNqaixKbrjs</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.alvinailey.org/performances-tickets/tour-schedules">https://www.alvinailey.org/performances-tickets/tour-schedules</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2020/04/day-367-alvin-ailey-american-dance.html">https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2020/04/day-367-alvin-ailey-american-dance.html</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">history <a href="https://www.alvinailey.org/about-us">https://www.alvinailey.org/about-us</a><o:p></o:p></p>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-82206314364212119892023-05-06T13:58:00.087-07:002023-07-17T04:21:07.512-07:00Day 395- Broadway in Pittsburgh-Dear Evan Hansen-So Real and Relevant<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vyYmfSWpQyIT3RGeYDZ6sC5zj__lZ8_lwYJwuHeWupQGmYYPQxhQTVbXRB7Zy6G1AKRxqs9zANdUlMO7jn_TD2EgGB4kw4FT4fJUlFSF1-eOBH-TM_c_qJn0CP8pSPcFJ8ZilVBJbhPCUV11XAWgHIEMTUCUIIpvttFcPrzUCjJcbrmAjqT2Zpgp5w/s320/evan%202.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vyYmfSWpQyIT3RGeYDZ6sC5zj__lZ8_lwYJwuHeWupQGmYYPQxhQTVbXRB7Zy6G1AKRxqs9zANdUlMO7jn_TD2EgGB4kw4FT4fJUlFSF1-eOBH-TM_c_qJn0CP8pSPcFJ8ZilVBJbhPCUV11XAWgHIEMTUCUIIpvttFcPrzUCjJcbrmAjqT2Zpgp5w/s1600/evan%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://dearevanhansen.com/">Dear Evan Hansen</a> tackles real life issues, elevating discussions
on difficult topics such as suicide and mental health through song. Evan (Anthony
Norman) is an awkward high school teen struggling to fit in and Connor (August Emerson)
is a troubled teen who doesn’t. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
Connor ends his life, Evan fakes their friendship to help the family cope and
befriend the sister, his school crush. Social media adds fire to this fabrication which results in Evan acquiring a group of friends and the sister’s affection. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This all sounds so messed up, which is exactly
how life really is at times. Dear Evan Hansen, through a beautifully written
musical score, is so real and relevant. It strikes a chord with anyone who has
felt left out or alone. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p>Refection</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Opening the play, Evan writes a letter to himself, an exercise given by his therapist to combat his low self-esteem, anxiety, and
loneness. He writes, “Today is going to be a good day…” but it really is not. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In the first song, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tkzi6C11JTk">Anybody Have a Map</a>?" the mothers (Evan's and Conner's) sing, “I am just flying blind, making this up as I go.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
felt the exact same way when my son, once my best friend, turned into an alien in
high school. I thought, “there is a book called, <i>What to Expect when
Expecting,</i> but none to prepare you for the serpentine road of an adolescent
child, who proclaims that you know nothing and can do nothing right. That song triggered a river of emotions and then this musical kept them flowing. </p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15eNtUKwF8M5jvbvry16O-K25ZMHk0mrdt-aEDbQTkdSxIuGc_aGtBcDuRYGcjO8JDggJep1K9IPECCehbJh5guFILAgCZPNXvNEijLP8Y0_FjMUQOKKqgD9eQcVRXk05gqRSQ1N96nXh-MY4L-kk42H6g5q9iUQzkEqhk4lZiNy3k_VUfuDEEdPrgA/s1199/Evan%20pic.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1199" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15eNtUKwF8M5jvbvry16O-K25ZMHk0mrdt-aEDbQTkdSxIuGc_aGtBcDuRYGcjO8JDggJep1K9IPECCehbJh5guFILAgCZPNXvNEijLP8Y0_FjMUQOKKqgD9eQcVRXk05gqRSQ1N96nXh-MY4L-kk42H6g5q9iUQzkEqhk4lZiNy3k_VUfuDEEdPrgA/s320/Evan%20pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The set consists of a dining room table or a couch surrounded
by elaborate floor to ceiling digital displays. The digital set and powerful songs are
all that is needed to tell the story. The music fuels memories of an awkward
time when we felt alone in “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfnMvo87fQU">Waving Through a Window</a>." The songs are thought provoking, reminding us that in death no one should “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmPlvR8e9RI">Disappear</a>" and in life “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSfH2AuhXfw">You Will Be Found</a>” because you matter. <div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The digital set engulfs the action depicting the way social
media creates a story by twisting and turning the truth until it combusts into a
new species.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the “fake news”
motivates behavior.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The theater was packed with many who seemed much younger than I. Even being 30 plus years out from high school, I can still remember my anxiety surrounding
who to sit with at lunch when my<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>group of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>friends had a different lunch period. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This musical brings to light the void felt when you think that you don't belong and mental struggles to find a place to belong which
are topic so real and relevant. D<a href="https://trustarts.org/production/81546/dear-evan-hansen">ear Evan Hansen</a> does it all with a brilliant and powerful musical score and an amazing digital stage platform. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>( For tickets go to <a href="https://trustarts.org/production/81546/dear-evan-hansen">trustarts.com</a>. The Pittsburgh
Cultural Trust also just released the <a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series/pnc-broadway-in-pittsburgh/broadway-subscribe">2024 Broadway in Pittsburgh series</a>. For
more information on this and other shows go to the <a href="https://trustarts.org/">home page trustarts.org</a>.)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Spirituals reflection</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my every thought when far away. I can never get away from your presence! If I go to the heaven, you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there. (Psalm 139:1-3 and 7-8)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Other sources</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Dear Evan Hansen tour- https://dearevanhansen.com/</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>You Will Be Found- <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSfH2AuhXfw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSfH2AuhXfw</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-59717351340169469102023-05-01T15:30:00.006-07:002023-05-10T15:40:10.023-07:00Day 394-Alvin Ailey revisited - Dance for Pittsburgh<p> During the pandemic Alvin Ailey kept the dance going with virtual "Ailey All Access." They are finally back to Pittsburgh after 20 years. Their show was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will bring 2 new works and "Revelations" choreographed by Alvin Ailey in 1960, to Pittsburgh on Tuesday May 9, 2023. For tickets go to <a href="https://trustarts.org/">trustarts.org.</a></p><div class="MsoNormal">Revisit April 2020 post:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZHn-XLQeEJUF9kilVL_N9lmjrCfEmKF9SaEzM_74s20c7yEVAeaaXwXI2sWiWEa1pZsK6rhJVkDloVec4WiSFIAkRDLhLWLFmo7FaQhjhAF8ccSokYUP_38qIPCaxB6oZsz0WHPW3FWv/s1600/dance+alvin.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="528" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZHn-XLQeEJUF9kilVL_N9lmjrCfEmKF9SaEzM_74s20c7yEVAeaaXwXI2sWiWEa1pZsK6rhJVkDloVec4WiSFIAkRDLhLWLFmo7FaQhjhAF8ccSokYUP_38qIPCaxB6oZsz0WHPW3FWv/s320/dance+alvin.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">During this “stay home” period, I have been in search of new “art experiences.” New York based Alvin Ailey Dance Theater offers </span><a href="https://www.alvinailey.org/performances-tickets/ailey-all-access" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Ailey All Access"</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">- weekly full-length dance videos from their repertory every Thursday, Ailey dancer conversations on Instagram live every Wednesday and Saturday at 1 pm, and virtual dance classes. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is an opportunity to experience this modern ballet dance company whose mission is to use “the beauty and humanity of the African-American heritage and other cultures to unite people of all races, ages and backgrounds” through dance.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><strike><br /></strike><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbgoYwLvp3t6SR-GVKz3XX2koD3quaNQtsOVTBq8dfuhhE8ajreomIizXxJ3sy9lspdpPQjkjypK-PXGv8gcYJkYPoPwyMhUJjnzFTT2y8csdQWYUxWFkXKF0tRZ7_674ixeX_oCQi9Hl/s1600/AA+dance.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="726" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbgoYwLvp3t6SR-GVKz3XX2koD3quaNQtsOVTBq8dfuhhE8ajreomIizXxJ3sy9lspdpPQjkjypK-PXGv8gcYJkYPoPwyMhUJjnzFTT2y8csdQWYUxWFkXKF0tRZ7_674ixeX_oCQi9Hl/s320/AA+dance.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Company in Ode-Photo by Paul Kolnik</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Reflection</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">I just discovered this company but it </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">was found in 1958 by dancer choreographer Alvin Ailey (current artistic director Robert Battle) and celebrated its 60</span><sup style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> anniversary in 2018. They have accomplished an extensive body of </span><a href="https://www.alvinailey.org/repertory" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">work</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> though their interesting </span><a href="https://www.alvinailey.org/about/history" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">historical journe</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">y. Founder Ailey taught his dancers to “hold a mirror to society so the people can see how beautiful they are.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuB2IL0f8ry08ZvCgr9g5tcyjfac3VgpxWqZHGpFK9TUeXkEEb6fLIV1LBNpMXpKXVHuxI0m1v3Spo7QUzp5fcY-PGPa-7-8qE8K1MbpabHqGEcC2Vh9vKeQZeHYYa5DOrtGbUqdv69Bme/s1600/aa+dance+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1233" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuB2IL0f8ry08ZvCgr9g5tcyjfac3VgpxWqZHGpFK9TUeXkEEb6fLIV1LBNpMXpKXVHuxI0m1v3Spo7QUzp5fcY-PGPa-7-8qE8K1MbpabHqGEcC2Vh9vKeQZeHYYa5DOrtGbUqdv69Bme/s320/aa+dance+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Watching from home -<i>Diving</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">During this pandemic, I find comfort in art that celebrates the beauty of the human </span>spirit<span style="font-size: 12pt;">. Last Thursday, I enjoyed </span></span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Diving </i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">(by Judith Jamison) with it’s pulsating drum rhythms and soft visual palette of color and </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Revelations</i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">(by Alvin Ailey) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">that used </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">African-American traditional </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">spirituals (watch <i>Revelations</i> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNqaixKbrjs">here</a>).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.alvinailey.org/performances-tickets/ailey-all-access"><i>Ailey All Access</i></a> heightens the dance experience by adding a brief commentary about each piece. The upcoming weekly full-length ballet broadcasts are:</span></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in;">April 16–19:</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Rennie Harris' <span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.alvinailey.org/performances/repertory/lazarus"><i>Lazarus</i></a> </span></span></li><li><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="border: 1pt none; color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in;">April 23-26:</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey's <span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.alvinailey.org/performances/repertory/night-creature"><i><span style="color: red;">Night Creature</span></i></a> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">(using the jazz great, Duke Ellington’s score)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li><li><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: 1pt none; color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in;">April 30–May 1:</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Jamar Roberts' <a href="https://www.alvinailey.org/performances/repertory/ode"><i><span style="color: red;">Ode</span></i></a></span></li></ul><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The virtual world allows you to continue the journey of new experiences even during this pandemic. Alivn Ailey's Pittsburgh <a href="https://trustarts.org/production/65261/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater?gclid=CjwKCAjw7e_0BRB7EiwAlH-goNB0-nt7lxNnLleYArAkWgpYd4gLdTFfcsq997CWIU5u3t4Yg3rWWhoCVVkQAvD_BwE">May 202</a>0 performance was suspended due to social distancing guidelines but <i>Ailey All Access</i> can uplift the spirits with a variety of dance videos until this intermission is over. It's dance that celebrates the beauty in the human spirit which is so needed during this </span>unusual<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> time. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br /><div class="yiv3829117183MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Source</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.alvinailey.org/performances-tickets/ailey-all-access">https://www.alvinailey.org/performances-tickets/ailey-all-access</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><a href="https://www.alvinailey.org/about/history">https://www.alvinailey.org/about/history</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><a href="https://www.alvinailey.org/repertory">https://www.alvinailey.org/repertory</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="mso-element: comment-list;"><!--[endif]--><br /><div style="mso-element: comment;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><br /></div></div>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-7291349485372821962023-03-20T13:33:00.013-07:002023-03-25T06:49:03.522-07:00Day 393 Pittsburgh Playhouse, Men on Boats- A Historic Comical Expedition: An Adventurous Spirit is Inclusive <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSVkYDFH--Tgo7YfokdwwTxWy4Sjr_a9vCvIbX7n2MATPYj4fqTJTT1q2O9e9CutsdubuL1UQHWcwOa43UYYle1_iCA_MD9ywEnIdC2AYCWXD2n-WhxS-xmIm4wbEPc4X456JVXzAm1eNe0RmjQpn6KjaY4z4q8H6_yUkGkLEOSu3cGq7-R3tzLEvMA/s320/boats%20group.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSVkYDFH--Tgo7YfokdwwTxWy4Sjr_a9vCvIbX7n2MATPYj4fqTJTT1q2O9e9CutsdubuL1UQHWcwOa43UYYle1_iCA_MD9ywEnIdC2AYCWXD2n-WhxS-xmIm4wbEPc4X456JVXzAm1eNe0RmjQpn6KjaY4z4q8H6_yUkGkLEOSu3cGq7-R3tzLEvMA/s1600/boats%20group.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/conservatoryTheatre/men-on-boats">Point Park Conservatory Theater</a> recently brought Men on Boats,
a tale of <a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/canyon-john-wesley-powells-first-expedition/ ">John Westly Powell's</a> 1869 river exploration of the Grand Canyon, to
the <a href="https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/">Pittsburgh Playhouse</a>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This play
inspired by Powell’s actual travel logs intertwines history and humor. It uses an all-female cast as
male explores. This twist celebrates the adventurous spirit in all of us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Refection<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Powell (Haley Holme), a one armed Civil War veteran and a motley crew of 10, navigate
4 boats through sharp turns, rapids, whirlpools and waterfalls to map out this unknow
territory. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many punches of
humor such as hysteria ensuing when snakes are discovered in a boat and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Powell climbing to safety with one arm. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdimjVeZlRfY6DDJesun2lQMfbh-gugEqljJOaYKeIJNAK51-Yuh2L5_UIEBsPc8wmnMxa44g37i1_CdzKM0b4WnnCCTJ93iBqJzB6N7WrKLSHZBaU9usQnEkJQC21ZhaVEVVLbcgiuzKDDq84i7JKe12TziZHp-7Nw2F-H3qklSK5LZPVgXRsoM6Hew/s320/boats%20crew.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdimjVeZlRfY6DDJesun2lQMfbh-gugEqljJOaYKeIJNAK51-Yuh2L5_UIEBsPc8wmnMxa44g37i1_CdzKM0b4WnnCCTJ93iBqJzB6N7WrKLSHZBaU9usQnEkJQC21ZhaVEVVLbcgiuzKDDq84i7JKe12TziZHp-7Nw2F-H3qklSK5LZPVgXRsoM6Hew/s1600/boats%20crew.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The company’s physicality is impressive as they row, swim when capsized,
and kick through the water lined perimeter of the unique set. The occasional crew's rhythmic chants and percussion accompaniment emulates the monotony of a three month river ride. Their body language, like a pantomime, immerses the audience in the adventure.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxluuqrsooyRcBAnK2R507yQgiUvt2TOMSoOb6gqSJ49eRTU9TiSAT8mBhK0iWSGPcREJr405tNfbFIy6-srBDFR-ShlF72CpPjilJVnTFqeb9KfGWr33FxALOymiPDJPGto4eku2aqmD4lt6SkRTCCgVMv5TjM_all-SN6y2QSmiAiYZgaHrSGmDMg/s320/boats%20set.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxluuqrsooyRcBAnK2R507yQgiUvt2TOMSoOb6gqSJ49eRTU9TiSAT8mBhK0iWSGPcREJr405tNfbFIy6-srBDFR-ShlF72CpPjilJVnTFqeb9KfGWr33FxALOymiPDJPGto4eku2aqmD4lt6SkRTCCgVMv5TjM_all-SN6y2QSmiAiYZgaHrSGmDMg/s1600/boats%20set.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Similar to the musical “Hamilton,” this play fueled my
further investigation of the 1869 expedition. Fact cards about the original journey in the Playhouse lobby heightened the historic experience. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Powell’s trip was the first recorded passage of white men
entering the Grand Canyon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Men on Boats, gives
us the first women. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is a fresh perspective to see someone, who looked like
me, conquer nature, even if that part is a fiction. What is not a fiction, are the
numerous adventurous women that I have met and who’s stories are yet to be
told. Men On Boats reminds us that the spirit of adventure and exploration is all inclusive.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">(<a href="https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/index">Pittsburgh Playhouse 22-23 season</a> brings a variety of
music, dance and drama to downtown Pittsburgh. The Point Park
Conservatory 22-23 season ends with Sense and Sensibility - go to <a href="https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/conservatoryTheatre/sense-and-sensibility">Pittsburgh Playhouse</a> for tickets )</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyYWW2o2pPMLyhCXqZoh7zOICE_cN3nN3vaNaEqxk_xJUhDr4CbSV2zhWN0VBU_rywhV9TRK04MVZoUCP4T7N3rILRwlVp9Q98IQiIZss24louow_0a7NAL55ThMYP8Nej6LDsB8xPBICkqlHuHj8FvAe2sXZdor5JioqrE753plTwb2DGvBZqbscYw/s320/boats%20me.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyYWW2o2pPMLyhCXqZoh7zOICE_cN3nN3vaNaEqxk_xJUhDr4CbSV2zhWN0VBU_rywhV9TRK04MVZoUCP4T7N3rILRwlVp9Q98IQiIZss24louow_0a7NAL55ThMYP8Nej6LDsB8xPBICkqlHuHj8FvAe2sXZdor5JioqrE753plTwb2DGvBZqbscYw/s1600/boats%20me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Spiritual Reflection</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ. (Galatians 3:28)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b> Other Sources</b></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;"> </span></b><a href="https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/index">https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/index</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/conservatoryTheatre/sense-and-sensibility">https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/conservatoryTheatre/sense-and-sensibility</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/index">https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/index</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/canyon-john-wesley-powells-first-expedition/">https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/canyon-john-wesley-powells-first-expedition/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-30194174849601769102023-03-11T12:44:00.012-08:002023-03-20T10:36:17.289-07:00Day 392 Le Patin Libre-Pittsburgh Dance Council-Contemporary Dance on Ice- Not Disney on Ice<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrs8E3SRkpN2hmjjKVrvMfl77Yp1B8j1ejcKc3WnZuXz_r1jezOCDE8LbzmSA2EQ9bsLiKa9ViheyL0OVVt9Qqhs5zG1FBKH0YGmmpXo8PtquGdCwUQa7pSQnE_VO6eK_80U8e4chf5G6SXe5pC8rUq_5qAhMHUxtIPMoq7We4LnveYf3a1gPYOlUDOg/s320/Dance%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="320" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrs8E3SRkpN2hmjjKVrvMfl77Yp1B8j1ejcKc3WnZuXz_r1jezOCDE8LbzmSA2EQ9bsLiKa9ViheyL0OVVt9Qqhs5zG1FBKH0YGmmpXo8PtquGdCwUQa7pSQnE_VO6eK_80U8e4chf5G6SXe5pC8rUq_5qAhMHUxtIPMoq7We4LnveYf3a1gPYOlUDOg/s1600/Dance%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series/pittsburgh-dance-council" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pittsburgh Dance Council</a>,<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> a programing division of the <a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series">Pittsburgh Cultural Trust</a> brought a unique outdoor dance
experience to PPG Plaza on a chilly night with </span><a href="https://trustarts.org/production/81904/le-patin-libre" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Le Patin Libre</a> from Montreal.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Since 2005, this group has reached the pinnacle of inventiveness by developing their own art
form - contemporary skating. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">They
combine modern dance with the ability to glide which brings a new kind of visual
experience </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">that sure is not Disney on Ice.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Reflection</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Pittsburgh Dance Council brings new dance experiences to Pittsburgh (see <a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2018/01/day-263-pittsburgh-dance-council-grupo.html">Day 263</a> and <a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2019/11/path-of-miracles-odcdance-with.html">Day 352</a> ). A cold Pittsburgh night could not keep many adventurous
patrons way from <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this dance on ice. These
six skaters, or should I say dancers, transformed PPG Plaza into a magical world of
storytelling by combining movement, music and skating. Their
name, Le Patin Libre (French for “Free Skate”) is fitting. They were not confined
to any particular style of skating. They moved with intense speed, slow
grace and enough control to be motionless. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQx8vVcXGGHWLKZwunXb_fOrr8iVler556cjo-KSf8pFzMA4S3MSWuK7BtfsI_ylV7BVUsMN6JlpAVo8WqOeROjVQmTe8SVPMgZaUexcEbBSl93YhcCuo8D3qXX5k5SHZYnigwYqBl_mcHwIjxBI3FfWFTRimsB6mu8Q-Jboaeoz1v04xEuHZQ91g24w/s1342/dance%20clap.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="1148" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQx8vVcXGGHWLKZwunXb_fOrr8iVler556cjo-KSf8pFzMA4S3MSWuK7BtfsI_ylV7BVUsMN6JlpAVo8WqOeROjVQmTe8SVPMgZaUexcEbBSl93YhcCuo8D3qXX5k5SHZYnigwYqBl_mcHwIjxBI3FfWFTRimsB6mu8Q-Jboaeoz1v04xEuHZQ91g24w/s320/dance%20clap.jpg" width="274" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tap skating </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The skates were fitted with microphones to amplify the sounds during “tap skating.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The added clapping on the ice and from the audience heightened the beat.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">They called the second part of the show “pure glide.” The motion was freeing like watching the murmuration of birds in the sky with coordinated
patterns or the changing configurations of a school of fish in the ocean. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> At other times it was </span>eerie when the music clamored and creaked like a sinking ship as they moved forward and back resembling a wave. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pYgHi0ZiZy6rNHQLGYAUWu2faXPjF8iswv4QusqNSqPMi7ChZgwo20WJbZQ1KRpIt2U9xqL-G0n0CY1aupUIWaIKImvPiOSA1Dn4GefbumqgAbe1NIvXqLyG4zJcJ-QlUifaC3Fr06OGKz189v84_sRJqAk2u6Dd_S_-Nt68iZpM7pbB_UbU0uoKkg/s1160/dance%20blue.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1160" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pYgHi0ZiZy6rNHQLGYAUWu2faXPjF8iswv4QusqNSqPMi7ChZgwo20WJbZQ1KRpIt2U9xqL-G0n0CY1aupUIWaIKImvPiOSA1Dn4GefbumqgAbe1NIvXqLyG4zJcJ-QlUifaC3Fr06OGKz189v84_sRJqAk2u6Dd_S_-Nt68iZpM7pbB_UbU0uoKkg/w320-h258/dance%20blue.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">motion resembling a wave</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Le Patin Libre pushes the limits of dance with contemporary
skating. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The excitement in seeing
something so different yet so beautiful made this "not Disney on Ice experience" super cool on a cold night (pun intended). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhJRIO9TwM8jO82LhwDrd7_O6JCH29JCqrIDuXomfrQcJdW2V09U_CQ86TvnNnjD6cJYV83fIdHCiEIGRCPPWvXTW_ebjzHOF3uwXE99uh_kZrMJ5qK6h6D8YwFdNKZzv-v4gVHMx7Pm3rzs_PDT9bT7z4hcfeJKcqKHE7nosp7MZEVLNxNm-ShKtlA/s320/dance%20face.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhJRIO9TwM8jO82LhwDrd7_O6JCH29JCqrIDuXomfrQcJdW2V09U_CQ86TvnNnjD6cJYV83fIdHCiEIGRCPPWvXTW_ebjzHOF3uwXE99uh_kZrMJ5qK6h6D8YwFdNKZzv-v4gVHMx7Pm3rzs_PDT9bT7z4hcfeJKcqKHE7nosp7MZEVLNxNm-ShKtlA/s1600/dance%20face.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braving the cold for Le Patin Libre</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">( For more information on upcoming events from the
Pittsburgh Dance Counsel go to <a href="https://trustarts.org/">trustarts.org</a> or <a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series/pittsburgh-dance-council ">here.</a> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">The next show is </span><a href="https://trustarts.org/production/81906/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">Alvin Ailey</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;"> on May 9, 2023, see </span><a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2020/04/day-367-alvin-ailey-american-dance.html#more" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">Day 376</a>.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">O</span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">ther Sources </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://trustarts.org/production/81904/le-patin-libre" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">https://trustarts.org/production/81904/le-patin-libre</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.lepatinlibre.com/">https://www.lepatinlibre.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series/pittsburgh-dance-council">https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series/pittsburgh-dance-council</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-55973316059598348952023-03-08T11:28:00.059-08:002023-06-21T06:16:29.587-07:00Day 391- My First Celebration of International Women's Day revisited: Celebrate the special women in your life in March <p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xmNbzs89E8DSJRnwa4fG35IaGoawme4rZXVXEOKGEbtE1EBqqmtolmsi0Nm93uYTqq2UhirzXGk-HA1Is9xBEwmmestY5tL0RexJ8ZpB7HJxV2xk_LJep0GAt-0W9d2VkQJZz7S96sJL/s1600/Italian+Feast+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xmNbzs89E8DSJRnwa4fG35IaGoawme4rZXVXEOKGEbtE1EBqqmtolmsi0Nm93uYTqq2UhirzXGk-HA1Is9xBEwmmestY5tL0RexJ8ZpB7HJxV2xk_LJep0GAt-0W9d2VkQJZz7S96sJL/s400/Italian+Feast+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> March 8th, </span>International Women’s Day, is a day worth embracing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a celebration with a political history but it is also a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>day to appreciate women. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In psychologist <a href="https://simplypsychology.org/maslow.html">Maslow's</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>principle, the human need for <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>love and belonging<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is third on <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>his <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>list to reaching our best self or self-actualization. This need can be <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>expressed in deep friendships <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>so I was excited when my friend invited me to my first celebration of <a href="https://mamalovesitaly.com/8th-of-march-in-italy/">La Festa Della Donna</a><a href="http://www.lifeinitaly.com/culture/women-day"> </a> (Italian International Women's day) in 2016. Since then, throughout the month of March I try to find creative ways to reach out and celebrate the special women in my life. </span><div><span><a name='more'></a></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div><div><span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Reflection<o:p></o:p></span></b><br style="font-family: "Times New Roman";" /><br style="font-family: "Times New Roman";" /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">In 2016, I really did not even know there was an <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>International Women’s Day (IWD) which is celebrated yearly on March 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>. I <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>learned that this day has <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>political roots <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and that the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/">United Nations</a></span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>uses this <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>day <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to bring awareness of the political and social struggles of women worldwide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, IWD celebrations, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>like a chameleon, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>change with the culture and overtime it has also become a celebration of women. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="240" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/6/6243349_58d2cc55fd_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mimosa-come out in spring in Italy</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br style="font-family: "Times New Roman";" /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">My girlfriend explained that <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in Italy, the IWD celebration <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is called <i>La Festa Della Donna</i>, and that it is more like a merger of Mother’s Day and Valentine’s day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s Italy’s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>day to celebrate women’s accomplishments and struggles and has a positive fun flavor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On this day men are to adorn their woman with yellow Mimosas, </span><span style="font-family: calibri;">the first flower of Spring. I like that adorning part!</span></div><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><span style="font-family: calibri;"></span><br style="font-family: "Times New Roman";" /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44WCMmZQaV_PTNns5jIbeMaetwZ-9QHlXduPIYMyW08fk4aJHB2rB_xC6vPPFSYK0-MnSiM-E6g00mTACWriLfNt84OfW74t6BqSVZmV5MZQimwODIzcYDOJGEZs-5tuQS-dKH_lGCeIq/s1600/Italian+feast.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44WCMmZQaV_PTNns5jIbeMaetwZ-9QHlXduPIYMyW08fk4aJHB2rB_xC6vPPFSYK0-MnSiM-E6g00mTACWriLfNt84OfW74t6BqSVZmV5MZQimwODIzcYDOJGEZs-5tuQS-dKH_lGCeIq/s320/Italian+feast.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow gnocchi</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Our celebration was with a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>group of women that I have known for many years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a reason to dress in yellow and eat yellow foods such as pineapple tiramisu and yellow gnocchi. We laughed, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>told stories, rejuvenated our <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>friendships, and celebrated our uniqueness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a positive way to usher <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in spring and brighten the gray days of March in Pittsburgh.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I say use the month of March to have your own La Festa Della Donna celebration and find a way to adorn the special women in your life. <o:p></o:p></span></div><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Spiritual Reflection</span></b><br style="font-family: "Times New Roman";" /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions. She carefully watches all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear the consequences of laziness.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last: but a women who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise</i>. (Proverbs 31:25-31)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong>Other sources</strong></span></div><a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri";">http://www.internationalwomensday.com/</span></a><o:p style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></o:p><br style="font-family: "Times New Roman";" /><br style="font-family: "Times New Roman";" /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">https://mamalovesitaly.com/8th-of-march-in-italy/</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: calibri;"><br /></div></span></div>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-51969495180118507662023-01-18T14:28:00.015-08:002023-03-18T07:23:03.784-07:00Day 390- Carnegie Science Center- Fun for Adults-Climb Aboard for Locomotion Weekend <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPXqBXZWiK0B15cmgOHmhqh4XMTQSIaqTy8EdEEgbKna61joNtaoHhbt6OzhH1q-bRCuxLt2fwZGLk4y3DyCRy1N_6uzjjSiWmNuzEvgb7EiENNn0d8ve8jk1-54G_RLeI5StwHsCNkl6DIeQcYDlMKosmt3Sf501Axh0ybEQLGaySXf4-2YQqemsIw/s1600/train%20open.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPXqBXZWiK0B15cmgOHmhqh4XMTQSIaqTy8EdEEgbKna61joNtaoHhbt6OzhH1q-bRCuxLt2fwZGLk4y3DyCRy1N_6uzjjSiWmNuzEvgb7EiENNn0d8ve8jk1-54G_RLeI5StwHsCNkl6DIeQcYDlMKosmt3Sf501Axh0ybEQLGaySXf4-2YQqemsIw/w400-h300/train%20open.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">When my son was younger, a visit to the <a href="https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/">Carnegie Science Center</a> was more
like a mad dash though the exhibits. You can take your time to explore when it's an all adult excursion. The
Carnegie Science Center has so much to absorb and stimulate new knowledge even for
us older folks: <a href="https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/planetarium/buhl-planetarium-skywatch/">Sky Watch</a>, lectures, <a href="https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/individuals-and-families/science-after-hours/ ">21+ Nights </a> (<a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2017/05/day-217-21-nights-at-carnegie-science.html">Day 217</a>), the <a href="https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/rangos-giant-cinema/">Rangos Giant Theater</a> (<a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2018/04/day-277-carnegie-science-centers-rangos.html ">Day 277</a>) and <a href="https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/exhibits/vikings/">traveling exhibits</a>. Recently, my father and I climbed <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>aboard during the Science Center’s train
weekend.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKx7DMv_gQIrUyI3i6-PJspxQa45yxPRWQa1in5O8PNiLGFPKEeSB-hfh-PYg-1buLFHsVYhtIuxOVoUpEdbDkP4_VN56Fhi4BcxJeIkBKU21_rLX_KVO_C635AhQ-YP0ORDeY3sjN4mdoxGC7Y6uXopVUsfVTMmsGlJtt_0c1wGPulNklciJpAlydw/s1600/lego.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKx7DMv_gQIrUyI3i6-PJspxQa45yxPRWQa1in5O8PNiLGFPKEeSB-hfh-PYg-1buLFHsVYhtIuxOVoUpEdbDkP4_VN56Fhi4BcxJeIkBKU21_rLX_KVO_C635AhQ-YP0ORDeY3sjN4mdoxGC7Y6uXopVUsfVTMmsGlJtt_0c1wGPulNklciJpAlydw/s320/lego.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lego train exhibit with moving engines</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Refection</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The train show brought back memories of my childhood train
set. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could never resist being the engineer that increased
the power, causing the train to <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>accelerate <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>faster and faster until it finally jumped the
track. The crash seemed as much fun as the speed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Model
trains have always been part of my life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My father filled our basement with his Cinder
Valley Railroad. I learned early on that making a miniature version of the world is an artform. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Science Center had displays from over 10
train associations and clubs. Various railroad sizes were represented: the biggest
(O gauge), the smallest (N gauge) and the middle sizes (S and H.O. gauge.) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some displays were interactive. You could load
barrels on a boxcar, make a volcano erupt in smoke, move a crane and more.<o:p></o:p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLf19-8SqF9qL4aHENi3JBNL3SKVRH0suItwc-0ELC2CdeyfPxg1I0ntQRQYMj16hJ-HN0tgZYMfqa4ZihjuBplnNvxYacUhp0TpfBrePEggDnvU-RvoLse977ear7w6DPXfEMvdU5sRzHJ1mFJxA0t5v2W5lNUSbLKsSl_WAXlRfD79UPSk5Uj6zwqw/s1280/ho%20train.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1280" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLf19-8SqF9qL4aHENi3JBNL3SKVRH0suItwc-0ELC2CdeyfPxg1I0ntQRQYMj16hJ-HN0tgZYMfqa4ZihjuBplnNvxYacUhp0TpfBrePEggDnvU-RvoLse977ear7w6DPXfEMvdU5sRzHJ1mFJxA0t5v2W5lNUSbLKsSl_WAXlRfD79UPSk5Uj6zwqw/s320/ho%20train.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H.O. gauge train, my father's specialty</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Every exhibitor
seemed to enjoy bragging<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that their
train type was the best for building a model railroad. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We</span> overheard a few visitors saying that the H.O. trains were their favorite. My father smiled from ear to ear since that was his
specialty. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">My father, now in his 80’s, sparked as he talked train talk
with the engineers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His joy made this day a memorable father/daughter one to treasure. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>even learned something
new -there <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is a Lego Train Association. We
had never even seen a Lego train before. The experience turned me into “train
nerd” as I spent an extended period of time asking, “How are they built? How
long does it take? Where do you get the kits? What is the cost…” <o:p></o:p></p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ofl7AKjqp8DKcObu-NssC35VdrrkvTm34SDeVfAGtPWUl-aE58gi-ukSyiGuKUZHzibh0eFn_XsQcQYkSpsyl_uisv_XVqiNcY_ZJl37bbacXY8Aum94LU8L-HSSE-h2ZROq0gIuEt3klIIRbHFzoG9WRjkfJznH_dWKzI1DGp-Xtk9UlSUPPeGfqg/s2048/train%20movie.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ofl7AKjqp8DKcObu-NssC35VdrrkvTm34SDeVfAGtPWUl-aE58gi-ukSyiGuKUZHzibh0eFn_XsQcQYkSpsyl_uisv_XVqiNcY_ZJl37bbacXY8Aum94LU8L-HSSE-h2ZROq0gIuEt3klIIRbHFzoG9WRjkfJznH_dWKzI1DGp-Xtk9UlSUPPeGfqg/w150-h200/train%20movie.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Rangos Theater</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">You can always climb aboard at the Science Center with the <a href="https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/exhibits/miniature-railroad/">Miniature Railroad and Village</a> which has a permanent home on the second floor. They add
new buildings yearly so it’s always changing. There are even more trains in the movie,
<a href="https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/rangos-giant-cinema/train-time/">Train Time</a>, currently showing in the Giant Rangos Theater.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPGZXlGYV2stWBmC38Uo9PyoyUQ2vNn3MbhvlMRJ9dH-WbGteYogJE34Tgf_ZqPpfJqFKlDK0GzJfHyn-6ZiqKiSD7v4xQr72Da9A8C0wGN06YigwFjcpDd7AdDAcHSLIPR5CZtd2e_bO97if2RRJoZGKiaywzt32etld1tqkzHVLSF68_cQv9jyjfQ/s2048/train%20time.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1555" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPGZXlGYV2stWBmC38Uo9PyoyUQ2vNn3MbhvlMRJ9dH-WbGteYogJE34Tgf_ZqPpfJqFKlDK0GzJfHyn-6ZiqKiSD7v4xQr72Da9A8C0wGN06YigwFjcpDd7AdDAcHSLIPR5CZtd2e_bO97if2RRJoZGKiaywzt32etld1tqkzHVLSF68_cQv9jyjfQ/s320/train%20time.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">The Science Center can spark
that kid in us at any age. It can even produce
special memories and you never know what new things you can learn
if you just climb aboard. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Other Sources</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/">https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/rangos-giant-cinema/">https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/rangos-giant-cinema/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/exhibits/vikings/">https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/exhibits/vikings/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">miniature railroad <a href="https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/exhibits/miniature-railroad/">https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/exhibits/miniature-railroad/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">ski watch <a href="https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/planetarium/buhl-planetarium-skywatch/">https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/planetarium/buhl-planetarium-skywatch/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/individuals-and-families/science-after-hours/">https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/individuals-and-families/science-after-hours/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2018/04/day-277-carnegie-science-centers-rangos.html">https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2018/04/day-277-carnegie-science-centers-rangos.html</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5174738573033030112.post-5644519930271330922023-01-03T14:01:00.012-08:002023-04-29T12:38:41.662-07:00Day 389-Liberty Magic-Pittsburgh’s Venue Dedicated to the Slight of Hand- Ran’D Shine-Dazzles by Things Seen and Unseen <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rJIt6uXJ05aKhwhiVAAUfcKNohDngISXdJEqbpM-s21UDt56ic4Hq_5drPZEni12Is6IxCOyb34Pk-p7k-YoxYywuNgNrCD_qmfC167HjuRBc1PfIMkHP2NXD4wG7A2L6MUcCGh1yeR4svJ1zG9PlAkNloykgHqWiVJQ7iY0XTFHGriAMYolXtDieg/s4032/lm%20room.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rJIt6uXJ05aKhwhiVAAUfcKNohDngISXdJEqbpM-s21UDt56ic4Hq_5drPZEni12Is6IxCOyb34Pk-p7k-YoxYywuNgNrCD_qmfC167HjuRBc1PfIMkHP2NXD4wG7A2L6MUcCGh1yeR4svJ1zG9PlAkNloykgHqWiVJQ7iY0XTFHGriAMYolXtDieg/w495-h241/lm%20room.jpg" width="495" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303030; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Pittsburgh joins, Chicago, New York, Nashville </span></strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303030; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;">and Los Angles, with a club dedicated solely to the art of magic. <a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series/liberty-magic">Liberty Magic</a>,</span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303030; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;"> located in the same block
that Houdini mesmerized Pittsburgh audiences in 1916, pays homage to his
famous Chinese Water Torture Cell illusion in the lobby. At Liberty Magic
you are just </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">feet away from famous magicians from all over the
world as cards fly, coins appear and vanish, and minds are read. It’s a place
to be dazzled by things seen and unseen. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdq_NPF2kRDgJ_psTL_iaIwsLDnR_Z1-pJYyD6o6ug0TXRgGFT9l5bktogeKKbWw7kHx60epBHBhG2xbOXLadbZCgOYVi4SldwPE8wvPdKw4W-P5N6CDmHsUzakBU3mqJ8UJks3i4F87VU8Ul9ZD0LfgnB0EFI_ICPlsbEyCwW2Hx6q0tYWjh82AHtw/s4032/lm%20wall.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdq_NPF2kRDgJ_psTL_iaIwsLDnR_Z1-pJYyD6o6ug0TXRgGFT9l5bktogeKKbWw7kHx60epBHBhG2xbOXLadbZCgOYVi4SldwPE8wvPdKw4W-P5N6CDmHsUzakBU3mqJ8UJks3i4F87VU8Ul9ZD0LfgnB0EFI_ICPlsbEyCwW2Hx6q0tYWjh82AHtw/s320/lm%20wall.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Reflection</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #303030; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The experience starts in the lobby with the floor
to ceiling shelves containing a top hat, cards and other magical props. The Venue
Manager (Zoe Ruth) personally greets every patron inviting all to participate in a one on one
or small group card illusion. Through the lobby, passing the all-knowing Zoltar and
a room that looks like it could be part of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, you
enter the intimate <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>70 seat theater where
the magic begins. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #303030; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I have been dazzled at Liberty Magic on
several occasions. Each time there was a unique and different approach to the world
of trickery. Some shows were sophisticated (<a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2019/09/day-343-liberty-magic-dennis-watkins.html">Day 344</a>) and others a variety of fun
(<a href="https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2019/06/day-342-billy-kidd-bridging-gap-liberty.html">Day 332</a>). The common thread in all was always the “wow” factor.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCgLkrz_RFUhzeCVOnpRKu1T4Y6UiHqFe3_7g7td3esA5rI-zOZkdinipmZvHfD7q1lQoB_GzD42JbeGaHKKH7iqXHlC0IQu8IklcOyO4qNEFp_wBaaz1XkV0mUMVAZcODXmMl-L_vOhVaQrDj17-Yc2QBgBtuIFcBVSi-h3K-6Wbk2JN3Ib36WBV_w/s2048/bill%20houdini.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCgLkrz_RFUhzeCVOnpRKu1T4Y6UiHqFe3_7g7td3esA5rI-zOZkdinipmZvHfD7q1lQoB_GzD42JbeGaHKKH7iqXHlC0IQu8IklcOyO4qNEFp_wBaaz1XkV0mUMVAZcODXmMl-L_vOhVaQrDj17-Yc2QBgBtuIFcBVSi-h3K-6Wbk2JN3Ib36WBV_w/s320/bill%20houdini.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303030; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.randyshine.com/">Ran' D Shine</a>,
who has been featured at the South African Arts Festival and in two <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Presidential Inaugurations in Washington, DC kept
the audience questioning, “how did he do that?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thimbles multiplied, cut ropes morphed back together
and cards were identified, disappeared and reappeared in volunteers’ pockets or a wallet. He told stories, made us laugh and seemed clairvoyant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ran’D psychological illusions (especially identifying someone in the audience's most influential person)
had you believing in the powers of the unseen. </span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><strong></strong></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0X5sD2VXodDQEgDN20fBOPRf-brOCJHCKJoGTOPPz50UdP7CcT84fd-UDEwMVjn4ZelZFcu8cekAHYQ7ePK-Xjz1DLgVS0LZuWaK5fBAQaZSnodYXAILIJK5zM3ZogUikNc7xKcb5y3tz28g6iWg-5-ScmOXw4o01rJh2zQruAWDXVcksYYMQiicGg/s3418/lm%20backroom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="3418" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0X5sD2VXodDQEgDN20fBOPRf-brOCJHCKJoGTOPPz50UdP7CcT84fd-UDEwMVjn4ZelZFcu8cekAHYQ7ePK-Xjz1DLgVS0LZuWaK5fBAQaZSnodYXAILIJK5zM3ZogUikNc7xKcb5y3tz28g6iWg-5-ScmOXw4o01rJh2zQruAWDXVcksYYMQiicGg/s320/lm%20backroom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skeleton Key VIP Experience</td></tr></tbody></table><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303030; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></strong><div><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303030; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Getting the Skeleton
Key VIP Experience or backroom experience is the
most intimate exposure to the magic. After the show, we sat around a table
where we were as close as it gets to the magician, laughing and enjoy all the things seen and unseen. </span></strong><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYziHxKDz0hYR62t-geJdl4-gyK4X2_lXZI1SM5JKxlqfFW_uwMpMGqJrr4FRrNZDnN5F0SucJnaLlMn_wQBO43zijatCUYCRIWlsFcKiVxgUNSZTUPWV7yYRzHNpl1_1mkReAyxOK-JdDi3eOGv3EVexkJafX8i69igLnky-QcJzHSTnXNIMBqHMX1A/s1600/lm%20zoro.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYziHxKDz0hYR62t-geJdl4-gyK4X2_lXZI1SM5JKxlqfFW_uwMpMGqJrr4FRrNZDnN5F0SucJnaLlMn_wQBO43zijatCUYCRIWlsFcKiVxgUNSZTUPWV7yYRzHNpl1_1mkReAyxOK-JdDi3eOGv3EVexkJafX8i69igLnky-QcJzHSTnXNIMBqHMX1A/s320/lm%20zoro.jpg" width="240" /></a></strong></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303030; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">(The magic
awaits Wednesday through Sunday every week (go to <a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series/liberty-magic/shows">show schedule</a> for the upcoming Illusionist.)<o:p></o:p></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303030; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;">Other sources</span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.randyshine.com/"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">https://www.randyshine.com/</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303030; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series/liberty-magic">https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series/liberty-magic</a><o:p></o:p></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303030; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> <a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series/liberty-magic/shows">https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series/liberty-magic/shows</a><o:p></o:p></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303030; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://trustarts.org/production/82837/liberty-magic-steve-valentine-in-life-and-other-deceptions">https://trustarts.org/production/82837/liberty-magic-steve-valentine-in-life-and-other-deceptions</a><o:p></o:p></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p></div>Cindy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780165008139572041noreply@blogger.com0