Noticing the Extraordinary

Greetings, everyone!

We are winding down our first week in Syracuse! We only got here four days ago, but since that time, we have rehearsed, polished, and staged ninety minutes of music. Not a small feat! And in between that time, my colleagues and I have gotten used to some of the extraordinary things in our new surroundings. 

Whenever traveling, no matter where, there are things that pop out at us as special and notable. That is not to say that a spectacular view, a tall building, or a momentous event are not worth noting. By the size of their spectacle, we notice them. 

And here is my list of "Five Notables" for this week (maybe this will be a Friday thing ...)

1. Painted Horses. Syracuse has a series of horse sculptures throughout town which are painted in tribute to different artists. (Watch the photo later). It really picks up your spirit when you are on the (Van) Go(gh).

2. Coffee-shaped benches. Who wouldn't love to sit on an espresso-shaped demi-tasse? How cute is that? The diameter of the cup is amply sized, no doubtedly designed for two amply-sized American rear ends. 

3. Our hotel will put dinner aside for us if we call ahead. Dinner, which is on the house at our accommodations, is strictly served between 5:30 and 7:00 PM. If you call ahead and sweet-talk the clerk at the front desk, they will save you a plate and it will be waiting for you upon return "home." When I'm busy on a production, sometimes with 8-10 hours of practice or rehearsal a day, the last thing I can think about is preparing, eating, and cleaning a meal. 

4. The coffee shop 'round the corner has the most spectacular pumpkin spice products imaginable. I walked in a few days ago and noticed the aroma of homemade pumpkin spice wafting from the bakery. Ahhhh. Heaven can be purchased for a few dollars. 

5. Syracuse rain is rectangular. It hits your face sideways. It will get you when you least expect it. Have a ten minute break? Walking outside? Don't worry, for the rain will surely find you.

It is the artist's job, after all, to notice the remarkable, and then to proclaim it to the world. 

Morning Routine

Greetings again from Hungary! I am happily concluding Crescendo Summer Institute's "Preparatory Week" in Sárospatak and we are knee-deep here in Don Giovanni. This music and text continue to astound me!

I just finished a short "blog" post which my iPad is (for some reason) not allowing me to open, so I must write another one before retiring. I have been doing some pondering on the following item:

Coffee.

During my trip to China, I barely had any (when I am out of the US, I do not patronize US institutions, which include McDonalds and Starbucks. Some friends think this is nuts. Why would I not want to try the local flavors?).

But, my love affair with a wonderful espresso or a beautiful cappucino is not to be underestimated. It is with these "amanti" (Italian plural word for "lovers") that I accomplish:

1. Morning sanity
2. Setting up my day
3. Setting up what I will practice
4. Reading my wonderful electronic-versions of "The New Yorker" and "The New York Times," keeping in touch with the world, culture, and dreaming of a location where I could live with my fiancé!
5. Score study and-or libretto analysis
6. If I am in the company of another, wonderful conversation (which is a gift in itself!)

Some financial experts get upset about spending money on coffee (i.e. they advise that you make it at home). But some of these people have never traveled to Italy (where even the coffees at the local bar are life-changing), or they do not realize that transporting a tea kettle and coffee of whatever flavor and variety in a suitcase is not worth saving $10.00 or $20.00.

And also, because of the things mentioned above, it helps me enjoy each day a little more. It makes my life better, more pleasant, and happier. That is a small price to pay, I think.

PHOTO: My gift this morning from a clever Kávézó női (Coffee Maker or Barista who is female) in town.