Don’t you just hate the day before travel. I just read that Kenya Airlines allow only 1 carry on plus a hand bag. I have a back pack plus a carry on. The carry on must be 22 lbs or less and I just converted the dimensions of the carry on from 112 linear cm to 43.68 linear inches. Hmmm.. This could get squeaky. Luckily I have the day to squirm with this. I am fine with the KLM Northwest requirements.
My mom was criticized by the staff at LV where my dad is convalescing for wearing the same outfit every day to visit. Though I noticed this myself and had moved to quietly remedy the situation through another family member, I am quite unhappy that someone on the staff would comment on this. Linda Vista has lost points again and again AND I am reminded of cultures where people are happy to have something nice to wear, one nice outfit is very cool. I know the staff was well meaning but a little misguided. I wonder what they thought of my outfit..basic black with a different over shirt.
I personally am taking 2 outfits to Zimbabwe. Life is strange, while people are starving and dying of cholera, we in America worry about wearing the same outfit. How bizarre is that.
The day before is definitely steamy. I feel very passionate about almost everything.
I wonder what musicians will be teaching us in Zimbabwe. On the original list for the 2nd session are Newton Gwara, Leonard Chiyanike, Nicholas Jemwa, Renold Shonhai, Caution Shonhai, Sam Mujuru,Gift Rushambwa, Moses Mude, and Frank Mude. I wonder if this has changed since Erica combined the two sessions. We learn for a day and then have a practice day with Erica for 2 weeks. Intense. Though the session is not called an intensive, it is called a retreat. Zimtreat. The opportunity is unparalleled. I am very excited.
Nice to replace steamy with excited.
Today I will go on into Portland. I spent the night in Woodburn at Motel 8 to make the transition from Ashland to “the day before” in Portland. I can stay here until noon though my desire to get on the road might take me on into Portland soon.
Maybe I’ll post mbavarira that is strictly a practice session with Steve meant to be played for Rosalie who inspires me always to 1. do the right thing, and 2. laugh a little while doing it. Mbavarira really is about strong determination with a soft heart. We named our group in Ashland, Mbavarira when Steve Berman, Joseph Stevenson, and I performed as a benefit for Ancient Ways. As a quiet generally nonperforming person, this was a stretch as is this trip. I guess mbira is here to stretch me.. stretch us.. soften us.. call us… a siren.. a gift.
A blog is a great way to process fear. I can tackle the day now though I am not posting mbavarira yet! When I get back. I have a wonderful recording from this summer of Erica and Patience playing with Jenny singing..not mine to post unfortunately but inspires me to want to post a really practiced session.. tune in in March.
2 replies on “The day before”
I like the idea of a strong determination with a soft heart. It reminds me of the fellow who did some of the training for the Cirque du Soleil performers. He trained the actor for the “Superman Returns” movie. He said that strength from within provides a much different kind of movement than weight lifting.
Thanks for your incredible determination and your soft heart.
I love you,
Kev
2-11-09 Having made this trip myself, I imagine by now you are scrambling to catch up on sleep, trying to get used to the sun coming up when it’s supposed to be going down, learning to live on sadza, and. of course, playing a lot of mbira with new friends and teachers. That’s what I imagine, but we don’t know anything until we hear something from you. I hope you have the time and connections to let us know you are safe and sound at least; that accomplished, you should have a great experience. I find it auspicious that a coalition government is supposed to take office in Zimbabwe after so many years of turmoil just as you arrive in the country. May the audacity of hope begin to flower on both sides of the Atlantic. Joseph