Our lead today comes from...
The Arts Desk:
It begins with a call last night from Wendy to tell me, "Keoni was accepted yesterday by the Houston Symphony Orchestra!"
That news felt like a great choir singing the Halleluia Chorus. I texted him my happy congratulations for his outstanding achievement and commended his very diligent, hard work that led to this.
A little while later, Keoni called from where he was with friends in Houston. Over the phone, we celebrated his great news.
He also wanted to ask about Phil who'd been on his mind since early yesterday when I'd messaged him and Aidan with the sad news that our Tucson artist friend Phil Bellomo* is now in hospice with pneumonia.
I am reminded that unalloyed joy and sadness are the substance, the beauty, and poignancy of our days.
Keoni and I talked about what I knew--that I had been able to reach Phil by phone early in the morning to say goodbye. Also, I'd been able to reach our friend Carol, Phil's former colleague, who in turn provided Phil's caretaker Gwen with contact information she asked for in order to possibly put together an art show of Phil's work at Pima College where he'd taught art and ceramics. This Arts Desk will follow that possible development.
We all continue to hold a mindful vigil of love and light for our friend Phil.
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*Go to the earliest posts that began this blog, June 2013, and scroll through the month to see Phil teaching Aidan to center clay, and Aidan and my house-sitting stay at Carol and Janie's just before Wendy, John, Keoni, Aidan, and all their animals moved to Pennsylvania.
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Backing up to last weekend, Aidan finished his finals and his Freshman year at Cincinnati. He celebrated his end-of-finals on Saturday trying out an app on his phone and making a delightful video which he shared...
Thank you, Aidan! Thank you, too, for the wonderful Procreate app you introduced me to. I'm really enjoying drawing on my iPad. Your explorations in the app world have expanded my world!
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Turning now to...
The Sports Desk:
Elijah kept us occupied on a streaming service covering his basketball team in a Las Vegas tournament over the weekend. After two outstanding wins on Saturday, they lost on Sunday which still was engrossing to watch as it was played with heart and definitely not a washout. His grandparents, Valerie and Tim, were there in LV at courtside to root in person. Valerie shared pix of Elijah in action...
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Recently, Wendy has taken up jumping at a nearby horse facility. It reminded Carol and me of old times in Tucson. Carol sent this of Wendy riding Carol's handsome horse Willy in the cross-country phase of an event in Sonoita, Arizona...
And Wendy celebrated Austin's 26th birthday, recently, with a small batch of visual remembrances...
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| A brand new Austin and her BLM mama. Over time, Austin became grey. |
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| Wendy trained Austin and they were successful dressage competitors. |
In her 26th year, Austin lives a largely pastured life here in Pennsylvania with daily attention to grooming and some special dietary needs.
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My sister Susie has taken up bike riding again and one of the trails she likes runs next to the pastures at Grant's Farm where the Anheiser-Busch Clydesdales have their home.
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| Geese are enjoying the pasture, too. |
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The Health Desk...
Young Kingston faced his tonsillectomy this morning with mettle and courage.
Mom and Dad were there to help...
Okay, I'm suited up for this...
"I don't want to talk..."
Time to go back home...
The pain remedies are not working well enough this evening. I am so sorry, Kingston. I'm sorry Sonja, Jeff, and Elijah. I know it's a rough old time right now.
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My new friend...
I love all the pictures Mom!! Such amazing accomplishments and other remarkable family happenings! Sorry to hear about Phil.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Valerie.
DeleteI also love your new friend!
ReplyDeleteHe makes me smile when I look at him.
DeleteCongrats to keoni on his new job in Houston!! Hard to image Keoni as a Texan!
ReplyDeleteHaha! Yes, I agree. We'll be getting used to our future Lone Star Man.
DeleteMy deep sorrows for the loss of Phil. I hope his art work will be the love of all those who still get to savor that.
ReplyDeleteI loved Aidan's video and passed it along to friends here that track what the boys do in music.
And Keoni is just running on all cylinders ...and now Houston...they are doggone lucky to have such a wonderful young man gracing their symphony stage! I'm so proud of the boys.
I remember that picture of Wendy and her horse leaping in the air. Her Grandpa Morice had that very picture framed in his house and in his apartment even when he died. That good ol' horse has had quite a life on the Wendy Trail. I love that Wendy stays with her critter-love. Seems genetic I do believe. :-)
Elijah is a fine looking young athlete. So cool that Val and Tim can get to his games sometimes. That has to feel good.
And feeling good...well, let's hope that Kingston is all past the tonsil ordeal. He looks pretty brave there!
Loved all the pics and Toby must have something to say about your "new friend"! :-) Perhaps just a flick of the tail. XXXOOO S
Hey there, Anonymous! Thank you, for your kind words and for your thoughts on the family adventures, visual histories, and, yes, Kingston continues healing up after his tonsillectomy challenge. No, I didn't mention my "new friend" to Toby as yet. Guess I'd better 'fess up and see how it goes since he sees through his territorial, loner cat lens. In the meantime, I'll talk to him as I figure out which one of you out there is "Anonymous". XXXOOOs to you, too.
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