A chance to move home.

Early last October I was informed that the Dean position at the ITT Tech in Wichita was vacant. I sat at my desk here in Oklahoma City and wondered if I should even consider asking for the transfer. It would be a lateral move (no extra money) and there was no budget for relocation (I'd have to fund the move). To be honest--the answer was pretty quick to arrive. Of course I would put in for this transfer. Even though I have built a terrific life for myself here in OKC; even though I've made dozens of new friends and leaving them would be difficult; even though I've been successful in the position here--all of that pales in comparison to returning to my home town (a city I've grown even MORE fond of since leaving), a chance to return to my church and choir that I adore, a chance to return being active in the lives of my family and tribe in Wichita--these things trumped one year in Oklahoma. So, I applied for the transfer on that fine Monday morning.

From that moment until last Wednesday (Nov, 23, 2009) my life was in limbo. Yet I was never for a moment in any turmoil. I truly felt that whatever happened-happened. If the transfer was approved great--if not, I had my life here already established. I just did not want to regret missing the chance to return home when it seemed to present itself so obviously.

Last Wednesday, after some last minute, heart-stopping thrills and stops and regretful no-can-do's concerning company policy, etc, the offer was made and I accepted.

Spending a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family made me very grateful for the transfer--to be close to all of them again is enough in itself.

The warm return to UCC on Sunday made me know ever more so that this was a great choice.

Coming soon will be a post about the lessons I've learned in my time in Oklahoma.

But for now, this grateful Kansas boy is heading north--to home.

Pax,

Paul

Upcoming Holiday Concerts

Sunday, December 6th at 7 PM at the OKC Civic Center, I will be singing with the Canterbury Choral as we present our annual Christmas concert. Lots of beautiful music of the season!

Sunday, December 13 at 2 PM I am singing Ron Daray's annual Christmas Soiree at Grace Presbyterian Church in Wichita. This is my favorite gig of the season as Ron and Donna assemble a skilled ensemble and choose demanding music.....it's a great concert!

Sunday December 13 at UCC that morning we will be performing Britten's Ceremony of the Carols. Lovely stuff! Join us!

This will be a nice mix of cities and choirs as I begin my move back to my home of Wichita.

PAX

Paul

Canterbury's Review in today's Oklahoman....

Opening Concert Review

So....not too bad....sort of what I expected. It was still an AMAZING concert and I am thrilled to be singing with this group.

The Christmas Concert will be December 6th and it looks like Pinkham is on the program--GREAT stuff!

PAX

Paul

Music memories

Music plays an important part of my life.

I recall the neighbor lady who mom and dad would hire to babysit us on occasion. Once they left for the evening she would put on the soundtrack to Doctor Zhivago and sit on the couch and cry. I still hear that score and can see this sad, lonely woman sitting there sobbing.

Mom gave me the soundtrack to Fiddler on the Roof one year for Christmas. I remember the amazing thrill the french horns gave me during the L'Chaim section. I've probably performed in over 100 performances of this show (at various theaters) and I still get the same thrill.

I was assistant director for a production of The Marriage of Figaro as a student a KU. I remember a dress rehearsal when I heard the full orchestra live for the first time and how enchanted I was. To this day, if I hear the overture, I have to find a copy and hear the whole show. Please don't play the overture for me! (It's over 4 hours of music!)

Also at KU--I played Pirelli in Sweeney Todd. To this day it remains one of my most favorite musical theater memories.

I know almost every song that Stephen Sondheim has written. Sunday in the Park with George changed my life. I still hear the main arpeggio and I am swept away to that amazing place that only Sondheim can take me.

I sang over 13 years with a lovely church choir in Wichita. How lucky I was to get exposed to a rich repertoire of meaningful music.

Just a few amazing memories.....and now, I make more, with a new choir....in a new place.

PAX!

Great Music!

I sing myself and celebrate myself and what I assume you shall assume....for every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you--Uncle Walt

SO--what have YOU done today that was loving and kind? Just my favorite challenge....

Pax

Paul

Speed Summer

Life is what happens to us while we are busy making other plans!

It's been a terrific and busy summer. Family reunion at the first of the month in Iowa and lots of work, work, work.

I started singing with the Canterbury Singers earlier this month and look forward to out first concert on October 3.

Pax!

Paul

Less Posting....

Since I have taken this new job down here in OKC I find that I have less time to post to this blog than I would like.

I just finished a crazy week of travel from OKC to Dallas to KC, back to Dallas, to Houston, BACK to Dallas, to OKC and then....just because I hadn't traveled enough, I went to Wichita the past 2 days to see MTW's "Kiss Me Kate". My first show at MTW (I was an apprentice there in the latter days of the 1970's) was working on their 1978 production of "Kiss Me Kate" and I have terrific memories of the show, the theater and the great people I got to work with.....so, it was nice to see such a terrific production of the show yesterday. Excellent leads, super supporting cast members, AMAZING choreography and lovely sets and costumes made for a terrific afternoon out of the sweltering Kansas heat.

I am back in OKC, prepping for what should be a very busy mid-quarter time.

PAX!

Thoughts on a good year

My 45th year on this planet is set to wrap up soon and I think it appropriate to look back on a few items.

Time--For the first time in my life (not hyperbole) I can honestly say that time did not fly by this year. I was often amazed at how much of the year I had left--at how much I was able to get done. Whether this is a by-product of my sobriety or my growing faith journey, who knows, but it is nice to be able to actually look back on the year and not say "where did the time go"?

Family and friends--I continue to grow and thrive in the arms of my amazing family and friends.

Health--A diagnosis in October that I would rather not have received has certainly made me focus on each day--each person I am with--each moment as it is handed me.

Work--I had no idea that as an American Male my identity was so enmeshed in my work--taking this position in OKC and leaving WATC really brought this into clear focus. I am extremely happy with my new job and very proud of the work I am doing.

Life--is good, nay, great!

PAX

The Q Lagoon at Hotel Abandon

Here is a nice pic of the Q Lagoon at the Hotel Abandon. Of course, the angle makes it seem much smaller than it is. It's a good 200 feet to the waterfall. AND, you must imagine it filled with a tribe of middle-aged monkeys and some of their offspring. T'is a joy!

About the previous post....

...so I have just completed my first 90 days in the highest level supervisory position I have yet to hold. I directly oversee about 50 people--and mostly it's excellent. I have a team of 6 department chairs and one librarian and they in turn have staff and faculty they work with--so I mostly have to manage my team of chairs. However....when they have an issue with a subordinate, it ultimately lands on my desk--and that is where you get the previous post. In the past 90 days I have heard excuses that I, myself, have used in the past. Except that when I was using it, it WAS the truth. I swear. Anyway, as I said--to all former bosses. I apologize. I had no idea. Really!

PAX

Paul

Being the boss....

OK...to all of my former bosses: I am SO freaking sorry! I had no idea! Please forgive me!!!!

LOL

Pax

Paul

My Green Backpack

For my 41st birthday my younger sister, Teresa, bought me a terrific green backpack for me to take to Greece that August. Little did she know that it would soon become my primary traveling companion. Here is where it has been (on my back):

August 2004-
London, England--Istanbul, Turkey--Izmir, Turkey-Efes, Turkey--Cesme, Turkey--Chios, Greece--Athens, Greece--Patras, Greece--Bari, Italy--Pescara, Italy--Rome, Italy--Milan, Italy--Venice, Italy

Numerous trips to Dallas, Texas and Kansas City, Kansas.

November 2007-
Orlando, Florida--Cocoa Beach, Floria--The Kennedy Space Center (where it was on my back while I watched the Space Shuttle land)

July 2008-
Boston, Massachusetts

November, 2008--
Chicago, Il--Paris, France--Rouen, France--St. Martin du Vivier

April, 2009
Austin, Texas

So....what was a lovely gift from my sweet sister has become a cherished souvenir of so many wonderful travels....I wonder where I will take it next?

Hotel rooms

As I checked into the lovely Austin Crown Plaza yesterday I was reminded that the last time I checked into a hotel room was during my side trip to Rouen during last fall's amazing trip to Paris. My room in Austin is in almost the exact same configuration as the one in France owing I am sure to the fact the Best Western Berteliere (outside of Rouen) is managed by an American company. Anyway--I hope to explore the hill country of Texas this evening once I complete my day of training.

Pax!

Easter Weekend in Wichita

It was such a joy to get to spend Saturday with the Borboa family and Sunday with my UCC family and my Mom and Step-dad. Mom and Howard took me to lunch and we had a great time catching up and that was after I got to sing Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, not once, but twice, with the best church choir around! Tomorrow I head to Austin for three days of training and then back on Thursday.

Pax!

OKC Ren Fest

Today some friends took me to the Oklahoma Medieval Festival on the OU campus. Having been to a few of these in Wichita, I thought it would be fun. This thing was HUGE--there were way too many people for me....but it was lots of fun. It made me miss Dominic and Ronan though, because I usually had them with me at these things. Hopefully I can see them next weekend--I am heading to Wichita next Saturday right after a review session for the nursing students and I will be singing with the UCC choir for Easter morning. Looking forward to see all my friends!

Q's latest samplers

I love getting my seasonal collection of new music from Quentin. They arrived yesterday and instantly went into my car's CD player. This spring's themes are Mars (all male artists) and Venus (you guessed it). I am only about 3/4 of the way through Mars, but know I am going to love them both. Q has always had an ear for music--a skill that I admire. Where I love new music and new forms of sound, I tend to get too distracted by one artist or composer and obsess over them until I understand what their music is actually about (Sondheim and Finn instantly come to mind, Mozart operas, John Rutter's choral work). Q has a great skill at listening to a wide range of artists and styles and sharing them with us on his seasonal samplers. Because of his gifts as a DJ or sampler or whatever it is he does, my musical life is much richer and I actually know some songs the younger folks are enjoying. But mostly, when I hear one of the tunes that he has discovered, I instantly know what about that song spoke to him--because it spoke to me in the same way--and I am sure it speaks to most of the tribe in a similar way.

Mostly I love the samplers because more often than not, when I hear a new tune that grabs my mind in a magic way, I am reminded, once again, of why I am friends with my tribe. And in that bright green moment of fresh air, I am 18 again--I am walking on the sidewalks of Southwestern college--it is mid-August and I am seconds away from meeting the people who will become my tribe. People that I cherish and am so grateful that the universe conspired to send my way. Whether they came by way of Mars or Venus (or in a few cases--probably--both).

Pax!

Happy March!

So...I've been swamped at work--but really loving it. I will post more soon! I promise!!!!!!!!!!

Weekend at Q's

So....I got to spend last weekend at Q's--The Hotel Abandon. We swam, ate too much and went to the premiere of The Watchmen.

It amazes me that I am still friends with these terrific people--but, we work at our friendships--the older I get, the more blessed I am to maintain these friends.

Pax

Paul

My OKC Churches

So, yesterday, a co-worker asked me if I was finding my way around OKC and if I had found people and things to occupy my very limited down-time. I had to pause for a second and take a deep breath before letting her know that I had found a couple of churches that I enjoyed attending and that I was enjoying getting to know them and they were getting to know me. I then had to do my usual disclaimer and let her know that her new boss is not a religious fanatic. I hate that we have let the religious right so corrupt the true meaning of being christian that I have to make sure that when I share my church-going ways with someone, I have to assure them that 1) I am not a member of the religious right, 2) I am not judgemental about any one's beliefs (even fundamentalists) and 3) I will not try even in the slightest to bend her beliefs in any way. So--I went to Mayflower UCC this morning and enjoyed it immensely and I will attend another church this evening with some friends. Both churches preach a liberal, loving version of Christianity. Both churches do great works in this community. Both churches provide me with opportunities for worship and fellowship. And both congregations are welcoming, intellectual and absolutely sure of one thing.....that they are absolutely sure of nothing!

PAX

OMG

I had the distinct pleasure of having a "guest appearance" spot at UCC's spring musical, OMG! (Oh My God). It was an evening of theater music relating to spirituality and religion and it was very clever and filled with tons of talented young folks. Karen Robu (with whom I have produced the past four musicals at UCC) had asked me to return to sing "Bring Him Home" from Les Mis for the prayer section of OMG. It was fun to return to Wichita and see all my peeps. It's only been a month, but what a month! I love my new job and my new life down here in OKC. I really enjoy living in a bigger city (33rd largest market--Wichita was the 51st) and all of the opportunites afforded by such residency. I will always be a Jayhawk-Shocker-Moundbuilder-Wildcat, but can feel the allure of becoming a Sooner.

PAX

Paul

Lead Kindly Light

Dr. Robert Meyers introduced me to a beautiful hymn while at UCC. I always loved it--its haunting melody and powerful lyrics. It was the prelude at church today and I was once again reminded of its power. Here is the Wikipedia entry about the hymn followed by the first line of lyrics:

"Lead, Kindly Light" is a hymn with words written in 1833 by John Henry Newman and 4th verse by Edward H. Bickersteth, Jr.. The tune was written by John B. Dykes in 1865.

As a young priest, John Newman became sick while in Italy and was unable to travel for almost three weeks. In his own words:

Before starting from my inn, I sat down on my bed and began to sob bitterly. My servant, who had acted as my nurse, asked what ailed me. I could only answer, "I have a work to do in England." I was aching to get home, yet for want of a vessel I was kept at Palermo for three weeks. I began to visit the churches, and they calmed my impatience, though I did not attend any services. At last I got off in an orange boat, bound for Marseilles. We were becalmed for whole week in the Straits of Bonifacio, and it was there that I wrote the lines, Lead, Kindly Light, which have since become so well known.

Lead, Kindly Light was sung by a soloist on the RMS Titanic during a hymn-singing gathering led by Rev. Ernest C. Carter, shortly before the ocean liner struck an iceberg on April 14, 1912.^[1]

The first verse is:

Lead, Kindly Light

"Lead, Kindly Light, amidst th'encircling gloom, Lead Thou me on! The night is dark, and I am far from home, Lead Thou me on! Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene; one step enough for me."

Opus the Penguin

One of my favorite cartoons of all time was Bloom County. Opus was (and still is) my hero. He rocks! To this day I still get a big smile out his philosophy.

Pausing on a Sunday

I often think of Sondheim's lyrics from Sunday in the Park with George--about pausing on a Sunday. The habit for the past few decades of my life has been to arrange my week around Sunday services. Prior to my service at University Congregational Church I was singing with College Hill UMC or attending other services in Wichita.

What I have found is that by basing my week upon a rhythm of celebration, prayer and reflection on Sunday, I can frame my week in a meaningful manner. That by joining the cycle of a church's calender--its celebrations and solemnities--its rituals and rites--its music and words, I actually am able to make my days mean more than I feel they otherwise might.

I confess that there are as many ways to know the divine as there are human minds capable of embracing the concept of a "God". I believe that those who choose to follow the teaching of the Buddha have found a path to the divine that works for them and their world. I have watched devout Muslims practice their peaceful faith in manners that make meaning for them and their world. And the same is true for any who choose a faith path to follow in this world--a religion to help them make meaning for their life.

Even the most dogmatic of fundamentalists have found a way that works for them (although I disagree with their desire to force ME to believe in THEIR path to the divine or the misguided concept that there is only ONE TRUE WAY to the divine). I even applaud those who do not have a faith journey--who choose to believe in mankind or another form of secular system. If it works for them--if it helps them make their journey through their life have meaning--I applaud it. I am especially proud of our new president for including people who choose to not follow a religion as part of America--because they are. It is time to get past Church/State arguments and let these two institutions work as they do best--separate and free.

For me--the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth have proven to be the best way to know the divine. And so I join with like-minded people in a beautiful building and enjoy their music and company and worship. I apply these teachings to my life in a manner that helps me make meaning out of a more and more complex world. I find comfort in the tradition, the ritual, the rhythm of Christian belief. And I will take from the other faith systems any teaching that helps make me a more peaceful, loving man. Anything less can not be divine--surely, it must be profane.

Peace!

Paul

My balcony, my bike and my life....

I am writing this sitting on my balcony outside my OKC apartment. I've never had a balcony before and I find that I enjoy it very much. I just watched a beautiful Oklahoma sunset (even though I still think our Kansas sunsets can't be matched) and am waiting to go to a movie with a new friend. Directly to my left is my ancient 10-speed bike that I have had since I was in my early 20s. I took my first OKC bike ride earlier and my legs are still reminding me that it has been far too long since I have ridden. (Mom, I rode through very populated residential areas and made sure I had loaded up on carbs!).

The apartment complex is not too busy tonight, a few folks wandering by with their laundry for the washers nearby. I splurged and found a local laundry that does bundle service (it is just up the street from my new dry cleaners) so I am ready for the week ahead. When I left Coe Drive I promised myself that I would NEVER do laundromats again and I have managed to keep this promise. I pay a little extra, but it's nice to not have to worry about laundry.

Tomorrow morning I will return to Mayflower Church and hopefully won't have to leave before the sermon as I had to last week (my cough returned!). I have come to the conclusion that whoever had this apartment prior to me had CATS--and LOTS OF THEM. Anyway, as my titer is rising, my cough is decreasing.

The first stars of the night are coming out and I am thinking of Josh and Channa on vacation in the Philippines.....remembering the lovely balcony of their Izmir apartment that over-looked the Turkish countryside. I am thinking of Pokey and her girls playing around their new house. I am thinking of Val and all of her family in Wichita, busy with their Saturday night. I am thinking my Mother and Step-father in Derby. And I am thinking of my tribe--all of the people whom I love and who love me in return.

I feel a wonderful sense of calm returning to my life after the tumult and disorder of my move down here.

This place feels right.

I am where I am supposed to be.

And that is such a wonderful feeling.

PAX

Paul

My New Job

I am REALLY glad I took this chance. I feel this is a great place for me to be at this time in my life. Woohoo!

Pax!

Paul

The little house on Coolidge

So....I am sitting here in a very empty little blue house on Coolidge street. The van and my car are packed....and I am saying goodbye to Wichita. I am filled with so many emotions. I moved into this house with such dreams and plans--but, life is funny and the universe had other plans for me. And my dreams and plans have been altered and I am charting a new course. So, I have to share the last verse of the Hardest Part of Love...because it is so true:

It is only in Eden grows a rose without a thorn.
And your children start to leave you on the day that they are born.
They will leave you there to cheer for them, they will leave you there to mourn, ever so....

Like an ark on uncharted seas their lives will be tossed.
And the deeper is your love for them, the crueler is the cost.
For just when you think they found themselves--is when you fear they're lost, oh....

But...we can not close the acorn once the oak begins to grow....
And we can not close our hearts to what they fear and need to know...

That the hardest part of love.....
And the rarest part of love....
And the truest part of love....

Is the letting go.

Peace and love and many blessings to Wichita and all of my family and friends who live there.

Paul

Oklahoma Ice Storm 2009

So...I started my new job at ITT tech yesterday, went to lunch with some of the new managerial team and was sent home at 3 because of a terrific ice storm that hit. The college is closed today as well. Turns out that it's ok....I have tons of unpacking to do and company policy reading to catch up on.

Last Friday WATC honored me with a really terrific go-away reception and on Sunday my church gave me a beautiful and meaningful farewell.

So, here I am--ready, prepared and excited for what the future holds.

Peace,

Paul

Blogging

I was reminded (gently) that if one has a blog and others read it, one should be a little better about posting in a more timely manner. Thanks, David! So, I will try to get back in the habit of regular posting.

To catch you, the gentle reader, up: I have accepted a dean position at a technical college in Oklahoma City. I moved most of my household down there yesterday and will move some more down today. I deliver my person to my new employer tomorrow morning.

WATC hosted a wonderful going-away reception Friday afternoon--I was so honored!

This morning I am singing a few "farewell" songs at the church I have served since 1995. It is going to be a morning of memories and goodbyes and I am mentally and emotionally prepared (yeah, right!).

So....I start a new chapter in this wonderful life of mine. I am a very lucky man. I will continue to be grateful for all that I have, all that I love and all of those who love me back.

Pax!

Paul

Life is what happens to us....

...while we are busy making other plans! Forget my previous post. New developments in my life! I have accepted a job offer in Oklahoma City and move there this weekend. I will post more later when I get settled in OKC.

Peace!

Paul

Paul's Spring Theater Work

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. University Congregational Church. February 19, 20 and 21. 2009. I am music directing and conducting this delightful, breezy show. Come see it!

The Tempest. Wichita Center for the Arts. April 15-19, 2009. I am playing Antonio, a wonderfully corrupt politician. This production, adapted and directed by my old friend Shaun-Michael Morse, promises to be a terrific (dare I say important?) theatrical event. Don't miss it!

One of the enduring joys of my life is my theater work and the fact that I get to perform with Wichita's amazing theater artists. Wichita is blessed with an abundance of talented, passionate performers, directors and artisans. I consider myself very lucky indeed to be able to add my little part....Carpe Diem!

Pax!

Paul

Some Thoughts for the New Year

The universe will provide everything you need, but not everything you want. Listen to your friend's advice, then do what your heart tells you to. Work is work and play is play, but sometimes it's OK to play at work. When I sing, I feel closest to God. God loves it when we sing and make music. The Buddhists speak and teach of the "Middle Way"--between mortification and hedonism. I have found that walking in the middle is not the same as not living an exciting life--it is living a life excitingly. Balance is important. Love is more important. When, at the end of your life, and you are looking back, did you make the loving choices? Love, actually, is all around.

Pax

Paul