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

Some Christmas Thoughts

Maya Angalou writes that once we realize that the world owes us nothing, then we realize that everything we are given is just that--a gift.

What are my gifts from my world?

My family--this group of people has nurtured me since I appeared on this planet and continues to give gifts to me. My mother and step-father love me unconditionally and let me know it often. They support me in all of my endeavors and only want blessings in my life. My sisters and their amazing families continue to amaze and delight--these women are building such lives for themselves and it is always a gift to watch their children and grandchildren grow and move into the world. My younger brother and his wife and two daughters in China give a gift every time they share a picture or write an email or say a prayer....they know what they mean to all of us! My aunts and uncles, cousins and extended family members, step-sisters, step-mother and everyone else connected to me by blood or marriage give the gift of their time and presence in my life. It is always greatly appreciated and loved. Even the memory of those no longer with us is a gift. It is a gift to remember their love and works. Thank you!

My tribe--Those people who have chosen to remain in my life through our various connections whether from college, a past love affair, a chance meeting or random attachment. That you remain in my life is a constant and visible gift--one that echoes through every aspect of my life. You challenge me, lift me up, give me wisdom and advice, provide succor and amusement and basically show me new ways to love. Your lives give this world much--you are all professionals, immersed in the various rhythms of your lives and yet always manage to create our symphony when we are together. And for those of tribe who have moved on, whether through estrangement or death, your vast energy and presence leaves a void that we will never fill--we just gingerly dance around it, look in, remember, laugh and love and eat some more.

My church--who would have ever thought that I would finally realize the need for a church in my life. What a gift! This congregation supports and loves me and lets me share my gifts with them. Talk about a theological win/win situation!

My work--the simple fact of being present in the world of WATC is a gift that grows me professionally and intellectually and is one I cherish deeply.

My theater friends--the gift of your talents (and that I can share in those on occasion) is one of the highlights of my life. I know, at the end of my life, on looking back, my theatrical experiences will be some of the brightest stars in my memories.

My city--what a treasure Wichita is! What a gift to live in such a vibrant, beautiful city! Such a well-kept secret--do we dare let anyone know? They might move here and ruin it! Or possibly, add their own gifts to our community.

So, I guess the reason for this post is gratitude. I am grateful for the gifts that are present in my life, in my memory and in my heart.

Peace and love,

Paul

Paul and Shanna and Indiana Jones

Today at lunch at Sabor in Wichita, Shanna and I were chatting away when she leans over and says to me...."I think that's Harrison Ford at that table". And sure enough it was....I went over when I had a chance and told him how much I loved his work and shook his hand. He was very kind! Too cool! I knew that he came to town often because he flies Cessnas....anyway, I return to our table and Shanna immediately asks if I told him that Millworth was my favorite song he sang. Man! Make one innocent mistake and it haunts you your ENTIRE life!

PAX

Paul

Upcoming Performances

Hey all....I have two fun Christmas performances coming up, both on Sunday, December 14th:

10:30 AM--The Many Moods of Christmas, at University Congregational Church, 29th and Webb

4:00 PM--A Christmas Soiree', at Grace Presbyterian, 5002 E. Douglas

I have performed in the "Many Moods" numerous times and it has become a holiday favorite. 30+ piece orchestra and terrific arrangements of familiar carols, this is a terrific morning of music.

I have sung with Ron Daray for his "Christmas Soiree'" for a number of years. This is the second year at Grace (he recently changed churches) and it is an opportunity to hear some unique arrangements of carols and holiday music with a nice sized ensemble, brass and strings. It has always been one of my favorite gigs of the year! Come and hear both!

Peace,

Paul

More pics from 12 Passage Beslay

Above is the living room of the apartment.

Above is a decent view of the cute cuisine (kitchen).

Above is the guest room where I slept when I was in Paris.


Above is the view looking south from my balcony.

9 1/2 hours on a plane

OK...those of you who know me know how much I dislike sitting still. I do everything I can to keep from getting into situations where I have to sit for prolonged periods of time.....so, why then, do I willingly sit myself into a very uncomfortable chair with room for 6' of 6'3" me...and then hurtle across the Atlantic for 9 and 1/2 hours???? HMMM? I know my brother really wants me to visit him and his family in China....but, man, I don't know if I can do much longer than that!

PAX!

(Oh yeah, I am sitting in O'Hare waiting for a flight to Wichita....in 4 hours....remind me why Wichita is called the Air Capitol of the World? Hmmm? It sure ain't easy to get to!)

Saying goodbye to Paris

Here is the front of the apartment building at 12 Passage Beslay where I have been sleeping while in Paris. I leave the city tomorrow to return to the US. Sigh.

I have such an odd range of emotions--but ultimately I am so pleased with the entire trip. It has been such an easy thing! I can't wait to do it again...and soon....with anyone who wants to tag along!

Pax!

Love!

Paul

Debra's visit to the US Consulate

This was taken right after Debra got all of her paper work signed so that she and Marc can get married. Marc is a GREAT guy and I am so happy for them both! They will be setting up house in the tiny village of Berniere sur Mer on the Normandy coast. Wish them the best!

A visit to Pere Lachaise and Georges Seurat's tomb