....while you are busy making other plans.
I attended the funeral today of one of my students--19 years old--tragic death--boating accident. It reminded me (as all funerals do) of the brevity of life and the importance of relationship. Right relationship. How often do we fail to live in right, honest relation with one and another. My journey is my journey. And you are welcome to join me on it, or wave as I move on.
Pax
Paul
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Upcoming Theater Work
Red, White and Tuna! Wichita Cowtown Theater, July 30 & 31st Inaugural production of the new Vagabond Players! I will be playing a variety of roles in this very funny show. Jean Cusick directing.
Karen Robu's Theatre Piece University Congregational Church, Early September, 2010. I will be writing and arranging the incidental music for Karen's Masters project. Karen Robu directing.
Lost in Yonkers Wichita Center for the Arts, September 16-19, 2010. I will be playing the role of Eddie, the boys' father in this touching Neil Simon play. Shaun-Michael Morse directing.
Violet University Congregational Church, February 10, 11, 12 (Tentative). I will be music directing and conducting this amazing piece of musical theatre. Karen Robu directing.
Karen Robu's Theatre Piece University Congregational Church, Early September, 2010. I will be writing and arranging the incidental music for Karen's Masters project. Karen Robu directing.
Lost in Yonkers Wichita Center for the Arts, September 16-19, 2010. I will be playing the role of Eddie, the boys' father in this touching Neil Simon play. Shaun-Michael Morse directing.
Violet University Congregational Church, February 10, 11, 12 (Tentative). I will be music directing and conducting this amazing piece of musical theatre. Karen Robu directing.
Monday, May 03, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Lessons learned from OKC
I spent almost a complete year as an active, useful citizen of Oklahoma City. I worked hard at my job and joined a number of community groups to support my new home. I had every intention of remaining in Oklahoma for at least 5 years. I had taken the job with that plan in the back of my head and so I was creating a lasting life for myself down there. Needless to say when the exact same job opened at our Wichita campus, I had a choice. I chose to return home.
While living in OKC, I often returned to Wichita to sing with my church and play with my friends. I also spent most of the Summer of 09 driving back and forth every other other weekend to catch all but the last of MTW's offerings last summer. Since my return to Wichita, I have traveled back to OKC to spend time with those friends, speak a meeting I'd been contracted for during the move, and chant with my Buddhist friends.
Of the three primary groups I became a useful part of one was the OKC region Sakka Gakai movement. A Buddhist lay organization that promotes chanting and Buddhist study as a way through life. I was immediately welcomed by these lovely people and found my self chanting and studying with them throughout the summer and fall of 09. When it became evident that I would be moving back to Kansas after Thanksgiving, this group, through the encouragement of my mentor, presented my with a Gohonzon--a type of mandala used in SGI practice. I received my Gohonzon on Sunday, December 6 at 10:00 am and was met at my apartment by about a dozen Buddhist to "enshrine" my Gohonzon in a specific ceremony. I was deeply touched by having this important event handled so lovingly and seamlessly knowing that I was moving in about 2 weeks. There is nothing like having 12 die hard Buddhists chanting their hearts out in a long form daimoku. It was one of my favorite memories of OKC. The enshrinement took place at 1 on that same Sunday and I had to be a the OKC Civic Center by 2:00 for a dress rehearsal for the Canterbury Singers. The second group I worked with while living down there.
The Canterbury Singers are a semi-professional chorale group, one of the largest in the nation. I auditioned for the group in August and was singing with them that next Saturday at their big workshop prep. I loved this group from the very first notes we sang. Just a big, robust, chorale sound. We did a challenging concert of Russian Romantic in October and then on December 6 we performed a traditional Christmas concert. I looked forward to singing with this group each Monday and they are still one of my favorite things about OKC.
The 3rd group is a bit more private, but probably the most important. Live and Let Live Fellowship. I made dozens of very important friends during my work with this group and I look forward to seeing some of you on my trip to Dallas in April. This is the group that packed me up and helped get me home. Great people who are on a great journey. Love them all.
The biggest thing I learned about myself from this move is....I can do this. I can move myself to a strange place and build a life. Not only build, but thrive and work to improve the lives of others in a community.
I don't say that I am here for good--because this experience taught me that if I need to leave, I can.
It's just comforting to know that I can do it.
Who knows what will happen next?
Lots of love,
Paul
While living in OKC, I often returned to Wichita to sing with my church and play with my friends. I also spent most of the Summer of 09 driving back and forth every other other weekend to catch all but the last of MTW's offerings last summer. Since my return to Wichita, I have traveled back to OKC to spend time with those friends, speak a meeting I'd been contracted for during the move, and chant with my Buddhist friends.
Of the three primary groups I became a useful part of one was the OKC region Sakka Gakai movement. A Buddhist lay organization that promotes chanting and Buddhist study as a way through life. I was immediately welcomed by these lovely people and found my self chanting and studying with them throughout the summer and fall of 09. When it became evident that I would be moving back to Kansas after Thanksgiving, this group, through the encouragement of my mentor, presented my with a Gohonzon--a type of mandala used in SGI practice. I received my Gohonzon on Sunday, December 6 at 10:00 am and was met at my apartment by about a dozen Buddhist to "enshrine" my Gohonzon in a specific ceremony. I was deeply touched by having this important event handled so lovingly and seamlessly knowing that I was moving in about 2 weeks. There is nothing like having 12 die hard Buddhists chanting their hearts out in a long form daimoku. It was one of my favorite memories of OKC. The enshrinement took place at 1 on that same Sunday and I had to be a the OKC Civic Center by 2:00 for a dress rehearsal for the Canterbury Singers. The second group I worked with while living down there.
The Canterbury Singers are a semi-professional chorale group, one of the largest in the nation. I auditioned for the group in August and was singing with them that next Saturday at their big workshop prep. I loved this group from the very first notes we sang. Just a big, robust, chorale sound. We did a challenging concert of Russian Romantic in October and then on December 6 we performed a traditional Christmas concert. I looked forward to singing with this group each Monday and they are still one of my favorite things about OKC.
The 3rd group is a bit more private, but probably the most important. Live and Let Live Fellowship. I made dozens of very important friends during my work with this group and I look forward to seeing some of you on my trip to Dallas in April. This is the group that packed me up and helped get me home. Great people who are on a great journey. Love them all.
The biggest thing I learned about myself from this move is....I can do this. I can move myself to a strange place and build a life. Not only build, but thrive and work to improve the lives of others in a community.
I don't say that I am here for good--because this experience taught me that if I need to leave, I can.
It's just comforting to know that I can do it.
Who knows what will happen next?
Lots of love,
Paul
Friday, January 29, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
ABC Family is crazy--seriously--and I almost love it
So last night I turned the tube on for background noise after a long day (and while I was doing some serious surfing) and a really sweet episode of Greek was on. Granted, I have never watched this show before, but it was pretty well written and a little edgy--as one of the main subplots was dealing with a couple of gay fraternity brothers. But the really shocking thing was the program that followed--The 700 Club. I sat there stunned at the irony. Here was Pat Robertson spouting his hate-filled rhetoric not 30 seconds after two gay college men were patching up their relationship. It was a bit jolting to say the least. But then, I guess, that money is money regardless of where it comes from, no?
Sunday, January 24, 2010
UCC Spring Musical
Mark your calendars for February 11, 12 and 13 as UCC presents its annual spring musical. This year's offering is OMG II TSC. Or for those of you who are text challenged--Oh My God II The Second Coming. Last year's original OMG proved so popular that the management felt like giving you a sequel.
The show is a pastiche of songs from the musical theater that deal with spirituality or a religious journey. Karen Robu, UCC Director of Youth Ministries, complied the show and I am music directing. The VERY talented cast includes area college students and members of our congregation.
As usual, the show is being presented "dinner theater" style with a meal available in Fellowship Hall before the music.
Please call the church at 316.634.0430 for more information and for reservations.
The show is a pastiche of songs from the musical theater that deal with spirituality or a religious journey. Karen Robu, UCC Director of Youth Ministries, complied the show and I am music directing. The VERY talented cast includes area college students and members of our congregation.
As usual, the show is being presented "dinner theater" style with a meal available in Fellowship Hall before the music.
Please call the church at 316.634.0430 for more information and for reservations.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
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
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
Sunday, November 29, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Canterbury's Review in today's Oklahoman....
Opening Concert Review
The Christmas Concert will be December 6th and it looks like Pinkham is on the program--GREAT stuff!
PAX
Paul
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
Sunday, September 27, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
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
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
Monday, July 13, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
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
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
Sunday, April 26, 2009
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!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
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
PAX
Paul
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
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
LOL
Pax
Paul
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
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?
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?
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