I don’t know how to say this. Well, I don’t know how to say this without coming off as a cultural snob, but there is no refinery in my life right now. I wanted to see two nights of Natalie at the symphony. I was willing to pay someone’s way just to have a second night w-i-t-h someone (and not just sharing a table and maybe a bottle of wine with a complete stranger). Call me generous but my motives were selfish. Call me selfish but I would have paid the way. The whole way. The problem was I couldn’t think of a single person who would sit through orchestral music. No offense, but I’m having a culture crisis.
I need people in my life who want to look at art from the back of the room. The kind of person who not only sits and stares at art, but collects it as well. Cherishes it rather than chucks it. Someone who doesn’t get their wall decore from A.C. Moore. I want to know people who hear a cello live and call it an experience to remember. Music that moves them beyond screaming teenage fantasies. I desire people who would rather savor their food than chew, choke and swallow it. Can close their eyes and say, “cilantro…with a hint of lime” rather than, “there’s something funky with this rice…”
Show me someone who reads poetry, watches documentaries, understands fresh basil, and can handle a song without words. Show me someone who reads biographies, goes to the theater, knows a good Alfredo sauce, and hears the protest in folk music. Show me because I’m tired of Cosmopolitan magazine, Dumb & Dumber, dried oregano, and Hannah Montana.
*Edited to add: When I voiced this angst rather than post it, a friend took me to the theater. Another friend said, “I’ll go with ya!” I guess all I had to do was ask. I don’t know if that would have worked for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, but now I know…It doesn’t hurt to ask!*
~*LunaSea*~ 
I just missed going to see Amanda Palmer (from the Dresden Dolls) perform with the BSO for exactly the same reason: either no one was available or they weren’t interested in orchestras. I would have gladly seen Miss Natalie with an orchestra…:)
AGHHHHHHH! You’re kidding?! I approached someone about going to see Natalie (so I could go a second time) and got a flat out “no. not interested.” Wish I had known! We could have been all swank with the wine and melon/cheese balls!
ps~ saw the ads for Amanda participating in EdgeFest & totally thought she was more appropriate for the gigs (more edgy, I guess).
First of all… LOVE the picture! Cultural crisis is a good thing! We need our souls to be fed from all sources that enrich.
Next, wish I were closer because I would go with you in a heartbeat! I weep at the sound of the violin, don’t even get me started on an entire string section! I am an Aria addict, I cannot imagine a world without an Orchestra.
I have a Wyeth. I have many antiques and am very much at home with them. I am in heaven at the Getty. I have a small Bust of David on the edge of my bathtub that makes me smile eachtime I see it.
I grow basil out back and smell it each and everyday, along with the rosemary and even the fresh lavender.
Poety I read as well as write and fortunately for me, I have been forced to slow down when I eat and savour the simpliest bites…it has changed me greatly for the good.
I adore Traditional Home Magazine. Mainly for the exquisite gardens as well as the amazing history in homes that speak for themselves.
So here I am 😉
excellent blog by the way, thanks!
i am a self-admitted culture snob and wish i was closer so we could do those things together. i know exactly how you feel about being surrounded by those who have no desire to emerse themselves in culture. people think it’s nuts that i’m taking S to see phantom of the opera at her age. she watches sponge bob reruns and crushes on the jonas brothers … but i can’t let the beauty of art, theater and music elude her. she’s taken to the phantom soundtrack already. she listens to it in the bathtub and makes me explain the story behind each song and what makes me most proud is that she REFUSES to see the movie before we see it live in november. with any luck, i’m raising a future culture snob. little would make me more proud as a mommy 🙂
Heehee…I’m available for any cultural excursions in the Boston area…I’m easy to find if the opportunity arises 🙂
Time~ Why does CA have to on the other side of the country?! UGH! The cello is my string instrument of choice – so soulful! YAY for basil! My absolute favorite herb! You have a Wyeth? Which Wyeth?? I’m so so so jealous!
Bec~ *sigh* I so miss you! I admit this makes me sound like I don’t appreciate my local friends. I do! I’m just looking for a little diversity. And can I say how PROUD I am of S? (Who the $%^ are the Jonas brothers???)
Glass~ duly noted, mister! 😉
By the way, speaking of cultural excursions, Sirsy is in Boston on Friday and the Sirsy Documentary crew will be there to film a few interviews…you should come…I’m just sayin…just tossin that idea out there…
The cello is definitely soulful.
The Wyeth I have was my moms and it is Andrew Wyeth “The Quaker” she gave it to me many many years ago before she moved back home. It is a Metropolitan Museum Of Art reproduction done with Triton Press and Andrew working together on it. Thomas Hoving worked closely with Wyeth on the reproduction of several of his haunting and brilliant paintings. It was done in the Collotype process and all proceeds went to charity. Very beautiful and none of the integrity has been lost. I am very fortunate to have had this passed on to me. Very limited amount were done. Still, I feel quite fortunate! Also, my moms grandfather was very good friends with Andrew, he was an artist as well.
I forgot to mention Mark and I play “What’s this smell” with things from the garden 😉 uhhh should say “safe things” lol… not things that came from the girls!!!
Glass~ I don’t want to make any promises, especially since I’m usually in bed by 10p on Friday nights. Last Friday night I was out until 2am and I seriously thought someone forced me to drink a 30pack of Schlitz ‘cuz the next morning I was wrecked! I have to face facts, I’m OLD! Tell Mel Im jealous of her house!
Time~ Andrew’s son is my part-time neighbor in Maine 😉 and Dr. Syn is my all time favorite work (it’s a self portrait!) Lovelovelove Wyeth art.
Thanks for the giggle – I knew EXACTLY what you meant about “the girls”! LOL
How cool is that? Now I am jealous! 😉
I sent you a link to what I have (random art site) and I do have the authenticity seal by Derek L Limbocker, President, Triton Press.
BUT YOU get to see and talk to his son!!!
You win!!!
Oh yes, I love that one too! I had forgtten that was a self portrait. Brilliant!
lol… the girls 😉
you should ask. While certain things might not be my absolute favorite outing in the whole world, I do still make time to do things my friends love. But I can’t do so if I’m not given the opportunity.
Time~ see, anouther ‘orbit’ thing! 8)
Manda ~ you are absolutely right. It took one person shutting me down to make me think no one else would be remotely interested. Shame on me, for sure! I promise to ask you next time!
No promises needed 🙂
Just my humble opinion that, of all the people they interview for this documentary, they should definitely include you. I would never have been a fan if it wasn’t for you. You are directly responsible for a lot of musical joy in my life.
Glass~
I’m flattered (reallyreally) but, I think there’s a certain someone (ahem) who would rather have the credit for the introduction, though! 😉
PS~ in case you haven’t noticed, I am awkward as all %^%^ in front of a camera! yikes! I wouldn’t be good to interview at all! I’d probably say something off-color or embarrassing (right, Manda?) 😉
This post reminded me … was it you who wanted to so see some of the plays at Smith? If so, when are they?
haha! you have to go–whatever you say would be immortalized forever on film…which is too good an opportunity to pass up.
I’d come with but I’ll be home this weekend—my grandma turns 90 on sunday!
Ruby~ YES! They are in the fall & I would love to go with you! Looking forward to Swell Season with you, too! xoxox
Manda~ aww! Wish your grandma happy birthday for me!
As Ruby can vouch, I say some awful things on film! I was supposed to tell a nice story about her & her husband for a wedding video & instead I end up telling the camera a story about me! It’s always about me!
Ok, K brought me to see them on my birthday, but it was your enthusiasm and sheer joy for their music and our friendship that truly helped me become a fan. And from them, I have met other bands and discovered a large circle of supportive and loving friends through this music. So all the good and positive things in my life, I can trace back to you and K. I will be forever grateful.
Hmm…was that too sappy?
well…it did bring a tear to my eye!*sniff*
holy comments batman! i feel like i had to write something just because so many people have written something here. hehe 😛
If you subtract my blatherings there really aren’t that many. you know how much I love to talk! 😉 but thanks for saying something just the same! LOL