Last night Carl picked me up from the Phoenix airport, on returning from visiting Mom in her new home in New Hampshire, took me to a hotel room so we could nap for an hour, and then took me to see U2 in concert! OMG. They were amazing. I was moved. What an amazing homecoming!

I wanted to come visit Mom in her new home, so she proposed I come now, during the NH Highland Games and Festival. We get to listen to some great music, watch some insane sport events (not golf, Dad's favorite pastime, but the caber toss!), and eat some weird food (haggis and a gigantic strawberry shortcake). After Dad died, Mom added a paver stone for Dad at the Scottish Standing Stone, so I am able to visit this memorial as well. Mom says this festival is not the same without him, and she is realizing this may be the last time she wants to attend. I'm glad I get to experience it with her this final time, I'm honored she wants to share this piece of her history with Dad with me.

Tags: Grateful Journal

Tonight at gamelan rehearsal we will be celebrating the ensemble's 29th anniversary! Apparently it started on Labor Day, 1988. Carl is making rice pilaf for me to contribute to the potluck celebration we will have. I've played Gamelan ever since my friend Jim Bailey invited me to cover for one of the College of Santa Fe performers for a concert, back in the late 90s. Steven Miller, who would later become a best friend / chosen brother to me, was the ensemble director. I played with the College of Santa Fe's gamelan ensemble, and with Gamelan Encantada in Albuquerque, until I moved to Tucson, where I joined Fine Stream Gamelan. I've always enjoyed the music and the musicians involved. <3