Little Women

We'll be mad, and explore. We'll recline a loft upon the breeze.
Dart about sail on with with ease.
Pass the days doing only as we please, that's what living is for.
Some things are meant to be, the tide turning endlessly,
the way it takes hold of me, no matter what I do,
and some things will never die, the promise of who you are,
the memories when I am far from you.
All my life, I've lived for loving you; let me go now.

These were lyrics from "Some Things Were Meant to Be" from Little Women the musical. This particular scene was poignant and touching.  My daughter and I saw a performance of it at Chandler/Gilbert Community College a few weeks ago. Sure, it was not Broadway quality...but it was charming and enjoyable and I rejoice in people willing to get up on stage and sing, dance, act...celebrating the arts at every level. These young actors were using their talents, singing from the heart and with great spirit. And they were loving the applause.

My daughter and I had one favorite moment: During the curtain call, one older lady was standing and applauding and joyfully shouting...'that's my granddaughter, wasn't she wonderful'. She was wonderful.

The performance was at Chandler-Gilbert Community College Performing Arts Center . A nice cozy theatre that seats about 300. My daughter and I had excellent seats at a reasonable price. Over the years I have attended various High School and local plays. My daughters have performed in a few small plays. I have also seen the big Broadway productions that pass through Phoenix. I love the theatre and get great joy in attending. But big or small, famous actors or high-school students....get out and see a play today!!! Support your local High School and Community Arts programs.

Cheers, nca

The Troubled Man

For sometime now I have enjoyed reading the Kurt Wallander series by Henning Mankell. Mankell is a Swedish author, the books are translated into the English, and I find them very engaging stories. I first got subjected to the stories through the PBS Mystery series starring Kenneth Branagh. Between the Wallander series, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo series by Stieg Larsson,  and "The Hypnotist", by Lars Kepler, I feel I have found a treasure trove of new novels that I love and recommend. Kudos to you Swedish authors out there. I admit, not being able to read these books in the original Swedish means I probably miss a lot of the language originally intended by the authors, and I also probably miss many of the cultural references in the novels, but I love them never-the-less.

"The Troubled Man" was my most recent read. Apparently it is the last in the Wallander series, and the author through plot and device ensures that for the reader. Slight spoiler there, but only slight since the method the author ends the series is unique to me. But let me say, "The Troubled Man" was troubling. Perhaps because I am only 10 years younger then the Wallander of the story. And perhaps since I have been dealing with health problems and dealing more directly with my own mortality, the book really hit home. The Wallander character has had to deal with divorce, dumping, health issues, alcohol abuse, wondering about his purpose in life...through a total of 13 books now...I was sort of hoping the author would grant Kurt a break in this final book. Give him a steady girl to stand by him, give him a rewarding and active retirement,  give him a break....

....but no....you won't find that in this final book. I won't tell you more....but just between you and me...after reading a series this good and this powerful, I think the author could have thrown Wallander and me the reader a bone...something small we could sink our teeth in.

Two Thumbs up for a great story, middle finger up for the author not giving Kurt a break.

Cheers, nca.