Even though the pond behind our back yard still is only a tangle of bare sticks waiting to become the foliage of alder trees, there actually came a sign to the Big 'Burbs that Spring is indeed on its way. Two nights ago, I was able to hear just a few little frogs doing their nocturnal chirping. In our past 12 years of residence, this has always been the first sign. I have no idea what particular species inhabits the pond... I just know that in the full swing of Spring and throughout Summer, they've got to be the noisiest (and most amorous) kind of frog there ever was. I say amorous because apparently, frogs chirp to call their mates to them. And just to give an idea of the level of noise these creatures are capable of--- it's not possible to answer an evening phone call in the middle of summertime without the person on the other end inquiring as to all the raucous in the background. "Oh that?--- that's just hundreds of frogs asking each other, Hey baby, what's your sign?" :)
Actually, my contemplating the frogging or "rippit-rippit" of a few knit projects is what got me talking about my froggy neighbors to begin with. Here's one I've been working on for a while and have finally decided to rip out.
The body of the sweater turned out kind of boxy even though it was supposed to be fitted and the main yarn, S. Charles "Victoria" is a cotton viscose with barely any stretch. The fitted sleeves probably would end up cutting off circulation, so if I decide to try this pattern again I may do a short sleeve version.
I really like the look of the variegated yarn, but I just don't think the green is that fantastic.
I also did not like the wool I was using for my Audrey Fingerless Gloves so I'm ripping those out as well and I'm switching to a bamboo fiber. Hopefully, it will yield a sleeker result.
Today, I accompanied Child #2 and his classmates to a terrific production of Jerry Herman's Hello Dolly at Seattle's Fifth Avenue Theatre. I absolutely adore musical theatre and I have to exercise great restraint to keep from getting up and beltin' out with the cast members. (Even so, as soon as anyone on stage begins high-kicking, I'm clapping in unison by the fourth count.)
Which begs two questions: what is song without dance?
And what is dance without a voice raised in song?
I say, the former is called opera and the latter, ballet. I don't mean to be glib, though! I was trained classically in both music and dance, and my mom scraped pennies together from her teacher's salary to pay for my piano and ballet lessons so I won't fully bash either genre--- even if they are rather uptight art forms.;)
Did you know that musical theatre is exclusively American in origin? It certainly follows suit that everything good that we can attribute to being American can also be seen, heard, and heart-felt in our favorite productions: every tender duet, stately promenade, foot-stomping chorus, preposterous predicament and happy ending. Yes, it's formulaic and predictable--- but I certainly can't resist the appeal.
Since the schools in the area typically attend the morning performances of theatre productions, the audience today was full of students from elementary age to high school. The scene was typical to what one would expect: droves of Converse-wearing youths, Ipods in ears, cell phones in hands, trying to squeeze in as much texting, chatting, and guffawing as they could before the start of the show. And truthfully, it was kind of fun being in the midst of all that energy, (That's my guy--- bottom right.)
although it's been a while since I've attended this type of event with such a young crowd. I didn't really think about how they might perceive such a thing as a good ol' American musical, set in the 1890's no less. (Actually the Pixar movie WallE featured two songs from Hello Dolly.) I assume most of the students were happy just not to be in school for a few hours. I don't know what the word is for the feeling I had later--- pleasantly-surprisedness? warm-fuzziness? But I give those kids a lot of credit. Well, I give Musical Theatre a lot of credit, too. The mostly school-aged audience LOVED the production and the leading lady Jennifer Lewis so much their enthusiasm caused her to do an impromptu repeat of the main chorus. We were sitting in the third row and I could swear she looked right down at our cheering section when she gave the signal to the conductor--- there was slight pause and then... again! As far as I'm concerned, it can never be enough: the pageantry of high stepping waiters in waistcoats & spats and the glorious Mrs. Levi in brocade, beading and plumes!
And those kids, the same pensive creatures that can be known to avoid eye contact and won't give two words when pressed, were giving a standing ovation at the final curtain. Pretty cute if you ask me.
I leave you now with this and I hope it puts a little spring in your step!
