Arts and Cultcha

While I'm usually the one performing, lately I've been attending a lot of arts events as an audience member. It's a nice change. I am blessed with some very generous friends who have offered free or discounted tickets to events I wouldn't usually go to. The important thing is that I've been going out. And these have been without Alan, even.

It started when Debby and Peter asked me to go see Swan Lake with them. They both work at the Boston Ballet and while I'm not a huge ballet fan, I said sure! We had a nice dinner first, and while the seats were way up in the balcony, it was interesting. I don't think I'd been to a ballet since seeing the Nutcracker years ago. I distinctly remember though, that that night I was in a lot of pain.

Then Judy A invited me to a Handel and Haydn concert. Now, I'm happier when it's vocal music, so this was a bit more interesting to me. She said it was usually a "tweedy crowd", but I saw all types. I often wonder who some of these people are. I have never had season tickets to anything, nor do I know anyone who would want to do this with me, so it's rare that I get to these things. Judy warned me that just before intermission began, she'd be sprinting down the stairs to be first in line to buy champagne and chocolates - a routine she apparently indulges in whenever she goes (she usually takes her niece). She led me to a window ledge in the lobby where we could sip champagne, eat our delicious truffles, and people-watch. How decadent! That was one thing Judy was always up for - art, music, indie movies, concerts... she is not "tweedy" - she enjoys herself - running down to be the first in line for champagne, etc. It was a lot of fun. Afterwards, we walked all the way back to Back Bay station. Now THAT was a big difference from when I went to the ballet.

And last week, I took Marlee to see Cinderella by the Boston Ballet - again Debby came through for me with $25 tickets - and we were in the 2nd row!!! These were usually the really expensive seats. It was fun - much more fun than Swan Lake. *yawn*..