Chicago Symphony Orchestra

We just returned from our Thanksgiving trip to Chicago. All my sisters were together and we spent time providing support for our sister who recently has had difficulties thrown into her path. It was a perfect mix of eight cousins who ranged in age from six to eighteen. It got a bit rambunctious at times, but there were always smiles.

We attended the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on Saturday. John Williams conducted. It was very interesting to see the musicians play familiar pieces from several of his filmscores (Star Wars, ET, Witches of Eastwick and Memoirs of a Geisha), but the cello and bassoon pieces were completely amazing. I especially liked two sections of Five Sacred Trees.

My personal life feels good. In the past two weeks AP and I spent a couple nights enjoying each other's company - one night we stayed in, and the other we went out and saw No Country for Old Men at the Uptown.

Day of the Dead

I'm finally catching up after a busy weekend. Last Friday afternoon, I joined educators at the Frida Kahlo exhibit. Gracias to JJ for sharing the context for many of the pieces. It was already dark by the time we sped over to the Day of the Dead procession. The newlyweds pictured are Gustavo and Julie. The amazing ofrendas at El Colegio, a student performance, musica, food, and lots of people made it a great celebration. Saturday night I met up with artists who were dining at the Midtown Exchange, before serving as chaperone at a costume party. Sunday was more somber remembering those who crossed over this past year at the Memorial for the Dead at the MAIC.