Solitude
Wednesday afternoon, and another Joyful Noise was to be heard from Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Their noonday concerts are truly wonderful, and a gift to the community at large. I especially appreciate the eclecticism.
This week’s concert featured lutenist Brian Kay and his ensemble, Divisio (Niccolo Seligmann – vielle and Aik Shin Tan – recorders). All are exceptional, talented artists.
The music: Lulley, lully (15th c.) and Henry Martyn (17th c.) – Anon… Three Ravens (1611) – Thomas Ravenscroft… Lullaby of Spring (b. 1946), I Have Been a Foster (15th C.) and In a Garden So Green (15th c.) – Donovan Leitch and the final piece, If I Were a Blackbird (b. 1923) – Ronnie Ronalde, a musical repertoire I enjoyed immensely, beautiful melodies and words that spoke to my heart and soul and will to yours, dare you listen as intently.
After the concert, I ventured outdoors to enjoy the open air. It rained (just a little) the night before, but Wednesday’s weather was perfection – sunny and cool and I walked from home to the concert and back, which gives me more pleasure than you will ever know.
I couldn’t leave downtown without stopping by a few of my favorite places – The Enoch Pratt Free Library to return a few borrowed materials and to check out a few exhibits (Madeline Albright: Her Private Life, Public Life, and Pins and A Look Back at Ebony in the 1970’s)… The Baltimore Basilica to check on the status of the repairs from the earthquake (I’ll be happy when it reopens because it’s the perfect place for meditation)… I walked around Mount Vernon, mostly looking up to discover things I had never seen before, which were a few more gargoyles, and the relief on a few special buildings, one I used to call home, 700 Washington Place, but that was so long ago, and I meandered through alleyways and narrow streets, which is always exciting because I never know what I’ll fine. At times, it can be disturbing, but more often than not I find beauty, and when I can’t, I just imagine the potential, as we all should.
It was a lovely day, spending it with me, myself and I – something I just needed to do, for many reasons. To a dear sweet friend, I’m sorry we couldn’t connect for the concert, but there are more on the horizon.
It’s important to spend quality time with yourself. We all need a bit of solitude, and the reasons are obvious – solitude allows you to reboot your brain and unwind… It helps you work through problems more effectively, and it can enhance the quality of your relationships with others. The latter is so true.
In a world that never sleeps, find your moment to relax. Some might have to schedule solitude, but there are times when you just have to say, "This is my moment." Disconnect if you want to empower yourself for the long haul, for the journey that is your life. Cheers! – paerki
This week’s concert featured lutenist Brian Kay and his ensemble, Divisio (Niccolo Seligmann – vielle and Aik Shin Tan – recorders). All are exceptional, talented artists.
The music: Lulley, lully (15th c.) and Henry Martyn (17th c.) – Anon… Three Ravens (1611) – Thomas Ravenscroft… Lullaby of Spring (b. 1946), I Have Been a Foster (15th C.) and In a Garden So Green (15th c.) – Donovan Leitch and the final piece, If I Were a Blackbird (b. 1923) – Ronnie Ronalde, a musical repertoire I enjoyed immensely, beautiful melodies and words that spoke to my heart and soul and will to yours, dare you listen as intently.
After the concert, I ventured outdoors to enjoy the open air. It rained (just a little) the night before, but Wednesday’s weather was perfection – sunny and cool and I walked from home to the concert and back, which gives me more pleasure than you will ever know.
I couldn’t leave downtown without stopping by a few of my favorite places – The Enoch Pratt Free Library to return a few borrowed materials and to check out a few exhibits (Madeline Albright: Her Private Life, Public Life, and Pins and A Look Back at Ebony in the 1970’s)… The Baltimore Basilica to check on the status of the repairs from the earthquake (I’ll be happy when it reopens because it’s the perfect place for meditation)… I walked around Mount Vernon, mostly looking up to discover things I had never seen before, which were a few more gargoyles, and the relief on a few special buildings, one I used to call home, 700 Washington Place, but that was so long ago, and I meandered through alleyways and narrow streets, which is always exciting because I never know what I’ll fine. At times, it can be disturbing, but more often than not I find beauty, and when I can’t, I just imagine the potential, as we all should.
It was a lovely day, spending it with me, myself and I – something I just needed to do, for many reasons. To a dear sweet friend, I’m sorry we couldn’t connect for the concert, but there are more on the horizon.
It’s important to spend quality time with yourself. We all need a bit of solitude, and the reasons are obvious – solitude allows you to reboot your brain and unwind… It helps you work through problems more effectively, and it can enhance the quality of your relationships with others. The latter is so true.
In a world that never sleeps, find your moment to relax. Some might have to schedule solitude, but there are times when you just have to say, "This is my moment." Disconnect if you want to empower yourself for the long haul, for the journey that is your life. Cheers! – paerki
