Tag: events

Pre-Holiday

Wednesday, July 03, 2024

Happy pre-July 4th! This is one of my two least favorite holidays (Halloween being the other) because I find them both scary and invasive. July 4th brings an even greater array of frights, creating a night of stress rather than rest with loud bangs that frighten dogs and lights that worry livestock. It’s often a seriously threatening enabler of personal and environmental dangers, such as injuries and wildfires.

Fireworks pose increasing risks that make it crucial for us to reevaluate the tradition. Rising temperatures and changing environmental conditions make fireworks a more significant fire hazard, especially in drought-prone areas. They also cause air and noise pollution that impacts the larger environment. Fireworks debris, for example, litter both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

I understand that some communities are exploring alternative ways to celebrate Independence Day. For example, laser or drone light shows that create intricate and dazzling displays in the sky are safer and more environmentally friendly options. Enhancing community events, like parades and concerts, could reduce our long-term reliance on fireworks.

As our awareness of environmental issues grows, so must our methods of celebrating events. Finding new ways to honor July 4th must allow us to balance tradition with a renewed commitment to sustainability and safety.

Dear Friends: With hopes for rest and patience tonight and tomorrow night. Diana

Music! Moon!

Monday, February 26, 2023

My friend, Julie, joined me at yesterday’s concert by the High Desert Chamber Orchestra. An excellent event. The Chamber Orchestra is perfectly sized for playing and being heard optimally in Bend High’s large auditorium. The Orchestra’s active community support group provides free tickets to concerts with a first-rate program guide detailing musical choices, composers, and guest performers.

An audience of all ages packed the house; nobody made a peep through the performances. The house exploded, however, at each segment finish, with vigorous applause and appreciative cheering. Well deserved by the ensemble!

Its maestro, an accomplished, animated conductor (on whom Bradley Cooper as Bernstein has nothing), encouraged and supported excellence from musicians and guest artists. All guest performers were young and also very accomplished. The double-bass soloist and the viola soloist adroitly handled complex compositions highlighting their instruments. A ten-year-old piano wunderkind perfectly played Tchaikovsky on a concert grand.

Yes, there was “the dress” that, several weeks ago, its wearer purchased over my counter. Yesterday, she wore it while narrating DeFalla’s “Three-Cornered Hat.” I didn’t know that very familiar music has narration; the words and music worked together well. The very active piece draws the audience’s attention to all onstage sections. Drums work almost constantly, brasses stay busy, and strings, including a harpist and pianist, go nearly non-stop.

Last night, a nightcap, as the completely full Snow Moon visibly rose and moved upward in and out through scattered clouds. My view became today’s header photo. I hoped to explore AI and enhance my capture, but other unrelated “evening needs” sidetracked me.

Dear Friends: I will become a season ticket holder for these fine musicians. Diana