I definitely feel that I have had a good life so far. I can see a relationship to the boy who was the wedding janitor for West Court Street and the old man who haunts Grace Episcopal church. And it’s a good one for me.

Spending time alone in a large building dedicated to the weird proposition of church is something I’ve done all my life. Different buildings, of course.

Being allowed to quietly pursue my passions is a privilege. The boy in the Flint in the all white church from a small denomination loved poetry and music. I listened to records and read poetry.The old man in Holland, Michigan loves poetry and music and learning. He studies Greek, improves his piano technique, learns and performs music regularly on piano, organ and conducting choirs.

Yesterday, my  violinist emailed the cellist and me that she couldn’t make the previously arranged time for our rehearsal. Could we make it 4:30? The cellist and I readily agreed. When we arrived together, the cellist offered to go over music for the upcoming Pentecost celebration I have invited them to play. Naw, I said, let’s play Beethoven. The music for church was easy and didn’t need much prep. It was more about checking to make sure I hadn’t written a wrong note or rhythm here or there.

At 4:30 we turned to this music and rehearsed without the violinist. At 5 PM she showed up. However, I told her we needed to reschedule because I had to go (Had to go home and see my fam and have a martini but I wasn’t specific about this, heh). We rescheduled for today at 4:30. We’ll see if we all make it.

Working with people in this day and age is challenging for me. People seem to think nothing of doubling booking their lives (peace to my violinist, she and all the people who do this to me are doing the best they can…. but it seems to have shifted at least with the people  in my life). My cellist told me that she and her sister would be missing a swathe of rehearsals and services in October due to a pleasure trip to Stratford. She was gratified when I mentioned I would be in England looking at my new grandkid.

Things come up. And it’s dangerous to think too much about the fall with the kind of spring I have experienced this year in my church work. But I am thinking of pulling back on the complexity of what I schedule for my choir. Soon we will not even have the organ to use, because the old one will be gone and the new one not yet installed. I am expecting this to continue throughout the entire fall season and into the next year. I’m also not too worried about it.

Eileen and Sarah have been enjoying each other’s company as you can see above. It’s been a good time together for all of us. It has brought home my own rapidly diminishing energy pie. This might have something to do with where I am in the church/work year. But I do think it has changed.

Today I have a funeral at 11 AM. I looked around last night for bulletins for it. They were either not prepared yet or well hidden. My boss has already emailed me so I have an idea of what the service will be. But it’s nice to see what they put in print. I am planning to go over at 9:30 to do some prep and piano practicing if it’s not too intrusive on the mourners.

I do feel like I am living the good life.

A Soldier’s Challenge to the President – The New York Times

While Congress languishes the Presidency continues to expand powers. As much as I support most of what Obama has attempted to do, I am still cognizant that he has expanded presidential powers and has authorized dread drone attacks world wide.