Saving History

Christmas eve at the United Methodist Church in Dorchester was always a favorite.  We sometimes took part in the children's Christmas program, singing Christmas carols, and watching the Pastor and a select few re-enact a manger scene.  I'd look out into the dimly lit congregation to find my grandma and grandpa Potter smiling.  Then, we'd march along the end aisles with our little white candles, retake our seats and share our flame with friends and family.  I loved the old wooden church in Dorchester.  I was sad when the elders decided it was time to tear it down and rebuild.  I wanted to buy it and move it to the farm.  Grandpa thought I was nuts.  Sadly, someone did buy it, but did nothing with it and forced this former proud and prominent structure to it's demise.  I'd rather they would have burned it and let her go with dignity.

This past Monday there was a fire at the United Methodist Church in Friend.  The church is my neighbor.  It's a grand brick structure that boasts majesty that's more than a century old. My mom was the church secretary for many years, and I spent a good amount of time visiting her and "poking around" the church.  The interior was modest, but beautiful.  Elegant curved wooden beams and spindles adorned the ceiling.  I felt sick knowing that all of that smoke was undoubtedly from those beams, burning slowly.  They were solid.  Not new-fangled construction that would go up with a "poof".  I just knew that ceiling was fighting back, but it was losing.  As I stood and watched the smoke billowing from the eaves, I prayed that the Crete arial truck would get there quickly.  Our local firefighters were doing their very best, and were joined by Exeter and Dorchester volunteers as they battled against the flames.  I listened to the glass cracking and watched the leaded glass melting to pools of waste.  At last, Crete arrived!

When it was all said and done, and quiet overtook the neighborhood again, she was still standing.  The bricks were bruised with soot all along the roofline.  Once grand leaded glass windows were charred and empty holes.  The fire had been extinguished hours before, but the smell lingered.  I thought of the weddings I'd been to, the funerals, and my afternoons with my mom in that church.  No fire could take my memories.  Or anyone elses.  I prayed that it wouldn't take my neighbor.  She's the pillar of our "hood".

The next day I saw the infamous Danielson's van arrive bright and early.  "There is hope!" I  thought.  And again, the day after... more hope each time the van arrived.  I'm told that tomorrow, one week after the tragedy, that a decision will be made.  And I have hope.  Hope that this historic structure, who fought as diligently as those volunteers, can be saved and rebuilt.  New churches are not all they're cracked up to be.  Just like new court houses or even wine tasting rooms, they're lovely, efficient and compliant.  But they have little character, little ambiance and no history.  That is what makes old buildings unique.  It's the history of more than 100 years of joy and saddness in that church that makes it special.  Yes, it's the house of our Lord... and the worship place of its parishoners, but it's also a pillar of our community.  One that brings continues to bring hope to those of use who pray it can be saved.  I thank every volunteer who helped, in any way.  I also thank the committee from the Church who is working to make the best decision.  You've been described to me as "a committee of savers".  Amen and thank God.  I have hope that tomorrow goes well for all of us, including that grand old lady who is my neighbor.

From D. O'Neel's posts. Burned tresses in the ceiling.  Still beautiful!

Lawernce Welk for the Holidays

Husker game days are a little wack-o at the PHouse.  They are either completely boring, or blissfully busy.  Yesterday, as we bid Dr. Tom adieu, cheered Kenny Bell to the endzone and complemented Martinez because he didn't drop the ball... we were blissfully busy.  The day started with guests from Davenport who cruised in for some of the PHouse Red, Read Whine (sorry we sold out months ago), we welcomed a few members of the Historical Society and the Yorkshire Playhouse for some football cheer, and a presentation of funds from our melodrama fund raiser, and then kept a steady stream coming through the door. 

At a most appropriate slow-down, Mike happened to turn on the TV.  Now, if you know PHouse, unless it's a Husker football or volleyball game, the boob-tube doesn't go on.  But in some sort of karma event that began with my blog last week about the Lawerence Welk Show, the TV came on and THERE IT WAS!  Guy and Rolna were crooning away, looking dazed and adoringly at each other.  Next there was a marching Mr. Welk conducting his orchestra, and Myron breakin' out a tune on the accordian... dancing, singing, all in the simple bliss of about 1969 or so.

The very few of us that were perched there, sipping on adult beverages and recalling our youth, were having a marvelous time recalling names of the performers (Google on the iPad helped out), singing the old songs, talking about when there were 3 channels to choose from and the curved television screen was showing black and white.  We laughed about the new-fangled antenna that clipped on to the back of the TV, and how when I was little my dad would make me go outside at our cabin, even in the rain, to turn the antenna so we could get reception.  We pursuaded the lovely young Dani to come out of the kitchen to get a little "education" in genuine, traditional holiday celebration.  She didn't know who Lawerence Welk was... she'd never heard of Kenny Roger's, what... maybe third or fourth wife, who used to be on Hee Haw!  We schooled her in "Pettycoat Junction", and even schooled ourselves thanks to Google.  Appears that, while the sisters were innocently bathing away in the Railroad Tank, petticoats a flying in the wind...that their nudity was an innuendo for something a bit more racey.  And, as the theme song mentions curves, etc., that the "Shadey Rest" might just have been a crafty disguise for a whorehouse.  That, my friends, is clever.  All these years... who knew! 

Our laughter and fond memories seguayed to party telephone lines (no, Dani didn't know there was such a thing), and the deep mustard color of the band's 3-piece suits roused memories of harvest gold appliances and olive green rotary dial telephones.  The PHouse staff and our four guests at the time, were on memory lane.  And, when the singers assembled at the end of the Thanksgiving Tribute show, standing in front of a cozy fireplace, surrounded by piles and piles of plastic fruit on an banquet table...we all agreed that those more simple times were pretty great.  And the holiday shows, Welk's and the other formerly famous stars who did holiday tributes, were a tradition that, while kids today would think is totally stupid, were a good thing.  Funny enough, when I posted that we were watching Lawerence Welk, we had a friend, here in Friend, who was tripping down memory lane with us, only from the comfort of his home by the golf course! 

It was decided, as we all sang along to "Good night... Sleep tight... And happy dreams to you..." that we will be dedicating our 6PM happy hour next Saturday evening to Mr. Welk.  The previewed Christmas show was met with a round of applause and laughter, and it was clear that Mr. Welk is very welcome at the PHouse.  Just as the show came to an end, and the door opened welcoming our 7PM reservations, we all got back to work, just a little bit happier that we had shared those old memories with new friends.  And I have no doubt that Uncle Cap and Aunt Mary were looking down, smiling.

If you're up for some nostalgia next Saturday, stop by.  We'll be tuned in.  It was just too "Wunnerful, wunnerful!"  Have a good week and a Happy Thanksgiving.

Auf Wiedersehen!
Carey

Today We Are Specifically Thankful

Every day is a day to be thankful for.  Thankful for health, friends, happiness, and just general things.  But today takes on a specific and special meaning of "thanks" because it's Veteran's Day.  Hundreds have been all over Facebook thanking Veterans in general, and those specific to their families. 

I have a favorite veteran, who was born on this day in 1893.  My great uncle Cap was a vet.  Every veteran's day when we were with him, we'd pile in to the car with aunt Mary (the Mary Mary Quite Contrary Gallery's namesake) and we'd head out to the cemetary.  At the time I don't think I really "got it", but those ceremonies, and walking the cemetary, placing little flags near headstones, stays with me even 40 years later.  It was a proud day for Cap.  I think about Cap and Mary often.  They were the only people I knew that were born in the 1800's.  I always thought that was so cool.  They weren't fancy people.  Cap was a janitor.  He used to let us stand on the giant dust mop and he'd push us around the school floor.  I especially liked to help sweep the Dorchester science lab.  In fact, I loved it so much that I bought the lab when they dismantled the school for distruction.  It sits in storage, waiting for me to come up with a project to re-build it.  And I will.  Someday.  And the thoughts of my favorite vetran and his dust mop will remain.  I have some great photos of uncle Cap; on where he's sitting with other soldiers, in France, drinking wine.  The bar maidens are standing behind them, giggling.  Another is of Cap on his motorcycle.  I have a photo that used to hang in Cap's wood shop.  It's about 3 ft. long and is of his entire platoon.  When we were little, we'd go to the shop and scour the photograph, looking for uncle Cap.  I can still find him today.  Probably my most favorite was of him and other men standing in front of an airplane.  It was the first mail delivery made to Dorchester.  He was there.  I often wonder what he and Mary would think about our world today.  Everything is so fast-paced.  Sadly, it's pretty impersonal too.  I don't think they'd like it very much.  They were well suited for a sip of Kesslers and an evening of Lawrence Welk.  I am blessed that I got to grow up with these people, and to have so many clear and happy memories with them.

November is a sad month for me.  And today, 5 years ago, was the beginning of the end for my mom.  She'd been fighting such a hard battle with cancer, and on uncle Cap's birthday, her mind slipped away and she never spoke to us again.  She hung on for several days... this Friday will be the anniversary of her death, but the laughing, smiling, chatty Betty, who sipped wine and talked to me, left on Veteran's Day... uncle Cap's birthday.  It's a bittersweet day, I guess, because I have both happy and sad memories, and the national holiday is a consistent reminder, which is a good thing since I've been so busy that I honestly didn't know it was Halloween, until Halloween morning (thanks Tami).  It's also sad because my baby nephew Jake never knew her, and sometimes I'm afraid that his brother and sister are so busy that they don't take time to remember their grandmother.  So, today I am specifically thankful to our Veterans, for uncle Cap and for the holiday that reminds me what a wonderful mother I had, and what a great lady this world lost on November 16, 2007.

Today, take a moment to thank our Veterans, and to tell your mother that you love her.
Have a super day.  Stay warm.

World By The Tail (or is it Tale?)

I've done a lot of talking about "someplace else" and "other places" and even the world.  And, you know what?  This past Thursday, we brought intelligent and well versed people into our little part of the world for some widespread education and inspiration.  The Historical Society sponsored an event "The Arts Mean Business", teaming with Marjorie Maas from Nebraskans for the Arts, Local teacher/artist Greg Holdren, Twyla Witt from the NE Tourism Commission, Sarah Imus, UNL Theater prof and actress, and Kristy Hayek from the NE Humanities Council.  The theme of the evening was to impress upon the crowd that supporting the Arts... of all kinds... brings dollars to rural communities.  The added plus was that each had toured our gem of an Opera House, and they all were able to tie their messages to show the audience how this project will benefit Friend and surrounding towns as well.  Regardless if it's a theater performance, a musical event, opening the Mary Mary for an art show, filming a movie, or giving historical tours, tax dollars and recreational spending that creates tax dollars will follow our agenda! And those visitors will shop, eat, buy gas, drink wine... you get the idea.  It was clear from the expression on each face that, well, some did get it, and they were the folks that want to pursue closer working relationships between communities to promote the arts and this project.  Others looked to be unimpressed.  Indifferent, I suppose.  Frustrating, to say the least.  BUT, for those from Friend, Beaver Crossing, Milford, Exeter, Wilber, Lincoln, Geneva, York and Seward who were all right there in the "zone" with us, it was fulfilling.  And, having a new "super" that believes in the project, sees the reasoning behind restoration and is driven to show his new students how taking ownership can result in great things, was the icing on the cake.

It reminded me of a quote that the late Steve Jobs used... something about creative people being able to take in their surroundings and add their life experiences to connect the dots.  And once the dots are connected a vision is created.  And, those creative people sometimes feel badly because this just happens.  Easily.  It's a part of their fabric.  Others just don't even realize that dots are out there waiting to be connected.  Cest la vie!  This Warren building holds every dot/opportunity there is.  We've got the world by the tail.

And, on to the next opportunity for our beautiful building... today at 3PM they are casting for "Butch & Sundance- a Ghostly Tale"!  My little short screenplay is going to have real people as Butch & Sundance... the girlfriend, our creepy lady and the shadow and boots of Frog Winslow!  Looks like, right now, it will be filmed upstairs in the Historic Warren Opera House, sometime over Christmas break so we can accommodate the young actors who are in school now.  As I told the Producer, Susan Engel... it's gonna be "colder than Billy shxx up there" but it's still going to be fun!  So, today I can report that we indeed do have "THE WORLD BY THE TAIL / TALE"! 

I leave you with a thought from Mr. Albert Einstein...  "Logic will get you from A to B.  Creativity will take you everywhere!"  Cheers to that!

The World Is Your Oyster

So, last week I talked about the lady from Lincoln who felt like she was "somewhere else" when she was at the Pour House, and in the Warren Building, in general.  This week we stepped it up a notch.  We went from feeling like we are "somewhere else" to bringing "somewhere else" to Friend- somehwere else, and the World!

We started our work weekend on Thursday with the fantastic, amazing, eclectic, dynamic, touch of Bohemian group The Haunted Windchimes.  Yes, if you passed by that evening you saw a well-used and charming orange Winnebago kinda vehicle.  Traveling in that motor coach are five of the most interesting and talented people I have ever met.  And that's saying something.  The harmonizing, musical genius that is The Haunted Windchimes comes from somewhere else... Pueblo, CO.  They had been somewhere else... Minneapolis, and were headed somewhere else... Wichita.  I was lucky enough to snag them, mid-route and to entice them with a little gas money, some wonderful food, a beverage or two, and the opportunity to perform not only for an enthusiastic crowd at PHouse, but to take a few photo ops and record a few songs on stage in the Historic Warren Opera House.  Aside from just a few "SHHHSSS" in the room, this group, without sound system, captivated the entire audience.  People wanted to listen.  They didn't know the songs, but that didn't matter.  The Haunted Windchimes came from somewhere else and their performance was out of this world, almost literally.

And, in watching their facebook page, I saw a post from Kimmee, who indicated she was coming to Friend for their show.  I tried to contact her to let her know we had no seats left, but didn't reach her.  Then, as the show neared, and I was crossing Second Street, I was almost literally wiped out by this black and red Vega kinda pick-up.  "Remarkable", I thought.  Not that I almost was run over, but that that thing actually ran.  And, yes, you guessed it... it was Kimmee and her boyfriend and their 3 dogs.  Where are they from?  Portland, OR.  Yes, enroute from Indianna, to Portland, they took a side trip to the PHouse to see the Haunted Windchimes.  More of the world was sitting right there on bar stools 3 and 4.  Locals in the room wondered about them.  "From Portland", we said.  "Yes, really."  We had the same situation when Barnaby Bright was in town.  We had guests from Minneapolis, Des Moines and Kansas City who came to PHouse for the show.  And, not only do we have people from somewhere else in the USA, we've had people from Germany and Scottland in in the past week.

So, Tina and I ventured out of our little comfort zone called PHouse, and into the world on Friday.  We did a tasting for Julie at Stagecoach Antiques in Fairbury.  It was a fun event, and we met a lot of new friends, all of whom we are sure to see at the PHouse sooner than later.  As I stood there, behind the tasting bar (which was as tall as Tina) the world was, literally, sending me a message.  An amazing antique globe was perched on a table, staring at me.  I tried to ignore it, because I really didn't need to spend $95, but it just kept whispering to me.  I visited it.  Spun it around.  Watched the axis points spinning.  The continents aren't labeled, which is nifty, because that way it can never be wrong, no matter what war, or who conquors whom.  I took a photo of it.  It was totally distorted.  When I zoomed in, all we could see was stars.  The World was showing me the world!  It also fried my camera! Tina freaked out.  Julie was a little stunned.  I took it as a symbol that this World had to come with me.   Yes, you guessed it.  We loaded up the possessed World and brought it to PHouse.  On the way home, it beckoned every coon there was  and a couple of strolling deer between Fairbury and Saline Center.  It was as if we were talking to the animals and they were coming out to watch the World pass by.  We now have the World on display.  And it looks fantastic.  It's big and bold and  inspiring.  I think it's just perfect for PHouse, and for the building.  We transport people to somewhere else, and we bring the world to Friend, Nebraska.  Indeed...very cool.

And, not only is the World waiting to greet visitors, but even more 7-degrees of Kevin Bacon syndrome continues.  Yesterday, a super nice couple from Lincoln visited us.  We toured the building, and OHouse.  They were amazed.  I invited them to come on Thursday, Oct 11, as we welcome Nebraskan's for the Arts, the Tourism Commission, the Humanities, UNL Theater, Film Associaition representatives and our talented Greg Holdren to enlighten us on "why supporting the arts, all arts, is important".  We've gotten RSVPs from many, you guessed it, from somewhere else.  Only two from here.  But, that's OK.  I remain hopeful that people will decide at the last minute to stop in and learn something. Do you know the saying, "The World Is Your (one's) Oyster"?  Did you know Shakespeare wrote that, first, in his "Merry Wives of Windsor" circa 1600?  It's certainly appropriate for all of us, here in Friend, and especially those who are helping the Society with this project.  Literally, the World is our oyster.  The world (and project) is what we make of it.  And we're making a merry, bloody, beautiful experience for everyone... from here, from everywhere else. 

So, from me to you all, on this sunny crisp Sunday, have a good day.  Stop in to PHouse.  See the World.  Take a little trip to somewhere else, with people from everywhere else.  Very cool!  That just makes me smile.

A Little Bit of Somewhere Else

A little bit of "somewhere else" right here in our little town of Friend, NE.  Imagine that!  Yesterday was a crazy-fun day at the PHouse.  We had visitors from the west, who were headed to watch the Husker's victory.  We had visitors from the east, who were escaping the craziness of those Husker fans... and we had a few locals pop in for a late lunch.  Nice mix of folks, and all were really interesting to chat with.

The group of four (from Lincoln, Omaha, Beaver Crossing) were particularly fun because they shared a love for the restoration and renovation of the Warren Building.  Tami took the time to show them the Opera House photo album, and Tina chatted them up about all the work the Historical Society had done to help get the PHouse, San Carlo & Mary Mary up and going.  By the time I walked in the door, they were ready for a tour.  So, tour we did.  We strolled the San Carlo and talked about our mural depicting Hwy 6 in 1915.  We checked out the super cool newly donated cheese cleaver that was original to Samuelson's Grocery Store.  Then we shared OOOS and AWWS in the Mary Mary.  They were totally WOWD by the building.  But I sent them over the top when we ascended the stairs to the Historic Warren Opera House.  Jaws dropped.  Heads shook. Smiles beamed and cameras came out.  "Who ever would-a guessed," one man said.  We talked about the props and scene flats, the chairs, the floor, you name it.  And these four new friends shared in our excitement of one day holding events and performances in the theater, and maybe even spending a night in the haunted Frog Winslow Room, after a glass or two of wine at the PHouse, of course.

The one gentleman, who says "neat-o cheet-o" when he's enthused, asked me how many thousands of times I had given a tour... and if I was bored with it.  My answer was "at least a thousand, and I hope to give a thousand more.  Nope.  Not bored with it".  When others, local and from elsewhere, share our vision, our enthusiasm and our excitement about restoration, it is just the shot in the arm that we need.  We are few.  We are tired.  But we are mighty.

At the end of the tour, the lady in the group said, "I feel like we're on vacation.  Great food and wine.  Such culture.  Like we're not here, but somewhere else".  That's pretty darn cool!

And what is even cooler, is that today we get to be "someplace else" again, as we welcome the theater to the San Carlo and enjoy a Melodrama performance.  Hmmm... gourmet food, imported and local wines, historical appeal, intellectual conversations and theater...  I'm going to close my eyes and think "theater district- Chicago, IL".  Yep.  That works!

So, thank you to everyone who stops in to the Pour House for unique food, dynamite wine and the beautiful ambiance of this historic building.  You are all appreciated.  Have a great Sunday.

Tonight We Welcome New York City to the San Carlo Room

One of the coolest things about the Pour House is the way we are able to create an atmosphere that makes you feel like you're not in Friend, Nebraska... sometimes not Omaha, Nebraska... and even at times like you're not in Nebraska at all.  The talented performers that have burst through our PHouse doors has been - simply - mind blowing.  I thank my frined Fran for his brainchild effort in starting the Concert In Your Home (CYIH) series, and for introducing me to so many talented people, from all over the country.  Fran has been here- he's paused in Florida, but has been on the road in Cali for months now.  There was Sarah, Steff, Conner, Beth, Doug E, Mason, and I don't know who I've forgotten.  And there was our favorite Englishman, Rupert.  If you missed Rupert, you missed another fantastic show.  It was actually Rupert that introduced me to Barnaby Bright (AMAZING DUO) and Caleb Hawley. And tonight we welcome Caleb back to Nebraska.

Once one of the American Idol contenders, Caleb visited us about a year ago.  He's a hoot.  His hair's about as messy as mine- so I gotta love him.  He and his wife live in NYC now, and he records original music, plays popular tunes, and jams like a crazy man on that guitar.  We get to welcome him and his band, Awkward Silence, to the San Carlo tonight at 7PM.  And, that is super cool.  He played at the Berioc... he's headed to the Minden Opera House, and YES, tonight he's ours.  NYC in downtown Friend.  Awesome.

It was another stellar weekend here for us at PHouse.  We welcomed about half of the city of Lincoln yesterday, and it's looking to be another Lincoln visit day today.  And, it's always fun to hear the "city folk" having a wonderful and surprising good time out here, in our little town.  It's a privilege to welcome talent from across the pond and across the country... as it is to welcome happy, wine sipping guests who thoroghly enjoy our little Pour House. 

Thanks so much and CHEERS!

One ending is clear... one to go!

Do you ever take a minute to stop and think about how things come to be?  Consider what's happening in your life, and trace it all back to find that, really, nothing happens for no reason.  Actually everything happens for a reason- we just may not know what that reason is... at least for a time.  And then, one day you reflect back on what's happening in your life and BAM... it's all related in some way, and the path is leading to something wonderful!  Begin with the restoration of our Historic Warren Opera House...

When I was young, I loved the Thorpe Opera House in David City.  It was always a special treat to either perform, or attend a performance in the Thorpe.  Today, I am very probably addicted to the Historic Warren Opera House.  She is, simply, amazing.  She inspires creativity to nearly everyone that enters the theater.  I have writer friends, musician friends, artists... everyone who ascends those stairs shares the same "Oooohhh My" sigh of appreciation.  It is true that the Opera House is inspirational.  Not only does it move me to write (just this past week, a short comedy haunted screenplay, first notes for my next screenplay, and the beginnings of what I hope will become a music video for Barnaby Bright), but it inspires me to reach out to my network of friends to solicit their help.

In my life, thus far, I've come to know some amazing, talented, wonderful people.  And, some are famous... even infamous!  Next, let's consider the Potter's Field Vineyard and Pour House.  When we planned the vineyard, my mom was still with us.  She was fighting the hard fight against cancer (valiantly I'll add).  We injected a lot of laughs and humor as the best medicine in what was a losing proposition.  It was an afternoon of wine in the sunroom at the farm when we giggled and decided that Potter's Field would be a perfect name for the vineyard.  I always liked the Potter's field section of the Deadwood, SD cemetary (keep a rock on my bookshelf for luck).  The idea of the poor and downtrodden all being laid to rest in one lonely place is interesting to me.  The potential for the vineyard to financially "break" us made Potter's Field seem ideal.  Mom laughed that we'd "make wine to die for"!  It was also the poor / pour play on words that prompted me to register the Pour House domain several years before the tasting room ever opened.  But I digress...  so here we have this vineyard, and neither dad or I know the first thing about these sticks we just planted (all 2.5 acres!) so I signed up for online Vitology courses.  If you're gonna raise grapes, you'd better know something about it.  Part of that course was a requirement to work in a vineyard.  I didn't know anyone that had a vineyard, but Tom Sorenson did.  So I called his friends, Kelly & Randy Meyer, at Superior Estates Winery, in Superior.  I learned to build trellis and to prune vines.  It was not only fun, but I made good friends in the Meyer family.  AND... while there, I saw a photo of one of the most amazing houses I'd ever seen.  I learned that it is Lew Hunter's Screenwriter's Colony House... right there in Superior.  Who knew?  SO... on to the next quinky-dink...

I got online to learn more about the Lew Hunter Screenwriter's Colony, and decided that although I had never even contemplated writing a screenplay, that it seemed like a place that was calling me to visit.  I gathered up my courage, submitted a few pieces I'd written, applied for acceptance and received a personal phone call from Lew saying "you can write... I can teach you the format for screenplay...come to the Summer Colony!" I moved in to the Colony with my other 9 or so writer friends and spent, probably, the most therapeutic 2 weeks of my life.  It was a bit cathartic- my screenplay ended up being an exercise in grieving...it just took over and spilled on to the pages.  I don't even know how many times Lew or Dr. Dave and I would sit in the living room or on the screenporch, sharing a tear over my mother.  Ironically, it's still a damn good script, but it is not yet finished.  Lew just visited me at the PHouse on Thursday.  He was checkin' in on our progress, and on my writing progress.  Happily, I could tell him, while the first script isn't fininshed yet, I have completed a "short" that will soon be shot for a 10-minute movie (produced by the husband of a childhood friend), we sent the ghostly comedy off to an agent who is hoping to shoot ghost stories in Nebraska in August... and I had just spent my Tuesday evening, on stage in the Opera House, making mental notes for the next script.  I add Lewis & Pamela Hunter to my list of people that I love, who love me.  That's an honor.  OK- quick re-cap... Thorpe - Warren Opera House - Potter's Field - Pour House - Superior vineyard work - Lew Hunter Screenwriter's Colony ... and there's more...

My second visit to the Colony was cut short, but in the time I was there I met my dear friend Lisa Kovanda, and the now-famous Jon Bokenkamp.  Lisa was writing her first screenplay.  Jon was already working in Hollywood and had written 2 or more movies for Angelina Jolie.  And, one fine afternoon, Lisa and I had the privelege to do a table reading for Jon.  He was pitching a series for HBO and there we were, around Lew's colony dining room table, reading. The network had expanded...I'd made new friends... but there was more to the story.  This I know now. 

A few weeks ago, Lisa (now President of the NE Writer's Guild) & I went to the grand opening of the World Theater.  We gussied up, walked the red carpet, sipped champagne and went to support our fellow writer Jon, as it was his "baby" and his motivation to return to Kearney, rally 10 people and embark on a million+ restoration of the theater.  It was great to see him, and of course, in Nebraska-fashion... I told Jon of our Historic Warren Opera House and asked for his help, and he said "OF COURSE... email me and I'll come have a look.  We'll talk."  And just then... 2-time Academy Award winner Alexander Payne entered the room.  I grabbed eye contact immediately, said to Jon..."can I ask his help too?", smiled and headed to the corner of the theater where I could corner yet another famous Nebraskan.  After a good 10 minute chat about the project and Friend, Nebraska, I asked him. Again, I got a "get me your number- you have mine... if not tomorrow, I will visit you before the end of the year."  Cheers...  Thorpe-Warren Opera House- Potter's Field - Pour House - Superior vineyard - Lew Hunter screenwriting colony - Lisa - Jon - World Theater - Alexander Payne -  what next?

Filmstreams.  Alexander Payne's brainchild to build the Ruth Sokolov Theater, where performance and movies take the stage.  This "indie" and not-mainstream venue is, like our Opera House, a place that just breeds inspiration.  And what better way to show our appreciation of Alexander's past commitments to restoring a theater in Scottsbluff, and his Filmstream efforts, than to join him in a wonderful fundraiser event?  The PHouse will be closed next Sunday, and Connie, Gretta and I are heading to the Holland Theater for a series of parties and what I expect will be a very interesting interview event with Alexander and the beautiful Ms. Jane Fonda.  Of course, Lew Hunter will be there... maybe Jon, I don't know yet... and the devotees of the Historic Warren Opera House will be on hand to rub elbows, gleen insight and tested ideas, to renew our inspiration and to sip champagne among some famous and infamous Nebraskans.  Filmstreams has opened a "short movie" competition, with a July 25 deadline.  Unfortunatley, "Dance of Silly Daisies" won't be shot until fall, so I'll miss this year's competiton, but who knows...  maybe that is yet another part of this journey we are on to restore the beautiful Warren Opera House, and to again bring talent, creativity and appreciation to the stage and theater.

The Journey thus far:  childhood friend - Thorpe - Warren Opera House - Potter's Field - Pour House - Superior Vineyard - Lew Hunter Screenwriter's Colony - Lew - Lisa - Jon - World Theater - Alexander Payne - Filmstreams - _____________ (childhood friend's producer husband films "Daisies") (ghostly comedy to be filmed in OHouse) (next script involving OHouse, Oddfellows) ?  Maybe the time will be right to finish my first script.  It think it's getting closer... I can feel it. Maybe some of this filming will inspire others to support our efforts... it all makes perfect sense.

And, I know where the journey ends.  As I mentioned... EVERYTHING happens for a reason... in this amazing life of mine, thus far, my trail of "things" has lead me to a wonderful group of friends who have all dedicated every spare moment (and then some) to the success of the restoration. They see the possibilities. We share this vision. Happily, we forge ahead... giving tours, promoting, doing TV interviews, writing stories and plays and surrounding ourselves with all of these positive people in the state who "get it". I, honestly, just can't see how this restoration could not be a success. My chain of events has lead me to a place where I can see what has happened, why, and where the path is leading. That's a wonderful thing.

Thanks for reading...

Because I Can!

One of the best parts of my Sunday morning is that I get to sleep in a little bit.  PHouse doesn't open until 3PM, so that gives me a little lounging time.  Granted, my baby dog Violet is an alarm clock that howls a wee bit earlier than I care for, but that's ok, as she goes outside and does her thing then comes back in for playtime until I get up to provide breakfast.  Today she and Tank enjoyed prime rib steak tips (left from the 4th cookout) with their food.  YUMMY!

The second best part of Sunday is that I get to decide what PHouse will have for a dinner special.  We've had people call us on Thursday or Friday... even Saturday asking "What's the dinner special?"  The PHouse team laughs and says, honestly, "We have no idea!"  I just kinda depends on my mood... if it's hot, or cold outside... a lot of times I think about my Grandpa B and Gramps P, and wonder what they would want on that particular day.  Both men were easy to please, and definitely "meat and potatoes" guys, so a lot of the time I prepare something that is a "full meal".  Tonight it's roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy and vegetable.  To top it off, we'll do homemade shortcakes with strawberry/raspberry filling and whipped cream.  Enough food for 2 people, but a "Grandpa-kind-of-meal".  I also thought of my dear friend Mimi.  Mimi lives at the Lake of the Ozarks.  She and Leo are quite the "team" having been married longer than either can remember.  They are a meatball-making-duo that was kind enough to share their secret with me.  For whatever reason, I was thinking of Mimi, and thus we'll also have a savory Meatball Sandwich & chips on the menu.  The sauce is simmering, the "balls" are rolled and in the freezer, and around 4:30PM they'll be added to the pot for cooking.  The spices and meat flavors infuse the sauce and POW!  It makes my mouth water just thinking about it.  Two of those perfectly seasoned meatballs, sauce, melted mozarella cheese on a soft wheat hoagie... another YUMMY!  (a little tricky to eat, but messy-goodness!)

So, I don't choose the menu until Sunday, because it "just kinda depends" on my mood and where my head is.  It's not the popular decision among our patrons who "WANT TO KNOW" but, it's the way we're gonna do it... just because I can!  What you can be sure of is that regardless of my mood, my memories, or the weather, the Sunday Special will be great!

Cheers and enjoy this little-bit-cooler Sunday!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads who frequent PHouse... especially mine!  
So, I know we welcomed the rain- would've been nice if 3 inches was over 3 days and not in 3 hours, but beggers can't be choosers.  It brought a nice drink to the crops and the lawns, the lovely flower garden in the Yokel Courtyard behind PHouse... OH YEAH!  and it brough HUMIDITY.  Today is one of those days when I say "forget this midwestern nonsense; if it's gonna be this hot and humid, put me on the beach in Florida".  Sitting on the veranda in Siesta Key, sipping a colada of some sort sounds a lot better than the forecast for the next 2 days!  Oh, and let's not forget that the rear A/C isn't working right, making for a lovely 80 degrees in our kitchen.

Last night was another exciting one for PHouse and OHouse.  The Society welcomed members of the Yorkshire Playhouse to town to discuss our upcoming joint venture.  Watch the calendars for our first evening of MELODRAMA!  September 30 we bring an informal, boo-hiss-throw popcorn at the villian evening of entertainment to the San Carlo Room.  This will be what we hope will become a frequent show.  Also watch for our first anticipated group outting to a Doane College theater performance.  Oct 5-7 is Boeing Boeing.

Finally, I toured and chatted it up with 2 great couples from the Davenport area.  One of the couples has purchased 2 old buildings and it's their intention to create an atmosphere much like the PHouse / San Carlo Room.  Building improvements have begun, and we'll chat more about what I've learned the hard way!  We also welcomed a fun group to our 8-top table.  They ventured over from Hickman, and while there were strong ties to Milligan, they chose to spend their evening with us.  Oh, and I've gotta mention the funny guy who has an app for everything, including computing how much his BAC was.  He entered the correct number of glasses (2) but miscalculated his weight (by about 120 lbs) and was amazed that he might just have to sit at PHouse for several hours!?  Hee Hee  once we figured it out, it was commical- he was well within his legal limit... it was 2 glasses over several hours accompanied by our fantastic stuffed portabello mushrooms with garlic mashed potatoes...  good to be a responsible driver, better to enjoy the wine sensibly!  Super meeting everyone and sharing a few laughs!

Enjoy this hot, humid, muggy, clammy Father's Day Sunday!

Rain, Rain, GO AWAY!  We're soaked.  Enough already.  PHouse was a nice refuse for those who got caught out and about last night.  Not much better than a delicious white pizza and a glass of Sindarella to ride out the storm!  Tonight we'll welcome a private party to the back of PHouse, but we've still got room, so call and save yourself a seat.  We're featuring our delicious stuffed portabello mushrooms as the dinner feature.  Coupled with garlic mashed potatoes and served up on a piping hot cast iron skillet, it's tough to beat... and unbeatable when you add a glass of our new Temparia from Cuthills vineyards. 

I want to sincerely thank EVERY ONE of you who voted for the Pour House in our pursuit of a small business loan.  Chase Bank and Living Social have teamed (with FaceBook) to offer $250,000 grants to businesses.  We needed to receive 250 votes to be considered... and we're at 275+ and counting.  These funds would help us to expand our kitchen and seating, and also to upgrade the required fire code sprinkler system and install an elevator to the 2nd level.  More seating, better kitchen, fire approved and benefitial to the Historical Society too, as it's their requirement to provide this prior to allowing events in the Opera House.  With a simple modification and addition of a door in what is now a closet... POOF, PHouse and OHouse are connected.  Elevator up!  Check out our haunted, Historic Warren Opera House.

Last night was a total HIGH for members of the Society and PHouse as we welcomed one of the original owner families back to the building.  The Samuelson clan was on hand to pump the player piano (I sang k-k-k-Katie- my grandpa Potter's favorite peppy song) and to enjoy PHouse food and wine.  John performed in the OHouse, with his guitar... pleasing his grandfather we are certain.  The Mary Mary was hosting a 2-table ladies bridge game, bringing players from Seward and Friend to the tables.  Then, as if it wasn't exciting enough, we were joined by the leaders of the Doane Theater dept.  They toured the building, chatted scenic design with Michael, and then committed not only to performances in the OHouse, but to include us in their required curriculum for theater development and community service.  PHouse, OHouse and Doane working together to better the arts and entertainment of Saline County!  I say CHEERS TO THAT!  Watch the PHouse calendar, or your text messaging, as we'll be sponsoring a bus trip from PHouse (where we'll snack and sip) to Doane for a theatrical performance, then back to San Carlo for a night cap and patisserie. Who needs NYC... We've got Friend, NE!

Off on a grocery run.  We'll hope to see you this weekend.
Cheers!