In our ongoing pursuit of promotion for our renovation and restoration project, a couple of the Friend Historical Society ladies joined the PHouse staff and we took off to toot our horn on June 8. Destination Fairbury. "What?" You might ask? Why was Fairbury a potential "big deal"? It was, after all, a repeat performance for the Pour House to do a wine tasting at the Stagecoach Antique Store. But, baby this time we pulled out all the stops. We catered the event (no I will not do it again... really... I mean it) and paired a lovely smoked brisket and horseradish crostini with a fantastic Barista Pinotage, Boursin and Beef puff pastry with the Arenal Sauvignon Blanc, blanched asparagus wrapped in crispy prosciutto was lovely with our Betty White, and of course we had various fresh fruits, savory cheeses and charcuterie, olives and sweet raspberry bars that topped off our new Bramble Berry Bliss. Boy, did we put on the Ritz! What was generally unknown was that we were hot on the heels of the field editor for Nebraska Life Magazine. I got a tip that he was going to be there covering the First Friday in Fairbury event.
I have been pursuing the magazine for several months now, trying to convince them that there is a fantastic story to be told. The story, of course, is the success of our renovation efforts of the Warren Building; the increasing popularity of the Pour House, the never-ending room flipping process to accommodate the many reservations for the San Carlo Room, the inquiries about making donations of art and artifacts to be placed on display in the Welcome Center, and the lovely art that hangs in the Mary Mary Quite Contrary Gallery, welcoming people to private events hosted there. And, of course, the next major phase of our efforts... our grand-daddy grandiose grand plan to restore the Historic Warren Opera House to be both a theater for performance and film. Much to my chagrin, as the many munching and sipping guests magically separated and the room cleared, there he was. My target. Off I went, to sell, sell, sell.
We talked about why I decided to put a wine bar in the middle of Busch Light country. Why a town of barely 1200 people would support such a major project, and how a tiny non-profit historical society group (average age 67) could make such an impact on a town called Friend. Impact, I explained, that was more than improving half of a city block. This is all-around impact. Economic benefits, tourism that never existed for this town, community promotion, support for the school arts programing and probably most important to us personally, building friendships. Women of varied ages and life experience have found their way to Maintenance Monday (M&M day), even if it's on a Wednesday evening, or an early Saturday morning and many who do not even clean their own homes are in the Warren Building scrubbing toilets and mopping floors, dragging fifty pound garbage cans that wreak of stale beer and ceremoniously bitching about it. We are all scraps of this odd, but lovely patchwork quilt that is the force behind the project. "Yes!" I proclaimed... we're a little weird.. no... quirky, but we've all got our eye on the proverbial restoration ball, and we mean business. We are self identified as "Women of High Caliber". We're gun owning, toilet scrubbing, cuss-word tossing over-achievers. "Down right inspirational," I told him. He looked at me like I was a nut. Yet, on Monday, Nebraska Life Magazine contacted me to ask for more details, in writing. I immediately obliged, probably overwhelming the poor editor, but we are now in the hunt and I am hopeful.
That evening, after a lot of hard work and hot air, I followed our caravan of support back to Friend... my foot on the dash, drumming to my favorite REO songs (I'm a rock star when I drive)... thinking about what an inspiration we are. Inspiration to each other, to the community, and to others across the state who are literally "WOWED" by what we've accomplished thus far. I'm proud to be a part of this M&M Day (although I could really do without scrubbing the men's room) group and I have great confidence, as I sit in my new antique "chair of inspiration" I traded the Stagecoach Mall in lieu of mileage, that we are on the verge of great things. Naysayers and undoers be damned! Get out of the way, because the Women of High Caliber are on a roll!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Sunday, December 9, 2012
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.
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! |
Sunday, November 18, 2012
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
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
Sunday, November 11, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
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!
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!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
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.
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.
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