What a life. I just returned from Boston/Cambridge and now I dive into 1980’s London with “Lettice and Loveage”, our spring play. We had our first read-through this morning and I think I was the least prepared I have ever been for a play, but I was probably the most free because of it. My mind has been buzzing with facts and tidbits and impressions from Henry Longfellow and my heart has been reconnecting with my family, so I actually had to remind myself three times yesterday about rehearsals beginning the next day.
Now that they’ve begun we’ll all slip into a new rhythm, but I must admit some sorrow in the one we’re leaving. Dave and I did get to have some special movie nights over the last two weeks and we loved it. The first miniseries we watched was called Cranford. Great. Laughed, cried, and loved seeing the big in the little. It was very inspiring.
Getting to go to Boston was a treat. Travelling and getting around had a few setbacks, but the whole experience of being on my own, getting time to read read read, and also just encountering a new culture was so valuable; a wonderful 40th birthday excursion. I was anxious for Donovan in missing me, but Dave and the boys seemed to have a smooth time. Donovan admits now he was worried for me, -he, with his little glossy eyes and his face all pale with a cold- but we’re together now, thank the Lord.
I saw so much incredible architecture! I wish I had more room on my camera! Here’s a few shots. One fun thing is that Dave and the boys sent flowers for my birthday and they welcomed me and perfumed my tiny room at the B & B. I got to do a lot of walking in Cambridge... some along the Charles River with the over-arching elms as Henry calls them. I’ve never seen elms like these (have I ever seen elms?) They were light green and the trunks had flecks of all kinds of greens. I took my own picture at arms length in front of one of them. It was cold.
Longfellow’s house was stunning. And I enjoyed talking with the archivists there and doing research. I even got to speak with Henry’s great granddaughter who lived a few blocks away. Henry is famous for the phrase "footprints in the sands of time." I felt like he had a sense of foreshadowing, that he knew some would look upon his doodles and his poems and journals in a time to come. I was privileged to do so in his own home.
Most of my time was spent in the Houghten Library on Harvard Yard. Oh my, they were so particular about everything in the archive reading room. No pen, no nothing except paper and pencil. I had to read and sign policy forms and fill out call cards exactly according to rule. It was a bit too persnickety for me, but I obliged, and I came to enjoy the respectful quiet in the book-lined rooms. I found my own little niche and got to read Longfellow in his own hand. I even got to see and touch locks of hair from he and his family. Amazing.
I saw a play at the ART small space and got to eat a 7 oz. hamburger at a famous hole in the wall restaurant. I missed my family, but it was good to have so much to do. I’d pack my “linner” every day from extra breakfast items and work in 6 hour stretches. Having a project to work on was actually a wonderful way to holiday for me because it was so focused and “other” than what I’m used to.
I haven’t had time to assimilate all I’ve read and recorded, I wish I could, but I’ll have to trust that it can just stew until I can get back to it. In the meantime, it’s off to the inspiring land of Lettice where theatre must enlarge, enliven and enlighten!!!
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