Fall Experimentation 2015

As the first snowfall of the season winds down I'm reminded to document what's been going on in this season of change. I will call this my fall of experimentation. I began a couple volunteer positions, I took an art class, and I attended a couple lecture/luncheons, and we got in a quick trip north. Read on if you want some details and insights.

Saturday, November 21. Lovely to look at; wonderful to NOT have to shovel at Chiripa.

Volunteering  

After attending a training session at the Overture Center for the Arts and shadowing a couple ushers at performances, I became an official volunteer usher. Jim's reluctance to attend musical performances and his continuing evening teaching schedule made me think that this might be a good opportunity to both support and see the arts in Madison. As it turns out, it is not very easy to find openings on the evenings that I want to volunteer. But, it's a work in progress. I like getting a taste of the different kinds of performances (from Broadway productions, to comedy, to symphony) and to have the freedom to leave before the end if I choose. (Most volunteer positions are not required to stay beyond a "second seating" for performances.) The facility is spectacular and one Madison can be proud of.

Schools of Hope is an Americor program using volunteer tutors in an effort to bridge the diversity gap in the public school system. Although I applied at the end of August, I did not get a placement until November. But, I'm on board and it feels good. I read with three first graders for about fifteen minutes each one day a week. It's not much at this point, but it's a start. I find the little chairs a bit uncomfortable, but I enjoy interacting with the kids. I'm sure I'll have more to say on this topic later.

Mixing a color wheel. Second try. I love the basics.

A Class  

Watercolor Fundamentals taught by my friend Cynde Quinn in the Arboretum Visitor Center was hard to pass up. I knew Cynde would have a well structured and inspiring class. We met for six weeks. I borrowed and bought supplies and enjoyed the learning process. I had never used watercolors before. They're fun and unpredictable. I hope to incorporate the techniques in some journal sketching.

First try; so many mistakes I quit. But, I caught the bug.

What I really took away from the class was how much I enjoy being immersed in the process of making art. When creating and learning and practicing I can think of nothing else.

Luncheon/Lecture

When working one often looks at posted activities and thinks, "Oh, if only I had the time to do that." Well, the UW Arboretum Luncheon/Lecture series was one of those for me. So, this year I signed up for the series. Each event starts at 11:30 with the luncheon, then a "break", and then the featured speaker. They end around 1:30. I realize now that I don't want to spend that much time eating buffet food and listening to presentations that may or may not be well done. I could read or view a documentary quicker. I signed up for this alone, so I don't have the socializing that most come for. I must admit I've met some nice people and reconnected with a former Chiripa customer and that has been nice. But I'm too impatient for luncheons at this point in my life. Maybe later.

Ned and Kathy with Sophie on a rise where you can see all the way to Lake Superior.

An early November weekend trip to Cable, Wisconsin to visit Kathy and Ned saw us hiking to scenic northwoods sites, dining with friends, and eating at an amazing diner. Great trip. Hadn't visited since pre-Chiripa.

Delta Diner, north of Drummond, WI. No tipping, just a straight 20% added to share with the whole staff. All were happy!

So, the lovely fall has ended. Thanksgiving was at the Walz's home in Holmen, WI. Skip came up from Arkansas, sadly without Marilyn who has moved out of his life.