Someday...
I would love to travel around the world and walk in places that I have only experienced thus far in photographs and books. There are so many aspects of culture that fascinate and attract me. You
might call me a culture junkie. I am no true bohemian or travel
enthusiast, but I am a dreamer and a lover of all things good in
humanity, including diverse cultural expressions.
Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to a not-so-far-away little ethnic community not far from my home. While it obviously cannot be considered a proper substitute for the real thing, just being able to converse with people who have come from other countries and are still steeped in the tradition and culture of those places is a real treasure. Can you tell that I had a good day?
My focus was on the Asian Indian community which lives nearby and shares a half-mile stretch of little shops and medical offices as their cultural hub. My day began at the home of some residents who were born in India and immigrated to the United States, with a simple conversational interview about their health beliefs and practices. I left with some juice in my tummy, an invitation to visit their temple and see the artwork there, and an open invitation to return (any time) to learn more. As principle, these people are very generous and hospitable - it stems both from the belief in karma (what goes around comes around, as the English say) and the belief that all humans are created by God and deserve respect because there is good in everyone. They professed to follow the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism, and showed me pictures of the god they worship and the guru who teaches their community at the temple.
I learned many things about their daily lives, their values and traditions. One very important aspect of Indian culture is the family; it is common for many generations to live together in one household, and when a son marries he brings his bride into the house of his parents. When daughters marry, they join their husband's family household. Elders are respected and cared for lovingly by younger family members.
Ayurvedic medicine is strong in many families no matter their religion, as the oldest known complete system of medicine (over five thousand years of tradition in India). Herbs and spices are used in daily cooking to maintain health and vitality, and are also used in blends and prepared in special ways to restore health. Each plant, each herb and spice has its own value and purpose.
The practice of yogas is a combination of exercise and meditation, and can include deep spirituality with mantras (Sanskrit phrases) that are repeated and related to specific postures (asanas or yogas) which represent obeisance to a god. While many different "gods" are worshiped in India, this family explained to me that they believe that God is One, and is manifested in many forms by virtue of divine omnipresence.
After a lovely morning visit, I took a short break at home and then embarked with a buddy on the streets of Little India. We walked around, taking pictures like little tourists at various shops where we saw ornate gold figurines and heavily embroidered garments. Probably my favorite place we found was a standard grocery with shelves upon shelves of spices, both ground and whole. Jars of pickles lined one wall, and bags of rice and various flours lined another. Fresh vegetables and mangoes, lentils of three different colors, palm sugar and herbal supplements - all the necessary ingredients were in one place. The stores(the House of Spices, as well as the other groceries) smelled amazing! I must confess, I love aromatic spices - cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, saffron, turmeric, cumin, sesame, masala (mixed spices)... you get the idea.
All those delicious aromas were making me hungry, so we stopped at my favorite snack shop and grabbed a masala dosa, which is South Indian fare consisting of a giant pancake wrapped around potatoes seasoned with green herbs, onions and turmeric (among other spices) and served with spicy and cooling sauces and a vegetable soup. My buddy had a great time marveling at the scale of Bollywood music videos playing in the store that starred one actor over and over. Before we left, we picked out a tantalizing array of sweets from the front counter to take home and try, mostly milk and sugar confections with a hint of coconut, almond, pistachio, cardamom or saffron. The shapes and colors vary pleasantly, and each little piece is a refreshing, moist morsel packed with just the right amount of sweetness and spices with a creamy, melting texture.
I am quite satisfied with my little trip to Little India. Maybe I can experience the country in little pieces and eventually approximate an actual visit to quench my curiosity until the opportunity materializes to see its beauty firsthand. Life is too short not to experience and appreciate the beauty in others.
P.S. If anyone from India reads this post, leave me a comment to let me know you were here!
Hello, world!
This is more than just "carpe diem"... not a mere reincarnation nor a reinvention of self but a true journey of discovery. Join me as I delight in the little things in life on my quest to LIVE each day with all its joys and sorrows.
Dominum Optissimum Maximum!
Dominum Optissimum Maximum!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Famous & Favorite Fiddlers
As you can see, I've a flair for alliteration at times.
Today I want to share with all of you some of my favorite violinists of all time. Of course, there are the great masters of the modern era, including Jascha Heifetz, Yehudi Menuhin, and Itzhak Perlman, and the young virtuosi of America: Sarah Chang, Joshua Bell, and Hilary Hahn. Before them came Niccolo Paganini, the legendary violinist with long fingers who composed some of the most difficult solo violin repertoire in existence (including the Caprices, of which there are 24). We must not leave out Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, that most famous of classical musicians to those little inclined to listen to classical music.
Let it not be said that I judge all violinists by Mendelssohn's E minor violin concerto - but it may be a major consideration if their interpretation is appropriately expressive.
Allow me to introduce you to...
Oliver Hoidn, a fabulous violinist a year older than myself who studied at the same studio as my younger sister and could whip out some serious Bach without any mistakes.
Aishwarya Venkataraman, who is so much more than a violinist. We studied together in middle school, and though she is younger than me, this talented lady already has a bachelor's degree in music from Berkelee School of Music in Boston. I am usually mesmerized by her flawless performances of Carnatic (South Indian) music on violin. She also played electric violin in school jazz bands up through high school, and found a way to work that into her musical degree, as well. Let it also be known that she is currently pursuing pre-medicinal studies at Stanford University, going above and beyond her musical talents.
Alexander Prior - when I found out about this prodigy, I was blown away. I first heard of him on a PBS television program that was rebroadcast from the UK, featuring the World's Greatest Young Musicians. Alex Prior has the background of the great musicians of yore - with Russian lineage and intense classical training such that he can sing in seven languages, play several orchestral instruments, and compose a prolific amount of works for ensembles, including a ballet and an opera. He is currently an internationally renowned conductor, for his youth and talent, as well as his experience as the conductor of professional orchestras. His works are being produced and performed to great acclaim, and he continues to pursue excellence in musical study and performance. I have mentioned Alex in this list simply because he is so inspirational to all young musicians.
Simone Porter, a lovely young violinist recruited by Alex Prior for the above-mentioned program and collaboration. I was dazzled by her expression the first time I heard and watched her play. Now I have heard her interpretation of Sarasate - and that is pure talent and precision. Simone's confidence radiates from the stage, recital hall or classroom and her personality surfaces in her spirited interpretations of pieces written strictly for violin virtuosi.
Now that I am on the subject of Gypsy violin, how about Alexander Rybak? This dashing young fellow from Belarus steals hearts with his skillful fiddling and charming lyrics in a pop-folk crossover style. I have, however, heard him break hairs (bow hairs, that is) on Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" and other challenging pieces of classical repertoire. Another favorite of mine is Kim Angelis, who composes and performs with her husband Jozef, continuing the tradition of Gypsy violin and dance given to her by her mother. I saw her in concert once at Marymount and marveled at the way she could dance and play double stops at the same time!
The most accomplished fiddler I have ever heard who can dance and play simultaneously is the beautiful Mairead Nesbitt, of Celtic Woman fame. Who, if truth be told, was devastatingly accomplished long before the show was conceived. Her expression and immaculate execution are just captivating, as is her youthful presence onstage.
Last but not least, let there be honorable mention of Steve Rees, the fiddler of Cajun band L'Angelus, which is formed from a lively bunch of brothers and sisters down in Louisiana. His understated, relaxed posture, while he produces intricate bluegrass and Cajun-style fiddle sounds, make me want to learn that technique.
There may be plenty more violinists and fiddlers to add to this list as time goes by, but for now I have given you all something to think about - or listen to, as the case may be. Life is too short not to hear (and make) great music.
December 2012 ------------------------------------------
Introducing: David Garrett, Ann Fontanella, Jun Sung Ahn, Lucia Micarelli
Today I want to share with all of you some of my favorite violinists of all time. Of course, there are the great masters of the modern era, including Jascha Heifetz, Yehudi Menuhin, and Itzhak Perlman, and the young virtuosi of America: Sarah Chang, Joshua Bell, and Hilary Hahn. Before them came Niccolo Paganini, the legendary violinist with long fingers who composed some of the most difficult solo violin repertoire in existence (including the Caprices, of which there are 24). We must not leave out Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, that most famous of classical musicians to those little inclined to listen to classical music.
Let it not be said that I judge all violinists by Mendelssohn's E minor violin concerto - but it may be a major consideration if their interpretation is appropriately expressive.
Allow me to introduce you to...
Oliver Hoidn, a fabulous violinist a year older than myself who studied at the same studio as my younger sister and could whip out some serious Bach without any mistakes.
Aishwarya Venkataraman, who is so much more than a violinist. We studied together in middle school, and though she is younger than me, this talented lady already has a bachelor's degree in music from Berkelee School of Music in Boston. I am usually mesmerized by her flawless performances of Carnatic (South Indian) music on violin. She also played electric violin in school jazz bands up through high school, and found a way to work that into her musical degree, as well. Let it also be known that she is currently pursuing pre-medicinal studies at Stanford University, going above and beyond her musical talents.
Alexander Prior - when I found out about this prodigy, I was blown away. I first heard of him on a PBS television program that was rebroadcast from the UK, featuring the World's Greatest Young Musicians. Alex Prior has the background of the great musicians of yore - with Russian lineage and intense classical training such that he can sing in seven languages, play several orchestral instruments, and compose a prolific amount of works for ensembles, including a ballet and an opera. He is currently an internationally renowned conductor, for his youth and talent, as well as his experience as the conductor of professional orchestras. His works are being produced and performed to great acclaim, and he continues to pursue excellence in musical study and performance. I have mentioned Alex in this list simply because he is so inspirational to all young musicians.
Simone Porter, a lovely young violinist recruited by Alex Prior for the above-mentioned program and collaboration. I was dazzled by her expression the first time I heard and watched her play. Now I have heard her interpretation of Sarasate - and that is pure talent and precision. Simone's confidence radiates from the stage, recital hall or classroom and her personality surfaces in her spirited interpretations of pieces written strictly for violin virtuosi.
Now that I am on the subject of Gypsy violin, how about Alexander Rybak? This dashing young fellow from Belarus steals hearts with his skillful fiddling and charming lyrics in a pop-folk crossover style. I have, however, heard him break hairs (bow hairs, that is) on Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" and other challenging pieces of classical repertoire. Another favorite of mine is Kim Angelis, who composes and performs with her husband Jozef, continuing the tradition of Gypsy violin and dance given to her by her mother. I saw her in concert once at Marymount and marveled at the way she could dance and play double stops at the same time!
The most accomplished fiddler I have ever heard who can dance and play simultaneously is the beautiful Mairead Nesbitt, of Celtic Woman fame. Who, if truth be told, was devastatingly accomplished long before the show was conceived. Her expression and immaculate execution are just captivating, as is her youthful presence onstage.
Last but not least, let there be honorable mention of Steve Rees, the fiddler of Cajun band L'Angelus, which is formed from a lively bunch of brothers and sisters down in Louisiana. His understated, relaxed posture, while he produces intricate bluegrass and Cajun-style fiddle sounds, make me want to learn that technique.
There may be plenty more violinists and fiddlers to add to this list as time goes by, but for now I have given you all something to think about - or listen to, as the case may be. Life is too short not to hear (and make) great music.
December 2012 ------------------------------------------
Introducing: David Garrett, Ann Fontanella, Jun Sung Ahn, Lucia Micarelli
Friday, March 23, 2012
Re-Orientation
Dear readers, please forgive my month-long hiatus! I have been ill for a time and struggling with various shadows, but I am beginning to emerge and I take up my metaphorical pen again to address the intricacies of life.
In my absence, I have sat upon a windy hilltop and let the sun warm my face as the wind tossed my hair into my eyes. I have sat at the piano and sight-read pretty (and challenging) tunes as the mood struck me. I have roasted garlic and turned it into a delicious, soothing soup. I have woken in the wee hours of the morning to pouring rain and lain in silence, listening. I have chortled over silly verses from my childhood in the pages of a leather-bound library book. I have dazzled an impromptu crowd with my newly-acquired fiddling repertoire. I have wept, and cried, and sobbed for grief, for love, for memory. I have sketched a melody for instrumental accompaniment for a new song.
So yes, I have lived. I may not have written anything here during all that time, but I was most certainly alive.
"The human experience" is a phrase so commonly invoked, yet its meaning is incredibly diverse and complex. We often speak of universal themes and typical events, yet on an individual basis we often feel alone and confused by the unique expressions involved in our existence. I could keep on generalizing, but the experience I know best is my own. Paradoxes have always fascinated me, perhaps most strongly because of the very nature of their reality: a contradiction which reveals a truth. My discovery of my humanity has resulted in the realization of multiple paradoxes or opposing dynamics which coexist in one nature. I maintain the belief and disposition towards good which is inherent in my nature, though my flaws and weaknesses may tempt me to evil and distrust of others. Humility and self-esteem need not wrestle for dominance, for in fact they can walk hand-in-hand... yes, I am weak and little, and yet I am loved as I am and for who I am. This is the beautiful truth of God's love for me and all human beings.
Human love can be inspired, uplifted and purified by Divine Love. I am learning to love until it hurts, and that love without sacrifice is merely admiration or affection. There is a tipping point for the human heart, too, beyond which I can enter into a deeper level of regard and goodwill for another person. Love draws me out of myself, away from self-pity and vanity and allows me to flourish in serving others. When I love, I can be more considerate, more productive, more creative and more joyful by giving and sharing with others. Life should be loved, not merely lived, because it is too short to die.
In my absence, I have sat upon a windy hilltop and let the sun warm my face as the wind tossed my hair into my eyes. I have sat at the piano and sight-read pretty (and challenging) tunes as the mood struck me. I have roasted garlic and turned it into a delicious, soothing soup. I have woken in the wee hours of the morning to pouring rain and lain in silence, listening. I have chortled over silly verses from my childhood in the pages of a leather-bound library book. I have dazzled an impromptu crowd with my newly-acquired fiddling repertoire. I have wept, and cried, and sobbed for grief, for love, for memory. I have sketched a melody for instrumental accompaniment for a new song.
So yes, I have lived. I may not have written anything here during all that time, but I was most certainly alive.
"The human experience" is a phrase so commonly invoked, yet its meaning is incredibly diverse and complex. We often speak of universal themes and typical events, yet on an individual basis we often feel alone and confused by the unique expressions involved in our existence. I could keep on generalizing, but the experience I know best is my own. Paradoxes have always fascinated me, perhaps most strongly because of the very nature of their reality: a contradiction which reveals a truth. My discovery of my humanity has resulted in the realization of multiple paradoxes or opposing dynamics which coexist in one nature. I maintain the belief and disposition towards good which is inherent in my nature, though my flaws and weaknesses may tempt me to evil and distrust of others. Humility and self-esteem need not wrestle for dominance, for in fact they can walk hand-in-hand... yes, I am weak and little, and yet I am loved as I am and for who I am. This is the beautiful truth of God's love for me and all human beings.
Human love can be inspired, uplifted and purified by Divine Love. I am learning to love until it hurts, and that love without sacrifice is merely admiration or affection. There is a tipping point for the human heart, too, beyond which I can enter into a deeper level of regard and goodwill for another person. Love draws me out of myself, away from self-pity and vanity and allows me to flourish in serving others. When I love, I can be more considerate, more productive, more creative and more joyful by giving and sharing with others. Life should be loved, not merely lived, because it is too short to die.
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