Still Reveling over Mother's Day and Baffled by our Colorado Springs (no pun intended)

My Mother's Day bouquet from James

  I have been enjoying the memories of Mother's Day all week. I woke up that morning assuming it would be a quiet day with Kim. It was a lovely, warm spring day as Mother's Day should be and I was happy for all the mothers who had various activities planned with their families. Sadly, there was no expectation of seeing Sarah on the east coast or Sean on the west coast and I assumed our youngest, James, was busy with his work at a nearby Camp. But James surprised me early afternoon with flowers and a thoughtful gift. We had a pleasant lunch on our deck and I felt blessed. In the evening I heard from both Sean and Sarah via phone and the nature of their conversations gave me additional joy.



Dining al fresco on Mother's Day

 

Even the recent snow cannot dampen my happy memories of Mother's Day!



Artistry with Strings

I urge anyone who lives in or visits Colorado Springs to take in some live theatre at the Simpich Showcase Marionette Theatre. It is a rare and magical piece of art that entertains and inspires as it tells classic tales and reveals spiritual truths. I was recently enchanted by a moving performance of John Bunyan’s allegory Pilgrim’s Progress in this small, intimate theatre that is perfect for a performance with marionette puppets.

Beautiful puppets adorned in period costumes bring the story to life. David Simpich uses deft movements of his hands and myriad voices with the twenty some puppets to dramatize the story. I am amazed at the many skills he uses to create a flight into fantasy as artisan, craftsman, playwright, actor and stage technician.

Although he convinces the audience that it is the puppets who are talking he resists remaining a silent presence behind the marionettes. He unobtrusively becomes a player as well, touching the audience with his warmth and humanity.

This theatre is beyond the understanding of very young children. But I have good memories of taking our children to these productions years ago when they were old enough to appreciate them. And I look forward to the time when my grandchildren can share this extraordinary experience with me.