General Terms and Conditions

Moving Mania!

2007-03-09T23:04:00.000-05:00

I arrived back in Indianapolis yesterday to join Partner in the moving odyssey. When we met in the airport he said, "The long national nightmare is over!" - meaning that I was finally home to join him in the work of packing up the house. Well, we are in this together. It won't be a great week, but I know it will be a productive one.

This morning we had a little trouble getting going, but soon we hit our stride. We spent most of the day going through our study - including sorting through lots and lots of files. Besides separating for shredding anything that needed such, we had a great time looking at artifacts from our past. I am proud to say that most everything was thrown away - we are trying to whittle down the "stuff" that we have been carrying from state to state.

Two highlights for me:

First, a few years back my oldest brother had mailed to me several boxes of stuff that had been stored at the family farm. I (of course) had carefully placed it in a closet and forgot it. Yesterday I went through the boxes to find many, many memories, including scraps of my life in Denmark, jr. high and high school report cards, precious photos, and wonderful cards and letters from people in my past. Almost all of it I looked at lovingly, then threw out - but never fear, I saved a small pile of fond remembrances. Many, many thanks to Brother #1 for caring enough to get this stuff to me.

Second, we rounded up all the loose change in the house and took it to the "coinstar" machine at the grocery store. When it was all counted, we had about $220 worth that were turned into an Amazon.com certificate. (By choosing a "gift card" we avoided giving the coinstar people 8% of the return.) It was pretty amazing to discover that much money had just been sitting around.

Tomorrow will be more of the same - I am hoping that we will begin getting things into boxes. Wish us luck...

Happy Birthday to Me

2007-03-04T20:35:00.000-05:00

It has been a good birthday--I took myself to another play this afternoon, "Some Men," a new play by Terrence McNally, a playwright originally from my birth city of Corpus Christi, Texas, well-known as a gay playwright. His best known works include "Love! Valour! Compassion!" and "Master Class." He was also the librettist for the opera "Dead Man Walking" and wrote the book for the musical "Ragtime."

As the promotional material for this play states, "Some Men" charts the course of gay life in America through the varied experience of a group of friends at a wedding. The nine actors played various characters (all gay men) in situations occuring between the years of 1923 and 2007. Throughout we get a sense of the way that things have changed for gay people over the last century.

One scene I particularly enjoyed was two young men ("gender studies majors from Vassar") interviewing two older men about what gay life was like before the Stonewall riots (June 1969). They say that, despite what people might think, they were not miserable in those days; they were happy. And they point out that they didn't fight for their rights because they just didn't know they could. The young men are incredulous--they simply don't understand how they could have been content to live their lives as they did. The juxtaposition of youthful ire with mature wistfulness was interesting.

There was also a great scene in a piano bar, with several show queens one-upping each other on musical theater trivia. LOVED that, of course. It made me want to run to Marie's Crisis or Don't Tell Mama, a couple of the famous piano/show tune bars here in New York. I will definitely put that on the agenda for when Partner arrives.

Now I have to buckle down to studies: the Old Testament mid-term is Wednesday. Prophets, anyone?

A Present to Myself

2007-03-03T23:10:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is my birthday - so I have began celebrating this evening by taking myself to see "Grey Gardens" on Broadway. As my friends and family know, I love musicals, and this show did not disappoint.

It is the story of the Beales, a mother and daughter who were cousins of Jackie Kennedy (they were all Bouviers). A documentary of the same name was made about these two odd women in the mid '70s, and this show uses that movie as a launching point. It was very moving.

Christine Ebersole, who plays Big Edie (the mother) in the first act (set in the '40s), and Little Edie (the daughter) in the second act (set in the '70s) is spectacular. What an incredible range she plays in 2 1/2 hours! In the second act she seems to be channeling Little Edie - if you've seen the documentary you know what an eccentric character she is, and Ms. Ebersole has it down. We hear her singing in a beautiful voice most of the show - except when she doesn't, to great effect.

I had a student rush ticket, which for $26.50 put me on the first row of the side section of the orchestra - so I could see absolutely every detail, including the tears in Ms. Ebersole's eyes at the end of the show. Unfortunately the trumpet player was right below me, so the sound balance was off - but since I have listened to the Off-Broadway cast recording many, many times, I could fill in most of the words I missed.

It was another thoroughly satisfying evening of theatre - a great way to kick off the birthday celebration!

Infinity

2007-03-02T23:52:00.000-05:00

Tonight I went with some fellow students to a church in Jersey City, NJ to a showing of the 1996 movie "Infinity." Matthew Broderick directed and starred in the movie, which also featured Patricia Arquette.

What made this worthy of a train trip across the Hudson was that Mr. Broderick was there - his sister is the rector of the parish. He endured a question and answer session after the movie, which was fun.

The movie is the story of a scientist who assisted in the creation of the atomic bomb, but it was primarily the story of his first love. It was interesting to contrast the beauty of young love with the ugly prospect of the A-bomb. Of course, the scientist loved math and science, and found beauty in what he was doing - but as we watch, we know what the end result was.

Likewise, his fiance, then wife, is dying with TB. They have a beautiful relationship that is lived out in the shadow of her impending death. So it is all about love and loss.

Ultimately, I don't think it was a great movie - and I suppose that the market bore this out, since most of us had never heard of it. This movie is especially treasured by the Brodericks because their mother wrote the script. I think it was as a tribute to their mom that Mr. Broderick was willing to come out on a Friday night, sit in a church nave and be asked inane questions like, "When you were growing up, were you like Ferris [Bueller]?"

There was a very nice moment in the questioning when the two siblings were asked about their childhood relationship. Their affection for each other was clear, and it was touching. Maybe that was the highlight of the evening. (That, and the GREAT soup they served - a Tex-Mex type soup - I am trying to get the recipe, and will pass it along if I do!)

Tomorrow I am making a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, to look at early Christian art for my Church History class. It is always wonderful to visit this venerable institution - I know that, as with every trip I make there, I will see wonderful and unexpected things. Oh boy!

Living with Stress

2007-03-01T22:34:00.000-05:00

This has been a tough week for the Junior (1st year) MDiv students at General. We had two papers and a midterm - the most work we've had in a week (outside of finals, of course).

This pressure has been difficult for many of my classmates. There has been a lot of talk about all of these assignments, and this talk has raised the level of stress. We can talk ourselves into a frenzy.

But I have been relatively calm. I think I have more perspective on it all than some of my classmates. It is easy to think that our performance and our grades are of utmost importance – but they’re not. The most important thing is our formation – that we become the best we can be in order to serve the Church. I reminded classmates that our GPA is not what will get us ordained or get us jobs.

I think that we always need to remind each other not to allow the stress to rule our lives. We are good folks who are already and will be even greater gifts to the Church. That’s what matters.

And we made it through! That means we can do it. I think that is important to remember.

The Life of Antony

2007-02-28T21:25:00.000-05:00

Tonight I give you a little glimpse into the esoteric world of an Episcopal seminarian.

One of my classes this semester is "History and Theology of the Early Church: Patristics Survey." This is a subject I must confess I have thought little about to this point in my life. Growing up as a Methodist, I don't remember hearing much about the early Church fathers - it seemed distant and exotic just to think about our 18th century Anglican roots! And even when I became an Episcopalian there was little discussion of this period of ecclesiastical history. So it is all new territory for me.

This week I have been reading "The Life of Antony" written by Athanasius, an Egyptian bishop and disciple of this early Christian hermit and monk. According to my studies, this biography of Antony (c. 251-356 AD) presents the earliest information we have on the monastic life. In the narrative, Antony wrestles with demons throughout his formation as a monk (which takes 35 years!) Here is a typical passage:

“But the devil, who hates and envies what is good, could not endure to see such a resolution in a youth [Antony], but endeavored to carry out against him what he had been wont to effect against others. First of all he tried to lead him away from the discipline, whispering to him the remembrance of his wealth, care for his sister, claims of kindred, love of money, love of glory, the various pleasures of the table and the other relaxations of life, and at last the difficulty of virtue and the labor of it; he suggested also the infirmity of the body and the length of the time. In a word he raised in his mind a great dust of debate, wishing to debar him from his settled purpose. But…the enemy saw himself to be too weak for Antony’s determination, and…was conquered by the other’s firmness, overthrown by his great faith and falling through his constant prayers…”

What does it all mean? Well, that is the three-page paper I had to write tonight. The assignment was, "Papers should articulate a thesis about the subject of 'Demons in the Life of St. Antony.'" I guess it goes without saying that I have been sweating this one.

Interestingly, when I sat down and began to writing, a thesis did emerge. I believe that, as one of the first treatises on the monastic life, the devils personify the temptations to abandon this hard life that come to most who try to live a cloistered existence. Through the story of Antony's wrestling with demons, Athanasius addresses the obstacles that a young hermit may encounter, and provides a model for overcoming them.

I did manage to write exactly three pages on this subject. Don't know if I got it right, but it turned out to be much more interesting than I suspected. We'll see if the professor agrees!

Come, my Way

2007-02-27T22:05:00.000-05:00

Today is the feast day of George Herbert in the Anglican Communion. This great English poet of the early 17th century is probably as popular today as he has ever been. Here is a short biography from Wikipedia:

"George Herbert (April 3, 1593 – March 1, 1633) was a Welsh poet, orator and a priest. Being born into an artistic and wealthy family, he received a good education which led on to him holding prominent positions at Cambridge University and Parliament. In his late thirties he gave up his secular ambitions and took holy orders in the Church of England, spending the rest of his life as a rector in Bemerton, near Salisbury. Throughout his life he wrote religious poems characterized by a precision of language, a metrical versatility, and an ingenious use of imagery or conceits that was favored by the metaphysical school of poets."

We had a real Herbertfest in our Eucharist today, singing a couple of his great hymn texts (#403, "Let all the world in every corner sing," set to Hampton's "MacDougall," and #382, "King of Glory," set to a favorite tune around here, namely "General Seminary") and even hearing a sermon that compared his work to Bob Dylan and Appalachian fiddling.

But the Herbert poem that I feel most drawn to is one titled "The Call." It is a supreme example of that precise language and imagery referred to above. It is #487 in our hymnal:

Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life:
such a way as gives us breath;
such a truth as ends all strife;
such a life as killeth death.

Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength:
such a light as shows a feast;
such a feast as mends in length;
such as strength as makes his guest.

Come, my Joy, my Love, my Heart:
such a joy as none can move;
such a love as none can part;
such a heart as joys in love.

Reading the Gospels

2007-02-26T23:11:00.000-05:00

I have several interesting classes this semester, but I think I am most enjoying New Testament, where we are studying the three synoptic gospels - Matthew, Mark, and Luke. They are called "synoptic" because they share so much of the same information. Like most readers of the gospels, I have never thought much about the differences between these three books. Sure, I knew that the Wisemen appeared only in Matthew, and the Shepherds only in Luke, and that Mark didn't even mention Jesus' birth. But I never realized how very different these books really are.

I have been amazed to learn of the writers' different perspectives. Today we discussed Luke, and how he is focused on the journey to Jerusalem. Last week it was about Matthew's idea that we find God in high places. It is fascinating to see how ideas like these (and many, many more) are borne out in the narratives. And, without a doubt, these ideas help bring the text alive! How exciting (and what a privilege) to study these things.

Of course, it can also be stressful. We have a midterm on Wednesday - we need to be able to identify which gospel key passages come from, and also answer short essay questions about major themes, etc. I have a lot of studying to do before I am ready to tackle that test - but there is time. Deep breaths...

A Prayer

2007-02-25T17:15:00.000-05:00

My heart is filled with sadness tonight.

I just received a call from someone to whom I am very close telling me that his relationship of over 20 years is floundering. I was very surprised, since I had no idea that this was even a possibility. Even after talking to him, I don't really have any idea what caused the two of them to fall into trouble, or what the future might bring. Perhaps he doesn't know the answer to these questions either.

But that is not important right now. I think what is needed now is to listen to both of them, and to let them know, over and over, that I love them. And I think prayer is needed, too.

Tonight I pray this prayer from the Book of Common Prayer (p. 831):

O merciful Father, who has taught us in your holy Word that you do not willingly afflict or grieve your children: Look with pity upon the sorrows of your servants for whom our prayers are offered. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their souls with patience, comfort them with a sense of your goodness, lift up your countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Avoidance

2007-02-24T22:06:00.000-05:00

I have a LOT of homework to do this weekend. So what have I done? Very little. I find myself doing almost anything to avoid writing my philosophy paper ("Compare and Contrast the Concept of the Good for Plato and Aristotle"), studying for my New Testament mid-term (content and major themes of the synoptic gospels), or doing reading for class next week (New Testament, Old Testament, Philosophy, Early Church History).

Sometimes it is very hard to get motivated to study. Even though what we are working on is interesting, it is also difficult - often mind-blowing. After a long week, I just want to sleep -- or watch TV -- or read ANYTHING that is non-religious.

I know I will get the work done - eventually. But I don't think it's going to happen tonight...

Jake and Chloe: Au Revoir

2007-02-23T18:52:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, my partner will be moving to New York to join me here at General in a few weeks. Because we will live together in this small apartment, we had to make the hard decision that there is just not enough room for me, Partner, the dog Franklin, AND two cats (with accompanying litter box). So we had to find a home for Jake, our 22 lb.+ tabby cat, and Chloe, his slimmer tortoise shell companion.

Fortunately my niece was delighted to adopt them. She lives in Austin, where she will get married in April to another good and giving soul. They are meeting Partner in Memphis this weekend for the hand-off of our sweet kitties.

I am very sad that Jake and Chloe will not be in the house when I return to Indy in a few weeks to help with the move. They are both fairly quiet (although Chloe has become a bit more vocal in the last year), but they were always a delightful presence in the house. I know that Franklin will miss them both. Jake has always been a buddy (after all, they pretty much match, pound for pound!) and Chloe has been the eternal prey - Franklin loves to try to catch her, although he would not know what to do with her if he did! In any event, I expect that the next week will be confusing and depressing for him, as he wonders where his companions have gone. Don is taking him along on the trip, especially to provide companionship for the lonely ride home.

We adopted these two cats in early 1999, less than a year before we left Washington, DC. They were a little over a year old, and we were their third owners. They joined our other cat, Glenda, who we had to put to sleep this past January at the age of 18 years (RIP, you cranky thing you). Glenda took to Jake almost immediately (I think he might have sparked a memory of her littermate Ziggy, who we had to put to sleep in the mid-90s), but she and Chloe were archrivals. Still, we were a family, to which Franklin the Scotty was added in March 2000.

I am pleased that we provided a stable home for Jake and Chloe for so many years. And I am SO glad that they will still be in the family - although sadly many, many miles away. At least we'll get to hear about how they're doing, and maybe see a picture or two.

For so many of us who do not have children, our pets are a close substitute. My father, who was never terribly sentimental about animals, has even come around to understanding how important they are to us, often asking after their health. It is a little hard for me to imagine that they will no longer be part of our lives.

Farewell, dear friends. I hope that I will get another chance to nuzzle you, and to whisper in your ears how much you mean to me. Until then, thank you for the pleasure and unconditional love you have given me.

Thank God it's Thursday!

2007-02-22T16:13:00.000-05:00

We have classes Monday through Thursday, with Friday off. I believe this is because of the fact that during one's last two years (the middler and senior years) one has a field placement, and so is essentially in school that day too.

As a result, Thursdays always feel like Fridays used to. I am always SO glad it is here, and I usually have trouble convincing myself to get any work done on a Thursday night. I really need to get something done tonight, though -- there is far too much looming in the next week to slough off too much.

Today's most interesting class was "Philosophical Foundations for Theology." After we discussed our readings in the area of Aristotle's ethical vision, the professor asked the women in the class a question following up on a comment made a few weeks ago about the masculine orientation of the Platonic material we were reading. He asked if they felt similarly put off by Aristotle. The response from the women in the class (who outnumber the men, by the way) was mixed. Some continued to feel put off by the material; others saw this as a non-issue.

I thought it was fascinating to listen to such widely-diverging points of view on this subject. I feel that, as a gay man, I can in some ways relate to the "reinterpretation" many women must do to relate to these classical readings. But I also know that the hurdle they must get over is much, much higher than the one I have to cross -- whereas women were known to these writers, if only as inferior beings, homosexuality was not even conceived of as a construct. It's hard to be offended by a bias against something that is not even comprehended by the writer.

Maybe this relates to the current state of affairs in the Anglican Communion. Many of those who so want to condemn homosexuality have absolutely no concept of a committed, caring relationship between two people of the same sex. Unlike our American brothers and sisters, I think African Anglicans cannot comprehend this possibility. Does that ignorance excuse their hurtful response? Maybe, I think.

But likewise, if the American bishops agree to deny the sacred relationships that we as gay people have, when they know us and know that those relationships have integrity, they will be guilty of a greater sin against the gospel than those whose culture does not yet understand this particular complexity of human interaction.

So, as one blog writer said, we in the Episcopal Church have been handed something akin to "Sophie's Choice" between members of our church and the Communion - which love do we abandon?

Once again, I would not want to be in the Presiding Bishop's shoes...

Remember You are Dust

2007-02-21T17:18:00.000-05:00

As Lent begins I have made a commitment to myself to write in this blog again as a seasonal discipline. I have noticed lately that I have more to say than I did last semester when I got b(l)ogged down. I'm really back, and I pray that I will keep this discipline.

It is Ash Wednesday, and it has already been a remarkable day. I started with morning prayer at 8:00 this morning. After our usual service, the Dean gave one of three meditations for the morning, helping us to hold this day holy.

At the 11:45 Eucharist I was the precentor, leading the singing. It is always an honor to help lead services in our beautiful Chapel of the Good Shepherd. I had a bobble or two, but overall it went well.

After lunch I went with two other seminarians to Trinity Church, Wall Street. We imposed ashes for an hour and a half to a continuous stream of people. It was a remarkable and moving thing to do.

Imagine: Into the church from the busy intersection of Broadway and Wall Street in downtown Manhattan came a countless stream of people, all looking for something. They came to us at the front of the church, and dipping a finger in the inky-black ashes, we made crosses on their foreheads, saying those powerful and humbling words: "Remember, you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

The line of people was amazing to witness: every color; every age; short, tall; wide and skinny -- all coming to be reminded of their mortality. There were cooks, businessmen, mothers, construction workers, firemen, policemen, tourists, and school kids. Each stepped forward to receive the mark of the cross and to have those words whispered in their ear: "Remember..."

What struck me most? First, what an intimate experience it was. As I placed ashes on each forehead, my hand rested lightly on their heads, and I was struck by how vulnerable people were willing to make themselves to me. I worked hard to make eye contact with each person, and to never allow the words to be rote, but to try to express their meaning to each person who stood before me. I had a smile on my face for the entire hour and a half (which FLEW by).

I also found myself a bit dumbstruck by the first person who said to me, "Thank you, Father." Of course there were many Roman Catholics in the crowd, and this was a natural thing for them to say. But for me it was profound. Even though I have not yet been given that title, I got a glimpse of what it might feel like - both the honor and the awesome responsibility. All I can say is "Wow!"

Finally, what a privilege it was to undertake this task in that church. I could not forget that only a little more than five years ago this holy site was covered in ash -- 9/11 brought to this place a literal reminder of the profound words of this day. But still the church stands - as does God's promise to us of everlasting life beyond our death. And so in years to come, as I recall my standing before that grand altar and being a reminder of God's action in all our lives, I think I will remember it as one of the first and most important experiences of my priesthood. Thanks be to God!

I'm back!

2006-10-15T19:17:00.000-04:00

Life has been crazy. Beyond the constant reading, studying, and paper-writing, I have had lots of company here in my one-bedroom apartment. Don't get me wrong--I loved having them all, but it meant that there was little or no time for anything else.

So, I have a lot to blog about. Where to start? Well, I'll go chronologically.

The map quiz went well -- I got an A! I also got my Silence paper written, and it was well-received. My parents arrived on Wednesday, September 27, and we had a great visit. They seemed to enjoy seeing the seminary, and meeting my new community. Certainly the highlight of their time here was matriculation.

On Thursday, September 28, following evensong, we, the new students of The General Theological Seminary, participated in a ceremony almost as old as the seminary itself: matriculation. As those in attendance sang St. Patrick's Breastplate ("I bind unto myself today the strong name of the Trinity...") each of us signed into an almost 200 year old book, containing the signatures of the vast majority of those who have studied at GTS. It was sobering and awe-inspiring. Afterwards, a festive dinner was the occasion to celebrate our inclusion in this community. A picture is promised -- when I have it, I will try posting it!

On Friday, September 29, Mom and Dad and I went to see an off-Broadway play -- Asylum: The Strange Case of Mary Lincoln. This musical (!) was, indeed, the story of the year that Mary Lincoln, widow of President Abraham Lincoln, spent in a mental institution, committed by her only living son, Robert. It was more successful than you might imagine, but it was still odd. The music was mostly uninspired, and the lyrics were amateruish. But the story was compelling. It was an interesting, if not inspiring, night of theatre.

We also wandered around lower Manhattan and did a lot of visiting. It was great to have Mom and Dad here and show them this new world. I am sure they will be back.

The following Monday was the occasion for our class chapel prank. A long-standing tradition at GTS, chapel pranks are an opportunity for a class to grow closer and to create its own identity within the larger community. It is a tradition that the first chapel prank of the year must be conducted by the new Junior class. We were pressured to get our prank done quickly, as the Seniors wanted to conduct their prank (which would kick off a fund-raising project they are undertaking -- but that's another story).

But what to do? We discussed at great length, and decided that we would conduct a pep rally for the GTS (touch) football team, The Penguins, slated to play our rivals, the Virginia Theological Seminary Friars. We outfitted the chapel with spirit signs (i.e., "Penguins Rule!" transcribed in Greek), distributed pom-poms and footballs to the faculty (for their procession into the service), and sang "Touchdown, touchdown for Jesus." Our piece-de-resistance (sp?) were three radio-controlled cars, with stuffed penguins strapped on, joining in the procession. It was a great hit.

There is more to report--the visit of my brother and sister-in-law; attending Beauty and the Beast starring Donny Osmond; a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art; the visit of Partner; and Barbra Streisand in concert! Stay tuned...

One day at a time

2006-09-22T11:58:00.000-04:00

It was a month ago today that partner and I left Indianapolis in our U-Haul truck. It is hard to believe it has been only a 31 days. I now find myself fully into the joys and struggles of seminary.

After much thought, and after soliciting the advice of many wise people, I decided that I should drop my Biblical Greek class. The professor said I was doing fine, but I felt that I could not give enough time to study for that class, especially in light of the time I need for the two foundation classes I am also taking, Old and New Testament. In addition, I find myself still adjusting to full-time graduate school -- learning how to study and to take notes, and how to get a LOT of reading done. I hope I will be able to pick up Greek at some other point. But this is not the right time.

I have also found myself sneezing and congested since Monday. I think it is just allergies, but it could be a cold. Not feeling well, I have been tired and cranky all week. Let's hope I get over it soon!

This weekend's study includes preparation for an Old Testament map quiz (we have been given 100 cities, rivers, areas, and other geographical landmarks to place on blank maps; the quiz will be to find and mark 25 of these places, randomly chosen), a 6-10 page paper of theological reflections on the book Silence by Shusaku Endo, reading for next week's classes, and discussion notes on Paul's Thessalonian correspondence. I also need to clean the apartment in anticipation of my parents' arrival to visit on Wednesday (yea!)

Which brings me to the title of this post. All I can do is just keep moving, and know that it will all get done, one way or another. I've just got to keep studying and keep praying...

A Night at the Opera

2006-09-16T12:50:00.000-04:00

Last night I took off in the drizzle with a new friend (and fellow classmate) to Lincoln Center to see Handel's Semele, performed by the New York City Opera. What a great evening!

The impetus for attending was that soprano Elizabeth Futral was singing the title role. Elizabeth sang the lead in my master's degree project, an opera called The Face on the Barroom Floor. (I paired the work with Hugo Weisgall's The Stronger for a night of barroom opera.) Her career has really gone places -- as much or more than anyone else who was in the IU School of Music during the years I was there (1985-87).

The work was labeled by Handel a "secular oratorio." (An oratorio is defined as "a muscial setting, for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra, of an extended story of religious or contemplative nature, performed in a concert hall or a church without scenery, costumes, or physical action.") Strange choice, therefore, for an opera company. The production fully acknowledges this anomaly, beginning the production on a set depicting the organ/choir loft of a concert hall -- large organ and pipes and choir risers, before a stage set simply with four chairs behind music stands. The performers enter as though in concert -- concert dress and somber looks intact.

But at the point in the story (based on Ovid's Metamorphoses) when Jupiter's presence is felt with lightning, an earthquake, and their attendant debris, the story is itself metamorphosized into the late 1950's, and Semele becomes Marilyn Monroe, Jupiter John Kennedy, and the jealous Juno (wife of Jupiter) Jackie Kennedy. The story moves on with papparazzi, secret service, and other hangers on.

The updating serves the story well, with Marilyn/Semele portrayed as beautiful but lost, looking for something more than what she has: She wants to be immortal like her lover Jupiter/JFK. Jackie/Juno is jealous, and contrives to scuttle the affair between the lovers, leaving no fingerprints. The staging was clever, hip, and rarely seemed to get in Handel's way - it served the work.

But more than any of that, the singing was beautiful. Elizabeth sang divinely - how skilled she is! I was proud to be able to say I knew her when. Mezzo Vivica Genaux, in the double role of Semele's sister and Juno also sang with a rich and flexible voice, a joy to hear. All the rest were skilled, and seemed to enjoy their roles. I entered the theater worried that three hours might be a challenge, and left wanting more.

The icing on the cake was a visit backstage to greet Elizabeth. She was gracious and charming, just as I remembered her. What a pleasure to see that the years have only deepened her skills and her character. I was honored to see her again. And my classmate was wowed by the chance to go backstage and meet the lead singer. Again, it was a great evening.

Now back to studying - but with a song in my heart!

Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine

2006-09-14T06:49:00.000-04:00

I woke this morning to the sad news that Texas Governor Ann Richards has died.

As a native of Texas and a resident of the capital city through the mid-nineties, I have a particular affection for her. As many of you know, Partner worked for Ann for 10 years, six years in the State Treasurer's Office, and four years in the Governor's office. In fact, our courtship coincided with that 1990 race for the Governor's Office. For many, many reasons, it was a magical time.

Like many successful politicians I have had the opportunity to meet, Ann had a larger-than-life aura. Her bright eyes, brilliant white hair, and (most of all) her sharp wit were all used to great effect. She did many great things for the people of Texas, but I will agree with something she said in her last days in office. "One of the greatest things I have ever done," she is reported to have said, "was to get [Partner] out of Waco." I couldn't agree more.

Another outstanding memory for me was election night 1990. Partner suggested we go by the campaign office before going to the election party at a local hotel. As we arrived, campaign wonks were at desks throughout the offices crunching numbers on the latest returns with expressions of glee. Then, to everyone's surprise, Ann arrived. She joked with these insiders, everyone scarcely believing this moment was happening. Then we turned to the TVs littered throughout the offices to hear reporters predict her victory. (There is a photo commemorating that moment, in a book by photographer Ave Bonar about the campaign. Partner stands next to Ann at that moment of watching the TV reporters announce her election. I am cut out of the picture, but I know I was there!)

Many times during that political season Partner said to me, "Don't get used to this -- it doesn't usually happen this way!" Of course, he was right. Rarely do we have elected leaders of her quality. In her wit, her drive, and most of all her ideals, she was unique.

Rest in peace, Ms. Ann. Rest in peace.

[Title of Post]

2006-09-09T08:16:00.000-04:00

Last night, after a full day of reading a dense New Testament text, I treated myself to a show. Through the Theater Development Fund's (TDF) ticket program (providing cheap tickets to students, arts administrators, and clergy) I got an inexpensive seat at [Title of Show] at the Vineyard Theatre.

The premise of the muscial was two guys who read that the New York Musical Theatre Festival is coming up, and decide they want to make a submission. The problem is they don't have anything. So they decide to just start writing, and then, at the deadline in three weeks, submit whatever they have.

This premise provides the platform to explore current conventions of musical theater, the creative process, and the life of young creative types in New York. It is spare (the set is four chairs, an electronic keyboard, and an answering machine), witty and irreverent. It contained lots of inside musical theater references, which most of the audience did not catch ("but, of course," he said in a superior tone, "I did") as well as TV references. It also had some inside New York City/Chelsea jokes, which I wouldn't have understood three weeks ago; now that I am a seasoned New Yorker (note tongue in cheek) I laughed along with the rest.

The evening was entertaining, and again showed the depth of talent that walks the streets of this city. It was a great diversion. And a great gift from the theater and TDF. Thank you for making it possible for someone on a student budget to enjoy some of the art that this city offers. How lucky I am.

Classes Begin

2006-09-08T06:31:00.000-04:00

Finally, it really begins - I have started classes! Allow me to tell you what I'm taking, and one interesting thing I learned in each class:

Introduction to New Testament: The First Century Churches and Their Writings
Almost all of the NT writers did not write with the intention that they were writing "scripture" - i.e., something with the status that they gave the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). It was an experiment: "How do I express what we are experiencing?" As such, these are writings in process - they don't have all the answers.

Introduction to Old Testament: Pentateuch and Former Prophets
It was noted by Kierkegaard that Christianity could have no other religion that Judaism as a foreground.

Elementary New Testament Greek
This class may well not be the torture that everyone expects it to be -- it may be fun!

The Tutorial Seminar
(A sort of introduction to graduate school, theological thinking, and integrating the various types of study undertaken in seminary)
God gave us the gift of language. To be human is to be creatures of narrative. We tell our stories in light of the divine story.

Introduction to Music
Musical recitation is used in the church because it was an effective way to project the voice (pre-amplification); other liturgical benefits of chanting are that it slows one down a bit (helping with perception) and it dresses things up a bit.

In addition, I have been invited to join the Schola, the seminary's choir. I think it will be fun.

I'm having a grand time -- despite already having PILES of reading to do. Time to get to work!

The Sidewalks of New York

2006-09-04T17:13:00.000-04:00

This morning I decided to take a walk. I started out going west from the Seminary on 20th street, across 10th and 11th Avenues to the Hudson River Park, which runs along the river all the way from something like 56th St. to Battery Park City at the southern tip of the island.

I didn't have a plan for how far I was going to walk, and I found myself being propelled south. Suddenly the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island stood on the horizon--I can scarcely believe I live only a few miles from Lady Liberty! I kept walking, avoiding rollerbladers and bikers, enjoying a beautiful day. I passed water parks, grassy areas for sunbathers, and many piers for sailboats, yachts, and kayaks. Moms with strollers mingled with young couples and shirtless joggers. Everyone seemed to be out enjoying the "last day of summer."

Mindful of the fact that I was getting farther from home, I simply couldn't turn back. I was so enjoying walking in Manhattan, not as a tourist, but as a New Yorker! Soon I found myself in Battery City (a really beautiful multi-use development along the river's edge) with Lady Liberty closer than ever.

FInally I decided to turn east and north to find my way home again. I found myself at the World Trade Center site -- still a large gaping hole, although now (unlike the last time I saw it, from a distance in December 2001) it is tidied up. The subway and rail lines that once were under the towers now lay under simple tin roofs, a testament to trying to a city trying to get back to normal even at the bottom of the very scar that marks that horrible day. It is strangely antiseptic -- simply looking at it, one cannot fathom the suffering of that day, nor the struggle to move forward for even the resilient folks known as New Yorkers.

I decided that I must move on, however, and so I began to make my way home. Wanting to travel light, I had not brought a map -- and lower New York, being the first part of Manhattan settled by the white man, does not follow the orderly grid of most of the island. I found Broadway, and decided to walk along it, knowing it would get me to familiar territory, although perhaps (indeed) on a slightly out-of-the-way route.

After passing St. Paul's chapel (which had an exhibit on 9/11 which I will revisit another day) I walked through the edge of Tribeca, the heart of Soho, and finally into numbered street territory. I was starting to feel like I knew where I was. At 14th Street I turned west, and wound my way back to the seminary.

And so, after a good 2 1/2 hours of walking (I don't know the distance exactly, as my pedometer was acting up) I returned to the peace and quiet of my apartment, feeling a bit more like I belong in this overwhelming, gritty, wonderful city.

Me, Myself, and I

2006-09-03T16:40:00.000-04:00

Partner left this morning - flying back to Indy - which leaves me here alone. I am very sorry to see him go. He has been so wonderful, so helpful. All day yesterday he worked hard to help finish the move in -- getting curtain rods up and curtains hung, as well as hanging pictures. Then he swept and mopped and got all the laundry done. What a gift! I am so lucky to have him in my life - even if it is at a distance for the next months...

I must admit that I am kind of excited to finally experience what it is like to live here on my own. After I got him off on the bus to LaGuardia, I went walking and did a bit of shopping. I put on the pedometer and noted that I logged more than 13,500 steps. This is the exercise I hoped to get. The trick will be to find the opportunity to get this many steps in every day.

The weather is beautiful today. While yesterday was full of the rain and wind of Ernesto, today is all sunshine and cool breezes. The windows are open - voices of classmates sitting on the stoop below my window float through the air. Considering that we are in the middle of Manhattan, it is extraordinarily quiet here. While car horns and alarms occasionally disturb the peace, it is not nearly as raucous as one might expect. What a great place to be.

Classes start on Wednesday, so there are still a few more days before the work of seminary begins in earnest. I have not quite figured out what I will do with my time until then. How pleasant to have unscheduled time.

Practicing the Virtues

2006-08-29T11:39:00.001-04:00

This day finds us in the second full day of orientation. We have already done a lot, with much more to go. Mostly the days are filled with various speakers, telling us about the part of seminary life that is under their purview.

But there is also a good deal of time devoted to worship. We have been reminded several times that worship is central to our formation here at General, and that formation and education go hand-in-hand here.

Yesterday Professor Farwell, who teaches liturgics, told a story that illustrates how worship figures in our formation. (My apologies for the parts of this story that I have embellished or left out -- I confess that I was already pretty tired by the time we heard this, and I found myself zoning in and out.) The story tells of a young man who found himself smitten with a young woman from the adjoining village. He wanted to woo her, but was afraid that he might not be worthy of her attention. In order to make himself look better, he put on a mask of the town's patron saint.

And with that face, he found favor with the young woman. They began to court, and soon she was devoted to him. The other young men in the village, however, were jealous. They all had designs on this maiden, and who was this stranger in a mask who had taken her away from them?

They seized the young man, and demanded that he take off his mask. And when he did, they saw that his face had taken the form of the saint whose mask they wore.

As we worship, we hope to take on the form of that great work. We aspire to become the things that we read and hear--that our form will take on that of Jesus. Our liturgical practice can change the face of who we are.

But, of course, intentionality is important. We are not just putting on a mask--there must be ownership of that which we enact. And we must have an openness and willingness to receive.

So we find ourselves worshipping often. Each week there are over 20 services in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd. And as Professor Farwell said, as we gather, "we practice the virtues that we hope in time will be woven into our very being."

Let this be our prayer. Amen!

Settling in

2006-08-27T15:44:00.000-04:00

All the boxes are unpacked--the only tasks left are putting up pictures and organizing closets and cabinets. Yesterday our air conditioners were installed, just in time for days with highs of 69. We also did a little shopping. Last night we had two friends over for dinner and a Project Runway viewing.

This morning we went to church at St. Luke in the Fields, in the Village. A nice service. Afterwards we hung out at the coffee hour and met a few other General students as well as the rector, who was friendly and engaging.

While it was barely drizzling when we went into church, by the time we left it began to rain in earnest. We found a drugstore and bought a couple of inexpensive umbrellas, then had some good ol' New York pizza. (It is amazing that I allowed five days to go by before I finally partook of this food of the gods--the boy does like his pizza!)

Next we went to the IFC center (a movie theater run by cable's Independent Film Channel) to see Wordplay, the documentary about crossword puzzles and the people who create and solve them. It was a lot of fun--and nice to see a movie with such an intelligent and respectful crowd. Of course, at $10.75 a seat, it ought to be a pleasant experience...

Orientation starts officially tomorrow, with a welcoming Eucharist and ice cream social tonight. Here we go!

Attend the Tale

2006-08-26T08:34:00.000-04:00

So, Wednesday night, less than nine hours after arriving in Manhattan in our U-Haul truck, we were sitting in a Broadway theatre. I should have been exhausted, but I was thrilled to be in a plush seat waiting for the lights to go down. After all, this is at least part of the reason I am attending General.

The show was Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, by Stephen Sondheim--one of my favorites. This production features Michael Cerveris and Patti Lupone, both Tony award winners. What made this production particularly interesting is that the 10 actors (a small cast for this work) not only act and sing, but are also the orchestra. The work has been reorchestrated to accommodate the instruments that the actors play -- mostly keyboard, cellos, violin, trumpets, accordian, percussion, and even tuba (played by Ms. Lupone). Performers often use their instruments as props to tell their story.

The production was sparse and very spooky. The approach was sort of Marat/Sade meets Sweeney--the whole thing took place in a mental institution, with a couple of actors periodically playing the attendants at the asylum. The set pieces were minimal, with the primary piece of furniture being a wooden coffin. I told you it was ghoulish.

What I love about this work is that, despite the fact that cannibalism figures heavily in the plot, it is very romantic. The piece is almost completely sung--appealing to my love of opera. And, like any Sondheim work, the words are so damn clever. Combine that with such a thoughtful production, and it was a highlight of my theatre-going experience.

On top of all that, we had our first celebrity sighting. Kevin Kline was seated about three rows in front of us with his wife, Phoebe Cates. I heard yesterday that he lived with Lupone for several years, so that would explain why he'd be here on his day off from the production of Mother Courage. He seemed to enjoy the show, too.

What a great way to start off life in New York City.

We're here!

2006-08-24T21:40:00.000-04:00

Well, we arrived at the Close (the common name for the General Seminary campus) at about 11:20 a.m. yesterday, after an almost stress-free drive onto the island of Manhattan via the Lincoln Tunnel. It was remarkably simple--all our fears about driving into New York traffic seem to have been unfounded.

I got the keys, and, while Partner stayed with the truck, I carried the first load up to the apartment. I tingled with excitement as I put the key in the door, and..it wouldn't open! After many tries, I finally figured out that one must turn the key hard to the left. I entered into the apartment's long hallway and found it to be charming, and bigger than anticipated.

Don't get me wrong -- the bedrooom is still only big enough for the bed and one nightstand (and at that, a person sleeping on the side away from the door must crawl into bed from the foot), and the kitchen is tiny, really only big enough for one person at a time. But it has been freshly painted, the appliances are brand-new, and the parquet floor is warm and beautiful.

Our moving help arrived promptly at noon and (with help from Partner and me) had the truck completely unloaded in 45 minutes. We then returned the truck to U-Haul (no problems worth repeating) and were back in the apartment by 12:30.

We began the work of unpacking by putting up the bed--partner says that he learned this important first step in moving from my mother. I am glad he took in this practical advice. It makes perfect sense, and I'm not sure I would have remembered. We assembled the bed, put on freshly-laundered sheets, and then topped it all off with the quilt that my grandmother made for me almost 10 years ago. It had not been taken out of the box since she gave it to me. I didn't know why I wasn't using it--until now. I feel certain that it was made for this place, and this time. And now I will always have the warmth of her love enveloping me as I sleep in this strange, wonderful new place.

We then started unpacking boxes. I found myself a bit obsessed with getting it all done. I didn't want to stop, even though we had eaten no lunch, nor even drunk a glass of water, and we were still running on fumes from the long days preceeding. Partner finally made it clear that he was about to have a head-on collision with a meltdown unless we got something to eat. I insisted we shower, and by 5:10 we were out the door to find a bite to eat.

It is so intoxicating to be back in the City, part of the bustle and energy that is a crowded New York sidewalk. We walked about 22 blocks to Ollie's, one of our favorite Chinese food restaurants, just off Times Square. After filling our stomachs we found the energy to walk some more, braving the thousands -- always thousands these days -- of tourists that jam the sidewalks of this part of the City, and ended up at a Starbucks at something like Broadway and 50th Street.

A jolt of caffeine and some great people-watching had us ready for our 8:00 curtain -- yes, as incredible as it sounds, we went to the theatre only eight hours after we first arrived in the Big Apple. Of course, if you know me, that might not be so surprising...

Anyway, it was a remarkable show. More in the next post.

Start Spreadin' the News...

2006-08-23T06:55:00.000-04:00

Today we arrive in New York City!

We left Indy at 7:20 yesterday morning. Our only snag yesterday was a drained truck battery--about an hour out of Indianapolis. We stopped at a rural truck stop to refill the truck's 40 gallon tank. Unfortunately, we left the lights on for the 15-20 minutes we were stopped, and also didn't turn off the defroster that was necessary to unfog the windows as we first took off. Apparently all of this was too much for the battery.

After a two-minute, $65 visit from a local mechanic, we had a truck running and a lesson learned. We continued our trek through Ohio and then into Pennsylvania, crossing the Appalachians.

The truck is loud, and it bounces around quite a bit. Fortunately, when we have dared peek in the back of the truck, everything seems to be in place. Our satellite radio, playing in the boom box I used in my Indy office, helped break the monotony, at least until we got into the mountains, where it was more difficult to maintain reception.

But the mountains held our attention on their own. The Pennsylvania scenery is breathtaking. Around each corner are picturesque vistas of rolling hills dotted with charming farms. Everything is green. We enjoyed the view.

At about 8:00 p.m. we arrived at our stop for the night -- the Econo Lodge in Wilkes Barre, PA. (Incidentally, locals won't commit to a pronunciation of the town's name -- it's either "Berry" or "Bar" -- you say tomato...) Partner, who did all the driving, was exhausted. I was grateful. And now, on to the challenge of piloting a truck into NYC. Pray for us...

Packed and Loaded

2006-08-20T14:30:00.000-04:00

Well, it really looks like it is going to happen. The truck is loaded with all but a few items -- we are about ready to go!

We picked up the truck at 10:00 this morning. We had reserved a 17' truck, but they had none and instead offered a 24' truck. I asked if a 14' was available instead. Yes, it was, and, as I suspected, everything fit on the smaller vehicle. We saved $100 that has already found another good use. (see below)

Loading the truck went smoothly. Partner and I had only a few sharp words for each other -- for the most part, it was very easy and calm. We worked hard to tie everything off so that (hopefully) it won't shift too much in transit.

Actually, this delayed schedule has worked out pretty well. I have quite a list of errands to run tomorrow, and then we plan to get to bed early, and take off at the crack of dawn Tuesday morning.

Two other pieces of good news: 1) We decided to hire a couple of helpers in NYC to help us unload. It turns out that there is a service available through a U-Haul partner to provide labor. For less than $150, we can get two guys for two hours. I think it will be well worth it. 2) We discovered that there is a U-Haul location only four (count'em, four) blocks from the seminary. The truck return should be a piece of cake!

Now let's hope the drive is smooth.

One step forward...

2006-08-16T04:52:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a busy day. I got to work on packing, assembling into boxes the items I have piled in various less-used corners of the house. As I suspected, it went quickly and easily--I have packed those boxes so many times in my head that the act itself was simple!

At one moment when I went upstairs I saw that I had a message on my cell phone. It was the housing office at the seminary, telling me that my move-in date is now two days later than they had originally told me! Suddenly I had a new job--remaking all the arrangements that had us leaving on Sunday. After calls to U-Haul, the Pennsylvania Motel where we will stop along the way, Time-Warner Cable (to reschedule installation), and the housesitter, everything was back on track, ready for us to pull out on Tuesday.

Now I need to adjust my own expectations. I am so ready to go! My leaving Indy has begun to seem like the longest good-by ever. Of course, the upside of all this is two more days to get done what I had planned to do in less. I can slow down and enjoy a bit more.

This is the moment I must remember the serenity prayer. God, grant me serenity, courage, and wisdom...

Food and Farewell

2006-08-14T22:19:00.000-04:00

This last week in Indianpolis is filled with goodbyes, often accompanied by meals. Good friends and good food -- what more could I ask?

Yesterday was my last Sunday at my home parish, and the rector called me and my partner forward to be recognized. I received gifts from the congregation -- specifically, several books to aid in by study of Biblical Greek, as well as Greek flashcards! More importantly, I received affirmation from the congregation, along with their prayers. Many, many parishioners wished me well. It was a morning of blessings.

After church several of our dearest friends and travel companions joined us for brunch at a great new Mexican food restaurant on Indy's northside, Adobo. We laughed and talked, and I was reminded once again how much I love these people. Deb, Cassie, Mark, Michael -- thank you for your continuing gift of friendship. I certainly take it with me.

This evening we went to the home of Tanya, a dear friend and mentor, for dinner and conversation. Tanya, a long-time priest in this diocese, has been my spiritual director through what was a sometimes difficult period of aspirancy for postulancy. (For those who might not be up on their Anglican lingo, I am now a postulant -- that is, a candidate for priesthood.) Partner and I, along with our Scottish Terrier Franklin, enjoyed the lovely hospitality of Tanya and her Sheltie, Julian. Before we left, Tanya gathered us up and said a beautiful prayer to send us on our way. She asked God to always help us remember through the new experiences of the coming months that God is with us -- we need not be scared or lonely.

Indeed, I know that God's presence -- particularly as it is experienced through the love of friends -- is what has sustained me, and will still sustain me through the journey. Praise God, from whom ALL blessings flow.

More farewell dinners are still to come this week -- reports to follow.

Preparing for the Journey

2006-08-12T21:07:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my blog. I hope this will be an easy way for those I love to follow my journey through seminary.

As I write, we are almost exactly one week from pulling out of our Indianapolis driveway in the U-Haul truck, clothing, furniture, books, cookware, and dreams all packed and ready for New York. I have quite a bit to do before we pull out, but plenty of time to get it done--I am not worried.

Such an adventure lies ahead! I hope you will enjoy having a backseat for the trip, and that you will feel free to comment along the way.