Life is finally approaching a sense of normalcy around here. After two and half months and countless games of merry-go-round with the couch in the living room, all the public areas of our apartment — living room, dining room, kitchen, and bathroom — are finally decluttered, organized, and properly arranged. Just having clean, orderly space to breathe in has done wonders for my sanity. Our bedroom and the sunroom remain war zone-esque, but I’m slowly conquering that territory too. At least now I can retreat to safer ground when I need a break.
We’ve been enjoying some of the special features of our area too. I am now toiling through my third week of art classes at the Glassell School of Art, which, along with the Museum of Fine Arts, is all of 5 minutes from my apartment. I’ve wanted to take art all my life, and I finally get the chance! Unfortunately, “life-long art interest” doesn’t translate to “instant art genius.” Imagine that. It turns out I have to live by the same rules as everyone else. Why are we humans surprised when we run into, um, human limitations? Tears of frustration aside, I think I’m enjoying the experience (dare I sign up for another in the fall?), and, if nothing else, it’s a wonderful opportunity for exploration and self-knowledge. I just don’t always like looking in the mirror.
J and I have been exploring other art forms as well. We’ve hit up Miller Outdoor Theater several times for free, top-notch performances of various kinds. Here we are hanging out on the green, eating our picnic dinner with friends, waiting for the Houston Ballet to begin a mixed repertory program:
It was fabulous! They performed a heart-stoppingly beautiful pas de deux to Tchaikovsky, as well as a contemporary piece set to the music of Mediaeval Baebes that I loved and a stunning all-male piece called Solo. I’m amazed that we can see this quality of performances for free. Unfortunately, we missed the Houston Grand Opera’s night at Miller, but we did catch Nrityagram Dance Company, an Indian dance group that performs Odissi, one of the world’s oldest dance forms. That was a fascinating show.
We’ve also bought tickets to a few shows, and even though I chose the cheaper tickets, we’ve been pleasantly surprised by our views. It seems the Wortham Center’s theaters are well-designed. Here we are right before we crashed a preview party of a new exhibit at the art museum, which I totally didn’t “get,” and then moved on to see a splendid program called the Power of Movement:
The Houston Ballet’s Swan Lake last Friday rounded out our dance marathon. Next up is the Houston Symphony’s free performances at Miller.
Seriously, if I hadn’t been so sick, I don’t know how I could have survived in the suburbs. We couldn’t be more thrilled with this move, even though it’s been a tough one.
I used to dance ballet when I was younger. I love it. You and your hubby are so sweet together. Do you have any children yet?
Organizing Mommy,
I wish I had taken ballet! I took a class in college, and I’d like to try again sometime. Hopefully as I get healthier I’ll be able to handle something like that.
Thank you! He is such a sweet, sweet man.
No, we don’t have any children yet, though we’re both looking forward to that stage. I’m doing a lot better these days, but my healthcare practitioners are still strongly recommending against pregnancy right now. I used to feel really depressed about that, but now I’m just trying to take advantage of this time to pursue other interests and to spend time alone with my husband.