Busy, Churchy Days.

Cherish here!

I hope your yesterday was good, mine certainly was. Got up at six in the morning to head down to Seattle and the Plymouth Church downtown. My incredibly talented friend, Halden, was playing the organ for two services. It was one of the least churchy church services I have ever been to. I felt like I was at a political rally for gay rights. And really, that was going on outside, but we'll get to that later. Aside from being very political, they had one thing I've never experienced in a church before, although I hear it's fairly common place, in the middle of the service everybody got up and started walking around and shaking hands. I was coerced into it by Halden and our other companion, Claudia. And also by the twenty other people determined to shake my hand and wish me peace. After the first service Halden played a rousing postlude, assisted by yours truly, surely the only page turner who is completely music illiterate. But hey, what are friends for?

Now Halden is a fantastic organist, but these ladies were the most wonderful part. If you've never seen anyone play the bells before, you should fix that. Anyway, these two ladies, Bertha and Hedy played Chopin's The Waltz in E Minor. Not only did it sound wonderful, but watching the two of them moving completely in sync was beautiful. I was fortunate to talk to them between services and found out that they've been playing together for two years. Apparently they started when one of the church's resident musicians found the set of bells hidden away in some closet.
By the time the two services were over not only had I padded my resume with some serious sheet music page turning, I had even learned a hymn in Swahili!Siyahamba, for you church goers, and its so much better sung in its native language! I had also sat through the exact same and very political sermons twice. It really takes away from the sermon when you realize that the little funny things weren't improv. Really.
Also happening during our escapades yesterday was the Seattle Gay Pride Parade.I'm not sure how long the thing was supposed to go for, but I know it went more than an hour. Our trio had to brave the parade line to get to Pike Place Market. I think the parade is great. It's entertaining. But I also think it is completely detrimental to what they're marching for. A whole parade of them showing way too much skin and dancing sexually in front of young and old? I've seen groups there to encourage polygamous relationships. I think if they're trying to be recognized as equal and say that they are not defiling the institute of marriage they should think about that before acting the way they do in the parades. If they want to be naked they can go ride bikes during the Solstice Parade in Fremont. Don't get me wrong, I'm completely for gay rights, I just think that the people who participate in the parade need to think a little first.
Back to the point. We had lunch at a pizzeria in the Market and wandered around. If anyone really loves me and has way too much money to know what to do with, I could use either the Enterprise model or the Dalek model. Low budget? I could go for a TARDIS cardboard cut out. They're all at the Market. Waiting for me. No budget? I like sunflowers. It's the thought that counts.
Eventually we headed to Volunteer Park. It's a really cool place with an old water tower you can climb and huge fields. It also has this really cool conservatory you should check out if you're in the area.Coincidentally I also witnessed an ice cream man showdown there earlier this month! The guy in the white shirt started shouting at his rival ice cream man. Something along the lines of;
Ice Man 1 - Get off my turf!
Ice Man 2 - You don't own this place!
Ice Man 1 - I was here first!
Not exactly in those words, but that sums it up! I just want you to know that I did not support this ice cream man turf war, I bought ice cream from a completely different fellow this time. It's up to us to end ice cream related violence.
When you go to this park, which I'm sure you will because you're now jealous and hoping to see some ice cream action, you should climb the water tower. You may die on the way up, I nearly did, but the view is worth it. I think it's one of the best views in the city. And also perfect for would be photographers! As you can see... (It says Seattle. Obviously.)

After several hours and a very nice nap at the park we headed over to St. Marks Cathedral. Halden was playing the organ after the Compline service at 9:30. Another thing to do if you get the chance. I'm not a religions person, but I can't get enough of the Compline services. I talked to a member of the choir and he explained it much better than I could. 

"It's two things. First, no one is at the door trying to force you to join the church, you don't walk into an ambush. And second, you can do whatever you want, within reason during the service. You can listen to the music, you can use the time to think, you can meditate. It is what you make it."

According to St. Marks the Compline service is the Compline Choir singing/chanting "ancient nighttime prayers" and it's beautiful. If you can't get there it is also broadcast on KING 98.1 FM. Afterwards there is nearly always organ music.And they have quite the organ.

So the day ended, after a very long time, around midnight. We turned on some Star Trek, got through an episode, and went to sleep. What a wonderful, busy, churchy day.
Cherish out.