Odds & Ends

Oh, about the drunk lady on Sunday...

She emailed Yella thanking her for a good time with no mention of the events. Fortunately, one of her best friends later told her what happened.

She had no memory of it. She was in a blackout.

Once she knew, she was mortified and called Yella to tearfully apologize and offer to fix all broken.

We are meeting her for lunch tomorrow to introduce her to Bill W. We are happy to sacrifice a lamp, table and tile for her health.

On another note, I was in Super Baru, one of the big supermarkets in David. I purchased 5 items and was prowling the checkout lines for the shortest one, jumping back and forth behind the lines.

A Panamanian lady motions me in front of her, she had about 15 items. Really not much more than I had, yet she lets me in front of her.

I was moved by this act of kindness because she could tell that another crazy gringo was impatient and needed some help.

As I left, I said, "Que tenga un buen dia." (Have a nice day) She was delighted that I spoke to her in spanish and responded with "Equalmente." (and you too)

This happens more often than not. Panamanians are kind people. They will help out at the drop of a hat. I was thrilled with her smile and pleasure at my Spanish response.

We had a music rehearsal yesterday afternoon with a piano player, another lady singer and us. Plus, for the first time, a bass player who is an extraordinary musician, far better than anyone else in town!

I was so intimidated that I played with 2 left hands. I couldn't hit a string to save my soul!

I was embarrassed because I wanted to do good.

No one did well.

This reminds me of how well prepared you have to be to preform live. Live performance demands seamless preparation, over preparation, being able to do it in your sleep!

This applies to theater as well as music.

How often have I known a song or had a line down cold "in my bedroom" only to mess it up at rehearsal with other people or in front of an audience.

This is the thrill and challenge of LIVE performance. It is risky for sure!

Of the joys????