The Illusion

Cover of play program.

Last night Lynn and I attended the closing performance of a play our son, Richard, has been working on for school the past few weeks.  The play was The Illusion. It was written by an American playright, Tony Kushner, adapted from Pierre Corneille's 17th Century comedy, Illusion Comique.

 I thought it was pretty good and so did Lynn. I liked that it had a bit of humor as well as an intermission (unlike the previous play Richard was involved with). It was a full-house.

Richard is credited in the program as Lightboard Operator but he was also involved with hanging/placing (etc) the lights and assisting with programming the board. They usually have a week of setup (i.e., Tech Week) and then a few days of dress rehearsals, followed by a week of performances, then they strike the set. 

Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Illusion
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Kushner
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%27Illusion_Comique

Greetings from Japan

Yesterday I came home to find a large yellowish padded envelope from Japan (for me!). Hooray! It was from my pen pal, Satoko. We go back a long time (at least 25 years). I feel very blessed to have such a good friend, especially someone who has loyally kept in touch for so many years despite the many miles that separate us.

For the past several years, Satoko has sent me a box of chocolates for my birthday. Chocolates (sweets) are one of my weaknesses. So it is often difficult for me to make the gift last beyond a day.

Notice the postmark (at the left). I believe that is a crane (bird), but I could be wrong (and I often am). The Japanese regard the crane as a symbol of good fortune and longevity; it also represents fidelity.

I was very happy and relieved to receive the package because I was worried about Satoko since I had not heard from her in a while. She lives in the Tokyo area and I was concerned that she and her family may have suffered ill effects from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant disaster. So the arrival of the package is a good sign.

And the package did contain chocolate!

Note the attractive fancy wrapping.

I had to tilt the camera to minimize the reflection but look closely....

I wonder what kinds are under this cover?

And here they are! Look quick because they will soon be gone

And they came with a beautiful card:

Satoko sends me the most beautiful cards...

A most wonderful present!

Yumm... All gone. They were delicious!!!

Links:
http://ricketwrite.blogspot.com/2014/02/another-happy-birthday.html
http://janmstore.com/tsuru.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fukushima_Daiichi_nuclear_disaster


Revised Sunday 3/16/2014 to add the empty box.