Went to see the National Ballet of Spain in Barcelona tonight. The ballet wordlessly told the history of Spain and of dance styles in this two straight hour performance including a huge corps de ballet; full symphony; four classical, acoustic guitarists; and two singers. It is also an amazingly beautiful opera house! The passion of the music and the ferocity of the dancers were incredible. All sets were projected, abstract images as if in a dream. This experience was not an expense; it was an investment.

LEFT MADRID FOR BARCELONA and I went to a famous market place on a boulevard called the “Rambles” and was transformed and transfixed immediately. The marketplace was a religious experience. If heaven is edible ~ this is it. I went from stall to stall on this hot, hot summer day and drank fruit concoctions I had never even heard of, as well as familiar ones. I ended up at a “sawdust on the floor” kind of place where there are only about ten stools that are so close to the food being cooked, my glasses steamed-up. To make room for me they simply pushed the dishes of the previous customer further down the counter. I had cuttle fish with fresh asparagus and roasted red peppers. The garnish was some green herb I have never tasted before. Tomorrow I will go back for seafood stew and a side of giant prawns. After lunch, I bought a container of fresh strawberries and ate them while standing up next to a garbage can. Didn’t bother me at all. Not much to complain about in heaven, including the price.

MIDNIGHT IN MADRID. Here is what I had in this Land of Tapas: Fried artichokes with a julienne of Iberia ham; gazpacho (chilled soup); croquettes of porchini mushrooms and potato; medallion of Sirloin with caramelized onion on a crouton; calamari with black rice (blackened with squid ink). Then went to a Chocolateria and had churros served with a cup of thick, melted, hot chocolate to dip it in. Ah…

Voter Registration Begins with registering voters at a food pantry at the Congregational Church of Patchogue​. One big reason why immigrants want to become citizens is so that they can vote! Voter suppression is APPALLING. Voter registration of immigrants and persons of color is PATRIOTIC!

I confess that I have never forgiven the Dalai Lama for fleeing Tibet when the Chinese came. And, yes, un-enlightened as I am, I confess that it really bothers me that the Dalai Lama, who likes to spend his birthday in Wiesbaden, Germany, recently stayed at the Nassauerhof – a 5-star hotel. He is in a 5 star hotel when thousands of temples were destroyed and countless people in his native Tibet were murdered or displaced. Believe me, there are nuances, I know… I know. He is still a leader because he isn’t dead. And a good teacher and charming leader he indeed is. But if I were a student of his, and “His Holiness” flew the coop and I witnessed the displacement of my people and my family and the razing of my temple and “His Holiness” was in a 5 star hotel while I was back in Tibet eating dirt for dinner ~ I would be less concerned for his safety because he was not more concerned for mine. There. I said it. Have mercy in your responses, if there are any. I sincerely hope that you, gentle readers, can inform my discomfort with your wisdom and advice.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2060 the Hispanic population will nearly double to about 34% whereas the black population will increase slightly from 13% to 14%. The “white” population will continue to age and shrink to 43% of the population and, perhaps forevermore, lose its majority status. Whether political and economic advantage will shrink accordingly is another issue. Whose lives matter? Whose lives matter most? It depends on who you ask, when you ask, and where you ask.

But ALL Lives DO Matter…

I have listened to many church choirs sing words that they clearly do not mean or believe. I know that can also be true of preachers, etc. But, often, even though the music is delivered marvelously; the song is less than stellar because the words are full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. Not all poets are singers and not all singers  are  poets but, please, sing what you mean and mean what you sing. It WILL make a difference.

I have read the Bible many times and have found no evidence that Jesus ever took the summer off. Therefore, my philosophy has always been that neither should we. But I am also confident that when the Spring breezes wafted over the Sea of Galilee, Jesus took some time-off to go swimming, grill some fish and play frisbee (or the ancient equivalent).

Jesus also said, “the poor shall always be with you.” I take “the poor” to include those who cannot afford to go to Fire Island or other exciting vacations by land or sea. And I take “the poor” to include those who are grieving or ill at a time when many other persons are at the beach when its “summertime when the livin’ is easy.” And I take “the poor” to include, on a less dramatic level, those who feel “poor” if they cannot start their Sunday and their week with one hour of devotion, prayer, praise, music, scripture, and sermon.

I really enjoy worship at our church in the summer. I enjoy the informality and the lack of fuss. I enjoy listening to soloists (the choir is on sabbatical during July and August). I enjoy the intimacy and special bond formed with the Summer Service People. And I enjoy knowing that we are “present and accounted for” in case someone needs u.  I hope someone sees you in some church sometime, otherwise we will be with you in Spirit; wherever you may wander, wherever you may roam.

Insecurity about Church Security

I have been thinking of Gov. George Wallace standing in the doorway blocking entrance of a black person to college back in the 60’s. Yes, accepting change with which we agree is easier than accepting change in things with which we disagree. Such is life. Change will come. My faith and hope is built on nothing less.