Another plug for "Enemy Slayer: A Navajo Oratorio".

I couldn't resist throwing out one last plug for our upcoming concert, where we (The Salt Lake Choral Artists) will be presenting "Enemy Slayer: A Navajo Oratorio" this Saturday, May 2nd. You won't want to miss out!

Tickets can be purchased through http://www.kingsburyhall.com/ or by calling the box office at 801-581-7100.

Once again:
"Enemy Slayer: A Navajo Oratorio"
Salt Lake Choral Artists and Orchestra, Dr. Brady Allred, conductor
Libby Gardner Concert Hall, University of Utah
7:30 p.m., May 2, 2009
Check out our website!

ALSO! There will be a pre-concert lecture by Mark Grey, Room 270, David Gardner Hall, 6:30 p.m., May 2, which is free.

Please take a moment to check out these links regarding about our upcoming performance and the oratorio.

An article from the SL Tribune:
Navajo ritual sparks unusual oratorio

An article from the Deseret News:
Oratorio draws inspiration from Navajo traditions

An interview with Dr. Brady Allred from KUED Contact with Mary Dickson:

This piece really has been rewarding to put together. I'm excited that the composer, Mark Grey, and librettist Laura Tohe, will be in attendance at this week's three rehearsals. What an opportunity!

Hope to see you there!

I'd like to see this too...

April is a Great Time for a Birthday.

"April hath put a spirit of youth in everything."

~William Shakespeare

I am now 31 years young. My day started with a phone call from Dad and Nancy. Then breakfast at Einstein's with Brian. The middle of my day was taken up by a final project for school. Such is the life, ar ne? (That's Lithuanian.) But flowers arrived on my doorstep sometime that afternoon from Flynnur and Ewesa.

My mom came over for a few after work to celebrate. And then, M took me to The Cheesecake Factory for a birthday dinner. The food was delish. And they even sang to me.

For her: Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp

For him: Chicken Madeira

The night ended with my first game of Cribbage. I'm hooked! M got me this cribbage board/box. He knows I love games, AND the scoring has to do with the number 31, so it was rather fitting.

A wonderful birthday, it was.

Then this morning MORE flowers arrived. This time from Sheppo. I sure love flowers.

Thanks everyone for such a great day!

The Need to be Kneaded.

I had the need. I had a gift card. I had to use it.

Massages are necessary sometimes. :) Happy birthday to me. Thanks mom!

(Photo from www.artfulmassage.net)

I'd like to see this...

I want some of these right now.

These cookies were one of the reasons I started craving peanut butter (a substance I'd previously, openly abhorred) while living in Lithuania, where peanut butter is hard to come by... as in, it didn't really exist (at that time, anyway). Something about ... absence makes the taste buds grow needy?

INGREDIENTS
1 3/4 cups white sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa. Bring to a boil, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in peanut butter, oats, and vanilla. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let cool until hardened.

You want them too, now. Don't you?!

China ... it's where they're at.

(Yes, I know that I just ended a sentence with a preposition. No worries. I'm fully aware.)

I would venture to say it's a well known fact that there are more women in the world than men. Several months ago, Katie and I were talking about China and the fact that its male to female ratio is higher than any other country in the world. As single women, we were discussing the obvious lack of single men to match us. There are simply more eligible women than men in the world. This is especially apparent in the LDS realm. The "pickins" just seem slimmer. Always have. I mentioned to Katie that single women should start heading over to China to look for male marriage partners, since they have them in abundance! Maybe China is the answer for all single women looking for partners!

Over the past couple of years, I have read several articles about this worsening gender gap and the social repercussions that are and will stem from China's strict and harshly enforced one-child policy imposed in the 1980s. This policy is now almost 30 years old, so the first generation of children are now of marriageable age. Not only is it obvious that there won't be enough women for these men, but what is a group of young, testosterone-motivated men capable of? Although there are groups that travel around China encouraging families to have girls, the gender gap is continually widening and its effects will be felt for a very long time. I imagine increased rapes, kidnappings, and other crimes will result from this. Maybe it's already started. I'm not sure. My feeling is, let's get China open to LDS missionary work, and get these young men involved in good causes, so they refrain from terrorizing women in the own cities or turn into a great Chinese army.

I've copied an article here for you to read. You can google the subject and find several others over the last few years.

"Excess men" seen as new population crisis for China
A bias in favor of male offspring has left China with 32 million more males younger than 20 than females, creating "an imminent generation...
By SHARON LaFRANIERE
The New York Times

BEIJING — A bias in favor of male offspring has left China with 32 million more males younger than 20 than females, creating "an imminent generation of excess men," a study released Friday said.

For the next 20 years, China will have increasingly more men than women of reproductive age, according to the paper, published online by BMJ, formerly known as the British Medical Journal. "Nothing can be done now to prevent this," the researchers said.

Chinese government planners have long known that couples' urge to have sons was skewing the gender balance of the population. But the study, by two Chinese university professors and a London researcher, provides some of the first hard data on the extent of the disparity and the factors contributing to it.

The gender imbalance could trigger a slew of social problems, including a possible spike in crime by young men unable to find female partners, said an author of the report.

"If you've got highly sexed young men, there is a concern that they will all get together and, with high levels of testosterone, there may be a real risk that they will go out and commit crimes," said Therese Hesketh, a lecturer at the Centre for International Health and Development at University College London. She did not specify what kinds of crimes.

In 2005, the researchers found, births of males in China exceeded births of females by more than 1.1 million. There were 120 boys born for every 100 girls.

This disparity seems to surpass that of any other country, they said, perhaps unsurprising in light of China's one-child policy.

They attributed the imbalance almost entirely to couples' decisions to abort female fetuses.
The trend toward more male than female children intensified steadily after 1986, they said, as ultrasound tests and abortion became more available. "Sex-selective abortion accounts for almost all the excess males," the paper said.

The researchers, who analyzed data from a 2005 census, said the disparity was widest among children ages 1 to 4, a sign that the greatest imbalances among the adult population lie ahead. They also found more distortion in provinces that allow rural couples a second child if the first is a girl, or in cases of hardship.

Those couples were determined to ensure they had at least one son, the researchers noted. Among children born second, there were 143 boys for 100 girls, the data showed.

The researchers said enforcing the ban against sex-selective abortions could normalize the sex ratio in the future.

The study was conducted by Wei Xingzhu, a Zhejiang Normal University professor; Li Lu, a Zhejiang University professor; and Hesketh.

Nancy Riley, a professor of sociology at Bowdoin College in Maine who was not involved with the study, said its methodology looked fine, but she questioned whether selective abortion counted for almost all the excess males.

"From other research, it is clear that sex-selective abortion does indeed contribute to these high sex ratios, but so do other things (such as) nonreporting of girl births, abandonment, even infanticide," Riley said.

Material from The Associated Press is included in this report.
Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company

May Concert - Enemy Slayer: A Navajo Oratorio.

On Saturday, 2 May 2009
Salt Lake Choral Artists present
"Enemy Slayer: A Navajo Oratorio"
at 7:30 pm
Libby Gardner Concert Hall
Tickets - $15 (give or take a few dollars... I can't remember)

Since before our last concert in February, we (The Salt Lake Choral Artists) have been rigorously preparing for our final concert of the 2008-2009 season. We will be performing a new oratorio by Mark Grey, with lyrics by Navajo poet Laura Tohe. It's an incredibly challenging piece of music, but is really beginning to take life with our group, and I'm liking it more and more. Mark Grey, the composer, is coming to work with us during four rehearsals the week of the concert. That's exciting! I have the feeling this is going to be an exceptional experience. If any of you would like to come and want tickets, let me know! You won't want to miss this one.

From our website:

A fight for freedom. The torment of survivor’s guilt. The power of words. To live, one must slay the enemy within, and walk the path of beauty. Based on texts written by native Navajo poet and professor Laura Tohe and the sound designs of composer Mark Grey, this oratorio presents a story of urgent importance, one whose palette begins within the Navajo epic of creation but quickly broadens to reach across cultures and centuries, encompassing all of humanity. Commissioned and performed by the Phoenix Symphony for the first time in February 2008, SLCA now brings to Salt Lake City its universal message which concludes with humanity’s hopeful plea: “Let Peace Prevail.”

From iUtah.tv:

The first-ever oratorio to be based on an indigenous creation story, “Enemy Slayer” casts the story of a battle-fatigued young Arizona native (Seeker) who returns to his people from a desert war, where a cousin died in his arms. “Your blood poured brightly through my hands like a lamb being slaughtered,” I could not stop it!” sings the baritone soloist. As Seeker crumbles from survivor’s guilt, the choir, representing his mother, his ancestors and the Holy Ones respond “You were born for a reason. You are a miracle brought to live, given breath… return to the Beauty Way”. His emotional torture and healing are underscored by the instruments of the orchestra and Seeker makes a choice “I take myself back. I emerge from the belly of my mother’s beauty.’

Commissioned by the Phoenix Symphony to celebrate their 60th anniversary, “Enemy Slayer” premiered on February 7, 2008 to a sold-out audience and a 10 minute standing ovation. The performance marked the culmination of nearly two years of work by composer Mark Grey, who recruited award-winning Navajo poet Laura Tohe to write the libretto. The oratorio was also performed to sold-out audiences at the Colorado Music Festival July 24-25, 2008.

The 70-minute piece features a large chorus, full symphony orchestra, baritone soloist and the Southwest landscape photography of Deborah O’Grady that conveys the majesty of Seeker’s homeland and projected on a screen as the story progresses.

This monumental work is now brought to Salt Lake City for the first time under the direction of Dr. Brady Allred. The performance features baritone soloist Gary Sorensen, the Salt Lake Choral Artists, Salt Lake Choral Artists Symphony all expressing the compelling universal message of the oratorio, which concludes with humanity’s hopeful plea: “Let Peace Prevail."

Berlin: Home again, home again, jiggety jig.

Monday was departure day. Leaving to go home after a great vacation is always bittersweet. Having had a great time with Brittney, Casey, and the girls and loving Berlin vs. sleeping in my own bed! Haha.

Ten days was a significant time. Time enough for me to truly relax and forget about my daily life, which was kind of nice. Spending time playing with Ellie, walking around a fantastic city, learning more about the Holocaust and realizing once again that my problems and concerns cannot even compare, and relaxing and napping almost every day, helped me to really feel on vacation. A truly relaxing vacation. Thank you Britt and Casey for your generosity, incredible hopsitality, and sincere friendship! We love you and miss you!

Getting our luggage checked all the way to the U.S. I love not having to carry much of anything. Thank you airport luggage handlers!

Ready to board the plane in Berlin.

Once aboard the plane, we goofed off and took a bunch of pictures. Okay, so I didn't intend to be goofy when I pulled out the camera, but apparently Katie only wanted goofy pictures. :)

M was there to pick us up at the airport. When we got home we heard this very high pitched sound. We searched high and low and could not figure out where this sound was coming from. Finally, after Katie had gone to bed and Michael had gone home, I couldn't stand not knowing where this sound was coming from. I searched and finally found that the sound was originating in one of the suitcases full of Britt and Casey's stuff we brought home. I opened it up to find Ellie's toy microwave had gotten stuck on one setting and the beeping noise would not turn off. I had to find a screwdriver to get the battery plate off and take out the batteries. It was a bit of effort, but SO worth not hearing that crazy sound! Remind me to remove batteries prior to takeoff next time! :)

Berlin: A Restful Sunday with an Unexpected Delicious Dessert.

Sunday before we left for Church, Ellie looked like this. Mom's boots are far too alluring not to try on!

After Church, we came home and relaxed (and of course, played a little) before Adam (Casey's best friend on the team) came over for dinner.

Britt made delicious flautas. Quite filling and tasty. Just as we were starting to sit down to dinner, the Mathias family from their ward, came over to visit. They are British, but have been living in Germany for the last nine or ten years. They have four girls who are just delightful! They brought waffles batter and made us one after another. It was a scrumptious dessert and extremely generous of them. We had a really fun time talking with them for a few hours! Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures. :(

Berlin: Saturday started at Starbucks.

Saturday morning we met Meera, an old college friend of Casey and Brittney's, at Starbucks just inside the Brandenburg Gate. Meera was in town for just a few days to make a presentation at a conference. She's just finishing up medical school and starting her residency in the fall. We're glad she planned an extra day into her trip to come and hang out with us!

After introducing Meera to Ellie and Peyton (it'd been a long time since Meera had seen Casey and Britt), we got drinks and breakfast and enjoyed talking and laughing at Ellie. Seriously she was a riot that morning!

We took some obligatory Brandenburg Gate pictures, before walking Britt, Ellie, and Peyton back to the car to head home for naps.

Meera, Katie, and I continued on with our sightseeing tour. We walked through a tip of the Tiergarten, over to the Reichstag, the German Parliament Building. It's a very popular tourist site, so we got in line and geared up for a long wait.

The 360 degree view of Berlin at the top of the Reichstag was certainly worth the nearly two hour wait. Okay, so maybe it was only an hour... I can't recall since we were engaged in fulfilling, intense conversation with Meera. (Meera, by the way, is fabulous! She's a great person, whom I'm now happy to count as a friend.)

After the Reichstag, we walked over to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, also known as the Berlin Holocaust Memorial.

We'd been there with Casey, but the underground museum was closed. So this time, we took the opportunity to walk around. Seriously, once again, you'd think we would have had enough hearing of all the horror stories regarding the holocaust, but one room in the museum was particularly interesting to me. As my heartstrings were pulled, and tears surfaced easily, I read heart-wrenching letters between family members that were somehow recovered and preserved. Letters documenting the horror and bringing to life the pains and emotional suffering that they endured. It was nearly too much for me to bear. I strolled through the remaining rooms, only glancing at pictures, hardly reading anything more. Too painful.

We were hungry and decided to introduce Meera to the wonderful world of döner kebabs.

Needless to say, she's a fan! Who wouldn't be. Seriously. Come on now. They're delish!

We headed home, and once again found a very excited Ellie, ready to play! She decided to eat her dinner with tongs.

Katie and I walked the Ku'Damm one final time to Karstadt to do some grocery shopping for dinner the next day and pick up a few last "souvenirs" -- you know, the edible kind. I was extremely excited to find Texicana (a German salsa I learned to love while living in Lithuania) and Finn Crisps (a product of Finland, these crackers became a favorite while in Lithuania). -- More on these delicious finds in a future post.

We ended the night just talking away. Meera, Britt, Katie, and I. Girl talk. That's always fun!

Berlin: Final Friday - Checking Out Checkpoint Charlie.

On Friday morning we took Ellie to kindergarten (German preschool) and then dropped Casey off at the team bus for his roadtrip. Britt then dropped Katie and me off at the corner of Friedrichstrasse and Zimmerstrasse, where Checkpoint Charlie, the site of the only legal crossing point for members of the Allied forces between East Germany and West Germany, remains for all to remember The Cold War. From 22 September 1961, Checkpoint Charlie was where allied border guards registered members of the American, British, and French armed forces before they entered East Berlin.

Nowhere else is the division of east and west more visible than at Checkpoint Charlie. Here, a single wall cut through an entire city. And it was here that the people of The United States of America bore testimony, in impressive fashion, to their unconditional commitment to fundamental values such as human rights, democracy and freedom. Over the 28 years of its existence, Checkpoint Charlie was visited by many statesmen, giving the people hope that their wish for freedom and peace would be fulfilled. Can you even imagine what it would be like if your government put up a wall around a relatively small area of your city and told you that you couldn't leave? And if you attempted to leave, it was likely you'd be killed?

Today, a piece by the artist Frank Thiel commemorates the special history of this former border crossing. The artist's light box shows two larger-than-life portraits. A young American and a young "Soviet" soldier look out on the former territory of the other.

We walked through the streets through an outdoor museum of sorts. Since this year, in November, will mark 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, much is being prepared to commemorate this anniversary and remind people all over the world of the end of an era.

We continued on down the street, slightly past the Checkpoint Charlie museum and surroundings and found yet another outdoor gallery, erected temporarily for the 30th anniversary, called Topography of Terror. As if we hadn't read and experienced enough at Sachsenhausen, Katie and I spent another 45 minutes reading yet more about the concentration camps and the Nazis' involvement in the genocide of 6 million people. We learned a little more about how the Gestapo, SS, and Third Reich were all connected. The museum stands on the ground where the combined security office of all three branches of authority stood on Wilhelm-and-Prinz-Albrecht-Strasse.

Friday was a chilly morning and Katie finally gave in and bought a scarf from her new Turkish friend. We decided he looked like George Clooney. Thanks to Turkish George, she was much warmer. Oh and, much more fashionable!

Thanks to my Alias-skills (and a little help from a flirtatious German guard at Checkpoint Charlie), we found a large section of the Berlin Wall, which has remained virtually intact.

The Berlin Wall literally divided families and neighbors. Its construction violently disrupted people's everyday lives, particularly on Bernauer Strasse. The wall was erected almost down the middle of this street, separating longtime friends and neighbors, forcing them to yell across a wall to their neighbor on the other side.

On our Monday bus tour, we learned that Berlin is a relatively young city in European terms, only around 750 years old. Since then, it has been associated with the symbol of the bear.
Apparently, though there are a few theories, no one really knows where the symbol came from. But, the Bear stands proud as the city's symbol and mascot, and appears on its flag. All over the city one can find painted bears like this one. They are literally everywhere!

Walking up Friedrichstrasse, a popular shopping thoroughfare, we stopped at the Berlin Mini dealership. Katie has decided a Mini will be her next vehicle of choice.

After all that walking, we caught a taxi home, arriving home at about 5:30pm to a very excited Ellie. She'd missed us all day! About an hour later, we walked down the Ku-damm with Harley to Vapiano's (a really great Italian place) to pick up dinner. We ended our evening relaxing at home with Britt, eating a delicious meal, and watching The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants from iTunes. Fun flick. I'd never seen it.


Yet another great day in Berlin!