Preparing for the Book Release, June 23
We woke up early on the morning of June 23, left the Santa Fe Scottish Rite Temple, and joined my folks for breakfast. Heat, a higher altitude, and the need to relax prompted us to take a leisurely journey south along the Turquoise Trail, driving to Sandia Peak’s cool climate. We were hoping to enjoy the cooler temperatures from the observation deck atop the Mountain. On the winding drive, we enjoyed the rock formations and a variety of picturesque scenes, passing some of my favorite towns that included Cerrillos (http://www.cerrillosnewmexico.com/) and Madrid (http://www.visitmadridnm.com/). Madrid is situated in a narrow canyon of the Ortiz Mountains. It supports a thriving artistic community. Once an historic mining town, it is now is the home for about forty shops, several art galleries, and a mining museum. The contrast of burnt orange rocks against bright blue skies is always stunning and rejuvenating for the spirit. It is emotional soul food.
Unfortunately, due to the extremely high risk for forest fires, many of the New Mexico state and national parks have closed; their picnic sites, trails, and facilities roped off. Sadly, Sandia Peak was no exception. Fortunately, the tram that runs from Albuquerque to the observation deck atop Sandia Peak was still running, so we ventured to the other side of the mountain. By 10AM we had hopped aboard the tram and ascended to a cooler climate.
I returned to the Scottish Rite to meet with the book-release program team for the event tomorrow. We finalized the authors’ presentation, power point projections, and stage settings that would be part of the program. It was fun working with Jo Whaley again in the Scottish Rite theatre as we set scenery and lights for the program. This was all preliminary work for the technical rehearsal tomorrow morning.
There is something about stepping on a historic stage that touches my soul. It could be the simple connection to the past, or the sheer beauty of the scenery and stage machinery. My mother was a history teacher and my father could build anything. In Santa Fe, the intensity of my enthusiasm for Masonic stages doubled, even more so than at the Minneapolis Scottish Rite. At one time, the Minneapolis Scottish Rite provided a safe foundation for my soul – much had to do the close friendship and support of the backstage director, Larry Wigfield.
For me, it always feels like I am coming home when I step upon a Masonic stage; I find immediate happiness and peace, regardless of the scenery collection’s condition. I have to wonder why, as I did not grow up on stage, or in a home full of Freemasons.
There was a close family friend, an adopted Uncle Don, who was a director at Hennepin Community College, but it was never stressed that I contemplate participating in any theatrical production or considering theatre as a career. It was only in college that I encountered scenic art and stage design. I had the perfect instructor, mentor, guidance counselor, and friend – Lance Brockman. But he did not create my immediate connection to theatre, he provided access to historic techniques and an appreciation of past theatrical productions.
Instead, it was the diary of Thomas Gibbs Moses that has continued to guide my journey. I felt an immediate inclination to protect and document everything that he had accomplished; there is no reasonable explanation. I have always fought for the underdog, made friends with those who had none, and took care of old people and antiquated things. With historical scenic art and scenery collections it was different, however, as I felt “nudged” to understand the theatrical career, scenic art, life and times of Thomas G. Moses.
Today, June 24, 2018, is the culmination of many things for me. I am coming full circle with the journey that I began at the Scottish Rite in Santa Fe sixteen years ago. There is the immediate affirmation that I am still in love with the Santa Fe area and the community. For all of the trials and tribulations that I encountered in Minnesota, I have overcome what appeared to be an insurmountable obstacle two years ago. The CEO of the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center did not stop me on June 24, 2016. The experience just made me stronger, giving me determination and focus for my future. Many women have overcome similar obstacles in similar circumstances; we are too strong to be slowed down or stopped. We shall overcome.
To be continued…
