Catching a Show in Pittsburgh with Friends

"Good luck needs no explanation." ~ Shirley Temple

Once in a while, the stars align and a great opportunity presents itself.  Last week, a friend invited me to join him and his sister to see the Queen-inspired musical, "We Will Rock You" at Benedum Center in Pittsburgh.  At the precise moment that I was one click away from purchasing tickets for balcony seats at $53 a piece, my friend messaged me to hold on.

As luck would have it, my friend had just met a member of the cast and they became friends immediately.  The adorable, incredibly generous new friend provided us with a great opportunity to see the show for free.  As if the opportunity to see the show free of charge wasn't generous enough, our seats were incredible!  We were located in the middle of the orchestra section in seats that would have normally cost close to $300.

The view from our seats was spectacular and the cast and crew did a nice job.  The plot was a bit silly, but the talents of the cast came out through their adaptations of some great songs and fantastic choreography.  The sets were well designed and it was evident that the cast and crew put a lot of work into their show.

All in all, I'd have to say it was an incredible night and it sure pays to have such wonderful friends!  We had fun and got to see a good show.  Can't beat a great night out with some awesome people.  I'm grateful to have some amazing people in my life.

Inspiration, Influence, Legacy

“The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” ― Kalu Ndukwe Kalu

Aunt Thomasene

Every once in a while, on this big adventure called life, I stop and have a little chat with myself.  The question, "What...?" comes up quite often... "What keeps me going?"  "What makes me want to be a better person?"  "What influences me?"  "What inspires me?"  "What is beautiful in my life?"  The list goes on and on, the common theme being- what.  Lately, my internal conversation has revolved around around a different W- "Who."  Who inspires me and makes me want to be a better person?

The woman, to whom this post is dedicated, was taken from our world at the end of June.  The loss was unexpected, painfully traumatic for those of us left behind.  To say we will miss her is a gross understatement and offense to reality.

The 64 years she spent on this planet were filled with the things great stories are made of- love, loss, laughter, compassion, the works.  She will forever hold a place in my heart.

Who was she?  She was the oldest of 3 kids born and raised in a small town in PA, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother.  She was a Girl Scout leader for 35 years and an influential member of the community.  She was a traveler, a story-teller, an artist, a friend.  She was a rock for those less fortunate (human and canine, alike) to hold on to if there ever was one.

Who is she?  She is an inspiration, a legacy.  The lessons she shared with me, directly and indirectly through my own observations, have had a strong impact on me and what I've become.  She is my Aunt Thomasene.