Forte

I seldom watch reality talent shows, at least on a faithful basis.  “American Idol” is getting old, “The Voice” mystifies me, and the list could go on.  But I do find “America’s Got Talent” interesting for its variety.  And for some unknown, yet prophetic reason, I did tune in last evening and DVRd the last half hour as I was simply too tired to continue. 

Watching it tonight, I was rewarded with one of life’s joyful moments when a young trio sang as the final act. The eclectic bunch (Puerto Rican, South Korean, American) took the stage and recounted their bizarre story.  They told of connecting online (now there is the power of social media for you!) just a few weeks ago and of how they met each other only days before this audition.  With rehearsal time incredibly limited, this was their first public performance anywhere, and it was in competition before four judges, a packed theater audience, and nationwide television.  They were the last act of the evening. No pressure.

All things considered, expectations obviously were not high.  It was the thought on my mind, it showed on the faces of the judges, and it was reflected in the demeanor of the theater audience.

And then they began to sing. 

Instantly, the haunting lyrics of “Pie Jesu” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Requiem” filled every ear and transformed minds and captured hearts.  It was that combination of  initial presumption, pure talent, and mesmerizing song that brought judges and the audience to their feet to pay instant tribute to talent so genuine. A tear in the eye was – had to be – the almost universal sign of just how powerful their performance was. 

You must find their performance online.  Go - now - to the replay of “America’s Got Talent” (6/25) and watch their entire segment.  YouTube, NBC, and others show only highlights.  You will have the honor of  witnessing future stars being born.

The name of the group is Forte.  You will be enjoying them for a long time to come.

Mark Twain Quote: “…eclectic – the word describes everything that can’t be otherwise described.”

The Incredible Flower

Flowers, like music, cast a unique spell over we humans.  It all springs from their ability to affect our emotions and alter the way in which we see the world around us. 

Think about it. Most of what we see in nature presents us with muted “earth tones.”  Fine as a color scheme for homes in a gated community (gotta love those HOAs), but to give nature a boost, God invented wildflowers, and man, over time, added his own assortment.  My Colorado trip last year showed me just how muted even the great Rocky Mountains can be, from afar.  Flowers are the cure for this want of vivid color.

Flowers celebrate with us the great moments in our lives. They help carry us through great personal loss, or midst laughter, they bring added meaning to our joy.  And in all other ways, on all other days, they simply bring us beauty, and ultimately a brighter glow to our countenance, as they add rainbows of color to our world.  They make us feel better, not only about ourselves, but about everything.  In a way, they are nature's anti depressant; they offer us hope.

But I think flowers have a hidden, more practical purpose, at least in this one instance. Flowers, I think, can influence our willingness to stop, shop, and buy things.  Seriously.

I visit Marshalls Plaza in DeWitt regularly, not only because Panera Bread keeps my oatmeal raisin cookies there for my almost daily pick up, but for another reason.  I love driving in the main entrance to this plaza. You see, the entrance to Marshalls Plaza has the very best display of flowers I have ever seen at any entrance of any strip mall…anytime, anywhere.

For about 100 yards, the curving road presents the visitor with a vista of color and beauty on all sides. You may have a furrow in your brow when you enter, but you will be smiling when you reach the end of that road.

I’ll drive in there just to see the beautiful and colorful assortment of flowers that give me a feeling of well being and, I dare say, a propensity to buy something….well, you know, as long as I’m there.  And that’s ok.  I don’t know if it’s an intended consequence of the management company or not, and I don’t care.  I just like to look at them, right before I pick up my cookies!

In case you don’t live close, or if you have never visited this plaza, here are some pictures that I know will make you feel better. Now, don’t you need a cookie?

Mark Twain Quote: “Nature knows no indecencies; man invents them.”

Homarus Americanus - on a roll, please!

Most of us have at least one little passion in life that resides near the center of our existence and, for better or worse, is usually stuck there like velcro, never to be lost or discarded.  For some, it is a lofty and altruistic vision that sends them forth every day, Don Quixote-esque, with dreams of improving mankind.

But for others, that thing tugging at their strings is, well, more mundane, selfish perhaps,  and totally unimportant in the cauldron that holds the world’s troubles.  It deserves to be tossed to the compost pile of useless endeavors, many would say.

That is, of course, unless that “thing” happens to be:  the quest for the perfect lobster roll.  For those of us who love those ugly little crustaceans, not much else in this life matters, if we were to speak our deepest thoughts.

Which kinda describes me, to a “T.”  Oh, I will freely give of my time and reach into my wallet to help friend and stranger alike, and I still have faint aspirations for world peace one day.  But when it comes to that one little thing that propels me to action, just say the words “lobster roll” and I’m on the move. 

I have sampled them from Maine to Florida.  I don’t even try to find them when I’m west of any state where I can’t dip my toes in the Atlantic Ocean.  There is something missing when the experience doesn’t include the squawking of a gull, or the smell of the tide, or the rhythm of waves as part of the deal.  Can you imagine anyone enjoying fully a lobster roll served alongside a plate of Bar-B-Q ribs in Austin, Texas?  Pleeeze.

I have tasted the worst and the best, at least the best that I’ve been able to find…thus far!  That distinction currently belongs to the roll offered up at Chapin’s Restaurant on Cape Cod (you were surprised?).  That lofty honor may soon change. 

During the bleak and dreary winter just passed, I was talking to a woman, and both of us were deep in winter blues.  Who knows how these things happen, but talk went to summer, then to vacation spots, and then on to Cape Cod, of course.  Soon, lobster became part of the equation, and she asked, “Have you ever tried the Sesuit Harbor Café?”  In all my years of going to Cape Cod, I’ve never even heard of the Sesuit Harbor Café.  “They have a great lobster roll,” said she.  I’m am so there, thought I.

As soon as I could, I visited my favorite one word portal to the world … Google.  In seconds, I was reading all about – the Sesuit Harbor Café.   It appears the café is a classic example of an informal seaside eatery.  Walk up and order at the counter please.  There’s no wait staff to pamper you here.  Take your food and leave, or choose to stay and eat at one of the waterside tables.  Soak up the sights and smells that uniquely belong to Cape Cod.  And, you are encouraged to BYOB….what a perfect addition to a casual meal.  Oh, how I love these kind of places. 

 

The Cafe

Which reminds me … Sesuit Harbor Café must be the twin of another fine place I have traveled to, just for a lobster roll:  Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough in Noank, CT (not far off Rt. 95, just outside Mystic).  This too is very informal, as you walk up to the counter and order, then take your food wherever you want to go – or stay at the tables by the water.

I remember one visit to Abbott’s all too well.  Walking to the table, tray in both hands and my lobster roll perched on top.  With no warning, I was befriended from above by a hungry sea gull, who decided to relieve me of most of my lobster, leaving me with more roll than crustacean. I have never looked at a seagull the same way since.  Bad bird, just making a living.

Pardon the digression.  Now, back to Sesuit Harbor.  The website had a menu, which of course I opened.  I quickly scrolled to the lunch section.  And what should appear, right at the top of the list:  Sesuit Harbor Café’s World Famous Lobster Roll!  Seriously?  Honestly?  World Famous? 

Bib on.  The quest begins anew.  Come this July, you’ll find me cruising Rt. 6A on my way to what promises to be another great experience.   And it is only about 15 minutes from Chapin's.  How utterly perfect!  I could actually have a mini contest going here.  I see many lobster rolls in my future.  What a way to spend the week!  Stay tuned for a post visit "post."

The tables - watch for gulls!

 Mark Twain Quote:  “Newport, Rhode Island, that breeding place – that stud farm, so to speak – of aristocracy; aristocracy of the American type.”