It seemed rude not to complete the survey that was sent, asking my opinion of the virtual festival, considering I was a guest at their expense. It was the very least I could do! I had already voted for my favourite things, despite their not being a category for 'raindrops on roses' or 'whiskers on kittens'. We certainly didn't need anymore snowflakes falling on our nose and eyelashes! I answered the questions honestly. Mostly I neither agreed, nor disagreed. I had no opinion. Rating the concerts was easy. No matter how much you digitally enhance a performance, you cannot digitally enhance atmosphere, and watching a concert on television may be enjoyable, but nothing compares with the rush that is felt being in the actual audience. Perhaps you can see more clearly, and even hear more distinctly, from a screen in your home, or at work, but having seen some pop icons in a live arena, I can only imagine what it must have been like to see others! Watching Queen 'live on stage' from the comfort of my living room, or listening to David Bowie's dulcet tones whilst preparing dinner, I have often thought, "I wonder what it would have been like, to have been there". Now, of course, the opportunity would never arise to see the likes of the latter, and the late, great Freddie Mercury, so I will never know, but having experienced the magnificence of Michael Jackson, and the vivaciousness of Elton John, I can say 'in fact' that there is nothing quite like it! In not so many words, I expressed my disappointment. Perhaps the organisers were only looking for an opinion of the bands, or solo artists themselves, rather than for an overall determination, but an overall determination is what they got! I refused to put my age on the questionnaire, so as not to disqualify myself! I wonder if my answers gave it away! However, I digress!
After a hectic week of 'surfing', I thought I might have time to spare, despite being at work. Perhaps there would be an opportunity to take a walk, or deal with a few personal matters. I do not generally take a break for lunch, so I feel justified in my deviating from task occasionally. The fact that my husband is 'the boss' has, in the past, made me more likely not to deviate, but our current staff would not take my lack of professionalism as an indication for them to act in the same way. Finally, we have a crew that is dedicated! Interestingly enough, we have a lot more jovial time! Although there was plenty to be jovial about, I had little time to spare!
I was rather excited to see that Caroline Catz won a category! She was honoured with the 'Adam Yauch Hornblower' Award! It is an award for work, (and I quote,) "that strives to be wholly its own, without regard for norms or desire to conform". I certainly would be happy with that! I was delighted for Caroline, (as I am now on first name terms. I say, "I" and not "we" as if you were to ask her "Who's Tracie, she would probably shrug,) and although I am not usually moved by the masses, was rather pleased to have been a voter for something that won such a prestigious honour! I would have put it in the category of 'Englishwomen unite'. I doubt it will be marked anywhere else in this classification, but it is another one of those useless 'claim to fame' things I can blurt out when in a group of people who are vying for status! Slipping Adam Yauch Hornblower into a conversation would certainly have me wondering "Who?" if I knew not the name, at the very least! Digressing? Of course!
Leaving early on Tuesday was less than convenient. I could have stayed at work and attended the meeting from my computer on my desk. I did not want Dana to have to spend any more time than he needed to at his desk, so I gave in and left early. Arriving home I set up the laptop and joined the meeting. I chimed in where appropriate but no one could hear me! I tried several options. I could be seen and not heard. No doubt that would seem preferable to some, but I really did feel as if I had something to contribute this time. I waved, and tried my best to be noticed, but nothing seemed to work. Eventually, my items came up for discussion. "Try hanging up and calling back", was the advice. I laughed, remembering the original instruction given when personal computers were in their infancy, and I believe is still the 'go to' piece of guidance. "Have you tried turning it off and on again?" I tried to no avail. I couldn't even type the message in the 'chat box'. "Try calling in", was the next option. I did. I called the number that was given for the meeting from my phone. It connected and I could hear everyone, and they could hear me. It occurred to me that to see everyone, and for them to see me was really not necessary at all. It was, quite literally, a visual thing! Like listening to David Bowie whilst cooking. I could sing but I wasn't there! Why did I need to see, or for that matter be seen! It was revolutionary! A total opposite effect to what I had said in the survey. I wondered if I should send in an addendum, then thought better of it! Now I was able to potter in my kitchen, whilst taking part in the meeting. If I did not want them to hear the clattering of dishes whilst I washed up, listening intently, of course, to the topic in hand, I could mute my phone! The world of 'conference calls' suddenly became so much easier. Next time, I could work until it was time to leave, and travel home whilst still in attendance! The concept was so fantastic, that I forgot my agenda items. I then forgot to unmute the phone! However, with a little encouragement, and without "Turning it off and on again", I was back on track, and whilst kneading some cheese dough, I brought my items to the table.
Somewhat pleased with myself on Wednesday morning, for being so focused, I went for my walk. The satisfaction was short lived, as I chatted with Raul and a neighbour for too long! The 'devil' dogs that bark and snarl at me when I usually walk, were really rather sweet. It was because they did not know me, and once I came up to them and spoke to them, they were putty in my hands. Well, perhaps that is not quite accurate, as I was still a little wary of the female. The larger male, a pitbull of types, with the features of a hippopotamus, was an absolute teddy bear! He just wanted to be petted! I was amazed at how calm I was with the big guy, not knowing at the time his breed! What a difference I have seen in myself over the years! I can see it now, vying for the Adam Yauch Hornblower award! An Englishwoman abroad - the canine magnet! I am not sure how it would be conceived in the 'strives to be wholly its own, without regard for norms or desire to conform' category! Although I think I have indicated my lack of regard for norms or desire to conform, by attempting to be accepted by the animals in this community is indicative of my desire to conform! What a tangled web I weave, despite not really wanting to deceive!
I chatted for too long, and by the time I returned to my kitchen, time had run out and I was going to be late! My butter chicken was simmering in the crockpot, and I had made meringues, although they had not quite come out how I would have liked!
Leaving work early, I arrived home and scooped up the dainties. In I went to my neighbour, who seemed quite pleased to see me and my wares. I was introduced as the 'amazing cook', and smiled as humbly as I could. "What are the sweet things?" I was asked. I explained that they were meant to be spring like morsels, but that I had not really been concentrating when adding the colour, and instead of a lovely lime and pink, I had picked the vivid green and purple tubes. I was then asked, "And what are the flat things". 'Pastry' is one of those words. To conform or not to conform! "Cheese bites". What is in them? Hmm. "Cheese pastry". Of course, 'pastry' here is not 'pastry'. It is 'crust' when referred to for a pie top or bottom. It is 'dough' when used as I did for the 'bites'. I got confused. "It's crust...well not crust, but um....". It took me a while. "Dough. Cheese dough....dough-like crust". 'Dough' to me is what is used to make bread. 'Pastry' to my neighbours is like a meringue or an elcair! I was feeling the hole deepen. "And how do you get the colour". I was now totally stumped. "It's cheese. It makes it a bit yellowy". The look of confusion spread across the lady's face. "But it's sweet". I then realised she was talking about the meringues. I was most grateful for the arrival of Dorothy, my neighbour from opposite, who whilst is nearer my mother's age, is a dear friend who can translate perfectly! She has a presence that makes people want to talk and listen to her. We left together!
The butter chicken was a great success. I was delighted. My kitchen was clean. I was more delighted!
My opinion was sought throughout the week, on the SXSW 'experience' and I answered some questions and chose not to answer others. It was over now! I had to move on!
Driving my daughter's truck around the car park at the supermarket, whilst she went in to get something she had forgotten to pick up at Walmart, was quite the experience. Living the Texas dream is complete now! I did not have on boots and Stetson as it was too hot, but I needed them not! (Conform?) My 'sunroom project' was stacked up in pieces under the truck-bed covering and I thought I might get the opportunity to make some headway later in the afternoon. I had some ideas but could not quite get them in order. Steph was most helpful, as she gave me some 'pointers' during the week that brought them to a possibility rather than a random 'probable'.
Spending Saturday afternoon lazing on a sun lounger was probably not the most constructive use of my time, but it was most enjoyable. Being a little breezy, it seemed a better idea than trying to fight with leaves and debris in order to clear the paving stones so that I could lay my new and improved flooring! It is a masterpiece in the making. Whether it makes the category of 'masterpiece' is yet to be seen!
Dana and I enjoyed our dinner. Samantha and Edward were going to a 'ball game'. Edward had been given tickets for the University of Texas baseball game, against Oklahoma which is, as any Texan knows, a 'grudge' match. 'Against Oklahoma' in any sporting event, I believe is a 'grudge' match. So it was going to be enjoyable. The fact they were watching from a 'suite' with dinner included was a definite plus! "I can't take videos like I have never done this before!" said my daughter, despite having never 'done this before'. "I have to play the part and look like I am used to it" she laughed. She took videos and pictures! She had fun! Texas won!
The wind picked up during the evening and overnight. By the time the sun rose on Sunday morning, the breeze was heading to gale! I wondered at my chances for both the sun room and a chance to sit by the pool. I walked, made breakfast and walked again!
The sun is out and the breeze still strong, but I think I might venture to the water! Others have to conform to my standards on this front!
Once again, well done, Caroline (first names only, of course) and to others who won awards at the virtual event. I doubt I will win anything 'official' in an award category, but will continue to enter contests! That's good enough for me! Perhaps I shall get a 'best garden' award, one day, but my sun room will not conform to that category. In the meantime, I will carry on giving my opinions, and doing the 'norm' for me, in ..... another story!
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