QUESTION: What has three floors, is made of native limestone, has crinalations, and both an indoor *and* an outdoor swimming pool?
ANSWER: Stargate Hermitage!
No, I'm afraid this isn't really a joke...the tower *is* flooded, big time. With the torrential downpours we've been having, and with a drain that was too packed to drain, there was nowhere for the water to go (except through the limestone in the roof to the stairway and down to the first floor). If I wasn't so sure...I would have sworn I saw Robert Ballard at the bottom of the pool looking for buried treasure. At least I got the roof drain to *finally* open, however; after kneeling in 3" of water in the pouring rain, with my trusty plunger and coat hanger!
Ah ha! Who says Templars don't have the best tools?
Seriously, there has GOT to be a way to get this poor woman some reliable, reputable help! I say reliable because it seems that Sharon doesn't have the best record when it comes to hiring handymen...just like Ferengi in Star Trek they "take her money, and never give it back." Most recently, she hired someone to work on the tower, and both he (and the $400.00 that was donated to her) are nowhere to be found.
I'm open to comments, suggestions and/or ideas. I gave my Word that I would be there to help Sharon with this, but I'm running out of ideas. A couple of people have suggested putting castle tower items in my Cafe Press store...but then the question becomes: how do I market them? I've considered a garage sale (or in this case a "castle sale), but where do I get the stuff? I've even considered selling some of my jewelry on ebay (but Allen would KILL me if I did that).
It has been said that every person in their life gets "15 minutes of fame" (or "infamy" as the case may be.) This year, not only did I get the chance to "strut my stuff upon the stage" (even if it was opera), I am also humbled to report that it appears that I shall leave an (albeit tiny) mark in the world of published literature....
I have always wanted to write a book; but if you know me well at all you will also know that I write well (but with difficulty). In our marriage, Allen is the eloquent one when it comes to written communication. For myself, I'm afraid I write like the steriotypical college professor (read: dry, precise, and *boring*).
Thankfully, my colleages on the TemplarHistory.com forum have the eloquence, wit, and erudition I lack. Both of these men have authored excellent new books on the topic of the Templars: Stephen Dafoe ~ "Nobly Born", Gordon Napier ~ "A to Z of the Knights Templar" and in each of them my name is included in the dedication.
For me, being included in this way is an unexpected (and humbling!) honor. There truly are no words to express how humbled and honored I feel right now...
If you get a chance, DO check these two books out, they are excellent.
Over the years I've had the immense priviledge of being invited to perform in a wide variety of events including: parades, conventions, musicals, orchestra concerts, educational demos, dance recitals, living-history events, and (of course!) Renaissance Faires. In my time, I've done roles that span an amazing range of time periods and people: from Egyptian Priestess to Starfleet Officer, from Queen, to WWII Women's Army Air Corps Officer, to Columbia in Rocky Horror Picture Show. This year, however, I get to peform in a new venue (one I never thought I'd do)...
...an Opera.
Tomorrow night, rehearsals begin for the Wichita Grand Opera production of: Faust. For me, this little background role (in Act II) is an exciting opportunity to explore a performance venue I've never experienced before. Also, being in the cast will allow me the opportunity to work (albeit at a great distance) with a man who has assumed legendary proportions in the world of Opera: Mr. Samuel Ramey.
Frankly, I'm not normally an opera fan...but since my brother-in-law introduced me to Mr. Ramey's work (Bill went to school with Mr. Ramey in Colby, KS), I've been captivated. Normally, I'm much more fond of tenors like Pavarotti, Lanza, Caruso, and Bocelli But in Sam Ramey's case, I'll make an exception. Critics have said that no one one does the role of Mephistopheles better than Sam Ramey (and from what I can see, that accolade has been justly earned).
It's certainly going to be an interesting two weeks. Thankfully, I don't have to sing. As the Phantom says of Carlotta in Phantom of the Opera: "The role of the page boy...(in my case, queen)... "is silent, which makes (the) casting, in a word: ideal." (italics mine)
