I've just returned from over a week in one of my favorite places in the whole world: Star Island, which is off the coast of NH. Just before I left, I got an amazing birthday present from my husband & father...
This upright was purchased from Craigslist, and I'm very happy with it. I took 12 years of lessons starting from age 6, but I haven't really been able to play regularly since college as it was nearly impossible to have a piano when I was living in NYC. (Small apartments, coupled with our tendency to move every couple years, made it pretty unrealistic.)
I didn't have a chance to spend too much time on it before we left for Star, so I wore out my fingers last night when I finally had the opportunity. I also have already purchased about $80 of sheet music, in spite of the fact that I have plenty of music to brush up on from all my years of lessons. But my tastes have changed, and I'm now much more interested in playing show tunes, standards, and popular music than when I was a youth and my musical taste was dictated by my piano teacher.
My birthday isn't until the 19th, but since it's a milestone (I'll be 30) we wanted to make this one special. The piano is certainly special enough, but there was also a plan to celebrate with friends, mostly from out of town, during Labor Day weekend. Several of our close friends were with us on Star Island, and a few more were going to join us at the house for the weekend. We were supposed to leave the island Saturday morning, but it turned out all the boats were cancelled due to weather. My friend Sara, who was at BJ's purchasing $350 of groceries when I got this news, managed with the help of her brother Dave to return the groceries. Folks not with us on the island were notified that we were stuck.
They had said that the weather was supposed to be even worse on Sunday, so we were expecting to be stuck there until Monday, but we managed to get off (albeit soaking wet) on Sunday afternoon.
Disappointed as I was to have my birthday party cancelled, I couldn't really get too upset at an extra day and a half on Star. I'm not sure I can explain why the place is so special. It's partly that on the island we have limited or no access to things like the internet and phones. It's partly the lovely scenery. And the traditions - so many traditions! (Like lining up to get lanterns for evening chapel, the Grand March on our last night, sharing family style meals, etc.) But mostly I think it's the community. The week we go is a family conference, and I love seeing the children running around freely (and they are safe!), and talking with older people who have been visiting Star for 50 years, and going to open mic nights where I actually feel safe singinng in front of people.
It's a magical place. Time slows down and each day lasts much longer than it does on the mainland. I experience there so many moments of perfect happiness. I love my life, but some part of me wishes I could just stay on Star Island forever.
An early Happy Birthday wish.
Even though the weather affected your weekend it does sound nice.
Have fun with your piano.
Posted by: Dympna | September 05, 2006 at 12:45 PM
Getting stuck and having to spend an extra day on Star is every Shoaler's dream! It's so nice to hear of another knitter connected with Star! I love it there, although it's been a few years since I've been back! I used to go to the Young Adults conference and YRUU/LRY before that. Nothing beats sitting on a rocking chair on the front porch with some great folks and knitting the afternoon away.
Posted by: Martha | September 08, 2006 at 01:51 PM
Alison, i was wondering where you had gone off to... i'm so glad you had a wonderful vacation and an added special extra day!! i remembered your bdya was coming up and the number too.. i had just graduated from high school that year.. haha.. anyway mising you and looking forward to more posts.. how are the wedding plans going?! i bet it won't be as perfect as i felt y our day was :-) hugs to you all karola
Posted by: Karola | September 10, 2006 at 11:54 PM
Hi Alison,
imet you when you taught half a knitting class at the Makor Center befor eyou moved to Boston. I am looking for a yarn shop in Riverdale and when i googled that found you and your writing aobut a friend from Vassar who was involved with one. Do you keep inotuch and do you have any details? Many thanks,
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | September 18, 2006 at 02:35 PM
Happy birthday!
Posted by: kate | September 23, 2006 at 09:19 AM