Category: Home Journey

In attending Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) for one of my Master’s degrees (this one in Performing Arts), I was awakened to what all it takes to learn by leading: In this case, my learning experience was all about offering leadership: Cueing accompanists, arranging music scores, conducting instrumentalists, and stagecrafting whole productions. 

Awaiting a Performance… (Photo Cred: Rob Laughter, Unsplash)

In addition to my graduate work, I needed to suss out viable part-time jobs that would pay the mounting bills that came due, amidst a twin set of specialized, top-drawer masters degrees.

I vividly remember that there was a day that was notably nondescript — until I was called to the office of the Institute’s Director, Grant Johannesen. After inviting me to sit, he then stated, “Our meeting time now will be something of an interview with you. Do you agree to this?”

“Indubitably,” I replied, suddenly nervous and all ears. He then smiled warmly and observed, “Indubitably? Ah Yes, you have the makings of a Wordsmith! I have taken notice of a unique writing style in your correspondence, PenDell — one that was reviewed by the Institute’s Selection Committee prior to our admitting you to CIM.” (“Where is this going?,” thought I …) 

He continued, “Here, I have several specific questions to ask you: Do you have a safe driving record, and an insured car here locally, one that is in good condition?”

I attempted to sound nonchalant, “Yes, I do, Sir. Would you like me to drive somewhere soon?”

“Yes, probably many times. The point is, we have someone here who needs ongoing transportation to and from our campus here.”

When I disclosed that my license doesn’t allow minors to be chauffeured for hire, he chuckled, “No, this person is not a minor. She heads the piano department here at CIM.”

“Is that department head still Madame Vitya Vronsky Babin?” When he nodded Yes, I knew that I was captured by awe over the legendary fame of such an one!

“Do you know of her?” he asked, intrigued. In reply, I stated that I had done extensive research on the Institute’s faculty (including him, the Director) when I was first considering applying there.

Hence, from what I had learned about CIM faculty members, I had been utterly engaged and amazed by the phenomenal, worldwide success that Vronsky & Babin had achieved as a pair. Newsweek acknowledged them as “The most brilliant two-piano team of our generation.” Time magazine called them “One of the foremost duo pianists of the 20th Century.”

They were both interested in collecting fine art pieces, and were friends with others of similar interests, including great composers Igor Stravinsky and Darius Milhaud.

All the while, strikingly evident to everyone was their deeply-felt love and adoration for each other, as well as their disciplined dedication to making sublime music together.

At the end of my “interview,” Dr. Johannesen affirmed that he perceived me as being quite well suited for work with Madame Vitya; that he would give to her an enthusiastic recommendation in my favor; and, when Madame Vitya agrees, he would inform me of when she wants to meet me. 

Long story shorter — The next step, my face-to-face meeting with my new boss,  unfolded very nicely. Two subtle but telling elements that made an impression on her are outlined, as follows:

1. When I referred to Grant Johannesen as Dr. Johannesen, and she let me know that he was not a physician, I (A) reminded Madame Vitya that he had in fact been awarded an honorary PhD degree from Case Western Reserve University, nearby in Cleveland; And (B) I would always address or refer to Grant Johannesen as Dr. Johannesen, out of my great respect for him and for his mighty contribution to CIM and to the Arts in general.

2. When Madame Vitya asked me if I knew how to do anything beyond my driving the auto — Among other things, I described teenage experiences of my father mentoring me in the Art of Concierge, as well as other various personal assistance and liaison functions for executives. (His own work included ongoing, in-person consultations with Dale Hewlett and Dave Packard, whenever one or both of them were present at the Hewlett-Packard facility in Loveland, Colorado.)

Thereafter, I drove Madame Vitya in her Lincoln Continental via a direct route between CIM’s campus in Cleveland and her elegant townhouse in upscale Shaker Heights. And sometimes on the way, she would readily wax wistful with recollections of precious times at home with her dearly-departed Victor.

Now, I delighted in regularly escorting Madame Vitya to her favorite local restaurants, where I nurtured a first-name rapport with the chef and head waiter, complete with subtle two-way, head nodding, eye-winking sign language.

Sometimes, I might “make the rounds” momentarily visiting staff members — especially at times when Dr. Johannesen was available to dine with us. Then, after most every course, I had a reason to leave the table, so that those two had some time and space to themselves.   

When not mobile, I accompanied Madame Vitya to many of her meetings where my detailed note-taking was a necessity. And then, there were the inevitable errands and grocery runs, though Madame Vitya was always prepared, highly organized, remarkably adroit with a grocery basket, and in silent, yet clear command of me handling the big grocery cart.

Amidst it all, I was fortunate to be a happy, young workaholic in good physical, vocal, and scholastic health, while earning a generous salary. 

In my last month there, with encouraging support from both Dr. Johannesen and me, Madame Vitya was preparing to revive her first concertizing without Victor — albeit with three specified conditions:

Any profits from concerts would go to the Institute’s Student Aid Fund; compositions by Victor would be well represented, and Grant Jonannasen (Victor’s original protege and then his successor at CIM) would be Vitya’s sole partner for any two-piano repertoire.

Along the way, Grant Johannesen talked with Vitya about me, after I graduated, being their tour manager for events in distant locations. Days afterward, he mentioned their short but sweet conversation. Evidently, her prompt reply was this:

“Oh No, Grant — While at work with you and me, Dear PenDell illuminated the shadows inherent in Our so-called Greatness. Now it is High Time that He Brings to Light Greatness of his Own.”

Madame Vitya passed away at home 20 years after Victor did. And she was subsequently interred in the same place as was Victor — at their other home near Santa Fe, New Mexico — Rancho Piano.

_____________________________________

So, here and now, 45 years later, I still often sense the majestic essences of Madame Vitya’s Greatness celestially illuminated and shining on us here on Earth. I can still contact her now: 

Madame Vitya — Your ineffable, lovingly-remembered Spirit “visits” me at times when you know that I am filled with thankfulness for the Love I am blessed to receive and offer up in return. 

Thank You and Bless You, Magnificent “Madame Vitya” …

And Now, I Release You, as You, Victor and Grant Have Released Me.

For Indeed, WE Are ONE …      

_____________________________________

Over four years ago, yet months after the inception of a chronic autoimmune disorder that affected my brain and central nervous system, and then subsequent residence in rehab, Melanie moved me back to our home of many years. By then I had convalesced to a point at which I remembered who I was, but maybe not always instantly recalling where or when I was!

One day, a memory lapse came over me. It was of a sufficient degree that I wandered out into the back yard and inquired of a beautiful lady gardening there as to what that separate little house out back was doing back there. (It was in actuality our long-standing garden shed.) 

In reply, the lady was forward enough to hold both of my hands, then give me a hug. Startled, I took a step back from her, stared, and then I asked, “And so, who are you?”

She gazed into my eyes with a continual grin. Then, after a few seconds her grin turned quizzicle, and she answered, “My name is Melanie.”

 It was then that a light of recognition dawned on me. “MY Melanie?” I asked, with some confusion. “Yes, my Dear Love. You are my Heart.” Her eyes filled with caressing concern.  

Then after, we have made sure we give each other daily mail, notes, greeting cards, or sweet bite chocolates. This last month yielded me a beautiful birthday card, with a note that said this:

To My Husband on Your Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
I love our Love Story —
The ups, the downs, the twists and turns –,
The moments that keep us together on this journey …

I love looking back to the day we met,
Remembering all those moments that
Now dwell forever in my heart.

I love knowing that time has made us stronger,
And brought us even closer together …

And when I think about tomorrow, wondering what our Love Story will hold,
I know it’ll be wonderful, because I’ll be sharing It with You.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

My Darling and Dearest Love,
I am Blessed beyond Words by
Your Strength, Courage, Joy, Humor, and
Reverence for Life and God

You Are My Heart ..
Your Melanie

Happy New Year 2021

I am anticipating a Year of Abundance and subsequent Prosperity —

So much so that, with each day granted, I will be living the Reality of my Abundance Vow — 

An “Abundance Vow” is something altogether different from a “Poverty Vow”. When anyone formally pledges a ‘vow of poverty’, they choose to renounce personal worldly possessions and instead engage in a communal sharing of resources” (as described by the Borgen Project, a not-for-profit organization that addresses global poverty). 

I have never formally declared myself to have made a so-called “poverty vow” — albeit, I lived and worked for more than 30 years with a not-for-profit communal network where I was not compensated (although my living expenses, plus car, travel, and healthcare were readily provided).

That is, until the day I was informed (out of the blue, without preamble) that the communal foundation of my life’s work was at an end and being dissolved. So, a big “penny dropped.”

I felt a rising worry that independently making money now may be beyond my skill sets. And in addition — based on my own subconscious insecurities, as well as my early years of absorbing strict and narrow interpretations of Christian theology — I had a seasoned outlook that judged the acquisition of abundance and prosperity as a sign of self-centered, even hedonistic, avarice.

Meanwhile, a huge real-life awakening haunted me: Melanie and I were married, relocating, and feeling like a stranger in a strange land. I fretted, “What, on God’s Good Earth (literally!), can I provide in this New Normal”? 

My nervous search for an answer led me to both a desire and necessity to calm my body, ease my mind, and open my heart in surrender to a bigger discernment of what the fullness of Abundance really entails: A full and balanced range of both providing and being provided for. 

Long story short — In an adventurous interim year (details to be journaled elsetime), I gained a deep understanding that, by steadily abiding with the Source within, we are afforded the perfect support to live and learn broad ranges of lessons, including financial factors, and so much more.

Cardinal among those lessons is a primary truism: Abundance and prosperity are the results of Universal Law, and the delight of Creation’s outpouring. Further elaboration is summarized in an Introduction to John Randolph Price’s publication, “The Abundance Book.” It reads like this:

“Since the beginning of the civilized world, enlightened ones have taught that prosperity is a part of the natural process of life — lavish abundance is the unquestionable nature of each individual.

“And through the centuries, countless men and women accepted this truth, realized the law of infinite plenty within, and moved above the illusion of scarcity into the reality of unlimited wealth.

“They proved for themselves that the energy of Abundance is constantly radiating from the Source within and flowing out to appear as money and financial well-being.

“And with each awakening, more of the error patterns of lack and limitation are erased from the collective consciousness. The good of the whole begins with each individual.”

Hence, we may give with Love, Joy, and a sense of fun; And the windows of Heaven will be flung open with infinite power! All is composed of ranges of vibration. One’s vibration attracts that which one has the willingness and ability to deftly experience — because like attracts like!

WIth full assurance, let us together discern and create an Abundant Year 2021 and beyond —
Wherein We, each day, Let the Source Within Each of Us Bestow to Us Its Perfect Treasure.

Warmest of Regards — PenDell

Were you ever faced with life-changing news, “out of the blue”, that bestowed upon you a blessed revelation? Did you ever have occasion, at such times, to hear some “breaking news” that begins with such words as “Do you know?”, “Did you know?”, or “Have you heard about …?”

These days, I can admit that I don’t remember much about my Life experiences. (At times, that kind of “water under the bridge” serves as a blessing!) Yet I DO tend to retain essences of positive remembrances, even some vivid memories– like our family’s gatherings on Christmas Days of old.

My grandparents (my dad’s parents) would host Mom, Dad and me at their “Estate House” in the upscale Highland Park suburb of Dallas. The year I turned four, I arrived with one present already in hand; because that most desired gift had arrived magically in the night by the hand of never-seen “Santa”!

First thing in the morning, we three would share a big bowl of strawberries in the sun-lit “Breakfast Room” along with “Mammoo” (Grandmother’s accepted nickname, one that was phonated for her by me when I was age 2).

Fruit was our traditional morning fare, amidst anticipations of opening a robust collection of ready gifts set around a majestic, freshly-cut Christmas tree in the spacious Estate House living room.

Meanwhile, a full-course brunch was being prepared in the kitchen by Idella, my grandmother’s cook and housekeeper for many years. On Christmas days, Idella’s husband, “Barnaby”, would be there also — inspecting and grazing (bite by bite) on “the eats” — that is, until my grandfather (ie. “PooPoo”) would likely unearth a sudden need for Barnaby to make an appearance.

Then, when Barnaby would modestly present himself amidst us all, PooPoo would typically engage him by asking, “Barnaby, Do you know?”, “Did you know?”, or “Have you heard of …?”

Barnaby would (knowingly, with a twinkling eye) reply, “No, Sir … “But You Sir, Have You Heard?”
— At which time PooPoo would state, “Why Yes”. And he’d then proceed to deliver whatever witticism he had already prepared in mind.

After that, my devout Christian father lifted up the tone of our morning to one that honors the Nativity which Christmas signifies as an annuarium. Dad recounted the biblical story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who would hear widespread tales from wandering shepherds who, in their travels, ongoingly shared their direct experience of an Angel proclaiming “Good Tidings of Great Joy!” in adulation of the wondrous miracles that a man named Jesus was providing to the world.

And all of those who heard such fervent witness thereof were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Yet, Mary quietly “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

In good time, the shepherds journeyed through Bethlehem — all the while, “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them.” And while there, they discovered, with deep empathy, that Mary was the birth mother of Jesus. Hence, they were compelled to inquire of her in the spirit of these words (herein below):

Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you delivered has come to deliver you.

Mary, did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would calm the storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the Face of God.
Mary, did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again,
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak the praises of the Lamb.

Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all Creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Heaven’s perfect Lamb?
The sleeping child you are holding here is the great I AM.

Mary, did you know?

Here is a sublime vocal rendition of these words (Skip the ads) Click here. 
_{Credits: Lyrics by Mark Lowry in 1984, Music by: Buddy Greene in 1991,
Modern rendition by pop vocal quintet: Pentatonix}

=================================

Our yellow Labrador dog, Sadie, is a four-legged best friend of mine. And, moreover, she is  Melanie’s “Basket Beast” — a faithful, loving protector who has my deep respect for them both.

In our early dog care days, we found a cute little book, titled “50 Secrets Humans Should Know”. Its author, an artist and animal-lover, Jody Wright, interprets what has to be silent “Dog-Speak”!

In its Introduction, she invites us to “Come closer. Listen carefully. The thing about secrets that makes them simply irresistible is that they are hidden treasures just beyond the surface.”

“Today, I am left wondering whether the great secrets in our lives are revealed from the work of great geniuses, or revolutionary rocket scientists, or from the unconditional love from a wagging tail, the lick of a wet tongue, and the constant reassurance of a four-legged friend.” 

Taking cues from the “Secrets” book, I found profundity within its pages. Here, I will share a dozen of the pearls that convey a particular relevance to our Sadie’s doggie world, as follows:  

Secret #1, “Play is Genius!”

“Albert Einstein once said, ‘Imagination is a preview of life’s coming attractions.’ Dogs have always known this somehow. They are GENIUSES BY INSTINCT.”

“Watch your ‘best friend’, and it’s easy to see that, through her eyes, there is a world of friends who want to do nothing more than wiggle, wag, and romp. So, imagine a friendly universe and see how much better the day becomes.’’

Sadie loves the mere far-off sight of another dog. She moves with puppy-like enthusiasm and vigor at closer range, and barks or whimpers if left out on the contrary side of closed doors.  

Secret #2, “Look Deeper”

“See past the outside ‘stuff’ and stare deeply into the parts of each soul to the place that really matters! Often, ‘looking deeper’ finds that ever-flowing well of irrepressible, renewable LOVE.’’

Sadie can and will stare two holes in the back of my head (particularly when awaiting foodtime)! Seriously, and more to the point, Sadie has an inherently deep look of longing to be another pooch’s companion, or in a pack with more, while gazing with content knowing that we are ok. 

Secret #3, “Be All Ears”

“There’s a fine art to Listening — Don’t let it be a lost art.”

Sadie, like many dogs, has acute hearing through her heart realm as well as her ears. And there are often times when she senses with surety that indeed we know, love, and protect her.   

Secret #4, “When Pugnacious, Be Gracious”

“At times, life calls us to be aggressive. We are pugnacious. However, being gracious is a THOUGHTFUL COUNTERBALANCE.”

Sadie likes to be the pack leader, especially with younger dogs, where she has a matronly aire. Her low, gravelly growl dictates when needs call for food, more space, or Melanie’s attention.

Secret #5, “Be Intense”

“Being intense is not a bad thing, BE INTENSELY HAPPY … or Interesting … or Funny … Step away from the lukewarm, and Experience Passion.”

Sadie brings a razor-like intensity when in backyard pursuit of squirrels and/or birds, while she is totally unconscious of being a tad too slow-moving to ably “seal the deal” when it comes to the matters of “catch as catch can.” 

Secret #6, “Savor Sweet Dreams”

“If you DARE TO, then DREAM. It isn’t always safe to go where you haven’t been before. Sometimes there are nightmares. Yet there are also sweet ecstasies with moments of hyper-awareness and insight into worlds found nowhere else but in the back of one’s eyelids!”

Sadie’s dream state, in our observation, involves quite daring dreams, what with grunting, rapid eye movements, sleep-sprinting, and snorts blowing. No nightmares are evident; Yet, there can be little doubt that vivid, movie-like visions are rolling in the back of those eyelids of hers!    

Secret #7, “Be True Blue”

“Being ‘true blue’ is something that should be HIGHLY rated. It means that you can be counted on when other colors fade.”

Sky-blue in Sadie’s highly rated case, come what may in the other fadings away…

Secret #8, “Be Irresistible”

“You know you are! It’s OK to explore being IRRESISTIBLE on occasion. It invites people in.”

Witness our seated dinner on a restaurant’s public patio, and you will behold Sadie and almost every other diner and passerby engaging each other, as if they are friends of olde, reuniting!  

Secret #9, “Indulge in Naps”

“Humans should come with a ‘reset’ button. But since they don’t, it’s ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA to do it manually. Indulge in a nap. It’s amazing what it can do for one’s perspective.”

Regarding this case with Sadie — we now redirect you back to Secret #6 …

We’ll wait for you here … Take your time … No rush …!

Secret #10, “Treasure Your Friends”

“Friends are what you need most on your journey. Greet them with the joy they deserve and treasure them with KIND ACTIONS.”

We are on a journey indeed. And Sadie, as a matter of course, greets us at the door on our returns. Sadie is quite a “lover-dog”, and she deserves our treasuring of her.  

Secret  #11, “Hang Out”

“Do absolutely nothing, JUST HANG OUT. A small, still voice is audible only when we are able to be silent enough to hear it.” 

Times when Melanie, Sadie, and I are all home at once — now 3 empty-nesters in residence in ourselves, and hanging out in moments of doing nothing much in form — Sadie’s open, innocent gaze up at us reflects the essences of ‘Man’s Best Friend’ that I aim to always be in myself. 

Secret #12, “Get to the Heart & Soul”

”Humans are often like the layers of an onion. It doesn’t have to be so complicated. Simply get to the heart and soul. FORGET THE LAYERS. Show those you love how much you care!”

Sadie — our loving, bark-y, furry, four-legged, waggy-tailed dog — is the Canine Embodiment of Loyalty, Faithfulness, Durability of Soul, and again, the Epitome of “Man’s Best Friend” — One who Shows, Without End, How Much a Dog Cares ….

Thank You Muchly, our Sadie, for You Being You for Us …