Don’t look at the bunch of keys – they’re just there for scale. Look at the tiny tack. It took me nearly an hour this morning to locate the cause of the flat tyre, rectify it, and get on the road.
I was expecting a difficult day – communication with Durham cathedral has been less than straightforward, and I had email correspondence with 8 different, and apparently disconnected, people. There had been, for instance, extensive to-ing and fro-ing about PRS – fees that have to be paid for performing copyright works. The responsible person simply refused to believe that J S Bach had died in 1750 and his works were therefore of no interest to PRS.
For that reason the Meditation has to be designated an “impromptu” performance, and was not to be advertised in any way. That was a frustrating – and I thought, unnecessary – disappointment.
So I was already somewhat on edge, being an hour late for puncturely reasons, and by the time Simeon on the front desk had spent 25 minutes trying to track down anyone who knew anything about the “impromptu” performance, I nearly lost it.
Billie, in the beautiful crypt shop, rescued me. The first thing I saw, in her well-organised domain, was a table display of Pilgrim Cello booklets and cards. “Oh yes,” she said, “they’re selling very well, and I know exactly what we’ve got, and is there anything you need from me?”
I managed to get set up, but there was no time for any kind of preparation, and no time for lunch. The honorary Canon I’d met last night wasn’t there. She’d read about the pilgrimage in the Church Times, and had wanted to come, and searched her cathedral’s website in vain for any information. I tried to explain diplomatically.
But I’m reminding myself this is a pilgrimage. This is my offering to the holy place – not the other way round. My expectations shouldn’t signify; but somehow I can’t completely put them aside.
Afterwards I realise the Meditation has restored me. I’m sitting right in the middle of the crossing, filling the space with Bach, and only peripherally aware of the mass of touristical movement all around me.
And still no time for lunch, because now I have to ride 39 miles this afternoon, in time for the world’s best cooked lamb, in the warm embrace of some favourite cousins in Richmond.
Thank goodness for Bach, favourite cousins and good food to restore us.
So good to be able to follow your progress, Kenneth. I hope you don’t have any more problems like that. Looking forward to seeing you in Gloucester in due course.
Great (tacky) lessons for you today.
Expectations vs Pilgrimage!
The value of Music and Meditations.
That purple field is certainly a bright spot in the day!
Oh my. An impromptu concert! And someone who doesn’t accept that Bach died in 1750? (I once stood at a window at a post office in Missouri and the staff person said I could not mail a small package to New Mexico because it was out of the country. I tried to tell her about Lewis and Clark and the Santa Fe Trail but to no avail. Then I turned to the line that had formed behind me and said, “New Mexico is in the United States, right?” Everyone looked down at their shoes. I was about to give up but I couldn’t. Instead I asked for a supervisor. The staff woman then said that just this once, (she held up her finger) JUST to keep the peace, (her finger pointed) she would agree that New Mexico was in the USA. Whew.)
Good for you, Kenny!! I’m riding beside you and listening to every note.
Sorry to hear about all your hassles today, but you still amazingly managed to give your “impromptu concert”!
Your photo of the purple field was a joy to behold and I hope that your stay with your cousins and your with them in the lovely town of Richmond, revitalises your body and soul.
Good on yer, for your good manners and perseverance! Bach Rules OK eh?