This is what keeps me going…

Last week, a buyer who appears once a year to look at homes and even usually makes a (low) offer that’s not accepted, showed up again. But this time he was on a mission to secure the house he, his wife and their kids had rented summers for more than 10 years, and has fed their memories and souls since. And make it a surprise for them. The house has been on the market for years, but the price was beyond his budget. Now the price had started to come down, and it was beginning to look possible. After much negotiation, we arrived at a number that was acceptable to both sides.

Then the fun started. The dad and kids created an elaborate ruse to get the mom here and to the house. Mom and Dad were walking around the property, Dad said, “Wonder if it’s the same, let’s peek in the windows”. When they did, there were their kids, grinning and waving. At first Mom started running away, saying “There’s people in there!” Until she realized that those people looked very familiar. Then she said, “What’s going on?” The reveal couldn’t have gone better. She said, “This is my dream, this has always been my dream…” Tears of joy, much hugging, and a whole lot of jumping up and down – followed by more hugging ensued. This photo captured just one of many hugs that day. Continue reading

Hyannis Sound at First Congregational Church, Falmouth

Rain didn’t stop the pitch perfect a cappella group “Hyannis Sound” from captivating a full house at the church last night. They’re just college guys who like to sing, and performing is their summer job. They’re around for another 10 days or so, back at the church next Monday at 7pm, and at the Falmouth Jewish Congregation this Wednesday. They’re optimistic and exuberant, and the small personal stories they share are endearing. The musicianship is outstanding. Go if you can!

Bluegrass at Highfield

Yesterday was Bluegrass all afternoon on the lawn at Highfield, and what a twangy day it was! I got there after the music was over, but people were still chillin’, eating scratch-made pizzas from Wolf Pizza, exploring the grounds, and in general having a great Cape Cod day.

Terry Soares and her crew of volunteers are keeping the sunken garden looking fresh and as captivating as ever. Kudos to Nancy Lassalle, mom to my former colleague Phil in Middlebury, and Mary Janney, who honored Mary Lou Smith in this most beautiful and appropriate way.

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Woods Hole Film Festival

The Film Festival concluded last night during torrential rain. But the rest of the week was buzzy and fun, going from film to film, and as always, hearing from various of the makers and actors. I don’t know if it was just what I chose, but there were a lot of films about life-and-death struggles of various kinds, all intense. An interesting week in Woods Hole!

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Friday Evening at Woods Hole Film Festival

Writer/producer/director Noor Gharzeddine of “Are You Glad I’m Here” at the Woods Hole Film Festival Friday evening. Tough movie about an abusive husband in Lebanon, the consequences, a new American friend, and a supportive family. Well done. Interestingly, the (Lebanese) filmmaker went to medical school, as did her sisters, before deciding that filmmaking was more her thing than medicine. Also, the main character’s name is the same as mine, don’t see that much.

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