15 Mar - Ananda Arts House
The night before I left Saskatoon for the eastern swing of my national tour, I dreamt that I was lost on the ferry. We were on an enormous boat, my lover and I, and when I left him, I couldn’t find my way back. I wandered through floors and staircases, took elevators and passageways, and could not find my way back. Finally, I managed to find a phone and call him in an effort to get some bearings. Unbeknownst to me, the ferry had docked and he had disembarked while I was wandering through the deep innards of the ferry. I was still on the ferry and it was heading back. I was lost. Utterly lost.
The dream couldn't contrast more the sanctuary that I encounter on the first night back on tour. The Ananda Arts House is an island that rises out of the deep prairie, southeast of Regina in Forget, Saskatchewan. All the way to Forget, I was nursing that familiar heartache that comes from leaving--my home, my lover. But when we pulled up to the old brick house which is Ananda, Don and Shannon came out on the front porch with a beautiful warm welcome that immediately healed my heart.
The welcoming committee!
The house is a picture of beauty and color, with a small stage, sound system, and lighting to accommodate the regular concert series that brings an eager crowd of music lovers and Ananda supporters. The rooms are painted with vibrant and soothing shades—the walls have sayings and prayers and inspirational messages inscribed on them, reminding visitors that this is a sanctuary and each gathering is meaningful.
In such an environment, the music simply flows and the show is amazing. Sam and I laugh and play in what is beginning to feel like an effortless dance. We collect donations and another sponsorship for a World Vision child—Leonarda now has a sponsor and an education!! We enjoy some philosophy and wine in the kitchen after the show, and have much to be grateful for by the time we hit those enormous thick beds, layered with quilts and pillows to protect against the chilly air as the house cools in the night.
The concert series has become so popular that Shannon and Don have begun the Forget Summer Arts Festival which I would highly recommend!
Sam pontificates, Don investigates in the book-filled kitchen after the show.
Heidi poses beside the World Vision display. That night at the concert, another child gets a sponsor and we collect some very generous donations!
The dream couldn't contrast more the sanctuary that I encounter on the first night back on tour. The Ananda Arts House is an island that rises out of the deep prairie, southeast of Regina in Forget, Saskatchewan. All the way to Forget, I was nursing that familiar heartache that comes from leaving--my home, my lover. But when we pulled up to the old brick house which is Ananda, Don and Shannon came out on the front porch with a beautiful warm welcome that immediately healed my heart.
The welcoming committee!
The house is a picture of beauty and color, with a small stage, sound system, and lighting to accommodate the regular concert series that brings an eager crowd of music lovers and Ananda supporters. The rooms are painted with vibrant and soothing shades—the walls have sayings and prayers and inspirational messages inscribed on them, reminding visitors that this is a sanctuary and each gathering is meaningful.
In such an environment, the music simply flows and the show is amazing. Sam and I laugh and play in what is beginning to feel like an effortless dance. We collect donations and another sponsorship for a World Vision child—Leonarda now has a sponsor and an education!! We enjoy some philosophy and wine in the kitchen after the show, and have much to be grateful for by the time we hit those enormous thick beds, layered with quilts and pillows to protect against the chilly air as the house cools in the night.
The concert series has become so popular that Shannon and Don have begun the Forget Summer Arts Festival which I would highly recommend!
Sam pontificates, Don investigates in the book-filled kitchen after the show.
Heidi poses beside the World Vision display. That night at the concert, another child gets a sponsor and we collect some very generous donations!
posted by Carrie Catherine at
2:43 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home