LIFE OF PI


I have just finished reading Life of Pi, a 2001 award-winning novel by Yann Martel. Martel is a wonderful storyteller. His book is a fascinating tale and a great read.

The story is deeply thought-provoking. It causes the reader to evaluate his own role in the universe--a sensation similar to the one that I experienced the first time I read one of my all-time favorite works, The Open Boat, by Stephen Crane.

I was totally captivated by Life of Pi. I consider it to be a fine work of literature, something far more enriching than the typical piece of fiction. I heartily recommend it to you.

Before I forget to mention it, Martel provides an observation in his Author's Note at the beginning of the book that truly struck home with me. I quote it here: "If we, citizens, do not support our artists, then we sacrifice our imagination on the altar of crude reality and we end up believing in nothing and having worthless dreams."

Amen to that.

DREAMS OF RAY


It has been over five years now. Over five years since that fateful day when I learned that my oldest brother, Ray, had seemingly disappeared from the face of the earth. He disappeared without a trace on a chilly spring morning from his home in rural Virginia. He disappeared, leaving behind a baffled wife and two adoring stepchildren.

We have no idea what happened to Ray. We all have our theories. To be perfectly honest, I suspect and fear that he suffered the worst imaginable fate. I would like to think that he is sunning somewhere on a tropical beach --but I seriously doubt it. Ray is--or dare I say was--a truly great guy, and a wonderful brother, but he had his enemies.

Ray's mysterious disappearance, with no word or explanation, has been a tragedy for the entire family. It is really unfathomable. The tragedy has hit our dad the hardest of all. Having now turned 75, Dad is absolutely bereft, imploring the stars to know what fate has befallen his namesake, his eldest child.

Last night I dreamed of Ray, as I often do. In my dream, Ray appeared out of the blue back here in New Albany. I ran into him in a local bar where we used to meet when he lived here. After chastising him for disappearing, I invited him back to my house and welcomed him warmly. I wept tears of joy at seeing him again, and knowing that he was alive. He didn't really tell me what had happened to him, but that was okay. It was a strange and crazy dream.

I only hope, with all of my being, that my dream comes true some day. And I hope that our dad is with us to celebrate the happy reunion.

WHAT FOOLS THESE MORTALS BE!


The Providence Players (at Providence High School) are currently performing A Midsummer Night's Dream, by William Shakespeare. I personally believe that this is one of the most hilarious plays ever written. The show is excellently produced and performed, and I would highly recommend it to you for a good evening of entertainment.

The cast consists largely of seniors, although there are some juniors in the production as well. My son, Collin, plays the role of Bottom--a verbose and overbearing actor who is transformed into an ass. (No type casting there!)

The play began last weekend, and will be perfomed again this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. All performances begin at 7:00.