Day 1

I have arrived at Chautauqua. This place is a strange mix of things ... and people. Imagine this: Macinac Island meets the Music Man meets ... summer camp. There are tiny little ballerina girls here, lots of white-haired rich folk (the "Chautauquans"), opera students (some of whom are flamboyantly loud), music students (some of whom care a little too much about their clothes), theater students and us, the artists.

Not to much time to describe everything, so here's the quick rundown of the rest of the day: Dad and I drove up. Nervous. Nervous and excited. Also tired (stayed up till 3 packing). Registered. Moved in. Ate. Big Lots, shopping. Unpacked. Met Mara, my roommate from New Hampshire. We talked for awhile about art, showing each other the books we had brought. She: Jane Freilicher, Joan Mitchell, and some others. I: Rembrandt prints, Egon Schiele landscapes, some others. It was exciting to meet and share our stories.

Dad and I walked around. Caught some of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir: "Sunrise, Sunset" & "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." They wore weird pink robes, but the music was beautiful ... ethereal even. I closed my eyes and just listened for awhile. It was nice. Afterwards we ate. Good time with Dad. Came back. Met roommates next door: Anica and Justine. (So far, all painters.)

And that's a wrap.