leaving for columbus

Got together with Jodi for a practice last night (Allison couldn't make it because of a hectic schedule yesterday). We had dinner at the Pickle Barrel, and the waitress there asked where Allison was. :-)

Jodi and I are going to Marcon in Columbus, OH today. Sadly, Allison wasn't able to make this trip; we'll miss her. :-( We're going to be rooming with Andrea.

Going through our music last night looking for songs that Jodi and I could do without Allison was a challenge (because there weren't many) but also educational. When Allison, Jodi and I first began working together as Urban Tapestry, most of the songs we did worked just fine as one-person solos. Allison and Jodi each had songs that were almost entirely theirs, with me sometimes adding a bit of flute, and the other singer adding the occasional backup harmony.

Now our musical arrangements tend to be much more complex, and with all three of us being a much more integral part of many of the arrangements. The songs are difficult to arrange, but much more satisfying to perform.

Still, we've also realized that (like a healthy couple relationship), it's good for each of us to have independent interests so each of us isn't too dependent on the group. Allison and Jodi sometimes attend weekend filks that I can't, for example, and not all three of us can always attend conventions as a group. A. and J. still each have their own solo repertoire and when I'm on my own at a filk convention, I revert back to my old habits of improvising on my flute with other people.

But we have the most fun when all three of us are together. :-)

I'm mainly going to Marcon for the social aspect. I'm not involved in any programming; Zander Nyrond invited me to be part of his concert, but I told him (after thanking him, of course!) that I'd prefer to be in the audience enjoying the show. I'm after a very low-key, low-stress weekend. Jodi will be doing some singing in Zander's concert.

I might even go running with Andrea (who is a hardcore runner like Dave Weingart; don't know if she realizes exactly what a newbie I am at this sport!), depending on the weather and what scheduling's like. And face it, how late I'm up the previous night. :-)

The responses to my recent Weird Food survey were intriguing, so I've decided to ask some extra Important Food Questions on SurveyMonkey.com. Click here to take the survey. I'll post the results next week.

Many thanks to ScottM, who called last night to ask if I wanted the Harry Potter DVD! Apparently he was in a store that was releasing it extra-early. Jodi and I are going to watch it on my laptop during our flight to Columbus.

I'm hoping to post photos and reports from Marcon during the weekend, but it's possible I may not be able to catch up until I get back on Monday. If that's the case, I hope you all have a great weekend, and I'll talk to you next week!

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Today's Blatherpics:

	My dad recently came home from a two-week visit in Japan. This is a photo of a Grade 2 class he helped with in one of the schools.
	Dad stayed with our friend Ryo during his visit. When Jeff and I visited Ryo in Japan, I noticed that Ryo had a weakness for stray cats, and fed a cute orange one that came by his apartment window every day. Apparently the cat had kittens, and now they're loyal fans of Ryo as well. :-)