Both Involve Rhythm

It was great fun seeing Mark for a couple of hours.  After downing a kebab, we were off to rowing practice.  I think Mark was more excited for me to see him row than to hear him play, but I'm just sayin'...

Man, it was beautiful.  The boathouse is off of North Main Street, a place I had never even visited, or seen. It's an amazing secret in the middle of the town--just the boathouse, the river, and beauty.

I sat on a bench on the side of the river, trying not to look like a total stalker, or creeper as my kids would say.  It's obvious that Mark and the other 7 guys are newbies at rowing, but looking at the more advanced rowers, I have no doubt they will get it quickly.

I was amazed at the beauty of the surroundings.  Too, I couldn't help but think of how much rowing combines so many of Mark's loves:  rhythm, solitude, beauty and movement.

The rhythm of rowing is easy for Mark, no doubt because he's a musician.  He's always loved rhythm, constantly tapping his pencil, or tapping his foot.

As crazy and loud as Mark is, he needs moments of peace every day.  The rowers actually aren't allowed to speak at all--the coxswain is the only person who talks--so it works out perfectly for Mark.  The funny thing (and something that I didn't know) is that the coach rides along in a boat, telling the rowers what to do through a megaphone.  This can involve yelling, and an occasional curse word.  I thought this was a hilarious way of doing things, although I see now that it's the best way to do things.

See the coach with his megaphone (on the right)?

Man, it is so beautiful, sitting by that river.  The trees are just beginning to change color, but even green, it's idyllic.  The football players certainly don't get to see that beauty in the Big House!

I can remember when Mark would come home from first grade in Germany.  Without even stepping in the door, he would head out to his bike and ride laps around our very large driveway.  After a full day at Interlochen, again Mark would grab his bike and ride around campus for an hour, burning off energy perhaps?  Now, after a full day of music and classes, Mark says nothing feels better than getting in the boat and moving.  I was amazed when he told me that after practice the other day, he headed up to the IM building and ran three miles and rowed on the machine.  Why?  Because it just felt good.  I can see the grocery money we give him each month increasing by $10 increments even as I write.

After rowing practice, he headed back home, showered, we grabbed a quick bite at Panera, and we were off to his concert.  At Hill Auditorium!

Mark's head is to the right of the 2nd violin bow that is furthest to the right :-)

I know this isn't about me, but I'm going to make it about me for just a moment.  Mark's concert was a collection of tone poems for the most part (my favorite to hear, seeing as The Moldau is my favorite piece of music).  The first piece on the program?  The overture to Die Meistersinger by Richard Wagner.  25 years ago, I actually played that piece, on the same stage, although I was playing harp at the time.  What a trip to see my son making his stage debut at Hill Auditorium, playing one of two pieces I ever played there!

Mark with Hugh and Dory after the concert

 It was a wonderful program.  It seriously felt surreal to see Mark up there, realizing how far he has come in the last year.  I felt like taking a deep breath.  What a trip, for sure.