Tot could trace his lineage back to Europe, particularly the Basque country that straddled Spain and France. But it was his reputed ancestor from southern Spain who struck his fancy the most. Miguel de Cervantes.
While we were in Santa Barbara this story was in the front of my mind a lot. One day we went walking around the Music Academy in Montecito...ambling. i walked into a pretty space in the garden, a memorial to someone...concrete benches , painted tiles--the usual restful stuff. I looked closer at the tiles. Handpainted. They told the story of Don Quixote. Serendipity my favorite thing. I was surrounded by charming tiles and it just made me think the universe is here, everywhere, people, animals, stories, music, all the things...
I love this, Lucinda! And I also love your fascination with Cervantes and Man of La Mancha. Our dearest friend, Roberto, at 6 foot 7, so erudite reminded us of the tale. And he, being an erudite man, was well aware of the similarities. No sidekick, however, in sight.
I so enjoy these. I hope you do collect them into a book to publish so others can enjoy in a different format. The episodes remind me of books by Fannie Flagg - the small towns (even my childhood one in upstate NY still similar to yours & hers from other parts), the community & the varied connections within them.
Terry, thank you so much. Your comment confirms my belief that human experience, humor, family ties, sensibilities...all cut across time, geography, culture, language. I'm so pleased to hear from you
What a great read! Your details bring the town, the characters, and the era to vivid life - with so much humor, and (in this one) pathos. So glad I subscribed - I look forward to each installment!
Joyce I am so pleased to hear that you enjoyed this story. Your praise is beyond my dreams. It pleases me to know you are enjoying something that fulfills me in so many different ways. Thank you
I am truly dazzled by your recall of those times - and how you’re able to weave autobiographical details in with your fiction. Hope there’s a book in the works!
Ah, the memories... "Man of La Mancha" is a touchstone in my life - first seeing Richard Kiley on Thanksgiving my junior year in high school, then the production that brought Alan to us for his first Commonweal experience, then directing it as the first musical in the new theater. And the family structure of the Ranch House brings back memories of George Faucett and the Big Elms, growing up in Hornell. Thanks for the triggers for all the memories.
Hal I remembered after I wrote the story that Alan had directed Man of LA Mancha at the Commonweal. June and I were home receiving nightly reports from Alan and I began singing to her, " I am I June Quixote, the dog of la Mancha I BARK AND I BARK AND I BARK...AND I BARK AND I BARK..." we've been connected for a long time, Hak even if from across the miles. I am so happy we are. Thank you for this comment.
Every episode touches me more deeply than the last. I guess it helps that I am a sucker for stories of lives well lived. The charming narratives honors both your upbringing and those you write about. The details ( like wood-grained plastic bowls and red textured plastic tumblers) put us right at a table in that restaurant. These stories makes us want to know these folks and wish we had been a part of this town. I expect the lovely wording and rhythm of the language is owed to, to the fact that you read each of these stories aloud. I’m enchanted.
Alan! You are precious to me. Thank you for this lovely comment. This project has been fulfilling to me for many reasons not the least of which is hearing wonderful things from wonderful friends ❤️
Thank you for opening the doors to the Ranch House. I can almost smell the cooking. Beautifully depicted characters. Can’t wait for your next piece.
Gorgeous, rich writing. I know these characters now.
Thank you, Nick. I'm so pleased to hear this from you.
Again you pulled me right in, Lucinda. And also managed to fit in Cervantes!! Well done. Loved this tale from Dixon.
While we were in Santa Barbara this story was in the front of my mind a lot. One day we went walking around the Music Academy in Montecito...ambling. i walked into a pretty space in the garden, a memorial to someone...concrete benches , painted tiles--the usual restful stuff. I looked closer at the tiles. Handpainted. They told the story of Don Quixote. Serendipity my favorite thing. I was surrounded by charming tiles and it just made me think the universe is here, everywhere, people, animals, stories, music, all the things...
I love this, Lucinda! And I also love your fascination with Cervantes and Man of La Mancha. Our dearest friend, Roberto, at 6 foot 7, so erudite reminded us of the tale. And he, being an erudite man, was well aware of the similarities. No sidekick, however, in sight.
I love the way you write. Just want more!!
You are a doll, Allen. Thank you so much
I so enjoy these. I hope you do collect them into a book to publish so others can enjoy in a different format. The episodes remind me of books by Fannie Flagg - the small towns (even my childhood one in upstate NY still similar to yours & hers from other parts), the community & the varied connections within them.
Terry, thank you so much. Your comment confirms my belief that human experience, humor, family ties, sensibilities...all cut across time, geography, culture, language. I'm so pleased to hear from you
What a great read! Your details bring the town, the characters, and the era to vivid life - with so much humor, and (in this one) pathos. So glad I subscribed - I look forward to each installment!
Joyce I am so pleased to hear that you enjoyed this story. Your praise is beyond my dreams. It pleases me to know you are enjoying something that fulfills me in so many different ways. Thank you
I am truly dazzled by your recall of those times - and how you’re able to weave autobiographical details in with your fiction. Hope there’s a book in the works!
Yeah there is. 😊
Ah, the memories... "Man of La Mancha" is a touchstone in my life - first seeing Richard Kiley on Thanksgiving my junior year in high school, then the production that brought Alan to us for his first Commonweal experience, then directing it as the first musical in the new theater. And the family structure of the Ranch House brings back memories of George Faucett and the Big Elms, growing up in Hornell. Thanks for the triggers for all the memories.
Hal I remembered after I wrote the story that Alan had directed Man of LA Mancha at the Commonweal. June and I were home receiving nightly reports from Alan and I began singing to her, " I am I June Quixote, the dog of la Mancha I BARK AND I BARK AND I BARK...AND I BARK AND I BARK..." we've been connected for a long time, Hak even if from across the miles. I am so happy we are. Thank you for this comment.
Every episode touches me more deeply than the last. I guess it helps that I am a sucker for stories of lives well lived. The charming narratives honors both your upbringing and those you write about. The details ( like wood-grained plastic bowls and red textured plastic tumblers) put us right at a table in that restaurant. These stories makes us want to know these folks and wish we had been a part of this town. I expect the lovely wording and rhythm of the language is owed to, to the fact that you read each of these stories aloud. I’m enchanted.
Alan! You are precious to me. Thank you for this lovely comment. This project has been fulfilling to me for many reasons not the least of which is hearing wonderful things from wonderful friends ❤️