5/9/09 Brunch with Em, Bev and Jeff's wedding/ ICO

I didn't write yesterday.  We came home late.  You know how that goes. 

It was a great day.  Em picked me up for Mother's day brunch.  We went to Zville and had brunch at our fav--Plum's Upstairs.  We sat at the last window seat that fate kept for us.  The others were taken.  I love to look down at the street below.  It's hard for me to climb stairs right now,  but I find it worth the climb.  Even if the food weren'nt yummy that day,  I'd still be glad that I climbed.

But it was yummy.  Em and I had the delicious tomato rice creamed soup.  I loved every bite.  Then French Pressed coffee.  The best.  We shared a spicey veggie burger on a freshly baked roll.   

Em dropped me off at home so I could get ready for Bev and Jeff's wedding.  What a bright day.  Because he studied with me for so long and was willing to allow change--I feel that Jeff is a brother--a true family member.  

Luke and I got to St Luke's a bit early.  We saw dark clouds and were concerned because an outdoor wedding had been talked about.  Luckily the wedding took place in the small chapel.  It was plain.  Not decorated for a wedding,  but it's a beautiful space.  There were about thirty people in the pews.  All family.  I saw Jeff's daughter,  Marie,  for the first time.  She's adorable.  She was with the new boyfriend that we were all praying into existence.  

Noel T was playing the violin with Piano.  When she got to Meditation,  I was getting ready to cry.  Soon,  Bev and Jeff walked down the center aisle with Pastor Millared and there kids coming behind.  Bev wore a darling suit --a dark dress to the knee with a warm tan jacket,  scalloped at the edge.  So adorable.  She looked lovely and filled with light.  Jeff looked handsom and peaceful.  

Paster read the quote from John about love--I kept thinking,  love has to be patient because we humans are difficult to ourselves and others.  Patience.  We have to be patient with our partners in life but also with ourselves.  Kind.  Love is kind.  Seeing the other person as someone with good intentions.  I might not always like what they do,  but they have good intentions.  Or they feel scared.  And they respond from deep fear.  Protecting themselves.  It's better to love someone who's scared.

After Jeff and Bev were officially married,  they came down the aisle to greet all their guests.  We got introduced to family that we'd heard about for so long.  We met Bev's daughter.  She's blond and slim.  Like Jeff's daughter,  she's very cute.  

Luke and I wanted to give the family privacy,  so we went to the restaurant early.  This was a second restaurant run by the Amalfi brothers.  I love Amalfis.  Jeff and Bev do as well.  I was pleased to see the same cosy,  romantic atmosphere.  An antique coffee maker in shades of copper was a design feature.  

It was good to relax over a cup of herb tea and enjoy the lovely decor.  Pink roses were in glass containers on each section of the family style table.  Just lovely.  Soon all the guests arrived.  We sat opposite Jeff's mom and dad.  It was amazing to meet and talk with people that I had heard so much about.  Luke sat near Jeff's brother,  John,  and they got on like two old friends.  They're interested in some of the same subjects and they had fun together. 

I enjoyed Jeff's mom and dad.  We all listened to "The Shadow, " and other radio shows.  So we could talk about that.  Stella Dallas.  Queen for a Day.  

The food was delicious.  My fav flavor was the spinach ravioli with tomato sauce.  But everything was good.  I'd eat there again.  The wedding cake was so good.  I wasn't going to eat dessert,  but I ate it and so did Luke.  It was cake with that amazing Italian cream that my Aunt Mimi used to make.  Heaven on a plate and frozen berries.  So good.  

Then we hurried off to the ICO concert.  We meet MKate in the parking lot and took off.  Luke tells us that the violinist rocks.  She is a silver medalist at the  2006 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis.  A great big deal.  Very.  Her name is Simone Lamsma.  She was beautiful to look at in an amazing dress.  She's slim and wore a gorgeous dress in an electric pattern.  She played Max Bruch's Scottish Fantasy.  I hear so much music.  I'm not easily blown away.  Simone played the piece with so much understanding and heart.  The folk element came through and took the audience on a journey.  I was inspired and lifted.  I just loved this violinist.  The Star critic loved her as well.  

The orchestra played well too.