A Perfect Spring Day, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

A spring day doesn't get more perfect than this: clear skies, warm temps, and a light breeze.

All my beach walks start on this bluff since I don't live nearby and must walk about 10 minutes from my home inland. And I like that just fine. It builds anticipation as I approach what is one of my favorite spots in the world.



The upper arm and tip of Cape Cod is about twenty miles distant across the bay. On a clear day, some of the tall structures - memorials and lighthouses - in Provincetown can be seen from here.



This bench was lucky it didn't fall over the edge with the widespread erosion that occurred this past winter.



Time to head down onto the sand.



Few people are out on this weekday and only a couple more weeks remain for the bulldozers - they have to be off the beach by mid-June.



Months after the fact, I am still in awe of the winter storm destruction to many stairways. This was not a curved section of stairway before the storms.

A Walk in the Neighborhood, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

The colors of spring are everywhere this time of year in New England.



And the greenery grows more dense with each passing day.



The bluff that fronts Stage Point shows signs of both erosion and stability depending upon which section. 

The world can be a beautiful place if I get outside, open my eyes and ears, and pay less attention to the news.

Wood, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Here are two things to do with wood - cut it up roughly and burn it in a fire or, cut it up finely, build a boat, and sail the seas.



And wood is something we have plenty of in New England. I read on  Google (which may or may not be accurate) that New England has about 80% forested land and real England has about 10%. But they have a much cooler accent than we do.

Beach Thoughts, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

It is fascinating how nature reacts to the aftermath of brutal winter storms that damaged much of the coastline - it doesn't. It's as if nothing had happened out of the ordinary.



The tides come and the tides go, oblivious to human made structures or expectations.



This stairway fared pretty well over the winter except for some minor erosion at the support pillars - compared to..........



.....this stairway which was completely destroyed as was much of this section of hillside.



Humans can make nice things but, those things don't always survive very long in the face of nature's awesome power.

Bumblebee, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Generally, people don't like odd plants growing in the middle of their green grass lawns but,.........



....this bumblebee is grateful.



Ah....... springtime in New England!

Persephone's Daughters, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Persephone's Daughters held their Spring Concert at the First Parish Church in downtown Plymouth recently. They perform two major concerts each year. Charitable proceeds go to organizations that foster healing, world peace, and social justice.



It is always wonderful to hear a group of voices raised in song in the acoustic delight of a church. The group is directed by Lynne Wilkinson. ​

"Since 2000, Persephone's Daughters has been performing heartfelt song while building a strong community of women and supporting social justice causes. Our music is taught in the oral tradition, making it accessible to those who consider themselves singers as well as non-singers. We welcome new voices at the beginning of each season." (Source: www.persephonesdaughters.org )



And our friend the richly talented accompanist, Susan Hadfield, added the beauty of piano to the ensemble of voices.

In the cacophony of modern life and technological overwhelm, there is great joy to be found in the simple beauty of voice and song.

Spring at the Pond, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Today, the pond looks like this - spring is busting out all over.



Late April - spring had barely begun.



Early March, it looked like this - at least the ice was gone.



Late January.

Sometimes I miss the warmth and consistency of the weather I experienced living in southern California for twenty years but, if truth be told, I don't think I would give up the majesty and variety of the seasons in New England.

"Beauty and the Beast Jr.," Priscilla Beach Theatre, Priscilla Beach, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Priscilla Beach Theatre (PBT) held its Spring Children's Workshop with a production of  Disney's "Beauty and the Beast Jr."  This is the musical classic with singing villagers, enchanted castle staff and the retelling of the tale as old as time. (Source: PBT)

It may be true there is no show without the performers but, the following people at PBT make it all happen:

Bob and Sandy Malone - Owners, Guardians, and Producers

Joshua Patino - Production Manager

For this production:

John Duff - Director
Katie Duff - Musical Director
Tricia McGraff - Stage Manger
Chris Hendrik - Sound Engineer
Olivia LoVerde - Lighting Designer
Richard Danehy - Scenic Painter
Sandy Malone - Costumes
Joshua Patino - Set and Prop Designer

Under the first class tutelage and management of Bob and Sandy Malone and their talented staff/crew, it is a wonderful treat for me to watch these young folks learn and demonstrate theatre skills and other valuable life skills that theatrical training instills.

These images were captured during the final full dress rehearsal and are among the many special moments in the performance that caught my eye and are presented in order of occurrence in the show:











































































































And for the rest of this performance season.................

Children's Workshops:

"Honk Jr" in June
"Kamp Kaos" in July
"Twinderella" in July"
"The Snow White Variety Show" in August
"Annie Jr" in August

Barn Stage Main Productions:

"The Last Five Years" in May,
"The Drowsy Chaperone" in June,
"Guys and Dolls" in July,
"Bye, Bye, Birdie" in August,
"Damn Yankees" in September, 
"Dames at Sea" in October.

Links to Blog Posts of Past Season Barn Stage Main Productions:

2017 Performance Season at this link.

2016 Performance Season at this link.

2015 Performance Season at this link.

2014/2015 Barn Stage Complete Restoration at this link.

Contact Priscilla Beach Theatre by phone at 508-224-4888 or online for tickets!  You'll be glad you did. It is extraordinary that we have such a wonderful and magical venue right here in Manomet - your support and attendance are important.