Not a dry eye

If you know me even a little then there's a good chance you've seen me cry. I've embraced my tendency toward tears and have found many worthy weeping opportunities of late.

For one, The International Festival at Ella Rae's school in all its idyllic glory, where 32 countries are represented in the student body.

Flag ceremony
Pretty in pink
Beloved teacher and best friends
Ballet Folklórico
Attentive brothers
More tears shed during The Grapes of Wrath at Zach Theatre. Janelle Buchanon, A+ classroom parent and "the heart of this production" set a new bar for strong female characters with her portrayal of Ma Joad. I've never read Steinbeck's novel but the majority of the dialogue was taken directly from the text. The language is folksy and full of force. Nothing like a dust bowl saga to put the current economic climate in perspective.

My hero Ma Joad and brood
Last but not least Wilco's live recording of California Stars took me for a teary-eyed ride. The lyrics written by American folk legend Woody Guthrie and music composed by Wilco and Billy Bragg wash over you like a warm wave. Just a few days after this goodness gush I heard news of the untimely death of Jay Bennett, musical genius and former member of Wilco. Our friend Don, who shared musical collaboration and a roof with Jay eloquently wrote about his life for the press and on his blog Greedy Love. Certainly I'm not the first or the last to feel deep emotion while listening to this song, or the many others that Jay Bennett helped coax out and set free during his time on earth.

Jay and Woody