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Our four daughters looked forward every year to family trips to Ashland for two or three plays under Ashland's magical stars. Two of the daughters attended SO because of those lovely trips. 

For more than 30 years, we took all house guests from out of state for a drive down the Oregon coast, with Ashland as the destination. A few nights in an Ashland motel allowed us to explore Tule Lake and other attractions nearby. We left Ashland loaded with souvenirs, clothing and even furniture.

The first time we ran into a modern-style Shakespearean production was about six or seven years ago. The actors looked like homeless people! They reclined onstage, jumping up now and then to plop down in another location. It truly looked like desperation thrift. Nothing in advance publicity warned of the change. We have not been back.

"Modern costuming" is available in every entertainment venue on a daily basis. Visuals are vital. The Wizard of Oz is special. Alice in Wonderland is special. Shakespeare is in a class of its own -- the most special of all, and visuals are vital. 

posted 2 years, 11 months ago
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My Prince and I had been married 48 years and had raised four lovely daughters. A few days before Valentine's Day in 2002, we had a comical discussion about the words "iterate" and "reiterate."  Early Valentine's Day morning, I stumbled into the kitchen, rubbing my eyes as I headed for the kitchen sink. My husband stood up to give me a morning hug and I laid my head on his chest and wished him Happy Valentine's Day. He gently held my head to him as he recited a poem that he had written for the occasion. A box in red wrapping contained a frame with hearts and ribbons in the borders and the poem inside. It was so perfect that I told him I never wanted another Valentine's gift, just a repeat recitation each year. These words have never been set to music, but they sing to my heart.

Tommye Jo Reese (the very happy Mrs. Richard M. Reese)

My Iteratiing Heart

Lay your head upon my chest and you will feel and hear

A heartbeat softly iterating how much I love you, Dear.

And all the beats that follow, follow, follow iterate the same,

Saying I love you, I love you, I love you, while whispering your name.

And when my heart in death is still, its echo will proclaim

My everlasting love for you, until we meet again.

posted 3 years, 3 months ago
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I HAVE NEVER HEARD HOW MUCH IT COSTS THE STATE TO RETURN THESE CHECKS TO THE TAXPAYERS. 

Small businesses and charitable groups consider those expenses carefully. Those checks are usually not big, individually, but collectively could some real good. I'M FOR A RAINY DAY FUND.

Please pass along my thanks the people we have elected to do the difficult work required to run our state government. 

T.J.

posted 3 years, 3 months ago
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Katy, your leadership training would be fairly vital to this type of discussion, because even these carefully selected topics could potentially break the bounds of civility. Preaching to the choir is a waste of time, so divergent philosophies would be desirable, but therein lies the danger to continuation of the group. Do you know of other groups who have been successful for more than one session?

posted 4 years, 10 months ago
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