International Woman's Day 2013

International Woman's Day 2013

International Woman's Day: SEVEN years ago today I was invited as a keynote speaker for the European Parliament Women's Information Network. How exciting it was to stand before the only elected officials of the European Union in Brussels, Belgium, talking about the history of this day, then delivering a lecture on achieving Mutual Gains, one of my speciality topics.



Like so many, I wish for a time when we no longer need to have a special day commemorating women. That will be the era when we simply and naturally stand recognized as 100% partners in the leadership of this planet - fully acknowledged for our separate yet equal contributions to life on 'spaceship earth', as Buckminster Fuller called our globe.

Here's is a short video I prepared for last year's 100th anniversary of this landmark event. I hope you enjoy it. If you do, please share.

Lyra Baroque Orchestra with Artistic Director, Jacques Ogg

Greetings, I'm Susan Schaefer for iBROW-MN. Last night, February 9, 2013 I had the pleasure of attending a performance by St. Paul's own, Lyra Baroque Orchestra, led by artistic director and dear friend, the world renowned harpsichordist and recording artist, Jacques Ogg. Jacques and I met and grew a friendship in his hometown, Maastricht, the Netherlands where I lived for almost eight years, and where the fact that we shared two cities never lost its novelty.

This was the first time I had the pleasure to experience Lyra Baroque Orchestra, and what an outstanding performance this was. I'll let Jaques explain the program - just click here:

While Jacques is regarded as one of the most prominent and influential modern masters of harpsichord and fortepiano, his special guests this evening are also stars in the firmament of early classical music. Wilbert Hazelzet is considered the world's leading baroque flute player, performing world wide with Musica Antique Köln, Germany. And Brazilian recorder player, Cléa Galhano, is the Executive Music Director of St. Paul Conservatory of Music and an internationally renowned performer of early, contemporary, and Brazilian music. Along with the perfectly polished Lyra Baroque Orchestra, this classical threesome energized a enthusiastic audience.

Wilbert Hazelzet and Cléa Galhano perform a stunning duet

Jacques Ogg performs Brandenburg Concerto no.5 in D Major, BWV1050

Lyra Baroque Orchestra launched its first full season in the fall of 1985, with a continued mission to present the highest quality performances of seventeenth and eighteenth century music through the use of period instruments and historically informed performances presented to a wide and diverse audience.

Hoping to expose many to their music, Lyra cultivates the growth and participation of various musical and organizational partners, including guest players, vocalists, and more, 
while utilizing the highest caliber Baroque experts as guest soloists, directors, and section leaders to facilitate the musical growth of individual players, the ensemble, and the community.

As long-time board member, Kevin Geraghty, explains, Jacques joined Lyra as co-director along with David Douglass, violinist and founder of The King's Noyse in April 2000, following the retirement of Randy Bourne, Lyra's founding artistic director.

The well-earned ovation

Lyra Baroque Orchestra is located at 275 East Fourth Street, Suite 280, St. Paul, MN 55101, Tel. 651.321.2214.

James Sewell Ballet: Ballet Works Project 2/8/13

Approaching its 20th year as a Twin Cities Dance Phenomenon, James Sewell Ballet introduces an exciting "choreo-graphic" program, Ballet Works Project that brings together innovators and dancers to premier new work. The show opens on Friday, February 8, 2013, and runs on weekends through February 24, 2013. 

JSB was founded by James Sewell and Sally Rousse in New York City, locating to Minneapolis in 1993. Known for their innovative, challenging vision, they have developed a close-knit dance company that tests the physical and creative limits of the artists while evolving notions and parameters about ballet.

Co-founder, Sally Rousse, in Intervals

The first half of the program progresses from a delicious opening number, Salmon Marshmallow Bear Dancer, that is a reflection on co-founder Sally Rousse's notable career, moving to the enchanting and hysterical, The Lounge Twins Die and Go to Heaven, with a wallop of a piece by 16-year old, Erin Arntson, who is an emerging choreographic talent from the Reif Dance program in Grand Rapids, MN. Here, is Artistic Director, James Sewell, discussing his relationship with Grand Rapids high school program. 

In his debut as a choreographer, dance company member, Cory Goei, premiers a moving dance piece, The Meaning of Ilk, about love, loss and hope, in memory of his young neice who was killed in an accident. 

While Minnesotan cultural organizations often thrive on grants from the state's many arts councils and grant-making bodies, no organization could survive without a strong, participatory board of directors, Here is board member, Joanne Gordon, former dancer and dance instructor, explaining her involvement with JSB.

The ovation is hearty and well-earned!

The JSB is located at The Cowles Center, 528 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, Tel. 612.672.0480. Learn more about them by clicking the highlighted link above.

Changing with Intent seminar big success

Packed house for Minneapolis seminar

Attendance and attention were excellent for the Creating Clarity in a Chaotic World: Changing with Intent seminar hosted by DLR Group, Minneapolis in their soaring atrium. We had over 50 registrants and the question and answer period was vibrant. Please click here for a monograph of complete text. 

Time for change

Creating Clarity in a Chaotic World: Changing with Intent is a breakfast presentation introducing Intentional Transitions Institute. Hosted by DLR Group Minneapolis.

Coexist: A poem, a prayer on Yom Kippur 5773

On this holy of holiest days in the Jewish religion, Yom Kippur 5773, I pray for outstanding human development and evolution, a quantum leap, that puts an end to the madness of war raged in the name of religion. May we each be peacefully free to attend to the matters of our spirit in any way as long as it extends respect and peace to others.

Tradition has it that on this day, Jewish people gather together in the community of their loved ones for a day of fasting, remembrance, and atonement. At sunset we break the fast together in joy and anticipation of new, good year to come. Today I fast alone and instead, put together a community of you who are so dear to my heart. 

You are Jews, Christians, atheists, and others. You live around the globe, but most importantly, in my heart. If I could pluck religion from the equation you are the ones I'd prefer to spend today with, in reflection and conversation. A gathering with you each, with you all would make a fine party indeed. 

So, on this Yom Kippur I pray for our ultimate human enlightenment. For a time when the world is free of the tyranny of oppression. Where each individual is truly free to practice her/his beliefs in peace so long as they do no harm to others. This is how I've decided to spend my holy day. 

This morning, spent in quiet contemplation, I wrote a poem that explains how my soul that has been in mourning is now free as well. I should consider myself blessed to find another soul who wishes to walk along life's path with me in close harmony. 

May your autumn be filled with the fruits of the harvest! 
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A Yom Kippur Prayer

The contours of my heart need paving

A sealant of comfort and care

To line those fine cracks  

And crevices of your love lost

My soul wants mating

Not kinetic sparks but

A solid ray to twine with mine

Forming that better brighter beam

My mind seeks a partner

To match it wit for wit

Not in competition but collaboration

A happy equal who also

Cherishes the rise another provides

Let them blow the ram’s horn in heaven

Where you flew

Signal to the earthly ones

She is healed she is love she awaits

©Susan Schaefer

On Yom Kippur 5773/26 September 2012

Guns Kill: I'm ready for a revolution

I'm ready for a revolution

I want to change the Constitution

Who says guns don't kill

Are you ill?

Guns kill

I'm ready for a revolution

Let's change the Constitution!

©Susan Schaefer 2012

Our constitution was drafted in the 18th century when we were still fighting the British on our own soil. We had standing militias. The Constitution of the United States of American was crafted so that it could and should change with the times. The right to bear arms, the second amendment, now hurts the very citizens it was designed to protect. This is pure insanity. There is no middle ground. There is only one way to end the madness. This is my impassioned poem that says what's needed.

Trip to Italy: Crossing the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and France

On July 22nd, Bob Wilkinson and I set off to visit a friend, Bonnie Weinstein in her home high up in the Italian Tuscan hills just two hours outside of Rome. Our weather was perfect. Bob planned the journey so that our first evening landed us in the Black Forrest town of Frieburg im Breisgau where I'd spent three carefree weeks as a new graduate in 1971. We stayed at the charming Hotel Minerva.

Frieburg Cathedral

Cathedral Gargoyle

Susan and Bob atop the Furka Pass, Rhone Glacier, Swiss Alps second highest pass

At the top of the Furka Pass, Bob poses in front the hotel where he worked as a college student

We stop at a lovely lakeside cafe for an elegant cheese lunch in Cham, Switzerland on the Zug 

Me at the Rheinfall, Schaffhusen, Switzerland

Porcaracce, Tuscany, Italy

 Bonnie and Piet's Shed

 Under the grape arbor overlooking the stunning hills

 Kitchen Window

 Piet Bongaart and Bonnie Weinstein's Tuscan villa, Porcaracce, Italy

 Hill Side of house

 Front Door detail

 Guest bathroom where you can bathe or relieve yourself wtih an incredible view! 

 An inventive planter

View from the arbor terrace

Tamalone

After a day of sunbathing on a beach near Tamalone, we meet up with friends of Bonnie & Piet, Laura and Piet Severijnen who summer in Italy. L to R: Annelies, Bonnie, Piet S., Bob, Laura

After the terrace, we sit at the summer home of Piet and Laura and are serenaded!

Rome

The next day Bonnie asked if we'd transport her friend, Annelies to Rome for her return flight to Maastricht. It was a perfect occasion to slip in an unplanned visit to the Eternal City where neither Bob nor I had ever been. Though it may have been only one half day, we had a great one seeing highlights, enjoying the sun, and sampling the food.

 The ubiquitous Carabinieri 

 Trivoli Fountain

 Susan and Bonnie at the famous Caffe Greco

 La Luna over Roma

 Inside the Pantheon

 Susan and Bonnie, Piazza Novana

Susan at the Spanish Steps

Pitigliano

An afternoon in the fantastic ancient Etruscan walled city of Pitigl

iano 

 Bonnie takes a rest from the blazing noonday sun

 Pitigliano by day

 Pitigliano by night

 Typical side street

 The facade of the Synagogue

There is a rich Jewish history here

The Return

We bid arrivederci to Bonnie and head back towards Maastricht via the scenic coastal route, stopping the first night in a very posh modern seaside Hotel Mare where because we had no reservations we got the last superior room with a whirlpool!

All glass partitions and a lovely whirlpool at the Hotel Mare which my traveling muscles appreciated.

We crossed the St. Bernard pass this time and stopped at Lake Geneva for lunch.

St. Bernard Pass

Final Day: Troyes

Our last night we stopped in the lush wine country of Burgundy/Champagne France. While discussing where would be good to stop the final day for lunch, I mentioned to Bob the book I've been reading, Rashi's Daughters, which is set in medieval Troyes, France, a stop that was right on our way. We arrived at noon on a sleepy Monday and found ourselves almost alone in this most fascinating city. It will be a place I want to return to.

 Detail of Troyes Cathedral

 Detail of Troyes Cathedral

 Troyes Cathedral

Typical medieval building