Parma Return
Yet another pictorial report
In 2017 I had the great honor of being awarded an honorary Doctorate in Classical and Modern Philology and Literature at the University of Parma. It was a happy occasion and I felt true affection for Loris Borghi who presented it to me. Now I have returned to Parma to perform in a festival honoring Guiseppi Verdi and St. Francis. Both men were servants to the people, leaving behind heartening legacies. Sadly I will not be greeted by Loris, for he took his own life in 2018. But his gentle, radiant spirit continues to permeate the atmosphere of the great University.
I’m quite tired. We flew in from Paris and I walked for a few kilometers exploring the town. I have included a few pictures, and will offer part 2 tomorrow. I hope everyone is doing well. I just keep moving, it seems the best remedy, until I stop to go to sleep….
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. St. Francis of Assisi
Lovely photos! Speaking of Saint Francis, I just walked by the Christopher Street church and today is the blessing of the animals. Saint Francis day. I said a little prayer for your Cairo. Safe travels, Patti. 🩵
This is so beautiful, Patti. I have a nurse coming so can’t say more now, but I couldn’t not say I am moved by this for more reasons than I can keep track of and more deeply than I can say. I’m rushing to say a few things:
The photo of Wagner and the young Parsifal outside your door is an amazing self portrait. The sight of you in the Wagner photo is glorious. Right next to him!
The first photo is amazing for a million reasons. Geometrically, and I say that not because I understand geometry in any schooled way but because it’s just there, all the geometry. It’s such an amazing shot. On the right, it looks like a painting, like a fresco. Is it? The view outside your window is lighter in tone but similar in architecture m to what I’m imagining is a fresco.
I’m so sorry for whatever suffering Loris Borghi endured that caused him to end his life -- and sorry for you on the loss of someone for whom you had affection.
I adore St. Francis. I’ll come back with an anecdote about his mother Monica after my IV.
Oh, last thing: thank you for those wishes for all of us. I think I speak for everyone in wishing you the same. I was thinking about the things you wished in the context of a sobering conversation I had with my doctor this morning and what I want to say and with all my heart hope and believe I mean is that I feel joy all the time, am contented and truly grateful merely for being alive, am nearly always inspired, and act in whatever way I can to be useful. I can’t say I have health by any normal measure and there isn’t a great chance I ever will. But I still feel the things you wished for us. Why do I say this? I think because there is some shame in not being able to say yes to all those things.
Thank you for this message, Patti. Warm wishes to all,
Robin