My Town

Composed Upon Westminster Bridge
by William Wordsworth

Earth has not anything to show more fair:
Dull would he be of soul who could pass by
A sight so touching in its majesty:
This City now doth, like a garment, wear
The beauty of the morning; silent, bare,
Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie
Open unto the fields, and to the sky;
All bright and glittering in the smokeless air.
Never did sun more beautifully steep
In his first splendor, valley, rock, or hill;
Ne'er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep!
The river glideth at his own sweet will:
Dear God! the very houses seem asleep;
And all that mighty heart is lying still!

 

O Most Villainous Villain!

I just read Shakespeare's Othello for the first time.  Perhaps I never would have read it, but   the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis is performing it this summer at Forest Park and I wanted to be familiar with the storyline.  Wow.

I may have just been introduced to Shakespeare's most villainous villain!  Iago is a wicked man. When passed over for a promotion, he begins plotting the destruction of friend and foe alike...and if you know Shakespeare, you know how that's bound to turn out!

MacBeth's tragedy unfolds through a desperate grasp for power, Hamlet's through a driving desire for revenge, but the tragedy in Othello comes through the outworking of overwhelming jealousies: both Iago's, as well as false snares of jealousy which he lays out for others.

I was excited to learn that Bruce Longworth, who directed Hamlet a couple years ago, is filling that role again.  Though the cast is missing the talents of Jim Butz, I expect Mr. Longworth will do great things once again.  

Join me?  

The London Tea Room

I love St. Louis.  For many reasons.  Not the least of which are the abundant opportunities to listen to live musical performances free of charge.  No tickets, no entry fees, no cover charges.  It's astonishing really. 

Tonight offered another of those opportunities.

Thanks to my  sweet friend and fellow Christian, Mom, and Blogger, Annie, I became personally acquainted with the hammered dulcimer - played by none other than...you guessed it...Dulcimer Dude (Annie's special appellation for him).  I also discovered a comfortable little spot where I would love to drink away my days.  Drinking TEA, that is.

 

The London Tea Room occupies an old storefront on  Washington Avenue in downtown St. Louis.  It's not exactly what you might expect from a place with such a name.  You won't see a single doily.  Not even a hint of a floral print.  No lace.  No fine china.  And not a lick of pretense.  Just high ceilings, brightly colored walls, rustic wood floors, and an urban coffee shop atmosphere. 

You'll also find a selection of delectable-looking homemade pastries, a comprehensive and highly entertaining (yes, you heard me...ENTERTAINING) tea menu, and even a few coffee options for those who really must. 

Owner and manager, Jackie, is a transplanted Brit whose longing for the familiar tradition of afternoon tea, prompted her to set up shop.   Her emptiness has led to a fuller, more complete world for the rest of us, who never knew until now just what we were missing.  One taste of the Tanzanian or the Coconut Oolong and you'll wonder at our ancestors for hurling such unequivocal goodness into the harbor.

Visit the website...if the tea selection doesn't convince you, I guarantee their sense of humor will entice you to visit!  Patronize this gem of a shop as soon as you're able.  While you're there, why not wander next door into English Living - a haven of well-appointed home furnishings, owned by Jackie's folks.

If you need a guide to accompany you...I just might be available!