IN RESIDENCE: Week 1 - Scotland
Personal rumination as part of my recalibration and healing from trauma
This post is very personal in nature. In scope of my initial intent of this substack, I’m working on my writing and personal expression. This reveals some of my personal emotions and journey, which balances the arts and adventure as my individual path for healing.
Before my world completely changed in the course of three months, starting July 2024, I was already planning a voyage to Europe in Summer 2025. The full itinerary came together within the last few weeks and has turned into a six-week residency around Europe - reconnecting with longtime friends and chosen family, as well as colleagues in the arts.
You need Irn-Bru for all this hiking
I was prepared to do a lot of walking around, but didn’t think I would be averaging 15,000+ steps daily! My body is adjusting and the adventures are worth it. Even Scotland’s cities are hilly.
Both the Scottish Parliament Building and the King’s Gallery Palace of Holyroodhouse mark the beginning of Holyrood Park, where one moves away from Edinburgh Old Town up to Arthur’s Seat - one of three volcanic eruptions that make up Arthur's Seat Volcano site - the others being Calton Hill and Castle Rock, upon which Edinburgh Castle lies.
The last time I was in Edinburgh was June 2022, just six months into Jeff and my relationship. Edinburgh was our last city on the trip and little did I know then that it would be our last European city.
Both of us really like the city and we had a grand time walking around, exploring, and eating amazing meals. We hike up Calton Hill then, so I wanted to embark on a new journey, as I start with my own recalibration of healing and walking a new path.
Jeff was devastated by the loss of his sister in August 2023. Part of his grieving process was to visit churches in our travels and lighting candles for her and his family who have crossed over. He was very solitary in these times and found moments to do this on his own. Part of supporting in a relationship is giving space.
Now, almost three years after we concluded our European journey I lit a candle at St. Giles’ Cathedral on the Royal Mile in his memory and honor our time.
Art is inherently political
Now onto funner things!!! I was fortunate to attend the premiere performances of a double-bill of one-act operas produced by Scottish Opera at the Theatre Royal Glasgow - the Gilbert & Sullivan gem Trial by Jury (1875) which marked their first big success, skewering the legal system in the United Kingdom; and a world premiere of A Matter of Misconduct! skewering… well… the legal and political system in the UK. The human condition deals with same issues all the time. And this is what makes opera relevant.
I’ve always been a fan of G&S and I couldn’t resist the experience of a production on this land. I will say that it’s a new production set in a 1980’s TV Studio - a la Judge Judy - and the camp factor was high! The world premiere was set in current day with the same cast. The execution was delightful and strong all around. New music with phrasing and lines?!? I do hope this continues to be the fashion. Further, It’s quite refreshing to read a welcome letter that manages the same sentiment - especially during 2025:
“The stage has never been neutral ground, and we strongly believe that opera can expose hypocrisies and injustices as much as it can be magnificent entertainment. For us, Trial by Jury and A Matter of Misconduct! exemplify the best of both modes.”
Alex Reedijk OBE FRC
General Director, Scottish Opera
lan Martin
General Manager, D’Oyly Carte Opera
Another hike was through the ancient capitol of Scotland, Stirling and an incredible highlight of my research and studies, Stirling Castle. The first record of Stirling Castle dates from around 1110, but I’m more interested in the operatic elements of its function as the Renaissance Palace, constructed between 1490 and 1600 for the Stewart dynasty and m’lady, Mary, Queen of Scots.
The only surviving legitimate child of James V of Scotland, Mary was six days old when her father died and she inherited the throne. The Earl of Lennox escorted Mary and her mother to Stirling Castle in July 1543 with 3,500 armed men, and Mary was crowned in the castle chapel on 9 September 1543.
The Donizetti operas known colloquially as the “Tudor Queens” Trilogy are three of the best demonstrations of bel canto writing and theatrical dramaturgy. Based on the 1800 play Maria Stuart by German playwright Friedrich Schiller, it uses a lot of dramatic license (read: a lot if made up!) as a fantasy of the political and personal rival of Mary and her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England. They never met in person, but I still gush over this scene and the performances.
The silver lining of loss - ‘for the love of…’
Jeff and I got matching bracelets on our trip in Glasgow. Almost 3 years later, I went over to the silversmith with his bracelet to commission her to fit it as a necklace for me. When I first saw Angela, as she thought I looked vaguely familiar, I cried. I got her up to speed what happened and she definitely remembered us both. Back in 2022, when we bought both bracelets, she lit up with pride that her work would serve as a nice connection for us.
She understood the request and went digging into her bins to find a suitable chain to incorporate. We reminisced about a few months later, the clasp on Jeff’s bracelet separated. He was beside himself in anxiety that I would be upset or we couldn’t repair it. I suggested getting in contact with her. He did and she replied immediately suggesting JG Wells epoxy. We went to Home Depot and I was able to fix it.
I look forward to what Angela has created, as well as her Glaswegian embrace, another good cry, and the token of Jeff and our story together.