Good morning! As you know, I attended a memorial last night for Craig Noel, the man who shaped this theater for 70 years, first as an actor and director – then after WWII, as the Artistic Director. It was beautifully done, with tributes from many actors and directors who worked with Craig over the years. At the end of his career, he was awarded the National Medal of the Arts – the nation’s highest honor for artistic excellence – at the White House. I was proud to have known and worked with him, to have called him my friend. I worked as a vocal coach on many shows he directed and he never gave up trying to get me to act in one of them. He was passionate about theater, about education (he founded the MFA program that brought me out to San Diego in 1993), about actors and how theater could enrich the community. He had a wonderful laugh and a wicked sense of humor. He was a mentor to so many – he was my husband’s mentor. Craig was the kind of man who enriched and touched the life of everyone around him.
So many people were there from years past; it was amazing. I saw many, many old friends and students. It was that rare event that became a reunion. I was very conscious that an era had ended and that I would never be with all these wonderful artists again. So today I am reflecting on a life well lived and on all the people who are better for having known Craig Noel.
I have to switch direction a bit here to share a package that arrived in my mail slot yesterday. I waited until I arrived back at the apartment to open it.
International Air Mail! It was from my friend Norma who lives in Australia. What is inside?
My very own cuddly Koala – and baby! Norma wrote me after reading my post about Darcy and said she was sending me a cuddly Koala. Isn’t Mrs. Koala adorable?
A close-up of the little baby. Remember that list of possible names? I have to go back to it and pick out names for these two.
Norma told me that there is a place in Sydney where you can visit Koalas who have been raised to be around humans. You can cuddle them. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
Thank you, Norma for this wonderful gift. I am very touched by your thoughtful gesture. As I mention frequently, the generosity of bloggers continues to amaze me.
Have a wonderful day.
What a sweet surprise awaiting you, sweetpea. Yes, the generosity of bloggers continues to amaze me…
xoxo,
Connie
He us sooo stinkin’ cute! You are one lucky girl to have something fuzzy to hold every night now… LOL
Di
What a wonderful and thoughtful surprise, my friend. Can’t wait to see what you name them.
Blessings,
Donna
sounds like a wonderful tribute to your friend!!!!
Awww, I’m glad to see you received a tender touch yesterday.
I think Sydney for the Mom and Jasmine for the baby. I know you aren’t asking but I am offering anyway. Love you, Mere
Your koala is so adorable! What a lovely thing to do!
Craig Noel sounds like he was an amazing person.
Manuela
Your koalas are too adorable.
Thank you for sharing this tribute to your friend. Do you think he must have been smiling at all his friends together?
I love seeing old friends! So happy that you had this opportunity.
What a wonderful gift!
What a wonderful gift you received, Claudia!!! I love Koalas!
It sounds like Craig lead a fulfilled life, Claudia, and what a grand tribute to him your post is!
I haven’t forgotten about my visit to SD but with Sophie now I don’t if I could get away. When are you leaving SD?
Sounds like Craig’s memorial was wonderful. It’s such an amazing experience to reunite with people you’ve known over the years. It’s sort of a validation of life experiences, in some way. I hope that makes sense somehow.
Your koalas are adorable– how thoughtful of Norma!
Hugs,
Jill
How Sweet!
Hello Claudia,
It is truly a blessing to have known someone like your friend, who inspired others and left a lasting impression.
Your thoughts about him and his life was written so well. I’m sure he would be honored to know that you loved him so.
Also, how wonderful to receive a nice gift from a blogging friend.
I am always amazed at the kindness and thoughtfulness of our blogging buddies.
hugs
Sissie
What a blessing to have known Craig. And what a blessing to get your package in the mail today from down under…perfect timing!
By the way, I love your little lamb with wings! Priceless ;)
awwww! that is so so sweet! i feel the same way and am always amazed at the generosity that just flows here in blogland.
your tribute to craig sounds like it was really touching. see – a plus about being in san diego. :)
sorry i still haven’t called. attempting phone calls in a house with 2 boys can be tricky. i will try soon though!
xo
elyse
How sweet is this?! and now you don’t have to struggle too long to name them…..you have a list to refer to. I shall await the naming.
xox Rella
what a sweet gift from Norma-just too cute! I think the greatest thing is the legacy of friendships that your friend has left- that the memorial turned also into a reunion of friends is beautiful.
What a wonderful tribute to a man who contributed so much to the arts!
Your kola and baby are adorable and will no doubt help keep you company during your stay in San Diego.
Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
YOU ARE A VERY LUCKY LADY TO HAVE SUCH A MAN (CRAIG NOEL) IN YOUR LIFE. SOUNDS LIKE A VERY NICE TRIBUTE. YOUR KOALA BEAR IS ADORABLE.
THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME STOPPING BY MY BLOG. RIZZI
Claudia, I am so glad that you had that time to visit with old friends in the celebration of Craig’s life. He must have been a very special person to have impacted your life and your husband’s the way he did. But he was blessed to have people like you in his life, too, Claudia. He needed jewels like you to shepherd because he apparently was about achieving the best! And it’s always difficult to start a new chapter when the old one was so well loved.
Speaking of which, I love your cute present. That was so thoughtful of your friend. I used to have a Koala that an old boyfriend gave me, and I just loved it. Yours are SO cute.
I have really been thinking about you and Craig’s death because on Sunday, one of my best friends died very unexpectedly. It had been touch and go for a week, but we thought she would be going home that day from the hospital. I spent all day yesterday writing her obituary. The day before I blogged because I wanted to concentrate on pleasant things, and I’m doing the same today, though my heart is really finding it difficult to do. In my head I can hear her saying, go out and live. So I’m trying for her sake and my own to do just that.
XO,
Sheila
Craig sounds like he impacted many throughout his life. He will always be there in memory and in love that he left in all he did for others.
Your stuffed Koala is precious! How wonderful that she came from the land down under. LOVE IT!
hugs,
becky