I left my heart...

The Contra Costa Children's Chorus celebrated Iris Lamanna's retirement after 27 years as Founder and Artistic Director at a gala concert Sunday in Walnut Creek, California.  As part of the celebration they sang the premiere performance of AND EVER IS NOW, the commission to honor Iris' long tenure with the chorus.  In addition, the younger choristers performed the complete EARTHSONGS.  I had the opportunity to interact with the singers in a workshop setting on Saturday and be in the audience for the concert, a beautiful and moving performance.  Iris' total commitment to the singers, their love of singing, and the audience's gratitude and pride were continually evident throughout the evening. 

Other highlights of the weekend included the B.C.I.E.A. (Best Croissant I Ever Ate) and the perfect loaf of country sourdough bread at Tartine, numerous cappuccinos at Fourbarrel, my new favorite coffeehouse, "Asian Confusion" noodles at Chef Jon Lee's, warm olives and pizza at Delfina, Indian "street food" at VIK'S Chaat corner, cheese from the Cowgirl Creamery and orange/fennel sausage from Boccalone Salumeria ("tasty salted pig parts"!) at the Ferry Building (did we do anything but eat?), a walk on the Golden Gate Bridge, a quick Sunday morning trip to Sonoma and Napa, temperatures in the upper 50's and the gorgeous scenery of the San Francisco bay area.