Hamilton

Finally! I have long wanted to see the hit stage musical, Hamilton, and last Wednesday I finally did, tagging along in the company of the lovely Robin with my nephew Vince Montemurro as he treated his mother, my sister-in-law Mariruth, for her birthday.

It wasn't cheap but it sure was fun. The CIBC Theatre in Chicago is a stately place for Hamilton, Burr, Washington, Jefferson, and the Schuyler sisters to sing, rap, and dance their way through the momentous events of America's founding. I managed to refrain from singing along and only cried a few times. Being in the room where it happened was an experience I will long remember.

Festival of Lights with the Family at Cincinnati Zoo

Ohio Star Theater, Sugarcreek OH

The lovely Robin and I indulged in a performance at the recently-built Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek, Ohio, last Saturday.

The theater is beautiful and spacious, and the show--"Our Christmas Dinner"--was enthusiastically performed by a cast of eight. 

Though I was disappointed in the quality of the script and some of the acting, both of which were quite awkward at times, a few of the musical numbers in the show were extremely enjoyable. 

The Ohio Star Theater is located at 1387 Old State Route 39 in Sugarcreek, Ohio.

Holmes County Largest Book Signing, Berlin OH

Last Saturday, J. M. (Joan) Hochstetler Shoup and I met up again at the annual Holmes County Largest Book Signing at Gospel Bookstore in Berlin, OH. We were there to sign our two coauthored historical novels (based on our Hochstetler ancestors' experiences), Northkill and The Return.

The event was well attended, we met a lot of old and new friends (both "plain" and "English"), and had a great time. Oh, and we signed a goodly number of books too. 

Spiritual Formation Retreat, Chicago IL

Earlier this week, I had the joy and honor of speaking to an avid group of Salvation Army cadets (in training for ministry) at the College For Officers Training in Chicago, IL. The venue for the event was the historic Tilt Mansion (above), built in 1914 for shoe manufacturer Joseph E. Tilt, just a few blocks from Wrigley Field, which was built the same year.  

It was my first visit to this amazing structure, which has been a holy place to generations of Salvation Army officers and delegates to the Brengle Holiness Institute.

My room (above) was comfortable and commodious in every detail. 

Most importantly, I couldn't have asked for a better reception from the cadets (who had finished finals the day before) and staff. I felt perfectly at home and prayerfully hope that my participation was helpful and effective. 

Wrigley BBQ, Chicago IL

This last Wednesday evening, having arrived in Chicago for a speaking engagement to start the next morning, I was hosted by a new and dear friend for a meal at Wrigley BBQ. 

It was a delight. The half slab of ribs were perfect, as were the sides of green beens and mashed sweet potatoes. I love it when the ribs are so delectable that sauces aren't even needed.

Wrigley BBQ is located at 3555 N Broadway Street in Chicago.

Ohio Christian Writers Conference at First Baptist, Mason OH

I spent much of the last three days at the inaugural Ohio Christian Writers Conference at First Baptist Church in Mason, Ohio (Cincinnati area). When I drove up, I realized I have been to this church before. In fact, I've spoken at this church, long ago, for something related to Right From Wrong or Don't Check Your Brains at the Door. 

I keynoted on Thursday evening and Friday morning, taught a couple workshops, met with numerous writers, and reunited with many dear, dear friends. 

It was an exhausting and productive conference--and is now among my favorites, since it is a mere 33-minute drive from my home.