Musical Entertainment before the lecture.
We went back in time and met Twain in his golden years. He was retiring and living life to the fullest! He told us how turning seventy was a wonderful thing. He could do and say anything he wanted because he was older and wiser than others. He reminded us that we are never to old to have adventures. Then he proceeded to tell us about his adventures in his later years.
He told us about living with his daughter Clara and how she looked out for him. One could tell that he loved his daughter very much. However, he did let us know that he was not a child and would do as he pleased. Twain's white iconic suit story was wonderful! How I wish we had men of his wit and caliber today.
The stories he told and reminisced upon were like sitting on the porch and hearing my grandfather talk. Little tidbits here and there to spin the yarn. These bits of information wove together to give more insight into the man that is an icon of American literature.
I love this quote from Twain that sums up what I am trying to instill upon my children. "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than the things that you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover - Mark Twain"
Actor George Frein did an excellent job portraying Twain. The children and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to him. We were so engaged that we forgot he was acting the part! Thank you Chautauqua for the wonderful events!
