The Real and the Abstract

Last night Cirque Du Soleil was in Colorado Springs (about an hour from our home).  Matt really wanted to go, and so he bought our family tickets for his birthday.  He’s thoughtful that way.

Here is a brief recap of the night:

The car ride

So Maddie, did you tell your friends at church where we are going?

Um, not really.  I told them I was going to a show because I wasn’t sure how to pronounce the name of what we’re doing tonight.

Ok.  And you Izzy?

I told all my friends we were going to the circus.

Well, not really.  We are going to Cirque Du Soleil.  It’s French.  We are all going to have to pay close attention tonight so we can understand the story that’s being told.  Got it?

The arrival

So, when the signs on the entrance doors to World Arena read, “Doors will not open until 6:30,” it’s the truth.  Brrr is all I can say.

Hey Mom, that sign says shirt and shoes must be worn.

That’s right Izzy.  They don’t want anyone nude inside World Arena

Matt:  There’s nudity in Cirque?

Oh my.

I go first as we walk through security, and Izzy is behind me.

Boy, I sure hope they don’t search my purse and take my diary or my cell phone.  Mom, did you see the signs that said ‘absolutely no cell phones are to be used.’

Oh good grief Child.  Some things just don’t need to be broadcast.

This little conversation took place as our tickets were being scanned. The kind attendant smiled at me, and Izzy.  As they always do.

The Pre-Show Wait

Izzy made herself comfortable.  Let me back up.  Izzy made herself comfortable.  Have you seen the comfortable and spacious seating at any large venue?  Yep, neither have I.  She had a plate of pizza on her lap, a drink at her feet and a Justice catalog in the middle of her and her sister.  I’m sure she would have taken her shoes off had I allowed it.

At one point she quietly told me that she thinks she will prefer Justice training bras.

Yay for whispering!  But still perplexed about the bras.

Then a slightly older than middle age couple sat down in the cramped seats next to me.  I was visiting with Maddie when I saw her eyes grow larger than normal.  I turned to the couple next to me.   They were all over each other.  Gross.  It’s one thing to see young love, but this, um, not so much.

I heard them whispering.  It sounded like they were on a date.  Then he announced to her (in a not so quiet voice) that he has a very small bladder, so he may get up a few times during the show.

Heavens to Betsy.  Filter people!   Maddie and I snickered.  Let me say though, Izzy may have met her match when it comes to not filtering.

The Show

Amazing.  Spectacular.  Beautiful.  Captivating.

Why do good things have to come to an end?

As we stood and applauded the actors, dancers, acrobats and contortionists, I looked at my family.  Izzy was cheering and waving at the cast.  Maddie had a tear in her eye.  Later she told me that she was sad the show was over.  Matt had a grin from ear to ear.

I was happy too.  Not only about the show, but there’s something about watching the people I love enjoy a great moment.

Perhaps it was the little doses of realness sprinkled into an evening of abstract performances that made beautiful memories for this mom.