Yesterday we went to see “The Color Purple” at the Fox in Detroit. The Fox is a very elaborate theater, all gold and jewel toned walls and columns and ceilings. It absolutely glows. I think it’s strange that it has the most intense security to enter, complete with metal detectors and people searching all women’s purses, but it sells nachos and beer to patrons and allows all of that into the theater like a movie house. Most theaters don’t search purses, but don’t allow food and drink inside the auditorium. It seemed a shame to see crushed nachos, spilled beer and litter between the seats on our way out of this beautiful space after the show. I’d think people could wait three hours before needing a fast food fix, but you never know.

The show was great, which surprised me. It wasn’t on my list of shows I especially wanted to see. It’s the story of a black woman being used by men most of her life and I figured it would be depressing. But it wasn’t, not by a long shot, and in the end, of course, she realizes her worth. It was fun to see her along the way begin to see a different way to respond to men besides the down trodden way she had been raised to respond. Of course all the women in the audience were cheering her on. Quite enthusiastically. At one point she gets discouraged because she’s asked God to help her get out of all sorts of bad situations and she doesn’t think He ever listens to her. Her friend says that though “it does seem He’s taking His time getting around to you,” reminds her that everything around her is proof of God, even the purple flowers along the road.

The voices soared, the story was compelling and sobering and even joyful; I am grateful that I got to see it. If it’s ever in a town near you, it’s worth the price of the ticket!

Meanwhile this week I am supposed to hear about the job I interviewed for last Wednesday. I’ll be disappointed if I don’t receive an offer, but I’m trying not to get my hopes up. I know library work is what I need to be doing. I’ll find a place somewhere sometime.