Pilgrimage to Nellysford

tt327 · Post by **tt327** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 1:27 pm

Hi folks:

Got a date with the man on January 2. Any advice? I figure I'll end up with a blackwood, 4-key, but beyond that I'm still thinking.

Happy New Year!

Tim

JessieK · Post by **JessieK** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 2:15 pm

Have fun! I had a great time when I visited. Make sure to play his keyed boxwood beauty.

sturob · Post by **sturob** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 3:02 pm

Was that the boxwood one with mammoth ivory rings, Jessie, or another?

Also . . . has anyone asked him, out of curiosity, at what stage of development are his C#/C keys? I feel like I've heard him rumble that he was going to start doing them at some point.

Stuart

JessieK · Post by **JessieK** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 4:39 pm

That's the one, Stuart.

Ro3b · Post by **Ro3b** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 9:30 am

On 2002-12-30 14:27, tt327 wrote:
Hi folks:

Got a date with the man on January 2. Any advice?

Bring a white cloth, a flower, and a piece of fruit as offerings. One of the eunuchs will take these when you arrive at the Shop and convey them into the inner sanctum for Patrick's approval. If He accepts your offerings, you will be ritually bathed and purged by the vestal virgins, and given a white robe to wear. The Grand Vizier (recognizable by his distinctive headdress, which is in the shape of a Rudall Rose Patent endcap) will escort you to the doors of the audience chamber. Bow as you enter the room, and approach the Workbench. DO NOT MAKE EYE CONTACT. When you come within ten feet of the Presence, bow again, wait for the eunuch to place your forehead pillow on the floor, and prostrate yourself. Wait for Patrick to address you before you speak. Keep your audience brief. It's probably best not to use too many honorifics. (By the way, I have it on good authority that Patrick no longer wishes to be called "Delight and Terror of the Universe." The preferred phrase is now "Navel of the Universe.") When you rise to go, Patrick may give you his ring to kiss; don't linger too long over this. Bow, walk backwards to the door, and bow once more before going out.

One more thing. The vendors that line the streets of Massie's Mill selling Patrick Olwell t-shirts, bath mats, mouse pads, snow domes, tea cozies, bobbleheads, and vials of sacred blackwood sawdust are not officially sanctioned by the Shop. Caveat emptor.

sturob · Post by **sturob** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 10:11 am

I must admit that while I find Ro3b's account of an Audience quite compelling, I find his blatant disregard for the sacred traditions surrounding writing the Name of the Navel of the Universe.

If one must name him (he prefers italics to capitalization) one must not put the vowels in his name. It therefore becomes PTRCK. This gives rise to other appellations you may find both in scripture and in the vernacular preachings so common in the 21st century.

PoToRoCK: This is the malevolent aspect of the Navel, which concerns itself with the destruction of 19th-century knockoff German mass-produced flutes.

PaTeR--: The nurturing aspect of His Umbilicality. Known for resurrecting 19th-century English-made flutes, and for encouraging young players in their endeavors.

PeTReeK: The generative (or inchoative, if you prefer) aspect of the Navel. Out of chaos, according to the Writings, brings forth Flutes of Great Power.

PaTRiCK: The essence of the above three incarnations, clothed in flesh. Born in a stable in Miltown Malbay after his mother had won a fleadh after riding from Virginia on a donkey. Birth heralded by the ascendance of the Star of Munster. Three wise men, known colloquially as Rudall, Rose, and Pratten brought him gifts of cocus, blackwood, and box.

Now please, let's treat this subject with the respect and reverence it deserves, OK?

Stuart

tt327 · Post by **tt327** » Fri Jan 03, 2003 10:05 am

Hi folks:

Made it back safely, despite the freezing rain that brought traffic to a standstill around NYC last night.

I played several of Patrick's blackwood flutes, his B-flat (not as hard to play as I'd thought, but I'm blessed with very long fingers) and his keyed boxwood. That flute was the most beautiful sounding flute I have ever played, and probably the most beautiful I have ever heard. You were right, Jessie!

Patrick was also very generous with his time and very informtative. Even helped me out with my embochure a bit.

Bad news, of course, is that the waiting period is now 5-6 years for a keyed flute (I'm opting for blackwood, 6 keys, though there is plenty of time to change my mind). Ugh. At least I have a decent flute to play until then. It may be hard to stop dreaming about that boxwood beauty, though....

Happy New Year!

Tim