The Book of Mormon

Dear Imaginary Friends,

Last night in New York, my intrepid husband and I saw the funniest play ever: the Book of Mormon. It took me five months to get weekend tickets. But it was worth it.

Leave the kids at home, because the humor is strictly R rated. The script is by the wacky and hilarious guys who brought you "South Park." All of the singing, dancing and acting were fresh and very original, if demented!

The musical is a crazy irreverent look at Mormonism and their missionary work abroad while maintaining a squeaky clean, albeit highly judgmental lifestyle.

The standing ovation was well-deserved.

By the way, if you have ever considered becoming a missionary in Uganda, you might want to reconsider!

Head on over to Broadway, instead, to the Eugene O'Neill Theater. The experience is pretty amazing.

Yours,

Patsie

Mission Dolores

Dear Traveling Friends,

Do you know why a neighborhood in San Francisco is named The Mission? It is because a very old mission church, Mission Dolores, is located there. Above is the new cathedral built next door.

Painted ceiling inside the Mission Dolores.

This graveyard was featured in the Hitchcock movie Vertigo.

The nave of Mission Dolores.

The modern day basilica is on the right and the original mission is on the left.

An Indian tepee located in the mission's graveyard, as if to symbolize all the dead Indians who died of  diseases carried by the missionaries, such as smallpox and measles.

A Statue of St. Francis, for whom the Franciscan Order of monks are named.

Mission Dolores, facade.

I have tried to visit as many of the California missions as possible. They are so charming, and full of hand painted decor. As you walk through them, you can almost hear the whispers of a million prayers uttered over the centuries.

Your Imaginary Pilgrim,

Patsie