Memory Lane Stories

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Patrick McMonagle tells several Gordon Tracie stories. 

1. Gordon's Visit to Gagnef 

2. Gordon's Humor

3. From Starving Student to Knighthood 

4. Extinct Dialect 

5. Green Plaid and Goodnight

Virginia was our 2nd contact from Skandia Folkdance.  Gina had apparently explained to her that I had signed up for the 2013 Vinterdans, was looking for a place to stay for the weekend and would have two children along.  Apparently, that was a trigger for Virgina. We connected by phone and I explained that I was bringing Soli, the fiddler & dancer, age 16 and also Soren, who was a young male type of 9 years.  She politely described the state of her home and that there were a few items which might be a bit fragile. We agreed that maybe next time after we got to know each other better.  Indeed, Virgina warmly greeted and welcomed us at Vinterdans and Springdans 2013.

So, a couple years later when the triplets were older Virginia invited us to spend overnights whenever we were attending various camps and festivals.  The kids quickly became used to pitching in to help Virginia with tasks that were becoming difficult for her.  Eamon especially loved to water her yard, trees, flowers, etc.

Meals became time to get to know each other.  Breakfast and evenings seemed the most relaxed when Virginia and Brede could take time and chat.  Brede's college and professional interests were subjects which they regularly discussed, and Virginia had an opportunity to express her encouragement over time.  We all got to know Virginia’s upbringing, her years as an early JAP (Jewish American Princess), her education, professional careers, Skandia Folkdance, Norsk Folkedans Stemne and UU involvement.  Then, for several days after our parting, there would be an expansive rush of texts and emails from Virginia which I was to deliver for each expressly targeted kid.

With each ensuing year of Springdans, I would also get an update on how well the boys were coming along with their dance technique. And, how it was becoming easier and easier to dance with them based upon height, ability, and ongoing consideration for her as the specific partner.

The 2017 Jr. Olympic Cross Country Regional Championships hosted by the Washington Association Woodland Park and Green Lake was our last big adventure with Virginia. Brede, Soren, and I spent most of a 3-day weekend. She was delighted when the kids arrived early and trained strongly Friday afternoon, then learned the Springleik fran Vågå from Lisa and Larry, then got a good night’s sleep, and both qualified for Nationals early the next morning. She was clearly very pleased and proud to contribute an important role in hosting them in a stable, restful, and nearby environment and atmosphere where they could achieve their best efforts.

Finally. Eamon has fond memories of dancing with Virginia the last couple years. It was clear to him that she was often not even able. But he liked just being there when she was ready and for as long as it went well. He said he could tell that though her momentary capability would sometimes struggle, her years of depth in the dance would then show up and more than made up for it and gave them both much joy.

We will all miss Virginia greatly. I see her beaming face and hear the multiple facets of her expressive voice as we speak.

Love from us all, Robert, Barbara, Brede, Eamon, and Soren