validation and loose ends

Wow - the past 6 weeks have raced by. Here's the update:

I am truly grateful for my time in Reno - I learned a lot about myself as a person, a professional, and as an artist. By the time I left, I was genuinely sad to leave, both my friends in beautiful Northern Nevada, and also the show. I sincerely hope that folks will keep in touch, and drop by if they are ever in the area.

From Reno, I came back to Western MA to put together the lighting design for the Emerging Choreographer Series dance concert at Hampshire College. This is one of my favorite shows, and I got to work with some of my favorite members of the 5-College Dance Program, including Tristan Drummond, Sierra Boyea, Jean Baxter, and Billbob Brown. I hear the show went well, but didn't get to see it as I flew out to Minneapolis on opening night.

In Minneapolis, I had the gift of seeing "Hiroshima" at Pangea World Theater - this was a work-in-progress of an autobiographical one-man show by a fellow who grew up in Hiroshima, and now lives in the U.S.

The day after Hiroshima closed, I moved in (took over) the space to load in "Eleven Reflections on September", an amazing piece written, directed, and performed by Andrea Assaf. Andrea is a Lebanese-American and New Yorker, who was preparing to return to NYC on 9/11. It is eleven pieces of original poetry, multimedia, and live music. It was an amazing, powerful, performance. It was also a challenge technically. I had 16 lights with which to light the entire piece, with several areas that needed to be specially highlighted. For those who do not understand, the next "smallest" show I've done had about 60 lights. The good news is that I managed to make miracles out of practically nothing, and it was beautiful (so said the Artistic Director!). I have to say, I was very proud of the work I did. In addition to the lighting, I also had to figure out how to make a piece of scenery hang, move to the center of the stage, then fall to the floor on cue - and on a very minimal budget. If you are interested in how it worked, there is a short youtube video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB4QB5omDEA

It was amazing working with Pangea. They are a group dedicated to work that really matters. It was empowering and healing to be in an evironment where I felt valued and honored as a person and as an artist. I love working with Andrea, and look forward to seeing my new friends at Pangea again.

On the personal side of my Minneapolis experience, I stayed with a lovely couple and their two cats and 18-month old puppy. It was wonderful to be back with animals again, and to cuddle with a very loving puppy on a daily basis. I keep saying, if you don't think you matter - hang out with a dog... :)

We also had a very interesting turn of events - an hour after we closed out "Eleven Reflections", we got the news that Osama Bin Laden had been killed - VERY interesting timing...

Back in Mass, the past 2 weeks have been all about getting everything together and ready for the big move to Indiana. Additionally, I had the gift of seeing "Pilobolus" as UMass-Amherst (if you have a chance to see them, do yourself a huge favor and go - you will SO thank me!). I have been able to connect with a lot of folks while I've been here - some I haven't seen in over a year. It does make me wonder why it seems like it takes someone dying or moving to make us make time for each other? It has been so much fun, I want to make sure I do make plans with folks on a regular basis.

I also got to work one of my favorite events (I even stayed in the area a few extra days to be there) - the Nurses Pinning Ceremony commencement weekend. I always love this event, and working with Maureen and Liz is always such a joy.

I also saw my two beautiful cats - they have adjusted well and settled it, but it was nice to feel like they've missed me...

In some ways it still doesn't seem real that this is all happening. My plans keep changing, and it feels like a lesson in letting go and letting things be what they need to be.

I feel so much gratitude these days. For being given the opportunity to see so many dear friends the past couple weeks, including seeing my darling Leland perform for the first time in over 2 years. Seeing my friend, Robin, doing so well, and moving forward. For being able to stay with my good friend, Harper, and spend time reconnecting (and cooking!) with her. I am so fortunate to have so many amazing, wonderful, talented people in my life.

I feel like everything is wrapping up here. I am excited to begin this new chapter of my life. I am equal parts terrified, sad, and excited. Some folks have had a need to seemingly reassure me that I am doing the right thing - that is not in question for me. It is just interesting that some folks just can't be around someone who is in any state of discomfort, regardless of the reason.

If we aren't uncomfortable - at least a little - we aren't growing. We only grow when we are on the edge of our comfort zone - when we are complacent, we have no need to keep moving...

Next update from the road!!! :)