A Short Interval

Last weekend I finally had the opportunity to see something other than the walls of my apartment and the faces of those I live with - and it’s been a fantastic and much-needed little break!

This pandemic has been a sizable drain on all of our emotions, energies, routines, bank accounts, and lives on the whole.

And of course it is far from over. Despite how well we’ve been doing here in New York, other states have set us back on a national front while the world begins its preparations for a second wave that will likely hit this winter. I do hope we catch up.

On a personal level, I have been running on fumes for quite some time, both generally and creatively. Which is why I’m going to be taking a short interval from my blog posts - just a few weeks - to recharge and gather some new thoughts for moving forward through summer and into the fall!

But before I go for my period of recharge, I’d like to leave you all with a couple thoughts:

A complete double rainbow over Honeoye Falls, NY (June 23, 2020)

1. It’s The People

Whether near or far, over Zoom or in person, for a short period of time or every day, it’s the people I know and love who have gotten me through the toughest parts of this pandemic.

Any and all creativity I’ve been a part of for the past three months would not have been possible if it weren’t for the support of my peers and colleagues and collaborators.

I am forever grateful to my friends, family, and creative family. I hope I never forget this time.

2. Humans Need Connection

When this began I never thought that people would be willing to give much to the arts, particularly during a time when so many were losing work.

But then it started to happen, and it kept happening. People were opening their pocketbooks for theaters, individual artists, and other institutions just to keep them alive. I had people reaching out to ask how they could be supportive of myself and the institutions I’ve worked for and love.

People came together in support of the arts, not just because they love them, but because of the fear of what would happen if they were gone. Where would we gather? Where would we tell our stories? Where would we share our common humanity?

The arts are in financial trouble right now to be sure, but I’ve been given faith that people will not let them die without a fight.

3. Black Lives Matter

We knew this. We know this. But we need it to sink in, across the board.

I’ve done a lot of learning and listening over the past month, and my eyes continue to be opened daily. Honestly, it’s some of the best and most fulfilling work, education, and art consumption I’ve encountered in my life. I hope you will all continue to join me in learning and joining the movement in every way you can.

See Ya Real Soon!

To be the best person, creative, ally, and educator that I can be, I know I need to take the time to recharge while I have the ability to do so. And with the uncertainty of this pandemic, now is that time.

But I won’t be away for long, and when I return I’ll be back with a vengeance!

So, as my mouse nickname-sake says, “See ya real soon!”

Stay well, everyone. Cheers!