Tonight I will be attending a weekly gathering at my church that is a support group of sorts for spiritual and emotional struggles. A member of my family has been participating in and benefiting from this ministry for a long time. Even after realizing that I am nursing some deep struggles that I am confused about, I was in denial that I should visit and be open to possibilities and healing.
But tonight I take that step, even though I am embarrassed and nervous and unsure. It's even slightly embarrassing to be blogging about this, but I need more accountability in my life (another reason I decided to go).
Has anyone reading this ever done something you were nervous or embarrassed to do, and then experienced positive things from it?
June 25, 2012
June 16, 2012
Revisiting Inspiration
Earlier this week I participated in a unique way in a forthcoming change within our theatre department. A full time faculty member is leaving us and the final stage of selecting a new individual for the position is currently proceeding. The selection committee invited students who have been active members of the program to come be members of a mock acting class, which would be taught by the candidates while the committee observed.
I found it really interesting to participate in each teaching style and have the opportunity to give written feedback afterwards. The candidates refreshed my memory with familiar acting exercises, and a few stretched my abilities with new approaches. It was exciting and comforting to be in the classroom again with the roots of what led me to love creating on stage. My favourite theatre teacher calls the acting classroom a "petri dish". It was interesting to have that experience from new viewpoints.
I was reminded of the best part of being around other actors; it means being around people who say "yes". They are bold. They find it normal to do ridiculous things and not be self conscious about it. I've learned that technicians do that as well in our own ways. Theatre is full of boldness, and I think the challenge of that is what keeps me hooked.
I found it really interesting to participate in each teaching style and have the opportunity to give written feedback afterwards. The candidates refreshed my memory with familiar acting exercises, and a few stretched my abilities with new approaches. It was exciting and comforting to be in the classroom again with the roots of what led me to love creating on stage. My favourite theatre teacher calls the acting classroom a "petri dish". It was interesting to have that experience from new viewpoints.
I was reminded of the best part of being around other actors; it means being around people who say "yes". They are bold. They find it normal to do ridiculous things and not be self conscious about it. I've learned that technicians do that as well in our own ways. Theatre is full of boldness, and I think the challenge of that is what keeps me hooked.
June 11, 2012
Transitions
My three jobs (events at CCBC, props for the Cockpit shows, and temping at Everyman) are keeping me busy and are a welcome distraction. This summer looks nothing like I pictured it. I have only myself to blame for that. I'm working to make the absolute best of each day I'm given, and patiently await for the future to make itself clear.
Just as a little follow-up, the peace I made with my final semester grades was awarded by making the Dean's List after all! Because I took so many credits, the second "B" was not factored into the evaluation.
I mentioned graduation in my last post. I think it was the second best day of my life thus far! The weather was gorgeous, the commencement well orchestrated, and I was surrounded by so many people who love me and who made my first college experience so successful. I was proud to have graduated with both Phi Theta Kappa and CCBC Honors, and to have made Magna Cum Laude! I intend to work just as hard to be that successful in pursuit of my bachelor's degree.
For now I'm focusing on some very tough life lessons. Patience, sacrifice, character, and love are all things that have been challenging me lately. I suppose one never truly graduates from those courses.
Just as a little follow-up, the peace I made with my final semester grades was awarded by making the Dean's List after all! Because I took so many credits, the second "B" was not factored into the evaluation.
I mentioned graduation in my last post. I think it was the second best day of my life thus far! The weather was gorgeous, the commencement well orchestrated, and I was surrounded by so many people who love me and who made my first college experience so successful. I was proud to have graduated with both Phi Theta Kappa and CCBC Honors, and to have made Magna Cum Laude! I intend to work just as hard to be that successful in pursuit of my bachelor's degree.
For now I'm focusing on some very tough life lessons. Patience, sacrifice, character, and love are all things that have been challenging me lately. I suppose one never truly graduates from those courses.
June 6, 2012
New Things
I just realized I can blog with my new toy/grad gift - iPod touch! It replaces my beloved iPod I lost a few months back, plus giving me the capability to do much more away from the computer.
Commencement was last Sunday for the 2012 class of CCBC. It was personally an incredible day! Enjoy a couple pics.
(I'm nervous about the formatting of this post. Yay for trial and error!)
Commencement was last Sunday for the 2012 class of CCBC. It was personally an incredible day! Enjoy a couple pics.
(I'm nervous about the formatting of this post. Yay for trial and error!)
June 1, 2012
Nothing Days Suddenly Seem Worthwhile
The following scenario has been a highlight of my life for the past week, and will be so for another couple weeks:
I take the Light Rail to Penn Station and walk upstairs into the bright and big concourse. Sometimes I see a man in a suit getting his shoes shined in one of those really old-looking and fancy chairs. I walk outside where there is a line of waiting taxis in the bright sunshine. The man at the taxi kiosk now knows my face and we say hello as I pass.
I walk up busy N. Charles St and go to the Station North Arts Cafe. It's the friendliest, yummiest, coziest cafe I've ever been to. I like to come for the smiles and leave with an iced coffee.
I end my little commute at the Everyman Theatre. When I go in I'll spend a few (or many) hours assisting the box office staff. Everyone at Everyman is friendly and encouraging, and I'm hoping to make connections that will be in my life even after all the over hire work is complete.
When my shift is over the best part of the day arrives because Hubs-To-Be works a few blocks away! We meet up and leave downtown behind us (or stay around and have dinner, whichever we fancy :-)).
Photo sources: Penn Station Station North Everyman
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