stretching my legs

The New Marley Door

2009-07-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

For A CHRISTMAS CAROL at VSC

Seting the Stage

2009-06-17T11:32:00.001-07:00

Paul Hawken: The Earth is Hiring

2009-06-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Here's the link to a very thoughtful speech on networking, the future, and the earth

Meet Brick

2009-06-02T07:33:00.001-07:00

The new English Setter puppy comes home next week! Here's from our final visit before bringing him home!.

What do we need to do as Artists to help change how the world thinks about art vs. science?

2009-05-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

American Theatre's Lack of Historical Sense

2009-05-24T09:02:00.001-07:00

I'm a little behind here, but a great article from the Guardian on American theatre and it's lack of ability to embrace its own history.

Road to the Future

2009-05-24T08:29:00.001-07:00

PBS has posted this GREAT documentary on the evolution of transit and the role of automobiles.

Words, Words, Words

2009-02-13T17:46:00.000-08:00

Call me a theatre geek, but I firmly believe that WORDS are the most immediate form of human communication. They don't require a pencil or a computer. They just happen... from our breath... immediately!

Theatre was obviously more relevant when everything was words, words, words. But we've moved from that. Moved on to pictures, and then to moving pictures, and now to DIGITAL moving pictures... they're easy to understand quickly, and in some ways they communicate more. And that's great...

But.. WORDS... they still have their place. We need them! To express who we are and what's going on with us! They resonate - literally!- within our bodies. They trip from our lips and slip from our tongues. They viscerally explain what we're feeling with vibration that soothes and stimulates...

All right, I'll stop. I could go on for a while about the necessity of the spoken word, but I'll save that for another post.

However, if the spoken word is important, it must rediscover its place in society. I believe one of way it can do that is by showing relevance to our communities.

(yeah, yeah, we sit in our ivory tours and we talk about the importance of arts and literacy - but we don't seem to PRACTICE it. In practice we -the public ed system- continue to teach to the test and look for an immediate return - the system doesn't make a long-term investment in a student's life-long growth in communication skills)

And the school system isn't going to be able to do it. They have their own issues. But WE, the ARTISTS, the ones who understand empathy, and emotional intelligence, and the sheer power of words... we must take up the mantle. We must share what we know. Preferably with those who would not otherwise have a chance to learn.

So... we're attempting to do that at my theatre company. Educational programs for under-served and at-risk students are the obvious approach, and we're doing that, sure.

BUT I love that we're moving beyond that and creating theatre about our region of the country and presenting it to, even aiming it at, our region. And not easy topics.... Race, Military, Gays and Evangelicals, and more topics in process.

We are jump starting conversations - conversations needed for healing and for growth.

Our current project is about MASSIVE RESISTANCE - the situation that occurred when integration was forced on Virginia. Schools were closed for a year! And they re-opened because the white kids filed a reverse-discrimination case. Resentments are still harbored on both sides (Pretty tough for a city that is pretty much 50/50 black and white).

If Norfolk is to move past this - to get on with its growth - its got to talk about it. And where better than the theatre to jump-start this conversation?

Check out this interview with my artistic director about Line in the Sand. It will give you a taste of what's going on.

Much more press on the project and others will evolve in the following weeks.

Any ideas from your world? How you're increasing the common man's connection to theatre? I'd love to hear!

Information about Massive Resistance and Race in Norfolk:

Nothing like a recession to change the conversation...

2009-02-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

was the heading on a google group discussion I was involved in recently.

The following is my rather rant-ish response...

Well, ok, yes, the recession "changes the conversation", but I feel like there's a certain negativity hidden in that comment. Or at least in how I hear that comment, right now, tonight. And, personally, I can't handle anymore negativity. I've had to ban CNN from my life, and go on a media diet. (well, except twitter... and facebook... and my rss feed-c'mon-let's-not-be-crazy-here)

It feels like there's an idea out there (or at least in my own head) that worrying about money means that we can't really focus on art anymore. Or growth. Or relevance. Or if a job at a big company will be waiting for me when I'm ready.

But shouldn't it just increase those things?

And isn't this downshift about creating a NEW system? A relevant one?
Creating a new job at a new or re-examined company?
About learning to integrate theatre as a visceral, connective experience with a world of ever digitally connected persons?
If this is the biggest shift in technology since the industrial revolution, then why should our economy, much less our institutional arts system be built to withstand it?
And doesn't this "down time" reveal that the boomers don't have all the answers anyway, so why am I waiting on them to fix things?
And isn't short-term viability crucial to long-term viability? Aren't they integrally connected?
And why am I feeling alone, when there's this great google group of people that are much like me, but I never talk to them and there are 84-ish "new leaders" members, but they never or seldom post, and I know nothing about them or how they're handling this time even though they're part of my "tribe"?

deap breath.

The artist is the artist because he creates something amazing with the materials given. And sure, a great artist can create great things with great materials. And that's... great... Sure, whatever.

But, in my humble opinion, an amazing artist - I mean, a truly astounding artist- takes what s/he's given and creates an exponentially greater product.

Seth Godin's viewpoint is that the playing field has been leveled. The world is having to relearn how it works economically.

Well, so is the theatre. And I would go one further and say that now the rest of the world is playing by the rules we've existed on for years.

So, artist,
whacha gonna do?

I want to know what's going on out there! What have you done because of finances that is working or teaching you something? or inspiring you?
Can I hear something good that you're doing?

Personally, I'm creating a lot of new educational programing. On the surface, it makes the company more money. I pay young, local artists, and they teach - new camps, new residencies, etc. But you know what? I've been DYING to deepen these programs for a couple of years. (of course, I was always "too busy" then!) But now, we need to pay the bills. So here goes! And it seems to be working!

And the result? Penetration. Deeper Impact. Repeated exposure to new people who will come back... to see my work, to see my teachers, to see our educational tours, to see our mainstage shows. Who benefits? My theater? Sure. In the short term. But in the long term - the theatre community grows. We create better citizens. People learn to communicate. More students gain a love of theatre that will last the rest of their lives. And, hey, they eventually buy tickets for my shows and YOURS!

(funny that I LOVE to complain about the boomer's lack of serious arts education focus, and have been so... "busy" myself, ahem...)

So, there's a very tiny example...

And I know that my LORT-D theatre in a mid sized city is probably FAR different than your situation, but...
What's going on in your world? Are you changing what you do in a way that's making what you do BETTER? More efficient? Greener? Are you more closely connecting to your audience, your talent, yourself? Let me know!

Great Kitchen Post

2009-02-07T07:16:00.001-08:00

I'm a little late reposting this GREAT article from the NYT about what you should and shouldn't keep in your kitchen.

Avery in the News

2009-02-04T19:59:00.001-08:00

The Greensboro FOX affiliate featured Avery's studio this week -

Clam Chowder at Henry's

2009-02-02T08:06:00.001-08:00

The communal nature of food. The gathering of friends to partake in common experience - food, drink, laughter and music.

It was such an evening last week as the glass artist, the professor, the grad student, and the theatre director shared champagne (picked up on the host's recent trip to Napa Valley) and some fresh clam chowder.

CLAM CHOWDER

1. Heat two tablespoons of bacon grease Saute a half cup of onion.
2. Add one pound of diced potatoes and saute until coated by fat. 3. Add one tablespoon of flour and saute until potatoes and onions are coated.
4. Add one cup of clam juice and bring to a boil while stirring.
5. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
6. Add one cup of whole milk and one cup of cream along with 1 pound of clam meat to the pot.
7. Stir and heat through until hot, but NOT boiling.
8. Add salt and pepper to taste.
9. Spoon into bowls.
10. Add parsley to garnish and serve with hardtack.
11. Enjoy with friends.

Twitter and Regional Theatre

2009-01-27T06:58:00.001-08:00

Just to add my thoughts to the ongoing conversation about twitter and theatre professionals -

As a twitter-er myself, I find that web 2.0 helps me to connect to ALL of the "worlds" that interest me. I follow people on twitter (and rss feeds and facebook, etc.) who share my lifestyle - from cooking to travel to working out to, yes, theater.

As a person who came of age in the dawn of internet dating and found my partner through such means, I find this sort of technology helpful in deepening relationships that otherwise would never exist. Matches with people of like minds that I would never meet due to geographic constraints... but, now... I just might!

As an artist, following people can inspire me to engage in projects and explorations. As a Regional Theatre artist, I mostly get to the New York to audition actors, the rest of the time I'm execuating projects here in Norfolk. DC, the closest large theatre hub, is three hours away. But through twitter (which helps to facilitate the blogs, podcasts, youtube, and many other parts of the info web I've created for myself) I'm able to be connected to what is going on RIGHT NOW in New York, Canada, LA, Regional Theatres, DC, and international work.

It also better conects me to things within my state that are just too far for me to visit on a regular bassis. Richmond Shakespeare and Wayside Theatre , while smaller companies than mine, help make up the professional work that is going on in Virginia. It's important that I know what's going on there, too. Not to mention that people in my building and in my city tweet from their different departments.

So, while for some this twitter exploration is one more means of "cheap marketing" for me it creates possibilities of deep and sincere impact.

Fresh Food International Market

2009-01-27T03:18:00.000-08:00

Foodies Rejoice!

There's a new mega-international-food-grocery-store out in Virginia Beach. While we've long enjoyed Super G Mart in Greensboro, now there's something similar here. You'll find most anything Asian, Hispanic, Indian, etc. Fresh Fish too! (and I mean fresh as in still swimming!)

TASTE INTERVIEW

2009-01-19T17:14:00.000-08:00

I did a fun interview the other week with my friend Hannah Sarrano for her new magazine "Taste".
Here's the interview reposted
from the 24sevencities.com site.
Photo by Gabe Romero

Where do you take visiting actors for drinks and for dinner? Well, the closest great food and drink is where we’re sitting right now, Empire, because it’s right across the street. In fact, I met my current squeeze here.

Really? Do you guys like to cook? Yes, I love to cook. We spent New Years Day making a big ole thing of collards, black-eyed peas, ham…the works.

What’s your favorite meal to prepare? Anything related to breakfast or brunch. In fact, we’ve started a breakfast blog. Sunday brunch is a big part of our ritual. But when we cook, I love to go to the Farm Market. That’s kind of my Friday and Saturday loop, is go by there and pick up some fresh produce on my way home.

What are your drinks-and-dinner standbys? A lot of it depends on whom you’re with. It’s funny because I feel like my life and my menu changes with who’s in town and what show we’re working on.

No matter what you’re doing, though, the 219 is always solid. They have a wide range and that kind of Asian overtone going on. And their bar is a really popular after-show and after-rehearsal place. It’s a place where you can actually have a conversation. I wish we had more of that on Granby Street.

And what about date places? I don’t like all dates to be pretentious, so walking down to Cogan’s is always great. I think you know you’ve found “the one” if you can happily have pizza and beer on a date. Well, I may have found “the one.”

God's Facebook Page

2009-01-18T09:25:00.000-08:00

by way of HEDGEWYTCH

Theatre vs. Drama

2009-01-05T08:16:00.001-08:00

Found via Twitter by way of Warner Crocker

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T15:07:00.001-08:00

After a great NYE dinner last night at The Boot, we finally rolled out of bed today and cooked collard greens, black eyed peas, ham, and corn bread. Although Avery is known for making amazing corn bread, the rest of the items are a little out of our normal expertise.

A lovely traditional dinner was had, however, and now we'll sit back and see if those collards will bring monetary returns!

Happy 2009!

10 things learned

2008-12-29T17:29:00.000-08:00

A great post from The Next Stage blog

West Georgia Roots

2008-12-23T09:54:00.000-08:00

I spent yesterday visiting my grandmother's (Memaw's) sisters in West Georgia. It's suprising how much these women influenced me growing up. Refinishing furniture, buying jelly, putting on plays in the backyard... Here's to a lovely group of ladies!

Weekend recap

2008-12-18T15:31:00.000-08:00

-Greensboro

-Oatmeal pancakes with Jack Apple Compote

-Made Christmas Ornaments

-Helped man the shop

-Q Lounge

-Relaxation

-Sleepy nights in A's arms

Asparagus, Grit Cakes and Scrambled Eggs

2008-12-08T14:06:00.000-08:00

After returning home from giving the final this morning, I roasted some leftover fresh asparagus, made the leftover grits into grit cakes and scrambled up some eggs. I love how a stocked fridge makes for great breakfasts!

Breakfast and the Museum

2008-12-07T12:38:00.000-08:00

This morning's brunch led us to breakfast with our friend, Henry, over in Freemason. Scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, capers, cream cheese, bagels, jam, and my meager contribution of Georgia grits made for a filling breakfast while Benny Goodman played away on the phonograph.

After breakfast, we walked over to the Chrysler Museum's Norman Rockwell exhibit.Weekend mornings should always be this enjoyable!

Brunch is Back!

2008-12-06T12:34:00.000-08:00

After a hiatus from posting created by busy directing and work schedules... I'm thrilled to say I'm back in the kitchen and headed back to a routine. Avery came up for the show opening on Friday and we made sweet potato home fries and a Korean squash and cheddar frittata for breakfast on Saturday. Which was rare for us, as he's often at the glass shop and I'm often at rehearsal. Happy eating!

Broken windows

2008-11-11T09:42:00.001-08:00

Some guys horsing around in Greensboro busted out Avery's window this weekend.

Bright side is... I had an excuse to go "help out" and ended up having a lovely day off!

P.S. Is it a "sign" that maybe we should start making those omelettes professionally?

Rehearsal Begins

2008-11-07T14:10:00.000-08:00

in 3 days!

Losing Balance (a self help indulgence session)

2008-11-06T17:45:00.000-08:00

I've always been a "reacher"...
always wanting more, bigger, grander, better, faster, stronger, smarter.

But all that reaching... it's exhausting! Living on the energy of the drive; Surfing the adrenaline of youth and repression and creation.

Then somewhere around 30 I discovered "rest." Breathing. The ability to pause with someone and savor a moment. It felt good. It turns out thrashing forward constantly is not a necessity. And resting doesn't diminish my contribution to the world.

But the extremes are dangerous.

Drive easily becomes compulsion.
Rest becomes stagnation.
Grandiose dreams become delusion.
Stillness becomes sloth.

Where's the balance?

Here's to finding the combination that works.
What do you do?

Not Like Us

2008-11-05T10:08:00.000-08:00

If nothing else, I hope that this election causes people to see that not everyone is "like us."

Change requires hard work... Time to roll up our sleeves and pitch in.

No matter who or what you voted for, what are you doing to help create a better America?

It was drizzling when I went to vote - but NO LINE!

2008-11-04T11:07:00.001-08:00

It was drizzling when I went to vote - but NO LINE!
Originally uploaded by mullinsusc

The art of conversation and new leaders

2008-10-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the month, I had the opportunity to go to the New Leaders Conference in San Francisco along with our Production Manager and Communications Director.

Wow, what a weekend!

I could go on for a while expounding the beauty of San Francisco and some enviable lifestyle practices - not to mention their green leanings (the main grocery store chain uses only paper bags - no plastic), but I'll focus this post on the events having the most impact on daily life.

1. The simple beauty of conversation.
Production and communication are both very busy departments that occupy geographically different parts of our building. Save photo calls, there is very little cause for staff of these departments to cross-pollinate. I think I'm almost the only little bee that deals with both departments on a regular basis. It was extremely enjoyable to watch these two managers geek out and discover how much they have in common - not just in terms of graphic novels and techno-speak, but also in strategy of running their departments and issues that they face daily. While the conference leaders did some great programming, the ability to sit with a beer and talk as leadership and managers was, for me, the greatest gift of the trip.

2. Generational issues
Millenials, Gen-X, Boomers... Seems to be all I hear lately. But I guess there's a reason for that. The conference was less a full blown discussion of generational issues, and more a mezze for a further national discussion to be held online. Lynne Lancaster presented a general analysis of the generational characteristics. While it was a nice overview, she seemed to talk to the "older" generations, ignoring the fact that over half the room was Gen-X and Millenials. And she talked a LOT about boomers. But, that is what boomers do, now isn't it? (I kidd because I love)

3. Goal Setting
On the first day there was a lovely session led by Daniel Alexander Jones that featured a structured analyzation of your life plan. ("plan" seems like the wrong word, but "life intention" is too weak) While the ideas were a combination of 7 Habits and GTD, the theatre field seldom encourages this type of analysis in a formal corporate manner. The invitation to do so started a welcome re-organization of my priorities that is still in process.

4. Self Artistic Analysis
Daniel's other session focused on how to write about your work. It was an exercise similar to developing an elevator speech. Again - things that are common in the saturated realm of entrepreneurial self-help books, but, again, thinks not often discussed corporately in our field. Again, a refreshing reminder.

5. The other conference sessions, while interesting in a lesser degree, were less New Leader-centric. The second day of the conference was combined with the Theatre Bay Area conference. While they are quite the organization (the produces a very attractive magazine), the topics of that day were less exciting that the discussions we were already having. I did have a lovely time eating dim sum and furthering the discussion that evening at the R and G Lounge in Chinatown Monday night.

The trip began a lot of thought processes that have found their way back to staff meetings, production meetings, and even conversations in my personal life. Thanks San Francisco!

Christmas Carol

2008-10-29T06:14:00.000-07:00

So, I gotta say, the fall has been so busy that getting my head around Christmas Carol has been... difficult at best.
But now that the time is here, the set is design, the costumes are happening... Gotta say -
I think I'm getting in the Christmas Mood!

Rat-a-tat-twoey!

2008-10-20T08:45:00.001-07:00

Rat-a-tat-twoey!
Originally uploaded by mullinsusc

All male camp.. without no "tension"?

2008-10-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

The way people "choose" to live their lives fascinates me...

Swamped

2008-10-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

Coming out of a swamped period here...

One of those periods where there's more to do than you'll ever get done, and you're wondering how you'll find time to eat, much less rest?

A lot got done though -

Two grants submitted
A show directed
A script reworked
A show almost cast
20 lectures given at the university
A trip to San Francisco
A conference attended
New ideas launched at work
Numerous lovely days with the bf

So, yeah, When I look back, I guess time was well spent.

Sigh...

Now, to find a stride for the next haul.

Busy busy

2008-10-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the posting Hiatus... more to come soon!

Crazy Cycles

2008-09-24T15:01:00.001-07:00

Life is moving in a never-ending cycle right now. Crazy speed and more to do than will ever be done.

I find that my life frequently works that way. Because I create those circumstances, of course...

Intense project times when everything is due all at once, and then...

A time of almost boring idleness and then...

Another swamped period...

I'd like to find a way to even things out a bit.

Here's to a more balanced fall!

Grey morning run in Norfolk

2008-09-10T05:44:00.001-07:00

Grey morning run in Norfolk
Originally uploaded by mullinsusc

Sunday Breakfast

2008-09-07T14:23:00.001-07:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by mullinsusc

Relationships require much care. So does Sunday Brunch. I find that one can often nourish the other. Click the pic for contents.

Hot Breakfast

2008-09-07T14:15:00.005-07:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by mullinsusc

Dried Herring at the Super G Mart

2008-09-07T14:15:00.003-07:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by mullinsusc

The Birthday Weekend

2008-08-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

-Started off with the birthday
-Farmer's Market (can't forsake ritual)
-A arrived for the weekend with very sweet bday gifts
-Martini Party at the boss's house
-Crackers for some tapas and beer
-A revisit to Pasha Mezze for brunch
-Beach time at 87th St.
-First day of adjunct class
-A lil' more beach
-Game night w/ friends

Change the Platform

2008-08-20T18:15:00.000-07:00

You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.

--Buckminster Fuller

An oldie but a goodie!

Sunday Breakfast

2008-08-17T09:31:00.001-07:00

Sunday Breakfast
Originally uploaded by mullinsusc

I'm getting good at this whole frittata thing! We might even have to have a drunch party soon...

Genie of the Ring

2008-08-15T09:05:00.001-07:00

Stopped by the prop shop and it looks like the ring puppet is coming right along!

In case you're not familiar, the original Aladdin story had TWO genies. Of course then it was Disnified and the rest is history. This is the Genie of the RING as opposed to the Genie of the Lamp.

Christmas Carol Overhaul

2008-08-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

So... we're updating Christmas Carol (version 4.1 as Nelson says)
Anyway, he's blogging its process over on his website.

Check it out. In other CC news, Quentin, who played Tiny Tim last year, is going on the national tour of OLIVER! playing the Title role.

August Bulletin Board

2008-08-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

August Bulletin Board
Originally uploaded by mullinsusc

Just an overview of what's on my plate this month. Click on the pic to get the flickr version with notes on what's what.

Last weekend

2008-08-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

Another weekend list:

-FRIDAY -
-drinks with the crew at The Boot
-SATURDAY -
-more time at the 5pts Community Farmer's Market
-T and T - to buy fresh seafood on 40th street
-cleaned house and napped
-A arrived, add wine, then...
-Drinks at the Garage - quite the motley crew
-SUNDAY -
-brunch at Pasha on 22nd Street which was a-ma-zing (watch out for flying umbrellas though)
-went yacht shopping just in case I decide I want to live on a boat.. someday - ya never know!
-a bit o' beach
-cooked shrimp and scallops over whole grain pilaf

a nice weekend of asking big questions and planning

A List from the Weekend

2008-08-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

Saturday - Me day
- farmer's market
-house sitting for the boss, on the river, with a hot tub, and a giant German Shepard
-grocery shopping for A's weekend time in Naw-fuk
-camera love
-mistake of going to the office for more work while waiting on A, put me in franic mood, almost
ruined my evening

Sunday - Us day
-made brunch - zucchini and basil frittata with boursin, mimosas with fresh oj, bible bread from
farmer's market
-lazy day on the deck
-trip to 87th street to watch the dolphins and beautiful European tourists
-short canoe trip up the river with large German Shepard in tow
-Grilled steak and veggies
-Mucho wine

Non-Profits

2008-07-31T06:39:00.000-07:00

Just a post to say that at some point, I'd love to post about whether or not non-profits should even exist. Is it valid in this millennium? I'm sure lots of people have lots of ideas, but I'd like to think it through myself...

2008-07-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

After a REALLY long day, it's amazing how much better a little Dixie-land Rag can make you feel.

The Right Words

2008-07-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

Trying to communicate with my family
Grant writing
Play editing

I'm realizing just how ridiculously verbose I can get. So many words!!!! So little meaning!!!

Arrrrgh!!!!

Can I just communicate by interpretive dance or something?

Here's to emotional, precise.

Warm glass blogs

2008-07-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

I spent the afternoon helping Avery set up his warm glass blog for Pluto Gallery.

His work is really amazing and Virginia Stage Company just commissioned a piece from him for the entry to their offices.

Check out his warm glass work as well as the traditional stained glass work that he creates at Ellenburg and Shaffer.

Why magazines will die

2008-07-19T09:34:00.001-07:00

Ok, I admit I love to pick up a magazine and flop through it. I love the feel of glossy paper in my hand, the smell, the little subscription cards that fall out.... Sigh. Even if it means trees where killed, I love that experience.

But there's a problem other than trees dying.

I can never find anything.

That great article on the cover? Impossible to find inside. Even when - gasp - I actually USED the table of contents!

So, I got on my phone, went to Outside Magazine's website, and there was the article. Plain as day. And now I know "Where to Live Now". And now I know that they named the article something cutesy inside so it didn't stand out at first (or second) perusal.

But the good old romanticism of flipping through a magazine on a lazy Saturday- all gone in my frustration at trying find the $&@! article.

So, while I love mags.... I dunno...

How long will they really last?

Ben Stein... on love?

2008-07-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

In the NYT today - a very sweet article by Ben Stein on love. Who knew he was such a softie?

Aladdin set thus far...

2008-07-16T17:36:00.001-07:00

I got to see what they've done with the Aladdin set thus far today.

Sam Flint has designed a really versatile and interesting "tent" and the shop has executed it brilliantly.

Once it's painted and dyed it will not only LOOK amazing, but offer a LOT of potential as far as ways it can transform. The fabric panels not only connect to the carpet in various configurations, but can also connect to each other for fluid movement transitions.

This will be a fun show I think!

Workin late...

2008-07-16T16:38:00.000-07:00

I've been finding that staying late at the office is really my best time.

I mean, I put in face time in the mornings, and it's fine for meetings, but getting something done is impossible!

But from 6-8 pm, I'm ON. It's after the afternoon slump, but before the evening wind-down.

Tim Ferriss talks about finding the best time in your circadian rhythm to work in Four Hour Work Week, and in an interview with Problogger. Not that it's a new idea, but definitely something I'd forgotten about until recently.

So, maybe there's something to it... Now if I could just find a way to get by with sleeping till 11 a.m!

Geek out....

2008-07-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

I just need to geek out for one second, because no one who's AT work today will get this.

LIFE AS WE KNOW IT HAS CHANGED.

The new iphone web apps will impact information gathering, social networking, and daily life as we know it. And, hopefully, for the better!

Ok, deep breath. I feel better now. Thanks for letting me say that.

Sigh...

Historical Repetition

2008-07-09T08:00:00.001-07:00

The reverberations of history...

Massive Resistance...

Playwrights writing about Reconstruction in the south...

Declaration of Independence workshops at the museum...

I'm swimming in history this month

Self-discovery via career

2008-07-08T15:32:00.000-07:00

In the many dating books I read back in the day (not to mention sermons heard), and even when talking with friends, I hear stories of how dating helps you "find" yourself. That it can be an important way of learning who you are. Getting to know others, and preparing yourself to meet the "right" person, are actually part of the path of self discovery, self awareness, and self creation.

Funny, now-a-days it seems that maybe career development is doing the same thing. Who do I want to be? Who do I want to do it with? What do I want my life to be like? How do I want to run my business? Not much different really than the questions you answer when filling out an EHarmony questionnaire.

Funny, just never thought as career development as job-dating...

Virginia History

2008-07-02T06:34:00.000-07:00

I am sometimes amazed at the history that surrounds us all the time. Since moving to this area, I find that local history enthralls me. Most impressive is a big hurricane that hit this area on my birthday in 1933. Some amazing pictures of the event were taken that continue to pop up in local restaurants, galleries, etc. I'll write something more coherent when I figure out what it is that's pushing my buttons right now...

Game Night

2008-06-25T20:55:00.000-07:00

Had great fun at this "game night" that some friends of mine throw from time to time.
We played this great old 50's board game...

Of course, then good ol' misogyny showed up. (the card, not the guy)

Yeah... the 50's were classic times, huh?

Baby Bird

2008-06-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

Was a little late to work helping the lady at EVMS rescue this baby who's nest had fallen.

Artist

2008-06-21T10:34:00.001-07:00

I like being a muse...

Evolution

2008-04-08T09:11:00.001-07:00

I find that this ever-evolving life never ceases to amaze...

Artistic growth is always ocurring as a result of new relationships, exposure to other art, and exciting artists... This past season at the theatre has taught me much about how chanelling all of that ends in unexpected creations. One project that had previously been my cherished golden idea somehow became the wicked stepchild over the past year - and yet - the post-modern theatrical experience that it resulted in is one of the things I am most proud of.

My personal life has embraced new opporunities as well, and I am thrilled at the joyous impact jumping off a cliff into something wonderful can have.

Here's to building more of a base and taking bigger risks!

What happens when you explore a little...

2008-04-08T07:52:00.001-07:00

Ramblings of an artist on his way. Balancing new ideas, old budgets, working within a larger organization, and learning on one's own...