Reincarnating Myself

Watching a YouTube video made me realize how badly I've neglected music as an expression of my creativity, which led me to make the statement that I want to be reincarnated as the singer Feist. Subconsciously, I must have felt that there was no hope for such an expression in this lifetime, and I would have to wait until the next one. Then something changed.

I've wanted to learn piano since I was probably 4. It sounds strange, but it's something that I feel I was born to do. Just a few weeks ago I finally bought a piano. I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to realize this dream, but now that I've started, my musical flood gates have opened. Although I'm just beginning, playing Mary had a Little Lamb with two hands is, at the moment, extremely rewarding.

No matter what you believe will happen in your next lifetime (if you believe there is a next one) I hope that in the here and now you tap into the things that make you feel alive. Don't leave your hopes and dreams for the do-over. What if you come back as a rock?

Martha Graham puts this thought much more eloquently, so I leave you with her words:

"There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open."

Today's Musical Selection >

Reincarnate in the Incarnate

 

Tribute #14: Mary Wilcher

The size of The Creative Circus allows you to get to know everyone pretty well. For better or for worse, the people that you start ad school with are a part of your daily life for the next 2 years. I feel I lucked out as my quarter was filled with some fascinating people. Mary Wilcher happened to be among that group.

Mary's path to the Circus was more interesting than many of our own, moving from California where she worked as an actor (starring in Buffy the Vampire Slayer) to Georgia to explore advertising. My first impression of Mary was that she was a badass. Her great personality made it easy to like her, and as I got to know her better my first impression was confirmed- she is a badass. 

Mary, thanks for bringing a breath of fresh air to many of our classes. Your laid back attitude was refreshing and much needed. I was excited to see that you and Alisa are engaged and I wish you all the happiness in your marriage.  

Today's Musical Selection >

Cool Mary

Tribute #13: Megan Kost

In high school I went through a ton of different phases. Like any teenager I was trying to find myself, or at least create who I thought I was. I looked up to the girls in my class that were true individuals, the ones with a unique point of view. One such classmate was Megan Kost.

Megan has a wonderful outlook on life along with a great sense of humor. In high school she always found a way to make any situation fun, and she has one of the best laughs I know. Though we haven’t seen each other in nearly a decade, from the look of her pictures she has carved out a beautiful, happy life out West.

Megan, thanks for showing me that life’s too short to be anyone other than myself. To this day I remember the card you got me for my open house, and as I’ve made my way through life I often think of it and smile. On the front it read, “Some people will say you’re going the wrong way, when it’s simply a way of your own.” 

Today's Musical Selection >

A True Individual

Tribute #12: Keith Davenport

Yeah, I was a band nerd. Luckily a few hundred other Holt high schoolers were too, so I was in good company. Sophomore year I went to New Orleans and Orlando on our band trip, and it was one of the best times ever. I attribute a large part of that fun to getting to hang with Keith Davenport.  

From our friendship spawned during those high school days, I have seen Keith go from being a student at Ferris, starting his career in Chicago, getting married to my best friend Adrienne, moving to El Paso to head up a huge project, and becoming a Dad to my favorite baby, Collette. Each and every step of the way, Keith has proceeded with a confidence that few possess.

Sometimes I think Keith was born in the wrong era. A true pioneer with a cowboy spirit, he constantly seeks new horizons and has a strong sense of adventure. Living in the 21^st century must not be the easiest for someone born to run free, but Keith does a great job of venturing between the charted and uncharted territories of his life.

Keith, thanks for being an amazing husband and father to two of my favorite ladies. I have been blessed to see you evolve and grow over the years. In all of your future endeavors may you continue to use your climbing skills- simply trust your grip and rise. 

Today's Musical Selection > 

One Amazing Climber