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Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Soul of the Ocean

My morning ritual Nov 2017.
Just finished our fast, furious and incredible run playing Mike in FREAKY FRIDAY at the Virginia Musical Theatre and it was a splendid experience! I loved being back there. Last show I did there was 14 years ago THE STUDENT PRINCE in 2003! Man time sure does fly. Back then I learned so much, met my best gal pal, and had one of those amazing experiences you remember always. This one was no exception and came at just the right time in my life when I needed it most.

Another fact for me back then was: I was heartbroken over the end of a relationship. Seems like I am only in Virginia Beach when I'm like this and need the ocean. I am so grateful for this contract and for the joy of working on a show with great people in a magical place I love. The Atlantic ocean for whatever reason, seems to hold a healing balm to my heart when I need it most. Every morning I walked the oceanfront, a lot of prayer, assessing, affirming. It's my ritual there it seems I did it last time. I spent 6 years in mountains and let me tell ya there is no question mountains don't do it for me I am an OCEAN seeker the Ocean water in it's vastness is my sweet spot. Speaks to my soul I could walk on one for the rest of my life. Beachfront property, anyone?

There's been lots to think about. Why these have happened. Who I was back then, who I am now, where I am headed. I think the difference now is I know I will overcome pain where in the past I didn't think I would. Been finding out about colleagues and friends who have passed away recently too, which sort of puts it all the more in perspective. I know loss well with my parents. This is part of life, the joy and the pain. I've lived long enough to know that into every life a little rain must fall. But for the moment how lucky I am to be alive in this time and space, despite all that.

So many lessons surrounding these endings this time for different reasons I am still working through them. Sometimes the narrative people want to tell themselves is that you are 'wrong', instead of the realty that we are ALL flawed and sometimes make mistakes, and it's not always black or white it's sometimes grey. That circumstances of life can challenge connection. That asking forgiveness is essential. Forgive yourself in the process too. It doesn't always work out but knowing deep down either way, you will be fine.

Back in the Midwest for Christmastime. That's a whole other blog blogsters as I am a man always on the run. We'll see what's next I go back to NYC in Jan after some time in Chicago. Trying to remain hopeful about the future with our current state of government. But, there's always a chance to be hopeful, if you decide ahead of time there is. Virginia Beach Ocean front, don't you forget about me...

“We want the spring to come and the winter to pass. We want whoever to call or not call, a letter, a kiss-we want more and more and then more of it. But there are moments, walking, when I catch a glimpse of myself in the window glass, say, the window of the corner video store, and I’m gripped by a cherishing so deep for my own blowing hair, chapped face, and unbuttoned coat that I’m speechless; I am living…”

Marie Howe, from What the Living Do
Virginia Beach, Nov 2017