Today at work, in the Box Office of a Theater Company, we have begun a beautiful and creative project.  We are collectively writing a short play.  We all are writing one page.  We know how many characters and general character descriptions.  Plus, the last line of the previous scene is the first line of the next scene.  It is actually working well and everyone is having fun!  The perfect way to spend this rainy day.  I haven't had a chance to be creative in a while and I am glad this is benefiting the whole team. 

What a beautiful image - God is there to help us reach our "best" selves.  I am ready to be a brilliant butterfly! 

Get Involved. Make a Difference.

Here begins my journey to "Give Back."  I have been feeling disconnected and lacking in charity.  It's one thing to make a donation at church or to help out the homeless on the street (which I am very happy to do), but I have been feeling the need for a deeper connection of giving back. 

I believe in the power of hope.  I believe in hte power of theater.  I believe in the power of women. 

This is how those three things go togther.  Working at Arena Stage in Washington DC, I am exposed to amazing theater productions.  Currently, we have "Ruined" by Lynn Nottage.  This Pulitzer Prize winning drama, shows the harsh reality of Congo life for women yet balances it with a an arrangement of music and brillant character connections that leave you with a sense of hope.  The organization Women for Women International is sponsoring our production.  I had not been exposed to this organization before and am now hooked on their beautiful mission. 

Theater is the perfect medium to reach out to people.  It allows for a conversion between the actors, designers, theater staff and audience members about getting involved and giving back.  It is through this production that I was able to learn more about WFWI and look into getting more involved not only in the DC area but also sponsoring a woman in another country.  The beauty of WFWI is that they not only help women in the Congo, but also in other areas of devestation.  It is time to recognize the great country I live in and all the great things I am blessed to have in my life.  It is time to take what I have and use it to help someone else. 

Friends, it is time to Give Back! 

Things I Love This Week - Feb 28th

Things I Love This Week

Television:

• Glee: My roommate and I bond over this show...we were late to join the craze, so we have been using Netflix to catch up on the episodes.  For a theater lover like my self, this show offers musical flare, drama, romance, witty dialogue (well, sometimes), twisty plotlines, and crazy characters.

Movies:

• Singing in the Rain: I saw this movie for the first time (I know, I know...why did it take me so long?!?!)  Anyway, I loved it!  Such a great classic and deserve every bit of praise.
• The King's Speech: In honor of the Oscars, I had to put in a note about this film.  This is worthy of the award!  Such a truly great film and a noteworthy performance by Colin Firth.  Someone special to me took me to see this movie and I am thrilled that he knew I would value this experience. 

Short Films:

• Nooma: is a company that houses a series of short films narrated by Rob Bell.  They are each about 10-15 minutes long of sheer brilliance.  Rob Bell takes a specific point about God, Jesus and Christianity and outlines it in these short films, which can be found on their website.  Seriously, check them out!  My favorites so far are: "Kickball," "Lump," "Flame," and "Sunday."    

Music:

• "Only Hope" -Switchfoot:  Such a touching song (featured in A Walk to Remember) that speaks to our desperate need to be connected to our creator.   

New Years: Resolutions Too?

Now that it is officially 2011...and yes, it's usually the time for some self searching and determining a new resolution.  I found that for 2010 I was able to stick to my resolution because of something I heard off of the radio.   While living in VA, I would listen to KLOVE on my way to work and right around New Years for 2010, they announced that for 2010 they were going to pick a "word" that would help them stay focused and centered.  I loved the idea of picking a "word" to aspire to for my new year.  The word that I chose for 2010 was WORTHY.  I felt that I have stayed true to this...I worked toward being a worthy friend, worthy daughter, worthy of my job, worthy of my apartment, worthy of God's love, etc.  I know it seems too general to count as a resolution, but it really helped me feel like I had accomplished something in 2010.  I feel like 2010 showed real growth and promise. 

My word for 2011 is TREASURE with a specific emphasis on treasuring every moment.  I want to wish all of my family and friends and reader alike a beautiful, healthy and happy New Year.  May 2011 reveal its special treasure for you each gem at a time.