Life imitating Art imitating Life

Quote of the Day:  Oscar Wilde is noted as saying, Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life...the self-conscious aim of Life is to find expression, and that Art offers it certain beautiful forms through which it may realise that energy. source: Wikipedia.  I would argue that one influences the other, and that when one creates Art from Life, the response is a mirror to mirror image, ones that endlessly reflect the other.  Let me illustrate.

On Saturday, late in the afternoon, several of the cast members gathered at Coco Moon to rehearse. We ended up singing through the songs, just as the characters in Coffee Shop Confessions do. We sang. We discussed. We fussed about parts, who's singing what. We added in real life chatter. We got worked up, and we enjoyed ourselves to the fullest. We created a scene during business hours at the shop, and one of the workers came over and said, "You guys sound great."  Joey just happened to have her camera along, so she took a few photos.

A tense moment. Who's in charge? What are we doing?

Laura needs a piano. David comes through with a one-octave app on his Kindle Fire.

Note the mirror in the background.

Guy needed to write three drafts of his bio.

Joey told one crazy story after the other and told me to write it.

Isn't it great how we're all different!

I came home and thought, what happened at our rehearsal could be another scene in the play...or is it already there?

At the end of the week, this Friday and Saturday, we will perform to a packed coffee house! Holy smokes! Look what happens when you hear voices, see visions, and dream dreams. They really do come true...with a little help from your friends.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  How have Life and Art been mirroring each other in your world?

Rehearsing "Confessions" at the Coco Moon

Quote of the Day:  You're building community. words from friends as they offer support and encouragement for my play

Rehearsing a moment with Roxy and the Moxie Mamas

Remember how that Self-doubt Committee had planned a meeting in my head? Then, I told them to meet some other place. I needed a little help from my friends to make them shut up, and here they are rehearsing my play right there at the Coco Moon just as I'd imagined it would be, and so much more.

Laura describing a kiss.

Some of our scenes are funny. Others are tender, and still more bring out fear and anger. This is a phenomenal cast. They have been enjoying the script through every rehearsal and care about how it's presented. We've been rehearsing at the Senior Center, because it's free, and we will pay them back by performing for their dinner on April 9, a Monday, open to the public.  It's another opportunity to see the play as all the tickets are sold out for the two shows we're doing next week at the Coco Moon.

Subtle eavesdropping on Jewell's conversation

"Mary" getting a call from home

Lolly & Sam giving Micki encouragement

Laura telling Jewell to sing the lead

Nick making a connection with the Moxie Mamas

I've been dreaming about being on a creative team. While I was writing this play, I sat in this coffee shop, surrounded by creative spirit. Then, I invited in the actors and the support people. The energy grew, and now, look at us. We're providing a unique experience for the folks in the Brainerd area, and I am so grateful for the people who joined this team, and the ones who are willing to take a risk on something new.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Look around you. What is one new thing you could do in your community to draw people in and inspire them?

Youth Frontiers inspire Courage

Quote of the Day:  To have courage means to follow your heart. Brian, a presenter from Youth Frontiers at the Courage Retreat for the Forestview 6th graders.

I wish I had some photos of the retreat, but I don't. Their teacher, Mr. Wallace, took a bunch, but I'm not sure if they're for public, especially internet, use. So, I'll use my best writing skills to describe the day, and provide you with a photo of my guys who inspire me everyday to be the best person I can be.

Shaved heads to swim faster for sections and state.

Tootin' your own horn.

Feeling joy and love of being your authentic self.

I'm one of those moms who loves to volunteer for school, especially fieldtrips. I'll be the first to raise my hand and sign up for anything that has to do with the arts, but I've gone on other types of events, too. I hope the 8th grade teachers will let me chaperone when they go to the theatre for The Diary of Anne Frank (hint, hint). I've been to camps and picnics and overnighters at retreat centers. I told the boys that I'd signed up for this one-day event because they needed small group leaders, and I've been a small group leader for... "ever," they both said.

This is a high energy experience for both the kids and adults. I wished I had worn a t-shirt and gym shoes. They encouraged us to participate to the fullest, be the first group to run across the large group circle, jump and dance, stand up, sit down, you get the picture. It was an aerobic day. I had visions of sitting in a small circle with my 5 or 6 kids and visiting. We did that, too. But, the large group, energetic time was to help us all relax, laugh, move and have fun together, so that when we got into those smaller groups, we'd be more open to sharing our fears and hopes for building a better community.

The presenters are high energy, caring leaders who readily share their own stories of when they were feeling left out, or could have made a better decision to include or help others. They have backgrounds in performance, music, and working with youth groups. Their entire presentation gives you the sense that they truly care about the kids who are there and lifting them up to be better citizens of their schools and the world. If we all faced our fears and stopped ridiculing others for their differences or failings,  or even successes, we would have a much easier time being our authentic selves. Some of the things that my small group listed as fears are standing out too much, being different, not being in the right activities, smelling weird, dressing weird, not looking right.

They asked a few of us adults to share our own stories. A couple women talked about a time in middle school when they were singled out as different or someone to ridicule because of how they dressed or who they liked (boy-girl issues). I talked about being different, feeling different. That I was the one who liked to write stories, and that even today, I feel like I'm different because I'm the only one of my friends in this community who sits around coffee shops and writes plays. I hope my message was Dare to be Different. The presenter said, "It sounds like you're taking a risk to be your authentic self."

At the close of the day, we sat in a large group. The presenters handed out cards and asked us to write one change we could make in ourselves to improve our community. Then, they asked people to get up and share what they'd written. I was moved to tears as 6th graders got up and talked about being kinder, including those who are left out, stopping their bullying, and being nicer to siblings. Getting up and sharing is a very brave thing to do. I was inspired by those young people.

Go. Create. Inspire!

And, dare to make a difference.

Journaling Prompt:  What is one thing you can do to improve the community where you live and help those who might be hurting?

Author David Treuer

Quote of the Day:  I once heard a journalist state that to write a book of nonfiction, a book about the lives of others, the writer had to feel in his gut that his informants owed him something, that he owned a piece of their lives.  But I don't think that is true. I think the opposite is true. I don't think my family or my people owe me anything. I feel that I owe my life to them and I set out to write a book that reflects this, reflects the debt I owe them, and does them honor.  To understand American Indians is to understand America. This is the story of the paradoxically least and most American place in the twenty-first century. Welcome to the Rez.
~ David Treuer, author of Rez Life

Me, David, and Krista, my publicist

Krista and I found a sweet way to spend our Valentine's lunchtime. We went to our local public library to meet author David Treuer and hear his presentation on his newest book, Rez Life. David is Ojibwe from Leech Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota. He has recently moved to California where he is a professor of literature and creative writing at USC in Los Angeles. He said that when he told his friends from Minnesota where he was moving they said, "Why would you want to move there? It's so dangerous."

David has an amazing perspective of life both on and off the reservation. He understands that people, traditions, treaties, and boundaries are complex. He brings to light both personal and regional history in his book. Brainerd is one of the first stops on his national book tour.

David said that researching this book was like going back to school. He dug deeper and learned more about his family, his people, and his nation. While he was digging and researching and writing, he kept thinking of his own three children and how this is their story, too. He dedicated this book to them.

Thanks, David, for the great talk today, your words and reading, and the connection we made. Visit David Treuer's website to learn more about the author and his books and to see if he'll be in a bookish place near you. He is delightful to meet and interesting to listen to. I'm eager to start reading Rez Life. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Do your libraries or schools invite authors and artists? Write about some of the people you've met, what you enjoyed about their presentation, or whom you would like to see?

Excellent Community Theatre

Quote of the Day:  Atticus is the same at home as he is at the office. Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird. It's a line I remember from the first time I read the book. It says so much about Atticus' character. I also like, "You got the walkabouts, Jem?" Made me chuckle. And, "Stand up, Miss Jean Louise. Your daddy's passing by." When Atticus exits the courtroom and Scout is sitting in the "colored" balcony. That one's from the book. I didn't hear it in the play.

Scout and Atticus

photos by Steve Kohls of The Brainerd Dispatch

Scout and Calpurnia

Central Lakes Community College had a marvelous production of To Kill a Mockingbird which opened this weekend. I went on Saturday night with a friend. It's done at the college, but also includes community members. The young lady who played Scout was outstanding. Two other boys are in it, and they were terrific. The actors all played their parts so realistically. I was emotionally involved with the play from the start. I felt fear, anger, sadness, and I cringed at the racial slurs and ached for the injustice. This play is heavy on the male roles, and the director Dennis Lamberton found excellent actors to fill them. The man who played Atticus hadn't done anything in theatre in over 30 years. I would have never guessed. His performance moved me to tears.

They have performances this week, Wed. through Sun. Click here for ticket info.

Then, on Sunday, my son Bobby and I drove over to Alexandria for their community theatre production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. I had done some acting on that stage when I lived in that area. I knew the director, Ann Hermes, and several of the actors, including my friend Pete Woit. Again, the performance was outstanding. What an incredible group of men that Ann found to fill these roles. I find this story to be terrifying. While some of the actions of the patients are humorous, it has heavy themes and strong language. The evil nurse has all the power. Her mission is to control, not heal. All the actors played their parts to the fullest. I was amazed at the three main characters, Nurse Ratched, McMurphy, and the Chief, and how believable they were.

They will be performing Feb. 17-19, in Alexandria. Click here for tickets info.

Often when I watch plays, I look for roles that I would want to play. I didn't see anything for me in either of these plays. They were heavy on male roles, like I said, and nothing for a woman my age. That's a common problem in many classic plays. I wrote a play that I would want to see and act in. It's about women, ages ranging from 18 to 65. I couldn't help but think about our show and how these women are already playing their parts so realistically that we aren't always sure if they're responding to a line as their character or themselves.

Live performances really make you think. They draw you into the story and you feel like you're part of the show as townsfolks, jury, patients, or coffee shop patrons.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  When have you gotten lost in an artform?

Kate & Kim playing Micki & Me

Quote of the Day:  I've never known anyone who did their art for a living, and now look at all of you. Look at us! I'd love to be in your play! Micki's line from Coffee Shop Confessions when she meets the writer, Mary, at the shop.

Kimbery Dwinnell-Dillon and Kate Hauble

Having fun during rehearsal of Coffee Shop Confessions

This is pretty much how it is during every rehearsal.

Kate is the same age as my oldest son, Bobby. I met Kate at church and got to know her when I helped with Confirmation. I've also recommended her to friends as a terrific babysitter. She's a wonderful young woman, fun to be around, and has a gorgeous alto voice. This is her first time acting in a play. She said YES as soon as I asked her to be in my show. Thanks, Kate!

Kim and Mary

Kim plays me in the show.

When I was sitting in the Coco Moon, writing this play, I wrote myself in as a customer, drinking coffee, observing (eavesdropping), and writing. I gave myself a few lines. I figured I'd be there anyway, why not be part of the show. Plus, it made for a fun ending. However, I ended up taking the role of Aubrey for this performance. I was talking to Kim at a swim meet. She said that she'd always wanted to be in a play. I asked if she'd want a small part, playing a writer - me. She said, YES! It's great. Although her part is small, she's at every rehearsal. She fills in for people when they have to miss, and she does a great "Mary." Thanks, Kim, for your enthusiasm for my play!

Rehearsals are going well. We laugh and fool around and enjoy each other's creative wit. We're rehearsing at the Senior Center. It's a large, quiet space, and it's free. In return, we'll perform the play for their dinner on April. 9. It's open to the public, too, in case you didn't get tickets for the Coco Moon performances. I think we're sold out!

A few shots from rehearsal.

Sam holding up Roxy's painting, titled: Inner Beauty
The painting is by my friend JeMA. Art by JeMA.

Laura, Roxy, Sam & Lolly

Sam serves Lolly her tea with extra sugar.

Guy, helping direct.

I'm in too many scenes to get a good perspective.

Plus, he's brilliant.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  How have you used your creativity lately?

David playing Sam

Quote of the Day: On acting; I don't understand what could be so important or life-changing about impersonating someone else or creating a character out of thin air and presenting him as very real. But it is, to me. And again last night I felt that deep, emotional outpouring that comes from deep within. I guess acting allows me to live at a different and richer level than normal life, if that makes sense. And the more familiar I become with this script, the more envious I become because I didn't write it. Very well done. - David Allan Pundt, who is playing Sam, the Barista, in my play Coffee Shop Confessions.

David and Elvis

Love me Tender, or You Ain't Nothin' but a Hound dog?

David sent the above quote to me yesterday when I told him that I'd like to feature him on my blog today as I'm introducing the cast of my play. I did not hold auditions, which is traditionally how it's done in theatre, because I wasn't sure who'd even show up. I'm a no-name, never-heard-of play, and really, I wanted to invite people into this art who would be open to trying something new. I needed people who are willing to take a risk. I knew David enjoyed theatre. We met when he was on the board of a kids drama program in the area. I was directing the youngest kids. I've seen him in several shows in the area, and he directed Peter Pan a couple summers ago. I thought he might bite. He said YES even before he read the script. We chatted on the phone. He asked a couple questions. I told him the main premise of the play, and he was in. I was overjoyed!

The first night that we gathered and read through the play, David explained that once he was bitten by the acting bug, he's been hooked for life. Once a show is done, he grieves it, and after a few months can't eat or sleep until he has another show to prepare for. I said, "I'm glad that we can keep you from starving." And, I'm so glad he's part of the show. He adds a gentleness to this male character who is both part of the set as the owner, and an encouraging and kind male voice in a world of women who are hurting. He gets the importance of this story and wants to be part of its telling.

Here's my response to David's above quote:

Oh, David, thank you so much. My heart is overflowing. And, there I was, filled with artist angst, yet surrounded by creative spirits who lift me up.

 Thank you so much for your generous time and talent. You are an actor. You love bringing the story to life. Acting is funny, we're both someone else and more of ourselves.

Go. Create. Inspire!

I don't know what it was about Monday night's rehearsal. It was a full moon. We were all a little "punchy" from the weekend. Or, maybe it was the dye in the lollipops that I brought for props, that got eaten by the cast. But, we were on a humorous role. Sometimes, I think that rehearsals are for the actors to get the giggles out, to enjoy the script and each other before we get serious and reveal it to others. Either way, I was surrounded by the electricity of many creative spirits, and my heart sang.

Journaling Prompt:  Have you ever experienced a yes that felt like pure trust and acceptance? Does the full moon effect you?

The Creative Train

Quote of the Day: 

Start with your own money and value your intuition. It's all about endurance in the beginning. Your dream and passion to succeed must be stronger than your fear of failure.

~Terri Bowersock

It's really happening. I had a dream to write a play in a coffee shop, set in a coffee shop, to be performed in a coffee shop. I heard the characters' voices talking in my head. I saw visions of them interacting and having complex lives and stories. I knew their relationships. I had to let them out, or they'd devour me. Now, I've released them to the actors. They're becoming even more amazing and interesting than I'd imagined. And, as the momentum grows, more people get involved. It's like they all want to hop on board this creative train. Whoo Whoo, hear we go! There's no turning back. You can't stop a train.

But, I might be just a weensy bit nervous. Who am I to ask all these people to take time from their busy lives to ride my train? Maybe, just maybe, it's just the ride the've been waiting for.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Have you ever started a project that seemed to gain momentum until it grew to something even bigger than you imagined?

Abbey & Katie playing Jewell and Roxy

I discovered a couple of lovely young ladies at the Coco Moon, the coffee shop where I write and where my play will be first performed. Life is percolating at a coffee shop!

Photo by Katie Maine

Quote of the Day:  You're one of us. Katie Maine, when we first met.

I met Katie Maine and Abbey Olmsted on the same day. Yep, at the Coco Moon. Here's the connection. Remember Joey Halvorson from the previous post? She was having coffee with Beth, another writer in town. She introduced us. We connected, naturally, and I ended up sending my script to her. She read it, made terrific comments, and I asked if she'd ever be interested in acting in my play. She said the timing wasn't right for her, but she had a friend...

Enter, Katie Maine. She read the script and wanted to meet me. In the meantime, she invited her friend Abbey Olmsted to join us and to read the play. And, voila! I have my Jewell and Roxy. When I met the two of them, they sat across the table from Beth and me, and played off each other in regular conversation. I leaned over and said to Beth, "I feel like I'm watching a show right now." Katie asked if I wanted them to audition. I said, "You just did. You're in."

They were both active in the community college theatre program. Abbey was in Nunsense with Laura a few years ago. They claim to hang out at Coco Moon even more than I do. And, they have moxie - snazz & pizza. They're so fun to watch, and they've already embodied the characters of Jewell and Roxy. I nearly cry every night at the gift of their amazing talents and love for my play.

Thank you, dear friends, for bringing such spark to our performance!

Katie Maine & Abbey Olmsted

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Do you have a close friend with whom you'd love to do a creative project?

Guy playing Nick

Today is Insecure Writer's Support Group. Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh and his brilliant blog. I call the self-doubt voices "The Committee." I am forming a team to fight them. Guy is leading the charge.  Read on.

Quote of the Day: And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt. - Sylvia Plath

My play, a swim meet, and one good Guy.

I was trying to think of a good guy to play the part of Nick in my play, Coffee Shop Confessions. I remembered that Guy Kelm was a writer, has done some work with theatre, and he would fit the role nicely. So, I emailed him with a request and explanation of what I was doing.  I didn't hear from him, so I thought he might not have gotten my email or wasn't sure about it. His kids are on the swim team with my boys. When I saw him at the weekend swim meet, he gently turned me down to play the part, but said that he loves reading plays and would be happy to read mine.  Since I just happened to have it with me at the meet, I handed it to him, and let the day progress.

The Y swim meets are loooong suckers. It's a full day affair. I'd get up watch my swimmers for a few minutes, then come back to my chair, not far from Guy's. I'd peek up at him as he kept reading my script throughout the day. I thought it was a good sign that he didn't chuck it under his seat. At the end of the meet, he came up to me and said many wonderful things about my play.  I was flattered and thanked him. After he described his impression of the story and how Nick is an important character and what he does to challenge the other characters in the play, I said, "You get it." (I wanted him to play the part so badly at this point.)

He handed me back the script and said he was really interested in it. He paused and said, "Maybe."

On Tuesday morning, the self-doubt committee was planning a meeting in my head. I'd just heard that the timing didn't work for another actor, and I thought this still wasn't the right time to have my play performed. I put in a call to another actor, then sat down at the piano for a while. Just before I headed out to my weekly yoga class, I checked my email. Guy wrote to tell me that YES he'd like to take the role of Nick. I squealed a very happy thank you! (He probably heard it across town.) Then, went to yoga.

That same week, on Friday evening, I read over my script again, and of course, found places to tweak it. Between picking up my kids, feeding them, and cleaning up, I finally read the last act in bed. The self-doubt committee knew I was tired and that my defenses were down. I still had one more role to fill. As I read Act 3, I started to think it was terrible writing, so sappy.  Who would ever want to be in this play? People will role their eyes when they see it. 

I said, "Stop it." (to the committee) I reminded them how Guy was a no until he read the play, then changed to a YES! "Take that, committe!" I told them to get out of my head and out of my bed, it was time for me to go to sleep.

During our first rehearsal, Guy told his story, including that he is a theatre and music major. He is currently a second grade teacher. He really does get my play. When I try to make changes, he tells me why what is there is working. He asks the right questions. He gives me even more insight into the story that we're telling.

I am so grateful to have Guy on my team. Thank you so much. Your words and your YES are a strong defense against that awful self-doubt committee.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Who's voice do you hear when you need to fight off the self-doubts?