There are currently seven different books on my nightstand and I am reading them all simultaneously. I have been devouring words for months and my head is starting to get overcrowded. It is time for some serious self-nourishing, what Julia Cameron calls "filling the well". I have decided to commit myself to the Artist's way  for the next 12 weeks. I am most excited for my weekly "artist date". Julia Cameron describes the "artist date" as, "an excursion, a play date that you preplan and defend against all interlopers. You do not take anyone on this artist date but you and your inner artist, a.k.a. your creative child. That means no lovers, friends, spouses, children--no taggers-on of any stripe." I have forgotten that I can not be nourished creatively by words alone, I need to get out there and have a sensory fantasia. Have a little fun and hopefully experience some magic. Here... I... GO!

Hey, you are kind and glorious for showing up: my brother Paul. Moira and Sally. Maxine and Paulette. Jarad. J.D. Erin dh@ and Ruby Magnificent. Wayne M. Smith. JD Holmes. Erin Walter. Joan Biddle. Elena Stoeva and your friends and daughter Leni. Dana Wilson. Marie Dennan and your gorgeous dance-talking friend. MJ Adams. And Marianne Bell in spirit, Edyta Kutnik in spirit, Maggie Rawling-Endicott in spirit. Abbie Christopher. And my tribe of creators, Nat Newburger, Kimberley Baker, and my RIGHT WING WOMAN Bethany "BOO-ya" Wells Bak. Steven Prince Tate facilitating and expecting and holding space. Matteo Servente on the tripod and lens. What do I have to say about how much you matter to me? You are in this work. And we deserve each other deeply. (thank you.)

I was laughing and crying as I left "company class" yesterday. (Dance Makers Workshop is not a company, but a community engine... nonetheless we host classes and they are kinda like company classes... chill but vigorous.)  I reminded folks that DMW is hosting an open rehearsal on Saturday of "Meat Space Diaries #4: ODE,", and one of my good friends bowed her head sheepishly and asked if meat eaters were allowed at my showing. I sat there in astonishment! Then another one, who had brought eggs from her farm that many of us buy each week, piped in, "Yeah, what about meat farmers?" I'm sorry that I had no words for you just then. But here are a few.

I certainly don't knock on the door at Central BBQ and ask if I"m allowed entrance as a vegan! I go right in and order what I can.  My eating choices don't define my audience range any more than yours do, beloved community. Keep that in mind.

But if you want me to promise to protect you from getting your feelings touched I can't. And I must tell you my feelings get hurt all the time--we are each sensitive in our own ways, and this world doesn't really care, does it?  It all depends on how closely you need to guard your inputs in order to maintain your comfort level. I respect you completely.

What you can expect: a heartfelt and humorous engagement with the art of herding an animal. And I'd add, this piece is super duper child-friendly. I hope you'll bring your wee ones.

And I promise I won't bite you, as long as you return the favor my loves.