Creative Projects
One Step Closer to Filmmaking
Starting last year, I declared that I was no longer buying materialistic Christmas presents. All my gifts seemed like sacrifices to all the other junk that my family already had. Even the handmade things weren’t appreciated for the effort that I put in and STILL added to the cathedral of junk. I brainstormed affordable family … Continue reading
Art Garden Paper-Making
Always a pleasure to spend creative time in fresh air. This invitation came via one of the board members from the film festival. Since my sister is my all-around partner in crime, of course, she came with me. The Creative Invitation Although the weather wasn’t cold, I knew that my hands wouldn’t be submerged in … Continue reading
Museum Visit: Percy Martin
Proving both sayings that “the best-laid plans go awry” and “when life give you lemons, make lemonade,” my family and I went to a museum in Maryland on a Sunday to see our cousin Percy Martin’s exhibit only to discover that the building was closed. One of my sisters persuaded a maintenance man to unlock … Continue reading
Shedding the Old Skin
Some view decluttering as embarrassing proof that your home, car, garage, or whatever space where you regularly dwell within is “junky.” I view it as an opportunity to transform the space into something more in alignment with how the space is used. The latest work-in-progress is the den. Although everyone loves propping their feet up, … Continue reading
New Year’s Resolution Starting in November
Months ago, I had an epiphany: I didn’t need to “good job” my way out of Texas. I stopped putting undue stress on myself with the weekly job hunt rat race. My current job was portable. All I had to do was make a plan to leave. Once I returned home, I resisted most attempts … Continue reading
Trunk or Treat
My sister invited me to participate in the Trunk or Treat activity at the church where we attend. I’d never heard of it before, but apparently it’s been going on for a while…to the extent that there are costumes to deck out one’s car that can be bought online. Of course. Halloween is my favorite … Continue reading
Writing My Own Bible
Can’t believe I waited so long to do this. After all, I’ve written a variety of other things, but for some reason, I never thought about writing my own bible for storytelling purposes. It’s not a coincidence that all the details of a TV series, summed up in one convenient place, has been referred to … Continue reading
Which Anne?
While interviewing one of my cousins for the latest episode of “Strange Family Folklore: Where the Paper Trail Meets the Genetic Trail,” she kept referring to “Anne Swanson.” Nearly a week prior to our interview, I’d discovered a report that detailed Anne Swanson’s extended family, who were my maternal grandfather’s mother’s side of the family. … Continue reading
Dance Class Desert
I researched dance classes after relocating to a new state. I’d been rehearsing with an African dance troupe for several months. I wanted to continue dancing even if I had to pay for classes rather than be a part of a performance group. Just as I’d feared, not only were there no African dance classes, … Continue reading
Creative Action Performance
Four months ago, most of us dancers auditioned for a nonprofit West African dance troupe. This rendition of the group’s debut occurred during Creative Action’s first Creative Sunday since the pandemic. We’d rehearsed for several months. This was our first dress rehearsal. The choreographer fussed over our costumes like a mom getting her daughters ready … Continue reading