The Final Curtain

Greetings from a basement out here in the middle of Minnesota. I trust and hope this missive finds you and yours doing well, and remaining ever hearty and hale.

Audrey and the kids are over in Wisconsin visiting her folks, so it’s just me and the animals for the weekend.

Last night was the final curtain on our One Act show this season. The evening began with a family and friend chili and soup potluck before the performance. By the time 7:30 rolled around, we had a nearly packed house. The kids had put so much time and energy into the season, and even though we we didn’t advance to section finals or state this year, last night’s show, in front of a home crowd, was the best one they put on. Everyone was humming along at full energy, and left it all on the stage. When the lights came back up, the kids got a standing ovation. After the kids introduced themselves and the roles they played, I said a few words about the seniors, some of whom have been every One Act show. In front of a packed auditorium, I found myself getting choked up speaking about these kids who’ll be moving on after this year to start the next leg of their respective journeys. It’s been an incredible opportunity to work with them, and I will miss them quite a bit.

Got a late start this morning…slept in to nearly nine of the clock. Took care of the animals, made a breakfast of coffee, everything bagel with cream cheese, and a sunny side up egg. Had my morning devotions while I ate.

Verse of the day comes from Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” Like most things in life, fear can be healthy. It’s our built-in moderator for exercising caution, helping us to be situationally wise. But too much fear can indeed lay a snare, can hold us back, or lead to a cycle of spinning.

I’m rereading (through audiobook) Stephen King’s third entry in his Dark Tower saga, The Wastelands, and I’m seeing this concept of fear playing out in many of the characters, but especially in Eddie Dean. There’s this pivotal scene in which the ka-tet is preparing to bring Jake back into Midworld. Much of the responsibility falls on Eddie Dean’s shoulders, and he tells Roland he’s afraid, scared the he’s going to mess up, and in doing so will be the cause of Jake’s death. Roland tells him it’s okay to be afraid, that it’s expected, but that Eddie has to “ride out” all the same to face his fears, that to no do so would be cowardly. Courage is facing that challenge despite the fear, trusting that it’ll play out how it’s supposed to.

After breakfast and devotions, I unloaded the dishwasher and listened to Bonnie Prince Billy Sings Greatest Palace Music on the record player. I’m really glad we moved it upstairs, because in doing so, listening to records has become more common. It’s been grand introducing different music to the kids, and reacquainting myself with some of my favorite LPs.

I don’t have big plans for the day. I’d like to do some writing, make up for the days I missed during the hectic One Act schedule, and definitely get outside with Rosie now that the temperatures are actually north of zero. She’s been lying by the back door with her ball close at paw. Before that though, I’m going to have lunch…I made a big pot of taco soup, and that should suffice to warm me up before braving the cold. I may even snag a nap after. Truly it’s a day of rest!

Reading: I plan to finish The First Binding this weekend…just a little over 100 pages to go.
Watching: I checked out a couple of Miyazaki movies from the library (Nausica of the Valley of the Wind and Princess Mononoke).
Listening: I’ve been digging Hermanos Gutierrez. Great instrumental, guitar music with a laid back desert vibe.

I’ll close for now. Be well. Take care of yourselves and each other.

Huzzah!

Purdy