Went to the Church Hill Theatre tonight to see Brian Whitaker (and others I know) in the final performance of Hello Dolly. Excellent community theatre. All actors contributed, and some were quite good. Throughout most of the first half, however, I would gaze back and forth between the stage and the ("orchestra") pit and silently ask "What have I gotten myself into?". The same "technique" used to quiet myself when performing; to escape self-focus and connect (w/God) beyond myself, became my path of release. Once loosed beyond self, I am taken to that quieter place, where the still small voice can be heard. Touching God, in a moment, brings comfort to the (called) path.

As if I didn't have enough to do, or keep straight, have now discovered video "annotations" on YouTube. After uploading a video, one can go in and add text boxes, to create an added dimension to the post. Well, you know me, once I get started (absorbed) with something... This video is the first attempt. It appears, however, that the annotations do not export out when a video is embedded somewhere else - like here. click through (on) the video to be taken to the actual post. In addition to (planning to) add this to all new posts, I will try and go back, one video at a time, and see what damage can be caused. Since I'll work backward in (posting) time, you'll find the annotations starting with the latest post on the 2008 channel, and (increasingly) extending back. Things like this are how I seem to handle feeling increasingly stretched with my time :) Go figure.

Just finished practicing. Feels so good (says Chuck Mangione). This is the time, though (to channel Robert Schuller, and) to gaze at the glass as half full. Here I am, at 48, feeling like I'm just getting started (the last 46 years of playing, starting on toy pianos, notwithstanding): new places, deepened and sustained connections, heightened discipline, validation and confidence. Deep inside, I knew this place existed, even if I couldn't get past, or often see beyond, the barriers. Perhaps I say (things like) this ad nausuem, but I feel (almost, sort of) like a kid, with everything in front of me. Okay, that sounds good - I'm remembering now from Paul: "forgetting what lies behind, ...press(ing) forward..." That's the answer to the half empty sense of all this, that can eagerly advance like a dark cloud dimming the view and challenging optimism. As soon as I start thinking anything like: "why am I just getting my act together now?" (whatever that means), it's probably time to pick up one of my Schuller books. Better yet, it's time to remember how I got here - by learning how to begin to rest in God, moving beyond total self focus. This same path will continue to take me to new places of blessing, repentance, and rejoicing. God is good.

Late Tuesday evening. Met for nearly 3 hours today with Steve Arnold; Executive Producing Director of the Church Hill Theatre, where I signed on as musical director for "Once On This Island". I can trace, over the years, the path that has led me here. "Here" could be described as the potential beginning of a new path, but not really. A deepening or broadening of the road travelled - developing connections with those around me through the arts and it's expression - would be a more holistic, and more fitting description. I have previously written here (I believe) that the work (essentially an "equipping ministry") I did in the church, I've discovered, transfers to the theatre. Yes, the work of God; revealed thru and in creation, and creative expression. Now I can coach and encourage in a new venue. As I see it, this doesn't take me off of my path, just, as stated, broadens it. It's all cool.

Today was fun. I was able to work at home most of the day (which also means I can have interaction with my family, at will). A nice lady in Illinios seems to connect with what I do, and has been commenting all over my videos. Encouragement is good (necessary, really, in this business). This is what I've been talking about: The YouTube channel is not a drag or burden because I "give it away". Rather, a place for people to discover, and to begin and build rapport. Discovery is good.

After doing good for a few months, and getting the newsletter out just prior to the beginning of the month, this one will take an additional day or two. Not bad, though. Am staying on track, however, with the video posting. Each month I'll dig up a new post (until the cupboard is bare) from the 2007 video stash to add to the 2007 (original) YouTube channel. Perhaps I'm silly (yeah...), but made the decision upon the New Year to set up a new channel for each year. This keeps the original (and each additional) channel from getting too cluttered. It however, created confusion of a different sort. When new viewers visit one of the 90 video posts on my (original) channel, and decide to "subscribe" (to be notified of new posts), the flaw in my plan is evidenced. My current posting is occurring somewhere else (on my new channel). This is why I'm continuing to post 1x/mo on the original channel. Subscribers will be notified of the new post, which will, in the video notes, inform them of the new channel. It's a solution for now. Yes, it creates new clutter, but that happens to be a gift of mine. I'm just learning how to appreciate it.