July 27, 2026
Personal Reflections
For the first time in “forever,” my family and I sat down to watch a movie together at home. During the warmer and sunnier days, it is harder to prioritize this kind of bonding. This is why I thrive on cloudy and rainy weather because it forces me to prioritize coziness, which only enhances my quality of life. Seriously, does life get better than snuggling with a blanket and a dog?
Mom and Faith (my sister) chose the movie for us: The Sheep Detectives. Admittedly, I was hesitant it had Hugh Jackman, who I don’t like. I am pleased to report that not only did the film have less Jackman than I anticipated, but it was really good. More on that another time.
This brings me to the insanely adorable CGI lamb pictured in this newsletter. This little guy was the outcast of the flock for reasons I will not reveal here, but you can totally imagine just how stupid the reasons are. He’s just a cute, little, innocent, sweet, loving lamb looking to be loved and belong. I hate the way he ends up experiencing rejection!
This film made me think a lot about sheep, the way we talk about sheep, and reminded me of the similarities between sheep and humans.
There is the common metaphor of people following a leader or a trend like blind sheep. Can we think of any current reminders of that?
Whether we are interacting with animals or people, there are a few things we must keep in mind.
1). Not all sheep (or people) are blind followers, just as not all sheep follow the same shepherd.
2). Each animal or person is unique with their own distinct personalities and talents. In general, each are also smarter than we give them credit for.
3). Each have their own feelings, feelings that are always valid and should be taken seriously.
4). Abuse, bullying, harassment, or harm to any animal or human is never acceptable under any circumstances.
5). Everybody wants to be loved — not just loved, but cherished and truly seen. Yet, many of us feel alone, rejected, or invisible.
6). We all want to belong. We all want to be part of a flock, whether we end up creating it ourselves or we happen to be in the flock that best suits us from the time we are born. Also, it is worth noting that human flocks don’t just appear at home, but in the places we frequent like work, our favorite coffee shop, where we fulfill our hobbies, etc…
Watching this movie inspired me to think both about the ways I can show love to my fellow sheep, and how I can be a good shepherd (or leader) when the opportunities present themselves. Truly, the possibilities are endless.
This week, I invite you to think of the ways you can make a difference in your flock, and how you can help someone else feel a sense of belonging.
It could be as simple as a smile, a thank you, or giving a round of applause. It could also look like saying hi, taking time for conversation, and speaking words of affirmation into someone’s life.
All this from a CGI lamb — this is why we must continue to engage in arts (which does look like watching a movie at home sometimes). The arts teach us things in such nuanced ways that translate to our human hearts (and sometimes “sheep” minds) more clearly than anything else.
May we all walk in love for humankind, the animal kingdom, and everything else Mother Earth holds in her arms. May we look out for one another, invite everyone in, and stand against anything that attempts to separate us.
This Week in the Arts
Coming up this week, I will be publishing two pieces in my JOLT Column including:
Olympia Little Theatre 2026-27 Season Preview & Behind the Scenes Look
A Conversation with Dr. Adam Jones
I will be publishing these articles under “Rachel’s Choice”
Sneak Peek: Olympia Bon Odori Festival
Review: Rainy Day Records ‘Petal’ Listening Party
To read my articles as they come out, I invite you to subscribe to the JOLT News and follow me on Instagram and Facebook, then invite a friend to do the same! :)
If you read a story that inspires you, I invite you to share it with others and help spread the word about the incredible things happening in the Thurston County Arts Community.
Other Fun Things This Week
14 Questions for My Community: Other than religious practices, what is something that you have incorporated into your daily/weekly routine that makes life better?
Getting in ‘The Zone’: “The Encounter” Season 5, Episode 31. Watch episode here to prepare.
SIDE NOTE: due to the popularity of this series and the numerous topics of discussion offered in the Twilight Zone canon, I have decided to extend this series to Halloween with the last article to come out on that day!
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