March 30, 2026
Personal Reflections
Towards the end of last week, I got a nasty cold. I never get sick and I am really careful when I am out and about, but as my dad would say, “these things happen.” Nevertheless, it could have been an extremely crappy weekend, but instead it turned into something lovely.
On Friday, I was going to go to the Washington Center’s Adventure Series: “Power of Creativity” event. I was very bummed to miss this, but the way that evening played out turned out to be just what I needed. I enjoyed a simple dinner at home with my mom, sister, and my sister’s boyfriend (all wanted me around for the occasion germs and all). We laughed, enjoyed deeper conversation, and really yummy food. Everything was comforting and joyous, and I am so glad I got to be there. Mom and I watched one of our favorite films “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” at the end of the night… the cherry on top in one of the best home evenings I’ve had in a while.
Saturday, I was going to attend the Capital City Chorus concert with my dear friend and take her out to a birthday dinner afterwards. Taking a raincheck on these plans was a major bummer, but I decided to use my time to watch more movies and snuggle my “dog-tors.” I had been in the mood for “The Raman Girl” for quite some time, but never gave myself the time to enjoy it until this occasion. Watching it again was quite fulfilling! Included on my film list for the day was a TV film, “The Last Dance” starring an elderly Maureen O’Hara, Eric Stoltz, and Trini Alvarado. Trust me, this film is a delight! I could see it being done on the stage, perhaps at the Olympia Little Theatre. Watch for free here. I ended the day with one of my favorite films of all time, one that I think is sorely underrated — Fantasia 2000. Speaking of Fantasia 2000, did you know that the “Firebird Suite” segment was inspired by Roy Disney’s trip to Mount St.Helens shortly after the eruption? Watch the segment here.
The weekend could have been a complete and total waste, but it was not because I chose to make the most out of the “free time” I was given. In my family, we sometimes say that God allows us to get sick so He could force us to rest and create a space where He can speak. Here is what he spoke to me:
Every day has the opportunity to be a good day, or rather have at least one good thing in it. Things will not always go to our plans, and that is okay because an open mind and a willingness to go with the flow might lead us to something better than what we had planned. Make time for rest and relaxation so that sickness does not have to do it for you. Balance allows us to thrive and when we do step into the audience, we can come refreshed and ready to enjoy what is in store.
This Week in the Arts
Coming up this week, I will be publishing three pieces in my JOLT Column including:
A look at Theater Artists Olympia’s new space and upcoming production “Anna Considers Mars.”
A review of Bayview School of Cooking’s “Ethiopian Flavors” class.
A sneak peak at Browsers Bookshop’s Reading Retreat in Tokeland, WA.
If everything goes to plan, Next week I will be writing about the upcoming Masterworks Choral Ensemble “The Searching Soul” concert and a “review” of the Washington Center’s “The Naked Magicians.”
To hear about these sooner, I invite you to subscribe to the JOLT News and/or 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.
Last week “In the Audience” at the JOLT News
All three articles within my column last week felt like the perfect way to welcome spring. Each felt like sunshine, and gave a sense of hope reawakening.
Nearest and dearest to my heart was the article celebrating Thurston County Inclusion’s “Runway Revolution.” This event really spoke to me, and reminded me of moments in my past interacting with the special needs community. If you read nothing else from last week, please read this article.
Although if you do feel up to it, I do encourage you to read my article looking at the Capital City Chorus Spring Concert Series as well as my review of the Carpenter’s House “Sunday’s Best” event. Though all of these events have passed, I think each of these articles do have fresh inspiration for us.