Personal Reflections
It’s actually Friday as I write this. I’m sitting in my office, watching the rain fall outside my window. The light beyond the glass is a dark, moody, delicious grey, but I can’t help noticing how vibrant the evergreen bushes look against it or how the rain makes everything look shiny. Inside, the lighting casts a warm, comforting, golden glow. I’m wearing a fluffy red sweater and listening to a vocal jazz playlist. Despite sitting in an ordinary office chair, I feel wonderfully cozy. I often talk about the importance of pausing and embracing the small joys in life, and right now, this is one of them. Oh, how lucky we all are to be alive.
About a year ago, a friend of mine, Stacy Hicks, who was also a beloved member of our arts community, was killed in a freak car accident. Even now, the thought of it still shocks me. I hope I never become immune to that shock because I always want to remain conscious of just how precious life is and be more mindful and safe behind the wheel..
At the same time, I want to live like Stacy: embracing each day and the opportunities it brings. She lived a vibrant life, filled with love, as she pursued her dreams and devoted herself to the causes she cared about. Even now, I continue to be inspired by her example.
As Veterans Day approaches, my heart is also filled with gratitude for the service members who have made countless, often incomprehensible, sacrifices to help keep us safe. To everyone who has served, thank you.
Thanksgiving is approaching, too, and I've found myself continually contemplating whether I want to keep the term Thanksgiving in my vocabulary or transition to something like Harvest Celebration. Depending on my mood, I go back and forth, but one thing remains consistent: on the last Thursday of November, just as I strive to do every other day of the year, I want to express my gratitude and maintain a grateful heart. My family was never particularly into Pilgrim propaganda, anyway. We always approached the day as an opportunity for family time, good food, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and believe it or not, the parade is turning 100 this year! Can you believe it?
It’s truly incredible what we notice when we put our distractions aside and simply take a moment to enjoy the view outside our window. I hope you’ll find a little time this week to embrace this simple delight of living, too.
This Week in the Arts
I will be publishing three pieces in my JOLT Column including:
Review: Olympia Symphony Orchestra’s “Evolve” Concert
Review: Ballet Victoria’s “Alice in Wonderland” in Olympia
A year with the Olympia Youth Chorus
I will be publishing these articles under Rachel’s Choice:
I’m pondering something, we’ll see what happens
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
For the Record: In honor of Veterans Day, Glenn Miller’s Original Recordings
Something else potentially, we’ll see!
Events with Rachel
Intentional Vinyl w/ The Dare to Love Project: November 11th @ 6:30pm. A Veterans Day Special Listening Event: Glenn Miller’s Original Recordings. Word searches, fidgets, and coloring available during listening session. Post vinyl discussion will follow. More event information can be found here.
Night of Nostalgia ~ Bygone Radio Shows w/The Dare to Love Project: November 19th @ 6:00pm. Come listen to old radio shows curated by yours truly and enjoy reminiscing with friends and community. Word searches, fidgets, and coloring available during listening session. More event information can be found here.
Email me for address.
…
If you would like to add a tip to my “tip jar”, I invite you to click below. All tips are greatly appreciated!
Like this newsletter? Subscribe here.