Recent Wanderings

There have been a few things, thoughts, mental-wanderings that occurred recently and caused some personal surprise on my part. Things that made me wonder if I even know myself at all. Has this ever happened to you? Here's some examples:

1) I pulled up to a gas pump and noticed a can of Dr. Pepper sitting on the rim of a garbage can right next to the pump. I thought, "Oh, that looks good. I wonder if there's any left in there." (Then other thoughts began to flow... Really, Elizabeth? If there was, would you take a swig? Gross.)

2) "When will I be able to catch up on The Bachelor...?" I never thought I would care about something so utterly heinous. And even at this point, I wouldn't say I cared so much as I just really needed to know what was going to happen. I'm not proud.

3) I was walking out to my car after the school day was over and saw a perfectly pink gum-ball on the ground. Obviously I thought, "I want to eat that. I could just dust it off a little... it's probably nice and warm from the sun." (Anybody who eats gum-balls on a regular basis knows that they are much more enjoyable to eat when warm.)

4) I was at Wal-Mart and walked past the dog-food aisle. On the end of the aisle was a display for Beggin' Strips, the popular dog treat that supposedly tastes just like bacon. I thought, "I'd eat that." It's another testament to the tip that you should never go shopping when you're hungry.



I suppose the fact that I didn't act on these initial thoughts gives me some redemption. (Except for number two, that is.) But it still makes me wonder, is there anything I wouldn't eat?

Moving

When in doubt, dance it out.

I'm so grateful for dance as a means of expression. I have had a lot on my mind the last few months, and I've discovered that one of the greatest comforts for any mental turmoil is movement. If I'm feeling stressed, broken, confused, or frustrated... all I have to do is improv a little bit, work up a sweat, breathe hard, and let those emotions just ooze on out of my system. It might sound strange, but it is fact. As someone who keeps most negative emotion to herself, dancing has really provided an incredible outlet for me.

I've started recording some of my improvisation sessions for a couple reasons... 1) So I can give myself corrections to make sure I don't start losing my technique. (It's hard to not be a consistent student anymore!) and 2) So I can look back and see if I did anything worth repeating in some choreography. I recorded a video a few weeks ago and thought I'd share it... I'm very nervous about this. But hey--this is a blog about my thoughts, and if there's one thing I'm thinking about more than anything else, it's dancing.

Just keep in mind that this is not choreographed, so there's nothing brilliant here. There's some rough transitions and repetition... I'm just moving for my mind's sake, trying not to think too much, doing what felt good to my body and soul.

Random Nugget of Thought: The human body is an amazing creation. The intricate intertwining of all the systems and their functions just boggles my mind. I am proud to be the keeper of such a fantastic facility.

STYX

Whenever I wear my STYX shirt, sporting the artwork from "The Grand Illusion" album, I get quizzical looks. Those puzzled glances are usually followed with a question like: "STYX, huh?" I answer, "Yep."
Then a pause precedes the next question: "... and how old are you?"

I have often wondered what made my twenty-something self became a fan when there is so much other good music out there. How did they work their way, so effortlessly, into my heart, playlists and banter? All I can say is, there's something about STYX.

There's something about those sweet harmonies.

There's something about those tasty guitar licks.

There's something about those kick-butt power stances.

There's something about those aging men, and how much they love their music.

There's something about being at one of their concerts, seeing it all in action.

Most particularly... there's something about Tommy Shaw. Those biceps. That hair. That face.

And there's something about meeting him (and kissing him) that will cause you to do something like this:

And there's something about sharing it all with your best friend, that just puts the icing on the already-audibly-delicious delight that is STYX. No shame. No apologies. No regrets. 

I love STYX.

Civil Rights Day

I was talking with some friends over the weekend about Civil Rights Day today, and what our plans were for the national holiday. I carelessly made some statement about how I was so glad for the Civil Rights Movement; even though it didn't really affect my life, at least I got a holiday out of it. One of my friends called me out on that statement, saying that the Civil Rights Movement affected all of our lives, more than we care to realize.

I pondered about this... I had thought that my growing up in the west, being white, and from a middle-class family would all add up to a pretty similar life for me, even if the Civil Rights Movement had never occurred.

What a narrow way of thinking.

My eyes were opened to all the ways that my life and perspective has been affected by the Civil Rights Movement. This realization came just today from viewing a beautiful piece of choreography entitled "Lament" by Dwight Rhoden, danced by Desmond Richardson. Both of these men are amazingly talented artists who have made lasting impressions on the dance world, and both of them are black. I thought, who knows if I would be enjoying this incredible piece of work if the Civil Rights Movement had not taken place. I continued thinking, what other beautiful areas of the world would have been left wanting if equal opportunity and rights were not awarded to people of all races, cultures and colors? I didn't like that thought. Here you can see why:



Desmond Richardson is one of my favorite dancers. His technique is impeccable, his physique flawless, and his performance quality--simply breath-taking. I could sit and watch him all day. I'm so glad to know that everyone has the equal right and opportunity to create, invent, and express. The Civil Rights Movement helped to bring that result about, and I'm so grateful. Happy Civil Rights Day.

Lessons Learned in 'Eleven

2011: It was a good year. I received my college degree, traveled to Europe, got a solid job that I love, directed an entire show on my own, made some incredible new friends, and solidified friendships that I know I'll cherish forever. Plus, I learned some very valuable lessons, including (but not limited to) the following:

1) Spending quality time with a ukulele is always a good idea.
2) STYX is one of the greatest bands of all time. I know this simply by listening to their sweet tunage, and going to one of their concerts. Those men are quite wrinkled, but they love their music and rock so hard.
3) Throwing a pot on the wheel is one of the most rewarding activities--you are able to clear your mind while being productive and creating something useful. Love.
4) When you're in the market for a used car, always get it checked by a mechanic before making the purchase.
5) Valley Fever is not a joke! You can really catch it, and it will keep you down for weeks on end.
6) What I accomplish and achieve in my life is up to me. I am the only person who can hold me back.
7) Betsy Johnson earrings are a treasure.
8) We can learn a lesson from everyone that we meet. All we have to do is open our eyes and see what they have to offer. 
9) A budget is a must-have. I do not live paycheck to paycheck, I give every dollar a job, I roll with the financial punches, and I save for a rainy day. I feel in complete control. (Thanks, YNAB!)
10) You must let the people around you know that you care... it will add value to their lives as well as yours.
11) Pina Bausch speaks the truth: "Dance, dance--otherwise we are lost."

When it comes to 2011, there is no room for complaints.

And I have this feeling... a remarkable warmth inside my soul, that 2012 will be even better. I am eager to embark on all the adventures this year holds in its hand. If only I could peel open the fingers, get a glimpse of what lies in its palm, and see what is coming my way. Who will I meet? Where will we go and what will we do? What new lessons will I learn? Only time will tell the story. But I know, it's going to be a good one.

Thank you, Christmas...

There is just no better time than Christmas! Its goodness comes from a combination of things that I've touched on in previous posts: time with family, delicious food, exchanging gifts, lights, etc. However, I failed to mention the real source of Christmas spirit.

The true magic of the season comes from a united focus on the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. His teachings bring hope and joy, giving life worth and meaning. His sacrifice makes it possible for me to overcome all things, repent, and become the person I want to be. Because of His gospel, I know I lived before coming to earth and that there is life after death. I know there is a purpose for all we endure in this life and we can always turn to Him for strength and assistance. I know that our God is a just God, and He provides a way for all of us to be saved, and return home to live with Him again. I am so grateful to my Savior, Jesus Christ for choosing to follow the will of our Heavenly Father by coming to earth and teaching us (by example) how we can find true happiness in this life and the next. I am truly humbled by such a thought.

Thank you, Christmas, for being a constant reminder of the love I have for my Savior.


In conclusion--thank you, Christmas, for providing the moments when:
1) My brother opened a pot I had thrown, fired, and glazed for him, and liked it better than any other gift I had purchased. It sure made my heart swell.
2) We just sat around the dinner table talking and relaxing--waiting for the delicious food we had just eaten to settle.
3) Tears were brought to my parents' eyes when they opened a sentimental gift from my sister. I love that my parents get more presents now than the "kids" do, since all of us no longer have to ask my parents for money to buy them gifts. It is so much fun to watch them open things.
4) A favorite quote was put into practice through trips to the gym, hiking in the snow, and group yoga. ("The family that sweats together, sticks together."- Kent Mecham) This quote could also be applied to the time when all seven of us piled into my brother's extended cab and took an intense drive in the snow-covered mountains. It took an hour and a half, and it was warm in that cab, let me tell you.
5) My Mom said: "Every time I see that iPad it just calls to me and--ooooh!!--I just want to touch it!" Needless to say, she is having a lot of fun exploring the functions of her new high-tech gift, and the rest of us are also sharing in the joy. :)

Thank you, Christmas.

Is there a Santa Claus?

I so appreciate the words of newsman Francis Pharcellus Church in response to one of the most-asked questions of childhood. I never really inquired about the reality of Santa Claus, because I've always known the truth in my heart.

Aaaaand let's just roll it back, for a little sentimental brilliance: 

"The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see... Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders that are unseen and unseeable in the world... there is a veil covering the unseen world which not even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond."

I believe it.