I'm not gonna lie. 2013, creatively speaking, has been a crappy year. Things that I had hoped to see come to fruition didn't. Dreams that I thought were being realized were dashed. I even took a deviation from the familiar path and auditioned for a local production, only to be flat-out turned down. Yeah, 2013, you have really kicked my ego in the gut and left me down for the count.
Fortunately, I have a lot of friends whose true colors came through in times of strife - for better and for worse. I am blessed to know a lot of folks "in the business" who have supported me and offered professional advice when times were tough. As a result, I gave myself a time out. I find that I tend to take to the blog when I am frustrated, angry, disappointed and defeated. From the creative perspective, that was mostly how I was feeling, so that is why I haven't posted of late.
As you know from previous posts, I have a rewrite to do. I also have a new piece that I am developing with composer/lyricist Sam Sultan. Lest we forget the many new projects germinating in my brain. So what do I do with all those creative tasks on my list? I go on a diet and I start working on neglected home improvement projects. At least those are projects that are definitely within my control. I can invest time, money and energy and, when all is done, I can see the results. There is something very tangible and necessary about having those kinds of goals, especially for me. The theatre is a nasty business and it devours the weak. I needed to make myself stronger somehow.
We are about to begin the second half of 2013 and I am hoping that it is infinitely better than the first half. I am looking forward to both an acting and directing gig in the fall (details forthcoming) and will be spending the remainder of the summer getting thin, organizing my home and writing the first draft of a new musical.
Sometimes you have to deviate from a path in order to find a hidden treasure, to dodge a bullet, to find a rose among thorns or, quite simply, to right your course. And that, my friends, is a good thing.
