Reflections

As I gaze out at the swiftly flowing water broken up only by the smooth gray boulders which stand in its way, I calculate the best route for crossing. Some rocks, covered in moss and slick algae, would easily twist an ankle or cause an unlucky hiker to tumble into the cold stream. Crouching, I gingerly step out, taking it one stone at a time, trying to avoid the damp ones. I can feel the gentle spray of the rushing water on my cheeks. I cautiously step onto a rock that appears to be sound. I feel it start to shift beneath my weight and quickly retreat. I take a few deep breaths and press on, going slowly and carefully. When I reach the halfway point, I pause for a moment to listen to the wind rushing through the trees, the percussive sound of the waterfall, and the birds calling in the distance. Looking upstream, I glimpse little silver fish swimming happily along in the fast current. The vivid green of the leaves and bright rays of sunshine reflect in the water and create a sparkling mosaic. A flash of bright red catches my attention. A woodpecker has landed on a nearby tree. He begins to scale the trunk, occasionally stopping to hammer away at loose pieces of bark. The sound of the bird's knocking echoes throughout the woods. I slowly sink down until I am sitting cross-legged on the rock. I ponder. Some people prefer to sit on the bank, too frightened to cross the stream. Others leap quickly from boulder to boulder, focusing only on their destination and not caring where their feet land. Then there are the ones who take the time to enjoy the hike, the ones who take the time to admire each and every stone, each and every crevice, each and every leaf. I stand slowly, taking in the world around me. The woodpecker, startled by my movement, flits to another tree. As he begins his process all over again, I smile and continue on my journey.

Written by Karen Thead

The Life of a Theatre Major

I just realized that I haven't written a blog post in almost a year. I should probably be ashamed of myself but I'm not. ;) I have been incredibly busy over the past months. After I bought myself an inexpensive car, I applied and was accepted at a small public university about 25 minutes away from where I live. Over all, I have been very pleased with my classes and the whole campus atmosphere. The college is very close-knit and a day never goes by when I don't run into someone I know while walking back and forth to classes. Since the university is a top rated school, the coursework is definitely demanding. If you slack off, you don't get very far! Luckily, I have a strong work ethic and constantly push myself to do better. I like to succeed at everything I do.

After the fall semester began, time almost seemed to speed up. It was an incredibly odd phenomenon. I guess when you are constantly busy, life appears to increase in speed. Before I knew it, it was Christmastime. I had a pleasant, uneventful Christmas (just the way I like it). Most of my time was spent visiting with my friends and family. Unfortunately, the holidays ended before I wanted them to. In January, I was back in the school routine. One great thing about this semester, though, was that I was hired as a Ballet Barre instructor at the campus recreation center. I cannot even begin to express how thankful I am that I can get paid for doing something I love to do! My job is one of the many perks of being a college student.

Another highlight is that I'm majoring in theatre. :) Contrary to popular belief, theatre is not an easy major. We don't just "play around" (excuse the pun). Along with our regular classes, we also have rehearsals at night. I've had to learn how to juggle my schedule so I have time to prepare for my ballet classes, do homework for my college classes, and attend rehearsals. Although it's hard and sometimes causes me a significant amount of stress, I wouldn't trade my life with anyone else.

Now you see why I haven't written a blog post in a while. ;) I will try to do better in the future. Meanwhile, I have some homework to do!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

"Grouchy Grinches, rhyming foxes in socks, the cat in the hat and old Mr. Knox!
Nooks that can't cook, a pink ink drinking Yink, Jiboos, Gump's Wump... oh, the thinks you can think!
Green eggs and ham, a hopping Yop, Mr. Sam I Am... you probably want me to stop!
One fish, two fish, a goo chewing goose! Red fish, blue fish, Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!"
~By Karen Thead

Pretty much everyone is familiar with a certain trouble-causing, top hat-wearing cat. Everyone grew up with a grumpy, grouchy Grinch who's home is at the top of Mount Crumpit. Everyone's tongue has been twisted trying to keep up with a talkative fox who wears socks. And how about tasting some green eggs and ham? Yep, it's a big part of almost everyone's childhood. HUGE thank you to Theodor Seuss Geisel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss) for being such a big part of my childhood! Happy (108th) Birthday! :)

Rhapsody of Rain

As I listen to the sound of soft, steady rain falling…
I lightly brush my fingertips over the keys.
I sit and I feel my heart’s true calling…
And play almost anything that I do please.

Chopin, Beethoven, Mozart and more…
The rain and my music so beautifully blend.
As the thunder sounds, I begin my encore…
Oh, I never… never want it to end.

The lightning crashes—my fingertips fly…
As everything around me fades in a blur.
I see a bright flash illuminate the sky…
I fermata, I pause for the thunder to occur.

As the little hammers hit the tight strings…
The rain patters down on my sill.
My mind begins wondering a great many things…
And my right hand starts doing a trill.

As I hear the rain slowly begin to subside…
I silently thank the storm for its show.
The piano now silent—keys closed up inside…
My fingertips skim across the top as I go.

Being me.

For those of you who don't know me very well, I'm a very emotional person. It doesn't take much at all to make me cry. There are many times when I wish I didn't have this trait, but would I replace my feeling with non-feeling? No, I wouldn't. It's part of who I am and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I've noticed over the years that being extremely emotional has its pros and cons. When you feel a lot, you are more likely to get hurt (as I’ve unfortunately learned time and time again). Others will say something mean about you and it will take a long time to heal the wound from it. On the other hand, being an extremely feeling person means that you love and care deeply.

You might say you’ve never seen me get overly emotional. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve tried to hide it for fear that others will see that in me and try to hurt me. But it’s still there, and it doesn’t take much for someone to find it.

If you look at the internet (especially Facebook), there is a LOT of badmouthing and backstabbing that goes on. Before you choose to write something rude or mean about someone else, why don’t you just take a minute to think about how that might totally effect their day. You never know if they might be having a rough day as it is and that one thing you said was the stone that caused an avalanche of emotions. I have been hurt many, many times by an insensitive remark made about me on what is supposed to be a “social networking site”. I’m not saying you don’t have the right to say what you want, because you DO. We all do. However, I think the world would be a nicer place if people would just think for a minute before saying something that could hurt someone else. Being human, I don’t always abide by this, but I strive to because I know it will make me a better person. Why live your life hurting others? Our time on this earth is too short to waste doing that…

“When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion.” ~Dale Carnegie

Summer days...

First off, I apologize for not writing anything on my blog since March. I've had a pretty busy summer and honestly haven't thought about my blog in a while. I hope that all my followers have found other things to do in the meantime and haven't just been waiting for me to post something. ;)

Around the first of May, I decided I would audition for Starkville Community Theatre's summer musical revue. I had worked in the sound booth during the 2009 summer show and had done some other things with the theatre as well but I'd never actually been ON SCT's stage. The auditions went well but there were so many other very talented people who also auditioned that I didn't expect I'd get in. Thankfully I was wrong and was offered a role! :) I was BEYOND just "excited" about it. ;)

Rehearsals started and I had the most fun I've had in a while. Of course, it was a lot of work but it all paid off in the end. We had 7 performances (which is quite a few more than I'm used to) and it made me feel like a pro. ;) I now have a better idea of what a Broadway performer's schedule is like.

Being in the show definitely rekindled my love for theatre. I had forgotten how much I love it and how it is such a big part of who I am... :) Can't wait to audition for another show!

Raindrops...

*Splish* *Splash* *Splish*

There is something so soothing about the sound of rain pattering against a window. Listening... my mind starts to wander--getting lost in a trance. All my worries, pains, and fears begin to disappear. Calmness sweeps over my body like taking a deep breath of fresh air. My eyelids flutter once and start to droop. Suddenly, I'm startled as the family cat jumps clear across me and gracefully leaps onto the windowsill. Her nose twitches--eyes as big as saucers. She appears to be in a trance as she watches the rain pattering down against my window...

*Splish* *Splash* *Splish*

Christmas time is here...

December:
The month of the year when everyone is rushing to get Christmas shopping finished, gifts all wrapped up, and houses decorated.

When I was little, I very clearly remember the suspense and excitement I felt as the Christmas season approached. My gift list would grow and grow with all the things that I just HAD to have. And of course I can't forget the thrill of waking up really early on Christmas morning, tearing the paper and bows off my presents, then getting into the car and riding over to my grandparent's house where we would have a Christmas lunch and wait for the adults to stop chatting so we could go and find out what was under the tree for us! Yes, I know it seems as though I was nothing but a greedy little kid but I'm sure this all sounds very familiar to all of you too... ;)

Since I've grown up a bit, my attitude about Christmas has changed quite a lot. I don't view Christmas as a time to raid a toy store anymore. To me, it's a time to spend together with family and friends. I know that sounds pretty cliche' but it's how I truly feel...

When I see 5' tall dancing Santa Claus lawn decorations and giant inflatable snowmen and penguins wearing Santa hats in stores, I kind of wonder what we've done to Christmas... I REALLY don't believe that is what the holiday is supposed to be about. I don't know about you, but I hope to have a nice, relatively low key Christmas this year because to me, that's the best kind! :)

Summer...

After realizing that I hadn't written a blog post since June, I thought it was high time I compose a new one.

All in all, I must say I've had a pretty good summer. After the children's musical that I helped choreograph in June was over, I went to Ballet Magnificat's Summer Dance Intensive for two weeks. I had the time of my life there-- getting to meet new people from all over the world (many of which ended up being good friends), having Bible studies & Chapel daily, and of course, getting to be taught by professional dancers every day. Although it was at first up in the air whether or not I'd even be able to attend because of the cost, I'm so glad that everything worked out because it was worth EVERY single penny that went into it. :)

After returning from Ballet Mag!, I got the opportunity to see many of my friends perform in the Summer Scholars Onstage Camp Production, “And The Beat Goes On”. I actually went to the camp a couple of years ago myself but since I got too old (LOL), I wasn’t able to attend again. I enjoyed sitting in the audience but I would have loved to have been onstage performing with the cast. :) As always, the performance was outstanding!

A week ago, my family took a short trip over to the Dismals Canyon because we had never been before and heard it was beautiful. As we got close to our destination, we all began to doubt that the canyon would be as great as we had seen in pictures because the scenery around us didn't really look particularly spectacular. Thankfully, we were VERY wrong. The Dismals Canyon is in fact, a paradise tucked away in the north part of Alabama. It was amazing hiking on the trails through the different parts of the canyon and being able to look up at the enormous rock walls on either side of us. The Dismals also have a number of gorgeous waterfalls here and there along the trails. One of the things that astounded us was that the temperature dropped 10 or more degrees when we got into the canyon, which was a much appreciated change from the 90+ degree weather that everyone has been dealing with. I had an awesome time at the Dismals and hope it's not too long before I get a chance to go back!

Even though my summer was great, some things have happened this fall semester that have deeply saddened and hurt me. Even though I've forgiven, it's very hard to forget but I know God will be able to help me on that one. :) It will just take some time to heal the wounds. Right now I just need to focus on moving on. As a good friend of mine said, "This is a small rock on a long road."

Ballet and Musicals

My life never ceases being busy. Rehearsals are underway for the youth musical I'm helping choreograph and I'm also busy trying to get and stay in shape for Ballet Magnificat!'s Summer Intensive which I'm attending for 2 weeks in July. I'm incredibly excited about the intensive and hope to learn a lot while I'm there! :)

Just a day in May...

After being drenched for several days in a row, the weather has finally relented and given us a sunny (but hot) day. Right now I'm relaxing at the computer with my shoes and socks off while listening to a mockingbird calling outside. Even our family’s cat seems to be in a lazy mood. At the moment, she is snoozing in a chair. However, I'm sure she's just "recharging" so she can make mischief tonight. ;)

You know, cats really are such interesting and complicated creatures. This is most likely why they are my favorite animals. They are just so much fun to be around! I've even had one specific cat that was like my best friend. I know it sounds cheesy but it's true!

There are however, a couple of very important rules that you must go by if you are interested in getting a cat.

The Rules:

1. You never actually own a cat. He/she just lives with you.

2. You are your cat's personal maid so you'd better get used to it. :)

Basically, if you're able to get over some of the quirks, weird behavior, and bad habits that cats have (Hey, nobody is perfect!), then they can make excellent friends!

The New.

Sometimes it truly astounds me that so many people can't seem to accept the "new" or "different" ideas. I've been thinking about how the audience rioted during Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring way back in 1913 when it premiered. The public hated it basically because the music was discordant and the ballet was incredibly different than what they were used to seeing. It actually makes me sad that the composer, musicians, and performers had to deal with all that chaos during what should have been a great performance. I think a performance is like a gift that is to be given to the audience. It would be incredibly rude if someone gave you a gift and then you pitched a fit because it wasn't exactly what you had wanted or hoped for. I personally think that audiences should go into shows with open minds and if the performance still doesn't meet their satisfaction, they should leave quietly. The dancers, actors, musicians, etc., put a lot of work into what they do and everyone should respect that.
If something is different and you aren’t as comfortable with it, that doesn’t automatically make it a bad thing. I'm sure that when cars first came out, lots of people were horrified that anyone would actually think of using such a thing but now, they are one of the most commonly used ways of transportation.

As said so wonderfully in Disney/Pixar’s film Ratatouille:
“The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations. The new needs friends.”

What a gorgeous day!

So we've now had several beautiful sunshiny days in a row. I'm beginning to wonder how long it's going to last but while it does; I'm going to enjoy every minute of it! Because the weather is so pretty, I've gotten the chance to walk at the park a couple of days this week, which makes me feel really great!
In dance, we've been working really hard because our spring recital is just around the corner (in May). I can't wait, although I've really got my work cut out for me. Being in five dances of my own and also dancing with one of the classes I teach should definitely be fun but REALLY hard work. I'm also quite excited that we have a professional dancer playing the lead role in our performance! I hope I get to know her well, especially since I plan on attending the summer intensive at the company she dances with!
Well, I've got to run! I'm about to do some of my ballet strengthening and stretching exercises! :-)

"Steel Magnolias"

I know I haven't posted anything on my blog in quite a while. To be completely honest, I really haven't had the time to think, much less write for a couple of weeks. Don't get me wrong; I really do love being busy. (It definitely beats being bored all the time!) However, in my little bit of spare time, I did get the chance to watch Steel Magnolias for the first time. I have seriously been quoting lines from the movie since I saw it because I loved it so much! It is "laugh until your sides hurt" funny in parts! I mean, how can you NOT love older southern women smarting off at and making fun of each other. But the movie also has many incredibly sad and emotional scenes, giving it the perfect balance of comedy and tragedy. I won't spoil anything for those who haven't seen Steel Magnolias but I'm warning you in advance, have a tissue with you and also be prepared to laugh out loud! :-)

The Games Begin!

The cheering, the excitement, the competition! Watching the Olympic Games is always a fascinating experience, although I do it from the comfort of a couch. It is truly amazing what feats the human body can accomplish. To me, the most beautiful and frightening sport in the Winter Games is figure skating. Even though I dance, I'm always dumbfounded when I see the skaters jump in the air, spin three times and land gracefully on one leg while grinning from ear to ear. Dancers also have the challenge of performing strenuous moves (sometimes on their toes) while looking completely at ease. Some folks might ask why we would want to do something like this. For me, it is my life. I always love the thrill of being under the stage lights, giving a performance to the audience that will hopefully be meaningful and memorable to them in some way, and talking and laughing with my friends after the show. Even though the process is sometimes stressful and I feel like I'll never get a certain move right, it is always worth it in the end when all the hard work pays off. Although the Olympic athletes are out there to win a gold medal, I like to think that many of them just hope to do their personal best, no matter what happens, and to leave an impression on someone watching.