Update for the Week
Dang, it’s been a pretty full week. Last Sunday we closed Ice Maidens up in Lanesboro, MN. I can’t say enough good things about the people involved with the show, and the Commonweal overall. What an amazing experience - from chilling with the actors at the Res and getting hooked on Family Guy, to the thorough and professional development work on the first production of a new script, what a rewarding experience.
Monday I drove down to St Louis to visit my sister and her three daughters. Here’s a quick vlog I recorded on the way…
Click to viewI had a great time, actually getting to know my nieces a little bit. They’re awesome and my sister’s a great mom. I’m proud of her. I enjoyed spoiling the girls with money I didn’t actually have and learning about the intricacies of Build-a-Bear. Note that the youngest is wearing my kerchief.
Bailey, Sara, DeeAnne and Ryanne after some Build-a-Bear and Hot Topic.
Me and my sister DeeAnne after a fine breakfast at Dennys!
Got home Wednesday night to my beautiful wife and our anni-mules. We had a nice quiet dinner with some Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Thursday I had some kind of attack where I had trouble getting enough breath for a few hours. We’re guessing was probably a panic attack. I have a lot of crap to catch up on, including how I’m going to be making money for the next six months. I’m incredibly susceptible to money stress, and I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but the economy has taken a few challenging turns lately. I also kind of overworked myself, doing a lot of heavy lifting and stuff. It was an exhausting, effed-up day.
Friday and Saturday were better as I focused on relaxing mentally and doing moderate work, like raking leaves and attempting to repair our dryer. I felt domestic and productive.
Friday night I watched The Machinist. At first I thought it was trying to be one thing (Momento) but it took some turns I didn’t expect and revealed itself to be its own, unique masterpiece. I absolutely loved it, and will refrain from saying anything specific in case you haven’t seen it - go now and rent it at your local independent video store, or NetFlix if you must.
Saturday night I saw Doubt, produced by NC Stage, hosted at Spirit Square. Amazing performances, particularly by the leads, Rebecca Koon and Brian Robinson. I would have questions for the director if I had the opportunity - some strange blocking and odd storytelling choices seemed to work against the script, in my opinion. It was odd to still note the pavlovian urges I had to cross myself every time the priest did.
Speaking of my Catholicism, I went to church this morning to become a godparent. It was Episcopalian, which is pretty close to Catholic in its traditions and ceremonies, so it also felt very familiar. I took part in communion, a choice that I struggled with the whole time leading up to it. I’m not sure if I was supposed to technically - I can in a Catholic church, as I’ve achieved my first communion there, and I’m also a confirmed Lutheran (ELCA), so it seems membership in bookending organizations should allow me communion access in the ol’ Church of England.
Aside from the technicalities, I felt the spirit of communion very strongly today, which is ultimately why I decided to. I acknowledge here that my approach to theology may differ from yours, so all the following is humbly submitted as my own opinion. The ceremony of sharing in the Body of Christ is what unifies believers across time and distance - a big part of the purpose of any ceremony or tradition. And the Christ is not only intended to be a person, but an embodiment of the Church - the collective of those in union with God. The sermon today included the gospel lesson where Jesus asserts that all people carry god within them - that all people are part of the body of Christ: “When I was hungry, you fed me, when I was naked you clothed me”… “What you have done for the least of these, you have done for Me” et cetera. My Atheist peers are quick to criticize - or dismiss - communion as an odd cannibalism, but they are missing, ignoring, or assuming believers are too thick to see, the obvious metaphor made so clear and powerful through the ritualized tradition, that we carry God within us. That this act unifies us with each other and with God. This is, after all, what most paths to God are all about - oneness.
Oh, and the wine they used was kickass. I don’t count it as going off the wagon, ‘cause it’s a holy thing, Vince.
I was reminded last night during Doubt how seriously I considered becoming a Priest. I was reminded today how much beauty there can be in religion. I was reminded this week, becoming a godparent and visiting my sister and nieces, how wonderful the gift of family is. And coming back from my trip, how lucky I am to have the opportunity to create and express through my art.
What a great way to move into Thanksgiving week. I am truly blessed.
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