Five Years Down.

Hey.

In writing, like in all messy, heartfelt things, the key is not to worry about the perfect beginning. Don't be so goddamn precious.  Just start moving.  You'll spend far too much time fretting about how precise the initial efforts should be instead of actually creating some ordinary, kinetic magic. Some lasting, positive change.

Your life's work.

When the time's right, it's vital to take stock of growth.  To once again thank the tribe of loved ones all across this world who've supported me, shared their lives, and enjoyed my odes and nonsense.

So here I am, lapping coffee from a thermos, grazing from a bag of carrots and a tub of dry roasted almonds.  Looking over the gratitude I've charted from 2012 to 2013 to 2014 to 2015.

Let's break it down.  What I've done, what I've learned, and my upcoming goals:

WHAT I'VE DONE

Joined Actor's Equity - A super big deal for me. Been doing theatre professionally for over twenty years now, and being able to hold that card and audition for AEA shows puts a kindness in my heart.

Expanded KING OF THE HOBOS and produced a full-length version of the show -  That's been the bulk of my efforts this year.  Collaborating with Abigail to draft out a more character-driven, authentic piece with two new songs, to form my own production company in this town (Odes and Nonsense Productions) and to do an AEA showcase run of the one man musical.  I'm extremely proud of the work we did.  You can check out the complete soundtrack on iTunes and Bandcamp.

Wrote five new songs -   New music for King of the Hobos, a song for Alan about my last year in Orange County, a love song about color theory, and my most favorite song ever about dealing with lifelong depression (and gardening) .  

Got to finally work with Joe Raik - Ever since I met him in the dead of night during a Facing Page Productions Company Marathon (where all of Shakespeare's plays are read over the course of several days, nonstop) I knew I had to collab with this wild-eyed, wonderful guy.  Sure enough, he rang me up and gave me a chance to do so this year, playing the Prince for the wily Occupy Verona (street theatre versions of Romeo and Juliet) Met some wonderful, passionate people, and it was riches.

Posted daily artistic content on Patreon - Since March 2015, I've set up a paid account where I've shown up daily to give people songs, stories, poems, tales.

WHAT I'VE LEARNED 

 - Don't be afraid to make friends with new artists. I know it's not like grade school anymore where the friend-making process comes easier.  But if your buddy Robin tells you about this amazing singer-songwriter named Angie, don't think you'll be a creeper by going to check out her show and befriending her.  She just might well rock your face off with her work and become a really wonderful friend as well. Take the risk.

 - Don't be afraid to go a party where you don't know anyone but the host.  Be willing to be uncomfortable and banter with the pretty woman with the hazel eyes.

 - It's no fun being prayed to by a homeless man keyed up on heroin during the last two minutes of Romeo and Juliet when you're screaming the final monologue down upon him to snap him into silence.

 - You can't control everything.  Sometimes a homemade guitar's gonna be out of tune.  It's live theatre.  Sing out, Louise. Ghost the odd notes.  Keep the story true.


GOALS

Here's three for this year (along with Self-Care, Self-Love, and Self-Respect, which are still paramount)

 - Send Old Soldiers Home.  There's still remnants, artifacts, scattered in my apartment, my mind. Past behaviors or items which once served a purpose.  To protect me, or hide me.  But the war's over. There's no need to fight, to struggle.  Let's make some room.  Clear out the old, baggy clothes.  Learn that anger's a valuable, healing emotion, not just a precursor to abuse. 

 - Ask for more help.  Across the board.  There's many things I don't know how to do.  Business related steps for acting. Mentorship.  Fear creates ego.  Time to be open and clear, make the ask.

 - Have at least one feature film/TV audition - time to get serious about this.  I'm losing weight. Feeling better. Focusing more on meeting casting directors who would hire character folk like me, 


Thanks to the following people:
(in no particular order)
mi mama   
Jelina Seibert and Dave Seibert  
Jeric Jones and Stephanie Girard 
Bekki Doster 
Mark Kinch
James Cobb
Tess Suchoff

Mageina Tovah
Anna Romero
Carlos Acosta
Michael Irish
Kevin Percival
Carole Ann Taylor - Tumilty
Molly Callahan
Jenn Litfin
Daniel Schwartz
Emily Travis
Ashlee Brown
Caitlin Brockell
Morgan Hooper
Bryn Carter
Ozwald James
Jim Petty
Shaun Peknic
Rebecca Robinson Overholt
Sam Lopresti
Ally Tully
Gary Lizardo
Lisa Kim
Bobby Lux  

Patti Cox
Joe Raik
Mike Valloney
Megan Greener
Paula Eagleman
Stacey De Witt

Meredyth Kenney

Everett Goldner
The Occupy Verona cast and crew

Alan Corcoran
Angie Atkinson

Robin Rightmyer

David Andrew Laws 
Abigail Taylor-Sansom
Rockford Sansom

Dianna Tucker Baritot

Adam Baritot 

Vicki Mooney

Tony White 
Vicki Oceguera  
Tod Engle