Life is what happens to us...

....while we're busy making other plans. No? Got some great pics of my brother and his family in China....one is posted.

Instead of bemoaning the fact that they are 1/2 a world away, I need to celebrate every picture they send me. Instead of worrying about tomorrow, I really need to pay attention to today--which I spent with various tribe members in a variety of amazing activities. Instead of waiting for my future, I need to continue to make it happen--moment by moment, day-by-day, relationship by relationship--life is good.

PAX!

Mary Jane Teall Awards

So....I just won Best Actor in a Comedy/Drama tonight for my work in "Moon Over Buffalo" this summer and I am genuinely humbled. The ceremony was very cool and it was such a wonderful celebration of live theater in Wichita. I am so honored to be a part of this amazing community of talented people.

Pax!

Mom at Botanica

Every year my mother has a booth of her art at Botanica's Gallery in the Garden. You can actually see her booth here: http://www.botanica.org/

I always look forward to this event (I help her set up and tear down her booth) because I get to see her new work or her works in progress. This year she had two beautiful new pieces that reflect a different tone for her. The first was a study on layered stones that was magnificent, but my favorite was a complex study on leaves that was so understated. I say complex, because when you first glance at it the painting appears very simple, but the more time you spend examining it and being pulled into the study, the more detail appears. It is a very splendid work of art and I am so proud of my mom who painted it!

PAX!

Closing night

I posted a little while back about "opening nights" and how I love the excitement and momentum as we rush towards the first night of a theater project. Tonight we closed "Tuesdays with Morrie" at my church, and while I was disappointed in the small crowds that attended, I am very proud of the show. That I was able to hold my own with Tim Robu meant the world to me! I mean that guy can act--even tonight we were discussing one of our scenes and he hit on some terrific motivation for me that helped me nail it tonight. Anyway, I loved being able to do this show and I hope Tim and I can maybe work on it again in the future.

PAX

Counting down to Paris

I can't believe that I will be in Paris for two weeks in November. My last trip to Europe was amazing, but not taken during a particularly good time in my life. Don't get me wrong--I loved it--just not what happened on my return. Anyway, this trip will be completely different...staying with a dear friend....no plans at all for anything--just going to wing it. Oh...and I started my French class a couple nights ago....FUN!

PAX

How do I say....

.....how grateful I am for my tribe? My family? My friends? My life? I suppose I could start with a simple....thank you. All of you....