A LITTLE EACH DAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRACE

2012-02-01T08:12:00.001-05:00

Happy 2nd Birthday to my daughter, Grace.
You take up so much room in my heart!

NOELLEPHANT

2012-01-16T09:13:00.001-05:00

My younger cousin, Noelle, suddenly turned into this awesome 20-year-old... well, okay, it probably wasn't all that sudden. But as she and her family live on the west coast and we live on the east coast, we only see each other once every few years. Tragic! She, her younger sister Jillian, and their parents are super lovely people - and I wish we could see them more often.

My uncle was always one of my favorite relatives, because he was funny and taught me how to play pool and played the guitar. He told me stories about how he drove from Ohio to California when he was college-aged, and I thought that was so cool. Then one Christmas, when I wasn't yet 10, he brought home a great lady he met out west and we all celebrated their engagement! I was in middle school when Noelle was born and I've enjoyed watching her, mostly from afar, grow up and become her own person.

Thanks to the wonders of technology and the World Wide Web, I've been able to "see" them more often (hello, facebook). And now, Noelle has her own blog: Noellephant. Great name, no? I am so looking forward to hearing more of her own voice and reading about her adventures. Especially with her infectious smile and sense of humor.

And Jillian's in high school already (what?!). I love watching these two lovely ladies become their true selves... especially when their true selves are super cool.

HOPE IS NOT CRAZY

2012-01-12T21:36:00.002-05:00

SELLING YOURSELF

2012-01-07T16:41:00.000-05:00

"Americans responded to these pressures by trying to become salesmen
who could sell not only their company’s latest gizmo but also themselves."

QUIET: The Power of Introverts in an World That Can't Stop Talking
By Susan Cain

This morning, I caught a segment on CBS Sunday Morning about charisma. The angle being: are American's voting for our presidential candidates based on their charming smile and twinkling eyes, rather than the substance of what they're saying, what they stand for?

They make a fair argument that we are. And sadly, I'd agree.

I think, as a country, we are suckers for a good salesman. Someone who can make us feel at ease, make us feel good about ourselves and our situation (or at least make us feel that we can trust them to improve our situation). And even if we all don't want to be the salesmen ourselves, we do want people to like us - and more and more, that's starting to mean having this charismatic type of personality that we've come to covet. There are even people who've built an object called a sociometer which can, supposedly, measure your degree of charisma. Seems a bit obsessive to me.

Are we - as a culture - choosing to elect our government officials, our employees, even our friends based solely on this idea of charisma? And is it just America doing this? Or the world over?

In Susan Cain's exploration of Quiet, she quotes a highly successful venture capitalist who seems to have this same concern:

“I worry that there are people who are put in position of authority because they’re good talkers, but they don’t have good ideas… It’s so easy to confuse schmoozing ability with talent… we put too much of a premium on presenting and not enough on substance and critical thinking.”

This is something that makes me stop and think. Have I done this? Have I, personally, hired co-workers who I thought would be outgoing and friendly over applicants who were just as qualified but perhaps a bit more reserved? Have I always based my opinions of politicians on what they say and what they stand for - or have I been swayed by how they say it and how they present themselves while saying it?

For more quotes collected from this book, visit Borrowing Wisdom.

Disclosure: I received a copy of Susan Cain's QUIET to read and discuss as a member of the online book club From Left to Write. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own. Click here to purchase your own copy of this book.

KNOW YOUR FARMER. KNOW YOUR FOOD.

2012-01-06T20:06:00.000-05:00

Birke Baehr is 11 years old. And he's already asking the question: What's Wrong With Our Food System? And How Can We Make A Difference? Smart kid. See for yourself.

"And that, my friends, is how we can make a difference: One Kid At A Time.

So the next time you're at the grocery store...

Think local. Choose organic. Know your farmer. Know your food."

FEATURED IN THE NY TIMES

2012-01-04T13:38:00.000-05:00

My husband's in the NY Times. Awesome.

OUTSIDE PEOPLE by Zayd Dohrn (at the Vineyard Theater, through Jan. 29)

CREATORS Jonathan Waller and Eric Pargac, marketing team for the Vineyard Theater

GOAL To convey the poignancy of this co-production by the Vineyard Theater and Naked Angels, about an American who travels abroad and falls in love. “Maybe through all of this noise and loneliness, you can still connect through love,” Mr. Waller said.

WHAT THEY DID Bought stock footage of Beijing and shot material in New York’s Chinatown, including 15 wordless minutes apiece of the two lead actors. Edited on iMovie and scored using the sound design from the production.

COST About $500

INTRO TO PEAK OIL

2012-01-03T22:24:00.000-05:00

My husband and I have spent many nights over the past several months talking about Peak Oil. It was something that I never knew (or ever thought) about merely a year ago - and now, I can't get it off my mind. We're planning to make some significant changes in our lives based on this and many other eye-opening pieces of information we've been learning about together.

From the website of Transition Town Totnes (a community of just under 7,500 people in the UK who are starting to transition themselves away from total reliance on fossil fuels and into a new period of local resilience), here's a quick 3 minute video to peak your interest in Peak Oil.

If you're interested, here's a link to a bit more information on Peak Oil. This is just the tip of the iceberg; there are thousands of books out there (and probably thousands more web pages) on this topic of Peak Oil. Have you been thinking about this, too? If you have any comments, I'd love to hear them.

IT'S NICE TO HAVE A PARTNER

2012-01-02T21:50:00.000-05:00

It's nice to have a partner. Someone to laugh with, learn with, eat with, share with. Someone who encourages you and "keeps you honest" and can help you forgive yourself. My partner and I have a good balance between us... and it even extends to our health and our attitudes. We're rarely sick at the same time, which allows one of us to take care of the other. We're rarely both in a bad mood, which allows the one of us who's in a good mood to pull the other out of the trenches.

So I'll keep this lucky streak in mind tonight, as I feel the cold coming on that my husband's had this whole past week. And I'll rest well tonight, thanks to the medicines of NyQuil and a good partner.

2011 - A LOOK BACK

2012-01-01T09:29:00.000-05:00

In looking toward 2012, I jotted down a quick overview of 2011. Here are some fractions of my thoughts on all that happened this past year.

Year of Pictures Project - fail - forgetting to take a picture by the 6th day. Got a smart phone - Droid. Brunch dates with Little Grace. Opening MILK TRAIN.

Daughter turned 1 year old and had her first birthday party. Ice storm. Went to Boston for the first time - first work business trip. Thoughts of wanting to be a teacher. Grace started sucking her thumb.

Japan's earthquake & tsunami. Made me think how precious life really is. And also that we should be better to our fragile Mother Earth. Outdoor pianist. Opening BURNING BOY.

Communicating with my daughter. Barack Obama's birth certificate was released. Feeling restless with my life and finding inspiration through others.

Osama bin Laden reported dead. Started on our documentary-watching kick with No End in Sight... interesting in light of the "end of the Iraq War" (December 2011). Tina Fey wrote a book with a prayer for her daughter that made me laugh out loud. We start discussing, in earnest, some ideas for how we'll change our lives in 2012.

Read The Crash Course, which blows my mind wide open. I start to learn about building a lifeboat. I start to re-imagine what I really want my life to be like, not just what I always thought it would be like. Marriage equality passes in New York... finally.

We spent some time in Vermont and Grace started to like big dogs. My last living grandparent passed away.

We went on a luxurious week-long honeymoon to Yosemite National Park and surrounding areas. Husband turned 30. Prepared for tropical storm Irene, that never really came to NYC. We continue thinking about making a big change in our life, moving forward in a different direction - and we keep reading things that encourage us that we're on the right path.

I reflect on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks of 2001. Caught my daughter singing on video. Read a couple of good books for my online book club. Occupy Wall Street (OWS) begins.

24 Things Challenge. Read a book that invited me to reflect on how a few years can really change your whole life. Stumbled upon one of the simplest and most inspiring cartoons ever.

Started a 30 Days of Thx project, inspired by ThxThxThx (a new favorite blog of mine) and even got into Twitter a bit, learning what a #hashtag is and embracing that forum for a while. Participated in the first rehearsal for A SUPERHERO - standing proudly next to my husband, the creator.

Went to a few holiday parties where even my almost-two-year-old daughter stayed up way past her bedtime. Inspired by the achievements of two dear friends, I started Weight Watchers. Caught up on all my favorite Christmas movies like this and this and this new one (well, new to me). Talked to family, a few friends, and our employers about a big life choice we're about to make - more on that in 2012.

WISHES FOR THE COMING YEAR...

2011-12-31T17:25:00.002-05:00

Almost a decade ago, Neil Gaiman had this to say:

“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art—write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself."

A half decade ago, Neil Gaiman had this to say:

"I hope you will have a wonderful year, that you'll dream dangerously and outrageously, that you'll make something that didn't exist before you made it, that you will be loved and that you will be liked, and that you will have people to love and to like in return. And, most importantly (because I think there should be more kindness and more wisdom in the world right now), that you will, when you need to be, be wise, and that you will always be kind."

And for this year, Neil Gaiman's wish for each of us is small and very simple.

"I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're Doing Something.

So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody's ever made before. Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life. Whatever it is you're scared of doing, Do it.

Make your mistakes, next year and forever."

AN ANCIENT CHINESE PROVERB FOR CHRISTMAS

2011-12-25T19:20:00.000-05:00

"Grant yourself a moment of peace, and you will understand how foolishly you have scurried about. Learn to be silent, and you will notice that you have talked too much. Be kind, and you will realize that your judgment of others was too severe. Hasten slowly, and you will soon arrive."

—Ancient Chinese Proverb

WINTER SOLSTICE

2011-12-21T09:37:00.000-05:00

Happy Winter Solstice, to all. As the days continue to get longer from here on out, let's try to remember that life is short and we should use our precious time on this earth wisely.

Dear Jonathan

2011-11-30T09:24:00.000-05:00

Today I'm sending a special thanks to my husband: Jonathan. It feels perfect to be ending my 30 DAYS OF THX with a note to this amazing man. I can hardly believe it was only a few years ago that we began our journey together - and what a wonderful road we've been on since then. It is an incredible feeling to love and to be loved so dearly, so honestly, so confidently. It is a rare and beautiful gift; we both have truly been blessed by each other.

Jonathan compliments me (and hopefully I do the same for him). He encourages me to think harder about things, to explore ideas with him, to do more of the things that I love. He teases me in a way that makes me laugh and "keeps me honest", as he says. I feel proud to be by his side, whether at a fancy event for work or just for a walk around our neighborhood. Words fall short when I try to describe my love for him. And in addition to the gift of himself, he also gave me the most beautiful daughter; it has been an honor and a joy to raise her together and to watch her grow into a stunning little person.

To Jonathan: thanks for being who you are and for loving me... here's to many more years of our journey together. I love you so much.

30 DAYS OF THX project inspired by ThxThxThx (#30daysofthx)

Dear Marlene & Angele

2011-11-29T09:23:00.000-05:00

Today I'm sending a special thanks to Marlene & Angele. These are the two wonderful women who take care our daughter for about 9 hours every Monday through Friday. They are sisters who run a home day care and follow the Montessori method of teaching. I have seen incredible strides in my daughter's activities and grasp of knowledge because of these two women. And she loves going to "school" each day.

It's quite a blessing to have found a day care in New York that we feel comfortable with AND are able afford (as those two things don't always go hand-in-hand). As with many families where both parents work, our little girl spends so many more of her awake hours with Marlene & Angele than she does with us... and we are lucky that she adores them so much!

To Marlene & Angele: thanks for the incredible love and care you give to our daughter... and for the gift of comfort and confidence you give to us as her parents.

30 DAYS OF THX project inspired by ThxThxThx (#30daysofthx)

Dear Jen

2011-11-28T09:22:00.000-05:00

Today I'm sending a special thanks to Jen. My first true yoga class was led by this beautiful woman - and I have never had one as good. It was an intimate group of six people, all different levels of yoga experience, and Jen made each of us feel like we were able to accomplish our individual best... and better than that, she made me want to be better/healthier for myself and not to impress the teacher. She's a great guide when it comes to leading you to your higher self.

Jen's another of those lovely people that I didn't get to know as well as I would've liked to while she was in NYC... and it always makes me smile to realize how quickly someone can really impact your world. It doesn't take a long time - just a special person. And she is definitely one of those.

To Jen: thanks for introducing me to the joys of yoga... I'll always think of you during my Sun Salutations and Savasanas :)

30 DAYS OF THX project inspired by ThxThxThx (#30daysofthx)

Dear Carole

2011-11-27T09:21:00.000-05:00

Today I'm sending a special thanks to Carole. Carole was the lovely woman with a great British accent and an easy laugh who ran the Oak Cottage Bed & Breakfast, where we stayed for our honeymoon this past summer. She was kind and friendly and seemed to take a real joy in spending an hour each morning with us.

I think it takes a special kind of person to open and run a bed & breakfast. You have to be willing to share your home with people - and not people you know, but more often than not, people you don't know anything about! Carole could charm the pants off of anyone, though - so I'm pretty sure she'll make it.

To Carole: thanks for opening your home to us for an entire week... we so enjoyed ourselves and had such a wonderful time!

30 DAYS OF THX project inspired by ThxThxThx (#30daysofthx)

Dear Shane & Mary

2011-11-26T22:35:00.001-05:00

Today I'm sending a special thanks to Shane & Mary. Shane was the first person in my theatre administration career that really mentored me. I looked up to him as an example of how someone could sit at a desk (instead of be on a stage) and still be incredibly creative and influential. I was inspired by his eye for clean, crisp design and the way he aspired to always make things better and more efficient. On a handful of wonderful occasions, I got to hang out with his wife, Mary. She impressed me with her wit and quiet charm; I loved her simple sense of fashion and her appreciation of good food.

Although the time I spent with them was relatively short - before they moved from NYC to Austin - they made a big impact in my world. These past several years, I've so enjoyed following their lives via their blogs: Shane with his Apple products and minimalist photos; Mary with her delicious recipes and quote gems. And I will never not enjoy picturing them side-by-side... the over-six-foot Shane and the just-past-5-foot Mary. Somehow, they're a perfect fit.

To Shane & Mary: thanks for being sweet friends and sharing some of your life with me in New York... and sharing it still on this world wide web. Miss you!

30 DAYS OF THX project inspired by ThxThxThx (#30daysofthx)

Dear Wanda & Ken

2011-11-25T21:56:00.000-05:00

Today I'm sending a special thanks to Wanda & Ken: my parents-in-law. If I could have hand-picked my in-laws, there would be no two people who'd be a better fit than these two. They are kind and caring individuals with a strong love between them. And I truly couldn't be happier/luckier for the way they get along with my own parents. It's like I've doubled my parental love and support just by marrying into the best family. Cool, huh?

The first time I made a joke at Ken's expense, I really knew I was part of the family... a gentle teasing, of course. And there are times when I think Wanda and I must share the same brain - she often says to me, "Boy, did you marry in to the right family." But beyond how well we get along, I'm so grateful for the wonderful young man they raised who I was lucky enough to meet and marry. Good job, parents-in-law!

To Wanda & Ken: thanks for everything you've done to make me feel right at home... I love you guys so much and I'm truly blessed to be your daughter-in-law.

30 DAYS OF THX project inspired by ThxThxThx (#30daysofthx)

BE THANKFUL

2011-11-24T20:40:00.000-05:00

Dear Mom & Dad

2011-11-24T08:56:00.000-05:00

Today I'm sending a special thanks to my Mom & Dad: Patricia & Michael Ayers. In the same way I feel about my daughter, there are barely words enough to describe how grateful I am for my parents. I am so thankful to have been born to these two wonderful people; for this very wonderful gift of life that they have given me.

They have always shown me kindness and love, taught me responsibility and to have a good work ethic. They are examples of tireless giving. They are examples of love and light. They have also fostered this feeling of gratitude in me: being thankful themselves for their many blessings and always showing me that it's important to be grateful. If you've met them, you know what I'm talking about... everyone who meets them instantly knows how truly special they are.

To Mom & Dad: thanks for teaching me all of these things and more... and for always being there, no matter the distance. I'm so proud to be your daughter and I love you more than I can say.

30 DAYS OF THX project inspired by ThxThxThx (#30daysofthx)

Dear Grace Elizabeth Ayers Waller

2011-11-23T09:36:00.003-05:00

Today I'm sending a special thanks to my daughter, Grace. She is wonderful beyond words. It's honestly difficult for me to describe how much I love her. She melts my heart with her beautiful smile and gorgeous long-eyelashed hazel eyes. She cracks me up with her funny sense of humor and her belly laugh. She warms my soul with her sweet hugs and kisses. She makes me proud just by waking up each morning and saying, "Hi, Mama!"

I want so many things for her. I want her to have whatever she wants, but to also know the value of working for what she wants. I want her to have good friends and loving relationships and rewarding jobs. I want her to know and value her family. I want her to explore every passion she has. I want her to make her own mistakes and learn how to do it better the next time. I want her to have a full and fulfilling life.

To Grace: thanks for coming into our lives... you are the best present ever.

30 DAYS OF THX project inspired by ThxThxThx (#30daysofthx)

Dear Lisa & Chuck and Gini & Jim

2011-11-22T09:36:00.000-05:00

Today I'm sending a special thanks to Lisa & Chuck (my dad's brother and sister-in-law) and Gini & Jim (my mom's sister and brother-in-law). Our family is so close that I saw these aunts and uncles (and their kids, my cousins) for almost every holiday dinner and birthday celebration and random summer picnic while growing up. Both families lived within walking distance from our house and it was fun to see them so much.

It is a blessing to have a large, close family. It was one of my favorite things when I was a kid - to have a built-in network of extra adults and kids to play with. And now, as an adult, I adore all the extra love my own daughter gets from these wonderful people.

To Lisa & Chuck and Gini & Jim: thanks for the incredible gift that is our family... my life wouldn't be the same without you and I'm so grateful for each of you.

30 DAYS OF THX project inspired by ThxThxThx (#30daysofthx)

Dear Nick

2011-11-21T09:34:00.000-05:00

Today I'm sending a special thanks to Nick. Nick is my right hand man at work, but more often than not I feel like I could be his right hand man (er... woman). He's been at the theatre a few years longer than I have and he seems to know everything. I mean, Every Thing. Almost any time I have a question about anything, Nick already has the answer. He has a memory like an elephant (and as an animal-lover, I hope he appreciates the comparison!).

Nick anticipates the needs for the production; he takes care of the actors like he's their surrogate dad for the few months they're with us; he knows the building inside and out (better than he'd probably like to know it). He's truly a pro at his job and everyone who gets to know him finds out how amazing he is.

To Nick: thanks for everything you do... I'm glad we're a team and I honestly could not do my job without you!

30 DAYS OF THX project inspired by ThxThxThx (#30daysofthx)

Dear Pumpkins & Squashes

2011-11-20T09:32:00.000-05:00

Today I'm sending a special thanks to Pumpkins & Squashes. Lately, I've been really inspired by the delicious fall dishes that can be made from these vegetables. In fact, I spent all weekend baking seeds, making real pumpkin pie, and learning about spaghetti squash (it's truly amazing how much it really looks like spaghetti!).

It was lovely to take on the challenge of making a few things that were brand new to me. It was fun to look up recipes and to attempt something for the first time. And even more fun when the dishes turned out well! It's a great feeling of accomplishment to provide for one's family by cooking - nourishing, satisfying, fulfilling.

To Pumpkins & Squashes: thanks for inspiring me to try new (and yummy) things... and for starting the domino effect of wanting to do even more cooking and baking!

30 DAYS OF THX project inspired by ThxThxThx (#30daysofthx)

Dear Mark

2011-11-19T09:30:00.000-05:00

Today I'm sending a special thanks to Mark. Mark and I met during a production of A Christmas Carol at Pittsburgh's CLO over a decade ago. It was one of my first professional shows and Mark turned into an instant friend. He makes me laugh like no other, cracking me up with his many impressions and silly sense of humor. And we also think alike when it comes to Spirituality and Bigger Picture life things.

Although we're almost 10 years apart in age, I've never felt that difference... and I think that makes our relationship special. Perhaps it's Mark's youthful spirit, or my old soul. We connected on a deeper level. And I also appreciate his part in my daughter's life (especially today, when we went to see the dress rehearsal of his latest Christmas Carol production - where Mark played Scrooge himself... bah humbug!).

To Mark: thanks for being such a dear friend... and for giving my daughter her first theatrical experience - how magical!

30 DAYS OF THX project inspired by ThxThxThx (#30daysofthx)