A simple post.

A simple post for tonight. A few thoughts before throwing myself head-first into another hectic week full of show openings, rehearsals, photoshoots, and teaching.

During my concussion, I found myself with a heightened awareness of all the things in my life that I care about and enjoy...the sites around me, the projects I've taken on, the people I interact with... When I was finally able to drive into the city for my Luminarium rehearsals again, allowing my regular routine to take shape, I counted myself lucky to have that weekly ritual back in my life. Each week, I began taking photos of the city, trying to capture that specialness I'd found in it, having freshly returned to it; and each week I promised myself I'd post some photos on this blog, and write a short entry on the importance of taking in everything around us.

One week led to two, and before I knew it, it would be the sudden death of a fellow dancer that would hurtle me back into that frame of mind: That constant heightened awareness of every sound, sight, smell, touch, taste surrounding me. But even then, one week led to two, and now I'm sitting here with a couple of blurry images, and little left to write.

So I'll simply sum up my insights and emotions in a brief description of my affection for my Thursday night routine:

What I love: I love what I do after hours. I love that a new world unfolds as I race home from work, throw mismatched dance clothes into my bag and grab my ipod with my newly arranged playlist for class/rehearsal. I love that I know exactly which red light to stop at and make a call to my favorite Thai place for a quick bite to eat. I love the way Central Square welcomes me in the winter, as I drive under its beautiful dancing Christmas lights. I love pulling into the parking garage a block from the studio, knowing I'll run into Kim (coffee in hand) by the Thai place, or even just leaving the garage. I love walking into the studio, but first leaving my shoes and my other lives at the door. And I love working, engaging, and creating with such a diversely inspiring group of dancers.

It's not enough to "get through" the day. Even on the bad ones, it's important to remember how beautiful it is to feel. Whether it's the weight of a heavy chest, or the headache that comes from too much laughter. It's our own choreographed dance that we perform each week, so why not enjoy every minute we have on the stage?

And I love saying goodnight to the woman at the parking garage. She always gives me a smile...even when I'm bailing out Kim for being 40 cents short.  ;)