Hello!!! I’m still here, just haven’t posted recently. Here’s a recap of what I’ve been up to over the past many months.
Ruby Sneakers (my musical)… In 2025 I received a grant through 99 Gal Friends of Yamhill County via Gallery Theater to have a dramaturg critique the first act, and also give feedback at a reading. So last year I did a major re-write, received input from Vicki Green (dramaturg), did another re-write in the early fall, and in November, gathered readers at Gallery. I played short snippets of each song to set the scene, and the readers did a wonderful job, and they and Vicki shared suggestions. Now my next step is to do another major rewrite, which I hope to finish this summer. Then I’ll likely bring it back to Gallery for another reading, and also apply to some more grants to help take it to the next stage, which would be bringing in collaborators, work-shopping it, and ideally getting the whole play performed. It’s a long process, but that’s fine with me because I’m also collaborating on another musical as well!
Vampires, anyone? Speaking of collaboration, I’ve been working with my friend Laura King on her fantastic musical. I’m putting her lyrics to music, and I’m so excited about this project, which is a story about a young exo-botanist who discovers blood-giving plants on a macabre planet of vampires. I’ll be sharing more about this project soon.
Poetry! I’ve had a second poem published, this time in the 30th Anniversary book celebrating Art Harvest Studio Tour. I was invited to contribute a poem based on a work from a local artist. I was inspired by John Cumming’s work Storm Surf at Cape Kiwanda to write the poem Temple. The art and poetry is on display until June 27 at the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce. I recommend stopping in (Tuesday-Friday 8am to 5pm) to see this lovely collaborative exhibition.
Playing for a cause. In April I performed in a house concert (along with my friend Faith Ellis) as a benefit for Unidos Bridging Community. I believe the concert raised about $1000 for food assistance for local families in need. It was wonderful to play a house concert, and especially for such a good cause. It got me wondering if I’d like to get back to performing more regularly again…
Family… Lots of big stuff has happened over the past year. The exciting thing is that my son graduated from high school, and just finished his first year at Oregon State. I’m super proud of him! The less exciting thing is that my dad’s health took another turn for the worse, and he started hospice care late last year. He’s a tough guy, and is still ticking, and both the hospice staff and the folks at his assisted living facility are doing a wonderful job of trying to keep him comfortable. I visit several times a week, and while I know the inevitable is coming, I’m glad that he seems to be fairly peaceful with minimal pain these days.
Seeing the wider world. My husband and I finally seized the day, and traveled to Europe together in May. We were in Croatia for about 10 days, mainly on a very small boat cruise up the Dalmation Islands, and then we went to London where one of my dearest high school friends lives with her family. Rich just stayed a couple of days before heading home (it is gardening season, after all!) but I stayed about 12 days. Despite a heat wave and a knee injury, it was wonderful, especially getting to spend time with my friend and her family. I also really enjoyed the museums, and got to see three plays!
Whew! I have been busy! In addition to all of the above, I’m still teaching music lessons, and writing on my Substack. My plan this summer is to continue teaching, and focus my creative time on the plays. You’ll likely hear more from me, on here and via email. Thanks for staying tuned in!
