Hello, June: the Journey So Far

It’s possible I over-committed this season, but perhaps God is helping me become more comfortable with missing self-imposed deadlines. He’s used a few voices to remind me they are indeed self-imposed. As I approach a moment of stillness, here’s a review of the first half of the year.

In April I had the joy of producing the first public presentation of ABOARD NARCISSUS as part of the Z-Fringe Festival. The short script can stand alone, like it did at the Z, or be performed alongside two other stories as part of my full-length play FLAPPERS AND PHILOSOPHERS, based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story collection of the same name. Stay tuned and follow my playwright page for updates about future performances:

I’ve always loved new works and it’s fun to have my own project. I especially loved being part of Fringe. One of my favorite things about doing theatre in Toronto was the Fringe scene; so participating in a local version filled with exciting new work reminded me that great stories, and great artists, are everywhere.

On that note, this year I finally got into a rhythm of seeing more theatre here in Hampton Roads. At Virginia Stage Company, I caught Fat Ham and Little Shop of Horrors. I also made it to some fantastic student and community productions: Voice of the Prairie at Regent University, Big Fish at King’s Community Theatre, and The Sound of Music, also at Regent.

“From heaven He came and sought her to be His holy bride; With His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died” - Samuel John Stone, The Church’s One Foundation

In May, I wrapped up my graduate certificate in Church History! Grateful for this detour project and how it’s given me more love for and humility towards the Church. Being a part-time student while working full time has been its own challenge, and I’m thrilled to read something not listed on my syllabus. 

Speaking of loving the Church, I took part in another session of FREEDOM with my local congregation, a twelve-week small group that ends in a two day conference. This time I had the privilege of helping lead a group, then serve on the prayer and tech teams for the conference. What a joy to be on the front row for God’s transformation in people’s lives! Plus, I made some amazing new friends and mentors in the faith.

With coursework and FREEDOM wrapping up, my summer kicked off with live music!

The day after submitting my last assignment, I celebrated with a drive to Richmond to see the Avett Brothers. The open-air venue, the breeze, and the people-watching made it feel like the official start of summer.

A week later, during a torrential downpour in flood-prone Norfolk, we were swept away by the most unusual jazz trio – harp, banjo, and drums – with the Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda and Antonio Sánchez Trio (thanks for the tickets, Tara and Spencer!). Growing up on NPR prepared me for such an event. These kinds of artists remind me how creatives feed and lead each other into new forms.

Mr. Castañeda shared a special piece during the concert, Whispers of Resilience. Before playing, he shared how he wrote it while recovering from a hand injury, unsure how he’d provide for his family, but how God reassured him during that season. This piece was his process of wondering, grieving, and trusting. The harp truly is a special instrument, particularly for expressions of worship through difficult seasons.

This spring, I’ve been working remotely as the Marketing and PR Manager for Silverstage Theatre Company, based in the greater Chicago area. They put on their big show of the season, a 1940s take on Much Ado About Nothing, and started gearing up for the next phase of more intimate productions in their studio space. The lineup is incredible, kicking off with Sartre’s No Exit this August. Their artistic director, Hunter Johnson, is thriving as an actor and a producer, and I’m excited to see what’s next for him and the company.

As my responsibilities have slowed down, I’m reminded Virginia Beach really is an incredible part of the States. We’re on the Atlantic with several beaches to choose from (each with their own vibe, especially in and out of the tourist season). Between Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake you have art galleries, concert venues, nature trails, and farmland. An hour north, you’re in Virginia’s Historic Triangle: Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown. An hour-ish south, you’re in the Outerbanks. In June alone, I’ve taken the opportunity to spontaneous explore Colonial Williamsburg, visit favorite spots in Norfolk’s Ghent, and splash about at Nags Head.

What’s Next?

Earlier this year I wrote about “this year’s menu.” So far, I’ve been eating well, but working on chewing more thoroughly.

This summer I’m working on a new script edit for FLAPPERS AND PHILOSOPHERS to prepare for its next phase. I’m excited to read more for pleasure – especially plays, poetry, and all those pinned Substack articles I tell myself I’m coming back to. I still want to learn how to make sourdough and try more recipes — I did add a few soup recipes to the rotation this winter!

I also really ought to work on some digital clean up. My room might be tidy, but the files on my laptop are another story — atrocious naming conventions and duplicate copies of everything.

Lord willing, I have some summer travel to both Canada and California; then three weddings in the Fall!

At work, I have an opportunity to learn about ✨producing✨ on a podcast set. I’ve never been behind the camera before, so I’m jazzed to start out in fully supported environment. Later this year, I’m directing an all-female cast in the sweet play, Wedding Belles. December will be here before we know it!

What’s dishes are you getting seconds of? Which morsels are you avoiding?
Wishing you a blessed second half of 2025!