As Is by Nick Cave

Today I saw my first performance art piece: As Is by Nick Cave.

It was an awesome experience. I felt like all of the emotions and ideas I've felt, particularly since I've been back in Louisiana, were exemplified through this art. The goal was to showcase the UNcommon people and talent of Shreveport, to highlight those in society that have been labeled and outcasted. I felt the visuals, and sounds, totally portrayed this image. The theme was clear. I left feeling a deeper sense of self. I left knowing that I must change all of my thoughts about social justice into actions.

Ever since I was a young girl volunteering at the nursing home, I knew I wanted to comfort people and hear their stories, particularly those society let slip through the cracks and who fell victim to derogatory terms. This performance enhanced that passion and desire to understand those who we have failed, who I have failed, as a fellow citizen.

The first piece of the performance moved me the most and set an incredible precedent for the show. The artist, Poetic X, spoke the most amazing poem I have ever heard. His analogies and forwardness were truly enlightening, especially with the visual of  Nick Cave being covered in the beautiful hand beaded blankets and the somber violin / piano tune accompanying the words.

The soloist, Brenda Wimberly's voice gave me chill bumps. Parts of the song even made me hold my breath. I didn't want to hear anything but the rawness of her voice. The echo of the word "Freedom" reminded me of all I have to be thankful for and of all the work we still have to do in order to form a more perfect union. This piece made me reflect on the Civil Rights Movement and the recent protests against police brutality. While modern times provide convenience and we are hopefully becoming a more just society, we need to revert back to a time of kinship and connectedness that might have been found in earlier periods of human existence. We do not need to be separated by different tribes, skin colors, or backgrounds, but rather unite and be thankful to be able to share in the joys of life.

The first pieces were reflective and filled me with much sadness as I thought about the people in my life who deserved justice instead of judgement. The 3rd piece started to change tunes. It started kind of ominous. Made think of putting my true self in darkness for fear of the real me being rejected. Then after casting out aside my fears my true, radiant, colorful self is able to emerge from this darkness.

After I've emerged I am able to find like people who accept themselves As Is. No frills, no hidden agendas. Just being a human and seeing humanity.

The last piece was a lot of fun and showcased the amazing talent in the performance. The performers showed how commonality and music can bring us all together to have a great time!

I would watch this performance over again in a heart beat. I absolutely loved it and am so grateful that a friend asked me if I was coming to the event. Last year around this time I reconnected with a former teacher at 'All Y'all', a local storytelling event. I have ran into him and his partner at several other events, so he has gotten a sense of what type of things I enjoy. This was an event I needed to see, so I am glad that an encounter that seemed coincidental has lead to a string of great happenings, making that chance encounter more than a coincident.

I hope you have a joyous week, reconnect with a dear friend, and have an eye opening experience. Thank you for reading!

Love,
Alyssa

Stini and me

I haven't written about a day in my life in a long, long while.

Things have been going well! I'm just staying busy with work, family, organizations, and hobbies. I've gotten to do some traveling. I still love my job in higher education. Life is just passing by quickly, too quickly!

I just wanted to jot down how wonderful the past two nights have been talking to my younger brother on the phone while watching 11.22.63 together. We are both loving the show, on the edge of our seat each episode, and cannot watch the next in line if we have more than one to watch. It is just so good!

It is so fun to be able to talk to him and interact while we watch. We live hundreds of miles a part, but these little activities really make up for that little inconvenience. I wish I was closer to him every single day... without these moments I would have to up and move back in with my parents!

I am so thrilled that my Stini and I have the bond that we do. Every now and then he calls when he's had an argument with mom, dad, or our older brother, Drew. We count down when I'm coming to visit weeks in advance. When I am in town we make the most of it, binge watching our shows, playing family games or video games, going on fun adventures. It is just lovely!

The day Stini was born was the best day of my life. I don't know who I would be without him.

Who are you grateful for in your life?

Hope everyone is doing well!

Have a beautiful week.

Love,
Alyssa