... both near and far for their inspiration. First, to the near:

Not many of my ComedySportz Philly friends read my journal here. In fact, I don't think ANY of them do, unless they read the syndicated feed that goes to my Facebook account. Consequently, I find myself telling them stuff I wrote about here. This is a GOOD problem, though, as I have one friend out there (who knows who he is!) that reads this journal, and uses it as a substitute to talking to me alot of the time, as he says reading my notes here is just like talking to me. I suppose that's a good thing. Anyway, I'm digressing...

This weekend is my 3rd show back since my hiatus, and the 2 shows I've already played since I've been back have been awesome. Not NECESSARILY from a personally creative standpoint (although I WILL say I felt more open and more fearless than I had about something creative in a LONG time), but from a standpoint that I was surrounded by engaging, supportive professionals that are also my friends, and that we were able to play again like my last show was only the week before. THAT counts for everything, and though it's not what STARTED me in improv, it's what keep me going: getting to play with my friends. So, ComedySportz Philly, I thank YOU for being awesome, and for welcoming me back.

Now, to the FAR:

My friend Lark is having a tough time, but she's taking necessary steps to fix the ills in her life. It's NOT going to be easy, but the fight that she continues to fight says so much about her strength, that she's a continual inspiration to me. I love you, kiddo!

Also, and though she's more of a professional friend via the ComedySportz connection (whatever that ends up meaning), I wanna thank Jill, aka biscuitpig , again, but for something she mentioned in her journal that piqued my curiosity. She mentioned reading Twyla Tharp's book, The Creative Habit. I've never really attended much dance, outside of the Pennsylvania Ballet downtown, or else seeing my friend Cliff with the dance pieces he finds himself in, so the idea of me reading a book by a choreographer was outside my own pale. BUT, knowing that inspiration and wisdom comes from any and all quarters, if only you open your mind to the reception thereof, I peeked at the first chapter in Temple U's library a few days ago. I was so hooked that I almost missed getting to class on time.

This book, and the clear, enjoyable prose of Twyla Tharp, says a lot about the creative life, no matter the medium, and really more to the point, creativity in ANY part of your life. I'm only through the first third of the book, but SO good.

So yeah, this is a long way around to thanking Jill for sharing her reading/thoughts, and ending up teaching/inspiring by proxy.

Thanks Jill!

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Now, i gotta get back to some homework AND adjusting my crockpot chicken for tonight's dinner!