MIAGD: Make it a great day

My Grandpa Leroy and Grandma Donna took me to Indianapolis for special outings, several times a year. Our visits always included interesting sites or entertainments, as well as neat places to eat.

One particular visit was to an art exhibit that was passing through.

There was one abstract painting that, at age eight, I promptly dismissed. My grandmother gently urged, “let’s look at it from this side.” We moved to one side. “Move over here to look at it and let’s see if there’s something new to see.”

We spent several minutes looking at the painting and I kept finding new things. As a teacher and as a stage director, I walk all sides of the stage and auditorium seating.

No entertainer made me laugh more than Robin Williams. He was not only the “funniest mind in the West” but clearly one of the most intelligent minds on so many levels. I still watch video clips of his interviews because they are so damned cheery.

While Mr. Williams was making certain the word was laughing and happy, there seemed to be no amount of laughter to treat his depression. He was secretly imprisoned with several physical restraints that would continue to diminish his abilities over time, continuing to shackle him to even greater depths of depression and anxiety.

Since March 2020, countless members of the performing arts world have been shackled by the imprisoning pandemic. Many friends and former students have altered career paths while others have found measured, safe ways to continue creating.

It’s been absolute hell. It appears that this hell is to continue a bit longer.

Man… how we could use Robin Williams’ invaluable humor and insightful gift at looking at things differently.

But, I always believe that when someone passes on, they leave a legacy, something from which to continue learning and to continue growing.

We must be a Robin Williams sharing thoughts, insisting on laughter, and always looking at things a different way.

Make it a Robin Williams kind of day!

Shazbot.

Nanu, nanu.

Carpe diem.