This morning, I’m on my way to NYC (including Lincoln Center - a world leader for opera) to seek some inspiration on a bit of a creative retreat. At the train station, I saw the wonderful Jackie Short - who is on her way to celebrate her late partner Mike at the The Rubies - Canadian opera awards for outstanding contribution to this beautiful art form. I didn’t really like opera until I began teaching opera students how to move on stage. I fell in love with this sometimes silly & over the top, sometimes deeply profound, nuanced art form immediately. Mike was one of the greats - a world renowned opera director. I was so lucky to learn from him (& Jackie - they were always a team). Today felt fitting to share with you my ode to my mentor. The following is some grief writing from the day of his celebration of life which we celebrated in the spring of 2024.

A group of Iranian women came up to my booth at the Toronto One of A Kind show a few weeks ago and were giggling. I love a giggle so was happy to see smiles and interest.

Aging is such a weird thing. I’m sitting in a cafe in the big city and could have called so many people to catch up. A few years ago, I would have tried to stuff in as many visits as I could - leaving myself exhausted and likely a little sweaty as a power walked from place to place.

Stickers.. stickers on your water bottle. Stickers on your computer.

I’d look in the mirror and see my changing body.

A little about how I transitioned from teaching to art… but art (in so many forms) was always a big part of what made me me