A season of change

Three years ago I moved back to Houston to take a post at Fresh Arts Coalition that would prove an extraordinary opportunity and a ride like I had not anticipated. I’ve met the most amazing, passionate and humble people, thrown some off-the-hook events, seen more amazing plays, dance, art, film, and amazed even myself at proving the impossible. Houston’s art scene is big y’all. And it truly stole my heart.  I’d never been to Main Street Theatre, or Mildred’s Umbrella. I never created an opera in a bar.  I’d never been to an independent film. I’d never been to an art opening.  I didn’t own any art from local artists I had met. Before Fresh Arts, most of my art consumption had been within the Theater District [save a few moments at Country Playhouse in my youth and Stages Theatre] and big museums. I HAD NO CLUE WHAT I WAS MISSING. And beyond the product, the people behind these little and not-so-little institutions became my mentors, role-models and colleagues. I was among Houston’s most talented and underappreciated rockstars. And I am forever indebted to them for welcoming me to their community.

Two and a half years ago, I also made some new friends. I met them in many ways that none of us can usually remember so we just say twitter. But I met them through friends-of-friends, community events, NetSquared, art events, conferences, AND twitter. They taught me about social media. They taught me about WordPress. They taught me how to make a change in the world through social media. We rallied causes. We geeked out over talk about the shift in communications and marketing. We drank lots of wine. And beer. They didn’t shame my music decisions [too much]. Or my change of hair color every few months. We hunkered down together. We ate entirely too much crawfish together. I have no idea why Houston’s social media community took me under their wing but I am so very thankful to each of them as well.

That brings me to this next part … life is, afterall, what happens on some random Tuesday when you least expect it. I’m leaving my post at Fresh Arts and embarking on a new adventure with Lemonade Day. I’m just as excited as terrified of this change. I don’t think I’ll melt when I leave the arts but … well … after 10  years of working only in the arts, I just might. I’m leaving in hopes of changing the world. Cheesy? Definitely. But true? Equally definite. Of course, this entire post was to say I’M NOT LEAVING THE ARTS. Jeeze, I suck at blogging. What I’m trying to say is just that I’m not going to get paid the big bucks to work in the arts anymore. Now I’m just gonna do it for free. I’m still going to drag everyone to a play put on in an alleyway. Or a gala that has you dressing like a bald Brittany. Black Ball anyone? I’ll still maintain that there’s no better place on earth for live music but Orange Show. Or that my favourite Friday’s are those that begin at DiverseWorks. And my favourite films are always at Aurora.

So that’s it. That’s all this was about.  A little nostalgia. A lot of thanks. Happy Thanksgiving, y’all. I have more than my fair share to be thankful for … and you’re a part of it. Thank you.

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