Here I am, reporting from Door County during a thunderstorm, hours away from turning 40.
Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day. At 9:37 AM, the moment I turn 40, I will be in the middle of a haircut. Which somehow seems appropriate.
Then I make an appearance at AFT's Creative Kids day to sing a song and sign some t-shirts for a bunch of creative kids who like AFT.
Following that, I head back home to rehearse for an event tomorrow night. (More on that soon.)
Then, on a more somber note, I'll attend a memorial for the late, great Paul Sills. One of the true giants of improvisation and American theatre, Paul lived here in Door County. He was a founder of Chicago's Second City Theatre, created Tony Award-winning Broadway theatre using classic folk tales, and taught thousands of actors in NYC and Door County. He also directed for AFT several times, and I'm proud to be able to say I worked and collaborated with him. He was a gifted visionary with a profound passion for authenticity and will be greatly missed.
After the memorial I'll return to the cottage again, undoubtedly with a healthy dose of perspective. I have a little time to go for a bike ride, make dinner and head into the Park for:
This concert series has been one of the highlights of the last couple summers, so it's especially cool that it falls on my birthday this year. It should be good fun. (Weather permitting.)
And finally, it's back to the cottage for a big bonfire birthday bonanza, baby!
It will be a wonderful day, though many of those I love most aren't able to be here. Trust me, you will all be thought of and missed. Especially one, and she knows who she is.
And so I leave my 30's behind. I really don't have anything deep or philosophical to say about this milestone, except that I'm grateful for every year I've had and every year I'm blessed with going forward. I know I wouldn't have made it this long without the love, support and patience of my family and friends. I'm humbled by the many manifestations of God's love in my life. I see the hand of grace through every one of my 40 years. It's why I have the faith to try another 40.
I love you all, more than I can say.
