Goals 2019 Edition

ANNUAL GOALS POST!

My annual “goals post” is a favorite for many reasons. A benefit of this digital renaissance is that you can use blogs and social media to find out what matters to people. What motivates them? What do they want? This annual post is my personal report card to myself; a meditation on my progress, achievements, goals and ambitions.

Tim Shane 2018

I do appreciate you taking the time to read what I am sharing as being able to articulate the goal is both critical and crucial. More often than not I succeed at what I set out to do and learn some lessons from both the success as well as the failures. However part of this process is putting it out there so you can hold me accountable. I will spare you my goal setting systems that I have been evolving since childhood as they can be found in earlier entries of this blog.

First let us recap the post and accomplishments from last year (2018). I realized 2016 just blended into 2017 in the recap and 2017 was pretty epic. Now that I look back I seem to excel in the odd numbered years. When asked “How are you doing” even if I am at my best I reply with “getting better”. 2018 was good but seems like I was really setting myself up for success in 2019! In each area I will recap then put the 2019 goal.

HEALTH!

Tim Shane Spartan 2018 Medals

This becomes exponentially challenging with each passing year and 2018 had some ups and downs. 2018 was the first year that I wondered about how much better I could be if I made health a priority earlier in my journey. On the upside I am most certainly starting the year more fit and flexible than the past decade and possibly ever. While it seems my energy and endurance where things I may have taken for granted in my younger years, I admit I have to work to keep them from declining in my current state of youth. I explored some diets which led to a healthier lifestyle overall and I certainly find myself free of dependencies on sugar, caffeine, gluten, salt and harmful artificial ingredients. I foolishly intended to retire from Spartan Racing and OCR at the top of my game in 2017. Turned out I was still able to do enough races to keep my Trifecta status and make improvements. It is part of my lifestyle now and I find myself wanting to get out and run, climb, jump, hike, crawl, swing, swim, fly, hang, carry or whatever it takes to overcome the obstacle and I don’t need a medal to do it.

Recovering in the Eisenhower Suite at Rough Creek Lodge 2018

Jo DeSena, the creator of Spartan Race was at Rough Creek Lodge sitting at the same table that I determined I would get much better at Spartan Race 7 years prior. I wanted to ask for a picture with him and compare it to my first race in 2011. (Perhaps I didn’t because I could not back down from however many burpees he would have me do for the picture and it was the eve prior to Race Day). If that opportunity every presents itself again I will not hesitate because I had not realized how far I had come until I went and looked back. Another observation is Spartan Race made health my top priority in these entries since my first race 7 years ago. It has been an amazing journey thus far. Riding horses has had a fantastic impact on my health as well. I rode an average of once a day of 2018 and that also helps keep the weight off and the strength and flexibility up. It helps when you start to gain weight that you are making the job harder on your team mate. It also keeps you going on those hard days when you know you have a partner that loves you and is looking forward to your workout together.

Fire Jump of my Last Beast of 2018

On the other side as I crossed the finish line of my last race of 2018, the Spartan Beast, I could not make it the next few feet to the banana and water station. The next day I could not walk on my feet and seriously thought I would have to be in a wheelchair. That led me to the podiatrist where I learned I have a whole new set of challenges in my feet. I had to wear a boot for a few months and make some changes to my footwear. I thought I was doing so much better as I ended the year with all my toenails and in actually good shape. It was certainly humbling end of 2018.

2019 Health Goals are to maintain my college body weight (under 200 lbs) with increased strength and flexibility and ideal BMI. Remain in optimal shape for my fiance, my horse as most certainly myself. I will keep by Spartan Trifecta Tribe Status and explore the new Trail series. I will continue the streak with annual physical to keep all my levels optimal. I will protect my rest, spirit, recovery and relaxation as part of my overall health.

CAREER GOALS

Tim Shane with Executive Director Max Allen and some photo-bombers

What we do defines us. We may say, think, feel and want good intentions, but in the end it is what we do that impacts our reality. Here is the 2018 Recap. On the new mission to “Boldly Go” as an affiliate of the Dallas Lighthouse For the Blind, to continue the trend of growing and utilizing my skill set all came to fruition. The goal was to not only grow but return to the trend of doubling in size. This was achieved in revenue potential which is my job. However some things I used to feel in control of seemed to have been removed from my plate. (Keeping down expenses, optimizing resources, keep up retention, speedy innovation of new solutions).

Envision Mission

The Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind merged with a much larger organization named Envision.
On the upside Envision is a non-profit organization with a mission and resources that I have only previously dreamed. This organization has a positive and productive impact for the blind and visually impaired as well as the lives of so many people every day. Fortunately all my experience being able to navigate and embrace change gave me opportunities to shine, landing new clients, some of which setting new records for the largest contracts in history of Bold. This sets the stage for growth despite the chaos going on in the world in 2019. On the downside mergers and acquisitions can bring a great deal of change, stress and fear. As a result many of the core team that were vital to the thriving culture of the early days of Bold are no longer officially part of the team, (although I will always consider them a part of mine). These changes also further inspired my creative and philanthropic roots with Shane-Arts bringing everything together.

The Haunting of Whiskey Ranch

In recent years I have separated the “Creative” innovations from the revenue generating “Development” in my goals. Much of my success can be attributed to my ability to optimize both. We got the “band back together” and returned to Lake Ray Hubbard as well as launched a new venue (TX Whiskey Ranch) in October with some of our original core members and some excellent new talent. In 2019 I plan to bring them back into alignment.

Tim Shane as Sam Diamond at the Haunting of Whiskey Ranch

2019 Career Goals are to seek and secure new revenue generating and mission driven philanthropic opportunities resulting in a minimum of double digit growth (10% or more) for my clients and campaigns and to balance the creative innovations with the developing success.

Horsing Around… more seriously though

Tim Shane and Artful Design at the USDF Regional Championships

2018 was the best year so far, as it was our first full year as a horse and rider team. We progressed all the way to regional championships and have been happy with our two champion and numerous blue ribbons and scores from recognized shows. For the Dallas Dressage Club we took our top 4 scores and averaged them together and it came out in the 70’s. Perhaps my most proud achievement of 2018 was officially making “Artful Design” mine, or me hers depending on your view. The bond and connection we share is amazing and continually rewarding in so many ways.

Success in 2018

2018 was very good to introduce me to the world of “horse show business” making new friends and connections as well as reconnecting with old ones. Germany did not happen and I am scratching that goal for the foreseeable future.

2019 Horse Goals

Excel through the next level and beyond collecting more top ribbons than my debut year. I also plan to explore Freestyle and Eventing as that is what initially attracted me to Dressage. It is my assessment that this is quite an audacious goal as I am at the most competitive level in the region so the odds are against us. It is also important to declare as a goal that I not allow my competitive nature to dominate the winning connection I have with my horse.

PERSONAL and RELATIONSHIP GOALS

2018 had some personal and relationship twists and turns as well.  With my knowledge of digital marketing I will keep some personal, spiritual and relationship goals off line, but they do exist (Having boundaries was a goal I achieved a few years back).  Before the digital world I would still only focus on and grow the positive, and in the digital world so many people only put their best on the internet.  That does not mean there is not loss and struggle.  It seems I am coming of an age where we are losing some crucial people in our lives.  Just within Shane-Arts we lost both Rhiannon McMillen and Ginger Mensik way before their time.  My “family” is growing far more than so many of you have come to know and love over the years.  Some of those goals are not to be “measured” the way I approach my other endeavors, but they are still a priority.

Thank you so much for reading and looking forward to a very good report as we enter the “Roar’n Twenties”!

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2018 Austin Spartan Super (Prep & Post)

The struggle is real.
The struggle is required!

This year’s Austin Spartan starts a new chapter, or rather a new book or possibly life era for me.  It was my intention to hang up my OCR gear at the end of 2017 and go out having exceeded my goals in Sparta, Greece .  Then I started to realize I had a whole new perspective from other years. It was less tempting to make unhealthy choices when eating and I embraced the opportunity to push myself.  It became a way of life. I realized how much my journey enhanced my mind, my work, my creativity, my drive and most surprisingly my spirit.

One of the reasons I thought I would retire is every year the courses get harder and Spartan comes up with new obstacles and challenges as my physical body gets older.  I quickly learned my journey as a Spartan has given me strength, balance, endurance and discipline

In 2018 my Spartan journey goes beyond the starting line to the finish, but the entire lifestyle leading up to it.  The first is the people. Each race has tales for friends, family, foes, companions, lovers, trainers and life events that all play an important part to each medal, wedge and “Did Not Finish”.  About a month before the race I connected with Stephanie Hengstenberg and we had synergies on many levels. As a “dancer momma” she fit the profile of the artist that built her own success through sales and authentic human connection that I am evolving my profession into, and I fit the profile of the kind of client she was looking to coach.  I shared with her the trial and error of finding the healthy lifestyle for training for a Spartan Race, horse shows and other such adventures and we thought we would explore her coaching me using her ISAgenix system.

To be transparent I am not selling the ISAgenix system nor did I purchase the products so I would not have the bias of defending my choice, but rather having tried many supplements in my journey opened my cynicism to any shortcuts for such a demanding endeavor as a Spartan Super.  The Austin Super Spartan race is among the only two DNF (Did Not Finish) in my OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) career. A few years ago that I attribute to misjudging my nutrition the night before the race. I treated myself to a nice steak to celebrate the days victory and thought I could use the protein.  This may work for some and maybe it did for me in my younger days. This was still during the struggle when my body was adapting to the extramed. This year I learned my body seemed to go into rest and rebuild mode when I eat beef. I learned this by my muscles seizing up at the very top of the “Stairway to Sparta” obstacle.  Since then I learned never do anything new on Race Day and pay attention to my body’s nutrition leading up to and actually on race day. The role of coach and trainer was open this year and she thought she could put together a custom solution for the little over 2 weeks leading up to the race.

Stephanie brought her family to the All British Car Day and loaded me up with parts of the ISAgenix system with very clear instructions and a plan.  I explained my strategy for the Super is to cut any excess body and water weight to stay lean yet hydrated for the race. I would need to stay hydrated, flexible and powerful.  She put together a plan that did not include the entire system but some things she thought would help.

TIP– A quick sidebar in case any of my friends in sales and swear by Shakeology, Kyani, Herballife, Nuskin and all the new stuff on the horizon and know I am a hard sell on any one of these nutraceutical or fitness products, but you never know 100% what someone is struggling with (Sometimes we don’t know 100% ourselves) or all the luck and science that goes into timing, but Stephanie got my buy-in on 2 things.  The first is that she believed in me and her product so much she was willing to cover the cost and second she offered a system that would save me time and money between all the supplements and diet hacks I was juggling. A Beach Body rep named Melissa McAllister did something similar in 2012 and really helped me on my way.

Week 1 – ISAGenix

I was off to a good start in the first week which consisted of 2 Shake Days followed by a 2 day cleanse, then picking back up the shake days.  I researched the products and was happy to learn it was a clean and natural solution pretty close to my original plans that made me so successful the year before.  The shakes tasted great and actually saved me time in the mornings and the evenings with my lifestyle and still delivering the protein, carbs and calories that I needed.  I measured immediate weight loss in the first few days and was feeling pretty good. Following the system and he daily check ups for accountability helped me resist the unusually high amount of temptations to falter that week.  Then came the “Cleanse” and that is when things got complicated.

The Cleans for Life drink seemed well enough but I did not have access to the other items that typically go with the cleanse so by lunch I was already “hangry” even with the IsaSnacks.  I am a pretty big guy so I was feeling it in a major way. Stephanie kept encouraging me through until I realized I was losing energy. My rest days can be considered work out days to most and I was getting ready for my first horse show. My dress rehearsal was a disaster so we opted to turn it into a Shake Day until after the race.  Also I was sure that I measured the amounts I was supposed to take and maybe I should have taken a bit more.

Week 2 – ISAGenix Adjusted

WEEK 2 – Most of the other aspects of the system were actually already part of my regime.  For example there is a Natural Accelerator Capsule is pretty similar to my Irwin Naturals Triple Tea Burner combined with my Cool Cayene from Herb Mart.  The Recovery Drink is similar to my FIT AID which is only at Central Market, Amazon or as a sponsor at some Spartan Races. When I total up the time spent tracking down my normal routine, some of the redundancy of some of the supplements and the actual cost, I can appreciate the savings in time and money of getting them all from one system.  

THE 2018 SPARTAN RACE

Of all the Spartan Races I have done I always feel like I could be more prepared.  That being said I felt pretty good about this one. I was up in front on the starting line and I overheard a female voice basically telling a similar story (Did the Ultra Beast last year, thought I was done and somehow right back here) and I turned around and recognized her.  Just as my mind said “Yea she’s late 20’s maybe early 30’s tops and maybe I am the oldest one still being so insane” the emcee gave a shout out to the oldest person in our heat, George at 76 Years Old going for his 5X Trifecta. #NoExcuses is a great #Spartan hastag for 2018.

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I had a good handle on the course as it was a similar layout to 2017 Super and Hurricane Heat with a few additions of my favorite portions of courses past (Granite Cliffs, The Granite Chapel and the legendary green PVC Tube).  The sky had low fast moving clouds strobing the Texas May Sun that caused a cool Zack Snyder effect on the course and I had my custom soundtrack. While there were plenty of water obstacles, the sandbag carry was more of a muddy terrain than the sharp gravel I always dread on the Austin course.  

I was actually about 30 minutes earlier than my projection but made up for it with burpees on the end.  Found a nice balance of improving my time and fitness while enjoying the power, beauty and soul of the terrain each Spartan course is notorious for.  Many of the famous competitors opted for the BIG BEAR race this year both gave me an opportunity to shine but also missed the feeling of sharing the same course with such legends.   I am evolving the #WhyIRace part of my journey.

The Austin Races usually have severe thunderstorms and as I finished the wind was picking up and the dust was blasting the racers and spectators alike.  For the first time I am aware of Spartan cancelled the Sprint due to weather. This was fine because I was looking at the AT&T Stadium as my Trifecta Sprint.  

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RECOVERY & CLEANSE

The Recovery was good.  About 2 days until I was back 100%.  Minimum bruising, no blood, and the recovery drinks from ISAgenix supplemented much of the routine, but still relied on BeetElite and FitAID who was at the finish line this year.  There was a new recovery drink called Armor but their drinks were warm and pulling a can or two of FitAID out of the ice cold barrels was becoming a tradition.

Upon my return I started the ISAGenix Cleanse for life following the instructions to the letter.  It did get me to an all time low as far as weight loss but not sure the lack of energy was worth it.  I will say I am open to continuing to try the system if I can find the right balance for my lifestyle    

Are YOU in a Healthy Relationship with a Salesperson?

You could be.  

Whether it is your first date or your 50th Anniversary, you agreed to go out with them in some capacity.  They connected with you on a level that you liked and you said “Yes!”.  Good and healthy sales professionals are typically emotionally intelligent and help us feel genuine authentic emotions.  They understand how to influence us to feel excited, safe and secure in our choice.  That is what many want in our personal lives.  How about you?

Human nature focuses on the negative, but the sales professional traditionally finds ways to turn that negative pain into a positive opportunity.  They are trained to see both sides (and many more) and understand how to leverage them into action.  Who doesn’t want more action?

Life is Pain, anyone you says differently is selling something.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThDwS79HPhs

Both men and women alike want to be heard and their thoughts, feelings and opinions valued by their partner.  Sales professionals have to continually practice to be good listeners as an essential part of their craft.  They know when to speak, and when not to be silent and just listen.  We tend to buy from those that really “Get us” and can anticipate our needs.  We tend to stick with those people in our personal lives as well.  Do you?

Do Ask Don’t Tell

People do not like to be “told to” do anything anymore than they like to be “sold to” by someone.  A good sales pro knows “Telling is not Selling” but will rather ask questions.  This can be a real asset in personal relationships where you can come to important decisions together.  Do you like to make or be included in the big decisions?  

Those that may not have the good fortune of being in a healthy relationship with a salesperson and I hear them talk about how much work it is and all this talk about sacrifice.  Sales people know how to negotiate for win-win outcomes.  While speaking of good fortune, good salespeople often make good money for their hard work and usually have incentives to make them want to be better every day.  Is that something you would want in a partner?

They do not take you for granted.  They are usually confident, secure and have a thick skin because they are usually facing rejection and high stakes on a regular basis.  They know customers are loyal right up until something better comes along so they make sure to stay on the pulse of what you value and thinking about an upgrade rather than an out.    

Fortunately we are all in sales whether we realize it or not.  We wish you the best in your personal life.  If you can use some help in your professional life, you know how to reach me.

Goals 2018 Edition

What did you do?   

Those 4 words drive me to have the best answers.  This is where I put my ambitious goals and plans to achieve them out there to the universe (and the internet) but I am looking at a stack of journals and I see evidence I have been practicing this all my life.  If I can dream it, write it down, I can and most often make it happen.

It seems having goals and being successful seems to have fallen out of fashion in 2018.  While I appreciate fashion, I prefer to influence it rather than follow it.  Part of me wants to keep my goals private but the stronger part wants to share the struggle and the success because that is one of the positive aspects to this digitally social world.  

It is also challenging because in many ways this all feels like a dream and in so many ways I am starting over.  Looking at last year (or last two years as it turned out) I wonder if I should set these goals for 12 months or 24?  I am pretty sure I time traveled back to my younger self and said the future is crazy!  The Cubs won the world series (2016)!  Remember that joke about Ronald Reagan being President of the U.S. in the movie “Back to the Future”?  Well now Donald Trump is President but now it’s called POTUS.  Remember how you wanted to know what that black monolith was from 2001 A Space Odyssey?  It is a smartphone or tablet.   

What will I do?

Stay Healthy!  This is a big complicated one that sounds deceptively simple.  The biggest lesson I have learned over the years is we already have everything we need in mind, body and spirit.  However it seems everything is designed to distract us from that simple truth.  In recent years I have been fortunate enough to experience health in all three in varying degrees.  It is amazing and there is no substitute.  The mind has all the answers, emotions, drive, endurance, focus and fantasy if you keep it healthy and treat it right.  If you destroy it with drugs (of any sort), deceptive distractions, poisonous philosophies or just take it for granted it will not serve you as well as if you work it, feed it and test it.  As we get older it is even more challenging to take care of our minds and our bodies.  While I feel in good shape it must be a priority to maintain and improve.  I am proud of my accomplishments in fitness but also know from past years if I do not keep it a priority it is very easy to slip out of and much harder to get back to where I was previously.  It makes it even more challenging to improve.  Riding horses (correctly) turns out is an excellent workout, especially for my core so I intend to focus much more on that as well as participating in races and maybe exploring the Triathlon and IronMan world more.  The spirit is certainly the most private yet I will share the ways it ties to mind and body.  The euphoria I experienced crossing the finish line or cantering on a horse the first time was certainly a spiritual as well as physical experience.  Finally learning to measure adequate amounts of rest to match my ambition has been a major breakthrough for the trifecta of mind, body and spirit.    

Continue the Creative!

Although my creative talents have been utilized in development in the past few years, my creative juices have still been flowing and I look forward to get back to the mission “Seeking, Retaining and Cultivating Audiences and Talent to Enhance the Cultural Community”.  Specifically looking for new ways to use new technologies to maximize audiences and performances.  I hope to get back to writing, performing and producing starting with bringing the Comedy Killers Murder Mysteries back and not only getting the “band back together” but building a core ensemble for the next generation in a brave new world.

Horse Around!

 

Horses have become so much a part of my life yet I still feel as if I am just getting started.  It is my intention to always learn something new and no matter how much time I get in the saddle every day feels brand new.  I am beginning Dressage which I consider an intense level of performing arts, but it’s officially a “Sport”.  It is my intention to go to some shows and work my way through the ranks while continuing training and riding.  I also plan to go to Germany to get an overview of horsemanship in Dressage, Jumping and Cross Country.  I intend to get as much training and experience as possible in the coming months.  I am also very fortunate to have found a beautiful mare (with the help of my trainer at Rocking M Stables and Nikki Littrell at Starstruck Eventing) named “Artful Design” a.k.a. “Capri” (short for Capricorn, not skinny cigarettes or short pants).  She is a great partner and I think we are a good match.  My goal is to go as far with her as we can.  

Build your Business!

In my leadership roles in the incredible organizations I serve I have consistently assembled and served a dream team generating growth and opportunities.  From my days working in higher education to Better Business Bureaus, BOLD and now all my creative non-profit experience comes together with my aggressive drive for development.  The Bold contact center, now an affiliate of the Dallas Lighthouse For the Blind typically doubles in size year over year.  To do this again in 2018 is a challenge I willingly accept.  There are alot of moving parts  and infinite opportunities.  The more we build your business, the more we all win.

Specifically I have made 3 sets of goals for each category.  Maintenance goals to stay on track based on my current progress.  SMART Goals that are focused on improvement and growth and as always ambitious and epic goals.  

Chapter 8- 60 Characters In Search Of An Author

“Shots Fired!” misused an apathetic and ironically misunderstood millennial because this was indeed a serious situation and not a simple verbal assault over interpersonal trivia.  This is not to say that verbal assaults on the internet are trivial or that this epic war of superheroes is just part of the natural order of the chaos in the universe.  It simply is.

Lou Smith and Brenda Lindenberg Stanton both felt this is the time to put a disclaimer that the names and situations in this story may be real or fictional but may reflect real life and certainly does not reflect the exclusive view or possibly any part of the views of the people that embody those names or the author in perpetuity throughout all the infinite  Universes. Elizabeth Wright would also like to add if they might seem to be true or based on real events that is entirely up to you and your imagination.  Chris McMurtry wanted to encourage the taking of flash photography or low-light or with filters all under the preferred hashtag (Might I suggest #HappyTSBday, #Shanespeare or #OurPro). Mike Salcido wanted to thank all the artists that made this possible, and also the car with the License Plate THX 1138 left their lights on and it was causing too much lens flare for Nikki DeShea Smith‘s fantastic light design.

Now  Sandi Bailey brings us back to the story from the front lines of this super battle.

Angela Raelene McGuire signaled she was ready to engage as she always enjoyed a fray for the right reasons.  Lauren Godfrey Patterson,  Ashley Head and Dixie Still got in position.

“I have the shot” affirmed Scarlett McAlister Harris.
“Then take it” commanded Daniel R States.

The shot was taken and quickly enhanced by Dalton James and the Prince of Pisces, Fan of the Fishes Mycal Sykes because it is what they do and they know how to work their craft.

So do the others.  Just then Greg Grayson dropped a joke grenade to bring us back to the story.  Jamie Wollrab waited for it to go off and then had to explain that is when you tell a joke but it doesn’t hit its audience right away.  However, since he had to explain it he felt people still were not laughing it was a dud… or maybe you were just not meant to get it.  Yet.

Cristela Carrizales reminded us to Beware the Ides of March right after Pie Day but Meg Shideler, Laura Laine and Taylor Munholland were already dressed in green leading the parade right out of the ironic land to the land down under while Mia Rae and Shelly Koehler were flipping their real estate like no one has ever seen.

Laurie McNair and Tiffany Williams skeptically joined the parade and as they saw it heading toward a large ship on the water they both thought at the exact same time.  “Deja Vu“.  They both said looking at each other”Pinch Poke, you owe me a Coke“.  They pinched each other starting a trend, like they do.  Monalisa Amidar pinched Bono and Nathan Allen Pinard pinched The Riddler.  However when Laura Reeves pinched Captain America he vanished!   POOF!  Gone!  This is when things started getting very interesting.

Laurie Williamson pinched the Green Lantern and he smiled and thanked her for keeping him relevant.  She though to herself “I’m Smart!” like people do and saw Batman and Superman promoting their movie and thought this would be a good time for her to take her own justice on Batfleck.  She got close and pinched him and nothing happened.

Rest assured you are not the only one disappointed with these circumstances.  Well… technically something happened, but it wasn’t the result she was going for.  Superman asked if she was with him and the mouth breathing Batfleck said “I thought she was with you” confirming they are going for the simplest dialogue ever spoken by superheroes.

Fiona Ann Norton interrupted them saying that since Batman didn’t have Robin or someone to say something along the lines of “Holy Green Thumb Batman, those not wearing green disappear when pinched.” She thought she would explain with her proper dialect to help move things along and we thank her for it.

Erin Treadway pinched the Hulk and there was no reaction and of course Ironman was hovering just out of reach.  Melissa Hartman Couture pinched Wonder Woman and she Poofed and Melissa coined the term “Pinch Poof!”  Why is it that those wearing green were immune to the Pinch Poof wondered Vivian Jimenez Hall.

Diamond Jim and Randy Tinkle were bummed that Wonderwoman was PinchPoofed so they started pinching everybody not wearing green causing a wide spread panic, even though the green smiley faced said “Don’t“.

“Easy for you to say” provoked Zelmer Phillips “You’re nothing but a green smiley mouth“.
“And I’m not” said Steve Davis as a classic diversion allowing Eric Soto-Riggle to get close enough to Superman to pinch him but nothing happened.

“Why didn’t that work?” asked Dylan Hollingsworth.

“Because he wasn’t pinched by someone wearing green” explained Mary Williford Bayer.

Suddenly Batman pinched Superman and Superman Pinch Poofed followed by a thunderous applause from a variety of people wearing green or not.  Lisa B. Whitfield thought about pinching Batfleck but Ashlee James McCollom just walked right up and asked to pinch him.  Batfleck nodded, or maybe he was just looking down as such a sad Batman does, either way there was a pinch and he remained.  There was no Pinch Poof for Batman, not even the Ben Affleck one.

Herschel Alan Weisfeld demanded an explanation because there was absolutely no green visible on Batman, but the mouth breathing crime fighter finally closed his mouth to make an uncomfortable smile and reveal he was wearing kryptonite underwear.

“Ohh!” explaimed Donald Wayne Brown Jr. not exactly sure how he felt about that.

Lara Seibert Young loaded the last few from the green parade onto the ship and those not wearing green were scattering for the hills.  Jenni Tooley advised everyone to show their green and Hilary Tipps asked where the ship was going.

“Probably to the moon” suggested Chris Spinks as there has been much of that going on.
Jorge Luis Davila led a team on the ground to break up the battle as Batman asked Mike Daniel what his secret identity was since it’s a dead give away that you are a super hero if your secret identity has 2 first names.  Jeramie Crawford suggested that they not reveal his hero yet because then you’ll just get into fights with other superheroes.

“It’s all the rage these days” agreed Kristy Krüger but when you have all the feelings as a Pisces, a comic conflict is the last thing you want or need.  Diana Faro Daugherty and Russ Pond agreed.

As the ship left dock and powered out to sea towards the almost full moon Carie Welborn-Bair and Caramie Cason watched mermaids and Aquamen followed singing each to each.

Michael Brower noticed a man in a toga on the bow of the ship with his arms spread like he was King of the World.  Alicia G. Thomasson mentioned all of these heroes are people that she’s recently been reading about and that was Julius Caesar.  Bunny Miles Rothrock and Lynn Kawano noticed he was not wearing green.  The world leader turned to see he was about to be pinched into oblivion.  All he could say is “Etu Mia Rae“

 

Chapter 7- Well Wishes Through A Wishing Well

It is wished that one day in the future one might say it’s an old saying; “To survive a broken heart makes you a better person”.  To say today who’s wish it is may jinx it, but in this moment twice as many eyes were closed as they made their wish and blew out their candles.

Jessy Black had exponentially more candles than her planetary clone Judy Smith Blackwell, so Linda Wallace pointed out that gave her exponentially more wishes as she sat back and sassed and sipped.  Shannon Kearns maximized the epic emotional exponent of the event as Terry Brink nursed them all in recovery.

Joshua Dennis must have wished for a light because he was all a glow, which was handy since everyone was in the dark since the candles were blown out.  Audrey Tennant led everyone in a serene prayer which Marie Del Marco commented on was a great way to understand the infinite spectrum of emotions they were all feeling at this party.

It was indeed an emotional time.  Terry Ash Ebbo, Montie Jo Burgy and Logan Maxwell Green were tending to a group of crying guests and Jason Acton asked what was wrong.

“Nothing!” respectfully replied Cynthia Santiago.  “They’re actually very happy“.
“Why all the tears?” he politely probed.
“If you’re not a Pisces you wouldn’t understand.” affirmed Kristine Mansour Armentor.

Haley Esposito and Etty Horowitz nodded and sipped their drink while Laura Lutz Jones and Karen Wiley commented on the snacks and Donald McLaughlin wrote a script about the party favors.  Of course Lydia Mackay, Andrew Aguilar and Heather Forsythe asked about auditions and Lee Jamison wished she could fit it in between saving all the kittens in the animal kingdom.

Jocelyn White and Christie Renee Welch were wishing in one hand and I would be no gentleman if I were to say what they were doing in the other.  (Lisa Moore says she will tell you if you really want to know)

 Shana Anderson was serving drinks like Bettie Martini and Mallory Malapeño Carrick was pouring shots while Carmen Dexter was serving books that Tiffany Riley was humorously interpreting for those physical comedy connoisseurs Arthur Morton, Kiki Curry Winters and Celeste Rogers.  Amanda Mount Hunter, Candy Buckley and Carolyn Collins cut a rug on the dance floor as José Bowen led the band in a funky new groove.  All was chill until the thrill of Kevin Long letting the dogs out.  As he did he noticed on the horizon a league of Spartan Race Warriors led by Matt Nguyen and backed up by Stephen Brodie, Scott White, Jeremy Escobar, Eric Gacia and Trey Birkhead in his 5.0.  As Matt removed his duct tape helmet he commanded to his troops….

“SPARTANS!  Prepare for Gloriiiious Birthday Cake!“

“Aroo!  Aroo!  Aroo!” they all said wondering if it was Gluten Free and exactly how many burpees would be involved.  As they stormed down the ridge to the party the moon eclipsed leaving them all in darkness once again.

“This is pretty cool” acknowledged  Brandon J. Walker as Brad Ward added
“I’m prepared” lighting up his torch as did Shawn Gann down in the party camp.

The two lights traveled to each other just as the new moon reached it’s total eclipse of the heart and then once again, as before, there was an unmistakable sound.  Everyone looked toward it and once again, the moon seemed to be a portal transporting visitors from another world.

There was another crack of thunder followed by a downpour of something other than rain.

“OUCH!” complained Wale Akin getting hit in the head with what he thought was hail, but turned out to be cold, hard cash with an emphasis on the cold and hard.
“Coins!” identified Brad Hartliep
“Yes, but they don’t seem to be from around here” observed Douglas D Martin
“And they all seem to be coming up heads instead of tails” warned Becca Shivers 
“What’s that?”asked Abi Abel pointing to a tiny light which grew larger as it got closer.
“Maybe it’s a shooting star” hoped Jerry Martin as she made yet another Birthday Wish.
“Maybe it’s a soul” theorized John M. Flores
“Looks to me like a train” pondered Margaret Ponder
“It’s a SOUL TRAIL!” zinged Roxy Hernandez with her coming timing and dry wit

Robyn Fletcher Acevedo pointed right at you as you laughed for validation that you are developing an expanding sense of humor as well as imagination.Kevin Jeffers pushed everyone to shelter as the train glanced the ridge and came down towards the party camp.  All the hopes and wishes came through the portal in the eclipse but everyone was too busy scrambling from oncoming train to notice. Jessica Foster and Michelle McElree stood like a dear in the headlight until Tom Urquhart pulled them from the path just in time.

The train slowed and stopped right at the camp as if it was exactly what it intended to do.  Steam, smoke, dust danced in clouds of electric zapping as passenger cars doors opened and people flooded out.  Stefany Cambra and Eimilie Mitchell emerged wearing exceedingly fashionable steam punk attire.  Jacqueline Pettit, Eric Wilder and Josh Hepola emerged at the caboose with what might have been strange weapons.  There seemed to be others but they were hard to pinpoint in the commotion.  Just as the clouds seem to settle and light began to return the train blew it’s horn so loud everyone covered their ears.  The engine turned off and the door raised open to reveal a man in a top hat carrying a large wooden box.  He dropped it down on on the ground to make a stair and two chucks appeared.  As people looked it it was #OurPro.  Her voice seemed to be amplified as she said…

“I heard it was your Birthday”

Chapter 4 – A New Hopeful Moon

Darkness fell across the land as a cloaked discombobulated figure skulked through night without as sound.  Wise men such as Wylie H Dallas say that if you are not present in the moment you cannot see the figure.  Other cynics such as Mack Herbert say it’s just imagination and Shannon Lee Dyson argued it is a stress monster and everyone needs to chill out.  Little did they know they could all be right.  “So SO RIGHT!” echoed Amber Womack Skipper  Little did they know they could all be wrong.  “So so wrong” worried Steven Jeffers.

AND when I say “So So Wrong” I mean to emphatically stress Soo Soo wrong, much like those that still know which “2 “to use in a sentence might say “too too solid flesh would melt, thaw and resolve itself into a dew” and not be apathetically confused with “so so” as in not one extreme or another.

Those with a Class C Creative License such as Brandi Andrade, Alana Macías de Cortes and Larry D. LeMaster know what I am talking about as they also have a current one and support breaking the fourth wall (or Drew Wall as he likes to call it) in writing.  So lets continue.

The figure glided by a distracted Curtis Raymond Shideler completely undetected and right in the path of Jennifer Roe without skipping a step and cut in line in front of Shannon Knipp without missing a beat.  The figure slipped between Raven Jacobs and Whitney Kelley who were discussing conservative politics while the businessmen slowly get stoned.

Finally, the keen Patrick McAlister noticed the mysterious figure and got the attention of Rob Hood by tapping him on the shoulder and nodding in the direction of the mysterious figure.

“What in the world?” Whispered Andrew Redd
“Could it be the spirit of the missing Doctor?” Asked Mark Fickert
“Perhaps it’s the ghost of Spot Acus Yasso Yang” Pondered Trae Morgan
“I think we should pursue it, just to see what’s going on.” Stated Craig Norris

James Beasley hopped in his hearse (All Dukes of Hazzard Style) as Katy Polito, Helen Woodrum, Belinda Boyd, Monica Moody and Nicole Holt piled in.  They crept along behind Anja Holweg power walking with her German efficiency and long legs.

 William Shane Thompson followed ringing a bell, and like some sort of Pavlovian response people started to form a parade. Andrea Reich Fender emerged with her fashionable entourage from an upscale art gallery and fell in line with Dora Chu and the fashion police.  Candice Ordered Steps Johnson and Diana Tucker followed too.

Before long the cloaked figure was leading a parade of followers through the Haunted French Quarter.  Alexis Jo and Maria Hildreth Zsohar danced behind a float featuring Knizza Live, Chris Bartee, Jim Cady,Dean Lindsay, Peter Elkin, Thomas Jacob Lovelace, Gleb Tarro all throwing beads to those gathering in the streets.  Even Gloria Smith who was working security got distracted from her conversation with Monique Childers about training and both were caught up in the spell.

Kevin Hunt juggled fire around Lorca Simons brilliant puppet, mask and mime work.  She was leading a troupe featuring the sexy and sassy vixens of Vixens Vaudeville and League of Lovely Ladies Bettie Pink, Vivienne Vermuth, Shanna Lee, Amber Williams, Naima Lett, Brooke Hamblet and Amber Garton.

Matt Barron, Stephanie Ward-Pierre and Christi Dalton Whitworth were dancing the dance in the streets and scooped up by the parade.

There were pirates and ninjas fight dancing and dance fighting depending on your perspective.  Sarah Saathoff was doing flips and Metsy showing off with her forward rolls.  Kathy Robinson-Hays, Elizabeth Dewhirst and Adrian Santiago had a tumbling act that would make the most experience acrobat envious.  Stephen Kirkham, Lindsay McEllen James and Chad Kelly Dotson were making music as Citlalli Smith played her cello on a nearby float while Rich Frohlich made sure they sounded amazing.

This parade now filled the streets and swelled into the walkways and climbed the walls.  Linda Jackson rode on the shoulders of James Warila.  The lovely Joyau Pénard was nominated the princess of the parade and her court displayed the most breathtaking international fashion the world as ever seen displayed by Angel Anderson, Adriana I. Romero and Tamara Voss.

The mysterious figure led them all to the largest riverboat they have ever seen.  There was no hesitation whatsoever from the crowd.  Lyzz Kirk danced wildly down the boarding plank with no rails or guards.  The plank bowed and bounced like a guitar string as Daniel Sandoval, Delfina Bedarte, and Noel Lucky Brucker plucked aboard.  Breonny Lee and Donatelle Mascari noticed the ripples of the water matching the beat, or rather the pulse of the massive combined energy of party, yet the cloaked figure had yet to make a sound.

Silently slipping up stairs and ladders to the higher decks the figure slipped past Clifton Hall who was guarding the door to the wheel house.

Kenneth Fulenwider had the wheel and halted the figure before you could go any further.

“You do not have permission to come aboard!” he declared rather bravely.

The figure paused, untied the rope belt that made him resemble a Frangelico bottle and removed its hood.  The cloak fell to the ground to reveal Steven Hacker II on the shoulders of Frankie Garcia III!

“SURPRISE!” busted Hacker as he jumped down to fire up the engines.  “We’ll be takin this boat” he then said in an unsuccessful attempt to sound like a pirate.

Rick Spivey and Zachary Stefaniak charged them but Frankie took them out so effortlessly next thing you knew they were asleep on the floor, and not hurt or injured in any way.  Steve gave the signal and his masquerading troops engaged the next phase of the over elaborate plan usually led by mysterious figures in cloaks.

“Just like Luke Skywalker in Return of the Jedi!” Referenced Stephanie Butterfield

Jennifer Culp and Nancy Soto untied the boat from the dock and Heather Dinning Perry retracted the plank.  Cheryl Reedy cranked the music and Lori Garcia dimmed the lights.  Kenne Earl and Kathleen Terbeek began to sing captivating the guests and crew as the boat left the dock on the still water that reflected the wide smile of the moon of the almost new moon.

Robin Clayton for one was thrilled at the hope for a new adventure as was Tiffany Bryan who is always up for an unexpected journey.  Jackie Kobe started a new “Ships Blog, Stardate Now point Now Two!”

“We got company!” Bobby Friske noticed as they headed out to International Water.
“Looks like the U.S. Armed Forces!” commented Megan Myers

Lindsay Martin Walser with the Air Force, Molly Mitchell with the Navy (Call Sign: GOOSE!) and U.S. Marine Allie Shane were all awaiting orders to engage, but none came as the moon went out into total darkness.

“A New Moon! But not in a Twillight Novel kinda way” joked Comedian Mo Zan
“Thank Goodness!” chimed Diana Wickman

From the shadows a beautiful olive skinned woman with green eyes removed her masquerade mask.  She beckoned for those that saw her to follow her.

“Don’t do it!  What if she be a spirit to tempt you to the water!?” Worried Pamela Ward
“Lets both follow and we will stick together.” Explained Mardi Allen

They followed the woman to the bowels of the ship where they found 2 sleeping men holding a letter addressed to a King.  Those two men were David Jeremiah and  Christopher Dontrell Piper.

 

 

Chapter Two – B*Day Boogaloo

Meanwhile across town, on the wrong side of the other tracks, the mischievous Jenny Slocum was explaining to her honorable henchmen Manny Mendoza, Andrew Milbourn and William Brown how one way, or another, she was gonna find her and “Getcha Getcha Getcha Getcha“.

“Who is she?” asked Sean Patrick Henry rather sincerely.
“…or rather her?” corrected the marvelous Marmendy Welker Thompson

Jenny explained that the one she was referring to was the granter of Birthday wishes and that her name must be kept secret to build suspense for the story and also if you say her name three times she will manifest in the mirror of a bathroom when you turn out the lights.

“What are we even talking about?” exploded Ethan A Sheffield
“Yea.  So what!?” heckled Angela Cushing
“I don’t want to be in a dark bathroom!” popped Sarah Baranauskas

Jenny calmed and soothed everyone’s suspicions as she elaborated on how they were all very instrumental characters in the story.  Of course Amy Barrick and PJ Palmer wanted more details complete with charts and graphs and Michael MrHumanity Guinn knew he could explain it all better with rhythm and flow.

“What do we call her as so she doesn’t manifest?  Is it like ‘he who shall not be named’ or the Scottish King’“? asked thespian Julie Collmer Campbell

She shall be referred to only as #ourpro proclaimed Jenny.

After a skeptical and awkward pause, the fashion prince Dan Pritchett told the tale of how he once set his armada of fashionistas on a quest to find her but to no avail.  Ineka Guerra believes she is a story.  “The stuff of legend” reaffirmed Jamie Scharfschwerdt Nugent.

“I am the stuff of legend” cried Jenny!  “I taught her everything she knows!”  And now she just goes around using the power of the universe to grant everybody’s wishes.  “What does the think she is?”

“A Leprechaun?” asked Anna Loya.
“I think she means Genie“offered Deborah Marshall
“Rainbows, bottles, pots of gold, it’s all the same thing“concluded Mike Hathaway.
“My favorite film fantasies?” Sonny Boucher
“A product of our endangered environment.” suggested Maria Consuelo
Angel Unger pointed out that is the stuff for another blog.

“NO!  The stuff of dreams. Just like us.  If she is not stopped she can put our whole world in danger.  Who’s going to bring me her head? ” Jenny asked but her enthusiasm was not shared by anyone else.  Then in an effort to reconnect with her audience she said “I also want a taco.”

“YES!  That is a cause I am into” sassed Andres Ortiz.
“Me too!” said  Shakey Amy Behar.  “Right after Dystonia Awareness“.
“I LOOOVE TACOS!!!” sung Michelle Hames

Mark Hanson offered to drive but he could only take one person on his motorcycle, and he knew he wanted that person to be the charming and beautiful Chelsie Birks but Scott Prewitt had other plans jumping on the bike just before Chelsie could get her leg over.

“No Fair” she complained!  “I am the fairest of them all” Scott retorted.
“You are both silly” observed Antonia Hubert.  “We can all go in Captain Nick C Kirk‘s Starship”
“Or!  Or you can just let me cook for all of you.  I make great tacos” offered Linda P Nguyen
Dan Carro passed out some #TEAMTACO SWAG and Shaunda Terrell trained everyone to be #Lone Star Spartans while  Michelle Harvey put together an incredible design.  

So as they all agreed to stay and eat Linda’s tacos and form a strategic plan to find #ourpro.  All aside from Stephanie Patterson who thought the Dallas Stars would be there and would rather hang with her cat than pursue this mysterious wish granter. Kenneth Noisewater also declined because it was his Birthday not realizing the future of all Birthday wishes stood in the balance.  Sara Dawn Wilkins certainly got it and so they put the plan in motion.

As the full moon hit the sky like a big pizza pie, that’s… more of a cue than anything else.  A cue for Peggy Kruger-O’Brien to call “PLACES!” Jennifer Fortson, Noelle Mason and Kateri Cale and Angela Wilson to hit their marks while Lynne Dee, Ange la Roc and Kaylee Murray found their light. Bill Rhoten yelled “ACTION!”  Brandi Nicole to set her watch and started her epic run while Gregg Csikos and his crew to set sail leading the masses of mermaids led by Shanna Rozelle Baynton.  The over-elaborate plan was set in motion.

The soundtrack of the delightful Delores Elder-Jones played as Kelly Cochran Davis
and Shay Hall made sure the next phases were taking place.  Gini Mascorro made a calendar of all the phases and Brenda Ann Saball made a checklist to be sure nobody dropped any balls. Bob Erwin and his opposite from a parallel universe Erwin Bob had them do simple tasks.  Isabella Russell-Ides began writing the epic tale with Nick Gibbons who punched up the comedy and Jody Pham-Gurke agreed to do the illustrations.

Robert Bellamy, Chris Yacoub and Charlotte Crumm cleaned up any left over Tacos.

“What will they call this epic plan?” asked Mike Landry.
“The B*Day Boogaloo!” answered Sharla Cockrell quickly.
And Jenny nodded for it was written and it was good.

Chapter One – Capricorn One (point 1)

Once upon a long time ago in a land far far away, yet somehow strangely relevant to current culture and issues, there was a beautiful protagonist.  For the sake of this part of the story we shall call “our protagonist” or #OurPro for short.  She was the muse for the masses.  Among those amused masses was the infamous energy artist  Christina Adolphsson and she thought she would journey to her to see what the energy had in store for her right after the first newest moon.  

As she set out on her quest she was stopped by the Mitchell Lofts in Deep Ellum to see what appeared to be Kurt Basa doing some physical improvisation with Ashley Bell.  Impressed, #OurPro threw down a few coins in the spirit of early street theater.  “WHY ARE YOU THROWING THINGS AT US?” shreaked an over-dramatic Audra Hatchett.  “Relax” soothed the calming male voice of Halim Jabbour as he picked up a coin to show to Audra.  “It’s money!”  Gideon Swift swiftly took center stage apologizing for the over-reaction.  “She suffers from Post Dramatic Show Disorder.  A condition that affects 9 out of 10 street performers over the age of 20“.

Our protagonist (#ourpro) charmed “She doesn’t look a day over 20“.  Moved by such a convincing performance Cathy Lynn Crockett, Candy Causey Frazier and Elizabeth Riley triangulated our protagonist as Tim NewKirk offered her a role.  She replied “Oh, I wouldn’t know what to say…” only to be cut off by Stephen Adly Guirgis who quickly said “Leave that to me and I will write you the best role imaginable“.  Matt Roc Jahnel chimed in “and I will make sure you look amazing“.  Jordan Galland said “I will make you a star with street cred”, Melissa Cashion said she would manage the production and Maggie P Adams assured “And I will always have your back“. 

Feeling she was properly inspiring their talents she smiled and let them know she must be on her way.  She blew them a kiss and they bowed and said this was not a performance but an audition for Tanya Smith Foster and Michael Cain and his twin brother real Michael Cain.  She felt the Jib Arm of Bobb Truax capturing the performance on camera and Britt Carver and Jeremy R Inman lending their talents to the crew. Charlcye Christa Bryson explained while they appreciate the inspiration they could not accept her coins for merely an audition. 

The beautiful protagonist politely refused the refund and suggested they split the coins with Barb Segal Rosenfeld and C.j. Davis.  “Why them?” asked Brandon DeShong and William Hudspeth.  “There are so many worthy of your valuable coins”.  Just then several shadows began to materialize into the familiar faces of Andrews W Cope, Carol Rice and Brittney Boswell.  “Because it’s our Birthday” said Rita Bostic Oden.

#OurPro asked Rita if money was what she wished for for her Birthday wish which led to a cynical debate on whether Birthday Wishes come true between Elian Haan and Wendy Rene’e on Team YES THEY DO and Shannon Marketic and Victoria Lansey on Team WISHES ARE SENTIMENTAL SORCERY.  While they had everyone distracted with their powerful points, C.d. Kirven provided a way for our protagonist (#ourpro) to slip out without disturbing the action.  There was Mike Lowe in the getaway bug.  #OurPro slipped into the VW and off they went jamming to a mix tape made by music connoisseur Jonathan Beckham.

After a quick stop by El Centro Stem they arrived safely back in Deep Ellum at an amazing party at St. Pete’s.  Of course it was amazing because it was promoted by Cynthia Long and Lisa Taylor.  Meredith Fugate toasted their arrival and went off on some inside jokes about Batman being a sex camel.  Kathi Kibbel explained some stuff about how batman camels can store their sex drive in their humps because “Science!”  Kathy Brintzenhofe was still mortified at the explanation.  Brittany Paige did an installation of Tree Art with some help from Asel Art Supply and Lc Cola was serving some drinks.  Zac Ramsey, Jakie Cabe, Daniel Forsythe, Peyton Hayslip and Thomas Surtees McWhorter are performing scenes from their latest project with Dan Nolen Jr and Christie Vela, while Christopher Carlos took notes.  Denise Cannizzo was dancing and Kirsten Brandt James was working her magic with Dream Venturini. Special musical guests Josh McGill, Michael James are keeping everybody moving while Justin Martin makes it all sound perfect.

Thom Pain was quick to point out this was HIS Birthday and not to be confused with the 1/2 Birthday of Tim Shane which was a trending topic amongst the guests.  Mary Ann Sherman was taking photos while promoting the Say NO to SELFIE movement.  The event was catered by Richard Chamberlain although host Steven Doyle told her all about the food and what was best on the menu while Suzanne Chavira told her what was best for her health from a super food perspective.  Dustin Hodge saved them a seat right next to the famous George Elwell.

Seated at the table was Alexandra Mauro and Dee Dogger quite enthralled in the festivities.  Our protagonist (#ourpro) took a moment to take it all in and listen to all the music as well as all of the simultaneous conversations.  She eavesdropped on Jim Kuenzer talking with Dan Glaser about the random improvisation auditions that seem to be popping up everywhere while Evelyn Jones Reed was talking about the nomadic writers wandering the world.  CC Stinson was listening intently to Emily Cheek, Jessica Roberts, Jane Willingham and Dallas Black Actors rant about the State of the Arts in North Texas.  Lori Claborn was talking about how the clothes make the man to John Wayne Daugherty and Kyle Hancock while Paige Martin Reynolds asked the question of who makes the clothes.

Colleen Coyle was talking about the weather and Mark Shum was wondering “Whether what?”  Wesley Williams was leading an online blog about how to network while waiting in line for the restroom at parties with Nina Harp, Lisa Mendoza, Dawn Glover and Harriet Boorhem.  Alix Milne was working the other line explaining to Lynn Hale, Carole Anne and Georgia-Marshelle Phillips Viertel why amphibious theater is so important to Water, Earth and Air signs.  Regina Cross was also networking their networking into power networking.   Jennifer Patton and Jennifer Styers are playing a game of one-upmanship for who is the better Jennifer.

There was a clanking of drinking glasses that was not at all like the breaking of reading glasses or the gnashing of teeth, but a sound that brought the music, performances and  Gutterth Live to a smooth stop.  The super smooth host Wilbur Penn was on the microphone with Heather Shaw Young to give a powerful and moving introduction to legendary theater teacher Kim Stinson.  As Mr. Stinson took the microphone a miracle happened.  It might very well be the greatest standing ovation of applause ever.  You know how you have to clap if you want a fairy like Tinkerbell to live?  Well this applause gave birth to an entire fleet of faeries. (or fairies if you prefer).

As you might imagine, some people freaked out and some where in awe.  This was all part of #OurPro’s plan.  Just as Santa has to deliver all those gifts on Christmas day, this muse could use some help in granting all those Birthday Wishes.  There was at least one fairy for every guest.  Some such as Tambry Haagen, Katy Lane and Suzanne Harper had a plethora.
Beth Jenkins explained what a plethora is for those that did not Google it.

Some guests such as Rosa Vasquez wished for everyone to experience joy while others such as Christopher Zielke wished for more wishes.  Andi Schlict and Nancy Kay Grossman kept their wishes to themselves as not to jinx them.  Tina Ng wished to keep her fairy as a companion.  Chad R Jung thought they were gremlins and kept shining bright light on them and Carolyn Lindeman was attempting to shoot them with a water pistol.  Some wished to have the lovely life of Lynne Lowder or see the wonderful world of Winona Wenying Yu.  Wanda Muston Yauch and Nancy Lamb asked to save their wishes for later.

Three of the fairies, Kimberly Powell, Jody Rudman and Molly Davis Nedley conspired in the corner to form the Cool Capricorn Club.  However by the power of three they were able to open a portal to the Sassy Sagittarius Supper from the previous year and bring 3 fairies from the past to the party.  Katherine Bower, Nevada Nicole and Janna Zepp crossed over and joined Kim, Jody and Molly to form the Wish Squad.  This will be important later for the prophecy which Karen Bower Robinson warned everyone of.  There will be a test.

Chris Widomski and David Willingham started the music again and the party began to pick back up and everyone was granted their wishes including Marisa Diotalevi made her debut.

It is important for you to understand where everybody is, who they are and what they want.  This will all come into play at some point.  As #OurPro was preparing to continue her journey, she did the rounds at the party to let people know she was leaving and make sure nobody was left out.  Molly Moroney said she had no idea that these parties were so much fun but Heath Billups assured her they are and she should always come when invited.

It did get a bit confusing when some guests such as Caroline Whitton Yellott and  Tanasha Friar cloned themselves into Carolines’s Country Living and Tanasha Nicole.  However this way they were able to thank everyone for coming.  Angela Allen helped #OurPro to the spotlight and Nancy Smith Munger got her a microphone.

“Happy Birthday!” wished #ourpro most sincerely as she mysteriously made her exit.  “How does she doe that?” asked Martha Russell Tiller.  “Where is she?” asked David DeRocha.  “Who is she?” questioned Chad Halbrook.

I have a feeling this is just the beginning said Genesis Alana.

Happy Birthday (#HappyTSBday)

For the past several years I have been known for remembering, honoring and celebrating birthdays.  Lately this has been on social media, but those who have known Pre-Social Media such as Facebook, MySpace and Blogs know this is not a recent development.  

So how did it all start and why do I make such a big deal about your birthday?  

Originally from Chicago I was raised Catholic in a private Catholic School.  Family and holidays were a pretty big deal, and it was always someone specials Birthday and occasion for a family gathering.  My younger sister was usually a week or so before Thanksgiving so we would all get together and feast.  My Birthday is in July and the family would gather at our house and celebrate my Birthday with the 4th of July.  Watching the nation celebrate what I thought my Birthday made me think everyone else was missing out.  (This might be one of the roots of my healthy self-esteem)  Then what seemed like all-the-sudden, my father was relocated and our immediate family moved to Texas while almost simultaneously my mother became a Jehovah Witness.  I had to make all new friends in a new school in what was quite a culture shock.  (Especially for those that have known me all that time)  Also Jehovah Witnesses are not big on holidays but especially birthdays.  It would later dawn on me during my teenage years that my Birthday was actually over a week later in the month of July.  It is one thing to never know what it is like to have an epic birthday, and quite another to know that special feeling and have it taken away.  (Especially during those angsty formidable years).  

It became quite apparent to me that everyone wants to feel special on their Birthday, even if they typically don’t want the spotlight.  Even if they say Birthdays are not a big deal, we all want to be acknowledged and when you make someone feel special they remember it.  For those close to me I always remember your birthday, and I always do my best to out-do my previous Birthday wishes and salutations.  Whether you like gifts, big parties or just to know you are not on a John Hughes movie, your birthday is important and so are you.   

So I always did my best to make Birthdays special.  As a teacher in my classes, or as a performer in an interactive show or even running a Singing Telegrams company to make the wishes memorable. Another question I am frequently asked is where do you know all of these people?  Of course once you know over 365 people the probability is pretty high that more than one person is going to have the same Birthday, and I might perform to that many people in a single show.  

As a performer I never dreamed of winning an Oscar or Tony, but rather wanted to be a household name and would know I “arrived” when my name was highlighted on my Birthday in the newspaper amongst all the celebrities, horoscopes and famous people in history.  Since I share a Birthday with Harrison Ford, Sir Patrick Stewart and Julius Caesar that was a pretty tall order.  However I thought I would pay it forward.  

Happy Birthday wishes morphed into titles of alliteration which evolved into titles or royalty and hashtags (#HappyTSBday).  Many would write private messages thanking me for the posts and others would write me telling me how I broke their hearts not getting online.  As technology took the figurative pens, characters and keyboards out of our hands it became harder and harder to do the Birthday Post without losing a wifi connection, getting a phone call or Facebook just deciding I was taking too much time to post.  The average Birthday post consisted of over 30 tags so I had to think of something that would take your Birthday to the next level in 2016.  

What can be better than being featured amongst many great people on your Birthday?  My answer to level up is to immortalize you in a story.  The NEW BIRTHDAY STORY!

Happy Birthday!

Love #Shanespeare