this isn't new york. this isn't los angeles.

Stonington, Maine. If you've never been here, make some vacation plans, pronto. Visit a place unlike any other. A fishing/lobstering community first and foremost (though it also has a massive history with granite/quarries and shipping - endlessly fascinating), Stonington, at the tip of Deer Isle, is very much an artist's community. Visual artists (Haystack Mountain School of Crafts has been here for 60 years or so) abound, the island also houses the Stonington Opera House, a performing arts venue which has had an impressive 10 years hosting dance, theater, opera, jazz, film etc. It's a beautiful place. And I'm here directing "Burt Dow: Deep Water Man."
http://www.operahousearts.org/index.php
Today, stage manager Jen and I went to Haystack's gallery space in Deer Isle Village where we met a Tibetan monk, who dismantled his mandala sand drawing in front of a packed crowd. It was extremely moving. We were instructed to bring some of the mandala sand and scatter in places to bless. I've got a couple places in mind. :)
Some pictures below of the endless lupine which has made an early entrance on the island, as well as Roger the cat, and our visit to Bertrand Dow's grave (a k a Burt Dow).

rebranding has begun: call me ishmael

Hi readers.
I am sitting in a dainty yet earthy cafe in Fort Greene, called Bittersweet. I usually go to Bidonville, but they are closed for the Easter weekend. I miss the old street of Dekalb. Now that we're on Myrtle, we rarely get down to Dekalb unless we're jonesing to spend money, which is never a good sign. For those who don't know these streets and neighborhoods, don't worry. I'm basically saying that I get nostalgic on occasion. Nostalgia. What a strange and beautiful human response to the past. I feel like I could write a play on that subject.
Meanwhile, I read my horoscope in L Magazine today and it said this: "Cancer, Cancer, Cancer... Did you know that you're the only sign of the Zodiac that's also a deadly disease? How does that make you feel? I've often thought it would be good to come up with an alternate sign name... Crabula? Hermex? Canevia? Xeo? Rupertronica? Rebranding yourself isn't easy, but sometimes it's what has to be done."
Yeah. That basically says it all.
I'm pretty tired of my MO. Usually sounds like this in my head: "I'm so worried. What am I doing with my life? Why aren't things going exactly the way I want them? Why do I always feel depressed? Why aren't I exercising? What's next? Do I even like New York anymore? Why aren't I acting? What do I do?" BLAH BLAH BLAH.
It's Spring. Time for a change. And as I prepare for the play I am directing, I think more and more about how I need to think less and less about what people think. Or what I think, for that matter. Though, I need to think.
More later.