Smells Like Freedom

Yesterday was freedom personified. Perhaps a little hyperbolic, especially given the historical fight for freedom. My apologies.

June 15, 2021 marked the first day in over a year I ran without a mask. As a fully vaccinated Californian I was welcomed to the heady perfume of late spring by Jasmine Star, Jacarandas, Orange and Lemon blossoms. Oh, how sweet it was.

The noise of our conversation is so muddled with egregious self interest the truth is often a casualty. What yesterday represented was a ringing victory for doing the right thing in as right a way as possible. Onward and upward.

I have to admit, after a year of habitually strapping on the ol' paper napkin, it felt oddly wrong to be without it. As if I were getting away with something. But, I wasn't. You know the real unexpected benefit to doing things the right way? I'm not cursing the non-wearers under my breath anymore. I know. I shouldn't curse them at all, but, hey, I'm human.

Doing the right thing the right way makes working easier too. I've noticed a plethora of casting notices in film and on stage springing up like gellato flowers in the garden. The greatest thing about working in show business is working with other people. The sorry slide into nihilism is finally uprooted because Californians, for the most part, wore masks, got vaccinated and socially distanced. And, you know what, it wasn't impossible. It wasn't even hard. Mildly inconvenient, maybe, but for the greater good? Hardly a sacrifice.

It's not just this great Golden State, either. Except for the regressive southern red belt, states are seeing marked drops in infections all over the country. That's good for touring, summer stock, blockbusters and television shows.

I'm excited that we, as a community, nation and people are emerging from the depths of an unnecessarily harsh COVID winter. I'm also excited the industry is, if not bustling, in pre-bustle. A pretty hectic pilot season has given way to a, hopefully, fruitful episodic season. Personally, I've been busy with auditions. Fingers crossed.

The movie I mentioned a bit ago is getting ready to shoot. No dates yet, but contracts signed. So, I'll keep you updated.

Look, or should I say, listen for some radio shows in the near future. I'll keep you posted on those too.

Always remember, and never forget, it's never the wrong time to do the right thing.*

Blessings.

* - an amalgamation of Steve Martin and Mark Twain.