Happy Birthday, Sis! Here's A Pirate Ditty...Again!

I've only got two siblings--for Utah, that's a low number. Only having two siblings means it's easy to remember their birthdays. Today is my sister's birthday. I wanted to give her a "Happy birthday" message on social media.

But she beat me to it.

Five years ago, in the summer, I was involved in a community theater production of Peter Pan. It's interesting because this summer I was involved in another community theater production of Peter Pan. Once again, I played a pirate (Jukes, this time, not Checco...). There were several of us in both shows, same director, same choreographer, same great time.

My sister shared with me a video I originally shared with her on her birthday five years ago. I thought it would be fun to let you all see it. But be warned...for some reason the recording sounds terrible on the blog post. I mean, we weren't trying to sound good, but we definitely sounded better than that. If you can't stand to let the video finish, I completely understand.

We did a good show, five years ago. I remember our pirate band--we were a jolly lot. For fun, I had a few of us record a "happy birthday" song for my sister. One of the pirates, the one closest to me, is no longer with us. It's a shame, for many reasons, one of which is patrons no longer can see him entertain on the stage, and another is we are unable to have Parker Hedin as a fellow cast member. I sure miss him. Like I said, a terrible shame.

But, on a happier note, it's my sister's birthday (I won't tell you how many she's had...). Happy birthday! I hope it was wonderful, and I hope it's the beginning of your best year ever! Love you, sis!

Saying Farewell...To A Sweet Soul

I woke yesterday to the news. It's been almost two days and it still hurts. We lost an amazing person on Friday, someone who, if you've ever met him or been in a show or choir with him, you'll not soon forget, which makes his passing that much more difficult to accept.

I first met Parker during a crazy week in my life. I was asked to do a show which opened five days after another show I was in closed. Luckily, the director had faith in my abilities and it all turned out fine. That's when I first met Parker. Normally when you do a show, you get a couple of months to learn not only your lines, but blocking, harmonies (if it's a musical...), and the other cast members. I missed out on a lot of that, but in the short time I was with my cast, I got to know Parker.

How could I not?

I never saw him down. When not on stage, his smile filled a room. He always--and I mean, always--greeted me with a "hello" and a strong handshake. But when on stage is when you saw another side of Parker. He was all business. That's why I love this picture. To me, I see the serious side, the side of him that shows his commitment to making any production he was in the best possible. Even in rehearsals, he never gave less than 100%. 

Many of his friends have posted on social media of his spirit which was immense. I completely agree. They also expressed their extreme sadness at his passing and how they'll miss him deeply. I completely agree with that, too. There are some people who communicate to your soul. They transcend the mundane and see life in a way few can. I wish I could see life the way he did, see people through those eyes. What an amazing world that would be.

Sleep well, my friend. Until we meet again.