Hearts of Gold

Cheers from London! 

St. James Park 

St. James Park 

I am sitting in my friends cozy room for the fifth morning and sixth day in London. It feels surreal still at this very moment. There is, however, a familiar comfort that I feel which could, perhaps be due to the sound of sizzling pinions and the smell of scrambled eggs. Or, perhaps, it is due to the everlasting and strong friendship that continues to welcome me with open arms. All of these could be contributing factors to the comfort I feel thus far. 

Yesterday, I woke up at around 3:00pm which is not typical for a Friday but we'll blame it on jet lag which has been a BEAST to get over, but I think I'm finally there. We went to Chelsea (everywhere in New York is named after London -- I am sure) and attended a going away company for the non-profit my friend Chloe works for. HERA educates and empowers women who have survived and endured violence and trafficking through mentoring, educating and equipping them as entrepreneurs. I sat there overwhelmed that -- as always -- I thought I had come to London to do a bit of touring and a lot of Shakespearing and yet I found myself in the room with powerful and influential women and men who had hearts of gold. 

I successfully tempered my emotions, but I assure you I wanted to cry because I was moved by the beauty of community. This, more than anything and as explained in my first Crowdfunding video, is what drives me to ensure my artistic ventures serve a greater purpose. I can't stomach telling a half story or half truth. I want art to reach masses and to move people to greater introspection about the world and themselves. Now, that doesn't mean that everything has to feel serious, but I do pray I keep conviction about what I do. 

There was much discussion last night about the theatre scene in London and back home. I told the ladies and gents how wonderful it felt to have been told the night before that I sound "so American." It's really nice to be somewhere different and to be embraced in spite of my differences. 

I've walked miles and crossed many bridges this week, and I do mean literally, and it makes me feel completely and thoroughly accomplished. Additionally, if you don't think about monetary conversions, things aren't so expensive either! I've had a week of spiritual clarity. 

That being said, I did receive my first homework assignment, which is to read A Winter's Tale. I've got quite a bit of work to do but I am up for the task. I'll make it my business to check in more often as this is only my second blog post but I have been enlivened and my need to do more than just perform has been reawakened by hearts of gold. May you all have blessed weekend. <3

~Cheers!