It is not what happens to you but how you react to it that matters. ~Epictetus

Good Morning -

Probably should have waited another day to reach out, but then who could have foreseen the closure of the school buildings across the state?  The administration, all of us felt shocked by the news, just like all of you, I am sure.  I suppose we always thought it might happen but I really wanted to believe we'd be back the 6th and then I resolved to the 20th and then that wasn't the case anymore, and I know I am not alone in those sentiments.

By now you have probably figured that this year's musical is not going to happen.  Sadly, year 17 for me, and 14 for Leslie is not going to happen in the traditional sense (but we had already sort of come to terms with that).  There were tears last night for a lot of different reasons the unfinished musical was one those and an important one at that.  This is, as I have said many times, my favorite time of year and like your children I feel robbed, robbed of the time to be together and make theater magic.  UGH, life can be so unfair.  But, it's a new day and I am remembering the lessons I preach to the kids all the time, that life is often unfair and it is how we react to the unfairness that we are in control of, nothing more, nothing less.  Today I have decided to practice what I preach, or at least fake it till I (we) make it.

With that in mind I woke thinking about ways to make something happen for the musical this year, I mean there's a first for everything, this pandemic has certainly taught us that much?!

There are some logistics to work out and legalities to check on, but my wheels are turning, how to make lemonade from the lemons we've been dealt?!  The kids, myself and Leslie have too much creative energy to bottle for a whole year.  As I said to a family this morning in email "it makes me itchy, and frustrated and sad" to not use it (it being those creative energies) and I feel that to my soul for the kids and for me personally.  I am thinking, perhaps something can be done virtually...it isn't ideal, but maybe?  I have to check the legal stuff.   ...I wonder

Certainly my heart is sad today, but the sunshine is bright and it is warm and it truly feels like Spring.  I am choosing to look for the rainbows in life (which are all of you) in all of this, and I believe we will be okay and stronger for this trial...at least I will keep saying it until it really is the truth!!!

For now please know I am sorry, I wish things were different and thank you for being here!

I'll be in touch soon, Kristen Chapman