Uncategorized – Honey it's Thursday

Letter from the Editor – January 2026

Dear Busy Bees,

It’s been a minute since I’ve published anything here – since June 2023. You may be wondering why I haven’t been writing here, what I’ve been up to and what the vision for this blog is going forward.

I haven’t been writing here, though I have been writing especially lately. That’s related to both good and bad experiences in my personal life, and I think you may be able to relate. I was studying very hard and growing in my career and went through a very busy season that stretched into a couple years. I took a few important tests related to this and they were time intensive. I also worked very hard at that career and unfortunately started to take time for myself less. Not very Thursday of me.

It is still the purpose of this blog to make space for good times, to explore and to create. It also is becoming a goal to find how to stay present and plugged in to ourselves and joy. On that note, while I am sad I didn’t publish here for a while, I know it had to become a tertiary priority for a while due to what I was doing. If there is a next time, I hope I will take the time to recognize that and communicate it here. That’s probably a good general lesson for life. I am proud that I have become less hard on myself since I last wrote here. I am also taking better care of myself.

Since the last time I published, I have traveled to Fla., Calif., Ky and the Bahamas. I attempted to go to Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tenn. which was cancelled due to flooding and rain. It was still a great experience for me. I look forward to recapping some of my travels. I am still mostly located in Clarksville, Tenn., with strong roots in San Diego, Calif. In the time since I last wrote I have met and made friends in Clarksville and had some character shaping experiences. My roots are in Clarksville too.

My husband and I spent time planning a wedding in Calif. I got married in May 2024 to my amazing husband. Knowing that next month is Valentine’s let me just say this: May you also find the love that is the person who lets you be safe coming out of your shell. If he doesn’t make you feel comfortable expressing yourself when you are doing things aligned with your values he isn’t for you. He should make you feel safer when you do the right thing. If he doesn’t adore and cherish you and make you feel beautiful, you’re simply not right for each other. While you do have to choose and commit to each other everyday and navigate difficult seasons, if someone offers you love less than this, don’t waste your time. Don’t want or be placated by quarter and half-measures especially before the seasons of life even truly begin.

Speaking of busy seasons, I have changed locations and career spaces for work a few times. I have had some moments of nostalgia and reflection related to how to make my next career move. While I am limited in what I can share about work, that has been a lot of adjustments and I’m glad to say it should be more settled soon. I am excited for the next chapter and feel like I am cautiously testing the waters.

Another thing that may be settled soon is house renovations! We are a vanity and toilet installation away from being done with a house remodel. It cannot come too soon! It’s amazing how delays and construction go so hand in hand.

As we go forward into the now, I reflect on goals and purpose. I (obviously) hope projects and changes get wrapped up. I hope to find clarity but understand that even without clarity I still have the values that make me who I am and will be safe due to the life I’ve already built, alongside my husband. Sometimes that is the truest mark of success one can have. I am excited to reflect on my experiences and journeys in a few ways though maybe I’m still taking my time on that.

My goals for this blog are often similar to my goals as a person. There are things I want to explore, like writing, audio and coding. I also want to reflect on journeys in a way that is appropriate. I want to continue to be someone who is plugged in to my community, the moment and myself. I want to be present and mindful. I want to find balance while also acknowledging that there are different seasons and energy levels. Often balance is a myth and what matters is routine and checking in. Some days you have to prioritize your health and some days you must make time for friends. I want to have a good time and be social. A lot of that good time connects to reading books, traveling, and being creative.

My purpose for this blog is to take time for the best things in life. To prioritize joy and health.

I hope that I can work on my professional presence in a way where I can be non-judgmental, open, and always keep the goal in mind. I struggle with taking care of myself as much as others do and in a way that supports that presence. I hope that I will continue to grow in that ability.

I feel like you may be asking what’s next? To that I hope to see myself writing more, both here and in a novel. I hope to eventually get into audio or podcast creation. I am also wondering if I should revisit coding, particularly if I decide to shift careers again. I am planning on looking into the Google Developer Program. I’ve always liked writing about my explorations and learning.

I have been doing some things which I hope to continue doing. I have been getting back to crafting, loom-knitting, sewing and miniatures. Those will be easy to write about. I have been focused on decluttering and cleaning my space and making sure my stuff reflects the person I am trying to be. I’ve had great results and my house feels calm, other than the renovations. There are so many better resources on decluttering than mine, so I probably won’t write on that. I have also been doing a fair amount of reading, which I also intend to write about more.

I hope to continue to set down roots where I’m planted. I’ve been realizing that I need to attend more coffee meetups with other women. Often times it feels like it is just my husband and I in this state. I know that’s not the case as I do have friends and communities here, but it can be a challenge and a delight to move somewhere you don’t know anyone. My husband and I both do a lot to support each other and if you aren’t in the club that his career puts us in, then you probably can’t understand its specific challenges and the type of loneliness that it can cause us to face. I frequently struggle with loneliness and having experiences where family/coworkers/acquaintances don’t understand how to support me, even when I have supported them. It is heartbreaking and can be the cherry on the cake somedays.

While I have a wonderful dance community, I have been struggling to find a renaissance reenactment group here that meets regularly. I reflected a bit about people who have made those groups meaningful to me in the past. They were always providing hospitality and food, in addition to knowledge. I think I want to start hosting intimate feasts at our home to build a closer-knit group of historical reenactment enthusiasts.

Thank you for letting me recap my challenges and last couple years. I appreciate taking the time to refocus and look forward to writing in the future.

All my love,

Honey

Easy or Cheap Workout Habits To Try

Now that it’s January you may be returning to workout goals or resolving to work out for the first time.

Here are some ideas you can try, with many being free and quick classics you may not have thought of.

Jogging or walking while listening to music – sometimes this leads to longer walks and running. Oddly, my FitBit reports I burn more fat and get into more intense heart rate zones when I take a walk, instead of hitting the gym. Mostly, walking with music brightens my day and I get into a meditative zone, while remembering old tunes.
Yoga or Pilates – Maybe this will sound trite, but for me it was life changing! The first time I tried yoga it was as a mandatory exercise class credit in community college. My back went from being in pain from lugging around too many textbooks, to totally relaxed like I had just gotten a massage. I hold all my tension and stress in my neck and upper back. Being too stressed and not feeling in my body is a struggle for me. Yoga is the first time I felt differently. Later in a psychology class, I also learned yoga can be used to help those recovering from eating disorders, in reducing stress, and for managing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Taking a class can be free at certain events or through youtube videos. Taking yoga or pilates classes can be a fairly inexpensive investment, and then can be done later at home on a mat.
Bellydancing – I first learned to do this with videos rented from my local library. It is a natural feeling dance where you don’t have to point your toes like ballet. It often has a great community of other dancers. Something about that combination helped me while dating a controlling boy who was threatened by my going to an all-women practice once a week. Long story short – Bellydancing stayed in my life, and he did not.
Hiking or scenic walking – There are great hiking groups online, where you can meet friends who walk at whatever your pace is. This is also a great activity to do with pre-existing friends while seeing nature! Something about being outdoors engages my creativity and lightens my mood. It’s a great workout and can take you to many national parks.
Dance – You can dance to videos or find a place with a cheap cover fee. Classes are often offered at local gyms or colleges for small fees. They greatly improve coordination, as they are both mentally and physically stimulating.
Pokemon Go – This was fun for a time, combining walking and retro gamification. I enjoy visiting my local park or other points of interest, walking and reading the poke stop descriptions. Gotta catch ‘em all!
Stretching – Cartoons like Snow White are motivated enough to do this as they stretch out of bed. This is something that many people do when they first wake up. It’s in the daily routines of some of my best friends, as well as famous gurus I follow. Stretching helps keep the body functioning for necessary everyday activities. By slowly increasing range of motion and holding stretches for 20 seconds or more at a time, a person can work on the five primary movement patterns, and in turn, affect their movements in activities of daily living.
Go to the gym everyday to form a habit – the first time I heard of this approach, I thought it sounded silly. Some people go every day while forming a habit, even if one day they end up just using the spa services or showers. The idea is if you go there, you’ll get used to doing it as part of a routine. Also, maybe you’ll work out since you’re already there anyways. I started doing this, mostly by making the agreement with myself that I’d work out for 20 minutes. It did actually help get me in a routine when I had been struggling to get back to working out.

These exercise ideas might be a fun way to take better care of your body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physical activity may help you live longer and better, while giving mind and mood benefits.

“Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.” says the CDC.

The CDC lists many immediate benefits of physical activity.

“Benefits include improved thinking or cognition for children 6 to 13 years of age and reduced short-term feelings of anxiety for adults. Regular physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as you age. It can also reduce your risk of depression and anxiety and help you sleep better.”

Even though physical activity can be good for health, activity doesn’t have to always be rigorous or extreme.

Don’t knock the little things until you try them! Sometimes simple and consistent action is better for achieving wanted results. Here’s some words on consistency for motivation.

“Success isn’t always about ‘greatness’, it’s about consistency. Consistent, hard work gains success. Greatness will come.” – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

“Long term consistency beats short term intensity” – Bruce Lee

“Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection” – Mark Twain

Hopefully you find a new favorite way to move your body in January and beyond. Good luck exploring new healthy habits for a better you!

Repetitive Accidents on Exit 1 and other busy roads in Clarksville, TN

A three car pile up occurred on Trenton Rd near exit 1 from the I-24 W on Dec. 1, 2022 observed around 6:22 PM. This is the second night in a row traffic appeared backed up from that exit to Tiny Town Rd due to a vehicular accident. This accident drew several Emergency Response vehicles.

Another accident backed traffic up to the I-24 along the same westbound exit 1 on Nov. 30, 2022.

It is a common place for wrecks as are nearby parts of Tiny Town Rd. and Trenton Rd. Most likely, as the winter season passes, there will be more similar accidents, with added weather related conditions.

Members of the community who attended the Clarksville Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission’s (CMCRPC) first of three Comprehensive Plan Workshops on July 11, 2022 listed roads with the most traffic as the following locations: state Highway 374, Peachers Mill, Wilma Rudolph Blvd, Trenton/Needmore Rds, Clarksville High School, Riverside after the hill and major roads that shrink down to a single lane or turn. This closely matches Police data.
“The most dangerous roads for wrecks in Clarksville are Wilma Rudolph Boulevard, Fort Campbell Boulevard, Tiny Town Road, state Highway 374, Madison Street, Trenton Road and Ashland City Road, according to Police Lt. Vincent Lewis, who is over both the Traffic Enforcement Unit and the Fatal Accident Crash Team,” reports https://clarksvillenow.com/local/7-most-dangerous-roads-in-clarksville-see-dramatic-rise-in-injury-wrecks/#:~:text=The%20most%20dangerous%20roads%20for,Road%2C%20according%20to%20Police%20Lt.

“Those roads comprise more than 60 percent of our crashes per month,” Lewis said.

“And those roads had a significant increase in traffic wrecks in 2021, according to numbers from Police Sgt. Charles Gill.”

Yellowstone National Park Opens for the season, followed by more harsh weather

Yellowstone opened for the season and then promptly flooded June 13 in catastrophic floods. The floods caused a brief closure and caused roadways and infrastructure to be damaged.

Here are a few of the sights before the weather wreaked havoc.

May 27 is typically when Yellowstone is fully open, with most restaurants/inns/etc opening before memorial day. Visitors begin to flock to the national park as the roads open, and the weather warms.

The national park is important because… has these features (list those poi in pictures) and has been open since year. Is the first??? Park created in year???

Famous park drawing xxx of people per year.

Visitors mostly flock to the park in these months (summer months?) . Locals and savvy travelers beat the bulk of the crowds going before peak season.

Visiting May 29-June 3, roads were still being cleared of snow, but all were open by the end of our trip. Our trip followed north entrance to… route.

There was some sign of labor shortages in Yellowstone. May be due to pandemic or earliness in the season.

End: Roads are still being repaired and half the loop is currently closed. Road conditions can be checked here. Travel plans can be made here.

Tickets can be purchased here. Make reservations ahead of time.

Make a beeline for Krispy Kreme’s honey flavored donuts

If you’re a fan of honey flavors, Krispy Kreme is offering an “Oh Honey!” collection of donuts.

Get these seasonal specialties before they’re gone on May 22, 2022!

Donuts decorated with cartoon bee with cookie wings — Image by Sarah Hughes. Honey Bee Doughnuts. All rights reserved.

The flavors of the moment include a cute cartoon bee decoration and honey themed palettes. These tasty treats can be purchased at participating Krispy Kreme locations until they sell out.

Flavors are listed at https://www.krispykreme.com/menu/doughnuts

Krispykreme.com describes the honey bee donuts as “an Original Glazed® doughnut dipped in yellow icing and decorated like a honey bee with buttercreme and mini cookies.”

The honey pull apart is “glazed, light and airy honey doughnut clusters drizzled with salted honey icing.”

Pans of honey themed donuts in glass display case. Mixture of cake and fluffy type doughnuts — Image by Sarah Hughes. Krispy Kreme doughnuts with honey themed collection. All rights reserved.

The third donut of the trio is the honey cake, expressed as, “a glazed Sour Cream Cake doughnut topped with salted honey icing drizzles and an oat crisp crumble.”

The website notes that “daily selection varies by shop.”

Pans of donuts in glass display case — Image by Sarah Hughes. Krispy Kreme doughnuts. All rights reserved.

Available for a limited time. Check out a store near you! 🍯

A Cheekwood Spring and Arbor Day Walk

By Sarah Hughes

Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a tree at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.

As temperatures rise and blossoms cycle through their hues, it would appear Tenn. has entered the Spring season. One way to enjoy it is to visit the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens.

Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of an iris flower at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a columbine flower at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a large tulip flower at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a daffodil flower at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a tulip flower at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of tulip flower around a tree at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.

Located at 1200 Forrest Park Drive in Nashville, Tenn. Cheekwood draws residents, members and travelers alike. With 55-acres of botanical gardens there is plenty of space for social distancing in accordance with safety protocols listed in their entirety on Cheekwood’s website.

Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a fern at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a leaf at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a tree at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a fern at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.

“Cheekwood, in accordance with CDC guidance, recommends individuals stay 6′ apart and travel in groups no larger than 10. All visitors are required to wear cloth face coverings when entering buildings including the Historic Mansion & Museum, Botanic Hall, and the Frist Learning Center. Cloth face coverings are strongly recommended in outdoor areas except when maintaining a physical distance of at least 6’ from other visitors,” says https://cheekwood.org/knowbeforeyougo_covid19/

Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a flower at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a tree label at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a flowering tree at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a flowering tree at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a landscape at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a tree at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a tree in a maze at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.

Cheekwood features year round activities. Arbor Day, on Apr. 30, 2021 can be celebrated with a walk and an arboretum map available online and from Visitor services.

“The Arboretum at Cheekwood includes well over 2,100 trees, curated to serve Cheekwood’s mission as a collecting institution and offer the community enjoyment and education. Cheekwood has documented 1,267 deciduous trees; 576 evergreens; 16 deciduous conifers; and 238 dogwoods,” says https://cheekwood.org/calendar/arbor-day/

“Our arboretum map, available online and from Visitor Services, presents at least 120 distinct species and cultivated varieties of trees to guide an exploration of the campus canopy.”

Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a flowering dogwood tree at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a flowering dogwood tree label at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.

Their website blog even has tips for caring for Dogwood Trees, available at https://cheekwood.org/dogwood-tips/

Although Bloom Season for Cheekwood is officially Mar. 6 – Apr. 11, 2021 and National Gardening Day Apr. 14, 2021 there is still a great deal to see at Cheekwood in the lushness of warm months. The grounds are an excellent inspiration for the hobby gardener featuring different gardens every month. Summertime also promises seasonal festivities and beautiful scenes.

Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a card table at Cheekwood Estate 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a dining room at Cheekwood Estate 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of ceramic dishware at Cheekwood Estate 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a painting at Cheekwood Estate 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of patio room at Cheekwood Estate 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a card table at Cheekwood Estate 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of study at Cheekwood Estate 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of study at Cheekwood Estate 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a dining room at Cheekwood Estate 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a painting at Cheekwood Estate 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of patio room at Cheekwood Estate 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of entry at Cheekwood Estate 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of entry at Cheekwood Estate 2021. All rights reserved.

Tickets have the option to be purchased for just the grounds or to include the art museum located in the mansion of the historic Cheek estate. The building houses historically furnished rooms, paintings and permanent collection pieces.

“Originally built as the home of Leslie and Mabel Cheek in 1929, Cheekwood is one of the finest examples of an American Country Place Era estate,” says the Cheekwood website.

Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of wooden play structure at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of ornamental structure at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of landscape at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of turtle fountain at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of swan pool at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.
Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of pond with sculptures at Cheekwood 2021. All rights reserved.

If planning a visit, it is best to reserve a time. Ticket and membership options are available through the museums website at https://cheekwood.org/buy-tickets/

DMV Experience Comparison: CA vs. TN

I recently moved to Clarksville, Tenn. from San Diego, Calif. which means I had to register my car and exchange my drivers license to my new state. While I expected this process to be cheaper in Tenn. it was also much faster than any experience I’ve ever had in a Calif. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The Clarksville County Clerk had me out in 18 minutes and cost $94 to exchange a CA car title to a TN title, and to pay registration for the 2021 year. Just my registration for Calif. would have been $244 in 2021. I brought a few necessary documents outlined on a government website, and showed up on a Wednesday without an appointment. Additionally, my boyfriend was able to drop by a couple days before we went in to ask the Clerk for guidance on how to proceed.

The Clarksville County Clerk had me out in 18 minutes and cost $94 to exchange a CA car title to a TN title, and to pay registration for the 2021 year. Just my registration for Calif. would have been $244 in 2021.

Likewise a trip to the Driver Services Center went well without an appointment. We arrived about 8:00 AM, knowing the Center opened at 8:30 AM and bracing ourselves for typical DMV lines. The line at this particular center was about half the size of what I’ve seen at Calif. ones 45 minutes to an hour before opening.

We were being staged before the Center opened officially. To me this aspect of the Center’s procedure seemed revolutionary and also a simple bit of genius. Two people staging where people need to go will of course make the rest of the day go quicker and verify people have required documents before they go inside.

Map of CA — Photo provided by Google. All rights reserved.

The 20 spots for people who needed road tests were full by about 8:15 AM, which seemed the only downside. However, my personal Calif. Road Test experience many years ago involved two trips due to an appointment the DMV lost info on and overscheduled. So I can’t say that this is really even a point lost for the Clarksville Center.

My required documents were checked and I only needed what was listed online. I believed I needed a written test, but was delighted to be informed I did not even need to take that as my Calif. license was still valid. (Dear Reader, I have never been told something by a DMV worker in Calif. which has reduced my workload in any way. I was overjoyed at the efficiency and service I received in Clarksville).

I believed I needed a written test, but was delighted to be informed I did not even need to take that as my Calif. license was still valid.

I was in the building by 8:30 AM as the seventh person in the particular line I needed. Due to Covid-19 health protocols, my boyfriend, who did not have DMV related business, was not able to enter with me as the Center was limiting capacity as a precaution. This was understandable and expected. It was very cool that he was able to wait with me outside however.

I waited patiently inside before I was called to reaffirm answers to questions related to what typically goes on a driver’s license. I had my picture taken and presented my documents. I paid $28 and was given a temporary paper license complete with a picture. I was told that my permanent license would be mailed to me in two to three weeks. I was out and we were on the road at 9:25 AM.

I paid $28 and was given a temporary paper license complete with a picture. I was told that my permanent license would be mailed to me in two to three weeks.

I recount my experience with the Clarksville Driver Service Center with utter amazement. I knew it would cost less to register, but I am pleasantly shocked by the other differences in Tenn. I was done so much faster and helped so much more.

Map of TN — Photo provided by Google. All rights reserved.

I’ve heard friends in Calif. recently mention experiences with the DMV during Covid-19 that lasted between 45 minutes and 2 hours. It is unclear if this has to do with necessary health protocols which have changed the experience.

In the past, I have counted myself lucky if I got out of the Calif. DMV in less than 2 hours without an appointment and in an hour with one.

GRAPES Journaling

by Sarah Hughes

Watching my social media feeds, it seems that we are all hitting some mentally turbulence as we come up on the anniversary of entering Covid-19 quarantine.

Though I certainly have not had the easiest year in taking care of myself, I have found some solace in building a few positive habits. One of these is a mindful effort to journal how I’ve taken care of my mental state each day.

There’s a common psychology saying that GRAPES a day keeps the psychologist away, much like eating an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

“I am talking about the acronym “GRAPES”: Gentleness, Relaxation, Accomplishment, Pleasure, Exercise and Social,” says BurdTherapy.com. “These elements help keep us happy and content and are ways to practice healthy coping skills. Use the acronym as a way to quickly remember activities to practice self care.”

The acronym is meant to be a tool for people to take care of their mental health each day. Each letter is supposed to be a reminder to do something to feed the realms of life in a way that engages them. It is essentially breaking down the elements of happiness to be intentional about fostering happiness and care.

Picture of a journal with notes on GRAPES acronym:
Gentleness - Be gentle with yourself and your expectations
Relaxation - Do at least one thing relaxing
Accomplishment - Do something that makes you feel good about your abilities
Pleasure - Do something that brings you pleasure
Exercise - Do at least 30-60 minutes of exercise that gets your heart going
Social - Interact with positive people — Photo provided by Sarah Hughes. Picture of a journal with notes on GRAPES acronym. All rights reserved.

What I did with this is determined to reflect on what I’ve done for each letter each day, often noting how I performed each in a journal. Recording a quick sentence for each keeps me making rounded progress at taking care of myself and improves my mood.

Journaling my progress at GRAPES reminds me that I am not just the A for accomplishment. I’ve realized from the exercise that I struggle with finding time to feed G and P the most. It’s hard to be mindful about treating myself with grace and being happy each day. I believe I struggle with those activities because I feel that my to do list must be completed for me to indulge in pleasurable activities or give myself approval. The exercise made me realize how weird it is that happiness and self-love aren’t daily goals for me.

I hope that journaling how you take care of your happiness elements can also bring you more of it during our present times.

Clarksville museum offers social distanced Valentine’s day boxes

by Sarah Hughes

Looking for a way to support Clarksville culture and have a great Valentine’s day? Reserve your own themed date night in a box from the Custom House Museum and Cultural Center.

Photo provided by https://customshousemuseum.org/. All rights reserved.

As of 6:30 PM, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, The Custom House Museum and Cultural Center is taking orders for special Valentine’s treat boxes. The boxes will be available for pick up and delivery in February.

This offering is presented by the Museum Guild as a part of an event called Valentines Delivered: Date Night in a Box. The event replaces an annual winter fundraiser, Champagne & Chocolate.

Funds raised go towards artifact conservation, collections, exhibits and educational programming. It’s a gift that helps the community, and allows for easy social distancing.

The boxes contain assorted goodies, including a few locally manufactured items. They are perfect for sharing with a date or group of four. However, sharing is not required.

Delivery and Pickup will be Feb. 8 through 12. Orders can be placed through the museum’s website. Limited quantities are available. https://customshousemuseum.org/valentines-delivered/

Honey it’s Thursday
…because honey’s sweet and we put out on Thursdays…

Review: Aerial Revolution The Musical shows a studio that defies gravity

Aerial Revolution The Musical, a recital of the students and staff from the Linda Vista aerial dance studio Aerial Revolution, opened last night, on Friday, June 9, 2017 at 7 PM.

The Napa Street performance troupe of all ages, flew with liquid grace through the air on silks, lyra hoops, ropes, hammocks, and trapeze swings. The acts combined beautiful, informed choreography and community-rich acrobatic skill performed to popular Broadway songs.

The highlight was a partner act on lyra, set to the West Side Story Prologue song, choreographed and performed by Travis Ti and Tony Dostert. Part circus and part fight, the act had every bit of physicality of the original musical. They move in a way that brings to mind performers such as Gene Kelly, along with something else that is a little more Jason Momoa. Their performance took on a more gladiatorial feel than the 1961 musical with the hoop duo hitting some great symmetrical poses around the revolving ring.

The performance done to Phantom of The Opera [title song] featured astoundingly fast rope work. An understudy stepped in for this act due to a performer whose back was injured before the show. Watching the partnered performances in this act was a fascinating study in the silent communication dancers use with each other. Timing and body placement are more vital when swinging from a horizontal hoop chandelier. These dancers looked seamlessly elegant despite the last minute substitution. Partnered dancing is not easy and this act showed that Aerial Revolution dancers can form multiple cohesive dancing partnerships.

Often in dance, it is what a dancer does to compensate when something goes wrong that makes them a true performer. At least three subtle moments in this recital suggested to me that Aerial Revolution seems able to teach this at all levels. Their aerialists are dancers and not just circus tricks.

The performance done to Wicked’s song Defying Gravity, full of emerald green, accentuated, along with other acts such as Chicago, the choreographic thought put into dynamic level changes. It is a fitting act for aerial arts with dancers “defying gravity” themselves.

Every performer seemed fluidly and effortlessly able to sling their body around the silks or ropes hanging from the ceiling, often catching themselves with but an elbow. It’s no question that aerial leaves you built.

Also, safety appeared a concern for the studio. Younger performers had thick padded safety mats to fall onto, which they luckily didn’t appear to need. Aerialists often use knots slickly tied around their feet and a sort of hammock or knot at the waist to protect them in many of their moves. The younger performers, both the little ones and teen classes, impressed all watching with their strength and devotion to a hobby that many may not find later in life.

Don’t miss your chance to catch this recital. Final shows are Saturday, June 10 at 2 PM and 7 PM. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $18 through their website
http://aerialrevolution.com/shows/ and for $23 at the door.