A Daily Dose of Inspiration

Since writing this InspiredINK blog, I've stumbled upon so many things that inspire me simply because I'm focusing on it. Inspiration is everywhere in the world. There are people who inspire us, beauty that inspires us and sometimes we can even inspire ourselves by accomplishing something we never thought possible. These last few weeks have been one of the most inspiring times of my life. Each day, I rise to spend the day the cast and creative team of The Visit, and to spend the day with the piece called The Visit. It is a PIECE. It is its own being almost..like no other project I've been a part of. Every single day it grows as we grow and now that we have audiences, it grows because the audience is a part of the experience. It is moving, riveting and profound to participate in the creation of live art every single day.

But I've also been moved by other things in the last few weeks to share with you.

Young at Heart, the movie.
If you haven't seen it yet, you must. It will make you laugh, cry, and be truly inspired by folks who CHOOSE each day to not let their age get in the way of living. I have vowed to never say "I feel old" again simply by seeing this movie. You must rush out to see it. It will leave you thinking about it for days and days, as I'm doing right now.




Eric Schaffer, artistic director of The Signature Theatre.
Here is a man who 19 years ago had a vision for a theatre company. He didn't just think about it. He went out and built the highly respected Signature Theatre simply out of his love for musical theatre. With a degree in Advertising, it's easy to see why the theatre is successful. It takes creativity AND business to keep a theater afloat. Not only are they floating...they are in a spectacular new theater in downtown Shirlington, VA (reminiscent of Pleasantville) that features two theaters, both running simultaneously! I was lucky enough to attend the Kander and Ebb Celebration Gala and it was truly one of, if not THE classiest event I've ever been to. Whether you're an actor, an audience member or a patron of the arts, you must get to know this theatre and this man. He is a gem and a gift to the world of theatre.

ZipCar
Finally after years of hearing about ZipCar, I am now officially a member of ZipCar. Not only does the concept of "wheels when you want them" blow me away, but the actual service itself is unbelievable. If you haven't heard of ZipCar, the basic concept is this: Instead of renting a car for a whole day when you have some errands to run, you simply rent one for a few hours at prices as low at $7 per hour in some cities. This not only includes the rental, but also includes the insurance and gas. All you do is reserve your car online in the location you want to pick it up. You walk directly to the car (no paperwork, no sales rep), touch you member card to the window and voila! the car door unlocks, and you get in and drive away. It is one of the most brilliant concepts I've ever heard of! If you haven't used one, get your membership today. And if you're an AEA member you can get a huge discount (through the AEA site) or visit www.zipcar.com

Things and Places Not To Be Missed

Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC.
Too late to catch the bloom this year. But put it on the calendar for 2009. If you haven't seen them before, this fairytale time in DC will take your breath away. For a short period of time in the spring (the blossoms only last for a few days) you can catch them. Bring your camera and even some kleenex if you're the weepy type (or have allergies). Washington. DC

The Grand Canyon
Whether you're hiking it or simply staring into it from the rim, it is truly one of the most stunning beautiful places in the world. No matter how many times I see it, when I walk up to the edge and look at this stunning piece of nature, it takes my breath away. And recently, it literally took my breath away as I hiked to the bottom and back up...a lifetime dream that was finally achieved. I highly recommend it! Flagstaff, AZ

Columbia Valley Gorge
On the outskirts of Portland, Oregon lies the Columbia Valley Gorge...one of the waterfall meccas of the world. Over the course of a 26 mile or so area, you'll see more than 13 waterfalls...not just trinkles of water, but giant several hundred foot waterfalls cascading over rocks and ferns. You'll think for a moment that you're in Hawaii or other tropical land. These waterfalls will change your life. Oregon

Until next time...be inspired!

Leslie