I started a four-week residency at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts mid november. I've really come to appreciate the time and energy it takes in the creating process. As I am exploring new trails in the woods, daily observing autumn passing into winter or listening to the train rumble by as I walk to my studio. Always aware of connecting to an unfamiliar landscape and a new community of people.

The lines have become blurred between my life and my art as I have challenged myself in the last three years to continually take risks, personally and artistically. In daily conversations as I meet and talk with fellow writers, composers, and visual artists I find myself telling people, "I'm so far out of my comfort zone I don't even know what it is anymore." While there have been both exciting and terrifying moments, epiphanies and laughter (sometimes all of the above within minutes of each other!) each day I try to find some quiet, some courage to understand myself, my surroundings, and how I can contribute and respond positively to the world. It has been such precious time being at VCCA. Thank you to all the staff and fellows that have shared this experience with me.