For years, the theater was my way of expressing myself. I loved falling into a character and becoming best friends with the rest of the cast. Cast mates are the most intense wonderful friends in the world! When I moved to Charlottesville, I immediately become involved in the theater world in town, and it was fantastic. Because of theaters like Play On! and Live Arts I was able to act, dance, sing, and direct!  It was a dream come true. I directed a musical WITH DANCING. If you knew my lack of talent in that area, you would understand why that is so funny. As a new person to Charlottesville, the theater introduced me to most of the friends I’ve made in past ten years.  I say most because the other group of friends I’ve made are those wacky Darden MBA for Executive students, ahem, alums.

When I started working for Darden’s MBA for Executive Program, I became besties with at least half of each class. This is not an exaggeration. It was crazy how the students delighted me! So the job was now quite interesting, AND Theater was going very well. But something was missing.  I discovered what that ”thing” was one day when I was talking to MBA E student.  He was so passionate about the art of storytelling that it sparked something in me that has remained a part of me today. I can only hope I will share that spark with someone else one day.

I followed that inspiring conversation with the student by taking a mystery writing class at UVA’s Continuing and Professional Studies program.  I’m a storyteller – actors have to be – but I wanted more control over the narrative– I didn’t just want to interpret a story, I wanted to be the creator of the story.  I took the writing class so I could improve my story telling and writing. It was a great decision. Taking that class was that impactful moment or sign that some people call an epiphany. I found what was missing in my life, and it was writing.  I will always love theater, but for now at least, I am fully engaged in writing. Thank you to all of you who lead me to this happy time in my life! I really appreciate the support and love you have all shown  me as I share my writer news.