July 2003

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July 15

Close to a year ago, I did some thinking about community. The topic is on my mind again, for different reasons this time, but is again sparked by what I considered an egregious misuse of the word, "we."

In this instance, someone I really don't like was the object of much fanfare, and was told that, "we love you!" Well, I don't. And I'm one part of the we in question, which happens to be a group of friends and acquaintances of mine. Yes, I know it's an innocent remark, but it pissed me off nonetheless. I don't like it under any circumstances when someone who doesn't know how I feel makes a blanket statement which includes me, if for no other reason than there's no polite way to correct it.

I'm obviously not going to stand up in this particular group and say, "Well, the rest of the people here may love you, but I do not." It would accomplish nothing positive. When the group-love comment came up, I managed to get very, very busy so I wouldn't have to participate in the fanfare except very briefly and at a distance several times arm's length.

Are there people in that group that I do love? Sure there are. But just because I love someone doesn't mean everyone does. So I won't be the next person who stands up in that group and announces, "We love you!" to anyone.

I may well be the one who says, "I love you," but as far as the rest of the people, they're on their own.

July 14

Ms. Nameless, our new receptionist, has done a wonderful job in the week she's worked at the law firm. She has grasped all sorts of concepts, and is learning to work with the various software programs we use. We are most pleased. And she seems to like us, too, so this is working out to be a good deal all around.

I promise I'll get a name for her one of these days, but so far I haven't had a chance.

Today was busy, and tonight has been filled with e-mail --- of the good kind, from actual people instead of spam bots. I spent some time this evening answering that, and now find myself pretty much worded out. I'll try to come up with a few more in the not-too-distant future.

July 13

I spent part of the afternoon seeing Patrick's play, The Illusion of You, as part of the Ten by Ten Festival in Carrboro, NC. TeKay directed the play.

I had been a little afraid of what I might be getting into with this. I don't usually go to plays with any baggage other than my handbag, and this time, I had several extra pieces. I have corresponded with Patrick enough to consider him a friend, and know (and like) this play from reading it several times. I know my friend TeKay from correspondence and in person. For both their sakes, I wanted the play to be wonderfully acted and well received.

And I probably shouldn't admit this because theater isn't my arts area, but I had my own idea of how those characters should behave, quite apart from having read the stage directions. That comes from years of reading novels and forming mental pictures of the characters.

I am pleased to report that the play was wonderfully done. The actor and actress brought the needed talent and attitude to their parts, the other elements came together quite well, and I know the audience liked it. And as you've probably guessed, my mental picture was repainted, in colors and tones ever so much better than the original had been.

The festival is comprised of ten plays by ten authors, with each play lasting ten minutes. Which means there were nine other plays following Patrick's. I wasn't sure I could switch mental gears fast enough to go with that, but I am pleased to report that I could and did. The other plays were interesting and were presented well. Not to give a spoiler, but there was one about toilet paper that was uproariously funny and included semi-nude men for my viewing pleasure.

It was much fun to spend a few minutes with TeKay after the show. We had one of those conversations that had little to do with the matter at hand and a lot to do with websites and online writers we both care about, and other aspects of our lives.

Ten by Ten will continue its run this coming weekend. If you're in the area, make plans to come. All the information is on the Festival's webpage.

Text � copyright 2000-2003 Becky