Let's Go Fly a Kite-

 One of my favorite movies that I've seen recently is "Saving Mr. Banks". On the surface it is the story of the making of Mary Poppins, but it is so much more than that. It is the story of P.L. Travers and her relationship with her father.

 

Her father is an imperfect man with many demons. But she adores him, she loves him, and she cherishes every moment with him. In the end, he greatly disappoints her and she carries the scars with her into her adult years. Still the little girl longing for her father...

 

One of my favorite moments in the show is when they sing "Let's Go Fly a Kite". The creative team tells Mrs. Travers how Mr. Banks will come back to the family and mend the kite. After a joyous rendition of the song, she plainly states- "He mends it."
Later in the movie there is a scene where Walt Disney (portrayed by Tom Hanks) is explaining why it is important to make Mary Poppins into movie. He talks about forgiveness and how P.L. Travers (portrayed by Emma Thompson) needs to forgive herself. That sadness is all around us, but we choose what we remember. This does not mean neglecting the reality of what happened. But, we decide if the kite is mended. One of the final scenes in the movie is Mrs. Travers watching the movie premiere with tears running down her cheeks as she lets go of the guilt and Mr. Banks mends and flies the kite- something her father was never able to do for her.

When I was a little girl, I adored my father- there was not a more handsome, talented or wonderful man that could possibly exist. He meant the world to me. But, he was imperfect and made some life-altering choices that had lasting consequences. He broke my young heart and it has taken many years to mend it. And there were times I blamed myself, there were times I longed for it all to be different, times I just didn't understand.

He's gone now and has been for over ten years.

And what do I choose to remember? I choose to think about the good, I choose to remember the man I loved. I choose to mend and fly the kite for myself because he will never be able to. So, I have to do it for myself and that has to be enough.

Let's go fly a kite...

It is what it is. 2013- a year in review

Each year that passes brings its highs and its lows. This year has been no exception- however- I think more than any year in recent past, the highs were higher and the lows were lower. The New Year is an interesting time- everyone it seems is looking forward to change and growth. I love it for that. I love the promise of a new tomorrow- that things can and will get better.

January-

 The year started out with a brief trip to the frozen tundra of Rexburg to attend Brynne's wedding reception. It was a wonderful weekend with some amazing ladies!

 At the end of January- My students performed my favorite play, "Over the River & Through the Woods". They were amazing. In fact, for the 2nd year in a row we won best play for the district performing arts awards. It was spectacularly beautiful!

 Also in January one of my closest, dearest and most cherished friends, Sarah got married. I am so grateful she is in my life!

February-

 In February my sweet Grandma, Adeline Petty passed away after a long illness. She is missed.

March-

 Hunter High Theatre placed first in Region and got this snazzy trophy! I was so proud of the kids and all their hard work. I got super emotional at the awards ceremony. I just love my kids

 Now for a brief interlude to talk about these two beautiful girls. They have been my saving grace this year. How can you be sad when you have these two adorable faces excited to see you everyday. My life has truly become better since these two came into my life.

April-

 Again, the Performing Arts Group went on our annual trip to Disneyland and it was AWESOME!

May-

 It's always a little sad to bid the graduates farewell. Although I am so excited for the upcoming adventures, they are always missed.

 In May, Amy graduated from the U the same day that Cameron and Tiffany got married!

June-

 In June was the Playmill's 50th anniversary. It was one of the best weekends of my life. Filled with friends, laughter, song and reminiscing- I was on cloud nine.

...shortly thereafter ... everything changed as the man I had given my heart to broke it...

But life marches on. And with a broken heart, I continued to live and attempted to mend.

July-

 Stadium of Fire with dear friends and KELLY CLARKSON (I absolutely love her). It was such a fun and exciting and much needed evening!

 Plenty of fun time with my precious nieces and nephews!

August-

 Right before school started, I went to the One Republic, Sara Barellies concert with Janelle and Sarah. It was such a fantastic concert and I am so glad they invited me along!

September-

At the end of September, I had the opportunity to attend the National Conference for Theatre Teachers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I felt like such a big girl! And it was so fun to be there with my friend Kara!

 I also attended Shakespeare competition for the first time with my students, it was such a blast! I love these wacky kids!!

October -

I performed in "Curtains" alongside my brother Ben. Little did I know, it was precisely what I needed in my life at the time.

 The girls in their Halloween costumes, could you just die? :)

November-

West Side Story

 This show meant more to me than I can begin to express. Creatively it stretched me so much and it was so amazing to see the growth and maturity in the kids. It is truly the best thing I have ever directed. And I am so proud of it. It was spectacular.

December-

 Merry Christmas Y'all!

I hope 2014 brings with it new experiences, new memories and much needed change. I am ready. But more than anything as I look back at 2013, I am overwhelmed at how much love I was shown by the dear people in my life. Even though it was a year filled with heartbreak, as I look over these pictures I am reminded that it really wasn't all that bad and I have learned and grown so much.

It's time to let go and move forward.

My best to you all!