Yesterday was Martin Luther King Day and while I did not participate in an organized Day of Service, I set out to create the most beautiful day that I could. I supported one of my friends, spent time in the community at a real community Martin Luther King parade; I went to work in the afternoon by attending the PBS Television Critic’s Press Day; then I visited and kissed my grandsons before they went to bed. Yesterday was indeed a beautiful day. It made me want to consciously create the most beautiful day in my life more often. Consider this a case study.
Dr. King placed great emphasis on the strength and power of one’s community. Our friends (friends of friends) live in the community on the parade route in the Leimert Park section of Los Angeles. As is custom, when we watch parades, we generally participate. So I cannot begin to tell you what happened in the streets when “Tommy the Clown” came down the parade route, got out of the car and proceeded to crump (i.e. dance) with viewers. The crowd went wild. It was all around laughs as adults, children and babies celebrated.
Early afternoon I headed to Pasadena for PBS’s Press Day driving around dark curving hills on old highways with motorists speeding as though someone was chasing them. In the East, People drive strategically and aggressively. In L.A. it seems that each car is in its own private race with a Tesla. That is how fast cars drive. Anyway, was I ever in for a surprise at what took place at the PBS Winter 2015 TCA Press Tour.
Photo credit: Rahoul Ghose/PBS
I arrived just in time for the discussion with Misty Copeland, American Ballet Theatre’s third African-American female soloist, Ric Burns, filmmaker, Kevin McKenzie, American Ballet Theatre Artistic Director and Michael Kantor, American Masters series executive producer. Their discussion centered on the rich 75-year history of one of the world’s preeminent ballet companies. The appeal of this documentary is NOT only for those with an understanding of formal ballet. If you’ve seen Misty’s Under Armour television ad, you know an interpreter is not needed to appreciate the her form, beauty or the ad’s message. The reason for this is as Ric Burns said: “In some sense ballet brings its history alive every time a dancer steps on stage.” Kevin McKenzie opinion that a dancer shows what it means to be a human being in time opened me in a different way. I cannot wait to see this documentary and I will be reminding you so that we can discuss.
Photo credit: Rahoul Ghose/PBS
Boston surgeon and New York author, Dr. Atul Gawande followed the American Masters presentation in a most absorbing conversation on what it means to be mortal.Dr. Gawande’s book, Being Mortall is a conversation on two things that cannot be fixed: aging and dying. Alas, his kind, but in-your-face truth that “Hope is not a plan,” sobered me and is driving me to action because, as he said, ” anxiety and denial are real for both patients and doctors.” Do not miss this compelling film on February 10th. Again, I will remind you.
Photo credit: Rahoul Fhose/PBS
Lastly, I feasted on a 45 minute concert by the illustrious Billy Porter from Kinky Boots. I have not seen the Broadway production in New York but I will see it in March. Porter reminded the audience that he’d created a new archetype on Broadway, someone who looks like him and he is right. I am convinced Porter is a mega-star. He brings an old school entertainer’s know-how, sort of the deep skills of Sammy Davis or Beyonce in concert today. I say that because all three of their performances are well thought out, professionally crafted, highly engaging, unforgettable performances. If you are in Pittsburgh this summer, which is where he is from, you’ll have the opportunity to see him there. Otherwise, check the NY Theater schedule. Best of all, LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER will feature a musical performance by the 2014 Tony-winning star on April 3rd. So don’t miss it. I will remind you. Billy also has a new CD as well available on Itunes.After hearing him sing, well as you might guess, I will be purchasing it.
The PBS Season looks fantastic this year. I realize I am crowing about this almost as much as I talk about my grandsons. But the PBS season promises to be better than good. No one is encouraging me to say that. I missed the Annie Lennox performance because I ran out to make it back before number 1 Grandson went to bed at 7:30pm. His shout of”Ama,” when I arrived made it all worth it and confirmed the importance of knowing how to create the most beautiful day.
Teri speight says
Sounds like a thoroughly authentic day. I know you enjoyed the moment from beginning to end!
Patricia A Patton says
It was a blessed day Teri.