I'm thinking of Michael J Fox who is returning to tv. He is showing the world what Parkinson's looks like and has taken us on his journey for decades now. You have the mic and if you can't stand up on your first or second or even third attempt, you could smile, chuckle, and say, "This is what Parkinson's looks like." And if your voice becomes gravelly, you could say in the mic, "This is what Parkinson's sounds like, especially when one doesn't do their voice exercises". Although it is no light thing, you could make it light rather than become embarrassed by it. Your chance to educate your audience, that you have it but you are not going to let it get you down or make you reclusive. Did you ever meet Ted, the Nepali/Tibetan scholar who developed Parkinson's? He was quite open about it, as are you. As a side note, when he sat down to play the piano, classical pieces, all tremors stopped as his hand glided across the keys. You will do fine, you will be in your element. And if you stumble, share with your audience the reason for your stumbles. I, too, wish I could be there.
Thank you so much, Kelly! I knew and loved Ted Riccardi, and often sat with him while he played Tchaikovsky so beautifully on the piano. He was assailed by tremors; for me it's mobility issues... And though I love your tactic of just taking it as it comes, with lightness and humor, I'm not planning to let the audience know about my PD unless I have to, as I'm not yet as advanced as the fabulous Mr. Fox. But it's likely that half of them will read this post, so I won't have any secrets!
Jeff, returning too late to CA to get there. So, Merde! As a solo performer, I know the work you are preparing. I am sure the edits have been a revelation for you. So I hope you have fun too.
Will be back in CA that day. Hope to see you again in June or July. I am sure you will do well next weekend.
I so wish we could be there in person, but we will be there in the front row in spirit. And I know it's futile to tell you not to worry, but hey, don't worry. Just as with your writing, your audience is there for the all of you, for the touchpoints you've brought along from your journey. Squeaky Buddha is one of those touchpoints, that quiver of the hand is another. It's an amazing journey you're sharing with us, and standing, sitting or (hopefully not literally) breaking through that fourth wall, we're here, grateful to be the ones you're sharing it with.
Ooof! Straight and raw and, as always, sucked me right on through to the end...
Hope it went optimally, Jeff... Wish I coulda been there...
My book club is reading the devastating novel "A Fine Balance" by Rohinton Mistry, which is a sprawling 600-pager about India starting before partition... I wonder how long you and I would have lived if we'd been born into that particular chaos, but there's no real use for thinking about that, inevitable as it is...
I attended Jeff's talk today at the San Leandro Library and it was GREAT!! I could listen to Jeff's stories all day long.... he was confident, funny and very well spoken; so much for all that pre-show anxiety. WELL DONE JEFFJI!!
I'm thinking of Michael J Fox who is returning to tv. He is showing the world what Parkinson's looks like and has taken us on his journey for decades now. You have the mic and if you can't stand up on your first or second or even third attempt, you could smile, chuckle, and say, "This is what Parkinson's looks like." And if your voice becomes gravelly, you could say in the mic, "This is what Parkinson's sounds like, especially when one doesn't do their voice exercises". Although it is no light thing, you could make it light rather than become embarrassed by it. Your chance to educate your audience, that you have it but you are not going to let it get you down or make you reclusive. Did you ever meet Ted, the Nepali/Tibetan scholar who developed Parkinson's? He was quite open about it, as are you. As a side note, when he sat down to play the piano, classical pieces, all tremors stopped as his hand glided across the keys. You will do fine, you will be in your element. And if you stumble, share with your audience the reason for your stumbles. I, too, wish I could be there.
Thank you so much, Kelly! I knew and loved Ted Riccardi, and often sat with him while he played Tchaikovsky so beautifully on the piano. He was assailed by tremors; for me it's mobility issues... And though I love your tactic of just taking it as it comes, with lightness and humor, I'm not planning to let the audience know about my PD unless I have to, as I'm not yet as advanced as the fabulous Mr. Fox. But it's likely that half of them will read this post, so I won't have any secrets!
I will be in Seattle! Best wishes my friend. Im sure it will be great!!
Wish I could be there, Jeff. Rooting for you from afar...
GOOD L;UCK WITH YOUR SHOW. i'M SO PROUD OF YOU FOR BEING SUCH A TROOPER. I HOPE IT'S A HUGE SUCCESS.
Jeff, wish I could be there. Treasure my memories from Santa Barbara! Still living in Oregon.
Jeff, returning too late to CA to get there. So, Merde! As a solo performer, I know the work you are preparing. I am sure the edits have been a revelation for you. So I hope you have fun too.
Will be back in CA that day. Hope to see you again in June or July. I am sure you will do well next weekend.
I so wish we could be there in person, but we will be there in the front row in spirit. And I know it's futile to tell you not to worry, but hey, don't worry. Just as with your writing, your audience is there for the all of you, for the touchpoints you've brought along from your journey. Squeaky Buddha is one of those touchpoints, that quiver of the hand is another. It's an amazing journey you're sharing with us, and standing, sitting or (hopefully not literally) breaking through that fourth wall, we're here, grateful to be the ones you're sharing it with.
You'll be great; I have no doubt!
Ooof! Straight and raw and, as always, sucked me right on through to the end...
Hope it went optimally, Jeff... Wish I coulda been there...
My book club is reading the devastating novel "A Fine Balance" by Rohinton Mistry, which is a sprawling 600-pager about India starting before partition... I wonder how long you and I would have lived if we'd been born into that particular chaos, but there's no real use for thinking about that, inevitable as it is...
Warmly,
Brad
I attended Jeff's talk today at the San Leandro Library and it was GREAT!! I could listen to Jeff's stories all day long.... he was confident, funny and very well spoken; so much for all that pre-show anxiety. WELL DONE JEFFJI!!