I am already so deeply appreciative of these Monarch diary entries. Wow. 

Two weeks after my introductory post, I am being called to look back on all that has changed – there’s so much already! This is such a beautiful means of acknowledging all of the shifts in my life as I share them with you. In the process, I am finding that I feel more confident in making decisions and taking action. I feel supported because every step of the way these posts keep me rooted in the fact that everything I want to create and share is about serving others, and to the extent that, even now, I ask myself, “What has happened in the last couple weeks that is of value to share?” Well, here’s my answer to that question. For today.

PROGRESS     I have launched what I’m calling ‘version 4.0’ of my website! It features wonderful promotional photography by Nicolas Teeuwen, Hannah Duffy, and Laurie Duffy.  If you feel compelled to check it out, you can visit.

AUSTIN HAPPENINGS     I performed in my first concert with Tapestry Dance Company last weekend. We presented three shows at the State Theatre at the Paramount with a cast of 6 dancers, one spoken word artist, and a rockin’ 6pc. band. Also, on Monday night, I finally went to check out Austin’s weekly jazz jam at the Elephant Room – it’s a cool spot! Can’t wait to go back and bring my shoes (I’ll try to get a video snippet to share, too)!

A GOODBYE     For months I have been developing an entire season of offerings via my dance project the Seattle Tap Collective. As of this past Monday, I have decided it’s time to set it aside. I simply don’t have the resources to sustain this community outreach vision at this point in time, though I will still be offering workshops and jams to my Seattle tap dance family as an independent venture. This was a tough decision, a difficult and quick loss, but also a powerful calling to let go. This was but one model, one attempt. The beautiful thing is that community remains. Always.

SONGWRITING     If you watch the corresponding video in my post, you’ll hear a little segment of what I’m working on. Lots of ideas are flowing, but I am certainly excited to make this a collaborative process with Seattle-based pianist and composer and Josh Rawlings because I am SO new to all of this.  See, I‘ve been tap dancing for 17 years and in my training I was fortunate to be taught music theory. So we could sit here and talk about rhythmic and tonal nuances all day long – and I LOVE geeking out about that stuff – but incorporating melody is new for me. I grew up going to my older sister’s voice lessons and showcases – she studied jazz with Jay Clayton for years, and was also very active in musical theatre. She was the singer in the family. I would often help her practice her songs, but ultimately, I was super quiet and didn’t want to sing in public (for many reasons… but that’s a different post!).  It’s probably why I latched on to tap dancing, because it gave me a way to explore my voice and the power of musical expression in a way that felt safe to me. I have now been taking voice lessons for about a year and a half and feel a strong pull to continue forward along this path of incorporating vocals into my offerings.  Oh, and the ukulele? About four months ago, it sort of *happened.*  I just wanted a portable way to develop my understanding of chords and harmonies and, well, now I kind of like this little instrument – a lot!

A SOCIAL SURVEY     Last week, I created a social research survey about our experience of lightness/darkness. I posted it to my friends on facebook and have received over 30 responses so far. Will you take the survey, too?  I think you might find it enjoyable.  It’s only 4 questions, and should take you less than 5 minutes. And, it’s totally anonymous. Check it here.

ILLUSTRATED BOOK SERIES     My goal is that by the next time I post here on Monarch, I will have launched a crowdsourcing campaign to help jumpstart the work on book one of my illustrated series. This campaign will also go into more detail as to what the series is about.

Right now, I am reminding myself to TRUST IN THE PROCESS. Life is a constant cycle of decay and renewal, ups and downs. There’s nothing to gain by trying to fight off the darkness. We learn from everything and need both extremes for an abundant experience. In the words of our beloved Seattle bassist and leader, Evan Flory-Barnes, “Life is Rich.” (Oh, by the way – have you read his recent City Arts article? I cried. It’s beautiful. Check it here.)

That’s all for now! Thanks for reading.

Peace,

Jessie