This is all I’ve got for you today – a picture of one of the beautiful peonies that are in the bouquet I purchased the other day.
Pretty darned gorgeous.
Oh my. Yesterday’s party for my friend Rick was wonderful. I had no idea how moving it would be to see so many of my former students. And Rick. And students that went through the program after I left, some of whom worked with Don in Pygmalion a few years ago.
Such a moving and powerful evening, this celebration of Rick’s work. I cannot put into words how he has shaped the lives and careers of the students who have gone through the MFA Acting program for the past 24 years. That he is adored is clear. That he is loved and respected for his mentoring of the program and of the students, that he shaped that program into what it is today is also abundantly clear.
I said a few words during the program. I realized that I had known Rick longer than anyone else in that room and I wanted to share some thoughts about the journey we made – giving up jobs in a prestigious acting program at Boston University and moving all the way across the country to work in a smallish program that had real possibilities.
It is now ranked number 7 in the world.
Rick and I confided to each other that if only one of us had been chosen, the whole thing wouldn’t have happened. It meant everything that we did it together.
So many impressions of the evening: former students who have just had babies, who are older, yet it seems like yesterday we were all working together, who pulled me aside to say how much my training has meant to them in their careers, who traveled great distances to be there for Rick. The MFA program at USD/Old Globe is an intimate one in the best possible way. We really got to know each other and that shared experience is priceless.
There’s a search going on for his replacement, but the truth is he’s irreplaceable. There is no one like him: kind, compassionate, funny, wise, completely committed to the growth of the program and to the quality of training – a mentor who has made his mark on so, so many.
Rick and I have been through so much together. Seeing him honored last night was a profound experience.
On a personal level, there is no one else, save my husband, who can make me laugh as much as Rick. When I think of our years together, I think of laughter, crazy over-the-top laughter. And joy.
I didn’t get home until just after midnight, staying much longer than I’d planned. It was lovely, a reminder that the work we did was valuable and that my former students are out there making their mark. I don’t teach any longer and it’s easy to forget that what I did was important, that I did make a difference. And Rick? What a profound difference he has made. Words seem inadequate.
Thank you, Rick – for everything.
Happy Tuesday.
What a wonderful evening full of heartfelt admiration and friendship.
And, I read that Margaritaville will be coming to Broadway. Congrats to Don and hope he will continue to be a part of it.
We have no idea it he’ll be part of it. No one in the cast knows at the moment. As veterans of professional theater and film, we well know that things can completely change, roles can be recast and so we’ll just wait and see. Thanks, Tisha.
Claudia, my heart was warmed to read of how wonderful your evening was. Please know, not only what you did was important and made a difference, but what you do here on you blog is important and also makes a difference. I’m sure I am far from alone in believing that.
That peony is pure perfection. Sadly, mine are finished for the season but the hydrangeas are just starting to bloom. To everything there is a season!
Thank you so very much, Kim.
Side note: my peonies should be blooming soon, but it’s so rainy here that it may delay their bloom a bit!
What a wonderful evening. Great friends and memories. I think it’s good to look back and see that you have made a big difference in this world. You continue too here with your blog, your friendship and outlook on life. Hugs to you my dear friend.
It really was a gift, last night. To know that we made a difference, Rick even more so because of the sheer number of students he has mentored in that program.
How wonderful to have true gratification and validation for one’s life work, both for Rick and yourself, Claudia. The event you attended is rare….treasure it. The peony is beautiful. I’m a few weeks behind, as I planted my peonies later than I had wanted to. But, the late Spring/early Summers here are very cool, and the rhizomes have sprouted lots of leaves, so I’m hopeful for blooms later in the season.
I’m still basking in the glow of last night’s celebration, Wendy!
You did have a treasured evening last night! Many wonderful memories I’m sure. ;)
I’m still on a high from the whole thing, Donnamae!
I’m so happy for your lovely evening of friends and appreciation. You do make a difference, you know, both here and in your day to day life. We do appreciate your contributions to our lives, too. We are glad we found you, Claudia.
Oh, thank you, Shanna. I’m glad you’re here.
It would have been easier to just stay home, not be out at night and traversing The City alone, risking weather issues, coming in late; no Don to accompany you (it can get ‘old’ to seemingly ‘always’ have to go to events solo). But you put your gumption hat on and you went, and had a stupendous time. What if you’d missed all that! Claudia, you are living your LIFE; you are making every moment count. Bravo. Now you and your friend have a new memory to add to all your wonderful memories together through the years.
As I said to Don, I’m one who is always planning my relatively quick exit from any event and I’m sure I was doing the same thing yesterday. But I’m so glad I went. It has stayed with me all day. Simply lovely. And everyone asked about Don – he is known and loved by all. Truly wonderful.
I am so glad that your evening turned out to be better than expected. When someone retires after years of doing an excellent job and leaving others with knowledge that will impact their lives, they need to be shown appreciation. Rick sounds like a special person that was given a well deserved party. You can’t ask for more for a very special friend.
Monica :)
No, and I am very, very lucky to have him as my friend.
Glad you had a good time and got to see some of your former students. Seems you left a formidable impression on them. Rick sounds like a talented and great man. That Peonie is gorgeous.
Marilyn
He is. I’m lucky to have him in my life, Marilyn.
So glad you had a wonderful evening. Great to read about your past and present experiences.
Thanks, Barbara.
Awesome , thanks for sharing
Thanks, Donna.