Good Friday #592: Don't Call It A Comeback...(Friday, May 4)

"Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?"

The skepticism my heart held entering the rehearsal room of Spongebob Squarepants last September, is probably very similar to what a populous of persons ask about the show itself: Why this? Why now? I'd been healing from spinal surgery thru 2016 and '17 and watched chasms crack and widen politically, socially and racially, while being confined from performance.

I wanted desperately to return to work that not only healed my body, heart and mind...but also served as a space of healing for others. I just was not sure Spongebob Squarepants was it...

Then our director/brave leader/guru gave the allowance to ask any question related to the show. I seized that opportunity to ask "As a Black woman...why Spongebob...?" The answer would come as I was thrust into the imagination and inventiveness of @TinaLandau , (now Tony-nominated!) director of Spongebob Squarepants the Musical. Through her incredible intelligence and empathy, her superlative casting with the incomparable @EthanSlater at the helm, and a production team that buttressed her vivid vision, the answer to my question became clear like a shallow sea on a beautiful day. She has fostered representation on so many fronts: gender, race, body type, height, gender fluidity, sexuality, variance of background and upbringing. Through the writing of @KyleJarrow there are mappings of nationalism, xenophobia, women in science, issue with government, media incitement, riot and protest, and optimism in the face of loss and death. (!!) All painted and weaved craftily and intelligently while still being the colorful, weird, wacky, wonderful world of Spongebob Squarepants. So...why Spongebob? It allows me to represent possibility. It affords me joy and healing on all levels. It gives me a voice to speak to community divide and prejudice, esp to young people. It highlights bravery and courage - a way to push past fear. Tina Landau and the entire production - my insane, hilarious cast, my mentor and choreographer, Christopher Gattelli, musicians, Susan Vargo, producers, ALL - have been the most unlikely non-linear manifestation. Now, we are nominated for 12 Tony awards. Us, go! #Spongebobbway

A post shared by Rachel Oneika Phillips (@dragonpassionfruit) on May 3, 2018 at 1:03pm PDT

Good Friday #591: Back to Basics (Friday, April 27)

It's easy to forget the simple things that used to make us happy. Sometimes we need to go back to basics to remember.

“We used one old oven door, old wheel, steel and wire to mek it; sometimes me friend push me around on it.’’ (laughs) #Thosecarefreedays #futureengineer #funtime #countrylife Sandy River, Clarendon

A post shared by Our Jamaica (@ourjamaica876) on Mar 5, 2017 at 5:27am PST

See the follow up post here; and other simple pleasures here and here.

Good Friday #590: The Most Important Thing (Friday, April 20)

We often take for granted the "simple" things. This is a reminder that the most important thing is your health. Don't take it for granted.

Jan 12 I started a journey to correct a mistake I did over 6 years ago. The first surgery went well so we thought until my body started to shut down while I was on tour. For 26 cities I was on steroids to walk and keep down infection causing me to get off stage and be rushed to ER over 4 times and then the next day back on stage. I later found out the silicone had spread and I would be rushed back into surgery. Last Wednesday I entered surgery barely functioning with my legs and an infection. The surgery to remove all of this from me lasted a long 6 hours. The following days were spent with paramedics until i they realized my blood count was severely low and I was rushed into ER where I was admitted. 2 blood transfusions later I’ve been released and started therapy today heal and walk. I have the most skilled and amazing reconstructive surgeon in Beverly Hills and I’m blessed to be here. It hurts my heart to know there are girls out here who can’t afford to have the best and are just sitting around in pain and infection. I thought I was strong but this changed my life. I saw my life flash right in front of me. So many so called friends and family where no where to be found in this dark hour....

I gotta be here for a reason now and fighting with you isn’t it. Slowing my life down now taking my time with my new music there are songs and truths 2 b told. I will sing them. But in my own time and way. My son needs me. Oh and those twins I want can FINALLY come This year because I’ll be able to actually pick them up. The small things matter most now🌻

A post shared by K. Michelle (@kmichellemusic) on Apr 12, 2018 at 11:07am PDT

Good Friday #589: A Late Bloom (Friday, April 13)

A late bloom does not affect the beauty of the flower.

What a difference a year makes, last Easter I was filled with hope, things were looking up and then all of a sudden *boom* opportunities disappeared and it knocked the wind out of me. I wouldn't have said it last year but I am so glad it happened because 2017 was an amazing year and I pushed myself to do things I always wanted to do! That's why we are here, and you are reading these words on @brunchnista . Easter is meant to be a symbol of hope, renewal, and new life! Happy Easter and continue to be hopeful despite the challenges. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about. 😉 📷: @mama.photog mua : @inherbeautyny

A post shared by Brunch/Travel/Lifestyle🍴 (@brunchnista) on Apr 1, 2018 at 12:05pm PDT

Good Friday #588: Dig Deeper (Friday, April 6)

Have you ever been doing something and thought it too difficult, then you decide to try "one last thing" or give "one last, big push" and it ends up being just the thing you needed to be successful?

We have one idea of who (and how) we are. Often, that won't change unless we are challenged. Challenges are uncomfortable, it forces us to look at ourselves in a different way...but the results are magnificent.

When writing the story of your life, don't just accept the first draft. Dig deeper and write the masterpiece.