Music is integral for dancers and choreographers as well as artists in other media. We are bombarded with new works, need find ways to listen to and record our impressions of musical works, to sift through these influences and access what moves and inspires us.

In August I was dazzled by the Solar Eclipse, warmed by the high summer heat in Cologne, and cooked along with events in professional, creative, and personal life.

I don't need all-new supplies each season, but do find Autumn to be an excellent time to look around my life, do an audit, repair, maintain, and re-supply as needed. For me, this is mostly writing, arts & crafts supplies, and dance gear, but also vehicles and other key support structures that keep my life running in the very full days of the harvest season through Winter into a New Year.

In the seventh month of 2026 I celebrated 7 years living in Cologne, Germany with my beloved partner, brought another schoolyear to an end, celebrated Gay PRIDE in Cologne and lots more!

Bringing in a new pair of pointe shoes and ballet tights to go with them recently, I've been taking stock of my artistic tools and supplies. In the process, I appreciate what has provided reliable service over the long term, what could use a little loving maintenance, and what I may wish to replace or resupply. I am struck by just how aged some of my favorites have become, long outlasting my expectations with heavy use and the passage of time. A few items would even be considered "vintage" now, having acquired them in my youth, though not yet antique!

June to me means PRIDE and my birthday month (though Cologne celebrates PRIDE/Christopher Street Day in July), the Summer Solstice, Father's Day, Juneteenth, Refugees' Day, end-of-schoolyear celebrations and goodbyes. I also like to do some midyear reflection, lots of strawberry eating, rose sniffing, cake, hopeful for sunshine and warmth as spring flowers yield summer fruits in the northern hemisphere.

In the fifth month of 2026 I celebrated my father's 80th birthday, little nephew's 3rd, adventures around Hawai'i Island, big personal news, travel back to Germany to be received by a Renaissance Festival and Culinary tour!

Adho Mukha Svavasana / Mukhasana / Downward Dog Pose, more commonly referred to simply as “Down Dog,” is an essential and inherently challenging yoga pose that invites us to discover our own energy, playfulness and devotion. 

The fourth month of 2026 featured Cherry Blossoms in Cologne, Jacaranda in Kona, and blooms everywhere in-between.

The third month of 2026 for me featured collaborating on International Women's Day, a production of "The Nutcracker" ballet, Easter and the Spring Equinox among the bright green leaves and first butterfly appearances.

This is a peek way behind-the-scenes of my daily rituals, tried-and-true personal care and cosmetic favorites which I've chosen to be basic, minimal, and sustainable in my current lifestyle and in relation to environmental impact. This record provides an amusing reference for my future self and perhaps of interest to other nosy/curious creatives who like to move through the world relatively lightly and well-equipped.

February brought me a sampler of this winter's viruses. Still did a bit of teaching and creating, Karneval celebrating and game-watching, but getting sick put a serious crimp in my style!