So, I’m doing this thing…wanna come (be open)?

Hi Friend,  A few weeks ago, I shared that I had bought a ticket to see Cabaret at the Phoenix Theatre and invited you to join me if you were interested. This open-ended invitation meant a willingness to accept whatever might happen — one person, no one, or a whole group of people; dinner, drinks, or none of the above; plans well in advance or no plans at all. I was leaving it up to the Universe, to God, to the All of Everything and I was willing to embrace whatever showed up.  

As planned, I went this past Sunday night to see Cabaret. A friend of mine joined me. She reached out when she read my email in July, and we agreed to go and grab dinner in advance. Other than that, we didn’t make any other plans until 2pm Sunday afternoon. No stress, no worries. 

Sunday evening, I picked her up at her place. We had last minute reservations at Pomo Pizzeria downtown and caught up over a delicious panzanella salad with grilled peaches and dollops of mozzarella cheese and a hand-tossed pizza whose name I cannot remember, before we headed to the theater.

The play started at 7pm. It was perfect. The set was beautiful. The cast was incredibly talented. Our seats were comfortable and in the best spot. The actor who played Sally Bowles gave me goosebumps when she sang. The story inspired me to learn more about cabarets and about the Broadway play and the book it was based on. And, of course, I now want to watch the movie. A delightful touch was the note on my seat from The Phoenix Theater Company welcoming me to my first event with them and sharing a two for one promotion should I like to come back before their 2023-2024 season ended. (Yes, please!)

But the best part, I reconnected with a dear friend, carving out time for just the two of us to be together — to talk and laugh and share and create a new memory. And I discovered something new and delightful in my own backyard where I can go to create more. 

As I sat there grinning ear to ear, thoroughly transported to 1930s Berlin, I leaned over and said to her, “I’m glad you joined me”. I had planned to attend the play on my own. And while I would have been just as delighted by my solo experience, the Universe delivered an even better one.  

I have received so many thoughtful, kind, warm and encouraging responses to my newsletters. This is something I’ve wanted to do for so long, and I’m glad I finally got the courage to do it. Thank you for welcoming me and this weekly email into your life with open arms. There is magic in the world of ours if we let ourselves be open to it. And this past weekend, I was once again able to experience it. 

I hope you can join me tonight for our 2nd book club discussion - 6-7:30pm PT via Zoom. So many of you have reached out about the book and shared your appreciation for it. I’m glad you’ve found it as compelling as I have, and I can’t wait to discuss it with you. 

Lots of love,

Christine