Stories

Did you watch the Oscars last night?

I didn't.

I know....what??  It is easily the first time in years that I missed the show.  It's all on dvr and I know who won - I mean, there were no real surprises last night, after all.  But I was on a plane, headed back from the east coast where we had spent the weekend with family.  It feels nice to step out of this town now and again and stepping out on "Hollywood's Biggest Night" felt especially nice.  A little rebellious.  (I know.  I just rolled my eyes too.)  But stepping away  when the hoopla is at it's pinnacle gives you a chance to remember why you do this.  Yes, to be up on stage accepting an Oscar one day will be a thrill.  But it can't be the only reason we're pursuing this.  It is a wonderful goal to strive toward, a northern star of sorts.

But it starts with a love.  A love for creating, a love for performing, a love for storytelling.  Being with family never fails to remind me of that.  I come from a family of amazing storytellers.  And I married into a family that loves to sit around the dining table, telling story after story.  To me, that is a major part of what being a family is.  The creation of stories, the recounting of stories - the stories we make together, the stories we share with each other, the stories we write just by being born.  I feel incredibly blessed to have been born into a family of storytellers, to marry into a family of storytellers and to create a family of storytellers with the friends I hold dear.  This is why we are here - to share with each other, to learn from each other, to relate to each other.  Finding the common thread is why I do what I do.  That is what being an actor is to me.

....and one day I may get to say all that on a stage while hugging a little golden statue, trying to beat the music.  Or I may not.  But it is comforting to know that the stories will continue to be written, continue to be told.  And all I want is to continue being a part of the narrative.