Editor:
As disappointing economic headlines ripple throughout the world, suffering and adversity spread and Mother Earth breaths a sigh of relief. Rampant draining of her resources has decreased, at least somewhat, and people begin to question their habits and view the emptiness inside left from a reduction in consumption.
Sadly us humans do not learn easy. Typically hardships are required prior to change of destructive emotions and actions. As hardships are felt and embraced as an opportunity for change, patience and tolerance can arise and negative emotions such as anger and hatred can be dispelled. Internalize this and true compassion is a natural occurrence.
In this New Year I ask myself, and encourage others, to find the strength to embrace the above changes and welcome a quantum shift in the world at large. Simple but dramatic changes can be made by simply following the Golden Rule. All religions agree that treating others as one self is a basic precept, but all to often this is left at the church or temple door.
Pressures of daily life cause one to do others wrong, and in doing so harm ourselves. Overcharging and cheating to further ourselves financially is on the table as the effects are felt worldwide. Assuming another’s words or actions mean one thing, without dialog to confirm and resolve, are the base of most of our interpersonal disturbances and are at the root of most wars. It is so easy to sit back, assume and criticize, most often wrongly. What countries or individuals can actually say I’m sorry, and cleanse themselves?
If now is not the time to change then when?
We embark upon the most challenging and promising time in all of humanity.
- Will Mother Earth continue to support humans or just cockroaches? Observing the greed and anger that has lead to a world in peril is the door to change. Together we can do this, but it comes from changes within.
- It has often been said that the flutter of a butterfly’s wing can be felt half way around the world. Imagine the impact of our small communities, made up of individuals, making the commitment to change.
- The children of the future will not have this choice unless we act now.
My blessings and encouragement to all.
– Bob Daley Thank You
Editor:
To say that the Nutcracker experience in December left me in total awe is an understatement. As you may know, I’m a newbie here in Ouray County, having moved here in June to start work with Weehawken. I’ve worked in several great places, produced lots of community theatre and dance shows, have seen many holiday “event miracles” but Ouray County has an extra little punch that has left me thinking, “Now this is a VERY special place.” Weehawken’s Nutcracker was a testament to that statement.
If you missed the show, let me just tell you that now is a good time to mark your calendar and save the date for next year. It’s not to be missed. If you went to the show, I’m sure you understand what I am talking about. Eighty-nine performers graced the Wright Opera House stage on Dec. 5, 6 and 7 to give our community three memorable performances. That’s a lot of talent packed into one room!
When one lives here, I suppose it would be easy to figure that Ouray County’s production of the Nutcracker is the standard for most communities. But let me assure you: it is not. It was exceptional and magical. Though perhaps it lacked many of the special effects, bells and whistles that one might find in a larger production, it had elements of pure magic that could only be found and experienced here. That magic comes from this great community. The magic comes from community collaboration. The magic comes from award-worthy community support.
On behalf of Weehawken Creative Arts, I would like to call attention to, and thank Miss Natasha Pyeatte.This talented and tireless Artistic Director for our dance program is amazing to see in action. She begins visioning for the shows long before they begin and sets amazing plans in action that are broader then her own program. She sees how there is power in collaboration and works hard to ensure that groups work together to produce a special event. In this, we welcomed the talent of many general citizens and community members in the production as well as the Ouray Dance Team and Kathryn Kubinyi’s Singers. This extra little touch reiterates the uniqueness and collaborative spirit of Ouray County.
I would also like to commend the many businesses and individuals that contributed to this program in order to make it a success. Wiesbaden Hot Springs and Lodge, James E. Link, P.C. and Bud and Marynelle Zanett were especially generous in this effort. Additionally, we are so grateful for the help from Bridger Construction, Duckett’s Market, Alpine Bank Ouray, Ouray Dental Clinic, Buckskin Booksellers, The Citizen’s State Bank Ouray and North Moon Gallery. Thanks are also in order to Susan’s Studio, Ouray Comfort Inn, Ouray Silversmiths, Khristopher’s Culinare, Mouse’s Chocolates, Cimarron Coffee and Books, Travelin’ Tots, Tina Carver, Wildwood Property Management, San Juan Mountain Guides, Backstreet Bagel, Lawler Desserts, The Coachlight, The Gator Emporium, Ouray School, Magic Circle Theatre, The Artisan Bakery, Ouray Candy, Venue Roscoe Fox, O’Brien’s Pub, Rocky Mountain Treasures, Mountain Fever T-Shirts and Gifts, Rocky Mountain Scenics, Ouray Mountain Sports, The Blue Pear, Salon DeJaVu, and Wildflower Boutique . There’s no doubt: that’s an incredible list of local supporters. It speaks volumes to the value of supporting local business.
If I had the space to mention the countless volunteers that helped in this production, I certainly would. Amazingly, I would be listing the names of over 75 incredibly warm-hearted and generous individuals, all of whom were so giving of their time and talents for our program. We cannot thank them enough. You are all so very special to this program and to these dancers. Keep up the great work!
I would also like to thank the support of the local news media. Your help in getting the word out to the masses is so very much appreciated. We appreciate how hard you work to get the information to all of us and your generosity and assistance does not go unrecognized.
Thanks so much to everyone who supported this experience: the dancers, the dance families, the community members, local businesses, volunteers and teachers. It was amazing and memorable. I know that I, for one, cannot wait to see Alice in
Wonderland this May. I’ll see you there!
Sincerely,
– Ashley King, executive director, Weehawken Creative Arts
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