Well, here we are experiencing yet another Monday in the ninth month of 2021.
And while it doesn’t feel like it, the first day of Fall is officially on Wednesday! That means time for Pumpkin Spice everything.
And by everything…I actually mean…EVERYTHING.
Yes. I pulled out the all caps for that word. To give it the extra emphasis it needed to make my point.
And now that I said Pumpkin Spice and wrote the words, all that I want right now is a PSL in my hand…
So if you want to make me happy and earn extra points with Mr. Sunshine, bring me a PSL…
Please.
Kthanks.
Okies.
Time to officially move on to writing about this week’s blog topic.
Do you have your PSL? Your coffee? Your warm morning beverage and sweatshirt to cuddle with as the brisk breeze comes through the open windows?
Well good! Because, here we go!
And short disclaimer…the windows are open currently, I’m laying on the couch, and it is 12:12am…just hours before I need to have this post finalized for your eyes to read it!
The term silver lining is defined as the following:
-A sign of hope in an unfortunate or gloomy situation; a bright prospect.
Shootings.
Wildfires.
Natural disasters.
Violence.
Hatred.
Covid.
The list goes on and on.
There are so many things in this world around us that cause incredible fear, darkness, and uncertainty–entities that would definitely fall under the “unfortunate or gloomy situation” portion of the silver lining definition listen above that you just read.
I’m not sure how all of you feel, but I know for me there are days when it feels like a silver lining is out of reach–or frankly doesn’t even exist.
And for Mr. Sunshine, that is a heavy statement to write.
This past couple of month, I have had the extreme pleasure to be surrounded by many incredibly talented individuals who are working to put a production of Something Rotten at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center.
It has been a silver lining for me.
The silver lining that has restored some shine in my soul, light in my life, and energy to keep going on those days when it just feels like the dark clouds are looming over our heads.
This show is the perfect production for those who need a silver lining in their life.
It is a show that provides an escape from the world around us for two hours and it is sure to make you laugh hysterically and humming along to the catchy tunes that intertwine throughout the scenes.
And not to mention the fabulous costumes, sets, and lights.
Truly, it is an awesome production to welcome back the community for the arts of LIVE theater.
This production and theater could be the silver lining YOU need.
Or the silver lining that someone else in your life needs.
The show opens October 7th and runs through October 23rd, so please head over to ephrataperformingartscenter.com to get more information on tickets.
I promise you won’t be disappointed.
And seeing your smiling faces in the seats as I try to fake my way through tap dancing will make my heart aflutter.
And you may or may not get to see me play some other fun characters too; however, no details on that because I can’t give it all away.
This is one silver lining I hope that some of you will participate in.
But it doesn’t end there.
After that production closes, I will be involved with stage manager a special two-night Halloween production of Hedwig and The Angry Itch to take place on Friday, October 29th and Saturday, October 30th. There will be three performances only and I promise that like Something Rotten, this is a production not to be missed.
But the silver lining opportunities don’t stop there.
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve struggled with the fact that I have to start planning details and music for this year’s Christmas Eve service.
It is something that I normally start planning at the beginning of Summer and I’m still waiting for that moment where the inspiration will hit me and the light bulb will go off in my head in regards to a theme and music.
I have yet to have that moment.
After last year’s service that ended up being virtual due to Covid, I’m excited to say that we are moving forward with being optimistic and planning for an in-person service with a Zoom option for those who might not feel comfortable gathering in person.
The Christmas Eve service is always one of my favorites to plan and participate in.
It presents a silver lining opportunity to get the creative juices flowing to making a meaningful worship experience for the entire community to enjoy on Christmas Eve.
How can you be a part of this silver lining?
Over the next couple of weeks, I will be looking for individuals who are willing to be a part of the service in regards to special music whether it be via an instrument or voice.
Want to be a part of this experience? Please, please, PLEASE reach out to me and let me know. There are also plenty of opportunities to get involved even if you are not musical.
Our faith community has an opportunity to create a silver lining with our Christmas Eve traditions this year for a world that is in great need of hope and light.
It’s time to embrace the fall phrase of “turning over a new leaf.”
Join our theater community during the month of October for two productions that are sure to bring you the silver lining that could be responsible for getting you out of the funk of doom and gloom that overtakes our daily lives.
Join our faith community in helping to produce a silver lining with our Christmas Eve service to those in our surrounding communities who need it most.
It’s time to say hello to that silver lining sunshine.
Sprinkle sunshine always,
Mr. Sunshine Smiles 