These *images are from the piece I recently choreographed, Sariel.
Strong.
Together.
Held.
Surrounded.
Weak.
Broken.
Sustained.
Carried.
Lost.
Resilient.
Humbled.
Bereft.
Grasping.
No longer empty handed.
Found.
How can a person be all of those things? How can we burst at the seams with how we feel and still eat sandwiches because, by the time noon rolls around, lunch feels important again?
How can the mingling of the mundane and the surreal collide with me every day, creating a kind of thunder, so to speak, that can eventually feel as normal as the sound of a summer storm in July?
And how many Sundays in a row will I have to tell someone that, no, the reason I am no longer with Drew is not because I was away on tour? So far the answer is two, but hey, there’s always next Sunday, I guess.
So many questions, but I don’t think that peace is necessarily in the answers. Though I wouldn’t mind knowing them, so don’t be shy if you know and if the answer is what most would deem nice.
I think there is peace in living fully in the present; getting home and finding your finger nails good and dirty because you dug so deep into the stuff of life today. I think there is peace in realizing that, sure, five minutes fromt now might find you somewhere else–somewhere shocking, even–but right now, this is where God has put you and you might as well live like it’s good.
Because, you know, it just might be good after all.
*pictures taken by Dan Dunlap; dancers: Olivia Carlsen, Avery McGee
Beautiful images and words, Jess!
“…the mingling of the mundane and the surreal…”, yes, I have experienced that a time or two… :-/
It’s odd that we don’t actually see people hopping around with one foot on the ground and one in their mouth…
thanks, Kathie–and yes, I love these pictures too! and people say interesting things, for sure; it’s never boring:)
WOW, your employment of words to express yourself is awesome, you have the ability to express clearly what makes others very confused and simply mad.
Thanks so much, Mark! I really appreciate those words…And you know, all this stuff has made me confused and mad, too, at times. but I’ve found it helps to talk and write about it, I guess.
Why don’t people just ask you what happened—since you were there and they weren’t–rather than deciding in a minute what they think happened and voicing it. Fortunately—most people do ask instead of just deciding for themselves.
Beautiful photos. I’m not sure that photos can capture your beautiful and strong dance but they are good.
I guess that might be considered rude, too, to just come out and say: Well, what happened? So people kind of skirt around the issue and just assume that it’s because of my job…At least they voice it out loud, though, and I can say something in response.
About the pictures:
So amazing! Sariel is the gift that keeps on giving.
About the person at church:
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! What is wrong with people!????? (And why do so many people make the assumption that you being away could ever somehow a reason – a natural cause and effect – behind infidelity? Are they so convinced that character and dignity and doing the right thing when no one is watching is dead? I don’t get it.)
And haha, I hope it wasn’t the SAME person, because then that woman would need seriously help.
need seriously help! that’s the right way to order those words people, trust me!
nope, it wasn’t the same person. Totes dif. And I didn’t even GO into the women’s bathroom this past Sunday, either!
yeah, aren’t the pictures so cool?
and I don’t really get why people say those kinds of things–everyone likes to be able to explain it, I guess–as if THEY have any idea what has gone on in my life. Kinda funny, actually.
so frustrating that people say things like that..as if it’s not already so incredibly painful for you to walk through..im so sorry that people say things like that..im glad that in the midst of your pain and in the midst of people saying dumb things, there are beautiful things happening for you too..Sariel being one of them:) those pics are beautiful:)
I know. People…And thanks, there are beautiful things happening–I really can see them…unbelievable, but true…
Beautiful pictures Jess! And, I hope this verbal altercation didn’t take place in the ladies room, or I really am going to have to be your body guard!
haha–i was smart enough to avoid that place this time! But, I really can’t avoid the atrium. Like, at all….:)
You have a beautiful soul Jessica. God has really put something unique and special. You have a way with words, sounds, and movements. Everything that surrounds you is beauty. I love when you give a big smile, and tell jokes at the benefit concerts. Keep on rockin’ in the free world!
Rachel–you are the sweetest. Thank you so much…And Shane and I seem to have no shortage of benefit concerts to play, so I will continue to try my best to keep the jokes rolling!! xoxo
Great photos…and ugh…sorry that people say such dumb things. It’s a bit like being mugged at church.