Tallahassee Democrat | SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021 | 1C TLHLIFE

Asha Brewer Guest Columnist It’s time to exhale with SHE Tea conference When we are in uncertain situa- tions, it is instinctive to hold our breath. Consider watching a suspenseful movie, rushing to meet a deadline, or waiting on a report from the doctor. All of our anticipations, anxieties, and fears gather in our chest like a block of cement. All the while, our body, our whole being, is searching for a release. Diver Craig Foster becomes fascinated with an octopus, and visits her for hundreds of days in a row, in "My This is what the last year felt like for Octopus Teacher." NETFLIX many people. Through the pandemic, social injustices, and a desperate econ- omy—we held our breath. As we begin to re-populate and re- connect, we must be intentional not to revert to the hustle, bustle, and scurry that set our pre-pandemic pace. In- stead, we must stop holding our breath NATURE’S WILD and exhale. The synonym for exhale is to “ex- pire.” Exhaling is an opportunity to rid our bodies of what has expired in our lives—thoughts, habits, emotions, rela- MIRACLES tionships, and more. Much like in our physical bodies, if this waste does not get expelled, it can have power to teach, heal cause us to suffocate. Ultimately, when we exhale, we embrace the power of let- ting go. Recently my husband and I watched the remarkable documentary, Alternatively, the synonym for in- “My Octopus Teacher.” This Oscar-winning film is the story of a hale is to “inspire.” This is so fitting because the very act Rev. Candace McKibben disillusioned photographer who returns to the waters of his child- of breathing is our most intimate con- Guest Columnist hood off the tip of south Africa for some soul-searching. nection to God. Ephesians 4:30, MSG, lovingly reminds us, “Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, Soon he finds the will to resume moving and breathing in you, is the his craft of photography by filming most intimate part of your life, making daily visits over the course of nearly a you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift year to observe a common octopus he for granted.” met there. The South African Kelp When we inhale, we invite God’s Forest he captures on film is stun- Spirit to take up residence, inspiring us ningly beautiful as is the friendship with His love, joy, peace, patience, he documents. power, wisdom, and purpose. Photographer Craig Foster has the To keep you accountable to your respect, patience, and discipline to purpose in this next season, I invite you allow the cautious octopus to ap- to join the “virtual-ish” 7th Annual SHE proach him as they form the relation- Tea: Women’s Wellness Conference ship he shares with his viewers. from June 6-12. SHE Tea is a sacred While some have criticized the space during which you will be guided documentary as more emotional through a time of growth and healing. than scientific, during the experience This program is hosted by faith- Foster himself read every peer-re- based wellness nonprofit organization viewed paper on octopuses that he Temple Fit Health, Inc., where we will could find and discussed them with have real conversations with real wom- scientists. en about real life. Canadian professor Jennifer SHE Tea features interactive work- Mather, with expertise in both hu- House finch undeterred by turtle candle. CANDACE MCKIBBEN shops on letting go of expectations, re- man psychology and cephalopods, leasing what no longer serves you, oral was brought in by the producers of health (after one year of wearing the film as an advisor, reviewing the Our backyard wonderland on the lowest-hanging flimsy branch masks), vaginal health, purpose after film scene-by-scene. of the same tree. And the sound of failure, un-learning money for busy Certainly, there is the risk of an- In this moment as I am sitting in what seems to be a dripping faucet in women, financial wellness for first- thropomorphizing our experience my living room with a large glass door the kitchen is instead the father generation entrepreneurs, dating strat- with any animal, including the pets into the backyard, I can see a wood- house finch we have seen nesting in egies, refreshing your marriage and so many of us adore. But caution was pecker on our live oak who seems to the fern hanging on the back porch. more. taken in the producing of the docu- be cleaning out the hollow where the He is tapping his beak on our kitchen Tickets and the detailed schedule mentary so as not to overstep this trunk splits in three directions. She window. are at www.templefit.co/shetea2021. tendency. goes into the crook and backs out, I assume he has caught a glimpse Thank you to Women Wednesdays, What I found most intriguing in dragging debris with her, I assume of himself in the glass and likes what The Flower Pot Doula & Vaginal Steam- the film was the way in which being looking for food. he sees. The turtle candle my hus- ing Services, Bouquets by Bender, inTallahassee nature, and attentive Democrat to it, - brought06/05/2021Closer to the house, a brilliant Page : C01 healing and hope to Foster. male cardinal swings, as if playing, See NATURE, Page 6C See SHE TEA, Page 6C

Cue lights for live action at Theatre Tallahassee Amanda Sieradzki of “Becky’s New Car” at Council on Culture & Arts Theatre Tallahassee this June, the lighting crew Patrick Campbell paints the stage even becomes their own with light. Instead of a brush, he relies on character in the show. a switchboard and dozens of lights sus- “Those moments pended above the stage. People have of- Campbell breaking the fourth wall ten told him that they recognize his light- are one of the more defin- ing signature when they watch a show. ing features of this play,” says Campbell. He’s not sure what the tell-tale signs are, “It’s funny when it’s aware of the fact but assumes it’s how he uses front light that it’s a play, but it doesn’t get in the versus backlight, as well as his textures way of telling a good dramatic story as and color palettes. well.” Theater lights define spaces on stage, The show starts with Becky, a middle- highlighting set pieces and bringing Lighting design for “Boeing Boeing” in 2016 at Theatre Tallahassee. Patrick characters to life. For the upcoming run See CAMPBELL, Page 6C Campbell is preparing lighting for “Becky’s New Car” for June. PATRICK CAMPBELL

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I have seen an Anhinga seemingly Tallahassee Baha’i Center Nature chase our kayak, coming skidding into range on the water’s surface, diving un- Continued from Page 1C der the water, and popping up near us, celebrates Race Amity Day surprising us each time. I am not sure if band propped up against the glass to he was looking for a handout, or play- Special to Tallahassee Democrat deter the behavior is not a deterrent to ing, or perhaps displaying some behav- USA TODAY NETWORK – FLORIDA the beautiful and determined red- ior I have yet to learn about, but it headed finch. Nature is all around us seemed like a game and added amuse- The Tallahassee Baha’i Center at and it is inspiring. ment to the paddle which we appreci- 1310-D Cross Creek Circle will mark Race While never having the sort of ex- ated. Amity Day, a celebration of diversity traordinary experiences that Foster has and mutual understanding, at 11 a.m. on in the Cape Town Kelp Forest, I have Lens of the heart June 13. been blessed to experience some re- “Race relations in America will not markable natural occurrences that And now I am grateful to have seen substantially improve unless the public have enriched my life. the story of friendship between a com- discourse on race moves beyond the mon octopus and a human who loves blame-grievance-rejection framework Witness to wild miracles nature through the lens of his camera to one that recognizes and celebrates and the lens of his heart. our ability to overcome racial prejudice By being respectful, patient, and Foster introduced me to a part of through association, amity, and col- disciplined I have seen a manatee-ba- this exquisite world that I did not even laboration,” organizers of the event by twirl around like a ballerina. After know existed. Beyond merely observ- write. we floated alongside this baby and her ing wonderous nature, Foster was look- Activities will include a short history momma in our canoe for 20 minutes or ing for connection, not just between of Race Amity Day, a proclamation by so, she came up out of the water like a himself and this amazing creature, but Leon County officials, and a viewing of a dolphin at Sea World and gave us a between what this creature evoked in documentary titled “An American Story: On June 13 at 11 a.m., the Tallahassee twirl. Called barrelling, it is a sign of him and his best self. Race Amity and the Other Tradition” Baha’i Center at 1310-D Cross Creek playfulness that we have only wit- As we are moving back into more with refreshments provided. Circle will mark Race Amity Day with a nessed once in 30 years of watching connectedness with others as the pan- The day is patterned off a day set celebration. MARINA BROWN manatees in the wild. demic is more controlled through vac- aside in Massachusetts “to reflect on the I have seen baby dolphin nursing. cines and other precautions, I pray we beauty and richness of the diverse peo- On Mother’s Day several years ago, I will do so with the sort of respect, pa- ples of this great nation, while reaching manner by the people.” had the distinct privilege of watching tience, and discipline that Foster out with a spirit of amity toward one an- For more information visit as a curious pod of dolphins ap- showed with his octopus teacher. other annually and recommending that http://raceamity.org proached our kayak over a period of an Psychologists, counselors, and min- the day be observed in an appropriate hour or so. isters are telling us we need all the em- We could see the babies, somewhat pathy we can muster as we reconnect. forcefully it seemed, insert their elon- Allowing nature to teach us, may we be gated snout under the flippers of their our best selves, gentle with each other Tallahassee Democrat - 06/05/2021 mothers where, I later learned,Page :the C06 teat and all creatures great and small. is found, and a seal is formed to prevent (See seachangeproject.com online Patrick leakage of precious milk. The babies for more information about protecting Campbell must have received a quick injection of the Great African Seaforest.) designed the milk from their mothers as the process The Rev. Candace McKibben is an or- lighting for took seconds and was repeated fre- dained minister and pastor of Talla- Theatre quently. hassee Fellowship. Tallahassee’s production of “American Idiot,” his favorite show what routines, behaviors, relation- to light in the SHE Tea ships, and activities no longer serve past 5 years. you. The rock opera Continued from Page 1C Should you feel pressured to return has big, flashy to the hurry and scurry of pre-pandem- musical McBurrows Law, Best Friend Fra- ic life, pause and remind yourself, “It’s numbers. grances, AFIYA Magazine, and Sakeena time to exhale.” PATRICK CAMPBELL Kenton of Synergy Mortgage Group, Asha Brewer has a bachelor’s degree LLC for sponsoring this life-changing in exercise science and a Doctor of Chi- experience. ropractic degree. She uses her profes- As we step into the next season to- sional experience and love for ministry If you go gether, be sure to pace yourself by tak- to shed light and biblical perspective on Campbell ing a moment to exhale. Have open, concepts of health, wellness and phys- What: Becky’s New Car honest dialogue with yourself about ical activity. Continued from Page 1C When: 8 p.m. (also 2 p.m. matinees) June 18-29, 25-27 aged woman going through a bit of a midlife crisis, instructing audience Where: Theatre Tallahassee, 1861 members to do chores around her home. Thomasville Road She calls out to the tech booth, asking the Cost: $15-25 crew to cue the lights so she can transi- tion to the next scene. Contact: Call 850-224-8474 or visit Campbell says these aspects shed theatretallahassee.org In my opinion, a good their own light on theater technicians who typically work in the shadows and leader is open to new behind-the-scenes. out the show. From there, Campbell ideas and new ways of takes more notes and continues tweak- doing things. Call of community theater ing based on the director’s feedback and his own instincts. Campbell’s first involvement in thea- “It’s an interesting process not unlike ter was out in front of the lights with his sculpting where you start with a big high school drama club. He took a break block and you chip away little pieces of from acting while studying management it,” says Campbell. “You don’t know what information sciences at Florida State it’s going to be yet, and then you get Steven Lewis, University, but quickly realized how down to the fine details as you close in on Operations Manager, much he missed the stage. His friend and opening night.” Farmington Daily Times mentor, Scott Freese, asked him to jump In the past five years, his favorite back in with community theater post- show to light was “American Idiot,” a graduation, and he acted in “Sweeny rock opera with big, flashy musical num- Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” bers. In addition to having lights fulfill “[Scott] got me into lighting design,” the show’s narrative responsibilities, says Campbell. “He asked me if I wanted Campbell says the biggest challenge was to light a show, and I said, ‘sure, how hard syncing the light changes with the music can it be?’ Little did I know there’s a lot and maximizing the equipment they had that goes into design. There’s the artistic on hand. Steven is one of Gannett’s emerging leaders and we invite aspect but there’s also lugging equip- you to become another! Gannett has over 250 locations ment up and down ladders.” Making the ‘magic’ happen again nationwide with a variety of production and distribution His first show as a lighting designer roles that accommodate many of the transferable skill sets was “Phantom of the Opera,” which he The hardest part for Campbell is de- that you may already have. remembers as being quite the undertak- ciding when his job is finished as he ing. Campbell says he uses his mindset hands over the final cue sheet to the Our most precious resource is our diverse workforce – as a computer programmer to structure stage manager. people of all backgrounds, cultures and skills. That’s why his approach to the job, from handling After nearly 60 to 80 hours of work, he we’ve partnered with the Urban League and NAACP to help the lighting instruments to deciding gets to sit back on opening night and see us identify strong candidates who are looking to grow into what effects to use and when. the concrete results of all the planning — The work begins with a thorough and ladder climbing — that he and the a leadership role within Gannett. reading of the script to get a sense of the crew did to make it happen. He channels show’s tone, whether it’s abstract, real- all the additional thoughts, ideas and im- istic, fantastical or all of the above. From provements that continue to bubble to “I think I was promoted because of the there, Campbell dreams up what areas of the surface into whatever his next show knowledge I have in the daily operations the stage will need specific lights and will be. and equipment maintenance. It was a good colors. Many of these decisions are made Now that live theater looks like it’s fi- after Campbell observes the actors going nally coming back in full force after a promotion; I was excited to learn new things through their blocking process with the year and a half lying in wait, Campbell is and tackle any challenges head on. It’s director. ready to take his socially distanced seat important to always be seeking information. in the audience for “Becky’s New Car.” ” Cue the colored lights “As a backstage and onstage guy, the synergy between the audience and per- Full-time and part-time positions are available. “It’s more than just being able to see formers has always been the magical the actors,” says Campbell. “A lot of times rush for me,” says Campbell. “A little Contact Sydney Vernon, Sr. Manager/Talent Acquisition it involves working with set and prop de- magic was lost for theater-goers over the @ 914-694-5335 or e-mail: [email protected] signers so that colors won’t clash, and past year, but we’re excited to be able to you can bring out set pieces to make do it again. There’s a shared sense of things look dramatic. To some extent, community. We want to see the actors do For more, visit Gannett.com lighting design is like being the editor of a well and get wrapped up in the story. I’m film where you decide how to arrange the looking forward to having people come Gannett. Be inspired to set your sights…higher! lights so that a person can become the in and see people performing live on- focus onstage.” stage again.” Campbell has numerous conversa- Amanda Sieradzki is the feature writ- tions with the director and the other de- er for the Council on Culture & Arts. CO- signers before a “cue to cue” list is put to- CA is the capital area’s umbrella agency gether. This is a rough draft that dictates for arts and culture (www.tallahas- when light changes will happen through- seearts.org).

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