Interests

Aerial Circus

Not long after our wedding, my spouse decided on a whim to take an aerial silks circus class. His decision changed our lives forever. A passion for physical activity that takes his feet off of the ground that Neil had found doing gymnastics in high school was rekindled, and he practiced regularly for four years while we still lived in Minneapolis. He discovered that he is a natural teacher and taught Silks for three different studios in the Twin Cities area as well as for the Campfire Flow Arts Festival.

Watching Neil taking these classes sparked my own interest, although I do not take to it easily as he does. I see this as my challenge to do things that I do not fully believe I can do, to fail, pick myself up, and try again, and again. It has become one of my spiritual practices, in truth, and has been instrumental in personal growth. Over a period of three years, I took classes in lyra (aerial hoop), acro balance, aerial sling, and tried stilting and fire-breathing. Unfortunately, Utica, NY does not offer an aerial circus studio.

Music

My musical resume is lengthy, and I define myself as a skilled amateur cellist and singer. Over time, I have explored a variety of musical styles and ensembles, although my grounding is in the Classical genre. When I still lived in the Minneapolis area, I played with the Dakota Valley Symphony and regularly in the pit orchestra for Morris Park Players and the Eagan High School Community Musical Theatre.

Click here to watch Vivaldi 2 Cello Concerto

Crafter

Two of my significant hobbies, especially through the pandemic, are crochet and dip-pen calligraphy. These function as spiritual practices.

I have practiced crochet for more than 15 years, and I’ve found my joy in a technique called amigurumi, making stuffed animals and items out of crochet. This art asks for concentration to count every stitch.

Dip-pen calligraphy utilizes metal nibs dipped in calligraphy ink. The tines of the nibs separate when you press down, creating line variation. Calligraphy is an exacting art-form that requires practice and focus.