Grease

Going to the movies is one of my favorite experiences. Walking up to the theater, staring  at the marquee, going through the heavy  double doors and past the red velvet ropes. From the smell of popcorn and butter, to anticipation of the movie. The escape from a current reality is the most promising part of going to a movie. In 1978 a movie that portrays a summer love that takes place in 1959. In Grease there was dancing, singing, and the heart throb John Travolta and this was my first movie I saw at a movie theater. Grease was my introduction to cinema magic and I fell in love.

There was nothing you could tell my six year old self that I wasn’t destined for greatness. Between Grease on the big screen and seeing The Wiz on Broadway with Stephanie Mills on Broadway, I found something to pour all my fabulousness into. At my core at the age of six, I knew I was an artist.

Having a father who was a musician and a growing celebrity beyond our tight neighborhood, may have fueled my need to explore my creative abilities. Music was coursing through my veins. The need to be larger then life seemed attainable.

That summer, me and my friends put on a production of Grease. When I use the word “production” I mean, a play loosely based on the movie Grease, written, directed and starring me. We practiced every day outside the Wilson’s on the corner, until we were ready to put on our production for our friends and family. My aunts and uncle, neighbors, friends’ parents, and other neighbors all showed up.

In my memory, the production was flawless. Everyone hit all their marks, their lines, songs were on point and it ended with a standing ovation. My great aunt came up to me after the play was over and told me, “Never let anyone rob you of your creativity.”

Forty years later, I require some level of creativity in my life. I no longer draw, sing, but I knit, write, and consume all things entertainment. My biggest regret was giving up. Giving up on being a writer, designer, or artist happened gradually over time. Developing this blog with my best friend was a gift that continues to provide a creative outlet. Aunt Martha, I rediscovered my creativity.