This monthly missive is a way for me to make connections with people interested in art and creativity in order to inspire a more satisfying and thoughtful daily life. I’m an author and editor, always on the lookout for inspiration.
Ducking low, I entered the makeshift closet into which I’d thrown a bunch of comfortable clothes: stretched-out yoga pants, stained sweatshirts, old sneakers — nothing even vaguely nice-looking.
Definitely nothing that would make me look good on television.
It was early summer and chilly. My pretty summer frocks and sandals were not going to cut it for a day in the icy wind.
We’d just embarked on a crazy project fixing up an old Japanese house in the Catskills. When we took on this gargantuan task, we knew we needed the “right” attitude to make it work: an attitude of patience, curiosity and flexibility. This would keep us from despairing when things went wrong — such as when a temporary fix to a massive hole in the roof sprang a leak… and rain poured onto the parquet floors… and we couldn’t find a roofer.
Money and time were limited, but our passionate interest in the house was infinite. This fed our energy and optimism.
As a consequence, I was feeling pretty game when a British TV production team contacted me about filming our house for a show called “Hidden America,” on the Discovery Channel.
When we bought Sho Fu Den, one of my hopes was that we could bring it back life and share it with others. Maybe having a crew film a TV segment about this sad and derelict place would help ensure its legacy wouldn’t be forgotten.
As I rummaged through my clothes that night — the night before the crew was to arrive — I regretted being quite so low key about the whole thing.
Maybe winging it would work in my favor, I thought: I’d be more natural, not as nervous. But the problem of my outfit could not be overcome. I had to make do with what was on hand: a jean shirt with huge, puffy sleeves and some old leggings.
Oh well, I thought. Does it really matter?
The crew arrived and filmed all day long. They shot endless footage of me for what’s called “B-roll,” which means film that plays during voiceovers. They asked me to walk up the driveway, walk along the porch, walk into the house (and look awed), walk around a corner, walk though a field…
So. Much. Walking.
For someone who isn’t used to being filmed, this looks a lot more like a Zombie walk than casual strolling. I invite you to watch the episode (18 minutes long) and have a good laugh:
Truth is, it doesn’t matter what I wore or how well I walked through the frame. If you watch the segment, you’ll see that the star of the show is the house itself.
It was such a fun thing to do for a day, and I now have footage that documents Sho Fu Den as it was that first summer when we spent all our time throwing out junk and searching for a roofer. I’m so glad I didn’t let my insecurities win the day.
Let’s embrace:
Thinking less about outcomes and more about process.
Having fun even when circumstances are not optimal.
Sparing ourselves the agony of worrying over details that don’t matter.
Being curious and open, and saying yes to activities we want to do even if the timing is “bad.”
And, in respect to our creative lives: trusting that attitude can transform an experience from nerve-wracking to joyous.
As this new year begins I’d like to thank you all for being part of my creative community — a highlight of 2025 has been writing these newsletters!
And so I leave you with “Hey Eugene,” a song by Pink Martini that makes me laugh every time I hear it.
I dig her attitude of relaxed exasperation: "Hello Eugene, does any of this ring a bell, Eugene?"
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.