I hope this finds you well and focusing on the things you can control and doing things that bring you joy and put you in community with the people, places and natural spaces you love and want to be around.

My big news?

I just pulled off my first big personal film shoot in a long time.

Over the course of a long day with the help of an amazing cast, crew and team of collaborators, I life coached 7 brave souls on film as part of my AC Dickson: Life Coach project.

I’ll super excited to start sharing some of what we captured - likely in the next newsletter or the one after that!

Next up? This fall we’re filming a 12 episode web series based on the character.

Moth StorySlam

I’m hosting the August 4th Moth StorySlam at the Old Church. The theme is Childish. This is just one of two Moth storytelling shows I’m hosting the rest of the calendar year, so would love to see you there if you’re feeling it.

BACKFENCE Unhinged

Did you know I’m co-hosting a podcast? I’m co-hosting a podcast!

We’ve got 12 episodes of our podcast in the can, so it’s time to have a party. If you’re free come on out to the C Bar. The hanging out to announcements ratio will heavily skew hanging out!

Come hang with me, co-host and Backfence Artistic Director Frayn Masters and our producer extraordinaire Julia Oppenheimer.

Love Oregon

Have you heard of Love, Oregon?

It’s an intimate all-things-creative festival (but heavy on great music and food) that takes place at Camp Colton. I haven’t been, but I’m super excited to be on hand as the emcee this year!

Learn more here, and would love to see you out there if it’s up your alley!

Anything Else?

If you’re in Portland August 9th I recommend going to the closing reception of Ray Anthony Barret’s exhibition at PICA.

On August 13th Kelley Reichardt is presenting the 1983 film SEVENTEEN at the Hollywood.

On August 14th my good friend Jon Raymond has a book event at Powell’s for his new novel God and Sex. I can’t wait to read it!

And it’s not too early to put the PICA TBA festival on your calendar - September 4th through 14th.

Or plan on attending the annual Harper’s Playground Sumer(ish) Soiree fundraiser - September 27th.

Still reading? Okay, some exciting personal news.

Susan and I celebrate our 20th anniversary in a week! If you know her, you know how incredible she is and how much fun we have together. And why yes, we are going on a rare extravagant holiday to celebrate. And no, we aren’t bringing the kids!

Okay, more next month!

Andrew