I've been thinking a lot about where and how I spend money, so this past month we cancelled our Amazon Prime and Washington Post subscriptions. And while I'm not going to leave Meta entirely (and never did join Twitter) I'm going to restrict what I share on social media for all the reasons.

This is still a relatively small newsletter audience-wise, mostly made up of friends, so I thought I'd share some personal news here. I lost my mom this winter. It wasn't a surprise, but it was a still a shock. She was really wonderful, a great mom, parent, and person.

The last week of March we travelled back to the DC area for her celebration of life. It was really meaningful to see so many old friends and family members, many who I haven’t seen in years, if not decades. And I got to hear so many stories and memories from all their perspectives, which was a real gift.

We were a bit nervous about traveling to Washington DC, into DCA no less, but overall I found it quite normal-feeling. We even got to spend an afternoon visiting three of the Smithsonian art museums. On the way home we shared a flight with Senator Jeff Merkley, and my wife Susan was able to talk with him for a few minutes to thank him for all he’s doing to fight for our democracy, and assure him we are with him 100%.

So let’s help. I know it can be hard to know how to do that in substantive ways. One small thing is to get out from behind our screens and be together to build community.

As you have likely heard, tomorrow is a national day of protest. You can find information on where to meet to gather and resist here.

And I’d love to share a few opportunities this month events to see each other for folks here in Portland.

The Moth  

If you’re looking for connection and are interested in telling a true personal story, or looking for story listening opportunities, the Moth StorySlam is for you. There is a show this coming Monday - hosted by Meg Ferrell.

And I’ll be hosting the May 5th Moth StorySlam show at the Old Church here in downtown Portland. Tickets aren’t on sale yet, but signing up for the newsletter is the best way to get notified and snag one or two before they sell out. Oh, and the theme is “drama” if you want to consider telling a story.

The Tiniest Party  

A week from Monday, April 14th, I’ll be part of the Tiniest Party - a storytelling show hosted by Travis Ables in his basement. Each teller shares a polished story, and then a looser story after intermission. Tickets here.

Travis has been performing his one-person show all over the Pacific Northwest and beyond. It’s called Things I Hide From My Dad, and it’s great. He and I both performed at the Oregon Fringe Festival last year and I caught it there. Catch it if you can!

because i love diversity 

PICA is hosting a performance from dancer and choreographer Rakesh Sukesh, presented with Boom Arts. The piece, because i love diversity (the micro-attitude, we all have it), opens April 12th and runs through the 19th. I’ve heard it’s a great show with dance as well as storytelling.

I’ll also be on hand June 7th for the PICA Gala on the Portland Spirit. If you’re organization might like to sponsor or buy a table, I’d love to help facilitate that!

I’ll also be on hand to help celebrate and raise money for Converge45 this coming Friday. It’ll be a chance for us to hear from this new guest curator Lumi Tan.

And I’ll also be helping at the annual Parkrose School District fundraiser later this month on April 26th.

Coaching 

I’ve done quite a bit of coaching the past month.

Through Mt. Freelance I’ve been offering business coaching to fellow freelancers, primarily virtually, and have really enjoyed it. It’s been fascinating to hear what other creative people are navigating, or how they trying to differentiate themselves in order to attract and do the kind of work they are most excited about.

If you are curious or interested you can book a Mt. Freelance session or email me back if you’re interested in exploring in-person life coaching more related to my show AC Dickson: Life Coach.

Okay, that’s it for now. Hang in there. All best. Write at you again in a month, and thanks for reading,

Andrew