Being the Quiet One

(Community Matters) Feels like I’ve gone from being the relatively quiet one in the room or at the table (I know, I know, but it’s all relative and we hang in a pretty outspoken crowd) to consuming too much air time and oxygen.  I was thinking about dinner last night.  We heard from Deborah Hay about her early career as a dancer with Merce Cunningham & John Cage, about the Judson Dance Theater and about her work in Amsterdam and Australia.  From Margaret Keys – in collaboration with Steven and Nancy Graves – working with the New York editor last week on a book which I am especially excited about (not only for the art but you gotta love mailbox money).  Joe Christie, Margaret and I had lots to say and share about TEDxAustin and Petch Kucha.  I admit eating it up and basking in glowing reviews of ADL and my bit to do with TED this weekend, plus I’m nonstop talking about HelpHaiti, yesterday about Reggie’s sermon, lots and lots to say – this feels unlike me.  A better sign of my mental health and well-being when, on average, I’m more of a listener.  We sorta drowned out Tana Christie and Michael Mitchell last night.  If I hadn’t spent personal time with each recently, I wouldn’t know what’s most important in their days/weeks/months.  Isn’t that a sign of being a good listener, a good friend?  – knowing what’s important to your friends today