So. Much. Stuff.

I'm very proud of two recent articles I wrote: one that is a collection of extra-unique local birth stories (one woman had her baby in parking lot!) which can be read here, and one that is a preview for a showing of "The Business of Being Born," and the issues surrounding maternity care and birth in the U.S., which can be read here.

Whew!

I also had a great deal of fun getting to know some local crafters for this story. And it was an honor to get to interview Andrew Manze, conductor of the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra, for this article. (I believe I reached him at a hotel in Sweden - the person who answered the phone spoke in Swedish, and I very brightly replied, "Er, hello!" Of course she immediately began speaking in English. Wouldn't it be nice if most Americans had the same skill?)

I recently covered a city-wide arts event which featured visual and performance art in unexpected places; read it here. I've also been busy covering some local theater, like a UGA production of "Uncle Vanya" (read it here!) and a community theater production of "Beyond Therapy" (read it here!). Good ole Chekhov and Durang!

I also covered a new local film festival, which presented the sobering documentary "Burning the Future," about coal mining in Virginia; read it here. (Here's a lengthy preview of the film on youtube; it's pretty astonishing, really.)

Finally (for now), the State Botanical Garden of Georgia turned 40, and I wrote about it here. I do love that place, and getting to go there, wander around and take notes on what was in bloom was a very pleasant part of research for the article!

Um, did I mention I have a kid? No wonder I haven't updated lately. I think I need a nap! As always, I'm very happy to be able to write this much, and I'll be back soon!