April 4, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
Duck Ponderings: Follow your dreams
Fortunately, we live in a country where such aspirations take place in small towns and in big towns. Unfortunately, many small towns have evaporated with change; however, it is not the case with Hope. Hope is still quite active, thanks to many who just refuse to allow its chapters to end. Pages are being added every day as evident when recently walking around the square. The list of thank yous would be endless as our town manager, Mel Fox, has stated on several occasions.
Rena Dillman, Patchworks, is one of those people to thank. I still recall the day Rena indirectly asked if I would be willing to edit her books. She was aware of my interest in writing, just wasn't sure if I would agree to help in her writing journey. Well, I agreed, and she now has published four books! While reading two of the four, I thought they could be converted to plays. Rena not only gave me permission to give it a try but also much latitude.
When Tracy Fugate, Strawberry Fields, told me she was going in a different direction with her career and closing her store, I approached Vickie Tedder, Reflections, and asked if she might find a way to reopen it while knowing it would be a perfect fit for her abilities as well as the abilities of her sisters, Laura and Lisa. They got with the owners of the building, John & Shirley Robertson, and made arrangements to carry on what Tracy so capably started.
Just before opening, I had the honor to be a part of a circle formed by the Robertsons and the Wassons as they shared, in part, the history behind the building. It has been absolutely amazing watching the transformation of WILLow LeaVes in a short period of time.
Pete Law is a former student and colleague. From the time Pete entered this world, he has had a great interest in theater. Just this summer, he traveled to Chicago to enhance his acting and directing abilities while taking several classes. His acting resume is incredible! When I contacted him to direct Rena's Letters of Forgiveness at Strawberry Fields, he said yes. We were all thrilled when it was sold out three consecutive nights.
Recently, I contacted him again about directing another play related to Rena's fourth book, "The Cowboy & The Jean Skirt." He once again said yes, and it will soon be performed in Hope at WILLow LeaVes. Pete is now considering forming his own production company, 626 Productions.
It would not be possible without people continually following their dreams, continually refusing to let their dreams die, refusing to let their small town die. People will drive by, see many cars, and wonder what is happening in such a small town.
If they return the next weekend, Hope Ride, and the weekend after, Heritage Days, and ..., they might just decide to stop and make Hope their home. Why not? There is room for another person wishing to make their dreams a part of our dreams in Hope, Ind.[[In-content Ad]]
