Monday, March 21, 2016

Little Things, Big Impact


People tend to think that national leaders and big events are what make history. "If only I was born during that time...my life would be more interesting, more fulfilled, I'd make a difference then, I might even be a hero..." I think, it is almost opposite. We are the ones who make history - any and everyone of us has the potential and ability to make the difference, both in our own life and in those who are near us. Our small decisions impact life, like circles on water, at first it is a small circle, it seems it touches only you and nobody else, then it goes wider and touches those who are right next to you - your family and friends, then even bigger circle, touching your neighbors, people in your town, people who speak the same language with you, and then the whole world, and who knows, maybe even beyond.


The ideas can seem small compared to some world historical events, but the impact they have on people's lives can be huge. Back in 1918, a small group of enthusiasts founded a theatrical organization in Tacoma the goals of which were to educate, entertain, and build a community while doing what they loved. Today, 98 years later, the descendants of that organization are still doing it - I am talking about Tacoma Little Theatre, which Justin and I discovered just recently, but having explored a lot of community theaters around Puget Sound, I can say that this one is one of the best, in terms of both the quality of production, and the careful choice of plays that evoke deep feelings, like two of the plays we had an opportunity to see this year, "Second Samuel" (written by Pamela Parker) and "The Last Night of Balihoo" (written by Alfred Uhry). Action in both plays occurs in the late 1930s to 1940s in the southern United States, and both plays talk about acceptance, which seems to me one of the most important topics of today's world, starting with acceptance of those who are not like you (which is, whoever you are, really, the majority of the world, isn't it?) and finishing with self-acceptance.


I like to take into consideration what period piece we're about to observe, or what culture it is, and make it a mini-challenge for myself to dress accordingly - it is my way to relate to the work other people put in front of me, my way to relate to these people and my way of thanking them. So for a rainy Spring day (the first Spring day this year!), I picked this classical sweater dress and accessorized it with pearls (both fake and genuine), a polka dot trench and a wicker purse. Very 1940s, in my book. I wore a new pair of suede boots by Aquatalia, which are a great find at Nordstrom Rack. I own a similar pair of boots in espresso leather and love them. It is a pricy (by my standards) brand, the regular price for these boots would be around $500, but I got them with 60% discount. They are waterproof (which is a big plus for our climate), made in Italy, and very comfortable, with a built-in platform. Funny that I was asked right there, by the theater, where I got these boots. :)



The building where we can watch all these amazing plays being created by volunteer actors and staff members (only a small group of professionals run the theater and hire directors), at very affordable prices, was built in 1913 and used to be a garage, until the theater bought it in 1940. The building features a rail station turntable installed around that time. The historical photo above is from the theater's web site - http://www.tacomalittletheatre.com. Below you can see how the theater looks today - I took this photo of a mural on the side of the building.


 Apparently, I am not the only one whose young chap takes pictures of her in front of the theater and blooming trees.

Benefits of a live theater are almost endless. As much as I love movies, I think that nothing can replace the live energy of a theater. To me, a story line or subject in art are not what matter the most. What matters the most is the heart and soul artists put into their work. And when it is done by enthusiasts who are eager to share their art as much as we are eager to share our style or writing here on our blogs, you can be sure that what you get is not only a skill, at times pretty amazing, but a genuine, free flowing feelings, exchange of emotions and thoughts, from an author through a director, costume and set designers, and actors. Theater is a dialog. Very much like blogging. They are doing an amazing job here. Little theater makes a big impact. And very much like theater, we also have an impact on life, bigger than we probably realize - we change life, we make a difference in the world, and ultimately we make a history.


Do you love theater? Have you explored your local community theaters?

Dress and necklace - Lane Bryant
Trench coat - Ralph Lauren
Boots - Aquatalia
Purse - via TJ MAXX (old)

Linking up with

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28 comments:

  1. natasha!
    what a wonderful post! especially the part about history and impact of individuals is saying what i feel!!
    i like to go to the theater - but here its a drive for more then 1 hour to get to one. and then back in the midst of the night.... near here is a summer open air in the woods between impressive rocks - but the program is made for mass-tourists - just loud and a bit hollow. the few good productions run only on 2-3 evenings - where you can bet that it will rain!
    your ensemble is totally gorgeous!!!! would steal the whole thing and wear it asap! with the rainbow umbrella!!!
    hugs!!! xxxx

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    1. I know what you mean, Beate. Living in metropolis has its benefits (like endless opportunities to experience culture), though I dream of moving to the middle of nowhere some day... when I won't need that much "culture" outside of me, I guess.

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  2. We love theater as well though it's getting pricier even in community theaters with cost of license for play itself. Daughter has a role high school play, a tiny one, but that will be fun. You look fab and the dose of color with umbrella cheers through the rain.

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    1. Our community theaters have very low prices, from $10 to $24 per ticket. Professional theater begins at about $50 around here. Symphony begins at $18 or so, but don't quote me - I am terrible with numbers... :)

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  3. I love theatre (and opera!) and I'm used to attend almost every play performed in our local theatre. It's not a big theatre, and it's not a big city, so there aren't so many plays as I would like.
    I'm loving your attitude about dressing up accordingly to the play you're going to watch, that's amazingly creative and funny!!!. Love your polka dot trench over your dress, such a cool layering, and your lovely boots!!
    It's always inspiring to read your posts!
    besos

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    1. Hello fellow theater lover! I attended so many plays, opera, ballet performances, panthomim shows, jazz and symphony concerts, pop and rock concerts when I was single and lived in Russia. Practically every week I visited something, plus art exhibits, festivals etc. Here I slowed down a bit - family, work, busy, busy, busy... for many years in a row. Now I am finally enjoying freedom from going to work and do whatever I want, and I am so happy to rediscover theater, symphony, museums... and learn so much about it here on my new continent. Some day, I'll have enough of it and move to a countryside to grow tomatoes. :)

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  4. Oh yes I love Theater. We have a open air Theater near to us. We join it and visit it every playtime.
    You look amazing and the Pictures are wonderfull with flowers and umbrella :)
    Have a good time, hugs Tina

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    1. I looove open air theater! Special feeling indeed. I remember attending open air shows back in my childhood, we called it "green theater" - in the fields by the woods, outside of our little town. The performances were only during summer of course, otherwise too cold in Siberia. :) The memories of a big group of people, families, all together laugh and share something wonderful, the magical twilight and festive electric bulbs as we are going home after the performance... some of the magical moments of my yearly years.

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  5. You look incredibly elegant, such a chic outfit, and the colourful umbrella makes a virtue out of a necessity!
    Now this is probably a shameful thing to admit (and me an English and Drama graduate) but... I'm not that bothered about theatre. There, I said it. Really, I can take or leave it, I would far rather see live music than a play, the buzz from that experience is fantastic. But hey, I'm quite sure I am in a minority, and all those who enjoy participating in theatre of any sort should continue to do so! Xxx

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    1. We're all different, and more than that - we are all changing all the time, and what used to fascinate us a year ago or so, does not touch us today. What to be ashamed of, it's just how we are, people, ever changing and growing and liking something and disliking something else. :) Music is my big love as well. I used to write articles about musicians and was pretty good at it actually.

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  6. Wonderful post! We must never underestimate what a small group of people can do! And you look fabulous, love the umbrella too. xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. Yes! And not only a small group of people, but each individual person can make a big difference, each of us. :)

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  7. Very beautiful and elegant look, Natalia! Black and white, stripes and polka dots - very smart pairing. Impressive umbrella, I need one like this for the monsoon season here :)

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    1. It's my husband's umbrella - he's got a good eye, I actually was envisioning another umbrella for this shot, but he picked this one, and I am glad he did.

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  8. Theatre in your area seems wonderful, thee colourful mural says it all. So admire you for taking the time to dress to relate to the production of the day. The black and white dress and spotted coat are perfect for such an event . I can see why your boots drew attention, ever so stylish.

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    1. It's just so much more fun when we interact with one another - not only watch what performers offer, but participate in it in some way. :)

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  9. The theme of this post reminds me of the movie Midnight in Paris. We're often nostalgic for periods we never knew, but in the present, we get to appreciate eras past while still enjoying the benefits of now.

    This look encapsulates so many of my favorite things: rainbow, polka dots, chunky beads, and ankle boots. Chic with retro flair!

    <3 Liz
    www.withwonderandwhimsy.com

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    1. Oh yes, Woody Allen - my greatest cinematic love. Can't wait for his first ever TV series he is making for Amazon. Midnight in Paris is one of his best movies for sure, love it!

      I agree with you totally about the past and the now.

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  10. Natalia!! I can't believe it took me so long to discover that your blogging resumed! Then I saw a message you sent in my old email box, several months ago. I'm so sorry I've been out of touch! It's so good to see you again.
    I may pick up blogging again as I will be working in a small local women's retail shop close to home for some extra cash. I may get inspired again. You are back on my radar so look out!! ;-)

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    1. Hello Joni,

      I was so glad that you left a comment on my blog recently - to tell the truth, I started thinking that I offended you in some way and could not figure out why... so it was a relief to see that you were OK with me. :)

      I do not write/comment regularly these days, so I only now got to check your latest post, and it seems you deleted your blogs. I am so sorry to see you leaving Bloglandia. You are such a talented, kind, soulful writer and artist, and I will miss your presence a lot. I understand that sometimes we just need a change, and old things seem to weigh too much to bring with us into the future. I hope you are doing well, feeling well, and that your family is well too. I hope we can connect again some day! I still have the book you gave me.

      I only have one email address for you, so I was trying to reach out that way. I tried again, and the delivery failed, so I am writing you here.

      All the very best to you, and please stay connected. I think a lot of us bloggers are shy people and introverted to some extend, and sometimes we just do not feel social - I know I am this way myself. But I also think that we could become closer friends, or at least good fellow artists/writers in real life, if we care, and I just wanted you to know that I do care...

      I think of you every time I visit Burien, which is still, once a week for my daughter acting class. :)

      With lots of love and sincerely,
      Natalia

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  11. Love the bold striped dress and the colorful umbrella!
    You are right and your message is so timely, we can and do make a difference at the individual level. Well said and lovely to see !
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com/

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  12. I do love theatre though I admit I don't go often. We have a Little Theatre group here too and a few other groups. I also enjoy professional productions in small venues but we don't have that in my town. You and your words are beautiful as always. I love the colourful umbrella with the black and white outfit. xoxoxo

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    1. Theater is wonderful, though it's only one way to appreciate life. :) You sure find many other ways to love life where you live, Shawna!

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  13. I couldn't agree more. Little things are often not so little...and we never know what kind of impact our actions can have. Sometimes even a small gesture can mean so much. Often a simple smile can make a world of difference to someone. A tender smile is something we can remember for years and carry in our soul like a precious jewel of some sort!

    It is wonderful that there is a theatre with such a long tradition there. I love going to theatre, seeing plays and operas...and I really admire professional actors and singers there. It takes a lot to perform almost every night. There are a lot of wonderful artists in this world. They are a true inspiration!

    ...and your outfit is very inspiring too! Good job on finding those lovely boots. A nice pair of boots is a good thing to have. I have two pairs I'm really happy with and that I wear often.

    You look very feminine, ladylike, pretty and chic!

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    1. Thanks, Ivana! There are so many talents around us, you are right... but also within us!

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  14. I wished I had a better appreciation for live theater, but most time I fall asleep! I adore your fun umbrella with this black and white outfit.

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

    Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.

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    1. I remember once during a musical someone was snoring in front of me... what to do, we all are different! It's better than falling asleep while driving!! :)

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