DISH-PATCH (017): Ode to the TAW-Mates...

Having just wrapped the last THE ARTIST’S WAY Zoom session, Happy Puppy KEE-RA’s human, the Suit-in-Transition MEREDITH was energized and ready to hear-out-loud ideas pinging around in her head. Let’s listen in. —The Gang

FADE IN:

INT. MEREDITH’S HOUSE

After exiting the ZOOM, she stood up and stretched while Kee-Ra silently observed. She looks in his direction and they both silently nod — heading for the front door to get some air… and also, perhaps AIR IT OUT…

DISSOLVE TO.

EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD (WORLD OF JOY)

They hit the sidewalk and bounce along. After a block or so, Kee-Ra gets things started.

KEE-RA
So, Mama… was that a WRAP?

MEREDITH
Yes and No… Feels like just the beginning…

KEE-RA
Beginning? Like … Casablanca when they walk off into the fog?

A smile comes across her face…

MEREDITH
Yes, my perceptive Pal. That is a perfect way to visualize it…

They walk some more. Smiling and greeting others doing their early evening routine.

…You’ve changed, Mama. I sense… Calmness?

KEE-RA
You’ve changed, Mama. I sense… Calmness?

She continues to smile.

KEE-RA
It was…

MEREDITH
Connections and… Crayola-izing of my world has begun.

Connections were made…

KEE-RA
Ah! Creative! Good! Like it!
Now educate me on the Crayola-thing.

MEREDITH
I wrote about it recently in my MUSINGS… My world as a Suit – black and white… Stark. Not much in the way of even shades of grey… Ya march along…getting things done… Your perceived DUTY is to stay on track… a track set by bosses, clients, etc.

KEE-RA
Sounds kinda GRIM.

MEREDITH
Good word. That sense of duty propels you along. And not really knowing of anything else or rather any WAY else, you do what you gotta do… Grinding through TASKS. Meeting deadlines.

KEE-RA
Then… rinse – repeat. Day in. Day out… I gotcha. But… what’s this Crayola thing of which you speak?

MEREDITH
When we were kids… the throw-down to keep us entertained… paper and something to draw with — like pencils and eventually … you’d get handed … I think … 8-pack of crayons. Suddenly, there’s an option to DRAW. IN. COLOR.

KEE-RA
Ah! So…?

MEREDITH
Well… 8-vs-1… So many options. There’s joy, of course… and then, a choice… Lots of choices. So early on, we get exposed to choices.

KEE-RA
So Crayola-izing … Choices?

…having WONDERFUL OPTIONS brings energy into your world… Inspiring… it is…

MEREDITH
Yes, and… really… having WONDERFUL OPTIONS brings energy into your world… Inspiring… it is… Can’t quite…

KEE-RA
That’s okay, Mama. I think I understand… KATIE, my trail pal… She’s… my Crayola. So is…

Looking over, Kee-Ra sees FINN-FINN out with his human and gives a wave.

MEREDITH
Your Pals from the hood, like FINNY over there… Yup! You do understand.

KEE-RA
The gang at JEDEMI… Crayolas too!

MEREDITH
Ah… Yes and…

They walk another block while Meredith thinks out her thoughts.

KEE-RA
What, Mama, what?

MEREDITH
That reminded me of THIRD PLACE… Something Katie mentioned when we started meeting up at JEDEMI. She said back in the day, IT was her THIRD PLACE… the owner VIV welcomed her with open arms — she made everyone feel welcome and… connected.

KEE-RA
Connected?

MEREDITH
Katie said Viv would introduce you to others and… hand you books that… fit perfectly to whatever the situation you were in…

KEE-RA
Ah… But… THIRD PLACE?

MEREDITH
Marketing people have… very much found a way to attach the concept… the label to STARBUCKS… But Katie told me… her CONNECTION was related to a FEEL after her Euro adventure which sparked even more studies of the creativity that FLO-d in Europe 20s, 30s, 40s…

Just then, growling sounds can be heard.

KEE-RA
That’s me.

MEREDITH
Uh… That’s me!

They laugh.

KEE-RA
We’re both… hungry… Better get on back. Can’t be falling over… I know you.

MEREDITH
Perceptive as always. KATSU CURRY CHICKEN CB… I can smell it already.

KEE-RA
And I can smell that… Comfort Bowl ya got tailored for me… So let’s focus on getting home safely…

MEREDITH
Pick-em-up. Put-em-down. Gotcha!

KEE-RA
Then, if you feel like elaborating on this THIRD PLACE thing, fine BUT honestly, hit it in the AM or whenever… I’ll remind you…

MEREDITH
Thanks, Pal. You’re the best! Now please to lead on!

And they trotted their way towards home.

FADE OUT.

That’s a Wrap..

Indeed. For now… The Artist Way workshop definitely lit a fire within Meredith. Lots of ponderables with more MUSINGS ahead as she cycles through her thoughts (and leverages Kee-Ra as her sounding board).