Lately, I’ve been busy, busy, busy—grant writing, workshops, presentations, tabling events. I get so caught up that I don’t just lose track of time—I find gaps, wide gaps in seeing the people who matter to me. I pour everything into Walt’s Waltz, but even I need to step back sometimes. Our work is important—so is downtime, so is changing the channel.

My son Will reminds me to take a break, and this time, I listened. So on March’s First Friday, I reached out to some friends and invited them to the Greenville Center for Creative Arts.  Something marvelous happened.

This night wasn’t about Walt’s Waltz—it was about people, connection, presence. I reconnected with familiar faces, shared laughter with dear friends, and met new ones. The emotive art, the warmth of those around me, and simply being in the moment filled me with joy.

I always tell others to take care of themselves, yet I rarely follow my own advice—too busy, too backed up, too much to do. But life is short, and time moves fast. On this March First Friday, I was present. I was seen. I was reminded that our children can be our greatest teachers.