LizAnn's Debut Movement Performance

March 3, 2009

Last night was the 3rd annual progressive art evening in Livingston, MT. The event concept begins with an artist creating a work of art in 3 days; the artwork is passed on to a writer who pulls inspiration from the piece and creates a written piece which is then passed on to the next artist as inspiration for their piece…etc. Each person has 3 days. For the past 2 months a group of writers and artists participated. Last night the project was displayed and each written piece was performed in succession by someone other than the writer. LizAnn attended the event a year ago with her friend Lara…and together they suggested to the event coordinator that the art form missing from the event was movement/dance performance. The event coordinator asked Lara months ago if she wanted to participate. Lara and LizAnn collaborated a few weeks ago and a video of their performance was played as part of the art progressive event last night.

We arrived at the venue after a fine dinner with a dozen friends. We rolled from the restaurant down the street (literally…since the curbs in Livingston are not handicap friendly…one of the many things I never noticed before but am so aware of now). The event was held in a local bar/dance club…upstairs…! After inquiring with the bartender, we were taken to the freight elevator by the owner. Large alarming signs announced “Freight Elevator -- NO people allowed!” The bar tender warned us that the elevator was “SCARY” and she hadn’t exaggerated. It was an open shaft with a big old chain and worn wood. Squeaking and groaning, the elevator slowly raised us as the owner operated it from above. I kept the chain from hitting LizAnn…we laughed and talked our way up the thing. Felt like we were in some old movie…and I half expected to see the Phantom of the opera or Lefou peering from the shaft above. Once upstairs we enjoyed socializing with dozens of friends. The event was well attended with standing room only. During LizAnn and Lara’s video portion of the evening I fought tears sprung from pride at the beauty, bravery and life LizAnn emanates in her performance just six months since her accident. Their contribution was a real crowd pleaser…enthusiastic clapping and hooting and hollering from the audience. So here’s the neat part: You can view the video of LizAnn and Lara’s performance on You Tube by following the link below. The video was played on the big screen in much higher quality than you’ll see on You Tube but you can get an idea of their creativity and art.
If you have feedback then I encourage you to direct it toward LizAnn directly via phone or e-mail. I will forward to LizAnn any e-mail that comes to me as well.

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tFyMm_A-N4

Inaugeration Bash

LizAnn and friends were out celebrating the night of the inauguration at a packed private venue. I pushed her through the crowd when they replayed Obama’s speech on a big screen. She had missed the speech earlier in the day so we shared those joyous moments, me crouched behind her, arms around her. Afterwards, a young girl curiously and a bit shyly approached LizAnn to check out her chair. LizAnn asked little Ruby if she wanted up on the chair and after a shy but excited nod, LizAnn pulled her up and spun her around for a little ride on the edge of the dance floor. Once Ruby was done with her ride (I believe she would have been happy sitting there all night!) LizAnn and I began dancing on the edge of the dance floor. A handsome fella she didn’t know, approached LizAnn, grabbed her arms and began spinning her around. They danced the rest of the song. We danced and danced…at one point she yelled over the music, “Help me get in front of the stage! I’ve always danced center-stage…why stop now?!” So…we bumped our way to the front where we continued dancing, song after song…various men, lots of girlfriends, me, her sister Jane, and JoJo (the fella who broke her fall and spent the night on Mt Cowen with her)…each taking turns dancing with that beautiful woman.

New Year - A New Home

LizAnn spent the first night of the new year in her recently remodeled home. She is still settling into the new space, unpacking and getting herself set up there. Many people volunteered countless hours to the project. Peter Belschwender from On Site Management headed up the remodel. He performed an impressive job of keeping the project organized…setting a schedule and meeting deadlines. He also spent a big chunk of the last few months working on the place. His dedication and selfless service was key to the progress and realization of adapting LizAnn’s home to her new lifestyle. We are in awe of the kindness everyone has shown…your efforts are a testament to a caring community…her home a work of love…DEEPLY appreciated. LizAnn sends heartfelt thanks to all.

All Caring community activities (meals, shoveling, etc.) will now take place at her residence on 222 E. Koch.
Thank-you!

Amber