Three things from DAH. 

DAH is me, David Anthony Hance. I'm trying not to shout so much.

First up this week, Timing …  
Some years ago I performed in David Ives' All in the Timing. I believe that much is in the timing, but I'm not here to talk about Ives' six short plays. Nor am I recommending stop-watch management of the day (although I used to time how long it took me to drive from point to point during my commute). I do believe that fortuitous intersections of timing with opportunity are often called "good luck," and that good luck (fortunate timing meets real opportunity) have as much to do with success as do skill and natural ability. By "success" I mean those achievements deemed positive by our society. I think about this often. I've encountered people who believe their success in one field means they can be successful in many. Yet they are not. I've also known skilled and able people with unfortunate timing and few opportunities. 
The Role of Luck in Life Success Is Far Greater Than We Realized

Second up this week, Theatricality …  
I'm reading Moment Work (by Moisés Kaufman and Barbara Pitts McAdams). This is from that: 
"Tom Stoppard once described an outdoor production of The Tempest … performed on an outdoor stage, near a lake. After Prospero bade Ariel farewell (Act V, Scene 1), the spirit ran across the stage and straight into the lake, where to everyone's surprise he continued to run on the surface of the water (the set designer had built a walkway in the water invisible to the audience). The audience saw Ariel running across the lake, and as he disappeared into the darkness of the oncoming evening, fireworks erupted into the air from the far shore. When the sparks were gone, so was Ariel." Gosh, I sure love live theatre (or theater … I can never decide which).  
Why Live Theatre is Better Than the Movies

Third up this week, Taste …  
I like lots and dislike little. I imagine my taste to be broad ranging and largely based on choice. But, in addition to risking timing and opportunity: "Science has shown that you are not who you think you are. There are biological gremlins driving every action and personality trait that you assumed were of your own volition." (Prof. Bill Sullivan, from the online article linked below). OK, OK. While I buy that I'm not particularly self-determined, I'll bet that some part of my preference for old vine Zinfandel and unoaked white wines is learned, based on how much tasting I've done. And my appreciation for the absurd in life? That's got to be a gift from the dogs. Mine didn't wrap anything for me this year, but they did allow me to watch, ponder, and laugh with love. 
Why we like what we like: A scientist's surprising findings

And a bit more:

At the Theatre: To the Lady Behind Me
by A P Herbert

Dear Madam, you have seen this play;
I never saw it till today.
You know the details of the plot,
But, let me tell you, I do not.
The author seeks to keep from me
The murderer's identity,
And you are not a friend of his
If you keep shouting who it is.
The actors in their funny way
Have several funny things to say,
But they do not amuse me more
If you have said them just before;
The merit of the drama lies,
I understand, in some surprise;
But the surprise must now be small
Since you have just foretold it all.
The lady you have brought with you
Is, I infer, a half-wit too,
But I can understand the piece
Without assistance from your niece.
In short, foul woman, it would suit
Me just as well if you were mute;
In fact, to make my meaning plain,
I trust you will not speak again.
And—-may I add one human touch?—-
Don't breathe upon my neck so much.

And that's all for this week.
From Mary Oliver’s poem Sometimes …  

Instructions for living a life:
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it. 

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