Reflecting on the ProduceHERS Women Artist's Showcase

Q&A with the artists.

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind for me. I'm glad that hosting my first Thanksgiving is behind me. It was small dinner, which is fine by me. Thanks go out to my mom and mother-in-law for helping me prepare the staple items such as the turkey and the stuffing.

I've been running on close to empty going into this holiday weekend. It was filled with travel to Baltimore for a training on Results-based Facilitation and then a trip to St. Louis to record interviews for an anniversary video. I also finalized my team's script for the 2012 Action on Film Writers' Room Invitational and said good-bye to one job as I prepare to start another.

Halima rehearsing with the actors.

During this time I also squeezed in coordinating the second ProduceHERS' event, a Women's Artist Showcase with partner Halima Flynn. The  Showcase was held at the downtown New Haven Public Library and ran from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Although we got off to a late start, it didn't take away from the creative aura that was in the room. We had a small attendance, but I'm a firm believer in quality over quantity. I am proud to say those who were in attendance were engaged in the event. There were also some familiar faces. A special shout out to my friends ChaChanna and Carmen, who always manage to come out and support me. I'm so grateful to have you both in my inner circle.

I also have to to thank all the women who participated in the event. I was engaged in each of the presentations. Dana's photo presentation took me to countries in Europe, Asia, and the middle east. Hearing the actor's read my dialogue brought me back to my mid-twenties, and the essay Anne read from her anthology Press Pause Moments  brought home the theme of women empowerment.  The program was powerful. Our communities have a wealth of talented, strong and passionate women and the ProduceHERS aims to continue to tap into the creativity, engage and share it with the community. I'm proud to be a part of this community and a messenger in getting the word out about creative women.

Dana's photo presentation.

As the end of the year closes, I like to take this time to reflect on all that I have done and what I wanted to do in 2012. Launching The ProduceHERS was on the list. So much energy went into getting this collaborative effort off the ground. However, I also realize moving this community-focused effort forward and sustaining it overtime is going to take a more focused and strategic effort in 2013.

I have so many things to reflect on in 2012 and I post is just one of a few you will see with a reflection theme. The time to think about what worked, what didn't, and then begin to plan for next year is here.

With Thanksgiving day gone, the Jewish and Christian holiday season is officially here and although it is easy to get sucked into the commercialism I will stay the course on reflecting for 2012 and count the many blessing that I have had this year.