This Is This

Today, April 25, 2020, is a very special day for two very special people. Even though the big wedding has to be postponed during the pandemic, people who ought to be married can still get married - if we are careful and thoughtful about it. Happy Elopement Day to Victoria and William! Let's do it again in August. Today's reading is "Then Your Heart Is Full Of Love," by Mr. Rogers. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!

One thing I'm hearing over and over during this time of harboring in place (ie. lockdown and curfew) is that people are losing track of the days. The struggle is real! Is it Monday? Saturday? The 7th? The 12th? David shares a fun lesson in French for us to try to get a handle on it. I mean, if you want to.

As we sit at the table recording today's episode, there's a flock of seagulls next door at the Food Lion. They've been "vocal" for several days now. What gives? Also, have the doldrums? Could the game of chess be the answer?

Today's reading from Mr. Rogers is about how it's okay to take your time. One thing we all have right now, as we are practicing social isolation in our homes, is TIME. How do you want to spend it? What if, when this is all over, we come out to me more thoughtful and intentional with our lives?

We're in the second week of social distancing (i.e. not leaving home at all!) and today we were kind of bored. There's a lull. The doldrums. What a fine time, during this void of activity, to think about what we feel and who we are! Mr. Rogers thinks that truth will make us free! What a rich gift this can be.

Have you had a chance to listen to, or watch, any of the free performances of music or theater during your social distancing? I'm trying to soak in all that I can. I've always said it, and now I really believe it: the Arts will save our spirits. Tune in!

David and Kristen share with you one of our morning rituals, froggy throat and all. Horoscopes, Dear Abby, coffee, and kisses. Stay tuned to the very end for a little treat during your time of self isolation. It's Good To Talk, by Mr. Rogers

Today's little check-in includes our determination to get some exercise. We also have a poem from Mr. Rogers called, "I Need You." And we do! We hope this brightens your day.

Hellooooooo, This is This listeners!!!! I am so sorry we went AWOL on you last January. We had a tough year with some stunning losses and, tbh, not in any shape to podcast. This Is This would have been us, sobbing. Now we are back, right on time for a global pandemic. WHAT? In today's episode, we are catching up with you and starting a daily tradition of something sweet for the soul. Glad to have you back!! We really have missed you!

Kristen and David had an unexpected hiatus from THIS IS THIS. Apologies!!! Life got the better of us, schedules were bananas, and Kristen had the world's worst cold. Blech. No one needed to hear that up close and personal. David and Kristen catch up and catch on. Season Three is underway. Thank you for tuning in!

David and Kristen are back! Sorry we've been out of it for a few weeks. Too much to tell. But one thing we want to tell... We had a wonderful truth and reconciliation conversation with the ER doctor who discharged Kristen when she was paralyzed from chest to toes. January 9, 2017 was a harrowing experience and the experience in the ER made everything a little bit worse. After many months and many obligatory preliminary conversations, we got to have a face-to-face with "Dr. Doe." The conversation was incredible. Our respect for Dr. Doe has skyrocketed. We learned so much in our meeting with him. Our Truth was, and is, always our Truth. But Dr. Doe's Truth is also and always his truth. We learned much from one another. Give it a listen and learn the flip side of our priceless coin. XOXO, K & D

We have talked about "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Today we are asking, "Why do good people do bad things?" Kristen and David have a philosophical conversation about this very topic. We also have the benefit of enjoying some notes from an earlier conversation with Kristen's parents. Join us and then chime in! Tell us what you think!

David and Kristen spend some time talking about adversity and conflict they have experienced as children and then as adults. How did they handle it as kids? And as adults? What's different? And what would they say to their younger selves? What do YOU do?

After several weeks of interviews with extraordinarily cool people, David and Kristen check in for an update. We're glad to be back together again with you on THIS IS THIS! Please subscribe, rate, and review. We'd love to see some "star" action. The more people who take a moment to do this, well, the easier it is for people to find us on their favorite podcast network. Thanks and Cheers! Love, David and Kristen

- Shakespeare. On 04/08/2016, under a majestic old oak tree, I officiated the wedding for Bill & Bonnie. Retinitis Pigmentosa has plagued Bill his whole life, slowly deteriorating his vision. There is no cure. As Shakespeare said, "Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind," I can tell you Bill & Bonnie have found a deep & beautiful love with one another. Bonnie has had to increase her role as the seeing partner (driving, and so forth) & Bill has had to learn to accept this. Their love, friendship, & raucous sense of humor is infectious, a beautiful thing to behold. In my own marriage, in my role as the one who needs care, Bill & Bonnie have so very much to teach me. I am forever grateful for their example & their lessons.

Joellen and I met when we worked together at a little Irish Pub. We've been thick as thieves ever since. You'd think, at some point, I'd have asked her about growing up in West Virginia as a coal miner's daughter. On a sunny day in July, we sat down together and she told me all about it. We also have a surprise visit from the one and only James Keegan, former colleague of David's and old friend of ours. The stars have aligned so that this week's episode includes two of my favorite people. I hope you enjoy their company as much as I do!

I'm delighted to introduce you to my remarkable friend, Sherry Ramsey, Esq. She is a licensed attorney in NY and NJ and an Adjunct Professor. I can't say enough about this passionate and compassionate woman. Pour yourself a beverage and join us as Sherry shares her secret to a long successful marriage, the importance of friendships, and her stunning law career on behalf of animals, prosecuting animal cruelty cases. While her work is dead serious, her personality is charming and good fun. Quite the combo. Join us!

While I was in VA this summer I was able to sit down with my parents for another conversation for THIS IS THIS. They are such good sports. We are airing this on September 2, 2018, which is Mom and Dad's 59th Wedding Anniversary!!!! Happy Anniversary! We talk about Massanetta Springs, education, their consistent use of inclusive language, and my Dad's book, which I encourage you to read! (Contact me for a free e-copy of his book!). Our conversation is also interrupted with phone calls, neighbors dropping in, and dinner chimes. Because, well, THIS IS THIS. Happy 59th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!!!!

Kristen is thrilled to introduce you to Couple #100, Allen and Gary. Together for over 30 years, our dear dear friends talk about their remarkable story of finding and loving one another over the decades, long before Marriage Equality was legal. If any of you have ever wondered or questioned the significance and importance of Marriage Equality, listen to this conversation. Without a doubt and with 700% confidence, these two men deserve the right to be married to one another and to have their marriage recognized and honored in every way, church and state. Every couple should wish for the length of years and the depth of friendship and love that Allen and Gary share. Enjoy Kristen's conversation with these beautiful men. (And check out these photos of them in the same tuxes that still fit! They look exactly the same after 30+ years together!)

Rett Syndrome – genetic disorder, "has no motor planning." Everything is compromised. https://reverserett.org https://www.rettsyndrome.org/ This week's interview is with our dear friend, Miriam Donald Burrows. Miriam and Daniel met in an audition in NYC for Shenandoah Shakespeare. They hit it off immediately, discovered they were both hired, and began the beautiful friendship and love that would change their lives forever. Settled in Staunton, VA, Miriam and Daniel are bringing up their two beautiful children, Clark and Cordelia (Cordie), surrounded by a village of close friends and allies. Early in her young life, Cordie has been diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. As Miriam states early in the interview: "This is a story about expectations." And "…the funeral of the expectation…". Life lessons: Who do you want to be, really? What are you going to do about it? What are you waiting for? And how do you take care of yourself when life has handed you a puzzle in human form? Miriam and Daniel are simply a marvel.