Author: susannahmars

Four years I’ve been blogging since April of 2022. That’s a little over four years. Sheesh, that’s a long time.  I wondered, a few weeks ago, what spurred me to blog in the first place, and I was surprised to find that my first blog was about working on a short film, on which I’m … Read More

Lately, I have been thinking about how time dances. Imagining it moving as a march feels too hard-edged. It spins and dips. Recently, most days, I feel as though I am Alice in the Looking Glass. Dancing here on planet Earth. I read the news headlines, and I cannot believe them to be true. How … Read More

Processing top down  I searched for any beginnings I might have made for this August blog post, and to my surprise and delight I had notes. I’ll jot down items that interest me in writing about, and on occasion I’ll find them! This time around I was happy to see my own personal thought diving board for August and even more thrilling? … Read More

Happy hour I performed for Friends of Chamber Music (FOCM), and decided to sing Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s Close to You. It’s deceptive, that song, as so many of Bacharach’s are. It feels easy and simple, but that chart is full of extra beats and hidden bars that are his signature. As I was … Read More

Three Six Five I’ve purchased a new book: Three Six Five; prompts, acts, divinations, by Lucy Ives. As I mentioned in my last entry, I’m wondering, “What’s next for me?” And by what’s next, I mean, what can I cook up for myself that is meaningful for this last swath of time I have in … Read More

April showers bring May phlegm? I’ve been sick twice lately. Very out of character. I’m done with it! Is the planet slowly but surely trying to do us humans in? I wouldn’t blame it. Our cast of SpongeBob is dropping like congested flies. It’s a mask fest at rehearsal. There is an upside, in my … Read More

This is the Marspril blog. Why Marspril? I couldn’t get my head and fingers around writing and publishing in March, so it’s a hybrid, “Marspril.” March mixed with Mars and a sprinkle of April. Perfect, as it is sprinkling right now. What is it they say, “April showers bring May flowers?” If the rain is … Read More

St. Valentine’s Day is anon. I found myself wondering about this saint and his day. I have mixed feelings about the day itself; it brings joy to so many, and for the same number of humans, it likely brings despair and an echo of loneliness. Of course, there are many nuances of feeling for this … Read More

Courageous love and joy Reading through some writing and class notes from last year, I found this: “Liberation is food for the bellies and hearts of all; tender care of our miraculous planet and all living things on it, a collective sigh of love and gratitude; a tender bend into the cycle of life.” Yesterday … Read More

Precious Gems Happy Holidays 2025 What’s inspired you this year? As this year ends, I’m reflecting. I’ll share my inspirations; will you share yours? First, the song accompanying these photos — Precious Gems — was written by me during a 7-week songwriting journey collaborating with the brilliant Stephanie Schneiderman. Sharing stories and making art in … Read More