Everyone has things they’re good at, and well, not so good at. Right? Myself included. I’m not the best at taking criticism. I’m terrible at ignoring messes. And I totally stink at things like change, baking, and good-byes.

Ugh.

I confess I’ve been putting off writing this post–or even thinking about it–for a few days now, because today’s writing represents more than one of the things I’m really, really bad at: change and good-byes.

At least I’m in good company: David Bowie, wrote of such difficulties in his famous ‘71 hit,. In his song by the same name, Bowie belted how “Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes” cause us to “turn and face the strange.” And Elton John, Lenny Kravitz, and at least 122 other singers–no, that’s not a typo, 122 other singers–crooned about the inherent difficulty in saying good-bye.

But there is one good thing about changes and good-byes. They are usually followed by hellos. As I say good-bye to the blog portion of my post as the Racine Arts Council’s Writer-in-Residence, you will have a new someone new to say “Hello!” to. (Please note: The project portion of my post runs Thursdays through July 26th; if you care to join us down at the Racine Public Library, weekly from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for writing prompts, education, critique, and fun, please do! We’ve assembled a warm and intelligent group of writers and have been having a really great time together!)

Not only that, but I personally will have something new to say hello to. I honestly have no idea what that is yet, but I do know it will bring me new insights, new lessons, and new joys. I also fully believe that what Aristotle said about nature abhorring a vacuum will pull through for me. This clever observation has proven true again and again for me, and I’m sure if you give it some thought, you’ll see it’s proven true over and over for you as well.

Still, it’s scary leaving the familiar for something unknown.

I don’t know what’s next for me, or who’s next for you. But I do know this: There is more visual, performing, and literary art in Racine than I was ever aware if. In addition to a fabulous new Writer-in-Residence, here is just a sampling of what you can expect to find this summer in Racine:

Mondays: The Wustum Museum of Fine Arts has classes for adults and children. Call 636-9177 for more details or to sign up. Limited scholarships are available.

Tuesdays: The Racine Art Museum is open and hosts beautiful shows year round. Call 262-638-8300 for specifics.

Alternating Wednesdays: Grassroots Open Mike, a presentation of Family Power Music, invites literary and musical artists of all ages and genres to read at Robert’s Roost restaurant in the evenings. Check out the Family Power Music Facebook page for more info on this free event. Donations of non-perishable food items for the Racine Food Pantry are appreciated.

Thursdays: First Presbyterian Church hosts Music & More each week at 12:00 p.m. through August. Donations are appreciated. Call 262-632-1686 for more info or to find out who’s playing what, and when.

Fridays: The exhibits at the Racine Arts Council are open from noon to five, as well as evenings during First Fridays.

Maybe we’ll see each other at one of these events. Maybe we’ll be singing, like the Beatles did, “I don’t know why you say good-bye. I say hello!”

Until then, thank you so much for sharing this space with me, and for supporting me with your faithfulness and kind words. I am grateful for each of you, and to the Foundation that supports the WIR program, and to the Racine Arts Council, Nick Ramsey, and the Coven of previous Writers-in-Residence for blessing for their support.

Photo by Jan Tinneberg on Unsplash