Movement Memories Adventures in Morocco

Last month, I performed a workshop at St. John's on the Lake in Milwaukee, WI. called Movement Memories Adventures in Morocco. It consisted of about 15 participants from that community, and we all contributed stories and dreams to a dance piece about traveling. We began with a comforting warm up that got our bodies and minds connected in the activity with music from Camille who is a singer from France that uses movements to change the sound she is creating. I find her music to be playful and edgy while with a sense of calm. It certainly brought our warm-up to a different place and time.
Then I asked them to share their experiences traveling or dreams to travel. We then created an adventurous dance that went from France to Soviet Russia, Morocco to Hawaii, and our own back yard. The stories were fascinating, and the movement that grew from them was hilarious and sometimes touching. I got so caught up in all of this that I lost track of time completely. I think I could have improved different timing because after we did the dance then I also did a brief presentation on Morocco and my adventures. I don't know. I have mixed feelings because I did enjoy hearing all of their stories and wishes. Also, It is a pleasure to share and relive my memories of Morocco. I had a blast, and even got to do a little belly dancing to the music of Samira Said whose music I was introduced to during my time in Morocco.

The biggest challenge was seeing everyone in the group because they all had different abilities. St. John's has a large community of people who can live freely on their own with little assistance and then people who need a little more care. In the future, I think it would be helpful if I switch where I'm sitting throughout the workshop so different areas have equal attention.

Photo Taken from St. John's website

It was a little nerve racking, but I had great assistance from St. John's staff especially Angela Crimmings who I worked with closely. She had great advice including having a little more volume. I tend to be soft spoken at times, and it doesn't work! Crimmings was very encouraging though, and said a comfortable volume will come with experience. It's kind of funny though because I generally like to talk a lot, but in important situations I become all quiet.

I hope to present again at St. John's. The community environment is friendly, respectful, and open. I enjoy their company with their abundance of knowledge and experience.

Interview with Joseph Kuczkowski (Uncle Joe) Owner of Collins Woodwork

My Uncle Joe has always been a carpenter for as long as I have known him. I have seen him build beautiful, extraordinary things from wood. He actually began his interest in carpentry when he started working for his neighbor Mr. Collins at 12 years old. Starting pay was $1 an hour in 1973, and he quickly received a raise to $2 after his first week. I never knew this information about Uncle Joe until this interview, and I find it very interesting that at a young age he knew who he wanted to be. I suppose I was the same way when I was younger, except, I wanted to be a star on Broadway! Little differences...

Image taken from Collins Woodwork Website

Over the years of working at Collins Woodwork, Uncle Joe took over the business, and now is the business owner. I think it must have been challenging, but my uncle has learned how to balance his personal and professional life well. He told me his biggest confrontation was that he forgot how to smile, and had to relearn over the first 5 years that he owned the business how to smile again. With fears of the economy and being true to oneself, I can empathize with that sentiment because I know that I can become a little caught up in my own fears. Specifically, I fear failure. To control one's fear is a huge step in owning a business. I hope that I make many mistakes, and face failure with the successes.

Another lesson I learned from our interview was to leave problems that are work related at work, and not carry them home. We all have to take some "Me Time", and for my Uncle that has always been reading a book in the bathtub. I don't know if he really wanted me to write about his bathing habits, but I thought it was important! I have so many ways to take "Me Time" whether it be watching TV, stalking people on facebook, or going out to eat by myself with a good book. It is great to just enjoy in simple activities. What do you do to escape the everyday obstacles? I'm sure we all have our place for "Me Time". It makes for a healthier individual.

Now. Collins Woodwork is a small business with a big impact. It is just different from a bigger hardware store that deals in bulk rather than keeping close with customers. My Uncle made sure to tell me that the customers and coworkers are what make a difference, and we are nothing without other people. I find this so true in what I do with my dancing, and I feel like it would be a loss if I couldn't share my love with the people around me.

Joe Kuczkowski is most definitely an artist with wood and business. He creates life experiences out of his business, and his business thrives because of his life experiences. Collin's Woodwork Cabinetry could be better called Collin's Woodwork Artistry!

Thank you Uncle Joe for always being so loving and caring, and allowing me to take up some of your time for an interview.

Image taken from Collins Woodwork on Facebook