I've been reflecting on the power of throwing our own parties.

In a sense this goes along with the philosophy that we are responsible for our own happiness AND with my belief that if you can’t get in the front door, build your own house! How did I get to thinking about this?

Last week I shared a story that began in 2006, all about assuming another artist thought I was a hack.

Today I’m diving into the vaults again to share another paradigm-shifting experience. In 2011, ten years ago, I was invited to be part of the Tarragon Theatre’s playwrights’ unit – a yearlong programme run by Toronto’s “playwright’s theatre”.

In 2006, in my final year of theatre school, I was cast in a lead role in one of our big shows.

I was so excited, but on our first day of rehearsal, when our director asked us to improvise the show, scene by scene, it quickly became evident that my classmates and I were grossly underprepared.

My Mum, Donna Penrose turned 70 a few weeks ago.

I genuinely lucked out with her. Or, if you go in for the idea that we choose our parents before we’re born, holy sh*t did I choose well.

In honour of her seven decades on this planet, I’m sharing 10 extremely useful life lessons she’s taught me by example…

The saving grace for me right now is the good weather in London.

Daffodils and crocuses have pushed through the earth. We've got daylight beyond until almost 8pm. And the temperature is above 10 degrees.

Sorry to open with a paragraph on the weather, but really it's having a HUGE impact on my mood.

I get emailed frequently from artists grappling with IMPOSTER SYNDROME and how to overcome it so they move into the careers and lives they desire.

Let's talk about how depressing this time of year is. Good grief.

I've been reflecting on what I know I can do to keep my spirits up.

If you're struggling with malaise or glumness these days, here's a grab bag of tools that work for me.

I think SM is a slippery fish. It can be a great way to promote your work, connect with audiences or fellow creators, but it is also the source of MUCH suffering!

The suffering takes many forms…

My Mum, Donna Penrose, is a scientist. Between her early twenties through her fifties, she worked in all sorts of labs, and earned a PhD in Molecular Biology.

Not long ago she was talking about scientific work and what makes a scientist. It struck me that the key ingredient to a successful career in science, is applicable to those of us in the arts.