The sun is finally shining, birds are twittering in the trees and my tulips are up getting ready to bloom. I haven't had a chance to even think about getting into the garden as of yet. This theatre thing keeps interferring. I'm glad the final show has been put to bed so we can now concentrate on getting the political crap out of the way and start running our theatre. I would love to write a script for a day time soap opera about the people and politics but a)I wouldn't know where to start and b) apparently they like believable scripts.
The tent trailer is up and airing out. We are already trying to figure out the first weekend we can go camping depsite all the work that needs to be done in the yard and on the house. It becomes a toss up as to what we can ignore for the longest. Personally, I'm all for ignoring it all until the dust bunnies become violent and start attacking the Chihuahua's but Hubby tends to get a little grumpy about that.
The dishes are waiting to be cleaned but its a nice day out and I think I will take advantage of it. My garden is looking a little gothic and needs to be picked up and cleaned out. I finally can go play in the dirt. I love the feel of the dirt. For a kid who hated the sand box I sure love my garden dirt. I think I like the process of planning it from where I want to expand the strawberry patch to which direction to plant the beets. I've missed my garden.
On that note...
Monday, May 09, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
It's Done!!! Now what?
I went to my hotmail account to log in and see the account as I have only used it as a login for this blog. Lo and behold I could not get into see my email account. Now this baffles me as I have been logging on to this site for years and the email account was no where to be found. The wonders of cyber space and the way it shouldn't work.
Wizard of Oz finally closed. I'm going to miss Aunty Em and Glinda. It was a challenge playing two roles and two distinct personalities. Aunty Em was tired and a little grumpy especially with the farm hands and Glinda was sparkly and light. My singing still needs work but I got the songs out as best I could. I guess I did okay as I was complemented several nights on my duality. I'm really going to miss working with this cast. They deserve to relax as they have been working so hard on lines, songs and dancing. I don't actually get to relax until tomorrow as I have a meeting. I hate meetings. I especially hate them now as I always miss some kind of protocol. The book doesn't help I only get even more confused. But having totally digressed from the topic as per the usual, it was a very successful show.
We had six standing ovations, one for each show, but I'm still saying it was for Toto. The little dog stole the show in every way possible. Closing night, final hug between Aunty Em and Dorthy, just as the curtain close, Toto decides to give us kisses. That little dog knew his cues better than some of us humans. If we weren't being upstaged by the dog, it was the kids who played the munchkins/winkies/flying monkeys who were stealing the show. And what a great bunch of kids. All of them talented, supportive and very very engerectic.
We ran the gauntlet of chicken pox, colds, flus, nerves, anxiety attacks, and a few mental disorders rising up. That was just a small portion, then we had our share of behind the scenes dramas, work issues, family issues and keeping the cast from all the political BS that the city and legion dished out. To top that all off, we even had a problem with a very intoxicated and amorous audience member. Did I mention the politics of the club to add to the mix. I am surprised any of us came out sane. (Using the term loosely especially in my case) I swear I should write a soap opera based on a drama theatre. The sad thing is, from talking to other people belonging to other clubs and not just theatre, this is the norm. It has been a learning experience for all involved and a growing spurt for the club that did include the pain. A lot of it.
The most important thing of all, is that the patrons went home with a smile on their faces. That's all that matters in end. They are the ones who pay to us to entertain them. With each production, there is a set of challenges, whether it be script intensive or the complexity of the set or how the sounds will carry through out a full audience. What amazes me, is no matter the challenge, we have managed so far to overcome and outdo ourselves each time. I have to say as a member of this club, I am terrified of what they will come up with next. I'm waiting for the ropes and levers to make a cast member fly across the stage.
My house is showing the neglect. Dustbunnies are multiplying as I type. I really do wonder how the working people do it. Home, work, family and then they add theatre to really intensify the stress. There is a back log of laundery and dishes waiting for me and of course as I sit here I can see the floor and walls are in sad need of attention.
Screw it. I'm going to go play the Wii and pretend I can wave a wand and make it all disappear.
Wizard of Oz finally closed. I'm going to miss Aunty Em and Glinda. It was a challenge playing two roles and two distinct personalities. Aunty Em was tired and a little grumpy especially with the farm hands and Glinda was sparkly and light. My singing still needs work but I got the songs out as best I could. I guess I did okay as I was complemented several nights on my duality. I'm really going to miss working with this cast. They deserve to relax as they have been working so hard on lines, songs and dancing. I don't actually get to relax until tomorrow as I have a meeting. I hate meetings. I especially hate them now as I always miss some kind of protocol. The book doesn't help I only get even more confused. But having totally digressed from the topic as per the usual, it was a very successful show.
We had six standing ovations, one for each show, but I'm still saying it was for Toto. The little dog stole the show in every way possible. Closing night, final hug between Aunty Em and Dorthy, just as the curtain close, Toto decides to give us kisses. That little dog knew his cues better than some of us humans. If we weren't being upstaged by the dog, it was the kids who played the munchkins/winkies/flying monkeys who were stealing the show. And what a great bunch of kids. All of them talented, supportive and very very engerectic.
We ran the gauntlet of chicken pox, colds, flus, nerves, anxiety attacks, and a few mental disorders rising up. That was just a small portion, then we had our share of behind the scenes dramas, work issues, family issues and keeping the cast from all the political BS that the city and legion dished out. To top that all off, we even had a problem with a very intoxicated and amorous audience member. Did I mention the politics of the club to add to the mix. I am surprised any of us came out sane. (Using the term loosely especially in my case) I swear I should write a soap opera based on a drama theatre. The sad thing is, from talking to other people belonging to other clubs and not just theatre, this is the norm. It has been a learning experience for all involved and a growing spurt for the club that did include the pain. A lot of it.
The most important thing of all, is that the patrons went home with a smile on their faces. That's all that matters in end. They are the ones who pay to us to entertain them. With each production, there is a set of challenges, whether it be script intensive or the complexity of the set or how the sounds will carry through out a full audience. What amazes me, is no matter the challenge, we have managed so far to overcome and outdo ourselves each time. I have to say as a member of this club, I am terrified of what they will come up with next. I'm waiting for the ropes and levers to make a cast member fly across the stage.
My house is showing the neglect. Dustbunnies are multiplying as I type. I really do wonder how the working people do it. Home, work, family and then they add theatre to really intensify the stress. There is a back log of laundery and dishes waiting for me and of course as I sit here I can see the floor and walls are in sad need of attention.
Screw it. I'm going to go play the Wii and pretend I can wave a wand and make it all disappear.
Friday, February 04, 2011
Morning!
Yeah, about this weather everybody has been experiencing lately; tell me again how this has nothing to do with global warming? I have no doubt it is climate change, but what it's changing to is my question? Chicago is hit by the worst snow storm in mid western history(The warnings were hitting Canadian borders while it was still building over Texas): Austraila is being battered by sunami's and cyclones(I've heard from one friend she's okay, and Scribble was still blogging as of the 1st so I relaxed -a little): Russia experience's a heat wave right out of a disaster movie. Need we review the disasters that have occured. Personally I think its Mother Nature buiding up to give humanity one hell of a spanking.
In our own house, I have one dog shedding like there is no tomorrow. Normally at this time of the year, Patches has a thick, sparkley long white coat. This year, he looks like a neglected street dog. I comb him but within an hour it doesn't look like I've done a thing. The cat is ticked off because every time she goes outside there is this frozen white stuff on the ground. The Beagles try get rambunctious but when they have to plough through the snow, they get a little cold.
Bunnies have been rampant this year. Have you ever tried to pull off a 55lb Beagle from the scent of a bunny? Let me tell you its not easy. I knew the minute I saw the bunny tracks it would be a matter of nano-seconds before he caught the scent. I hadn't finished the thought when Gigi and I went flying into the back alley. Not even a fresh blanket of snow could hide that delectable fragrance from Buster's nose. His muzzle dove into the white and billows of fresh powder snow plumed out from his face. He came up once for air, sneezed and then was back into the dive. I tried for half a block to pull him off and finally got his attention at the end. I think the trail ended but I couldn't be sure as he looked up at me and then to the bunny trail slowly being closed over by tire tracks and footprints. He was quite happy to come home for lunch. I went for a soak and tried to reattach my arm to it's socket.
This play is killing me. I have learned a very valuble lesson in this. I will never go from one play to another again. I was nuts, not only didn't I stay in a nice comfy role that would not have required the all the work we are doing, I decide on a whim to challenge myself. Just to intensify the experience of it all. Now I do believe that a director should have an idea of what it is like to stand up on stage and do the things demanded of them that they demand of others. That's just me, because as a director myself, I have a damn good understanding of what I am asking of my actors and crew. Because I give 110% (or give it a damn good try) I expect it of my directors, actors and crew. I'm panicking cause I still am screwing up on my songs, flubbling lines and the set is waiting for me to finish painting it. If I'm freaking out at this point, I can't imagine what the directors are feeling at this point.
I guess I have procrastinated enough on the housework.
In our own house, I have one dog shedding like there is no tomorrow. Normally at this time of the year, Patches has a thick, sparkley long white coat. This year, he looks like a neglected street dog. I comb him but within an hour it doesn't look like I've done a thing. The cat is ticked off because every time she goes outside there is this frozen white stuff on the ground. The Beagles try get rambunctious but when they have to plough through the snow, they get a little cold.
Bunnies have been rampant this year. Have you ever tried to pull off a 55lb Beagle from the scent of a bunny? Let me tell you its not easy. I knew the minute I saw the bunny tracks it would be a matter of nano-seconds before he caught the scent. I hadn't finished the thought when Gigi and I went flying into the back alley. Not even a fresh blanket of snow could hide that delectable fragrance from Buster's nose. His muzzle dove into the white and billows of fresh powder snow plumed out from his face. He came up once for air, sneezed and then was back into the dive. I tried for half a block to pull him off and finally got his attention at the end. I think the trail ended but I couldn't be sure as he looked up at me and then to the bunny trail slowly being closed over by tire tracks and footprints. He was quite happy to come home for lunch. I went for a soak and tried to reattach my arm to it's socket.
This play is killing me. I have learned a very valuble lesson in this. I will never go from one play to another again. I was nuts, not only didn't I stay in a nice comfy role that would not have required the all the work we are doing, I decide on a whim to challenge myself. Just to intensify the experience of it all. Now I do believe that a director should have an idea of what it is like to stand up on stage and do the things demanded of them that they demand of others. That's just me, because as a director myself, I have a damn good understanding of what I am asking of my actors and crew. Because I give 110% (or give it a damn good try) I expect it of my directors, actors and crew. I'm panicking cause I still am screwing up on my songs, flubbling lines and the set is waiting for me to finish painting it. If I'm freaking out at this point, I can't imagine what the directors are feeling at this point.
I guess I have procrastinated enough on the housework.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
And Visions of Munchkins Lurking in my Head
Christmas is done, the New Year has started and I'm grateful the hooplah is over with. As a kid I loved the season and even when I was a young mother I looked forward to the season. Now its dealing with a cluttered house, grumpy husband and the stress of the finacial aspect of it all. So to help eliminated some of it for next year, I've already started buying gifts for next year from the sales this year. (And I have found some skookum gifts for very reasonable prices) Next year Hubby is going up north to his family and I'll stay back with my family. As for the clutter, I've already planned out what is going to be out next year and where. Hubby's villiage is going to have a different spot because one of the trees will be in its place to shake things up a bit.
What has been taking up most of our lives these days, has been the theatre. I'm at rehearsals now between three and four times while Hubby is working on the sounds. I came home one night to my house sounding like we had been invaded by cows. Hubby's work space is the basement (loosely termed, more like dug out with cemented floor) which has the furnace and all the duct work. It being metal, it carries the sounds he is working on all through the house. My house has been full of chicks, cows, wind, explosions and my favourite the dog barking. He had all the dogs in a tizzy looking for the dog barking somewhere in the house. Even the two little ones got in on the action of course started by GiGi. Lucky me, he has now moved on to the monkey and gorilla sounds for the Winkies. I've gone from a farm to a zoo. No wonder the house is in a pickle.
This production has been the most challenging play we have done so far. Not only for the cast but for the crew as well. Technical wise our director has set her sights higher than some of us have gone before but hey, we don't know what we can do until we try. Not only does the cast have kids but a dog as well. The two things that send shivers down directors' backs. WC Feilds I believe said he would never work with either. Its in a way asking for trouble as you never know what they will do or say. You know, we really lucked out. I'm hoping a couple stick around as permenant members. A couple have behaveral problems, hell I have behaveral problems but we work with it rather than against it.
Three kids in peticular have wormed their way into my heart. One is a great little boy with loads of talent but a little unsure. Another is a fifteen year old who is very lovely but very introverted. The third happens to be a little boy who is nothing but all heart with his lines and singing. They are all great kids but those three are the ones that I like to see smile. The coolest thing is watching these kids blossom. And on the whole they are well behaved. Can't ask for anything more.
I will how ever be glad when its done. I have a membership list to put together in a simple manner, a book to finish, artwork to be finished and a house with dustbunnies still rampaging.
Artist just dropped by. She is in town awaiting the birth of her grand child. Times are changing yet again. But I think this little one arriving soon, is the sign of a new beginning. A beginning that will be very welcomed by all.
What has been taking up most of our lives these days, has been the theatre. I'm at rehearsals now between three and four times while Hubby is working on the sounds. I came home one night to my house sounding like we had been invaded by cows. Hubby's work space is the basement (loosely termed, more like dug out with cemented floor) which has the furnace and all the duct work. It being metal, it carries the sounds he is working on all through the house. My house has been full of chicks, cows, wind, explosions and my favourite the dog barking. He had all the dogs in a tizzy looking for the dog barking somewhere in the house. Even the two little ones got in on the action of course started by GiGi. Lucky me, he has now moved on to the monkey and gorilla sounds for the Winkies. I've gone from a farm to a zoo. No wonder the house is in a pickle.
This production has been the most challenging play we have done so far. Not only for the cast but for the crew as well. Technical wise our director has set her sights higher than some of us have gone before but hey, we don't know what we can do until we try. Not only does the cast have kids but a dog as well. The two things that send shivers down directors' backs. WC Feilds I believe said he would never work with either. Its in a way asking for trouble as you never know what they will do or say. You know, we really lucked out. I'm hoping a couple stick around as permenant members. A couple have behaveral problems, hell I have behaveral problems but we work with it rather than against it.
Three kids in peticular have wormed their way into my heart. One is a great little boy with loads of talent but a little unsure. Another is a fifteen year old who is very lovely but very introverted. The third happens to be a little boy who is nothing but all heart with his lines and singing. They are all great kids but those three are the ones that I like to see smile. The coolest thing is watching these kids blossom. And on the whole they are well behaved. Can't ask for anything more.
I will how ever be glad when its done. I have a membership list to put together in a simple manner, a book to finish, artwork to be finished and a house with dustbunnies still rampaging.
Artist just dropped by. She is in town awaiting the birth of her grand child. Times are changing yet again. But I think this little one arriving soon, is the sign of a new beginning. A beginning that will be very welcomed by all.
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