So... an hour and a half from Hastings is Johnson Lake. A great hidden getaway from the perils of the world... atleast from phones, computers and people who know us. S and I took off on Friday morning to the lake, to stay at my aunt/uncle's cabin for 24 hours... to get away and see what else this great state has to offer us. Plus, how often do we really go to a lake cabin in the winter? Not enough would be my answer... the solitude, the serenity of the birds flying north; and the semi-frozen lake were totally worth it.
The cabin... let me try to describe it to you... Imagine your grandparents house in the 50s... ok, so yeah, for some of us, they still have the same furniture as then... goldenrod couches that have the occasional design that's way too classic... beauty over comfort was the motto then, combined with "oak" panelling throughout the entire house... carpeted bathroom, complete with the pink tub. And the decor was a walk back in time, that you could learn a thing or two by looking at the pictures, seeing the lineage of the family, and reading amazing things. It was fantastic. Nothing flashy, just sensible, comfortable and that right at home feeling; where you expect your grandmother to appear any minute.
We took books, movies, and our sense of adventure. We never got to the movies; watched a bit of NBC TV, as that was the only station that decided to come in; and we read like mad... did some bird watching, some mid-morning napping... it's exhausting being lazy; and ate here and there. Met a few neighbors, peeked into a few houses for sale and walked the neighborhood... and dreamed of our return visit when the weather is warmer, the water is melted and ready for swimming/boating; and gleefully and well-rested, we returned to the city...
Everyone needs these places... places to just 'be.' Places that God clearly has dominion over... ok, I know it's a man-made lake; but the flocking of the birds in their migratory patterns, the ducks wandering around the lake; the squirrells running like mad; and the serenity of the sun appearing over the lakeshore in it's daily accent into the sky. It's a marvelous beauty to behold. Does it compare to Lake Michigan or many of the other great lakes we've experienced in our lives? No... but who said I was comparing?
On the "Ides of March", I hope you do not approach them with trepidation, but with excitement to find your "Witch Mountain" or whatever you call yoru escape for R&R.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
It's Not About the Groceries...
About two years ago, S and I sat in our professional counselors' office; and I remember him saying very clearly, "It's not about getting the dishes washed, it's about the conversation that happens while you're washing them." I suppose I should back up a bit... I'm a bull in a china closet. That's how I attack most household chores... get them done, get them done 99% well, and 100% quickly. Speed over accuracy, for the most part; although not enough to look neglected and half-done. My favorite person in the world that I live with, S, is accuracy over speed. He's a 100% over 50% kind of guy. Methodical is how we describe it in our house. This was disconcerting to me about 2 years ago... it drove me nuts. I just wanted the chore done; and at my preferred speed. So, it was the topic at the counselor's... he wanted us to enjoy the time together standing around the sink; and not worry about the task at hand.
And so... last night, we hit the grocery store together. Honestly, I think the last time we did any major grocery shopping together was maybe the weekend we moved to Hastings. Maybe! But the shelves were empty, the fridge was bare and my husband was claiming starvation! We made our list, grabbed our reusable grocery bags and hit the road. We did arrived at the store without our list (never fear, Wife is visual!) We went through each aisle; sometimes one arriving back at the cart with an armload of stuff while one other was still staring at which canned veggies to purchase... but in an hour's time, we had successfully filled the cart to overflowing and arrived at the checkout. With only one thing missing: bagels, which was discovered this morning.
Huge thanks to a gift card from Christmas, we barely broke the bank, headed home to put everything away and poof... groceries were put away, S felt much safer in the house and I went to the computer, as I heard a mouse getting into the chips immediately! He was content. He knew the house had food, he would not starve; and we had an enjoyable evening that had nothing to do with the stress/chore of getting groceries; but rather enjoyed the time together!
And so... last night, we hit the grocery store together. Honestly, I think the last time we did any major grocery shopping together was maybe the weekend we moved to Hastings. Maybe! But the shelves were empty, the fridge was bare and my husband was claiming starvation! We made our list, grabbed our reusable grocery bags and hit the road. We did arrived at the store without our list (never fear, Wife is visual!) We went through each aisle; sometimes one arriving back at the cart with an armload of stuff while one other was still staring at which canned veggies to purchase... but in an hour's time, we had successfully filled the cart to overflowing and arrived at the checkout. With only one thing missing: bagels, which was discovered this morning.
Huge thanks to a gift card from Christmas, we barely broke the bank, headed home to put everything away and poof... groceries were put away, S felt much safer in the house and I went to the computer, as I heard a mouse getting into the chips immediately! He was content. He knew the house had food, he would not starve; and we had an enjoyable evening that had nothing to do with the stress/chore of getting groceries; but rather enjoyed the time together!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Post-Production a.k. Resume Normal Behavior
Twilight of the Golds has ended... with a standing ovation at the Sunday afternoon matinee... I think the other performances were just as amazing; but we typically leave the audience in shock or tears and I'm not sure they are ready to stand... quite yet.
Yesterday was the first day that I heard the sniffles in the audience; and on stage, for that matter... as the final monologue was wrapping up, tears welled up inside of me; and I tried to hold it in, long enough for the curtain call and return to the dressing room before losing it. I knew it would be the last time that moment would ever occur. You can get the same group of people together again; but the performance, the mood, the stage would never be the same. It reminded me of graduation from anything... You leave changed, but you can never return to that moment.
It is my sincere gratitude to EVERYONE who came to the performances, who prayed for S and I during the production, who considered how many lives were changed because of the production, or from the need of the script. This production allowed me the safe environment to meet amazing folks, involved with the production and patrons who told their story. I am ever grateful to them all.
To the Gold-Steins... thank you for taking the journey with me! Thank you for supporting my love of theatre, even though I may not be perfect and have my faults on and off stage... thank you for taking the leap of faith in becoming a person that we all can agree on, isn't quite who we'd want to be in real life... and for loving these people even with their faults!
To my family... thank you for your support, your concern over the subject matter and my safe ability to go through this transformation.
To LCGS... thank you for being supportive, for attending, prayers and for talking about how this play affects you and how we, as Christians, work together to balance science and God in this ever changing world.
And to S... for being my biggest fan!
Yesterday was the first day that I heard the sniffles in the audience; and on stage, for that matter... as the final monologue was wrapping up, tears welled up inside of me; and I tried to hold it in, long enough for the curtain call and return to the dressing room before losing it. I knew it would be the last time that moment would ever occur. You can get the same group of people together again; but the performance, the mood, the stage would never be the same. It reminded me of graduation from anything... You leave changed, but you can never return to that moment.
It is my sincere gratitude to EVERYONE who came to the performances, who prayed for S and I during the production, who considered how many lives were changed because of the production, or from the need of the script. This production allowed me the safe environment to meet amazing folks, involved with the production and patrons who told their story. I am ever grateful to them all.
To the Gold-Steins... thank you for taking the journey with me! Thank you for supporting my love of theatre, even though I may not be perfect and have my faults on and off stage... thank you for taking the leap of faith in becoming a person that we all can agree on, isn't quite who we'd want to be in real life... and for loving these people even with their faults!
To my family... thank you for your support, your concern over the subject matter and my safe ability to go through this transformation.
To LCGS... thank you for being supportive, for attending, prayers and for talking about how this play affects you and how we, as Christians, work together to balance science and God in this ever changing world.
And to S... for being my biggest fan!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Opening Weekend
Courtney wipes forehead in sigh of relief, then falls back into couch and smiles.
Well, I can report that we got through the three performances this weekend. Opening night was the best of the best. It was a high for us all, and absolutely amazing. Saturday's performance had a few glitches and Sunday's as well; but all in all, we were pleased. R, the director was pleased; and the crowd seemed to enjoy the performances... really absorbing everything we said. What a high.
And now, we have three days off. "CAN YOU IMAGINE?" We dont' report back till Thursday; which leads us all to a bit of a scare that we'll be super rusty; but that's what Thursday is for... Brush up rehearsal.
The side note to this is that this weekend has been an amazing journey for S and I. We've hit some new notes in the marriage that we hadn't seen/experienced before and it was really quite amazing.
Our Lenten journey has begun... GIrl Scout cookies have been delivered... my thin mints are all in the freezer... with the hope that I'll hold out for them until after Easter! My Lenten journey will be to get back to Weight Watchers and get refocused on my goal!
peace be with you all!
Well, I can report that we got through the three performances this weekend. Opening night was the best of the best. It was a high for us all, and absolutely amazing. Saturday's performance had a few glitches and Sunday's as well; but all in all, we were pleased. R, the director was pleased; and the crowd seemed to enjoy the performances... really absorbing everything we said. What a high.
And now, we have three days off. "CAN YOU IMAGINE?" We dont' report back till Thursday; which leads us all to a bit of a scare that we'll be super rusty; but that's what Thursday is for... Brush up rehearsal.
The side note to this is that this weekend has been an amazing journey for S and I. We've hit some new notes in the marriage that we hadn't seen/experienced before and it was really quite amazing.
Our Lenten journey has begun... GIrl Scout cookies have been delivered... my thin mints are all in the freezer... with the hope that I'll hold out for them until after Easter! My Lenten journey will be to get back to Weight Watchers and get refocused on my goal!
peace be with you all!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Down to the last details
Opening night is Friday!!! This Friday!!! Hard to believe that this journey of Suzanne Gold-Stein began only 6 weeks ago... and in 10 short days, her life will go to someone else; and leave me! For anyone who's done theater, they know how the life of the character begins to seep into your every day life... you begin to have the grey lines as to whom is who. Lines from the script infiltrate your daily vocabulary... not that I walk around saying Haftorah (haf TOR ahh); but other lines that just make sense to say... "I wish it weren't so complicated... this is complicated." for instance...
Never the less... we are ready... we've had 2 dress rehearsals, with cosutmes, makeup, lights and sound.. with one more on Thursday; before opening night. S came to one dress rehearsal, with my aunt and uncle was was very impressed by the production. It was very reassuring to know that my commitment to this production has not been a waste... it's theological, ethical, moral and societal in all of it's dimensions...
And it's time consuming... last night, as I was dressed and ready to go, I found myself standing downstage of the Gold-Stein's apartment... admiring the decor, the set, the whole living room; and putting myself into Suzanne as much as I could... Rob entered, adjusted a pendant light and stood there with me... we like our place... it's a safe place; and it truly allowed me to thrust myself into Suzanne; and leave myself at the doors... and in return; I left Suzanne on stage; and brought myself home... exhausted and exhilirated.
If you haven't bought tickets yet... it's not too late... hastingscommunitytheatre.com. Click on the tickets option and the email will be recieved. Shows are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoons. Well worth your time...
The Media blitz has been this week as well. R and I were on 2 TV stations on Monday; and then we'll be in the Hastings Tribune on Wednesday or Thursday. The photographer joined us last night during our rehearsal.
I'm so glad I showed up for auditions... opportunity of a lifetime.
Next winter: The Crucible!
Never the less... we are ready... we've had 2 dress rehearsals, with cosutmes, makeup, lights and sound.. with one more on Thursday; before opening night. S came to one dress rehearsal, with my aunt and uncle was was very impressed by the production. It was very reassuring to know that my commitment to this production has not been a waste... it's theological, ethical, moral and societal in all of it's dimensions...
And it's time consuming... last night, as I was dressed and ready to go, I found myself standing downstage of the Gold-Stein's apartment... admiring the decor, the set, the whole living room; and putting myself into Suzanne as much as I could... Rob entered, adjusted a pendant light and stood there with me... we like our place... it's a safe place; and it truly allowed me to thrust myself into Suzanne; and leave myself at the doors... and in return; I left Suzanne on stage; and brought myself home... exhausted and exhilirated.
If you haven't bought tickets yet... it's not too late... hastingscommunitytheatre.com. Click on the tickets option and the email will be recieved. Shows are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoons. Well worth your time...
The Media blitz has been this week as well. R and I were on 2 TV stations on Monday; and then we'll be in the Hastings Tribune on Wednesday or Thursday. The photographer joined us last night during our rehearsal.
I'm so glad I showed up for auditions... opportunity of a lifetime.
Next winter: The Crucible!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Perms...
Yes, go ahead and laugh now... b/c I'm not posting any pictures, so it's left up to your imagination. The last time I received a perm was in 1987, the start of my 8th grade year of middle school. Perms were in, as were the big bangs that you used your curling iron and a can of hairspray to achieve great height and success. And since 1988, I have had my straight, no frills, no bangs 'do. And it's suited me well. We've gotten along, we've gone shorter then longer, then some layering, then not some layering; but all in all... anyone that's ever met me could desribe my haircut to another person, and they'd know who I am.
Until today... so, my director asked that I get a body perm, to add some dimension to my hair. Because as we all know, I have very little body to my hair, especially in a no-humidity setting. I went to the hair salon, MG did her job; and I walked out looking like a poodle. I KNOW... 48 hours later when I'm able to wash it, it will tame, and over time, it will tame; and when I'm able to really style it, it will tame... but in the mean time... oh, and I was thrilled when the discussion of rehearsal being cancelled due to the 6 inches of snow; but NO, rehearsal's back on; and I'm going to have to face my stage family...
But again, the difference between a good hair cut and a bad one, is just 6 weeks! And my luck, with my fine and thin hair, this perm won't stick around for long... maybe I'll like it. Maybe I won't... but what's a little adventure, right? Especially if the bill isn't coming to you... oh, all in a days work for an actress, I suppose! :)
No pictures, please. If you must see the 'do, then you'll have to attend the production of "Twilight of the Golds" which opens 2 weeks from TONIGHT! (no stress, yet!)
Until today... so, my director asked that I get a body perm, to add some dimension to my hair. Because as we all know, I have very little body to my hair, especially in a no-humidity setting. I went to the hair salon, MG did her job; and I walked out looking like a poodle. I KNOW... 48 hours later when I'm able to wash it, it will tame, and over time, it will tame; and when I'm able to really style it, it will tame... but in the mean time... oh, and I was thrilled when the discussion of rehearsal being cancelled due to the 6 inches of snow; but NO, rehearsal's back on; and I'm going to have to face my stage family...
But again, the difference between a good hair cut and a bad one, is just 6 weeks! And my luck, with my fine and thin hair, this perm won't stick around for long... maybe I'll like it. Maybe I won't... but what's a little adventure, right? Especially if the bill isn't coming to you... oh, all in a days work for an actress, I suppose! :)
No pictures, please. If you must see the 'do, then you'll have to attend the production of "Twilight of the Golds" which opens 2 weeks from TONIGHT! (no stress, yet!)
Monday, February 9, 2009
February
February is a weird month... the weather isn't quite so sure what it wants to do... snow, rain, sunshine, winter, spring; and none the less, in the off years; it seems that just as quickly as the month arrives, it's gone.
Twilight of the Golds opens in just a few short weeks. www.hastingscommunitytheatre.com for tickets. It's a shameless plug; but I'm willing to do it!
Church continues to keep S and I busy... adult programming, outreach, worship, youth group and bible studies. It's good to be busy, and it's good to be a part of this worshipping family. I find myself looking around and being very comfortable in saying that I know lots of names. It almost seems as though one day, you just wake up and "POOF" you know them. You are integrated. You belong. You fit in and no longer stand out as the newcomer. It's what most folks dream of.
This weekend was cultural overload weekend for us. We attended the HCT fundraiser, the production of "The Glass Menagerie" at HC and sang/played with the church choir. And on Saturday, I gathered with some gal pals, P, K and J at www.beadsandbotanicals.com to help CK celebrate her 6 years in business. CONGRATS SISTER!
So, life is continuing to adjust, mold and fit into what we now call 'life.'
Twilight of the Golds opens in just a few short weeks. www.hastingscommunitytheatre.com for tickets. It's a shameless plug; but I'm willing to do it!
Church continues to keep S and I busy... adult programming, outreach, worship, youth group and bible studies. It's good to be busy, and it's good to be a part of this worshipping family. I find myself looking around and being very comfortable in saying that I know lots of names. It almost seems as though one day, you just wake up and "POOF" you know them. You are integrated. You belong. You fit in and no longer stand out as the newcomer. It's what most folks dream of.
This weekend was cultural overload weekend for us. We attended the HCT fundraiser, the production of "The Glass Menagerie" at HC and sang/played with the church choir. And on Saturday, I gathered with some gal pals, P, K and J at www.beadsandbotanicals.com to help CK celebrate her 6 years in business. CONGRATS SISTER!
So, life is continuing to adjust, mold and fit into what we now call 'life.'
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