Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Doors...and winding logic. Follow me?

This is a very special door. It is the remnant of a door at Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, England. This is the famed abode of King Arthur and his Queen Guinevere. Whether it is fact or not, this castle is still there, divided by the sea but still a testament to the building techniques of the ancient Roman/English people.From Wikipedia.................
Roman settlement
Cornwall, the territory of the Dumnones, was relatively untouched during the Roman occupation of Britain, however coins and pottery fragments found at the site indicate that the site, typical of a cliff-fort, was occupied in the third or fourth century. Two Roman milestones nearby indicate that a road led to the settlement.

Early medieval settlement
After the Romans left Britain, Celtic peoples did build a fortress on the site. It is often speculated that it was a summer residence for the rulers of Dumnonia. The Ravenna Cosmography, of around 700, makes reference to Purocoronavis, (almost certainly a corruption of Durocornovium), 'a fort or walled settlement of the Cornovii, (unidentified, but possibly referring to Tintagel Castle or Carn Brea castle). Later legends claimed that this was the site where the Cornish kings held court at this time.

Richard, Earl of Cornwall
A castle was built on the site by Richard, Earl of Cornwall in 1233, to build on the Arthurian legends that were associated by Geoffrey of Monmouth with the area and because it was seen as the traditional place for Cornish kings. The castle was built in a more old fashioned style for the time to make it appear more ancient. Richard hoped that in this way he could help to gain the Cornish people's trust, who were suspicious of outsiders. The castle itself held no real strategic value.

Fall into ruins
After Richard, the following Earls of Cornwall were not interested in the castle, and it was left to the county sheriff. The castle became more dilapidated, and in the 1330s the roof of the Great Hall was removed. From there, the castle became ruins.

Victorian era
During the Victorian era, there was a fascination with the Arthurian legends, and the ruins of the castle became a tourist destination. The modern day village of Tintagel was known as Trevena until the 1850s, when it was renamed to promote tourism on the strength of the King Arthur and Camelot legends. Strictly speaking, Tintagel is only the name of the headland.

Interesting, yah? Not to make this a history lesson but to provoke thought. What doors do we walk through and not realize that by choosing that particular passage, we are changing the course of our lives? Another history lesson, perhaps, but hear me out.

I was reading, with my daughter last night, a great study guide on the Titanic. Although numerous warnings were received by the great ship the information NEVER MADE IT to anyone who could have responded. True, the ship did change course to travel a bit further south but that's it. The last warning was totally blown off because an overworked telegram clerk was backed up in his work sending holiday greeting from passengers to their loved ones back home..."Having a great time, wish you were here" things.... Apparently his machine had broken down earlier and when it was finally back in working order he had a stack of these messages to send. He told the sender of the last ice warning to "SHUT UP, SHUT UP."

That ship's communication said that it had come to a full stop and was surrounded by ice.

Was the fate of those who stepped on board sealed the moment they walked through the massive doors of the ship? And not to get too overboard here (pardon the pun) but let's step to present day. The fate of people who walked through office doors in the Twin Towers that awful morning as opposed to those who walked through the doors of a Starbucks or their children's school..? Wow. That is one to ponder, eh?

Just a thought as you travel through your day swinging through the doors of a new place..a blind date's front door....an office building....a Starbucks.

Keep your eyes peeled!

I believe that the Divine Power has many plans for us - many emotions, experiences, losses and gains to slog through. And why? To fully appreciate the littlest things in life that are so important. The feel of the sun on your face after a long winter, the way your child's face looks when they are happy, the warmth of a hug - okay I sound kinda cheezy but you get the picture.

Isn't that what it is REALLY all about?????

There. My piece of illogic login for the day.

Monday, April 28, 2008

New website!!


I have a new website!! Check it out and let me know what you think!
"..Forum" is doing very well. Here is a link to an article in our local paper. Unfortunately, the photos do not download...bummer!

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Pre Opening Night

Well, we had a dress rehearsal last night, with show conditions, for "...Forum". We had about 30 folks in the audience. It went quite well. I have a feeling that this will really take off and we will be all sold out by the last half of the run.

It is really an amazing feeling to walk off the stage feeling like you nailed it. It really is the feeling of stepping off the roller coaster. And how many times have I told that analogy over the years???!!!!

You are A: glad you are still alive B: relieved you didn't puke on anyone and C: Damn! It sure was fun!

I've been getting a little flack about all the time I have invested in this effort. This is the first "free" community theatre show I have ever done. That being said, I would almost pay them for the privilege of working with some of these actors. Certainly there is no "weak link" in this show from the lead to the people with no lines at all. Everyone is very committed, dedicated and very talented. This has really fed my soul and taught me something about me as a performer.

Now, let's break a leg guys!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Contrast!










This is to show that, yes, I have had short hair before. This one was taken on Mallie's first birthday. She just had "Happy Birthday" sung to her and she was a bit shell shocked! This other is a shot, previously posted, of my friend Karen and I just a month or so short of my wedding.














Here I am with my baby all grow' d up!

















And me, happy as a clam!

Sunday, April 20, 2008

What we were doing ONE YEAR AGO today!






Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail and, with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath. This made him (this is so bad, it's good) a super calloused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.








The Dalai Lama is in town this weekend. I have been rehearsing, singing at a funeral for a 97 year old woman and teaching. So much is going on!






This weekend we also celebrated our one year wedding anniversary. We managed to go out for the evening and expanded to include some friends of ours. First, we headed over to Lisa and Stuart's for a glass (or three) of wine. What a lovely evening to sit on the porch and shoot the breeze, sorta speak. Then off for a nice dinner and that was also punctuated by friends. Karen and Richard literally walked by the restaurant and saw us in the window. We had a chance to sit with them for a while too. Nice to be with friends who are in love with their spouses/sig. others. Makes one think that this old work horse of an institution may yet be viable!






Add in a full moon and ........








"...Forum" opening night looms on the horizon and I really want to be good in the show. I'm working against myself - my inner tapes really - because I know I am riding myself too hard. Now I need to take all I can do and go back to the idea that I am doing this because IT'S FUN!!!










Yeah, that's it!








Happy Anniversary to us, my darling Stephen. Here's to many more!!!!






Friday, April 18, 2008

Indian Princess

Yup, that's my daughter - the Indian Princess. She turns 9 in June and she is almost to my shoulder. Geez! She has her first piano recital next month. I can't be there but a whole slew of Warners and a Randall will be there.


Thursday, April 17, 2008

Opened and closed



This is a great action shot from "Blast from our Past!" We did 6 performances of it this past weekend. Even the staff got to do some "bits". This one has to do with fighting over who would be a better "Annie"!




The kids did really well and Mallie had a blast. Here she is with her gal pal, Summer.


Now I am in serious rehearsals for "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum". We open on April 25th and things are shaping up. I think it's really going to be a show to be proud of.
The weather is shaping up and it's lovely here. My one year wedding anniversary is on Sunday and I was remembering the perfect weather we had that weekend, last year. Sigh. What a lovely time that was.
And - the best part is - I still adore my husband!

Thursday, April 10, 2008

OPENING NIGHT!

These are some of the kids in "BLAST FOR OUR PAST" that opens tonight. The Farmington Youth Theatre is celebrating 5 years with this variety show of numbers from the past 11 productions and summer theatre camp shows. Mallie is there in the front with the brown shirt. There are approx. 50+ kids in each of the two casts and they are having a ball, as you can see!

I am the Vocal Director and I stage manage as well which gives me a great view of the show! I am also IN the show this time around as we all have bits we are doing. I'm singing the verse of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in memory of Alex and Sam Weinstein. I only hope I can keep singing!!!

Alex and Sam, I know you will be on stage with us tonight. We all miss you.

If you have kids and want to give them a wonderful experience I would suggest finding a theatre group. Ours is great but, chances are, most groups will have just as much to offer. It is a great training ground for so many things. My daughter has really blossomed because of all she has learned.

Off to the show! Here's hoping we "break a leg!"

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Sent to me today...

While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. 'Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."

''No problem, just let me in," says the man.

"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."

''Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the Senator.

"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go.

Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.

"Now it's time to visit heaven." So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."

The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell."

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder.

"I don't understand," ' stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"

The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning ...... Today you voted".