We had our first Preview performance last night. This is a rollicking, fast-paced comedy and it needs an audience, so it was wonderful to hear laughter coming from someone other than those of us who are involved with the production. The director and actors learn a great deal from laughter, not the least of which is timing.
We are rehearsing during the afternoons with a performance at night, and that will continue until Opening Night, which is next Friday. And then, I’ll be on my way back to the cottage.
I held off posting this until Previews had officially started. Darko designed this set. It has everything, including boats! In the midst of winter, it evokes sunny and warm climates – and suddenly, I’m yearning for a vacation.
I hope you’re all well. I don’t have much more to say.
This production is a positive in the midst of so much that is negative. I’m grateful for that. I have a request: Can you share something positive in the comments section? Something that is making you happy at the moment? I think we could all use a nice dose of happy.
And speaking of that,
Happy Friday.
Here you go Claudia some happy things….The sun here in Arizona, the laughter of our 17 month old grandson playing with a bag of frozen cauliflower (weird child I know) and our dog feeling better. All happy things.
Wonderful happy things! Thank you for sharing – you brought a smile to my face, Cindy.
To quote Audrey Hepburn – “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”. I’m looking forward to spring. Which in coastal Texas will be in about 5-6 weeks.
I’m looking forward to planting my garden, Cindy. But it will be a tad later than 6 weeks! Thank you!
I love that set! I liked it when I saw it on my phone on instagram, but it was small and I didn’t even notice the boats. But the boats are brilliant! Makes me want to head for the harbor for lunch today!
The boats are amazing, aren’t they? And the one in the center glides in and out of the set!
show looks great! glad you have work you enjoy and can get home in a week.
thanks for the reminder to always look for the good!
here’s my happy list:
God and my family
i am back to knitting (after recovering from a broken arm last year)
i have the next three days off from work and can spend time with my family and clean my place and read (and i have several books there for me)
i have ideas for writing some children’s books and i am excited about them
i have the means and an appointment today to get new glasses – and also get groceries before sunday-into-monday’s predicted ice storm (ice is definitely not on my happy list)
those means come from a job i am beyond tired of (30 years as social worker), but at least i have a job and health insurance
passing a skin check this past monday (had basal cell skin cancer ten years ago)
my sister and i are planning a couple road-trips this summer (jackson hole to try white-water rafting? ann arbor’s art festival? back to new orleans? all of the above, i hope)
we have tickets to hear john hiatt and lyle lovett (acoustic music and lots of talking and laughs … seen them together before and highly recommended) next month. also plan to hear faves jimmy buffett, bodeans and other concerts, too
got a good haircut last night
i bought a little treat from a favorite etsy seller (liz elayne … “soul mantras” jewelry, etc) and it might arrive today
friendships, church, a warm winter coat, colors (red is high on my list), the “andy griffith show” on reruns at a time i can usually watch, anything with kevin james in it because he makes me laugh out loud …
……… the list goes on forever!
hope you all have a great weekend!
kathy in iowa
What a great list! Thank you, Kathy. By the way, I’ve been to the Ann Arbor Art Festival (many years ago) – You’ll love it! And yay for Andy Griffith!
I am beyond grateful for the blessing of being able to still take care of babies at this stage of life. It feels so good to be needed and appreciated for what I’ve always felt is my calling. And I’m happy that learning is still an adventure.
Lovely! Those babies need you. I’m so glad you’re there for them.
And yes to learning!
Great idea about the happy! I’m just about over my cold. Decluttering has been temporarily put on hold…but is moving along. (But, I still haven’t found that Chinese plaque….where could I have possibly put it?) The woodpeckers have been standing in line for the suet feeder…guess we need more. It is going to be in the 40’s next week! Most important…my family is all well! Enjoy your day! ;)
So glad your cold is almost gone! Great list, my friend. Thank you!
We were watching “Emergency” last night and I had to chuckle at something Roy DeSoto said after a rescue. Quote: “I must be getting old. I don’t like pop art, or rock music. I don’t smoke weed, I keep my hair too short, and I take a shower everyday. ”
And in our backyard this morning we had 6 squirrels enjoying the birdseed I scattered out there and our cat was chattering at them. We had two squirrels up at our backdoor and not even concerned about Maggie on the other side.
And the snow is gone.
And my husband worked 40 hrs this week instead of 20 hrs.
And I feel better today after not feeling well this past week.
And I can see the top of my sewing desk. I am keeping up with a quilt along.
And something my daughter said when she was little–“Everyday is a good day because God made it.” It is from Psalm 118:24. What a wonderful outlook she has. By the way she studied linguistics in college.
Trina
I’m loving these lists, Trina! Happy is good and we have to do our best to find the little (or big) nuggets of gold in our daily lives. Thank you!
It is bright and sunny today and that makes me so very happy.
Morning game of frisbee with my dog — his happiness at this game shows no bounds.
I almost have the dining room table clear of 2016 paperwork.
I just got through another big deadline which gives me room to breath for a few days — or at least work at a normal pace.
Happiness in knowing you have a creative outlet to get your mind off the negativity.
Great list, Jay. Oh, do we need creative outlets right about now!
It is not snowing or icing and not supposed to do so all weekend!
It is not below zero.
Supposed to be in the 40’s a few days next week.
Christmas stuff is put away.
Going to my BFF’s 8th BD party tomorrow!
Going out for fish for dinner tonight.
Last of laundry is done.
Good stuff………
Very good stuff! And yay for the Christmas stuff all put away until next year!
Springtime looming in the future always makes me happy!…Love love tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and the flowering trees; just seeing their beauty makes me happy …yesterday my husband band gave me my first pot of tulips for this year…….I always go overboard with tulips and hyacinths because I love them so very much; I get both potted and cut for vases, and for several months will be reveling in this longtime love………I am happy every time I think of my husband, children, and grandchildren; I have gratitude every single day for these treasures of my life. I know how fortunate I am to share life with them.
Absolutely love the set design!…..what a very special, spectacular,fun, happy set for the play……….I know it will make you happy just to be there with the play as well this very special set……..wishing you a happy day, Dianne
I am just ever-so-slightly thinking of spring, but it’s still a long way off here in the Northeast, so I can’t let myself go there yet.
The play is funny and joyous and a welcome, welcome part of my life right about now! Thanks, Dianne!
PS you will be flooded with happiness as your plants and trees start to leaf out and the blooms appear…….it is all filled with hope and continuity and very reassuring to our inner nature……Dianne
Yes, it is. Thank goodness for my garden and my plants!
That set is incredible. I found a few more images on social media. I expect there will be a great deal of publicity surrounding this production. This must be so much fun for you, Claudia, even though it’s work.
Here’s a happy and relevant memory: when in college, my friends and I volunteered to be ushers at the Hartford Stage Company, and if seats were available, we were invited to stay. I think they liked having young, presentable seat-fillers. The best show I saw there was Charley’s Aunt. The manager even gave a seat to my boyfriend, who had provided me with transportation. Said boyfriend laughed so hard he almost fell out of his seat. He became a fan of live theater that night.
That’s a lovely memory! I wonder if my former colleague at Boston University, Jacques Cartier, was the Artistic Director then? Or maybe Michael Wilson. Anyways, thank you for sharing that with me.
The set is just gorgeous! I wish you could film a performance so we all could see it. And my something positive. Getting all my Christmas decorations put away and the house is looking much better. Re-read a favorite book instead of watching the movements of political figures. Say your prayers for those who will lead our country. May God stand closely and give advice every step of the way.
Lovely, Tana. Thank you so much!
Such delightful sets for such a wonderful comedy!
This made me ridiculously happy—watching the surprise medal ceremony yesterday. (I have re-watched 4 times already). The part where Joe Biden has to turn around a find his handkerchief fills me with joy and happiness every time. He is carrying that handkerchief that everyone’s grandfather carried, and when he has to turn around and fumble in his pocket to find it, I lose it.
It has made me happy all day long. Have a lovely, lovely day!
Oh, I know! Wasn’t that incredible? Couldn’t stop crying. What a great man and patriot Joe Biden is. Politicians like him give me hope for the future. Thank you, Leslie.
Currently, happy for me is that I’m buzzing through my sewing projects … finished my reversible fleece vest last night….two different SF Giants fleece prints, sewed in linings for five coin purses and cosmetic bags that my daughter needlepointed, sewed two pillows for my daughter (you saw the photos, Claudia), and various mending projects. It’s a big deal for me to finish these projects, as they were languishing on my cutting table. It feels so good to get them off the table, and not just move them to another spot but actually to finish.
Of course, “happy” is all relative for me. It will be a long time before I feel truly 100% unequivocally happy, if ever…missing my sweetheart will always temper my feelings.
How about you, Claudia? Let’s read your happy list.
I know that happy is relative for you and will be for a long, long time. But the joy you feel from your creative endeavors and from your daughters is a precious thing. Thank you. My happy list today was the play. I’ll do another list soon.
The set is amazing! I’m happy it’s Friday and I don’t work weekends! Although we are expecting an ice storm, I get to huddle and cuddle with my kitties in my cottage!
Stay inside with your kitties and stay safe. Thank you, Chris!
Here’s one more happy thing from today. I received my McCoy Strap vase in cream today! Thanks to you I’m obsessed….. I love it!! I had a few pieces already that I inherited from my Grandma, so I’m building on those pieces.
Yay! That’s one of my favorite vases! So happy for you!
It is so beautiful and large!
Maybe one of the largest McCoy vases – it’s heavy, too!
1) My husband had his first (of many to come) scans after his bout with bladder cancer this past year and surgery this past Fall. The scans were clear! In three months the scans will be repeated and a bone scan also. 2) We also finally got the damage fixed to our house from a fire 2 weeks after his surgery. 3)He got a 21% raise at work after they realized that they were under-paying some people (no retroactive pay though!). So far (politics not included) 2017 is off to a good start.
What good news about your husband’s scan! And about your home as well – I know you’ve been waiting and waiting for this to be fixed. A great list, Laura!
That set is so cool! Things that make me happy: spending time with my grandchildren, reading, my new place to live, reading your blog daily, my friend Melanie who has been there for me when everything in my life came crashing down on me. Pretty simple but very meaningful. Have a great weekend Claudia! xo
The simplest things are often the most meaningful, April. Thank you!
Break a leg! Inspired set for the show.
Happies:
*I went grocery shopping with my son (age 31) today and we danced in the pasta aisle.
*A perfectly joyful German Shepherd head was sticking out of a car window ahead of me at a traffic light.
*After several days of gloom and rain, the sun is out today here in Northeast Ohio.
*I found a great black zip-front jacket on clearance today for only fourteen bucks!
*And…Nutella. (Always Nutella)
I love seeing dogs with their heads sticking out of car windows! I always smile.
Thanks, Nance!
I have several things things that are making me happy today. I hope they bring a smile to you.
We are having Christmas with my cousin this weekend . He should be here within the hour. He lives about 3 1/2 hours away. He is my favorite extended family.
Because, our Christmas is being extended clear into Februaruy I redesigned the Christmas decorations and made them Winter decorations. I think they are fabulous.
I needed to go grocery shopping first thing this morning. Before 8 AM. The thermometer said -25 not to mention a -30 windchill. My 14 year old car popped right off!
I sincerely hope I helped you.
So happy you are having Christmas with your cousin, Trudy!
And your car started! Thanks, Trudy!
I love my sneak preview of the set! Even more excited now to be seeing the show this Sunday evening! Happy Friday the 13th!
Thank you Karen! Have a great time on Sunday night!
my daughter had her weekly massage so she is more comfortable and I am going to spend several days in my sewing room making nice warm nightgowns. And other stuff.
Glad your daughter is more comfortable, Jan and that you get some days in your sewing room. Thank you!
Biden – classy
You’re not kidding! He is a man I respect and honor. He is nothing less than the best a man can be.
Just this minute I heard the first notes of ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’ from the Disney cruise ship that’s setting sail. This always shoots me back to my childhood. Jiminy Cricket is a good thing, right? My husband and I are about to leave the house for a little excursion to nowhere, just a jaunt to the mainland. I work on Fridays, and only Fridays, but today is a paid holiday as my birthday was Wednesday. Lunch with a friend and dinner with all the family made me happy as did the mammogram I had that day – and the nice, normal results landed in my email before I’d even gotten home. Lots to be happy about. I can even muster some joy at the thought that the impending administration is drawing good people closer together to work for a better future. Break a leg!
I love Jiminy Cricket! (And Jiminy Glick – have you ever seen that character created by Martin Short? Hysterically funny!)
Happy Belated Birthday – your list is a good one! Thank you.
What a good idea you have had, we all need to accentuate the positive! Fridays are weigh-in days for our family diet and I have lost 47 pounds while my husband and adult son have both also lost substantial amounts. We are having a little bit of Springtime in January, so I am off to the community garden to plant some seeds. The play looks like great fun.
Good for you, Kaye! Bravo! Thank you for sharing!
My sisters and I are going to look at a “Garage Sale Mystery” on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries tonight. he temperatures are above freezing and no snow is predicted for the week. I am happy to read your blog. Enjoy the weekend and good luck with the play.
Marilyn
Have fun with your sisters, Marilyn! No snow is a good thing, as well.
Breaking news here…I got a Cricut machine. :D Haven’t taken it out of the box yet…that’s what weekends are for, right?
Whoo hoo! You are going to have fun with that, Brae. I can’t wait to see what you create. Thank you!
Last year the Canadian government committed to providing shelter to 25000 Syrian refugees. Our small community was fortunate to be able to welcome 13 families. After listening to the some of the truly disheartening rhetoric spewed during the US election I was moved to volunteer with our local Intercultural Society. We offer English classes, child care and other services to ease the transition for our newest citizens. I am humbled every day by the amazing spirit shown by these wonderful people. I pray every day that the great people of the US will see this difficult time as an opportunity to stand up for the ideals that your nation was founded on.
Bravo to Canada and Justin Trudeau for showing compassion for their fellow man. And bravo to you for volunteering, Sharon. I pray that we will stand up for what is right and fight this cancer that threatens our nation. I am thankful that many cities in this country have defied that awful man and have established themselves as sanctuary cities. There is hope.
I love that someone called them “happies.” Here are mine:
I’ll turn 50 on the second of February, and there was a point when that was in question, so I’m pretty happy about it!
I’m transitioning from full-time office work to freelancing from home, and right now my income from my freelance stuff is almost twice what I’m making at the office–I’m getting there!
My hubs still thinks I’m pretty cute–and he’s still that shy, quiet, deep artist guy I met over 25 years ago.
My 13-year-old is healthy and a ball of fire. And that is the way it should be.
I discovered your blog, and have been reading it for almost a year. You are a kindred spirit, as Anne in Anne of Green Gables would say. Thank you for the opportunity to share!
Love that your freelance stuff is becoming lucrative and that you have reached the age of 50 – with plenty of years ahead of you. I love your list, Wendy. Thank you so much for sharing and for reading the blog.
Here’s my positive, though at first it won’t seem that way …
The other day I turned my ankle, and it turns out I broke it. The Urgent Care place put a temporary splint on it, and said to see my regular orthopedic dr.
So my positive? I saw her today, and a) I don’t need surgery, b) I ended up with a walking boot instead of a rigid cast, and c) I’m allowed to take a shower!!!
Finding this out changed my outlook entirely. I am incredibly fortunate, you know? :-)
Happy weekend, Claudia!
No, I completely understand that as a positive. I broke my ankle several years ago and had to have a cast for at least two months, couldn’t take a shower, and even after I graduated to a walking boot, had to wear that boot at my wedding. So your news is definitely good news – happy news. Congratulations!
I have been sitting in the sunroom hand quilting the last bits of a quilt. The sun is shining and the Windows are open as the outside temps are in the 70’s. My lab is snoring on the sofa across from me. A beautiful day.
That sounds so comforting and happy!
It sounds like a lovely and happy day. Thank you, Brenda!
The set is beautiful and looks fun and happy! Grateful for each day because it’s a new beginning. I have the choice of being happy or turning on the television and getting caugh-up in negativity!
I’m grateful and happy for my husband and our family
Grateful for our 3 dogs who bring me joy and unconditional love each day
Grateful for the ability to own my stuff without blaming others (on most days). It’s empowering
Grateful that I made the decision to get off of sugar and snacking on carbs (had an inner shift about eating cleaner after Thanksgiving) I do feel better
Thankful for my new glasses (I can see better) This brings me joy
Thankful for our home and it brings me joy to have a sanctuary to call home
So grateful for great writers and actors that bring not only entertainment but the ability to see real life as art. Love the new show “This is us!
All wonderful things to be thankful for! Love your list, Sandy. Thank you!
1. Streets & sidewalks here are DRY & CLEAR. No snow. No ice. Not even wet. This is pretty much unknown in this town in January. As the folks at McDonald’s say – I’M LOVING IT.
2. We have predictions for weather in the 40s next week. And we just had it this week. Even though it’s likely a product of global warming – not a happy thing at all – THIS aspect of it is at least a nice thing – in Winter.
3. Because I missed yesterday’s blog, I’d just like to pass on a polticial “happy thing” I’m seeing [sounds like an oxymoron, huh?] Many Cheeto Benito voters are growing increasingly disappointed with him, often to the point of realizing they were conned. They’re regretting their choice, and he hasn’t even been sworn in yet. Polls are reflecting the same thing & this is UNPRECEDENTED in American political history. Every President’s approval rate has always been at its very highest. But Humpty is currently underwater in this regard. This CAN’T be a good sign, so for me this is a VERY happy thing.
PS – personally I’m still not convinced there’ll BE an inauguration next Friday. And if there is, I think we could be looking at the 2nd shortest Presidency to date [although I do think William Henry Harrison will continue to hold the record. He made a VERY long Inauguration speech in a downpour & died a month later of influenza]. But Cheeto seems determined to make enemies of the media. AND the intel community. Of course he does, because that’s what autocrats do. It’s probably on the very first page of the Autocrat Rule Book. But now he’s given these two institutions motivation. And not positive Let’s-Work-Together-to-Solve-Problems-&-Make-Things-Better-for-America-and-the world motivation either. To start with, Cheeto isn’t about any of that. He’s about retribution and revenge and most of all, himself. But this petulant taunting & criticism of intel and the press, whatever reason he has for doing it, will likely prove to be his downfall. Because despite what he THINKS, he is NOT invincible. What he is is pathologically narcissitic. Or as they said on SNL, HE CRAY. And now he has actually stimulated these people to work against him. It’s not hard to imagine that folks in both these worlds are now working overtime, maybe even on their OWN time, doing just this. And come on – this is Cheeto after all. You KNOW there’s going to be stuff. Out of his own fleshy, flabby mouth, he’s already told us. Don’t look down, Cheeto – but the clock is ticking….
4. You have a GREAT idea here – listing happy things! Please consider making it a “feature” going forward. Once a week maybe? You know we’re going to need it.
5. Have a great weekend! And please pass on a very warm virtual hug of solidarity to Don for what’s he doing this weekend at the protest. In the spirit of The Resistance, we’re with him!!
#ThisIsNotNormal
I saw those polls and they made me happy! I think some people are finally seeing the truth about that man. I also believe the clock is ticking and that things are going to ramp up next week. Remember my visualization: Led away in handcuffs.
I will pass that hug on to Don. But I’ll have to do it virtually, as well! Thank you, Janet.
Claudia, you made my day with that handcuffs vision! I can’t believe it hasn’t occurred to me yet, but I won’t be able to stop thinking about it now. And it is an INCREDIBLY sweet image. If it ever happens, it could literally blow Cheeto’s mind because one thing a narcissist absolutely cannot cope with – on any level – is shame, ridicule, embarrassment. Better eat your Wheaties, Cheeto…
Wouldn’t that be the best? Keep visualizing my friend!
Love that set! Wish I could see this production! My happy day started with a visit to Mr Toes and Carter. We had lunch out and visited an antique mall where I found a little treasure which I’ll share on my blog soon. It was warm and just a good day to be out and about. I’m home now snuggled up with Annie!!
So glad you had a nice time with Carter who must be happily ensconced in his new home! Give Annie a kiss for me.
I am happy today for the sunshine we had…and the temps that were a bit warmer..
Just as every day I am happy for the love and affection of my beautiful little friends…my cats
Sunshine helps enormously! Thanks, Nancy!
Today my sister and I brought our parents , ages78 and 88, to NY Botanical Gardens and it was phenomenal! Everyone who works there is so happy and nice. For example, my dad walks very slowly and the tram driver was so very careful about suggesting where he sat and helping him down without wounding his pride. As we exited the library, where we saw an art exhibit featuring Bunny Mellon and saw some research projects on plants, a woman from Development stopped her golf cart and took us within 5 minutes walking distance to the train exhibit. The three rooms featured buildings in NY made from organic materials were unbelievable! We had a great picture taken of ourselves (very rare to have everyone looking good) Had a delicious lunch with a sweet waiter and then walked through the calm , peaceful
rainforest exhibit. It was chilly but an awesome day and a good reminder to enjoy the time we have with the people we love most. :)
That trip to the Botanical Gardens sounds simply wonderful, Betsy! Such kind people helping you out along the way. Lovely. Thank you so much for sharing this.
My word to live by this year is gratitude. I am so grateful for all this rain here in southern California, we are not in a drought anymore..I told my husband of 55 years! He replied, have we moved? We both laughed, …and then realized we must look plenty silly dancing in our jammies in our yard, seeing one of our neighbors peeking over the fence. Laughing sure feels better than whining & complaining any day!
So happy to hear about all that rain and that the drought has stopped. What a miracle! Enjoy!
Enjoying the break in winter weather walking my dog in cool but sunny could walk forever as could she
Sounds lovely Peggy. I miss walking our dogs, so I’ll live vicariously through you. Thank you!
Things that have made me happy recently:
A 70 degree day in January in Maryland
Which enabled me to take a lovely 5 mile walk outside!
Spending two days this week with my twin grandchildren