Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Friday

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No photos today. I’m just not up to it.

This has been an extremely hard week, emotionally. My friend and colleague died much too young and the reality of that loss has been heartbreaking. And last night, I learned that a show I worked on, which was transferring to Broadway, is suddenly NOT going to Broadway. I can’t discuss details and to be perfectly honest, I don’t know them. I hope to know eventually. Believe me, this was happening soon, at the beginning of March. I was looking forward to more work, another Broadway credit, and being reunited with the wonderful cast of actors. They are, and I quote, ‘gobsmacked.’ They’re devastated. This news, while very upsetting for me personally, has a much more devastating impact on all of them. They thought they were moving the show to Broadway and now they’re not.

I had trouble sleeping last night and I’m still rocked by this news today.

I’m 70 years old. I still want and need to work, both for creative and financial reasons. I was counting on a little more income, knowing that as a freelancer, there are no guarantees for the rest of the year. Don hasn’t worked in over 4 years, which is heartbreaking and frustrating for him. I’m praying things turn around for him this year. He, like me, needs to work. He needs to do what he he does so well. So the cancellation of potential income for us has left me very, very sad.

Anyway, this news came my way late last night. I’ve definitely shed some tears over it.

One other thing: I mentioned in the comments yesterday that I was concerned about regular reader Chris K in Wisconsin. I was suddenly aware that I hadn’t seen a comment from her in a long time and when I looked it up, I saw that the last comment was on November 23rd. Donnamae, another reader from Wisconsin, and Shanna were also concerned. So I wrote to Chris. I don’t want to divulge too many details until I’m sure it’s okay with Chris, but on Thanksgiving day, she suddenly had trouble moving and walking and she was rushed to the hospital. She had lots of tests, and after about two weeks in the hospital, she was moved to Rehab. She’s still there, but she assures me that PT and OT have really helped and she is doing much better. She did say she could use our prayers, so let’s send them her way. We love you, Chris!

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

A Dud

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Well.

This is what we saw during the supposed ‘big storm.’

Maybe a 1/4 inch more fell after I took this picture.

This is what we have this morning:

It morphed into rain. By the time we were ready to go to bed, the only place I saw snow was on my car.

Very disappointing. I stressed over what day to go to rehearsal for two days. I wanted to go yesterday. Darko wanted me to go yesterday. I poured over every weather forecast. Don and I talked about it several times. On Monday night, I was sure I would go Wednesday. By Tuesday morning, after reading yet another update on the forecast, I made the decision to go that day because I was worried that driving conditions would be too dangerous on Wednesday. That didn’t happen.

Also, Don and I were looking forward to an old-fashioned snow storm.

This January has been abnormally warm. What will February bring? The same? We live in the northeast, for heaven’s sake!

Sigh.

For one brief moment in the morning, there was enough evidence of snow for me to take a picture.

Imogen in the snow.

At least there was apple pie in the afternoon.

I don’t see any possibility of snow on the horizon. Maybe some snow showers, but that’s about it.

Boo!

I’m in that stage where I know my current job is finished and that always brings a ‘down’ feeling. The fact is, I feel more alive when I’m working – even with all the travel hassles. I love my work and I love helping actors be the best they can be. Don almost always comments that I look ‘really good’ (of course, I have makeup on, so there’s that) and that work agrees with me. Transitioning is hard. They present the show to producers, etc., on Friday.

But I’m grateful for the work and I’m ready for whatever comes next.

War and Peace  continues. We’ve now started Part II.  And I’m really enjoying The Dictionary of Lost Words  by Pip Williams. Hey, before I forget, if you’re a Deborah Crombie fan, her new book – A Killing of Innocents –  comes out on February 7th! With Crombie, we always have to wait a long time between books, but the wait is worth it.

Stay safe.

Happy Thursday.

Joy and Sadness

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I’m back from NYC after a full day of rehearsal. The show is in excellent shape, the band has been added, and on Friday, it will be presented in workshop form to producers, etc. I left the house at 7:15 and returned home at 7:30 pm. Sorry I didn’t get any photos, I was too intent on getting to rehearsal and then, at the end of the day, catching a slightly earlier bus. But it was a lovely sunny day in the city – the only sunny day I encountered on these January trips.

But, I have to say, the last couple of times I’ve walked all those blocks, it’s been so much easier. Just had to get back in shape. The same thing happened when I worked on the film. I wish I had access to the city a bit more often because there’s nothing I like more than walking in a city.

Today we’re dealing with a snow event which will bring 3 – 5 inches, but then, in an all too familiar pattern, will turn to sleet and then rain. This happened a lot last winter. Frankly, we’d love some beautiful white stuff on the ground to help brighten up the bleak landscape. Anyway, this ‘event’ impacted my decision to go in yesterday rather than today. Because you never know – and the snow was expected during my travel times.

On Monday, we learned of the death of Peggy Hickey from cancer at the age of 60. Peggy was the choreographer for Anastasia  and for A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, both of which were directed by Darko. The latter won several Tony Awards. I knew she had been ill, but what I didn’t know was how long she had been ill – over a decade. For all those years she had been fighting cancer and, at the same time, doing some of her best work as a choreographer. I don’t know how she did it. She had two daughters and a wonderful husband. She was loved and adored by all who knew her. She had a marvelous toothy grin that made everyone happier and the joy she exuded as she worked was beautiful to behold. I texted Darko on Monday and he was – and is – devastated. Four of us at rehearsal yesterday had worked on Anastasia  and knew and loved Peggy. I wasn’t at Monday’s rehearsal, but I know it was extremely difficult for Darko. He and Peggy were close colleagues and friends.

God bless you, Peggy. Rest in Peace.

So much loss lately. Don is still having a very hard time with the loss of his friend.

A little Blythe photo for you – maybe it will bring a smile to your face – it does to mine.

Mei reading her journal.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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