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You are here: Home / Archives for Claudia

Ending

May 31, 2018 at 7:27 am by Claudia

I had a post already written, scheduled to publish this morning.

But then I found out that the show is closing July 1st.

I have so many thoughts about this news. It’s devastating for the cast and crew and creatives and the producers. Jimmy cried as he spoke to the cast yesterday. The producers cried. And, of course, everyone sitting in the theater that has worked so long and so hard on this joyful show cried.

I have thoughts about the snobbishness and pretentiousness of some critics who work for major newspapers and of the New York City theatrical community as represented by the ever cliquish Tony Awards. A lot of those thoughts use a word that starts with an f, has a k in the middle, and ends with s. And make no mistake, the attack on the show by some critics who apparently felt that Jimmy Buffett had no business on Broadway, a cruel, personal attack, helped to speed the early closing. I have a great deal of anger about that, but anger isn’t healthy, so it’s up to me to work through it.

I’ve worked in the theater for over 40 years and I’m disillusioned and fed up with it.

I have thoughts about the heartbreak so many are feeling today, people I have come to know and respect and care for. I have never encountered a more loving, nicer, kinder group of people. They deserve better.

I have thoughts about a show that is consistently referred to as a ‘joyous experience’ with people coming back 3 or 4 times because they love it so much. Many of them had never seen a Broadway show until this one. Our friends who saw it a couple of weeks ago said it was the happiest theatrical experience they’d ever had. And he’s an actor. Again and again, people come up to Don to say how much they love the show and how much we need this kind of experience right now.

We’ve saved some money, but the show hasn’t been running long enough to save a lot. At least Stella is paid off. But plans we had for the future, plans that hinged on having a little extra money for the first time in a long time, will have to be shelved – at least for the time being.

And I have thoughts about my husband, who has loved every minute of this experience and who is devastated that it’s closing. I have fierce, protective thoughts about that. He brings joy to every audience member, every performance. He deserves better. He is a ray of light and love. He deserves better.

Yes, there will be a national tour next year. It doesn’t start until October 2019. And it will do extremely well on tour because that’s where Jimmy’s fans are. No, we have no idea who will be involved or who will be cast. And it’s too far off to even consider.

I’m going to take a few days off, my friends. My heart is heavy and my sister is coming and I want to focus on her and our weekend together. At least she’s getting to see the show. I’m so grateful for that.

I’ll see you again on Monday.

Filed Under: Don, Escape to Margaritaville 55 Comments

Poppies, Wildflowers & Bugs

May 30, 2018 at 8:40 am by Claudia

I showed you a picture of this little flower the other day. Some would call it a weed, some a wildflower. I was quite taken with it, but had no idea what its name was. Yesterday, I was watching one of the BBC programs from the Chelsea Flower Show and it was shown in a segment about wildflowers. It’s called Ragged Robin. Thank you, BBC!

By the way, reader Lesley tells me the BBC broadcasts 3 times a day from the Chelsea Flower Show.

I’m so jealous!

I went on a mowing tear yesterday and got it all done. Today is for running a couple of errands and weeding.

The first poppy opened yesterday morning. Here it is with part of the covering still attached.

Later in the day when the sun was very hot.

Another cameo appearance by a flying bug in this photo of a peony bud.

This morning, when I came downstairs about 6:30 am, I looked out the kitchen window to see Henry and a bunny within 3 feet of each other. That made me smile.

Nothing else to report. I’ve been working and mowing and yanking weeds and making lists before I take off for NYC tomorrow morning. I’ll be back on Sunday afternoon.

I’m so looking forward to the weekend but I get sad about leaving my garden because this is my happy place. I don’t want to miss anything!

But my sister and husband await.

Happy Wednesday.

Filed Under: flowers, garden 18 Comments

Lots to Do

May 29, 2018 at 9:31 am by Claudia

The clematis buds are increasing by the day. Last year, there was very little bloom because the boxwoods surrounding the plant were too big and blocked the sunlight. This year, I pruned the boxwood at the very beginning of the season. Lesson learned.

I have a lot to do in the next two days before I leave for the city. Mowing, for sure, though I started in on that last night. Weed whacking. Errands. Get gas for the lawnmower (first up today.)

It’s supposed to rain and storm all weekend – both here and in NYC. Dang it. But what can you do? We’ll just have to deal with it.

The catmint is starting to bloom and as it’s going to hit 86 today, I suspect I’m going to see a lot more purple in the garden.

I spent the afternoon with Rick yesterday, which was, as always, lovely. (And Sam, too.) I’m crazy about that dog. There’s a lot going on at their house: bathrooms being redone, new roof going on, etc., which is all taking longer than expected. Isn’t that always the case with construction?

Okay. Have to go and get a move on!

Happy Tuesday.

Filed Under: flowers, friends, garden 22 Comments

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Welcome!

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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