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You are here: Home / Archives for Claudia

Counting Down

March 12, 2018 at 10:32 am by Claudia

Countdown until departure for NYC. Since Rick is also due to go into the city tomorrow, we’re taking the bus late tomorrow morning. Of course, there is snow expected tonight and overnight (I’m so sick of it!) but it’s only going to be 1 – 3 inches, so it shouldn’t be too much of a hassle unless the buses are delayed.

There’s always something. However, neither of us has to be there at a certain time, so I’m going to try to let go of my need to control things and just enjoy. Wednesday will be a day of shopping for opening night togs. Wish me luck. Don went out yesterday and found a lovely sports jacket, slacks, shoes and shirt. He’s all set. Now I have to catch up!

I’m sitting here while I write this post and one thing on my agenda when I return is to do some decluttering in this room. As is always the case in this small cottage, a lot of ‘things’ are in each room. Some of them I’m more than ready to shed, but the reality is that I’m not a minimalist and never will be. Most everything that surrounds us falls into the “loved and treasured” category. Nevertheless, there are some things in this space that need to be organized and/or let go of.

But that will be next week. This week is for New York City and Opening Night.

The spider plant has three babies. They haven’t sprouted their leaves yet, but that’s coming. I check on them every day. Speaking of which, this morning was spent watering all the plants before I depart for 5 days. It’s almost a zen-like ritual. I find it very calming.

I watched one of my favorite movies last night – Pillow Talk. It makes me happy. Rock Hudson, Doris Day, Tony Randall, Thelma Ritter – what more could you ask for? A plot involving a party line, split screens, a cad and a virginal heroine – such fun! Doris Day is undisputed master of the eye roll. No one does it better. I’ve seen it dozens of times and every time I see it’s going to be on…I’m there. Sigh of happiness.

Okay. I have errands to run, laundry to do, and a project to finish.

Happy Monday.

 

Filed Under: houseplants, office 36 Comments

Bird Sightings

March 11, 2018 at 9:18 am by Claudia

I slept in so my ‘schedule’ is thrown off. Schedule seems a bit grandiose for one commitment at 11:00 am, but there you go. It’s supposed to be 8 am and it’s 9. But it’s sunny. Oh heavens, waking up to a sunny morning is so mood-altering!

I’ve been hearing more and more bird song. Yesterday, I saw several robins – whether they were just stopping by or have moved in for the season, I’m not sure. But my heart skipped a beat when I saw them. They are, I’m sure, a bit taken aback by the snow.

This morning, amidst the flitting and flying of birds, I saw my lone mourning dove sitting on the edge of the birdbath. The water is frozen, but there he was. And I saw the pair of mourning doves looking for food on the driveway. Remember to fill the birdbath, Claudia!

I know we’re far from spring here in the northeast, but hearing my birds again makes me happy. Seeing them makes me even happier.

This was what I saw when I first got up. The morning light focused its spotlight on the Chinese Evergreen.

Let’s see, what else? I got my hair cut yesterday – 3 inches off! It looks so much better and feels better. I don’t know why I let it go so long, but I always do. I think when you have long, straight hair, you can get away with it. But I also have fine hair, so after a while, it begins to look scraggly. Much better today!

I’m off to brunch at Rick and Doug’s this morning. I haven’t seen my buddy, Sam, for a while, so I’m looking forward to some kisses.

Happy Sunday.

Filed Under: birds, friends 28 Comments

Saturday Morning Thoughts

March 10, 2018 at 9:25 am by Claudia

Nothing like morning sun streaming through the skylight to show all the cobwebs. Yikes. You can’t see them, but rest assured, I’m going to have a go at dusting those frames today.

I tried to shovel the snow in front of the shed but gave up rather quickly. It had hardened overnight and it just wasn’t worth it. Today is sunny – so far – so I’m hoping more of it melts so that I can move Don’s car back to its proper parking space. After the stab at shoveling, I packed up all the trash and recyclables and headed toward our transfer station (or, in local parlance, the dump.) While driving through the center of town, I saw Rick and Doug coming out of our little market. But I was already past them, so I didn’t bother honking.

I pulled my car up to the dumpsters and started to recycle when a car pulled up behind me. Out got Doug and Rick. I called out to them and we had a nice chat. Now I know they’re my neighbors. It’s one thing to visit each other, it’s a whole other thing to run into each other at the dump! After that, I stopped at the grocery store and who should I run into but my friend Heidi’s daughter, who I haven’t seen in a long time, and we had a great time catching up with each other.

One of those serendipitous ‘social’ days.

Today, I’m getting my hair cut. It’s longer than it’s been in years and though I like it, it needs a good trim. Maybe 3 inches lopped off? We’ll see. My hair grows quickly, so whatever I get rid of today will soon be back.

I know. You’re jealous because my life is so exciting.

I think daytime rehearsals for Margaritaville are pretty much done, which means that Don will have some time to rest before opening night. Everyone is exhausted.

Before I forget, and I’ll remind you of this again next week, I don’t want to hear anything as to reviews of the show. Nothing.

Let me explain. I never read reviews for the shows I work on, either. Reviews are entirely subjective and, even if  the review is for a show I have nothing to do with, I often find them more about the reviewer’s ego than the show itself. Don never reads reviews, either.

Escape to Margaritaville  isn’t a traditional musical, as it’s been created around the music of Jimmy Buffett. It’s happy and joyous and fun and light. If a reviewer doesn’t like that kind of musical or doesn’t like Jimmy Buffett’s music, the review will be slanted. EtoM is more like Mamma Mia, which was built around the music of ABBA.

Anastasia  is a wonderful musical, but its primary fan base has been, from the beginning, those who grew up loving the animated movie. It had a built-in audience, who weren’t going to be swayed by reviews.

So don’t mention reviews, don’t send me links, nothing…okay? We have no idea how long the run will be – it might be short, it might be long – but I’m fairly certain that audiences will be there, not because of reviews, but because they love the music of Jimmy Buffett.

Thanks, friends.

Happy Saturday.

 

Filed Under: Broadway, Escape to Margaritaville 29 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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