Life, lately. Back and forth along the Hudson River.
Yours truly is sleep deprived. I have to get up much earlier than is my norm to catch the train into the city. And then I get home at 7:30 or 8:00, eat some dinner, and try to go to sleep. Right now, I seem to be on a 5 hour sleep cycle and, trust me, that is not enough. Frustrating, but I know it will even out soon. I’ve been taking the train in the morning, because it’s more dependable. Then I run over to the bus station during lunch, buy a one-way ticket for my homeward journey, and ride the bus home at night. Don, the best guy in the world, is driving me to both the train station and the bus station.
It is so lovely reuniting with the cast of Anastasia – such a wonderful group of actors. There is an energy about this production that is rare. I am so honored to be a part of it. I like being paid, of course, but there is something about this musical and the people working on it that is rare. I wanted to be a part of it as it moved on to Broadway.
Theater is a small world. Terrence McNally, the esteemed playwright who has written the script for Anastasia, brought me greetings from Jim Parsons when I saw him on Monday morning. Jim had written Terrence that morning to tell him that he was excited that we would be working together and that I had been his teacher (and that he loved me.) That made me smile. We had someone take a picture of us so we could send it on to Jim.
And I rode in the elevator with Kevin Kline yesterday. He’s very nice.
I’m not going to be working on Heartbreak House at Hartford Stage. Darko and I talked it over and there really won’t be enough for me to do on the show. When it was going to be Saint Joan, it would have been a much bigger production and I would have had a lot to do. But now that it’s been changed to a smaller, more intimate show with a cast of mostly British actors who know how to do Shaw, I’d be twiddling my thumbs.
So. I was a bit disappointed, but only a bit. Obviously, the fee would have been appreciated, but Don will be working at that point, so we’ll be okay. And, truth be told, I was a bit stressed about how to juggle the responsibilities of the house and cleaning up the garden, planting seeds, and mowing the lawn while in Hartford. I would have had to come home on my day off and try to accomplish everything and I know from experience that it is exhausting.
The positive is that I’ll be home in the Spring – my favorite time of year. And maybe I can visit Don out in California not once, but twice. Hmmm.
In the meantime, I am loving being a part of the magic that is Anastasia. I’m just really tired!
No time to answer comments (but I’m reading them) or do much of anything other than travel and work. The only reason I’m posting this is that I woke up much too early!
I hope you’re well and I miss you!
Happy Wednesday.
Dear Claudia,
It is a fact; you have lots on your plate and although your work has got to be so very rewarding, I am sure that lack of sleep for anyone and especially we of the wise ole’ age of over 50 will attest; we feel it!
I have forgotten every time I have responded to your blog to let you know how dear it is for me to see you honor your precious dogs, who were geyour family. Anyone with a loved dog can tell, they are our family and the importance of these sweet, forgiving (and giving) 4 legged creatures who live with their human family will touch our lives forever. I can still get misty and sometimes sob when remembering our losses. Yours were beauties too. Our dogs were found at “shelters of last resort” when we adopted each of them. Afterwards we talk about how fortunate we were to find them as they found us! So, just to let you know, I get it. I am sure most of us do here.
One more thing: I was very interested in the Hygge way of home keeping…I am from that far Northern region genetically and Gary and I laughed when reading parts of the book that fit me to a t. I need to get better in having “goodies” ready to eat but that can be easily fixed. I RELATE! Now I can offer other family and friends another reason why I obsess a little…? about my pillows and my lamps. (and rugs) along with the love of HOME..not just a place to keep stuff but a place that reflects me. (nothing fancy) I am just attached to cozy and cleanly sweet. Here I am living in the humid and quite warm South East, home of the Most lovely Outer Banks, but my inability to enjoy hot weather is a hint that this too fair skin and an instant need for protection ‘ain’t my fault…I was born this way! So Hygge way fits me. Thanks for sharing this.
Get some rest,
Katheryn
So busy but in such a good way. I love Jim Parson’s and it makes me so happy to know he loves you as a teacher and friend. The photos are so pretty but I know it makes for long days all the commuting. Spring will be a good time of rest, home and travel to see Don. Hugs!
The photos are so lovely. Thank you for them. Enjoy this time even though I’m sure it’s exhausting. I’m sure you need the distraction as much as they rest of us.
Hope your sleep schedule balances out soon. Safe travels.
Claudia, you have an interesting and intriguing life! Love the photos of the Hudson.
Wonderful winter Hudson photos!……This busy time with Anastasia is a special gift in so many ways; a very positive experience that brings appreciation and friendship along with the work you love so much. Now if the sleep time can just work out, it will all be perfection!….Dianne
I know how much you love your work, but I identify completely for your want to be in the yard through the spring season. I think when we take our time and clean up the gardens and thoughtfully re-plant them, they reward us all summer long. When we hurry it all along and take short-cuts a bit too much, they feel that, too. Truly is all the circle of life. So much joy in putting the yard all back together in the messy spring, and I know how much you cherish that time.
Two trips out to see Don….. such fun to look forward to in the months ahead. You are both doing what you love and that is a special reward to all of your hard work and sacrifice. I, too, am such a big fan of Jim Parsons. What a wonderful man he is. Did you see the piece on the Sunday morning Today show that Willy Geist did this week? I’m sure you can find it on-line if you didn’t see it.
Do you have wi-fi on the train? I know my daughter used to quite frequently travel the Virginia to Baltimore route a few years ago and I thought she said she could get some work done with the wi-fi. Or maybe I dreamed it…… could be! Safe travels! How many more weeks do you have to do this daily commute, or at some point do you stay for a bit? So many questions, and I know you don’t have time to answer, so I will continue to ponder!!! Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!!
Well…at least you have a beautiful view as you commute! Sorry to hear you are sleep deprived….it’s too bad you couldn’t have stayed over for the week. You have many happy happenstances in your line of work….and, it’s always fun to hear about them. Safe travels…I take it you can catch up on some sleep this weekend perhaps? ;)
How much longer will you be doing this daily commute, Claudia? Even though you are not doing the driving, it is exhausting. Hope you get some quality sleep soon.
I’m looking forward to Spring too, but for now, am quite satisfied with the bulbs that are blooming. After two years, the crocus bulbs finally burst forth. My backyard will be a little different this year. After the pine tree branches were prun, there is now more sunlight streaming onto the backyard. We’ll see how the plants fare.
Don’t worry about posting & especially about replying to comments when you’re swamped like this. We know you’re not lolling about munching chocolates, and you owe US nothing anyway. It always amazes me that you reply at all. Many MANY bloggers say they read everything – which I seriously question most of the time – and many don’t reply at all. Ever. So you are FAR above the fray when it comes to this. Just take care of yourself, be safe & rest whenever you can. Little catnaps can be very beneficial when & if you can manage them. Take care. Peace.
#Resist
Beautiful pictures along the Hudson..oh how tired you must be..I remember when I had to travel 1 1/2 hours each way for work…Take care…
Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you. It sounds so thrilling to be a part of a Broadway show. I usher at the beautiful Tivoli Theatre in Chattanooga. (Live a few miles away in Georgia) The musical “Chicago” is playing there this week! We are ushering everyday! We plan to stay and see the whole show tonight. Take care and I hope you can catch up on much needed sleep. I know you are enjoying this.
Your life, though tiring, seems to be hectic in the best possible way right now. (And the scenery is beautiful!) Doing what you like doing and yet getting home to your sweetie at day’s end. Sounds fun and romantic to us, out here in blogland. And hearing you’ll be home for the spring planting…you’ll be able to start those morning glories early this year!
You are an open, cheerful writer. Lots of talent in those hands and obviously in your head.
We are fortunate to visit here.
Thank you, Claudia.
Thank you, Katheryn. I am grateful that you want to spend a bit of time here.