I’m home.
After an amazing, emotional, and powerful final day of filming, we wrapped at about 12:30 am Friday. Well, I guess it was technically Saturday morning. I felt strong emotions coming on during Thursday’s filming and knew right then that Friday was going to be quite a day.
It was.
It will take a day or so – maybe longer – to process everything I’ve been through for the past six weeks, but I’ll share more of that with you as the week progresses. Short version: I am profoundly grateful. My heart is full.
This is dear Annie, my former student and dear friend, who rented her top floor AirBnB to me during my stay. I adore her. We took a long walk together (along with her adorable dog) last Sunday and ended up in gorgeous Prospect Park. She has written a play that is going to be performed very soon and I couldn’t be prouder of her and her work as an artist and educator – not to mention a mom of three wonderful kids.
Part of the Video Village gang on wrap day. One of the producers left early, but this is basically the gang I sat with day after day as we watched everything that was filmed on the monitors. Second from the left in the back row is Todd, who is Jim’s husband and one of the producers. And that’s Michael Ausiello next to me, the author of the book this movie is based on. It’s his story and Jim is playing him on screen. We became very good pals during this adventure and I adore him.
Jim, me, and Ben on wrap day. Ben is the actor I’ve been coaching for over three months. I adore him. I adore Jim. My heart is so full of love for these two guys. Ben wrote the most beautiful note to me and surprised me with a bag full of miniatures from Tiny Doll House in NYC! I couldn’t believe it! I spent some time back behind one of the sets just talking to these two as the final scene was being filmed – a special moment with just the three of us. I’ll miss them so much, especially Ben because he’ll soon be back in England. At least I can see Jim and Todd as they’re just a hop, skip, and a jump away.
And finally, I came home to this addition to my ‘family.’ Say hello to Zoe, who looks a little bewildered.
She was made by Tiny Blythe Things and she came all the way from Moscow. There’s a story behind her, which I’ll share with you later. As Don repeatedly says: “They’re works of art!”
Isn’t she adorable?
Okay. I’m really, really tired but I hope to get our Christmas tree today. We’ll see.
Back to regular blogging!
More later.
Stay safe..
Happy Sunday.
Welcome home, it all sounds wonderful.
Thank you!
Welcome back Claudia! I missed you very much but I am so glad that you had this fabulous experience! I admire your determination and courage.
I wish you and Don a very joyful Christmas and may the new year bring you both good health, good fortune and much laughter.
Lyn
Thank you!
Congrats! You made it through this beautiful experience! Sometimes even the most wonderful times can be hard.
Thank you!
Yay! Good job!
Thank you!
Welcome home, Claudia! What a great adventure you had. Can’t wait to hear more. Have fun getting your Christmas tree. Zoe is adorable and I’m sure the girls will welcome her into their tribe. Happy Sunday!
Thank you!
Welcome back home, Claudia! Looking forward to reading all about your New York experiences. For now, get plenty rest and look ahead to enjoying the Christmas season.
Happy Sunday
Thank you!
i am so happy for you to have had those big experiences working on a movie and were able to see ‘old’ friends and make new ones, too.
i am also glad for you and don that you are back home … and that zoe is home now, too!
i am sure it will take some time to process those things (at least it does for me … my thoughts and feelings aren’t often at the same speed).
in the meantime, enjoy getting a Christmas tree. hopefully your weather will permit that today. we had our first snow of the season friday-into-saturday and while it wasn’t much, my car tires spun in places so we had to delay a couple things until the sun melted most of it. pretty, but i still thought “ugh”. not into it!
hope you have an easy day and just be.
kathy in iowa
Thank you!
I am so glad you are home and with Don.
I am not sure why but your post made me emotional. I am happy that you had a wonderful experience and met some wonderful people who will be lifetime friends. I am just very happy for you.
Take Care,
Kaye
Thank you!
Welcome home! Looking forward to hearing … the rest of the story.
Thank you!
Claudia — so glad you are home !! like seeing pixs of Jim, Ben — I know it was a great experience for you to be able to use your talents/education/training on this project, even tho exhausting!! enjoy being home. stay safe/healthy
Welcome back Claudia! I’m looking forward to your stories about this experience. Zoe is adorable. Love her dark hair and blue eyes.
Thank you!
Glad you’re safe, Linda.
Thank you!
So glad to hear that you’re home in time to prepare for Christmas. Now you find out how exhausted you really are. I, like others, can’t wait to hear more about your experience.
Thank you!
Welcome back! What a special adventure you had. I can’t wait to hear more about it. I look forward to the film. I am a huge fan of Big Bang Theory so I can’t wait to see Jim Parsons in a movie.
Thank you!
Welcome back home! I’m quite sure it will take some time to process everything you have just been through. Looking forward to hearing about your adventures. Get some much needed rest! ;)
Thank you!
Welcome back Claudia, you were sooooo missed!! What an amazing journey for you, yes it will take a while to process what you have been through, truly blessed.
Thank you!
I just watched Ben Aldridge in The Long Call on Britbox. I also remember him on Inspector Lewis years ago. I’m glad you’re back home safe and sound.
Thank you!
So very happy you are home!! I am sure it will take a bit to get your bearings. Happy tree hunting! Rest & take care.
Thank you!
Welcome home Claudia! Sounds like you had an amazing experience, looking forward to hearing more.
Now, get some rest.
Thank you!
Welcome home, Claudia! Gratitude is such a wonderful feeling, isn’t it? And so is homecoming. Big smiles for all the love here. And I know you are due for a good rest! So take it and cherish it. I have a feeling Don is so glad you’re home, he’ll pamper you like a baby if that’s required! Big hugs and congratulations on work well done!
Thank you!
Yay, you did it! You should be very proud of this accomplishment. Hope you now enjoy relaxing and the holidays.
Thank you!
Welcome back! As always, I’m astonished that you put out a newsletter today, so soon. Very happy to read though. What a fabulous experience to cherish in the days ahead.
Zoe looks like a perfect fit with the other friends.
Glad you are safe & sound back home. XO
Thank you!
I’m so glad you share your wonderful life on this blog! I have been totally uplifted seeing all the smiles and the people you have worked with on this project! Bless you!
Thank you!
Welcome home!
Thank you!
Home Sweet Home ! Loved following your story in New York . Enjoy being home and share your stories as you can. The dolls are works of art. Unbelievable!
Thank you!
So happy for you for all your adventures and that you are back home!
Thank you!
Claudia it is great to hear of your wonderful experiences . You were missed . Hope you savor the holidays and rest and regroup . Have a blessed Christmas
Thank you!
WELCOME HOME!
Now go relax, whatever that is these days :)
Thank you!
Welcome home!!
Thank you!