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You are here: Home / Archives for life

Shutting the World Out

September 5, 2021 at 9:37 am by Claudia

It’s a rainy Sunday morning, which is a relief. After lots of mowing yesterday that left us feeling very tired, we decided to take today off. It’s as if the universe is supporting that decision. Don mowed even longer than I did and I had to force him to stop. We still haven’t finished but we’ll get to the rest of it tomorrow or Tuesday.

Of course, I do have to work today as I have a Zoom session with the actor I’m coaching in the movie. But that’s only an hour or so and he’s delightful, so it will be fun.

And laundry. And dusting. And….

But still, no yard work!

It’s a quiet day. We’ve been talking a lot lately about our preference for Lockdown Mode. By that, I mean a bit more cut off from “the world” with a feeling of being snug and safe in our cottage. Turns out, we prefer it – at least for now. I guess I’m thinking about it a lot because I have to go out into the world for work in October, November, and December and that makes me uneasy. I would never turn down either opportunity, I’m grateful for them, and I will be masked in the rehearsal room for Anastasia, as well as on the movie set. The safety protocols for film are rigorous. But – I’ll be commuting around NYC, going to various locations, I’ll be around lots of people. After more than a year and a half of only working via Zoom, turns out I actually have to go out there to really do my job(s) and get paid. Who knew?

Also, of course, is the fact that world seems more insane by the moment. People are more insane. I’m so tired of it all and I know you are, too. There was a brief moment there, around the Inauguration, where I thought we might be relatively home free. Silly me. I’m tired of willful stupidity and ignorance. Tired of a barrage of misinformation. Tired of liars and cheats and those who want to overturn everything we hold dear. Tired of natural disasters. Tired of white men trying to tell women what we can or can’t do with our bodies, with the added bonus of putting a bounty on us. At times, I’m enraged.

Self care. That’s what we all need to do and that’s what I plan to do today and tomorrow. No news. N0 24 hour a day barrage of talking heads. Yesterday helped, as mowing the lawn, doing something physical, vacuuming, watering plants, etc., are all great ways to lose myself in the moment and shake off the world.

None of this is new, of course, It’s just what we’ve been confirming in the course of several conversations. Shutting the world out isn’t a bad thing.

Wanted to add that we’ve been watching a great French series on Netflix, Black Spot. It’s a mystery/police/detective series, set in a remote area of France, including a fair amount of magical realism. Beautifully captured on film, it’s full of wonderful actors and nifty plots. So far, there are two seasons. It definitely reminds me of Twin Peaks  in its humor, otherworldlyness (I think I made up that word) and dense forest setting full of mystery. We love it. And we’re due to finish it tonight and then I’ll be sad.

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

 

Filed Under: coaching, Don, life 34 Comments

Sunday

August 29, 2021 at 9:42 am by Claudia

Sixteen years ago, we were about to move to this cottage. In fact, we moved to the cottage sixteen years ago tomorrow. Our cable had been turned off, we didn’t have smart phones, and after we moved, our cable wasn’t turned on for another five days. So we had absolutely no idea about Hurricane Katrina and its horrific impact. When we did finally get cable, we were horrified by what we saw.

I think of that today as another hurricane heads toward the Louisiana coast, one that’s strengthening as I write this. I’m praying for everyone in the path of this storm, hoping that if you’re able to, you’ve evacuated. I’ve been on the receiving end of a few hurricanes in my life, but none like this one. Please get out if you can. Stay safe. We are praying for you.

This has been a scary and heartbreaking week. Z was exposed to Covid, an attack on the airport in Kabul resulted in the deaths of innocent Afghans and American soldiers, my dear childhood friend just lost her husband to cancer yesterday, children are dying of Covid, forest fires in the West – believe me, there’s even more, but I’ll stop there.

And now this hurricane.

Don pointed out the eerie similarities between the lines of refugees trying to escape the Taliban and the lines of cars trying to escape Ida, both of which have been repeatedly displayed on our television screen. Leaving home wondering if you’ll ever get back there. And if you get back, what you’ll see.

That’s all I’ve got for today.

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

 

Filed Under: life 16 Comments

Life Can Be Complicated

August 24, 2021 at 9:26 am by Claudia

I’m seeing more and more of these on the ground. Thought it’s still summery out there, fall is on the horizon. I’m not sure I’m ready for it yet, but I’m getting there.

I’m feeling off today –  the extreme weather, barometric changes, humidity and moisture have left me feeling congested, coughing, and really, really tired. Plus, I’m wrestling with a potential work situation that may or may not work out and it’s one I’d really like to work out. That’s all I can say for now, though I’m at peace – I think – with either outcome.

All that is to say that I’m exhausted today. I woke up very early as well. So I’m going to lay low, try to keep myself occupied, as well as get some rest.

I hope you don’t mind that this is on the brief side.

The newest Louise Penny arrives today – that’s good news!

Stay safe.

Happy Tuesday.

Filed Under: life 14 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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