These trees, surrounding the gorgeous arch, are budding and leafing out.

These trees are full of flowers.

Gorgeous, aren’t they?

They, along with the pollen that is flying around these windy streets, are making me miserable. Oh lord, are my allergies out of control! This morning I woke up with a stuffed up head, watery eyes, and a general feeling of yuckiness. I’ve always wondered why something so beautiful, so long wished for, so renewing, can cause such havoc in my sinuses.

Doesn’t seem fair, does it?

After today, I will have met with every member of the cast once and some twice. What a nice and talented group of actors! They are a pleasure to work with. I find that most actors are that way. Very seldom do I have trouble with an actor. The key to working successfully with an actor is to understand the way he or she works and gently but firmly guide that actor by giving him/her all the tools needed to give a full, rich performance. Equally important is knowing when to back off. At some point, some actors will not want many notes and will need to put it all together without interference. Other actors want all the notes I can give them right up through opening night. In the end, it is never about me. It’s about being of service to the actor and the director and the production. I think the fact that I was an actor helps me in all this. In all modesty, I think I handle this particular balance well. I know that is one of the reasons Darko likes working with me.

The night before last, I woke in the early morning hours and then went back to sleep. I had all sorts of crazy dreams that left me unsettled. I must have dreamed about Scout because I woke up feeling so homesick and all I wanted to do was to nuzzle my face into hers, to breathe in her scent. I miss my girl so much that I feel a constant ache inside me.

Last year at this time, I was here and Scout and Riley were back home. Riley was declining and I worried about him all the time. And when I returned, I spent all my time taking care of him for the next 3 months. Oh, how I wish he was still with us. That sweet boy with the gentle brown eyes. I can still remember the feel of his hair, the way he liked me to stroke his face, the way he licked my hand. I’d give anything to have him back.

Sorry. I feel sadness coming over me at times, fueled, no doubt, by being away from my home and my loved ones. And memories can suddenly come out of nowhere that overwhelm me, that stop me short. I miss my boy.

You never get over the loss of a beloved family member.

Ah well. I have some coaching to do this afternoon. This morning, I am borrowing a company car and driving to the suburbs where I will quickly run into Joann’s and buy some Polyfil. And some elastic thread, which I just realized I need for Maggie Rabbit’s dress. To those of you who offered to send me some Polyfil, my heart is warmed by your generosity. Blogging has brought such wonderful people into my life. Such a sweet gift you are.

Happy Friday.