On The Road — Page 31

Tired, But Still Going

January 14, 2017 at 10:03 am by Claudia

I’m tired. The schedule here has changed as we’ve moved into afternoon rehearsals and evening performances. So I’ve been a bit thrown off in terms of my sleep. It’s a wee bit harder to adjust to that kind of change nowadays. You know how it is; you come home, you have to wind down, you read a bit, maybe take a bath, and by the time you’re ready to turn in it’s more than two hours past your normal bedtime. Plus, the woman next door, who is an actress in the play, tends to go out with cast members every night after the show and I can hear her when she comes back to her apartment. That doesn’t help.

I well remember doing that very same thing, however, when I was younger. I routinely went out after an acting performance with my fellow cast mates. It’s a way to wind down, to talk about the show and how it’s going, to get to know each other. So I understand. I just don’t do it anymore and I need to sleep! (Looking forward to my bed and bedmate back home at the cottage. One more week.)

The show is going very well. There is still work to be done, of course, but the audiences are really enjoying it. Lots and lots of laughs last night. It’s a fast-paced production – 90 minutes in length, with no intermission – and the time just flies by.

This is what I’m gazing upon at the moment. I love this quilt and I don’t see it very often. So I’m trying to enjoy this time when I have lots of wall space on which to hang my quilts because they make me smile.

I have to run to the CVS this morning for a few things – it only stays open until noon on Saturdays. I’m hoping to get by without grocery shopping this week. I leave a week from today and I’m trying to use up all the perishable food I have on hand.

Because, you know, I have to pack all this STUFF again on Friday/Saturday and haul it all home.

Thanks for sharing happy things yesterday. I loved your lists.

Happy Saturday.

Hey, Boo

January 10, 2017 at 10:17 am by Claudia

I slept in this morning – thankfully – after being jolted awake during the night by the sound of snowplows on the street below my apartment. Gosh, they’re loud! I guess it snowed a bit last night, though when I look out the window, the amount of snow seems minimal.

Tell me this isn’t crazy – the temperature here tomorrow will reach 50° and Thursday? 55°. What the heck? I read about that gorgeous redwood with the tunnel toppling in the storms out in California. Oh, how sad. Such history and beauty – gone in a second.

These came in the mail from our friends Lynne and Sean, who live in Toronto. I don’t know where she finds them, but Lynnie always finds unique treasures. And could these be any more perfect for Mockingbird Hill Cottage? I’m thrilled with them! In fact, I had some hot chocolate in one of them on Sunday.

And they capture one of the most beautiful moments in that book. “Hey, Boo.” That particular line of dialogue brings tears to my eyes every time. Thank you, Lynne and Sean. We love you.

I’ve started another Elizabeth George – one I purchased before I came to Hartford in December. Just in case. You understand. I always have this particular conversation going on in my head:

“I’m enjoying this book by this author. But what if I finish it and I love it and I don’t have any other novels on hand by this author? If I’m in the mood for more, I won’t want to start a book by another author…hmmmm…I’d better buy this book also written by the author. Just in case.”

This particular Elizabeth George happens to be the book that follows Believing the Lie, so I clearly lucked into picking the right one.

Today, I’ll wander over to the theater, where the initial tech rehearsal continues. Tech started on Sunday – it’s a slow process – and will go on through today. And maybe part of tomorrow. By tomorrow night, we should be able to have a run-through of the show. And Thursday night is the first Preview for audiences. See how quickly it goes? Once we start Previews, I’ll be sitting in the house every night, taking notes on what I can hear and not hear, what needs to be articulated more clearly, and any other Voice & Text issues that arise. Previews will go on through a week from Thursday and then we will open on Friday, January 20th (boy am I glad I have something joyous and happy to watch that day, otherwise I might be slitting my wrists!) and I will return to the cottage the next day.

Today, I’ll check in and see how the show looks with the set, costumes, lighting and sound.

Happy Tuesday.

Heading Back

January 9, 2017 at 9:47 am by Claudia

I just finished Believing the Lie by Elizabeth George. I was determined to finish it this morning as, at over 600 pages and in hardcover, to boot, I didn’t want to lug it back to Hartford. Excellent! The complexities of the characters and the plot are George’s strength. The mysteries are always character driven and aren’t necessarily tied up neatly at the end of the book. As in real life, things can get messy, remain unresolved. I love that about her writing. I’m officially on an Elizabeth George catch-up binge now, so it’s on to another one later today.

The horizon last night. Pretty dramatic!

I’ve had a lovely time here at home with the love of my life. Being apart means, for us, a greater appreciation of what we have between us. That we are fortunate and blessed we know. That we don’t take it for granted is a daily truth. As I get ready to head off to Hartford for the next 14 days, I am so grateful I got a little time here at the cottage.

We watched Sherlock last night – how can it get even better? How is that possible? It is simply extraordinary. One more episode next week. I hear rumors this might be the last season. I hope it isn’t. But the producers and writers seem very wise, so if they feel it’s time to end it, I understand.

The newest Squint Box full of minis arrived while I was away. This one is all about winter and nesting and comfort. There’s a tray with a vintage travel poster (come to think of it, it could also work as art to hang on a wall), a kit to make succulents (isn’t that neat?), a tray with candles, a loaf of bread and knife on a cutting board, and…a Slinky! Boy, does that bring back memories! I remember trying to get my Slinky to come down the stairs just as they showed it on the commercials. I was only moderately successful.

Very, very cold here today. Soon, I have to get ready to head back to Hartford. I love my work, as you know, and I can’t wait to see what the production looks like onstage.

Don will be back at the ranch, taking care of things. By the way, he has done an excellent job of watering the plants! I’m quite pleased. I’ll be back home for at least two months before I head off again to Hartford, but Don will be off to the West Coast even before that – at the beginning of April. Busy times ahead for both of us. We don’t take that for granted, either.

Happy Monday.

Tired, But Still Going

Hey, Boo

Heading Back

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

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