I have two favorite trees here in Balboa Park. The other is a Eucalyptus tree with sprawling roots. This beauty is a fig tree that I pass by everyday. Huge, glorious, full – it is a miracle. Every time I walk by this tree on the way to the theater, it is bathed in this beautiful light. I will miss you, wondrous fig tree.
I am nearly packed – all the boxes have been sent off save a few that the Theater is sending for me. Tonight Coriolanus opens…I go to the Opening Night Party for all three shows in the Summer Repertory…and I say my goodbyes.
It is with mixed feelings that I leave San Diego. I used to live here and I am reminded every day of why I loved it here. The weather is beautiful, the daily sunshine makes a huge difference in my mood, the ocean and beach bring relaxation, every time I walk down the back road to the theater I am reminded of how much I love this place. However, things are changing at the Theater. It is not the same place I worked in several years ago. Things change, people come and go – that is the ebb and flow of life.
The Summer Repertory? That is a thing in and of itself and it is wonderful. We have 3 marvelous productions this year that everyone is justly proud of. I really love what I do. I love the wonderful creative people I get to work with, seeing a production grow from rehearsal to its life onstage with everyone doing their best to create a memorable production. The other night I stood in the back of the theater during Twelfth Night. For once I wasn’t taking notes and I watched as wave after wave of laughter convulsed the audience. What a magical thing this is – a group of strangers coming together to watch live theater – sharing energy with the actors, laughing, crying and standing to applaud the whole experience. The audience gets to travel to a different time and place and be transformed for the space of an evening – and maybe even longer. That is why we do it.
I will miss all my friends; the crew, the designers, the stage managers, the directors, the actors – and all my old friends from years back. I will miss my students so much. The Artistic Director, a man I admire greatly, has given notice and is leaving this week. That is very, very sad news for the Theater. He is wonderful and I hope I work with him again someday.
So goodbye to my students, my friends old and new, my colleagues, Vignettes and Lori, Cottage Antiques, the Barn Sale and everyone connected to it, the Theater, Balboa Park, the beach where I met my husband, and to glorious San Diego. Thank you for a great six months. If I had to be away from my home and family, this was the best place to be.
Thank you.
Departing is such sweet sorrow . . . I’m sad b/c you’re leaving, isn’t that silly, as I know I’ll be “seeing” you, maybe it’s b/c you’re here in California or b/c I “met” you while you were in San Diego, or perhaps it’s b/c I can feel your saddness at leaving but your happiness as you are going home!!! Hugs :) Marsha
Ah, San Diego… what a great city. I’ve only been there a few times, but oh the great memories my friends and I made there! Sounds like you’ve made some great memories to take home with you. It’s great to have memories to take with you because, well… you know, that fig tree would be kinda’ hard to pack in your carry-on! Okay, I’m being silly! Hope you have a very safe return home to your sweet cottage!
Jill
Congrats on all your successful shows and the journeys you’ve traveled with each of them.
Safe travels back home to MHC. I know your family looks forward to your return.
a very heartfelt goodbye to a special place. just think of the big welcome-back you’ll receive on the east coast.
xo
What a sweet goodbye! I’m glad it is not all sad and you do get to go home!
Hugs, Lisa
Parting is such sweet sorrow…that came to mind first.
You will have so much gardening to do. Like you, we have had sooo much rain. My gardens are out of control.
You are a success in every way Claudia. It was fun coming along for the ride.
Be safe and talk to you from home.
Love Claudie
xoxoxo
Have a safe trip!
♥ Teresa
Claudia ~ My husband (is), my daughter (is) and I (was) all in the theatre (musical). We always have a saying after ending a show – we never say goodbye, it’s always “until we meet again”. It makes parting a little easier – and usually, you do meet or work together again! Safe journey!
There is always a bit of ambivalence attached to a good-bye.
If you’re like me, you just want to pack all the wonderful experiences, and all the friends you’ve made, in a trunk and bring them all home with you…..but instead, you bring your memories….and the good news is…..the airlines can’t charge you extra for those.
Best Wishes and God Speed,
Kay
The fig tree is beautiful. I hope you have a safe journey from San Diego and will find new trees to admire;)
A very delayed Happy Pink Saturday to you too… I have been without internet connection since Saturday – a very difficult experience for us bloggers! Thanks for leaving a sweet comment on my blog.
Have a wonderful week!
Greetings from Spain
What a “Joy” to have been able to meet you!!! I loved all our talks at the barn and at Vignettes…so wished I could have seen you one more time before you left!!!
I am glad you are now home with your wonderful husband and sweet dogs….sad to hear about the lightning……keep in touch my sweet friend!! until we meet again….
hugs,
your friend…
oxoox
Joy~
Can’t wait to see what pics. you will bring us from your neck of the woods!!!