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Off to the City

October 11, 2022 at 8:00 am by Claudia

Intrepid explorers in our woods.

Just a quick post today (in fact, I’m writing it on Monday evening) as I’m off to the city. I’m going to take notes at the dress rehearsal this afternoon. This is better in the end because Don may try taking pictures at the Farmer’s Market on Sunday if his hand is feeling up to it. He wouldn’t be able to do it if we went into the city.

But mostly, it’s much better for the actors if I go in today and that’s why I pushed for it. It’s already been over a week since I’ve seen/heard them and they deserve to get some updates from me before they start the run of the show.

By the way, some of you picked up on this in the comments the other day; I was exposed to Covid at the rehearsal I attended. Of course, everyone is tested routinely, but sometimes it slips in there. There was a bit of time during the rehearsal when I didn’t have a mask on and I was around and talking to the person who tested positive. Anyway, I waited 5 days and tested myself and I was negative. As was everyone else involved in the show.

I realize I’m preaching to the choir here, but Covid is still out there. I got a little casual about wearing a mask and I won’t do that again. Thankfully, all is well. But mask up, my friends. This is far from over. I’m sick of it, we’re all sick of it, nevertheless, stay safe. I’m often the only person in a store with a mask on – but who cares?

We want to get our boosters, but I decided to hold off until 10 days had passed, so we’ll get our shots toward the end of the week.

I’ll have to test myself this morning before I go – it’s a requirement. Fingers crossed!

Stay safe.

Happy Tuesday.

Filed Under: coaching 22 Comments

Limbo

October 10, 2022 at 8:55 am by Claudia

Happy Indigenous Peoples Day!

It’s Monday and I’m now trying to figure out – once again – what day I will go into the city to take notes on the show. I thought I had it nailed down to Sunday, but quite frankly, Sunday is a long way off and I just found out they’ve rescheduled the invited dress rehearsal for tomorrow afternoon. I’d much prefer that. It’s better for the actors to hear from me earlier rather than later. But this is a small theater and the theater staff and front-of-house staff are invited, so I want to make sure there will be room for me.

When I work on a show, it sometimes feels like my day is in limbo as I wait for confirmation of something or other. It’s just the nature of the beast.

I’ve started reading The Marriage Portrait  by Maggie O’Farrell. I’m only about 40 pages in, but it’s beautifully written. I’m not one who gravitates to historical fiction, but Hamnet (by O’Farrell) was one of the most powerful and beautiful books I’ve ever read. The only reason I read it – besides rave reviews – was that it involved Shakespeare and his family. That was the draw. Here I am reading my second book in that genre. I know – you’re going to urge me to read some of the late Hilary Mantel’s books.

I’m thinking about it.

I also started a new puzzle, which is frustrating and a challenge and that means it’s perfect for me. I like a challenge – it’s why I love crossword puzzles. They have to be hard, though. Something that’s easily finished is not for me.

Another pending decision: do I mow the front lawn today? If I’m going in to the city tomorrow, the answer is no. I don’t want my back aching while traveling to and from the city. If I’m not going in tomorrow, yes. See? Limbo.

A limbo that is relatively pain-free, of course. No big deal.

Thanks, as always, for all your comments yesterday.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.

Filed Under: books, coaching, jigsaw puzzles 15 Comments

What Are You Reading?

October 9, 2022 at 9:31 am by Claudia

This morning in the secret garden. That golden light is one of the best parts of autumn.

There’s more mowing to do, but I’m not sure whether I’ll tackle that today or tomorrow. I’ll wait to see if my perpetual state of congestion clears up. As I look out the window in the den, I see leaves gently falling from the maple. It’s quite lovely. As Don said the other day, “We really do live in a beautiful part of the country.”

Don went to a specialist about his hand. There’s a swelling on the tendon and it’s making it hard for him to straighten his thumb. It’s called trigger finger. Contrary to what he was told before, this doctor wants  him to use his hand, to work the thumb back and forth, and to go ahead with all of his activities including playing the guitar. He got a shot of cortisone and will go back to see the doctor in three weeks.

I learned that there are a lot more preview performances for the show than I previously thought there were, including next Sunday at 2 pm. So, I put in a request for two tickets and, if they’re available, we’ll go to next Sunday’s performance, where I’ll take notes. Don knows Jim, of course, and he wants to see the show, so this would be perfect. Fingers crossed!

I finished reading the Simenon this morning and I’ll start Maggie O’Farrell’s newest later today. I also have a New Yorker puzzle ready and waiting.

Since I’m back in reading mode, it’s time to ask a question I haven’t asked for too long.

What are you reading?

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

 

Filed Under: autumn, books, Don, reading 62 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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