• I love my work. Especially when it involves Shakespeare – that, I think, is my favorite gig. Yesterday was a long day, but I was completely energized by it. Completely! We spent about four hours on table work, then Darko had to leave for another commitment. After lunch, I spent 90 minutes working with Romeo and then another 90 minutes working with Juliet. In each case, we started to go through their individual lines word by word, checking the rhythm, the stress, the pronunciation, and the meaning.
I’m a lover of words. I am a lover of Shakespeare’s words, which – to me – are deeply profound. So, to have the chance to work with them, to hopefully inspire the actors I’m working with, and, in turn, get inspired myself? Heaven.
Rather than being tired at the end of the day, I was flying high. What a gift that is. I’m very grateful.
• Recognize my quilt? There was a perfectly nice quilt on the bed when I arrived, but it was probably a tad too heavy for my taste. Besides, I’ve learned that bringing a quilt from home, in this case, one I made, makes things homier. I also brought a shawl/throw that I knitted several years ago, which lives on the sofa.
Bits of home brought to my home-away-from-home. Or as Don calls it: my Mary Tyler Moore Life.
• Case in point: I came home last night, called Don, made some dinner and, after watching Jeopardy, decided there was nothing worth watching on the tube. I pulled out my Kindle and my current read, which was another book by Jane Casey. Snuggled in that throw you see on the sofa, I read and read and read until the phone rang a little after 10, which is normally the time I go to bed.
It was Don, wondering why he hadn’t heard from me. (We always call each other to say goodnight.) I told him I’d been reading and had lost track of the time. What did he say? “Look at you, in your apartment, reading for hours, leading your Mary Tyler Moore Life!”
I think he gets a real kick out of it. Never mind that my preferred place would be cuddled up to him on our sofa in the den. But, it is a luxury at this point in our lives to read for three hours uninterrupted. Scoutie needs a lot of hands-on care right now, so when I’m home, I rarely get to do anything without keeping one eye on her. Neither does Don. I’d rather be with her, but if I can’t, I might as well enjoy one of the perks of being away from home.
• In the blogging world: I see so many younger bloggers getting book deals and not so many older bloggers getting book deals. I suppose it’s like anything in life, ‘young’ sells. I’m sure they’re thrilled and they should be and it’s all wonderful and I’m happy for them. But when I see their books as I’m out and about and look at the content or the advice or the tips…it’s always stuff I already know. I find myself shaking my head, thinking “There’s nothing new here!”
I suspect I’m not the target audience.
I suppose that’s also the way of the world. The older generation is wiser, simply because they’ve lived longer and learned the lessons that the younger generation is just now discovering. And when that younger generation ‘discovers’ something, it seems new and fresh.
But it isn’t.
I’m not a parent, but I imagine this is much the same thing that parents witness with their children. I’ve experienced it as a teacher. We can give them tips, tell them what we’ve learned, show them the way… but until they have that light bulb moment and discover it themselves, much of our wisdom and advice falls on deaf ears.
And, yes, of course I’d love a book deal, but in truth, I have no idea what the heck I’d write about! Anyway, even if I did have the ghost of an idea, I doubt it would fly in this world of younger-bloggers- turned-authors.
The same thing happens on television and in the movies; impossibly young and beautiful actors playing doctors, scientists and/or high-powered attorneys. Really? Older and wiser and experienced and whatever adjective you can come up with does have a place, but it’s very limited.
• Today: more table work, which is endlessly fascinating to me. I’m looking forward to it.
Happy Thursday.
Love your quilt and your shawl Claudia – both so pretty. Glad your day yesterday left you feeling energized. It’s true…good/rewarding/satisfying work can do that to a soul. At the moment, my work is in the winter doldrums and I find myself so tired. If it were not so bitter cold I’d go out and walk for a little while at lunch to “freshen” up a bit. I find out late this afternoon whether or not I have to report for jury duty tomorrow. I receive a summons every year and to date I have never been chosen! Enjoy your Mary Tyler Moore life while it lasts — that cracks me up…Don is too funny.
It’s hard to be inspired with all the gray days and such bitter cold, Vera. I understand!
That Don is a funny guy, he makes me laugh all the time!
Your writing is wonderful and I hope you will write a book on your miniature work. My husband and I are in San Diego at the trainer’s portion of International Assembly. Long days and evenings but very exciting and rewarding. Think about a book!
Tracy Rowland
Ah, San Diego! My old stomping grounds! Enjoy your time there, Tracy!
That quilt is gorgeous! And yes, it’s wonderful when you love what you do.
It is, indeed! Thank you!
I love it when you talk about your work with such passion. Its such a wonderful part of who you are. Uninterruped reading is a delight. If Charlie is sleeping sometimes I can be lost in a book for hours, otherwise he is usually trying to get my attention and of course gets it. Same for blogging or reading blogs. I love how you make your home away from home cozy. I’m continuing my purge of dishes today. I’m on a roll and I know I will feel so good once I get things settled room by room.
hugs,
Linda
Uninterrupted reading takes me back to summer days of my youth. Reading for hours on the porch…nothing pressing, just words and my imagination.
I’m so anxious to purge – but that will have to wait until I get back home mid-February.
Good morning to you Claudia. I’ve not really read or watched Shakespeare since I was in high school. I believe I will make the effort now. I just wanted to say your blog is inspiring and uplifting. I started my morning viewing your artistic shot of your flowers and seeing that beautiful quilt. I was gonna pick up flowers yesterday but didn’t have time to get out, so I get to enjoy yours and that is quite enough. Thanks for the effort and honesty you exhibit in your writing.
I love shows with experienced and real looking actors and actresses, so thank heavens for the availability of streaming of shows that portray real life. Please know that we enjoy your blogging and appreciate you for it.
I agree. Thank goodness for British television and the BBC! They seem to honor age and experience!
Your quilt is just beautiful Claudia. And I love how you lost yourself while reading last night. I do the same thing sometimes when I’m alone. I think you’re right about the books and bloggers. My daughter even bought me one of those books a couple of years ago thinking it would have all kinds of new information for me In decorating. As I read it I thought, I already know most of this, she wasted her money. Now mind you, just because I know it doesn’t mean I put it into practice! LOL have a lovely day. Blessings, Betsy
But you’re wise enough to know what you want to put into practice, Betsy!
Good morning from Mississippi. So glad to hear you enjoyed your work yesterday and that you are settling in. That quilt of yours is divine! And to think you had the energy to read for three hours last night. I have not read much yet in 2016 and did little reading in 2015 because I was ill and just had no energy after working all day. I look forward to picking up a new book and reading it all the way through! I would not mind if it was by a “seasoned” adult; I agree that the newbies are writing as though they have discovered something new under the sun. But as you said, “until they discover it themselves”! I remember introducing a younger friend to Ziploc bags years ago. She was astonished! Of course, I was more than mildly amused that she had never seen one.
Have a great day!
Susan
One blogger has written a book about living in a small space and living simply. Wonderful, of course, but I was doing that over 30 years ago!
You are so fortunate to be doing something you love! Your Mary Tyler Moore life…Don is too funny! As an aside…I don’t know why there are so many young bloggers getting book deals either….other than young sells. I’m kind of tired of our generation being cast aside…and just when we’re getting more interesting! Anywho…hope you enjoy your day….sounds like that’s guaranteed! ;)
Young sells. That’s exactly it. I’m very tired of our generation being cast aside, Donnamae. I know it’s the way of our current world, but that doesn’t make it right. It frustrates me and even makes me angry at times.
I laughed when you wrote of the books some of the bloggers are putting on the market. It reminded me of one I saw advertised recently which gave cleaning tips and informed the reader you must clean your countertops to avoid drawing bugs. Hmmm.
It sounds like you are settling in and enjoying your work! Shakespeare has always been a favorite of mine so I find myself wishing I could be there to watch you work your craft.
Hope today is a great one for you!
Oh, that’s so funny! Gee, thanks for telling us that counters need to be clean! Oh lord.
I wish you could peek in to the work sessions, too!
I would definitely buy a book that you wrote. Your honesty, humour and wisdom,
are only some of the reasons that your blog is so appealing. Your writing is top
notch,
Hope some publishers are reading!
I doubt it, Lea! Thanks for your kind words.
How wonderful to have a job/career that you actually love! Something I don’t have in my life right now (and never had), but that’s OK because I am content where I am ~ though a little bit of an income would be nice. ;-)
And reading for three hours straight…wow! That never happens here either. I get too distracted by things that need doing in the house and taking care of the cats. I loved Don’s comment…too funny.
I’ve purchased (used) a couple of blogger books and wasn’t impressed by either of them. I ended up re-selling them on half.com. The only one I truly love – it has beautiful photos and usable ideas – is Decorate, by Holly Becker of Decor8.
You’re so right – I don’t get as distracted here with ‘chores’ except for fixing a meal, making my bed, and washing up the dishes. That’s a luxury.
I love Decorate, too. And I own it. xo
As far as being too old…..pish posh! Look at Grandma Moses that didn’t take up painting until she was in her eighties and whose work didn’t sell until she was gone. Look at Tasha Tudor. I am sure that there are many more as well. Never give up Mary Tyler Moore. ☺
Oh, I don’t think I’m too old…it’s the powers-that-be that put that tag on us. I feel young!
I read many crafting blogs, and you’re right, Claudia, some of the younger bloggers are posting tips about sewing, knitting, etc., that I learned from both my Grandmother and Mom. A lot of them learn from YouTube… When my 20-something crafting daughters tell me something they’ve learned on-line, my almost always response is, “Yes, I know that.” They invariably respond, “How?” I say: “I’m older and have more experience!” That always reminds me of Evelyn’s line in Fried Green Tomatoes: “…I’m older and have more insurance!” If you ever published a book, Claudia, I’d buy it and read it!
They’re always surprised when we know something! Or a lot of things!
Interesting…Wed. I thought to myself, ‘what a lucky lady, doing what she trained for!’ I am glad it is challenging AND fun.
I am very lucky. I wish I did it more often, but I’m not really complaining. I do love this work and I’m grateful for the chance to do it with a director and a company I admire!
I hope all of the days ahead are full of energy for you as you work on this production! You sound very happy!
I truly believe the saying that “youth is wasted on the young”. (There also seems to be some common sense lacking.) When I read some of the bloggers who whine about turning 30…. I can’t bear it.
BUT, I do know that if you wrote a book I would surely read it!! ?
I was mentioning a blogger – who has a truly lovely blog – who has had a book published about tips about living simply and living in a small space. I’m sure it’s beautiful, but come on now! I was living in one room apartments 30 years ago – and I mean small studio apartments. There’s nothing she can tell me that I don’t already know!
The only thing that comforts me now about the current crop of Young is that someday they too WILL know how truly clueless they were and will probably look back on their early years with a wince as I’ve often done. When I was in college and then into my 20s, I couldn’t believe why adults, my parents etc, believed that Life was such a struggle. Why did they have such a difficult time? I had absolutely everything figured out [I thought] and nicely pigeonholed for the future, I might add. Little did I know. I don’t know how my parents tolerated me, because I was just insufferable. Occasionally I did hear “Well, someday you may feel differently, or you may find out X is something other than you think etc…” but they never really came down on me. They’d knew eventually the truth would dawn on me, that the older we get, the more we learn how much we DON’T know. And to get there, I would have to make my own mistakes. God bless ’em for that. I wish I could have told them this while they were still here, but somehow I think they know anyway.
PS – why does Don call it “your Mary Tyler Moore life?” Because you’re sort of a single girl while you’re away in Hartford? ❄️❄️
Yes, because I live a ‘single girl in a apartment’ life when I’m here. Although…not really single! It harkens back to those days before I met him. He loves teasing me about it.
The young will indeed learn what you spoke about – just like we did. But I have to admit that I sometimes simply cannot read blog posts from 30 somethings because I end up groaning…probably just like my parents would have had I been writing a blog when I was that young.
It is fun to hear how energized you are about your work. Your writing is beautiful and the sneak peak into the prep for a theater event is fun! I think this is a good antidote for all that you have been going through personally.
I do, too, Karen. Thank you!
I envy your Mary Tyler Moore life! And agree if you must be away— spend it doing something you enjoy, your work and your reading. I do hope Don and Scout have an easier time while you’re away than last time ( with her ears) that was scarey for everyone. You’ve made the apartment quite nice… The shawl would seem necessary with the high ceilings– it seems cold to me.
It’s not so cold – and if it’s cold at all, it’s because of the air sneaking in around the windows. It’s pretty comfortable here, Pat!
Your blog suits me just fine. I’m sixty, yikes! So many of the blogs I follow are overly energized, does that make sense? Your blog is like the ‘slow food’ movement, we can sit back, relax and enjoy what surrounds us in the here and now. As a new follower of your blog I know I’d buy a book written by you, you speak to me.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Ann. And welcome!
Well, I follow fashion, and the supermodels are VERY young. There’s something about youth that is flawless, fresh, toned, luxe, It’s nice to look at; it’s what sells the clothes, the makeup, etc. See it on an older female model and it’s not what’s expected. I’ve thought about it. Babies, puppies, clothes not yet worn…we like what’s new. Our eye goes to beauty, and old isn’t always beautiful. Old is a roadmap…we’ve been down a lot of roads; it shows in our faces.
I’m not feeling good about getting older. I see nothing graceful about it. I think it’s hard. Actor Alan Rickman dead at 69 this week; David Bowie dead at 69 this week. I was just reading about the fashion designer for Princess Diana, Catherine Walker…dead at 65 (2 bouts of cancer; and the two gentlemen above fell to cancer as well; it’s an epidemic). I’m not far away from that, age-wise…so it disturbs me. I just read something from veteran actress Helen Mirren…two choices, you either get old or you die young. And she said, “I don’t want to die young!” (so she’ll take getting older!).
Perhaps what’s preoccupying me about age so much right now is that I ran into my ex-boyfriend yesterday. Couldn’t have looked my worst, in crappy clothes, my hair a mess, not even a slick of lipstick; running errands at unfancy places. Haven’t seen him up close & personal in 20 years and we haven’t been a couple for over 30 years. So, why should any of this have even bothered me? But it did. I remembered when we were young (and unwrinkled!); when we combed dark brown hair, not gray.
Something seems to happen every day to remind me that I’ve gotten old. And I can’t seem to embrace it.
Oh well, I’m sounding morbid. As opposed to you…with your boundless energy and enthusiasm for your work from which you must gain so much ‘identity’ outside of your other roles as mom to Scout, husband to Don, keeper of the cottage and collector extraordinaire!
Back to the youth thing…I did say something to a younger person a few years ago which stuck. She was a budding traveler and had already spent a year abroad in college. I advised, “If you love to travel, do it now, while you’re young and can hike/climb/trek. You’ll be on more of a budget than you might be at retirement age, when so many people travel for the first time after working their whole lives, but you’ll have youth on your side…your great energy, openness, vitality and fearlessness.” And, well, she took my advice. She’s only 24 and she’s already been to Australia, Europe, Asia. She spent Christmas in the Andes/Peru. Her mother would like to crack me over the head with a frying pan for my advice (she worries about her daughter traveling in far-flung places) but I’m not sorry I gave it; the girl is having the time of her life!
Well, if you read today’s (Friday) post, you’ll see I’m also thinking about loss and death and sorrow, Vicki. I understand.