Sitting at this desk an awful lot – when I’m not at rehearsal.
Watching my Red Sox. This is the perk of being in Hartford; I can watch every Red Sox game. (They won this one.)
Reading my third Louise Penny mystery. This woman can really write. I’m a big fan.
Watering my plant with the purple flowers. It’s nice to have something green and thriving in this apartment.
Looking at the acronym for the Williamstown Theatre Festival and thinking how it represents something I say quite often. (Yes, I can use some salty language with the best of ’em.)
Catching the sunset through my apartment window.
Wandering around the apartment, taking pictures. Notice my haircut? Much shorter.
It’s Sunday and I have another full day of rehearsal ahead. (By the way, for those of you who asked, we rehearse 6 out of 7 days a week. Monday is our day off.) I had been thinking I might go home for a day or two, so when the director said we were to rehearse until 7 pm today, my heart sank. I wouldn’t get home until 9 or 10 and I’d have to return either Monday night or early Tuesday morning. That particular turnaround would be too tight.
So I’m a wee bit disappointed. For some reason, I’m having a hard time being here. Maybe it’s because I was just here for a 5 week stretch. Certainly, the fact that Don and I have been apart for over 7 months in the last year plays a big part, along with the fact that he was home for only one day before I had to leave for Hartford.
I’m restless. I haven’t worked one-on-one with the actors yet, so I feel curiously detached. All of the table work on the text, something I normally love, isn’t doing it for me. I know that will change as we move away from the table and I establish a relationship with the actors. I just have to be patient and know I will soon become immersed in this process.
I’m grateful for the work, that goes without saying. Don’s grateful for the work that comes his way. We get it. It’s good to have a job and we utter thanks every day. But seven out of twelve months spent apart is kicking my butt to the curb.
Since I’m woefully behind in reading blogs and commenting, I’m trying to use the little free time I have to visit you all. I apologize for my lack of comments and I’m going to remedy that.
Don gave Scout a bath. I wish I could nuzzle my nose in her silky hair.
And I’ve been eating too many mini chocolate bars at rehearsal.
Must stop.
Happy Sunday.
It’s nice to have some insight into your work. It’s all so interesting but being apart from the ones you love can really take a toll. Hope you can have a reunion soon.
Me too, Dayle!
I feel for you, my hubby spend many months away from home too. I get adjusted to him being gone and then he pops up again. Sad what we have to do to earn a living, but gotta make hay while the sun shines:)
We have to do the same thing – re-adjust to being together again.
Okay, that cap reference made me laugh aloud.
Hang in, Claudia. You are doing great.
Thanks, my friend!
I’m reading the same book!! I just picked it up at the library and really enojoying it.
She’s such a good writer!
Hi Claudia.. I hope things get more upbeat for you. I would feel same way , I’m sure. It’s either feast or famine as they say. It’s good to have work but your separation is hard. It has been a busy year for you. Maybe you will get a little break coming up. You probably don’t know what to wish for. I love how you plan ahead and make your space homey. I’m glad you have bloggy friends to entertain you. (((((HUGS))))
Oh, I don’t know what I’d do without all of you!
If only you and Don would be fortunate to each get a gig in the same city….wouldn’t that be wonderful!;)
One can only hope!
Claudia…welcome to senior time…this is the time of our life when leaving hearth and home gets hard…even vacations are not fun.I am an old soul and have been since I was sixteen. My sister is the same and she is much younger. Home the siren call….be it every so humble….nidia
I’ve always had that siren call, Nidia. Even when I was young. I understand,
Hope you mojo gets connected soon! I know how hard it is to be separated, but if you want to eat…. No wonderful advice, sadly, but just keep on keeping on. Enjoy your Red Sox.
Tana
Oh, we get all that, like I said in the post. Doesn’t make it any easier, however.
Well, you’ve made it a week! I hope once you get into a good routine of working, having time alone and then popping in at home for a day or two, that the time will start to rush by. It’s a dull routine that makes things stagnant.
I have been so curious about the Louise Penny books. I absolutely love a mystery series. I’m just want to make sure I read them in order. I checked Amazon and they have an offer for what appears to be the first three books. You wrote that this is your third book and it’s also the third book in this package. Just wondering if you’re reading them in order and if you know the sequence.
XO,
Jane
Yes, I’m reading them in order and I got the right order from Louise Penny’s website:
http://www.louisepenny.com/
It’s a great website, by the way.
I can feel your loneliness Claudia my friend. You pay a high price to live the life of an artist but the world needs its’ artists more now than ever before.
But I must say that you also have a huge talent in making your environment look like home very quickly. Your apt looks lovely with your homey touches. Chin up. Hugs J
I’ve lived in so many apartments and moved so much in my younger life that I know how to make a place cozy rather quickly.
You make me feel lonely just reading about your separation from your husband and dog. I lost my husband 7 years ago, but I still have my little dogs. Not a day goes by that I don’t wish for one more early morning sharing our coffee and walking around the yard checking each new flower bud and berry. I also lost my home and now live in a tiny space with my son and two grandchildren. I praise the Lord everyday for them and the comfort and love I feel. I love your blog and reading about the life you live and the area you live in and experiences you have. What a wonderful talent you and your husband share. Scout has a wonderful talent too; making his people feel loved. I will return day after day to check the progress and hope for a reunion soon for your family; all the sweeter for the long separation.
Sandra, my heart breaks for you – losing a partner must be heartbreaking. And losing your home is so sad. I’m so happy that your son and his children have made a home for you and that you are surrounded by loved ones.xoxo
Love the hat- some days can be that way!!! Got to keep laughing!!! Take care, Doris
Sure do!
So sorry you didn’t get to go home this weekend, Claudia. I know that must have been disappointing. We are reading the same book. I am loving the Louise Penny books, too. xo Laura
I love them, too, Laura.
I love the hat too Claudia..too funny!
Sort of the perfect hat for me, Nancy!
I’m sorry that you guys are having to spend so much time apart.. life is best when shared with your beloved. I hope after this stint that you have lots of weeks together before you have to part again. I watched that interview and love Don’s voice. Hang in there and I hope you get to go home for a visit soon. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Thanks so much, Teresa!
Claudia, it must be hard, and I was sad to realize that you only had one day together before you had to leave..
I can only wish that the time will go fast for you, and that you will manage to get to spend some time together as a family.
Jen
We sure look forward to some time together, Jen.
At least you are keeping busy which will help a little making time go by! Like your haircut – it looks good!
Judy
Thanks, Judy!
Well your desk is a nice place to sit, and the flowers are beautiful.. Love the hat.. LOL.. As for being apart from Don 7 months out of the year, honestly Claudia, I don’t know how you do it.. I don’t think I could..I hope things start connecting for you soon and you and Don get to spend some much needed time together.
Robyn
XO
I have to ‘not think’ about it most of the time, or I’d be continually sad!
I wish I had some wise words of comfort, Claudia. It really is a double edged sword, loving someone so much that the times apart are such a trial. But what do I know, I live by myself. If it helps, here’s a hug.
-Karen
Thanks for the hug, Karen!
Would I be able to purchase a Williamstown WTF cap? My son-in-law was involved in that festival a few years back so it would make a fantastic gift for him! I’m feeling so sad for you and Don and Scout…separation from loved ones is truly a heavy burden. I’m glad you’re both doing what you love so at least it makes it somewhat tolerable. Thanks for the book suggestion. Haven’t read a good mystery in a long time.
Oh Claudia, I feel so bad that you and Don have been apart so much….that’s a tough one. You have made your apartment look very homey, love all your special touches.
Got a chuckle out of your WTF hat, you funny girl! And I know just what you’re going through with the mini chocolate bars. I’ve been on such a kick with those lately, I’ve got to figure out how to get away from them.
Have a great day off, sorry you couldn’t go home. Hugs, Debi
Wow! Five months apart during the year is a lot! Of course you are home sick and I know you are grateful for the work but it’s got to be difficult to be away from home. Love the WTF (Willamstown Theater Festival) I’d be uttering the salty phrase!
Love the hat! It is wonderful. Has Don ever done any plays at Weston, VT? That is another fabulous playhouse attracting some famous folks during the summer. Beautiful sunset shot and love the pic of you taking the pic of the quilt!