These trees, surrounding the gorgeous arch, are budding and leafing out.
These trees are full of flowers.
Gorgeous, aren’t they?
They, along with the pollen that is flying around these windy streets, are making me miserable. Oh lord, are my allergies out of control! This morning I woke up with a stuffed up head, watery eyes, and a general feeling of yuckiness. I’ve always wondered why something so beautiful, so long wished for, so renewing, can cause such havoc in my sinuses.
Doesn’t seem fair, does it?
After today, I will have met with every member of the cast once and some twice. What a nice and talented group of actors! They are a pleasure to work with. I find that most actors are that way. Very seldom do I have trouble with an actor. The key to working successfully with an actor is to understand the way he or she works and gently but firmly guide that actor by giving him/her all the tools needed to give a full, rich performance. Equally important is knowing when to back off. At some point, some actors will not want many notes and will need to put it all together without interference. Other actors want all the notes I can give them right up through opening night. In the end, it is never about me. It’s about being of service to the actor and the director and the production. I think the fact that I was an actor helps me in all this. In all modesty, I think I handle this particular balance well. I know that is one of the reasons Darko likes working with me.
The night before last, I woke in the early morning hours and then went back to sleep. I had all sorts of crazy dreams that left me unsettled. I must have dreamed about Scout because I woke up feeling so homesick and all I wanted to do was to nuzzle my face into hers, to breathe in her scent. I miss my girl so much that I feel a constant ache inside me.
Last year at this time, I was here and Scout and Riley were back home. Riley was declining and I worried about him all the time. And when I returned, I spent all my time taking care of him for the next 3 months. Oh, how I wish he was still with us. That sweet boy with the gentle brown eyes. I can still remember the feel of his hair, the way he liked me to stroke his face, the way he licked my hand. I’d give anything to have him back.
Sorry. I feel sadness coming over me at times, fueled, no doubt, by being away from my home and my loved ones. And memories can suddenly come out of nowhere that overwhelm me, that stop me short. I miss my boy.
You never get over the loss of a beloved family member.
Ah well. I have some coaching to do this afternoon. This morning, I am borrowing a company car and driving to the suburbs where I will quickly run into Joann’s and buy some Polyfil. And some elastic thread, which I just realized I need for Maggie Rabbit’s dress. To those of you who offered to send me some Polyfil, my heart is warmed by your generosity. Blogging has brought such wonderful people into my life. Such a sweet gift you are.
Happy Friday.
Claudia, I don’t think we ever get over the loss of a beloved pet. Hard to believe it’s been a year, that means that our Daisy has been gone a year in two months. Do you remember the day you stopped crying, I don’t. Sometimes I still tear up. I, like you, think about our loss every day. Every time our remaining dog, Candy, does something that Daisy taught her, I see Daisy in her and walking beside her, just as you see evidence of Riley in Scout.
Give Scout a big hug and kiss for all your readers who ever felt and returned the love of a precious pet.
Oh Claudia I don’t blame you. You are away from your family and that is always hard. My allergies have been awful this year too. I am poppin pills just to drive straight. Someone mentioned trying two tsp. everyday of a honey made as local as you can get it. Worth a try.
We don’t have anything really growing here yet so I don’t have allergy flare ups-but when it finally does get started I will probably be in the same boat. I love nature too much to let it keep me inside though -just like you :) Sending you hugs today because I can imagine how much you miss home. Sometimes when I go away only for a weekend I miss my husband and pup so much. Hope you have a wonderful day Claudia! xxxxxoooooo!!!
Everything is in bloom here too. Beautiful and lovely but I also have the sneezing and itchy watery eyes. Oh well….I love this time of year so I am taking the good with the bad…or vice versa. We all can relate to being away from our fur babies and with the loss of them. Sometimes the constant sad ache is hard to put into words. We have to keep going forward…keep on keeping on. Just think of that wonderful homecoming you are going to have. Keep your eye on that! ~Hugs, Patti
I’m sure you are beginning to get homesick. Hopefully when you get home you will have some time with Don and Scout before one of you has to take off again. There are still days when I open the front door and wonder why my last dog isn’t there, but thank goodness, Bella is there to greet me and smother me with kisses.
Hope your allergies get some better. They are awful here also.
Judy
We have two trees in our yard that are blooming like your photos and sneezing, itching eyes are part of life right now. How I feel for you in missing Scout and remembering Riley. I don’t think we ever get over missing our fur babies. I know I take my Chloe with me everywhere I possibly can. She doesn’t understand when I leave her behind and I love the comfort of her next to me. I’ll be praying for peace for you Claudia as you continue in your work. Soon you’ll be back home with all that’s familiar and happy.
Blessings,
Betsy
Yes, it is a shame…we want spring so badly, and when it arrives, some people have to pay such a high price. Fortunately I don’t have allergies yet…but you got me teary eyed talking about Scout and Riley. I still miss Mandy, our cat, who left us five years ago. I can still hear her purring, and occasionally, feel her presence on the bed at night by my feet where she slept. I guess we just have to be content with the fact that they enriched our lives for a short time. Hopefully, we enriched their lives too. ;)
Claudia I know how the loss of a family member can wash over us and make us sad! It will always be that way but it also brings sweet memories. ((((HUGS)))) You are where I was a few weeks ago with the allergies and it’s awful! So beautiful out but you want to stay inside so you can breathe!! It will get better. Sounds like things are going well with work. I hope you get home for a visit soon!
hugs, Linda
Claudia, I know you have to miss your home life. It would be hard for me to do what you have to do. I bet your Scout and Don miss you too. This is suppose to be a very bad year for pollens. I loved the picture with the arch. Beautiful. xoxo,Susie
Aw, big hugs Claudia. Yesterday Chloe and I moved a chair from the garage, (it had been in storage for 10 years), and underneath was a clump of Hunter hair. Hunter was our malamute who we loved to pieces. As soon as we realised this we had tears welling up. So be brave and big hugs to you. x
Sorry you’re homesick.. we’ve been at the beach for 6 days, but are heading home in an hour or so. The chickens need us.. and so does the cat. We leave her with a large gravity feeder of water and food, but she misses us. Say, the elastic thread is in the kit, it’s so thin you might overlook it. It works great! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
I’m so sorry you have to be experiencing these allergy problems when you are loving the work you’re doing so much. I’m sure that the talent you have for working with actors benefits you in so many ways with everything in your life, including blogging!
I want so much to dream about my Penelope. I often dream about my father and count it as a blessing when I do. My sister from FL was visiting me this week and brought me a little dachshund angel Christmas ornament. It’s sitting on my bed table by her picture. I sleep with the little sheep and the chipmunk that she slept with, used as pillows under her chin. I too would give so much for more time with her and the memories hurt but I think it will be sad when it stops hurting.
And you are a sweet gift, too, Claudia! Hugs to you as you remember Riley and are away from Don and Scout.
Those actors are very blessed to have you work with them, and something tells me they know it. You give them confidence.
XO,
Sheila
Oh Claudia we’re never too old to feel homesick!
It happens to me each year when I travel the 12,000 miles to France to spend time with my daughter and her family!
Yes, I’m with family but I still miss my routine and my comfy bed and favorite chair.
I also really miss my early morning amble around my garden with my first cuppa in hand.
Even through your sinus pain and miz, I detect a real sense of achievement with what you’re doing – a shame it couldn’t be nearer to home.
I love your writing and look forward to these chatty posts.
The archway and the blossom are superb but it’s the photo of Scout that tugs at my heartstrings – he’s so adorable and I’m sure he is missing you just as much too!
Blessings and hugs
Shane ♥
What is funny (interesting – not ha-ha) is that everything is relevant. You are longing for home, and I think it would be a huge adventure to be away from home for a while! Not that I don’t understand, but it’s a case of the grass is always greener . . . I just think your career sounds fascinating!
Hope your sinuses feel better. I’ll give my dogs an extra hug for you!
I’m sure Scout misses you just as much. I know I can’t be away from Kane for long. Your photos are so nice but I do hope you can get some relief from your allergies. Not fun. Hugs, Deb
Dear Claudia~~~Sending love, hugs, & peace to your heart.
XO, Linda
I understand your sadness and longing when remembering Riley. It’s especially tough when you have a wonderful relationship. We’re watching Bridger and Misty both decline. I know what you mean about the sweet eyes and their faces and stroking them. I truly feel for you and share in the love for our animals who are such loyal, true companions.
I hope you have a good weekend, Claudia.
Love the photo of Scout!
And thank you for hosting.
I think our pets who have flown away are always missed. I wish I had back my Clancy and Shadow. My two sweet boys. I have my Leo, but what times he would have with the two of them! Can’t wait to see Scouts face when you do get home. Be sure to give her a hug from Leo and me. I love that photo of her.
This is a beautiful time of year..I,too, wish we could do something about the pollen…