As I walked through the empty campus to my car after class I walked past a young man whistling. He was one of those people who could whistle with vibrato...ya'know? Anyway - he had a beautiful whistle and he was crafting a beautiful tune. It rang through the clear, cold night and made me smile.
What an incredible gift he had - to make cheerful music with the pursing of his lips and the exhale of air. So simple but profound.
I wish I could whistle - alas I do not have that talent. It was really a problem when I was Anna in "The King & I" and I was supposed to be able to whistle my fears away. Hard to do when you purse your lips and nothing comes out. :D
Anyway - I guess I just want to remind everyone to whistle a happy tune and add a solo to the soundtrack of your life.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Let Freedom Ring...wait - what's that noise?
So...Barak Hussein Obama got elected to be president. Hey - don't look at me - I didn't do it!
But seriously - Joey and I voted then watched "The Happening" (which I'd never seen and hated) and "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" (which I love!) and then I cheerfully read "Persuasion" by Jane Austen until I fell asleep.
When I woke up this morning - I'd forgotten about the election. It wasn't until an ignorant and obnoxious morning talk radio host who shall remain unnamed (Chris Walton, stupid idiot on 670 KBOI) was making fun of John McCain and Sarah Palin for thinking they could win when I heard the devastating news.
I've spent the last hour or so thinking: Well - there goes everything right to hell! I unconsciously kicked into "survival mode"... ya know, thinking: "We need to pay off student loans and cars and get some more cash savings. I need to learn how to actually cook with the wheat my mother-in-law gave me for my birthday..." Oy, my panic started suffocating me.
Then I remembered - wait! Joey is getting his masters...we'll be poor for a few years while we're in that life transition! Sweet. Poor people are supposedly going to get money for just being poor under our president elect! Awesome.
But then...I remembered - I'm not that girl. Being poor while my little family goes through a career change is nothing to be worried about. In fact, I think it will be an adventure. So, I'm telling you all now rich people: Keep your money! I don't want it!
But seriously - Joey and I voted then watched "The Happening" (which I'd never seen and hated) and "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" (which I love!) and then I cheerfully read "Persuasion" by Jane Austen until I fell asleep.
When I woke up this morning - I'd forgotten about the election. It wasn't until an ignorant and obnoxious morning talk radio host who shall remain unnamed (Chris Walton, stupid idiot on 670 KBOI) was making fun of John McCain and Sarah Palin for thinking they could win when I heard the devastating news.
I've spent the last hour or so thinking: Well - there goes everything right to hell! I unconsciously kicked into "survival mode"... ya know, thinking: "We need to pay off student loans and cars and get some more cash savings. I need to learn how to actually cook with the wheat my mother-in-law gave me for my birthday..." Oy, my panic started suffocating me.
Then I remembered - wait! Joey is getting his masters...we'll be poor for a few years while we're in that life transition! Sweet. Poor people are supposedly going to get money for just being poor under our president elect! Awesome.
But then...I remembered - I'm not that girl. Being poor while my little family goes through a career change is nothing to be worried about. In fact, I think it will be an adventure. So, I'm telling you all now rich people: Keep your money! I don't want it!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
My political musings from Hollywood's finest
Well, Joey and I just saw "The Dark Knight" last night and....hmmmmmm. That's all that initially came to mind. Seriously. We sat in the theatre after the movie was over in a state of shock. We weren't waiting for something extra...just shocked. Some thoughts to follow:
1. Normally, I love good vs. evil movies. Independence Day, Batman Begins, Iron Man...you name it - I love it. (Note: Good must win for it to qualify.) And in this movie the good was stalwart and honorable, but the bad was so evil and I was awake through half the night, too scared to sleep. I really liked Heath Ledger as an actor. He was super talented and always fun to watch. (I didn't see Brokeback Mountain...so I'm untainted.) But he played The Joker - evil and chaotic - so well...I kept thinking through the movie "No wonder he was on anti-depressants that ultimately killed him! I would be horrified to play this part and get so into it that you start to feel like him a little bit more every day." I would begin to loathe what I was becoming. You hear of lots of actors who will do anything for the love of "the craft", but truly - there are moments where the evil in that movie is just too evil. No talent or award would be worth it.
2. I loved how both of director Chris Nolan's Batman's have been about agency. 'You always have a choice' is the mantra of Bruce Wayne and Alred. What I loved more about this movie is that Batman learns that - even if the choice is unpopular - you MUST do what you know to be right. When he knew that everyone would hate him forever, Batman made the choice to continue on - fighting for what he knew was right. (I know, I know, he's a vigilante and breaking the law, but this point is made from the bigger-picture view.)
3. I read an article in the Wall Street Journal (after briefly hearing about on Rush Limbaugh's program) about the similarities between Gotham/Batman and America's War on Terrorism/GW Bush. No matter how unpopular the decisions may be...(I think) both men knew what was correct and acted appropriately. Very interesting.I give the movie a hesitant 2 thumbs up. But I've been reading that not only was Heath Ledger's death linked to his emotional difficulties in creating the Joker, but Christian Bale has also been "suffering" from some depression/emotional issues spawned from portraying this story. Let me tell you - no gold statue is worth it!!!
(comment posted by Michael - my dad)The movie was too dark for me, although I have to admit that the actor playing the Joker did an amazing job. The principle that I just can't reconcile is that 'means do NOT just the ends'. The movie seems to say that it is ok to do wrong things when good is the motive or the outcome, but I believe that is not a true principle.Cheers
(My response to him) Michelle
Monday, August 4, 2008, 03:29 PM
Dad (Mike),
You said that the movie lacked acknowledgment of the principle: The ends do not justify the means.I believe that this movie was a perfect example of why that principle can be flawed. If killing/terror is wrong - and everyone stands by that principle...then yes - ends/means works. But the Joker didn't care. There are people in this world who do not care. What regular, run-of-the-mill people like you and me are asked to do is what those people on the ferry boats did - do not act to promote their fear. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS choose life over hate and fear. Always choose love and peace over war and destruction. That is the path of our Savior - one we follow in trust and faith.
However. The part I'm thinking of specifically is when Bruce Wayne created that massive spy machine and Morgan Freeman was like: "No, you've gone too far - I will not be a party to this law breaking." At that point - Batman was walking a fine, fine line between right and wrong. Between standing up for freedom and drinking from the cup of power-mongering. And then - the moment of truth: Christian tells Morgan Freeman that only one man can have access to this power: a man that he knew was good, a man that keenly knew the danger that kind of machine could be - and that man can use it for the good it will do - and that same man who knows so in his being that too much power corrupts - he will then destroy it.I guess that's why the ends/means principle worked for me in this movie. For so long no one stood up to that madman...they chose fear, they chose hate and distrust. It wasn't until the ferry scene when even the worst of that city's citizens chose to not pander to a terrorist. It was when they chose the freedom and safety of their neighbors above themselves that the Joker lost. I guess the key is to elect people to lead us that we trust with the power they have. We need to ask people to lead us that we know are keenly aware of the balance between fighting for liberty and being a dictator. It's easier said than done, I know.
Batman's choice reminded me of the gunslingers in the frontier West. There were those lawless and depraved men who thrived on running rough-shod over hard-working, good people. And they succeeded time and time again until someone came along and cleaned up the mess - that man was usually as violent as those he came to fight. The difference? The cowboy or gunslinger believed in the law-abiding, honest way to live. He always knew their way was the future - not him. He knew once he did the "dirty" work, the people would take over and build beautiful, alabaster cities that would be beacons of liberty and freedom to the entire world. But someone had to start.
That's why the ends justify the means in this movie...and I dare say...the war on terror. Because as a nation, as the armed forces and the Commander-and-Chief - we are committed to freedom for everyone - not spreading our power and might through the world. Just like the cowboys of yore, when the dust has settled and the epitaph's carved - we'll ride off into the proverbial sunset to let the freedom ring.When we choose freedom and liberty over fear - terror loses. When we stand up and support those that fight for freedom and liberty, even if we don't physically fight ourselves - we win. Love and fear cannot coexist.
1. Normally, I love good vs. evil movies. Independence Day, Batman Begins, Iron Man...you name it - I love it. (Note: Good must win for it to qualify.) And in this movie the good was stalwart and honorable, but the bad was so evil and I was awake through half the night, too scared to sleep. I really liked Heath Ledger as an actor. He was super talented and always fun to watch. (I didn't see Brokeback Mountain...so I'm untainted.) But he played The Joker - evil and chaotic - so well...I kept thinking through the movie "No wonder he was on anti-depressants that ultimately killed him! I would be horrified to play this part and get so into it that you start to feel like him a little bit more every day." I would begin to loathe what I was becoming. You hear of lots of actors who will do anything for the love of "the craft", but truly - there are moments where the evil in that movie is just too evil. No talent or award would be worth it.
2. I loved how both of director Chris Nolan's Batman's have been about agency. 'You always have a choice' is the mantra of Bruce Wayne and Alred. What I loved more about this movie is that Batman learns that - even if the choice is unpopular - you MUST do what you know to be right. When he knew that everyone would hate him forever, Batman made the choice to continue on - fighting for what he knew was right. (I know, I know, he's a vigilante and breaking the law, but this point is made from the bigger-picture view.)
3. I read an article in the Wall Street Journal (after briefly hearing about on Rush Limbaugh's program) about the similarities between Gotham/Batman and America's War on Terrorism/GW Bush. No matter how unpopular the decisions may be...(I think) both men knew what was correct and acted appropriately. Very interesting.I give the movie a hesitant 2 thumbs up. But I've been reading that not only was Heath Ledger's death linked to his emotional difficulties in creating the Joker, but Christian Bale has also been "suffering" from some depression/emotional issues spawned from portraying this story. Let me tell you - no gold statue is worth it!!!
(comment posted by Michael - my dad)The movie was too dark for me, although I have to admit that the actor playing the Joker did an amazing job. The principle that I just can't reconcile is that 'means do NOT just the ends'. The movie seems to say that it is ok to do wrong things when good is the motive or the outcome, but I believe that is not a true principle.Cheers
(My response to him) Michelle
Monday, August 4, 2008, 03:29 PM
Dad (Mike),
You said that the movie lacked acknowledgment of the principle: The ends do not justify the means.I believe that this movie was a perfect example of why that principle can be flawed. If killing/terror is wrong - and everyone stands by that principle...then yes - ends/means works. But the Joker didn't care. There are people in this world who do not care. What regular, run-of-the-mill people like you and me are asked to do is what those people on the ferry boats did - do not act to promote their fear. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS choose life over hate and fear. Always choose love and peace over war and destruction. That is the path of our Savior - one we follow in trust and faith.
However. The part I'm thinking of specifically is when Bruce Wayne created that massive spy machine and Morgan Freeman was like: "No, you've gone too far - I will not be a party to this law breaking." At that point - Batman was walking a fine, fine line between right and wrong. Between standing up for freedom and drinking from the cup of power-mongering. And then - the moment of truth: Christian tells Morgan Freeman that only one man can have access to this power: a man that he knew was good, a man that keenly knew the danger that kind of machine could be - and that man can use it for the good it will do - and that same man who knows so in his being that too much power corrupts - he will then destroy it.I guess that's why the ends/means principle worked for me in this movie. For so long no one stood up to that madman...they chose fear, they chose hate and distrust. It wasn't until the ferry scene when even the worst of that city's citizens chose to not pander to a terrorist. It was when they chose the freedom and safety of their neighbors above themselves that the Joker lost. I guess the key is to elect people to lead us that we trust with the power they have. We need to ask people to lead us that we know are keenly aware of the balance between fighting for liberty and being a dictator. It's easier said than done, I know.
Batman's choice reminded me of the gunslingers in the frontier West. There were those lawless and depraved men who thrived on running rough-shod over hard-working, good people. And they succeeded time and time again until someone came along and cleaned up the mess - that man was usually as violent as those he came to fight. The difference? The cowboy or gunslinger believed in the law-abiding, honest way to live. He always knew their way was the future - not him. He knew once he did the "dirty" work, the people would take over and build beautiful, alabaster cities that would be beacons of liberty and freedom to the entire world. But someone had to start.
That's why the ends justify the means in this movie...and I dare say...the war on terror. Because as a nation, as the armed forces and the Commander-and-Chief - we are committed to freedom for everyone - not spreading our power and might through the world. Just like the cowboys of yore, when the dust has settled and the epitaph's carved - we'll ride off into the proverbial sunset to let the freedom ring.When we choose freedom and liberty over fear - terror loses. When we stand up and support those that fight for freedom and liberty, even if we don't physically fight ourselves - we win. Love and fear cannot coexist.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
So Disgusted
My husband and I were watching TV tonight and we saw the new marketingcampaign for Kohl's Department store. The music is Lenny Kravitz's newsong "Love Revolution" and the following lyrics are disturbing - to saythe least:
"It's time for a love revolution It's time for a new Constitution"
I AM NOT JOKING!!!!!
This is going too far. I believe in the FirstAmendment. I believe in the Bill of Rights and I believe in the heroism of millions that have fought and died for that celebrity to voice his opinion. But get a new Constitution? That document makes us the greatestcountry on Earth. That document was inspired by a watchful and caring Godwho KNOWS WHAT HE'S DOING!!! If you don't like the Constitution - leave!
I guess telling people to leave is scary too. It seems more and more people are dividing over the very fundemental principles this country was founded on, and I worry it will lead to a repeat of our civil war in the1860's. But this time...what will we end up with? Dividing our country in half? "Go past this boundary if you believe in the Constitution and gohere if you want a new one?"
Gosh, if that's what it comes to, I hope Boise, ID is in the Constitution-loving section...because my husband and I have almost finished furnishing our house in that city...and I'd like to enjoy it for years to come.
FYI: Here is a description of the campaign I found onMarketWatch.com:
"In addition to artist-inspired denim collections, the fully integrated campaign consists of national advertising, a consumer engagement contest, in store graphics, online and digital media, direct mail and public relations. The new song "Love Revolution" by Lenny Kravitz is incorporated into campaign elements and was selected for its inspiring message of unity, love and infusing passion into all aspects of life."Kohl's will run a combination of 30- and 60-second television spots that leverage the 'Inspired' artists beginning the week of July 27 during popular shows such as Ugly Betty and One Tree Hill. Through a partnership with MTV, a variation of the ads will air on MTV during select primetime and daytime slots beginning July 27. Kohl's banner advertising and links to the 'Inspired' campaign micro site will be featured on MTV.com."
(Last comment - run them during popular shows? Try shows that brainwash our youth and young adults....but whatever!)
"It's time for a love revolution It's time for a new Constitution"
I AM NOT JOKING!!!!!
This is going too far. I believe in the FirstAmendment. I believe in the Bill of Rights and I believe in the heroism of millions that have fought and died for that celebrity to voice his opinion. But get a new Constitution? That document makes us the greatestcountry on Earth. That document was inspired by a watchful and caring Godwho KNOWS WHAT HE'S DOING!!! If you don't like the Constitution - leave!
I guess telling people to leave is scary too. It seems more and more people are dividing over the very fundemental principles this country was founded on, and I worry it will lead to a repeat of our civil war in the1860's. But this time...what will we end up with? Dividing our country in half? "Go past this boundary if you believe in the Constitution and gohere if you want a new one?"
Gosh, if that's what it comes to, I hope Boise, ID is in the Constitution-loving section...because my husband and I have almost finished furnishing our house in that city...and I'd like to enjoy it for years to come.
FYI: Here is a description of the campaign I found onMarketWatch.com:
"In addition to artist-inspired denim collections, the fully integrated campaign consists of national advertising, a consumer engagement contest, in store graphics, online and digital media, direct mail and public relations. The new song "Love Revolution" by Lenny Kravitz is incorporated into campaign elements and was selected for its inspiring message of unity, love and infusing passion into all aspects of life."Kohl's will run a combination of 30- and 60-second television spots that leverage the 'Inspired' artists beginning the week of July 27 during popular shows such as Ugly Betty and One Tree Hill. Through a partnership with MTV, a variation of the ads will air on MTV during select primetime and daytime slots beginning July 27. Kohl's banner advertising and links to the 'Inspired' campaign micro site will be featured on MTV.com."
(Last comment - run them during popular shows? Try shows that brainwash our youth and young adults....but whatever!)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Betrayal
When I was in high school I participated like a fiend in the school's theatre program. By the time I was a sophomore - there were very few days during the school year I didn't have a rehearsal or performance of some kind.
One of the members of my ward came to see me in a play and when it was over, she came up to speak with me. I'll never forget what she said:
"I think it's so remarkable...you are so graceful and composed on stage. You would never guess that from how you are in real life!"
I did not take offense to her comment - nor should you reader - because I loved how I felt on stage. She was right! When I was on stage I wasn't dumpy or clumsy or silly or ugly - I was whatever I wanted most my character to be...and that was usually fabulous! Fabulously funny, fabulously wealthy, fabulously beautiful or wonderful or graceful or popular...whatever else but always fabulous.
Toward the end of my senior year I got to be a queen in a play. And not just any queen: Guinevere from "Camelot". That meant I was Vivian Redgrave and Jacquelyn Kennedy and Princess Diana all rolled into one. The young man playing King Arthur told me that one of his favorite memories from that play was watching how - as rehearsals went along - I became that queen, even in the hallways and during classes. That was an awesome compliment b/c I wanted desperately to be Ms. Redgrave and Jackie-O and Princess Di in real life anyway, so I was glad my time on the stage was flowing into my personal life.
After high school I participated in many years of performing. Choirs, touring oratorios, and musicals musicals musicals! I learned that even if I can't dance to save my life - my characters always could and they were good at it! I continued that dichotomy of grace on stage vs. the real clumsy me. It was okay though because I was spending the majority of my time on stage.
Now. Oh now. I'm running into a major dilemma. I have been off stage consistently for quite some time now. Over a year. Almost two. And I finding that I am becoming increasingly accident prone! My stage-created grace is slipping away from me at an alarming rate, and it is reeking havoc on my body! For those of you extremely close to me - you know I'm a bit of a drama-queen. Well, that's probably too modest. I'm a huge drama queen! But I am telling you about this "condition" with out my drama filter. I've have looked at this "situation" through the rational eyes of someone who's never been on stage and I must say...something's wrong with me!
Here is a list of my stupid sicknesses or injuries in the last 7 or so months:
Pink eye (x2)
Bacterial ear infection
Bladder infection
5 spider bites (all gotten at different times) that left me with: fevers, swelling, inability to walk, and one that gave me slurred speech for an afternoon...fun
Cold (x2)
I've cut my hands twice on the pull top lids of canned fruit, this most recent one that slows down my typing considerably
Allergies
Some bouts with heartburn (which I've never had before!)
In one week, my nose bled every morning for 5 straight days
I had a rash on my legs, torso and arms for about 7 days. It turned out to be an allergy to our concentrated laundry detergent.
And last but not least - my lower back! It has been aching for about 4 days now. Come to find out...I wasn't stretching my muscles after tennis like I should be. Luckily my husband gave me some good tips for keeping my back healthy!
A couple of weeks ago, when something new had cropped up, I lost my cool! I flopped down on my bed and cried. I felt like my body was betraying me! Some things were my fault (cutting my hands, not properly using our laundry detergent) but some things were just retarded!!!! There are only two variables that have really changed in my life since all this started: I've stopped actively pursuing theatre and I've gotten married.
Now, haha, it's funny to joke about marriage making me ill, but the truth is that my husband is ever patient and kind with all my ailments. I try not to be over dramatic about them, and he tries to help me get better. He's so good to ask how I'm feeling and let me cuss and swear when I hit my swollen spider bite on the bed frame or hold my hands so I won't itch the skin off my legs. So that leaves the theatre.
I remember those comments from my active theatre days and how I felt...and I must say: I grieve for my apparent loss of grace. It's just too stinkin' bad that I must be an accident prone klutz for the rest of my God-given days. I am very happy with my theatre-less life. I like being married to Joey and having our little house and life together...I suppose he'll have to hazard through ever simple household obstacle with me for - well, for forever. Some day we'll have children and need to baby proof the house. But with how I'm going, I think I'd better start today before I seriously do some bodily harm!
One of the members of my ward came to see me in a play and when it was over, she came up to speak with me. I'll never forget what she said:
"I think it's so remarkable...you are so graceful and composed on stage. You would never guess that from how you are in real life!"
I did not take offense to her comment - nor should you reader - because I loved how I felt on stage. She was right! When I was on stage I wasn't dumpy or clumsy or silly or ugly - I was whatever I wanted most my character to be...and that was usually fabulous! Fabulously funny, fabulously wealthy, fabulously beautiful or wonderful or graceful or popular...whatever else but always fabulous.
Toward the end of my senior year I got to be a queen in a play. And not just any queen: Guinevere from "Camelot". That meant I was Vivian Redgrave and Jacquelyn Kennedy and Princess Diana all rolled into one. The young man playing King Arthur told me that one of his favorite memories from that play was watching how - as rehearsals went along - I became that queen, even in the hallways and during classes. That was an awesome compliment b/c I wanted desperately to be Ms. Redgrave and Jackie-O and Princess Di in real life anyway, so I was glad my time on the stage was flowing into my personal life.
After high school I participated in many years of performing. Choirs, touring oratorios, and musicals musicals musicals! I learned that even if I can't dance to save my life - my characters always could and they were good at it! I continued that dichotomy of grace on stage vs. the real clumsy me. It was okay though because I was spending the majority of my time on stage.
Now. Oh now. I'm running into a major dilemma. I have been off stage consistently for quite some time now. Over a year. Almost two. And I finding that I am becoming increasingly accident prone! My stage-created grace is slipping away from me at an alarming rate, and it is reeking havoc on my body! For those of you extremely close to me - you know I'm a bit of a drama-queen. Well, that's probably too modest. I'm a huge drama queen! But I am telling you about this "condition" with out my drama filter. I've have looked at this "situation" through the rational eyes of someone who's never been on stage and I must say...something's wrong with me!
Here is a list of my stupid sicknesses or injuries in the last 7 or so months:
Pink eye (x2)
Bacterial ear infection
Bladder infection
5 spider bites (all gotten at different times) that left me with: fevers, swelling, inability to walk, and one that gave me slurred speech for an afternoon...fun
Cold (x2)
I've cut my hands twice on the pull top lids of canned fruit, this most recent one that slows down my typing considerably
Allergies
Some bouts with heartburn (which I've never had before!)
In one week, my nose bled every morning for 5 straight days
I had a rash on my legs, torso and arms for about 7 days. It turned out to be an allergy to our concentrated laundry detergent.
And last but not least - my lower back! It has been aching for about 4 days now. Come to find out...I wasn't stretching my muscles after tennis like I should be. Luckily my husband gave me some good tips for keeping my back healthy!
A couple of weeks ago, when something new had cropped up, I lost my cool! I flopped down on my bed and cried. I felt like my body was betraying me! Some things were my fault (cutting my hands, not properly using our laundry detergent) but some things were just retarded!!!! There are only two variables that have really changed in my life since all this started: I've stopped actively pursuing theatre and I've gotten married.
Now, haha, it's funny to joke about marriage making me ill, but the truth is that my husband is ever patient and kind with all my ailments. I try not to be over dramatic about them, and he tries to help me get better. He's so good to ask how I'm feeling and let me cuss and swear when I hit my swollen spider bite on the bed frame or hold my hands so I won't itch the skin off my legs. So that leaves the theatre.
I remember those comments from my active theatre days and how I felt...and I must say: I grieve for my apparent loss of grace. It's just too stinkin' bad that I must be an accident prone klutz for the rest of my God-given days. I am very happy with my theatre-less life. I like being married to Joey and having our little house and life together...I suppose he'll have to hazard through ever simple household obstacle with me for - well, for forever. Some day we'll have children and need to baby proof the house. But with how I'm going, I think I'd better start today before I seriously do some bodily harm!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Welcome
Hey ya'll!
Welcome to my blog. I'm a little slow figuring this out, and I actually have been blogging in another site that I thought was much easier to use...but I guess I'm just technologically retarded. *Sigh* I've brought over some of my musings from the past couple of years to this site and will continue to bring some more over as well as writing new stuff.
I decided to separate me'n'Joey's blogs so people don't have to get bogged down in my ramblings.
Cheers,
Michelle
Welcome to my blog. I'm a little slow figuring this out, and I actually have been blogging in another site that I thought was much easier to use...but I guess I'm just technologically retarded. *Sigh* I've brought over some of my musings from the past couple of years to this site and will continue to bring some more over as well as writing new stuff.
I decided to separate me'n'Joey's blogs so people don't have to get bogged down in my ramblings.
Cheers,
Michelle
Chain letters
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
I have just figured out why my life is the way it is. Other than the whole agency thing and that *really* I am the one to "blame" for my situation--other than that, I've figured it out:
My #1 problem: I've never answered a single chain letter/email/bulletin in my life! I always just blow them off because I think that they are stupid. (No offense to anyone who thinks they aren't, or are just covering their butts by sending them to me, but I've personally never believed in them.) But now...?Now, I'm thinking I should have answered all those years of letters--especially the ones about love. Ya'know, the ones that say: "Send this mail to 1,000 people in the next 30 seconds or you'll never find true love!!!!" Dang...I should've put forth a little effort there people! That's alot of bad love karma I've built up here.*Sigh* Oh well. I guess Mr. Right will have to defy superstition or we'll never find each other. (Oh great, like that process isn't already hard!)
Forget love! I'm bound to die soon anyway thanks to the fact that I haven't forwarded any of the scary chain messages. I'm not kidding you. Any night now, all of the scary demons/dead people I've successfully pissed off by not keeping their letters going are going to converge on my room--en masse-- and demand their pound of flesh. (I might let them take about 10--but then, well, then I'd just be too thin. Just kidding. But seriously, 15 and I'm putting my foot down!)
Maybe to counter all this bad karma, I'll write my own chain mail. Let's see.... Maybe I'll make impossible demands and really throw people for a loop. Ya'know, "send this to 80,000 people who haven't received this yet in the next 3 minutes or you will lose your soul mate, your car will get scratched in the parking lot and your dog will die! And then, Nicole Richie will die of starvation and she will show up in your room--food falling from her mouth and she will scare you!!!!" Hahahahaaaa! That's awesome, I should do it!No, wait, I'm looking for good karma. *Sigh* Too hard. Too bad.
That's all, I ran out of steam, and once again, I don't care. So, keep sending me your chain letters. I'll just read them, have a moment of angst, then delete them. If it clears your conscience to send them, please do. But if those dead people show up--I'm giving up names, okay?
I have just figured out why my life is the way it is. Other than the whole agency thing and that *really* I am the one to "blame" for my situation--other than that, I've figured it out:
My #1 problem: I've never answered a single chain letter/email/bulletin in my life! I always just blow them off because I think that they are stupid. (No offense to anyone who thinks they aren't, or are just covering their butts by sending them to me, but I've personally never believed in them.) But now...?Now, I'm thinking I should have answered all those years of letters--especially the ones about love. Ya'know, the ones that say: "Send this mail to 1,000 people in the next 30 seconds or you'll never find true love!!!!" Dang...I should've put forth a little effort there people! That's alot of bad love karma I've built up here.*Sigh* Oh well. I guess Mr. Right will have to defy superstition or we'll never find each other. (Oh great, like that process isn't already hard!)
Forget love! I'm bound to die soon anyway thanks to the fact that I haven't forwarded any of the scary chain messages. I'm not kidding you. Any night now, all of the scary demons/dead people I've successfully pissed off by not keeping their letters going are going to converge on my room--en masse-- and demand their pound of flesh. (I might let them take about 10--but then, well, then I'd just be too thin. Just kidding. But seriously, 15 and I'm putting my foot down!)
Maybe to counter all this bad karma, I'll write my own chain mail. Let's see.... Maybe I'll make impossible demands and really throw people for a loop. Ya'know, "send this to 80,000 people who haven't received this yet in the next 3 minutes or you will lose your soul mate, your car will get scratched in the parking lot and your dog will die! And then, Nicole Richie will die of starvation and she will show up in your room--food falling from her mouth and she will scare you!!!!" Hahahahaaaa! That's awesome, I should do it!No, wait, I'm looking for good karma. *Sigh* Too hard. Too bad.
That's all, I ran out of steam, and once again, I don't care. So, keep sending me your chain letters. I'll just read them, have a moment of angst, then delete them. If it clears your conscience to send them, please do. But if those dead people show up--I'm giving up names, okay?
Why I don't wanna go to Broadway
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Current mood: inspired
I have nothing profound to say today, except that I love theatre! I watched this movie about the Portland Community Theatre today and I loved it. John Corbett (My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Northern Exposure) played a very talented actor, Michael, who had the opportunity to go pro, but decided against it and there's all sorts of mystery as to why someone so remarkable hangs around a community theatre. Blah blah. Anyway.
The director is freaking out cause it's getting close to opening night and the lead isn't ready. Michael says: "Edwina, it's just community theatre...who cares?!" I sympathized with Corbett's character and recalled myself saying that countless times. 'It's just amateur theatre' or 'It's just community theatre' or 'It's just high school theatre'. What's the BIG DEAL!?! Edwina glared at Michael for a moment then icily replied: "It's theatre Michael. I thought you of all people would understand that." (More on the last half of that in a second) But isn't that so true? I don't mean to be melodramatic--but isn't that just so true!? No matter where your venue or how much you get paid (or pay out)--it's still art. If you work hard and give it your best and be truthful and open--it's THEATRE!
Okay. Next 'profound' realization. This Portland Community Theatre had a mentor of sorts. He was a professional director who'd worked all over the country and had chosen to retire early to Portland and give of his time and energy to this community theatre. No one really new why, except Michael. At a critically emotional moment, the audience discovers that Michael was once hired with a professional company, but turned them down because he didn't like the thought of acting becoming work: losing the art of it in the fact that he would always be worried about finding the next job or getting a raise or getting replaced for someone younger and hotter. He wanted to do theatre because he loved it. So, he stayed in Portland. Worried about his decision, he called Kippy, the resident professional director/local mentor, and asked him if he thought he'd made the wrong decision. This is what Kippy told Michael:"Michael, if you wanna be an actor--go to New York, go to Chicago. If you wanna be an ARTIST--stay here in Portland."
So, Michael stayed. And he was happy. I think there is a great beauty in local theatre that maybe an elitist eye will smirk at. I think there are great blessings to be had in the sweat and blood and tears behind local theatre companies--semi-professional or community--that the big time theatres miss out on. The common, middleclass American is not going to pay $60-$300 to see a show. They will, however, go see their neighbor perform at the high school. They will look in the newspaper and see that 3 miles down the road something called "Sweeney Todd" is being performed and a member of their church congregation is in it. They'll support a struggling local business fundraising to put on plays because of pride in their community. Why does Joe Blow go to Starlight Mountain Theatre (my theatre of choice in Boise)? Not because he's looking for the art--for the thrill of the intricate musical passages or a stirring rendition of Shakespeare he's never seen before--he goes because he has fun and he can relax and get away for a while.
As an actor on the stage who would pay $60-$300 to see a show or who would attend a production for it's artistic value I love to have an audience appreciate how hard I've worked or whatever--tell me I have a beautiful voice blah blah blah. But what I've come to love best is when they tell me they had a great time and the want to come see other plays. Then I know that not only did I entertain them, I educated them, and that is just so important for me. I want them to come again and again for the magic of live theatre and I want them to bring their kids and encourage cultural literacy that you just don't get from the movies. So, why don't I wanna go to Broadway or Hollywood? I like being able to hear my patrons sneeze or listen to them gasp or clap or hear their babies cry. I like feeling connected to them and feeling their struggle right along with mine. I may not have what it takes to be in the big time, but as long as there's a willingness and a way, I will do what it takes to support my local theatre family. And love every second of it. After all "IT'S THEATRE!"
Current mood: inspired
I have nothing profound to say today, except that I love theatre! I watched this movie about the Portland Community Theatre today and I loved it. John Corbett (My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Northern Exposure) played a very talented actor, Michael, who had the opportunity to go pro, but decided against it and there's all sorts of mystery as to why someone so remarkable hangs around a community theatre. Blah blah. Anyway.
The director is freaking out cause it's getting close to opening night and the lead isn't ready. Michael says: "Edwina, it's just community theatre...who cares?!" I sympathized with Corbett's character and recalled myself saying that countless times. 'It's just amateur theatre' or 'It's just community theatre' or 'It's just high school theatre'. What's the BIG DEAL!?! Edwina glared at Michael for a moment then icily replied: "It's theatre Michael. I thought you of all people would understand that." (More on the last half of that in a second) But isn't that so true? I don't mean to be melodramatic--but isn't that just so true!? No matter where your venue or how much you get paid (or pay out)--it's still art. If you work hard and give it your best and be truthful and open--it's THEATRE!
Okay. Next 'profound' realization. This Portland Community Theatre had a mentor of sorts. He was a professional director who'd worked all over the country and had chosen to retire early to Portland and give of his time and energy to this community theatre. No one really new why, except Michael. At a critically emotional moment, the audience discovers that Michael was once hired with a professional company, but turned them down because he didn't like the thought of acting becoming work: losing the art of it in the fact that he would always be worried about finding the next job or getting a raise or getting replaced for someone younger and hotter. He wanted to do theatre because he loved it. So, he stayed in Portland. Worried about his decision, he called Kippy, the resident professional director/local mentor, and asked him if he thought he'd made the wrong decision. This is what Kippy told Michael:"Michael, if you wanna be an actor--go to New York, go to Chicago. If you wanna be an ARTIST--stay here in Portland."
So, Michael stayed. And he was happy. I think there is a great beauty in local theatre that maybe an elitist eye will smirk at. I think there are great blessings to be had in the sweat and blood and tears behind local theatre companies--semi-professional or community--that the big time theatres miss out on. The common, middleclass American is not going to pay $60-$300 to see a show. They will, however, go see their neighbor perform at the high school. They will look in the newspaper and see that 3 miles down the road something called "Sweeney Todd" is being performed and a member of their church congregation is in it. They'll support a struggling local business fundraising to put on plays because of pride in their community. Why does Joe Blow go to Starlight Mountain Theatre (my theatre of choice in Boise)? Not because he's looking for the art--for the thrill of the intricate musical passages or a stirring rendition of Shakespeare he's never seen before--he goes because he has fun and he can relax and get away for a while.
As an actor on the stage who would pay $60-$300 to see a show or who would attend a production for it's artistic value I love to have an audience appreciate how hard I've worked or whatever--tell me I have a beautiful voice blah blah blah. But what I've come to love best is when they tell me they had a great time and the want to come see other plays. Then I know that not only did I entertain them, I educated them, and that is just so important for me. I want them to come again and again for the magic of live theatre and I want them to bring their kids and encourage cultural literacy that you just don't get from the movies. So, why don't I wanna go to Broadway or Hollywood? I like being able to hear my patrons sneeze or listen to them gasp or clap or hear their babies cry. I like feeling connected to them and feeling their struggle right along with mine. I may not have what it takes to be in the big time, but as long as there's a willingness and a way, I will do what it takes to support my local theatre family. And love every second of it. After all "IT'S THEATRE!"
The subject of Time
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Current mood: contemplative
Time is such an anomoly. Can I use that word, anomoly? Did I even use it right? Whatever. In light of recent events, I'm going to "blog" about this subject for all the world to see. Why? Only time will tell. (Ohmigosh, that was Stewie Griffin coming out of my tv and taking control of my hands to say that stupid, corny line, I swear!) My ex boyfriend showed up in my church services last Sunday, and as my friend pointed him out to me, a line from "Casablanca" ran through my head, slightly modified: "Of all the wards, in all the stakes of this city, he had to attend mine..." Tres tragic. Now, I do not hate this boy, but I don't necessarily trust or respect him very much anymore and he has made it extremely difficult for me to trust other guys as well, so you can understand why I'm not hell bent on getting back to being "friends". Also, I broke up with this boy, and was very determined not to let him change my mind, so he had some serious negative vibes heading my way for quite some time, making the fact that we worked for the same company very...awkward. So naturally, when church services ended on Sunday, I left right after the meetings and didn't think it necessary to chat it up with him. I didn't care to catch up, and I didn't think he did either. Come to find out, the old verbage is true: Time heals all wounds. For this boy is over it, so to speak and would like to be, well, at least civil again. I think this is a good thing, but I'm amazed at how true that old saying is. The further along the line of time we get from something, that something changes. Or we change. Perhaps it's that we forget, or we put things in perspective, or perhaps we grow and mature as time goes and therefore handle the same things differently. Who knows, but time changed things. So the next example is one not completed but something I've been mulling over in my mind. I am moving back to my home soon, and someone very dear to me is going to be far away and it will be quite some time before I may get to see this person again. Circumstances are such that it may be longer that we thought originally--like 5 months longer. And I'm wondering what time will do to us. That old saying: Absence makes the heart grow fonder makes me wonder at what point does the absence cease to make your heart fonder, and make your heart forget? What's too long of an absence for my weak long distance relationship skills to be tried and busted? And what about the saying famous among LDS people: if it's right, it'll be right when he/she gets back (after 2 years or 6 months or one vacation to NYC). So if the fates have decreed your relationship thus, then time should make no difference, right? Fine, but how do you know? That's a rhetorical question, I can't answer it myself, I really blow at finding answers, but I do know this: I guess we're all here in life, just the same and the one common factor that we as human beings have is that we all must go through time. All of our minutes and years will tick away the same--whether we're with the people we want to be with or not--so come what may, we must live each time while we're there, right? Fine.
Current mood: contemplative
Time is such an anomoly. Can I use that word, anomoly? Did I even use it right? Whatever. In light of recent events, I'm going to "blog" about this subject for all the world to see. Why? Only time will tell. (Ohmigosh, that was Stewie Griffin coming out of my tv and taking control of my hands to say that stupid, corny line, I swear!) My ex boyfriend showed up in my church services last Sunday, and as my friend pointed him out to me, a line from "Casablanca" ran through my head, slightly modified: "Of all the wards, in all the stakes of this city, he had to attend mine..." Tres tragic. Now, I do not hate this boy, but I don't necessarily trust or respect him very much anymore and he has made it extremely difficult for me to trust other guys as well, so you can understand why I'm not hell bent on getting back to being "friends". Also, I broke up with this boy, and was very determined not to let him change my mind, so he had some serious negative vibes heading my way for quite some time, making the fact that we worked for the same company very...awkward. So naturally, when church services ended on Sunday, I left right after the meetings and didn't think it necessary to chat it up with him. I didn't care to catch up, and I didn't think he did either. Come to find out, the old verbage is true: Time heals all wounds. For this boy is over it, so to speak and would like to be, well, at least civil again. I think this is a good thing, but I'm amazed at how true that old saying is. The further along the line of time we get from something, that something changes. Or we change. Perhaps it's that we forget, or we put things in perspective, or perhaps we grow and mature as time goes and therefore handle the same things differently. Who knows, but time changed things. So the next example is one not completed but something I've been mulling over in my mind. I am moving back to my home soon, and someone very dear to me is going to be far away and it will be quite some time before I may get to see this person again. Circumstances are such that it may be longer that we thought originally--like 5 months longer. And I'm wondering what time will do to us. That old saying: Absence makes the heart grow fonder makes me wonder at what point does the absence cease to make your heart fonder, and make your heart forget? What's too long of an absence for my weak long distance relationship skills to be tried and busted? And what about the saying famous among LDS people: if it's right, it'll be right when he/she gets back (after 2 years or 6 months or one vacation to NYC). So if the fates have decreed your relationship thus, then time should make no difference, right? Fine, but how do you know? That's a rhetorical question, I can't answer it myself, I really blow at finding answers, but I do know this: I guess we're all here in life, just the same and the one common factor that we as human beings have is that we all must go through time. All of our minutes and years will tick away the same--whether we're with the people we want to be with or not--so come what may, we must live each time while we're there, right? Fine.
Dress Rehearsal for "Jekyll and Hyde"
Friday, October 14, 2005
Current mood: nervous
Well, I am determined to put my first act break to good use. I'm in my final rehearsal of Jekyll and Hyde and I think its going well. Though I'm in a funk, I'm determined not to let it interfere with my performance. So far, though I've only done one scene, I haven't, but this next scene is my hardest; but my sister is here, and she loves this play and my part and my costume, so that makes it easier. It's hard to play Lucy when I think people could be sitting in the audience going 'How could this girl play this part, she must not be a very good person'. I know that its only acting, but its hard to get those judgments out of my head. And, I do not want to offend the Pocatello community at large, but we'll see if they accept or reject me: tomorrow--FULL HOUSE!
Current mood: nervous
Well, I am determined to put my first act break to good use. I'm in my final rehearsal of Jekyll and Hyde and I think its going well. Though I'm in a funk, I'm determined not to let it interfere with my performance. So far, though I've only done one scene, I haven't, but this next scene is my hardest; but my sister is here, and she loves this play and my part and my costume, so that makes it easier. It's hard to play Lucy when I think people could be sitting in the audience going 'How could this girl play this part, she must not be a very good person'. I know that its only acting, but its hard to get those judgments out of my head. And, I do not want to offend the Pocatello community at large, but we'll see if they accept or reject me: tomorrow--FULL HOUSE!
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