I'm Back!

It seems like forever since I've had a minute to just relax and even write a bit.

Since December I've going, as my grandpa would say, like a house a fire on renovating the art center.
We've completely renovated the main performance floor and gosh is it pretty.  We have two reaming floors to go. 
The space, while it may be unconventional for big theatrical productions, is perfect for more intimate performaces.

We've had three such performance so far.

First we had the High School Vocal Christmas Concert under the direction of my friend Donald Stratton.  FABULOUS!

Second - we had our very own National Award Winning High School Jazz Band under the direction of Mr. Wyatt Roberds.  AMAZING! Along with our middle school jazz band under the direction of Mr. Chuck Noud.
 
I love jazz music and to see the talent of these young people boggles my mind.  Wow, what I wouldn't give to have just a little of their talent.

How anyone can't see the importance of arts to a child's education....Well that's a rant for another time.

So that's two performances.  Now for the third...

This past weekend, Summerstage, our local community theater company performed Joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat.  What a fun show and a fun time.  Having Summerstage perform at the center meant a lot to me since the director, Beverley Scroggins was my high school teacher.  She  along with Margaret Holland-Pennell, another amazing teacher, are part of the reason that I'm involved in the arts today.

So, while it's been a dream come true to be able to create this center, it has been STRESSFUL.
And speaking of stress, did I tell you that I'm a stress eater?  You would think working 20 hours a day I would be rail thin - but nooooooooo

Not only do I eat without realizing it but now I'm walking in my sleep and waking up with a jar peanut butter and a half eaten nutty bar stuck to my face.

Now don't think I haven't thought of taking all of the food out of the house during these stressful times!  My only fear is I'll wake up with Daisy's dog food and a spoon in the can!

So, I'll try from time to time to post pictures of the renovation. And hopefully it wont be months between the updates. 

Is it Spring?

Not that I'm complaining or anything but it's certainly strange weather for January.  Mid 40's in early January - Yippee! I'll take it.

Maybe I'll get out of this winter funk! - I'm like a bear, I think I should hibernate and or course eat.  But as soon as that sun comes out and the temperature starts to climb I start feeling human again.

So come on temperature keep climbing I'm ready for ya!

This is my year...

Every year for that past 25 - maybe more,  I've probably made a New Years resolution - only to have completely blown it by mid February.  This year like every other I'm going to try and eat healthier and take better care of myself. ( I hope it can last at least till June)  I would like to say... and exercise, but I know that's not going to happen.  

But, I am serious when I say - this is my year for organization!  I just purchased the neat scanner.  I hope it's as easy as it seems.  We all know how challenged I am with technology.  If this thing works, or should I say if I can work this thing - I'll be a happy camper!

I am also purging 12 years of accumulating everything imaginable in the storage area above the tea room.  What we can't use at the art center will have to find another home.  I am cleaning house!

So 2013 - This is my year, I'm getting organized once and for all!

New Years Eve

I'm watching the movie New Years Eve.  What a cute movie.  And speaking of cute what about that Zac Effron not in an courage stalking kind of way, cause when I really think about it he's around my nephews age and that a deal breaker!  Have you seen him in Charlie St. Cloud or The Lucky One?  This guy is certainly aging well. Speaking of aging well what about Jon Bon Jovi?  Anyway have a Happy New Year and back to the movie.

Unbelievable

Anyone that knows me knows I love the theater.  If my bank account would cooperate and time would permit I'd have season tickets to every venue in the bi-state area.  But alas, that is not the case.  I do however go as often as possible.  So when I heard that one of my favorite theatrical productions is being re-created for the big screen it gave me that icky feeling.  I immediately had a flashback to 1975 seeing Stephanie Mills in The Wiz and was thrilled when in 1978 it was being made into a movie.  Well, all know how that turned out!

But, today I was pleasantly surprised.  I've heard all of the hype and am a fan of everyone involved, (especially Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway)  Wow oh wow.  

My friend Diane and I arrived early and I'm glad we did.  The theater filled quick with 30 minutes to go and I had eaten half of my popcorn before the movie even started, which really isn't unusual; but after it began I didn't take another morsel, that is unusual!  From the moment  Les Mis began my popcorn became a trash bag for tear soaked napkins.

Usually during any movie you can hear quiet whispers; but not today, and even occasionally - especially the ending there was thunderous applause.

This was as close to live theater without actually being there that I think I will ever experience.  This production has raised the bar so high it would be incredible to see a resurgence of great musicals.

There's only one word I can say about the direction, acting, singing - everything about Les Miserables and that's unbelievable!

How Things have changed - Just Sayin

Not that I'm Miss Edict or anything but I have to ask, Is it really necessary when in a public place (like the hospital waiting room) that you have to talk as loud as possible having no regard for the other people in the room?  Inside voices people - please!   I mean really are you so insecure that you have to act like you are the floor show for others amusement?  News flash...  I'm not amused.  

AND I certainly get it that we as a nation, in general, have become casual in our dress. But who in their right mind thinks that wearing fuzzy pajama bottoms and a hoodie should ever be 

OK anywhere other than taking the trash out?

I get the whole be comfortable attitude I am certainly guilty of that but (and maybe it's my age) there are certain places that dictate appropriate attire just out of respect for the place.

Hospitals, Churches, Theaters (not the movie kind)  I remember when I was young (again maybe an age thing) that when we went to any of these places we dressed appropriately.

Just look how the women dressed when my mom was young and the way most women dress now. I know - I know - times change and I'm not saying we as women should be slaves to the old girdle routine (but the maker of Spanx hasn't done too badly so maybe I should) but maybe if we dressed better we would carry ourselves a little better;  myself  included (this could be a profound light bulb moment for me.)  If I dressed up more often than I do now maybe I would realize when things aren't fitting exactly the way they're supposed too.  Stretchy fabrics are very too forgiving  - proof of my expanding waistline.

And no I don't think dressing up and looking pulled together make us less strong and powerful as women.  I'm just afraid we (even me) haven't gotten lazy.  But I swear I've never worn my fuzzy pj's in public!

Now for those that have been annoying me all day with your rude behavior.

1. You're out of bed so change your clothes.
2. NO - I really don't want to hear every word you have to say
3. Pick up your feet when you walk you can't be that tired - I doubt that you are even 20 years old
4. AND if I hear "ain't" one more time!!   

Just Sayin

Holiday Update

My Christmas gift to me ...
One whole day of eating whatever I want, watching whatever I want with a serious case of bad hair!
What a great day. I may spend New Years Eve the same way!