What an honor

Last night I was awarded the Southwestern Madison County Community Service Award.  It was such and honor and a humbling experience.

To be recognized for fulfilling life long dreams that others feel have  helped to enrich our community is pretty surreal.  I'm a very fortunate person because  I've been able to check so many things off of a wish list that I started years ago.

1. Start my own business - Check
2. write a book                 - Check
3. start an art center         - Check

My former teachers mentors and friends

 Bev and Margie

Some people think that they peak in their twenties but for me at 51 - I think the best is still ahead.

Rosemarie Brown  Chamber of Commerce Director

One of my biggest fans Jim Holland

My second family Melissa, Amy and Margie 

 














So, thanks to all who have always been there for me, my family and friends, and for believing in me and my sometimes crazy dreams!

Time to read

I envy people who say that as soon as they lay their head down they're fast asleep.   For me it's either toss and turn and flop around so much that even my dog Daisy looks at me as if, "Really, I'm trying to sleep here", because heaven forbid I disturb her beauty rest.  I jokingly say that the house is Daisy's house and she just lets me live there but deep down that may be true.

Anyway,  I either toss and turn or flip channels till I fall asleep with the remote in my hand then to suddenly drop it as I'm drifting off only to have to start all over again, flip - flop -toss and turn Sigh...

But then again sometimes I read.  There's nothing better that curling up with a good book, that's what I'll do tonight.  Tonight instead of reading one of the many novels collecting dust on the night stand I have 5 scripts to read. I'm researching material for the 2014 season line-up for The Alfresco Art Center.  There's nothing better than getting lost in a great story.

Sometimes when I read I catch myself laughing out loud. Heck, I even laugh out loud in the Hallmark store picking out cards.  Don't you know that's a head turner.  But if its funny-  what else can you do?

So, I hope I find lots of laughs tonight as I read.  I'm looking for some comedies and musical comedies. So here I go...   Act 1 Scene 1

It's almost showtime

These last few months have been a whirlwind! Do you ever stop and think... What have I gotten myself into? 

I don't know if this ever happens to you but it seems every time I start a new project, big or small, it always seems to take longer than I had expected, those dreaded unforeseen variables!
More time, more money, more everything!

But there is a light... we're finishing the second floor of the art center just in time for our next production  - "Forbidden Broadway", then we will announce our 2014 season.

One thing I know for sure! I am not doing anymore renovations till after the first of the year AND the next show I direct will not be at the same time as a renovation project!

As things come together the Crow Gallery is nearing completion along with Club 21 (which is near and dear to me.)
Club 21 is a small piano bar nestled within the mezzanine.  It's named for the year the building was constructed.  But the interior came from my aunts bar.  She recently passed and always wanted me to take over her bar.  So I removed key elements and recreated her bar as Club 21.  I think she would be proud!

So even with all of the delays, aggravations and all that jazz... The Alfresco Art Center is coming along nicely.  But if I start talking about the next phase of renovations before the end of the year would someone please remind me...

P.S.  pictures to follow after the show!

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.