A Thespian Xenophile's Musings...

It's the end of the world as we know it?

2012-01-11T07:20:00.000-08:00

Well, hello 2012, you saucy minx!

Not even two weeks in, and it's already humming along brilliantly.

New job. New place. New shows. New friends. New priorities. New adventures.

I'm directing a piece for Frontera Fest, called "A Beautiful Folly", which is one sixth of a larger piece called "Life and Other Terminal Maladies" by Trey Deason. All six vignettes will be performed together and I am so excited about being in the director's chair after a long absence. Leading the creative process, finding connections, (for the actors and for the audience), not to mention all of the artistic factors to consider as well, makes me very, very happy.

I am also acting in an original play called "The 21 Would Be Lives of Phineas Hamm" with Paper Moon Rep. The piece is brilliantly conceived, blending a gorgeous script, with music from the group Beirut. We spent about 10 hours learning choreography last weekend, and I remembered just how much I love being in a dance studio. (mental note to enroll in a dance class after the show is over).

Needless to say, I am already hitting the ground running in 2012, but really? Would I have it any other way? Not likely.

My life will return to being my own at the beginning of March, and I hope to get back here with updates throughout both processes.

In the meantime, be well my bloggy friends.

Three Brides in a Pool...

2011-10-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

I spent the better portion of my Sunday in a wedding dress...in a pool. :o)

We did our photo shoot for Big Love with the fabulous Kim Mead, and it was an adventure!

The dresses each weight a ton to begin with, and we added water...a lot of it, and they each weighed about 50 extra pounds when we got out of the water. 50. Fifty. five-oh. A lot.

We did shots floating in the water, under the water, coming up out of the water, and I hope against hope, they turn out as amazing as they are in my head.

Here's a picture getting ready, before we got into the water:

...And here's a picture of us all IN the pool, near the end of the shoot. (PS--it may be hot in texas, but spending a couple of hours in a pool, without the sun to warm you, makes you thankful for the sun when it *is* there). :o)

This cast is astoundingly awesome, (even with me in it!), and if the fun I had at the photoshoot is an indicator of things to come, it's going to be a rip-roaring good time! November 10-27 at the Long Center!

This one's sure to be a doozie!

2011-10-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

If you see one show in November, please see this one! It's going to be positively amazing!

Big Love
A Comedy by Charles Mee
November 10-27, 2011
Thursdays - Sundays at 8pm
Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts

50 runaway brides seek refuge in a villa on the Italian coast in this hilarious and heartbreaking comedy by Charles Mee. When 50 determined grooms drop out of the sky, the villa erupts in a clash of wills, song and dance, romantic reverie, violent fits, satin ribbon, and one final, unforgettable showdown.

Based on the oldest play in the western world, The Suppliants by Aeschylus, Mee's modern take is at once an unflinching look at the themes of justice and revenge, and an ode to the enduring power of love.

Robert Faires directs this tulle covered, rice throwing, dangerous confection of a play, on the Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, November 10-27, 2011.

Big Love features some of Austin's finest theatrical talent, including: Aaron Alexander, Lana Dieterich, Shannon Grounds, Anne Hulsman, Rob Matney, Nathan Osburn, Michael Slefinger, Andrea Smith, Rommel Sulit and Julianna Elizabeth Wright with lighting design by Patrick Anthony, set by Ia Enstara, costumes by Pam Friday, choreography by Toby Minor and sound by Buzz Moran.

Presented by special arrangement with International Creative Management, Inc.

What's In A Name?

2011-10-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

A lot. Nevermind the actual root meanings of names, (mine means "womanly" and "brave"). I'm actually referring to the information your name provides to others about you.

I have two middle names. My mother was originally going to keep it at one middle name, which would have made my initials "ASS", but my grandmother threw a fit, and I have two. I have a relatively common first/last combo of names, so having two middle names, does help out a bit on official documents, etc.

Lately, I've found myself in the unique position of not knowing someone's name. This is someone I've met and interacted with, but because of circumstances beyond my control, I do not know their name.

In this information age, it's so easy to find someone's life story, just by Googling them, or searching for them on Facebook, Twitter or Linked In. Search engines + lack of privacy = a virtual smorgasboard when it comes to gleaning information about a person. It's a little frightening.

You name is the last thing you can keep to yourself. If someone doesn't know your name, they can't connect you to anything else that might be out there in the world pertaining to you. It's the key to unlocking the virtual you.

Guard it well.

Scotch!

2011-10-05T06:24:00.000-07:00

Scotch. Scotch is delicious.

I was never a scotch drinker until I went to Scotland in 2007. Then, it was my mission to try as many as I could during the two and a half weeks I was there.

I'm half Scot. My family comes from the McLeod clan on the Isle of Skye. During one of the blind taste-testings I did during my trip, I kept gravitating to one specific single malt. I had no idea what it was, and I couldn't explain why I liked the flavor of it more than all the others, until I found out it is the only single malt from the Isle of Skye! I blame DNA. :o)

Now, scotch is my drink of choice when I'm out, or when I need a night cap, or three. I like that it isn't sweet, and the warmth from it radiates from your tummy, outwards, to all your limbs.

Last night, was a night for scotch. I had a reality check of all the different aspects of my life converging all at once. (be careful what you wish for people, it will come true).

I'm so blessed and fortunate to be involved in another show, and one I positively love already. In addition to the show, I'm directing a major awards ceremony at the State Theatre at the end of the month (think Tony's of Austin theatre), I'm attending the Blackfriar's conference in Staunton the same week, my step-grandmother was hospitalized this week, and my boss gave notice at work.

There's a lot going on. It's stressful, and I tend to take on much more than I reasonably should, because, well, I wouldn't be me if I didn't. It's a personality flaw. :o) It also leaves much of my life in limbo, and I do not respond well to that at all.

I'm also plagued by a nagging doubt that all my careful planning and preparing, could fall apart at any time. Which is why I had scotch last night. And also why I was wide awake at 3:15 this morning. And why I'm already on my fourth cup of coffee right now.

Ah, stress. Thankfully, it's only until November. Then, life will hopefully return to some semblance of normalcy. Until then, thank you to the universe, for giving me everything I've asked for, and for having a sense of humor about it. Hopefully, I can return the favor. Let us sally forth...with scotch. :o)

Slapdash Flimflammery #8!

2011-10-04T06:21:00.001-07:00

What a fantastic weekend! You know it was good when you wake up on Sunday, feeling completely hungover, but you didn't drink a drop the night before.

What, might you ask, made the weekend so much fun? Slapdash Flimflammery, that's what. For the past eight years, the good folks over at Loaded Gun Theory have made this particular brand of theatre boot camp a reality in Austin!

Here's the skinny...on Friday night, seven playwrights were locked into the theatre. They all wrote the first line of a play, and put them into a hat. Each drew a first line that wasn't their own, and an order was determined. The writers were then tasked with writing a 15-20 minute play, for three actors...any three actors, since they had no idea who would be cast the next morning.

They have about 8 hours to write, edit, copy and print the play by 7:00 AM, because at that time, seven directors show up. The directors draw names out of a hat, to determine whose play they'll be directing for the day, and at 8:00 AM, 21 actors show up, ready to find out who their director is, and what play they'll be learning for the day.

Directors pick actors, not based on head shots or resumes, but rather a celebrity picture the producers associate with each actor. (some years, it's been record covers, or types of candy). This year, I was "Mae West".

So, now that the plays, directors and actors have been chosen, the day begins. There are seven different areas the groups rotate through, in 45 minute increments, throughout the day. Sometimes, it's on the stage for blocking, sometimes it's a hallway for going over lines and memorization.

This year, our playwright was the fabulous Joe Hartman. He wrote us a brilliant little gem of a play, that was funny, campy, and full of heart. The premise was middle-aged man, who, as a child had been inspired by a professional synchronized swimmer, and vowed to become one himself when he grew up. His hopes were dashed when he was told that men can not compete in synchronized swimming at the Olympics. Sounds funny, right? Well, it was. Here's a picture of Joe and me, post-show.

So, after you've blocked out your show and memorized your lines, you're required to costume yourselves and build any required props using only stuff from your car, or from the small bag of clothes you're required to bring with you. My team built a time machine (it was part of the script), out of blue bubble wrap, three silver windshield screens and a siren light...and it frakking rocked!

Now, after everything is ready to go, each group runs through a final tech rehearsal, and at 8:00 PM, you perform all seven shows, back to back, for a live audience. Whew!!!

It's intense, and exhilarating and a little bit like theatre boot camp. A lot of trust goes into the process, because it's so abbreviated. You have to trust your director's choices, (yay, for our director, Julie Wright!), your own choices, (make big ones and stick to them!), and you have to trust your fellow actors to stay focused and present throughout the day, and to take care of each other during the performance.

It's nerve wracking, and terrifying, and intensely creative, and one of the most wonderful experience I've ever had. I can't wait until next year!

Do you believe in fate?

2011-09-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

I didn't until May 1 of this year.

Still...you have to follow the map it shows you if you're going to get anywhere.

Someone Like You
by Adele

I heard
That you’re settled down
That you
Found a girl
And your
Married now

I heard
That your dreams came true
I guess she gave you things
I didn’t give to you

Oh friend
Why you so shy
Ain’t like you to hold back
Or hide from the light

I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited
But I couldn’t stay away I couldn’t fight it
I hoped you’d see my face and be reminded
That for me
It isn’t over

Nevermind
I’ll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best
For you too
Don’t forget me
I beg
I’ll remember you still
Sometimes it lasts in love
But sometimes it hurts instead

Sometimes it lasts in love
But sometimes it hurts instead
Yeah

You know how the time flies
Only yesterday
It was the time of our lives
We were born and bred
In a summer haze
Bound by the surprise
Of our glory days

I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited
But I couldn’t stay away I couldn’t fight it
I hoped you’d see my face and be reminded
That for me
It isn’t over

Nevermind
I’ll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best
For you too
Don’t forget me
I beg
I’ll remember you still
Sometimes it lasts in love
But sometimes it hurts instead

Nothing compares
No worries or cares
Regrets and mistakes
And memories made
Who would have known
How bittersweet
This would taste

Nevermind
I’ll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best
For you too
Don’t forget me
I beg
I’ll remember you still
Sometimes it lasts in love
But sometimes it hurts instead

Nevermind
I’ll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best
For you too
Don’t forget me
I beg
I’ll remember you still
Sometimes it lasts in love
But sometimes it hurts instead

Sometimes it lasts in love
But sometimes it hurts instead

One of my favorites...

2011-09-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

The Jabberwockey by Lewis Carroll

`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.

"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!"

He took his vorpal sword in hand:
Long time the manxome foe he sought --
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood awhile in thought.

And, as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!

One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.

"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'
He chortled in his joy.

`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.

New Headshot, New Show!

2011-09-26T07:28:00.001-07:00

Back in August, I had the distinct pleasure of working with Daniel Brock on a new set of headshots. The first I've had done in years, and his work is truly inspiring.

We spent an entire afternoon together, and not only tackled the headshots, but did some really fantastic candids and moody stills.

Here was my favorite of the headshots, which I will now be using for auditions:

A couple of weeks ago, I also auditioned for Big Love, a play by Charles Mee, which will be produced by Shrewd Productions at the Long Center in November. I found out on Friday I'd gotten the part, and to say I'm elated at the opportunity to do this show, would be an understatement. The basic story comes from Aeschylus's The Suppliant Women, but this version has been modernized, and there is a touch of absurdity added to the script, which makes it a delicious challenge for the cast and crew. It also holds a very honest telling of the dynamics between men and women, and the expectations each have of the other. Which, to me, seems incredibly relevant this day and age.

So much gratitude to the universe for looking out for me. 2011 so far, has been a year of blessings and good things. Hopefully the trend will continue.

Happy Friday!

2011-09-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

What artists do if given wire and household objects and too much time on their hands!

One of many of the Bent Objects Series by Terry Border.

I'm Baaaaaack...

2011-09-22T09:44:00.001-07:00

After much busting of balls from friends and family alike, I've returned to the world wide blogosphere.

I promise to do better about keeping folks apprised of my comings, goings and general happenings.

Here's a thumbnail sketch of 2011, so far, to get up to date. Going forward, my posts will not be so tome-like, I promise.

I put my condo on the market in January, moved to a temporary apartment two blocks away the following month, and plan to stay put until it sells, (fingers crossed the market will improve). Max the wonder-pup and I are getting along swimmingly in our new digs, and he's happy he gets to keep his usual park and jogging route, for the time being.

My father's mother passed away in March, which was weird emotionally, since I've not spoken to his side of the family for 13 years. I went to the funeral, to support my dad, and things were tense. The entire event, (and I say "event" because anything with a sit-down lunch, following a full Episcopal mass and bagpipe recessional, counts as an "event"), was emotionally draining. The posturing and preening of the junior-league'rs and ex-debutantes present, was, in a word, ridiculous.

After an afternoon of services and lunch, the immediate family had to load up on a rented bus to make the four-hour drive to Louisiana for the graveside ceremony. On the way home, my still-in-the-closet uncle decided to put The Sound of Music into the DVD player on the bus, and proceeded with a four hour sing-along, all the way back to Texas. For clarification, this is exactly how I imagine hell to be. I *used* to love that movie, but it will be a very long time before I have the strength to sit through it without summoning that memory. Duty done, and my debt to that side of the family has been paid. Moving on.

April brought about the rehearsal for LEAR at The Vortex. Holy hell, kids, it was an amazing production, and an experience for which I will always be grateful. I played Lear's eldest daughter Goneril, and have never worked so hard, or been so terrified of a part, in all my years on the stage. It was un-fucking-believable, and a memory I'll cherish forever.

During June, I began rehearsing for Penfold's "A Servant of Two Masters", which turned out beautifully. It's a 17th century Italian farce, and such a dramatic switch from emotional beating I took during Lear. Lots of comedy, and some gorgeous handmade 17th century costuming, to boot. Sweating it out in 110 degree weather, in period costuming is a little like theatre boot camp, and I love that cast like family. :o)

After the closing night of Servant, we struck the set, had a party, and I got up early the next day to fly to Ireland for vacation.

Ireland was incredible. The people, the history, the weather, were all glorious. I'll write something specific to the trip a little later. There are so many stories to tell!

Work has been going very well. I'm up for a promotion in October, and hope against hope, I'll get it. It would be an amazing growth opportunity, in a completely different direction, and a great challenge, which is exactly what I'm needing right now!

Finally, I auditioned for another show, and should hear something back soon...the waiting nearly kills me. I do not function well in limbo, so every day without an answer is agony! I keep myself completely booked, so I don't have downtime to think about it.

I will be much more vigilant about blogging to keep everyone in the loop, and I apologizing for being such a slacker this year.

Be well!

xo,
A

Happy 2010!

2010-01-04T10:50:00.000-08:00

So, the new year came in rather painlessly. Always good.

All said, at the end of last year, I'd been directly involved in 10 productions, in various capacities, and that's in addition to working an 8-5, (which is really code for a 7:30-6:30.) Nuts.

This year, I resolve to do things I *want* to do, and keep the wrangling and cat herding to a minimum.

I also resolve to spend more time with myself. I'm loathe to do it sometimes, because my schedule is so jam-packed, but I'm better for it, and I feel better after making down-time for me.

I resolve to sell my house, and move into something with a big back yard for Max the wonder pup...complete with a kick-ass house-warming party. Best to set the right note with the neighbors, right from the beginning, I say. :o)

More running, less bitching. More face time with friends, less texting/emailing my way through friendships. More cooking/pottery classes/painting/singing and dancing, less time spent doing things I'm only semi-passionate about. More travel. More love. Less feeling bad because of other people. More exploring this amazing city of mine. Just...more.

2000-Zen is IN.

Health Care Debate...

2009-09-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

Do not brand me a socialist because I think everyone should have health care.

Do not call me a bleeding heart liberal, just because I think we have a moral obligation to make sure no one in this self-proclaimed, "greatest country in the world" has to choose between getting food or medical care for their children.

This is a human condition, not a political one.

We are broken. The system is broken, and damn if it isn't time to be the generation to fix it.

Those on the right yell about proposed taxes slated to fund a universal health care system, and the impact on their net income. I'd like to point out, not everyone has a net income, and yet, everyone needs medical care from time to time.

I have been on both side of the fence. I am a college-educated woman, with 10 years experience working in various facets of corporate America. When I began my career, I didn't make enough money to afford the health insurance my company offered.

I tried to purchase an independent policy, and I was denied because of a pre-existing condition, (asthma and allergies). So, during the next three years, I learned everything there was to know about homeopathic healing...ways I could feel better, without having to pay the exorbitant cost of going to the doctor. I juggled finances so I could afford the $140 inhalers I had to buy for my asthma, and cut my use of said inhalers in half, in order to save money.

I remember one time, while working, the maintenance crew at my office, dropped a ceiling tile on the edge of my desk. Clouds of 30 year old dust and plaster filled the room, and triggered an attack. I couldn't breathe. I had no medicine, and my co-workers were trying to load me into the car to go to the ER for a breathing treatment because I was turning blue...as I begged them not to take me.

They took me anyway, I had a breathing treatment, and afterward, I got some inhaler samples from the ER doc to take home with me. All for the low, low price of $1,500.00...which I didn't have.

Now, I am considered one of the fortunate, because I am lucky enough to have health insurance, and it's somewhat affordable. I can go to the doctor when I'm sick, but I rarely do. I'm conditioned not to do it. I'll tough it out, revert to my old home remedies, and only if it's really, really debilitating, will I finally break down and go.

My perspective was completely changed on a trip to Scotland two years ago, when a friend had a horrible infection in her finger, and she was treated, without charge or question, and she wasn't even a citizen of that country. Really? Other countries are willing to take care of us, for nothing, and we can't take care of our own?

At some point, we have to be willing to sacrifice for the greater good of our brothers and sisters in this country. Do I like the idea of being taxed even more than i ma, in order to cover a universal health care system? No, not particularly. But you know what? We're only as strong as our weakest link, and I'm willing to give a little of what I have so someone else doesn't have to suffer, or choose, or go without life saving medication, simply because they don't make enough money.

I could use that kind of good karma in the bank. I think we all could.

It's finally upon us...

2009-08-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

Wow. After months of planning, and flying by the seat of my pants as a producer, The Vagina Monologues fundraiser is less than a week away!

I'm scared, excited, anxious and thrilled all at the same time.

The support behind this has been phenomenal. I am SO proud of the Austin arts community. Incredible live musicians are donating their time to play for each of the shows. BettySoo, CJ Vinson, Joanna Barbera, Peoplefood, Kari K and Kacy Crowley are all playing, and I am humbled!

Other theatre companies have been so helpful in every respect. They've offered advice, given me contacts, and even donated to my silent auction, all proceeds benefiting OperationOF. Special thanks goes out to Will Snider and Travis Bedard at Cambiare Productions, Julie Winston-Thomas and Tim Thomas with Loaded Gun Theory, Josh Meyer and Matt Hislope with Rubber Repertory. They have been a wealth of knowledge and support, and words don't cover my gratitude.

Despite the stress and supreme lack of sleep, this feels good. It's tremendous, and if we can help just one person to feel empowered, then it has been worth it.

Karen Jambon is also one of the finest directors I've ever had the privilege to worth with. She pulls from her actors what she needs. She's an actor's director, and she truly cares about us, the material and how we connect with it. Amazing.

Julie Wright and Jennie Underwood are blessings. In these monologues we go to places we aren't comfortable, places we talk about things we'd prefer not to talk about, places we will never know...and yet, these two are unyielding in their tenacity to embody this work. I am in awe of their talent, and so lucky to share their stage.

Please, please, PLEASE come see the show. 100% of our profits go directly to OperationOF.org.

Check out our site for more details and ticket info:

www.TVMAustin.com

BIG NEWS!

2009-07-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

I know, I know! It's been forever, and I have no (good) excuse.

So, big news!

I'm producing The Vagina Monologues as a fundraiser to benefit an old high school friend's social nonprofit, www.OperationOF.org.

OperationOF helps the most marginalized members of society, women who suffer from obstetric fistula, or a tear in the birth canal.

These women are ostracized from their communities, and shunned by their families...all because the $250 surgery to fix their condition is too much to pay, or not available in their village, and no one wants to talk about it. More than two million women suffer each year as a result of fistula, and the condition is treatable.

OperationOF finds these women, gets them the surgery they need, but goes one step further...they train them, with a particular skill useful within their region, and provide them with micro-finance in order to help them start a business of their own.

They return to their lives with a sense of empowerment, and a means to support themselves. A-mazing, in my opinion.

Visit www.TVMAustin.com for all the details of the show. It's an abbreviated run (6 shows in 5 days), and we've got some of Austin's hottest musical artists lined up to play for each show.

In addition to the Monologues, I'm performing in The Frog Prince at Scottish Rite Children's theatre, through August 2. The show is so much fun, for both children and adults, and I encourage anyone with a kiddo to come see it. The cast it top notch, and I guarantee you'll have a lot of fun!

I was also cast in Medieval Macabre, with the Baron's Men, who perform at Richard Garriot's replica of The Globe Theatre on Lake Austin. The show is a clever compilation of Shakespeare's scariest scenes, and it will run from the end of September through October, so check it out, too!

I also recommend seeing The Georgetown Palace's current production of Big River. The show is an incredible re-telling of Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and I was fortunate enough to be a part of the production team, along with director David Sray, and musical director, Kyle Evans. It runs through August, and I promise you'll go home humming a tune, with your soul a little lighter from watching.

I'll try and stay on top of this better, and I hope to see some of you in person at the theatre!

Projects...

2009-05-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

I am fortunate to be incredibly busy with stuff I love right now.

I've started rehearsals for a musical version of The Frog Prince, due to open in mid-June at Scottish Rite Children's Theatre, downtown.

We had our first read through over the weekend, and laughed ourselves silly...which is always a good sign of things to come.

We also have our first read through for Big River tonight, and I am ecstatic about doing the choreography for the show! It's only while I'm choreographing, or while I'm watching So You Think You Can Dance, that I realize how much I miss dancing on a regular basis.

In high school, I did it every day, several hours a day, for four years.

It's something you miss.

The biggest, and MOST exciting project in the works, is a show I'm producing in August. It's a fundraiser for an old friend's non-profit, and 100% of the proceeds from the run will go directly to charity.

It's the kind of work that makes you feel really good. Like what you're doing makes a difference, and isn't just "acting".

The show is cast, the director and venue in place, and I'm already beginning the marketing legwork...it's going to be something really special.

More to come on all these adventures!

Keep Fine Arts in Texas!!!

2009-05-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already heard about it, there is a bill in the Texas Senate and in the Texas House that would remove the Fine Arts as a requirement for graduation in Texas public schools. I believe this sends the school districts a negative message about what is important in general education. If you believe that participation and understanding of the Fine Arts is an important part of our state's general education, please contact your State Congress Persons right away. This will come up for a vote within the next week.

If you don't know who your Senators and Represenatives are, you can find out really easily. Just go to www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us

If you believe that the arts are important, please encourage your legislators to keep the Fine Arts as a graduation requirement.

Vacate...

2009-04-22T13:26:00.001-07:00

It's been 18 months since I've had a proper vacation...

Next week, my best friend and I are going to take one, and I could not be more ready.

Boston/Salem, and possibly a day trip to Cape Cod...but only if we feel like it.

Oh, and the seafood. Soooooo looking forward to the oysters and lobster, and dipping my toes in the Atlantic.

I am in desperate need of a complete "re-set", and I think this will do the trick. Plus, I get some serious hang out time with my best friend...which is always at a premium.

Ready to vacate...just four more days...

Mister Z and Michael Meyers...

2009-04-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

So much going on...

First, my new show opens Friday, which means I'm in tech week.

Any actor will tell you tech week is draining, on every level.

Last night, around the 11 o'clock mark, I managed to lock myself out of the theatre, wearing a dominatrix French maid costume, in the cold, in east Austin. Stellar.

The rest of the cast was inside, and the music playing on stage completely drowned out my pounding on the only accessible door to get back inside the theatre. Exxxxcellent.

I stopped for a moment, and seriously considered my situation...and had to laugh at the hilarity of it. Seriously? Caught outside in 40 degree weather, wearing next to nothing, unable to get back inside...it was like a bad movie.

Aaaaaand, enter creepy guy. The humor of the situation completely evaporated. He'd been walking up one of the side streets near the theatre, and glanced my direction, stopped, turned, and began walking towards me.

Strung out, mumbling and looking a bit too much like Michael Meyers for my liking, I began pounding and yelling at the stage door to get back in...

Finally, when my would-be attacker was about 15 feet away, and I was preparing to either run or try and kick his (substantial) ass...one of my cast mates opened the door, and I tumbled inside.

I was panicked, and when he re-opened the door (about 10 seconds later) to see who I was talking about, Michael Meyers had completely disappeared. Scary.

The show, aside from nearly becoming a statistic, has been a wonderful experience. The boys at Rubber Rep are professional, encouraging, courteous and, just all around good guys.

Many of you know, as part of the show, I'll be doing a dance in my underwear on stage. The thought of it has been both terrifying and liberating.

It's been a long time since I've been so exposed in a production, and the last time, I was a lot younger and a lot smaller.

I was also a very sick young woman, uncomfortable in my own skin.

Age + Wisdom = Confidence with who you are, and such is the case.

The prospect of doing this for packed houses is still a bit daunting, but I'm happy with the person I've become, and I'm ok with just letting myself have a good time!

My past brings with it a vulnerability and fragility, most never see. My present adds a confidence that most do.

And this show, for all its esoteric and racy content, allows me the freedom to embrace both.

5 Simple Rules...

2009-03-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

For the guys trying to pick up women on social networking sites, I've compiled a few tips for you to follow, in order to improve your endeavors: (mostly because I feel sorry for you)

1. Make sure your profile pictures don't contain the following.

a. A picture of you, nude in any capacity. If you're flexing muscles, this is exponentially worse, as it makes you look like a complete douchebag.

b. A picture of you surrounded by strippers/Hooter's girls. This doesn't show us what a player you are. It shows us you have to pay for female attention. No good.

c. A picture of you with your ex. It shows us you're not over them, and you're just looking for a rebound.

2. Spelling is important. Words like "hawt", "kewl", "sexxxxy" and "playa", make you look like a dumbass. We will look. We will judge. No matter how cute you are.

3. If, under the "interests" category, you put "pimpin'" or "kickin' it", you're automatically disqualified.

4. If you ask to be a friend, without first sending an email introducing yourself, you're automatically disqualified.

5. If, in that introductory e-mail, you compliment our legs, boobs, lips, etc., rather than pointing out the people/interests we have in common, you're automatically disqualified.

*If* you follow these guidelines, and *if* you're original in your attempts to get our attention, then you might have a chance at getting to know someone worth knowing.

Latah, playahs. ;o)

Yeah, So, True Story...

2009-03-05T11:14:00.000-08:00

MySpace Blog, August, 2008.

Yeah, So, True Story...

Not so long ago I was drinking...alone...and bored. I'm ok telling this story now, since I've overcome the initial embarrassment, and so many of my female friends can identify, though you boys may get a little uncomfortable.

Back to the story. Andreá was nice and drunk one summer evening by herself. It seemed like a good idea at the time, and I'd been saving this bottle of wine for a special occasion, but I figured a Thursday would have to suffice.

Sidebar: Have you ever just felt the need to parade around your house naked...when no one else is home? I did. It seemed so, oh I don't know, freeing.

Fast-forward to 4/5's of the bottle consumed. I'm drunk, naked and dancing in my living room to VH1's best of the 80's music videos, praying to God no one comes home early, but too tipsy to really care if they did.

In the middle of my interpretive dance to "La Isla Bonita", (which, was stellar, I might add), I looked down, and saw a gray hair. Yeah. Down.

Slightly alarmed, I ran to the kitchen for better light, and the confirmation of a bad episode of Sex in the City come true.

I chugged the rest of the bottle, thinking about how best to rid myself of the little gray bastard, because if you pull it, three more grow in it's place. Right? And then it came to me...CVS is open...and they have hair dye.

I threw on clothes and my running shoes, because even I realized I was in no shape to drive, and I arrived at CVS around 2:30 AM, panting, sweating, drunk and mismatched, in a desperate search for the hair dye aisle.

When I got home, I had a beer to calm my nerves, then prepared the dye.

I'm fairly certain my screams from the burning woke the entire complex. Having realized, too late, the gravity of my impaired judgment, I ran upstairs to wash off the dye in the coldest shower I could stand.

Cold, wet, drunk, burning skin, still with one gray hair.

In yet another moment of alcohol induced poor judgement, I decided to shave off every hair on my body, except the hair on my head.

For about two days, it was the best idea I ever had.

Lesson learned: Drinking to oblivion alone, is bad. Drinking to oblivion alone, dying your pubes then shaving them all off, is infinitely worse.

Don't drink alone.

Here’s the thing about tantrums...

2009-03-05T11:12:00.000-08:00

MySpace blog from June, 2008.

Here’s the thing about tantrums...

I can't stand them. I don't care if you're 5 or 50, there is absolutely, positively, no (good) excuse to have them. None. Especially if you are on the upwards end of that age range.

And if I happen to witness you having one, my respect for you evaporates faster than you can bat an eye.

A couple of days ago, I was sitting in a coffee shop, reading a book, and people watching. It was a quiet, laid back, pleasant place to unwind.

A thirty-something couple walked in and went to the bar to order. They were relatively nice looking, well-dressed and standing arm in arm. Nothing out of the ordinary.

They ordered their drinks, and stood to watch, while the barista made their drinks. Is it a barista if it's a boy? Or, would that be baristo? Hmmn.

I should mention at this point, the barista was probably in his late teens, early 20's, tops. He seemed new, a little unsure of himself, and there was a visible sigh of relief when I simply ordered black coffee.

So, back to the story. Yuppie and Yuppette were waiting for their drinks, and when they were handed their orders, the barista gave his to her, and hers to him. Rather than just trade cups, and move along, the woman proceeded to yell at the poor kid. She began to insult him, and ask him questions like, "What if I was allergic to milk? THEN where would you be? You'd be sued, by me, that's where."

I honestly couldn't believe what I was seeing and hearing, and the guy was looking around the café to see just how many people were watching the scene his girlfriend was causing. (Turns out, we all were). The really sad part, was he seemed like he'd been in this situation before. His reaction was not one of surprise, but more apologetic. He looked around, shrugging his shoulders at those who would make eye contact with him, while she continued to rant at top volume.

Finally, I'd had enough. I stood up, walked over to the bar, stood right in front of her until she stopped screaming and noticed I was there. She looked at me, and said in her bitchiest tone, "THIS is none of your business."

I said, "You've made it everyone's business, and I think you need to leave. You're behavior is unacceptable, and even though no one here, or the person you're with will tell you that, I will. You need to leave. Now."

She turned about 10 shades of red, grabbed her boyfriend's arm, and stormed out.
Vindication. For the barista...and a little bit for me.

I need to do that type of thing more often. Rather than brood about it and be angry at myself for not taking action.

I don't care who you are, or how valid you think your excuse may be, you do not get to behave like an asshole in front of me. Ever.

Fake Hair, Fake Boobs, and Sweet Memories of Dolly...

2009-03-05T11:09:00.000-08:00

MySpace Blog Post from May, 2008.

Fake Hair, Fake Boobs, and Sweet Memories of Dolly...

I have been in a foul mood all day. Not sure why. Well, I can guess, but I think I actually woke up that way.

Max and I ran our normal route, and the humidity got to me more so this morning than normal....which bugs me, but damn if I'm going to depend on my inhaler.

Work was extraordinarily busy, which isn't a bad thing normally, but when there's un-necessary drama involved, I'd have much rather stayed home, with HBO and my favorite blanket for couch potato-ing, (shut it, it's a word).

So, this afternoon, I got in my car to come home, pissed at the world. I started the car, turned on the radio, and there she was...sweet, pure, inspiring, Dolly.

I don't think there's a need to use her last name, since she's a legend and all.

Dolly and Kenny Rogers were my very first concert, and my mom had all her records, so she'll always hold a special place in my heart.

I left the parking lot to the strains of "9 to 5", and I was instantly transported to the summer I spent with cousins when I was 8. We put on wigs my aunt had had stashed away, and stuffed balloons in our shirts (for fake boobs, of course), and put on our own Dolly concert.

We performed outside, at dusk, surrounded by lightning bugs, with crickets working as our back-up singers. I just know all the family and nieghbors we'd convinced to come see us, thought we were just as awesome as we thought we were. Perhaps not. In fact, now that I think about it, 8 year olds with scary wigs and fake balloon boobs, screeching the likes of "I Will Always Love You" and "Joleen", is a fairly disturbing visual image.

No matter.

Today, the memory put me in a great mood, despite 5 o'clock traffic...if you can imagine.
"9 to 5", man, I love that song. Thanks, Dolly.

Summertime Blues...

2009-03-05T11:08:00.000-08:00

MySpace Blog from May 2008.

Summertime Blues...

Waxing, sugaring, threading and shaving. We women are masochists, and especially so during the summer.

For those of you not on the up and up, waxing hurts. A lot. It's akin to some kind of modern day medieval torture tactic wannabe.

It's only made worse, and more awkward, when the aestician comes toward you with a life-sized picture of a vajayjay, and asks you to circle where you'd like hair removed. Really, I don't need that much interaction. Just show me options, I'll point to one, and you can do what you need to do, in silence. No talking while you're up in my Kool-Aid. Got it? Thaaaaanks.

Same for sugaring. Except it's like having warm honey poured on you, covered with strips of muslin, and ripped off your body with such alacrity, the pain barely has time to register. The warmth at the beginning sort of lulls you into a false sense of security, and I think that's why the pain doesn't quite have the time to register fully. Still hurts, but less painful than waxing.

Threading is a relatively new tactic, (for Americans anyway). Tibetan monks have been doing it for centuries, and apparently, it's works for them.

Pieces of thread, or string, are rolled across your legs, underarms, etc, etc, etc, and the process of rolling, pulls out the hair, in a relatively painless manner. (so they say). I've tried it, and it reminded me of the bladeless Epilady of the late 80's, which was basically a vibrating spring that yanked the hair out of your legs, as you moved it across your skin. Superfun, and the added bonus of drawing blood just adds excitement to your day.

Then, there's the old stand-by...the razor. It's not terribly fancy. It has a tendency to bite once in a while, and you have to use it more often than any other method, but it's reliable. And it doesn't cause me any unnecessary pain...which I appreciate.

For now, it's my weapon of choice, in combating the necessary summertime grooming.

Which reminds me...I need to schedule a pedicure.

Qi, Channels and a Baseless Fear of Needles...

2009-03-05T11:07:00.001-08:00

I'm deleting my MySpace profile, so I'm migrating all my old blogs here.

The following is one from May 2008.

Qi, Channels and a Baseless Fear of Needles...

I've been having difficulty over the past few weeks feeling centered. My appetite has been non-existent, my energy level has been low, and a general feeling of malaise has permeated my daily routine. The yin and yang are not clicking, and it's left me feeling drained. I've felt like a game of Jenga, personified. The blocks are staggered, rather than stacked in straight lines. And that bothers me.

I'm normally right smack dab in the middle, and only vary a few degrees either way, but lately, regardless of how much or often I run, or how much yoga I do, the internal balance has been off. And by "balance", I mean that imaginary straight line running up and down my body.
A friend recommended I visit the Austin Academy of Oriental Medicine, and after some consideration, I did.

Today, I had my first experience with acupuncture.

The doctor was knowledgeable and courteous. She asked me four pages of questions, ranging from basic medical information, to sleeping habits, to diet, to the color and texture of my tongue. 20 minutes later, the procedure began.

After minimal poking and prodding, and a quick check of my pulse, the doctor and her colleague determined that several channels through which my qi, or vital energy, runs, are blocked, particularly those in and around my heart. Apparently, I internalize everything, according to the good doctors. Heh.

I'll say.

She inserted 15 different needles at various points on my body, and left me alone for 20 minutes. I couldn't see all of them, but I could see the ones on my chest and along my arms and hands. None of them hurt, except the one she inserted right into the middle of my chest. It hurt like a bitch, and I began to cry, involuntarily...it was almost like a button was pushed. Or, maybe the gravity of the needle plunge scene in Pulp Fiction finally hit me. Maybe not.

About ten minutes into the session, the needle in the middle of my chest began to move. It was a little unnerving. It was facing one direction, and over the course of the last 10 minutes, it switched to the opposite direction. The doctor said when channels are "re-opened", the rush of qi has the capacity to move the needles. I asked her if the muscles under my skin could also do the trick, but she seemed to think not, since the movement was so drastic. Hmmm.

I'm not sure if I'm convinced it works, or not, but I do have to say, I did feel more focused afterward. Maybe it was just a lesson in mind over matter, maybe not, I don't know. I'm a tough sell, but I may go back.

Maybe.

Designing Women!

2009-02-22T06:37:00.000-08:00

The Designing Women movie trailer we made is up, and ready to get your 10 star vote!

Visit the link below, and you'll need to create an account in order to vote. (they aren't going to spam you, it's just so the voting is fair)

Once you create an account and it's verified, then you need to choose 10 stars for our film. It's judged on how many stars it receives!!!

Please tell all your friends because we've only got until Tuesday to get as many votes as we can!!!

http://www.filmmakingfrenzy.com/ViewFilm.aspx?FilmId=530#

ever yours,

Andreá "Suzanne Sugarbaker" Smith

Music, Music, Music...

2009-02-16T18:57:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling nostalgic.

I am always shocked by the sensory recall music evokes in me. I shouldn't be, but I am.

I have always been profoundly affected by it, and attach memories to songs like other's attach them to smells, pictures, or the like.

My earliest memories include music. It was a constant in my family. Always, always music. Always.

My great-grandmother favored gospel, blues, early rock and roll and old country...I mean ollllld. My father's mother loved musicals and the classics. My mother's mother was a complete hippie, born way before her time.

My own mother loved 70's rock, and her record collection (which I have), includes some of the greatest rock albums of the time.

My exposure to music during my impressionable years, was incredibly diverse, so my musical tastes today, tend to be just as varied.

After funerals of family members on my mom's side of the family, we'd all go to someones home, to visit and eat, (because the thing to do in the south is to bake a casserole, and take it to the grieving family...nothing says "sorry for your loss", like a tuna surprise). After the eating and the crying, we'd wander out to the front porch, bring out the guitars and sing. It didn't matter what we sang...we just took turns pickin' and singin', and the sadness of the situation was temporarily forgotten...because of the music.

As a child, I was always singing and "putting on shows". Some of my hits included "I Went to the Animal Fair", (complete with an interpretive dance), "Micky", Olivia Newton John's "Physical", (and my own personal favorite, and also that of my grandfather), my own version of Kenny Rogers' "The Gambler"...oh, yeah...

I can remember what was playing when I had my first real kiss. U2's Mysterious Ways.
Which began my love affair with that band.

I can remember what was playing when I lost my virginity. Jeff Buckley's version of Hallelujah. Heh. Irony much?

I remember crying my eyes out with Patty Griffin's Rain, on the drive home after I lost my grandmother, and singing Amazing Grace, while holding my great-grandmother's hand as she slipped from this world.

They're all ingrained now...these, and so many others, that pull random memories, with the simple turn of a radio dial...like a musical card catalogue.

The following has been covered by countless bands over the years, but the meaning is never lost on me. Still...one of my very favorites, regardless of who sings it.

And, right now, relevant for me...

NARRATOR: A love-struck Romeo sings the streets a serenade
Laying everybody low with a love song that he made.
Finds a streetlight, steps out of the shade
Says something like, "You and me babe, how about it?"
Juliet says, "Hey, it's Romeo, you nearly gave me a heart attack!"
He's underneath the window, she's singing, "Hey la, my boyfriend's back.
You shouldn't come around here singing up to people like that...Anyway, what you gonna do about it?"

ROMEO:Juliet, the dice was loaded from the start
And I bet when you exploded into my heart
And I forget I forget the movie song.
When you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong, Juliet?

Come up on different streets, both the streets of shame.
Both dirty, both mean, yes in the dream it was just the same
And I dreamed your dream for you and now your dream is real.
How can you look at me as if I was just another one of your deals?
Well you can fall for chains of silver, You can fall for chains of gold,You can fall for pretty strangers And the promises they hold.

You promised me everything, you promised me thick and thin, yeah!
Now you just say, "Oh Romeo? Yeah, you know I used to have a scene with him".

Juliet, when we made love, you used to cry.
You said, "I love you like the stars above, I'll love you 'til I die".
There's a place for us, you know the movie song.
When you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong, Juliet?

I can't do the talks, like the talk on TV
And I can't do a love song, like the way it's meant to be.
I can't do everything, but I'll do anything for you.
I can't do anything, except be in love with you!
And all I do is miss you and the way we used to be.
All I do is keep the beat... and bad company.
Now all I do is kiss you through the bars of a rhyme,Juliet, I'd do the stars with you any time!

Juliet, when we made love you used to cry.
You said, "I love you like the stars above, I'll love you 'til I die".
There's a place for us, you know the movie song.
When you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong, Juliet?

NARRATOR:A love-struck Romeo sings the streets a serenade
Laying everybody low with a lovesong that he made
Finds a convenient streetlight, steps out of the shade
He says something like, "You and me babe, how about it?"

ROMEO:You and me babe, how about it?

St. Valentine's Day Massacre...

2009-02-13T07:38:00.000-08:00

I am probably one of the few women who will actually admit they loathe Valentine's Day.

There's so. much. pressure.

Sure, I know the guys have it just as bad, but there's a whole other kind of pressure for the ladies.

Say you've only been dating someone a few months, and the big day arrives, what then?

Should you expect flowers, or chocolates, or dinner? And what are *their* expectations? Should you go ahead and spend the $100 on sexy lingerie and waxing, or would that be too presumptuous, and humiliating, when you find out they only want to hang out and play video games? You want to reciprocate in kind, so trying to figure out what *he's* going to do, and coming up with a plan that equals, rather than "one ups" or falls short of expectation, is exhausting.

Then, the day arrives, and being a woman, you've over-prepared, and you're resentful, because you're sitting on the floor, eating chips and salsa, playing Mario Kart, while wearing a $75 corset and thong set under your jeans and t-shirt, desperately trying not to scratch your privates, because you went ahead and had that waxing done, and it's about to drive you over the edge with the itching. And, on the off chance, the romance does ensue, you don't want it to look like you've got a raging case of crabs. Mmmm, romantic.

Oh, and don't forget the chocolates/card/mix CD you've got on hand, just in case he gets you something. And the card has to be funny...none of that romantic shit that can be completely misconstrued, and possibly ruin the day with awkwardness.

See? See the pressure we're putting on oursleves?

No good.

This would be a perfect Valentine's (or any) Day, in my estimation:

Lounge in bed until you're hungry enough to will yourselves out of it.
Grab brunch or lunch and catch a movie or hit a museum.
See some live music, grab a few beers, and go home and watch Colbert, Family Guy, or the History Channel, until you fall into one another.

To me, the day is just about being together....which shouldn't require special recognition on the calendar...or shelling out bookoo dollahs for flowers that die, candy that makes you fat and underwear that make you walk funny.

But that's just me...

Ooooooo, Fortuna!

2009-01-15T07:14:00.002-08:00

Dancing around in your underwear, while conducting an imaginary orchestra to Carl Orff's, O Fortuna, first thing in the morning...is one of the best ways I can think of, to begin your day.

Hooray for Thursdays!

Inside the Actor's Studio...

2009-01-14T07:39:00.000-08:00

James Lipton's infamous 10 questions, and my answers...

1. What is your favorite word?
I'm a fan of words, in general. So much so, I get a Dictionary.com "Word of the Day".
(I can hear the dork-meter going off the charts right about now)

Though, if I had to narrow it down to one word, I'd have to say (for now) it would be: verbose. It begins with that strong "v-uh" sound, that makes your teeth rest on your lower lip (almost like the sound "vroooom"), followed up by the "errr" that makes your lips pout. The rounded "b" sobers up your mouth from all that pouting, until you hear the soft "oh", finished with the sensual "sssssss" sound...

Plus, it defines "flowery" language...and I like "flowery" language. Obviously.

2. What is your least favorite word?
Moist. No need to explain this one.

3. What turns you on?
Sardonic wit, diplomacy, intellect, eye contact.

4. What turns you off?
Liars, indifference, or anyone who must have approval from everyone around them.

5. What sound do you love?
A Blues base line that vibrates your spine.

6. What sound do you hate?
Trains. For some inexplicable reason, I've disliked them for as long as I can remember.

7. What is your favorite curse word?
Fuck. It can be substituted for just about any part of speech. I like versatility.

8. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
Anything included under the title of "Renaissance Woman".

9. What profession would you not like to do?
Animal euthanizer. I'd be a crying mess all the time.

10. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
Nice work, Smith. Good game. (followed by a high five)

Caught with My Pants Down...Assuming I Wore Pants...

2009-01-13T11:11:00.001-08:00

I don't wear pajamas to bed.

In fact, I loathe them, and only reluctantly wear anything even when it's freezing outside.

It's never been an issue, or the source of any undue embarrassment...until today.

This morning, around 7 AM, I woke to the low growls of my dog, Max. He's not a barker, or a growler, so something had caused him alarm, in the greys and purples of the pre-sunrise morn.

I listened, and I heard the faintest tapping at one of the two windows, in my second story room. Odd, since I'm on the SECOND STORY, but my brain at 7 AM, is not quite so reasonable.

I left my warm cocoon to investigate, thinking little of the sounds, and even less about possibility of encountering an actual human being in my birthday suit.

And there he was...the shock of it was mind-numbing, and what little rationale I had that early in the morning, was replaced by immediate fight or flight response.

There was a man, filling the entire window (sans curtains or blinds), and nearly in silhouette, holding a drill.

I screamed. He nearly fell backwards off the ladder, and Max hid behind my legs in fear, making my immediate "run for it", a near travesty in itself.

I ran to the bathroom, grabbed my robe, and slowly made my way back into my room to see if he was still there.

He wasn't.

I ran downstairs, and out the door, to the "staging area", for the contractors who are making improvements around my condo complex.

Hair and bathrobe flying, catalyzed by a mix of embarrassment and fear, I gave the crew a tongue lashing about making the residents aware about when and where work would be done, and told them anything before 8 o'clock was unacceptable.

None of them would make eye contact, so I knew he'd told them what happened, and I'm pretty sure I turned about ten shades of red.

Finally, the foreman, stepped forward and apologized for the mishap. He promised not to do any work outside my windows, without prior notification, and even then, it wouldn't start before 8AM.

Fine. Great. Excellent!

But, now I think I'm going to have to begin wearing pajamas...which sucks.

Resolution...

2009-01-06T13:11:00.000-08:00

I'm not a big resolver when it comes to the new year. But, I *do* require resolution in just about every other aspect of my life throughout the year. Does that count? Didn't think so.

This year, I really thought about resolutions, and what's feasible for me, and I've come up with the following, simple they may be:

1. I resolve not to drink so much Diet Coke, and (so far), I've only had one since 12/26/08. One! For anyone who knows me... I could do human trials on the effects of aspartame because of the amount of DC I drink, and to limit them in any way, is an unprecendented exercise in self control.

2. I resolve not to brood about things. That's a big one. I internalize. A lot.

3. I resolve to only commit myself to artistic projects I *want* to do, and nothing I feel I *have* to do.

4. I resolve to spend more quality time with my family and friends.

5. I resolve to be better about blogging. Marsha called me out on NYE about it, and she's right. I tend to express myself more clearly and thoroughly, as a writer, than when I'm face to face. It's cathartic for me, and I feel better for doing it. So, I'm gonna.

Sooooo, there they are. Nothing flashy or outrageous, but they're baby steps. And for a girl who, in the past, has refused to commit to even one resolution...having five is a personal triumph. Ahhh, the growing....can you feel it?

Some will be easier than others to keep, but it's declaring them that matters most, right? Right.

2009 began as one of the very best, ever. And my New Year's wish, as my sparkler neared it's fiery end, was that it only gets better. For all of us.

Happy 2009.

Thankful...

2008-12-01T13:02:00.000-08:00

I spent Thanksgiving away this year.

In an odd twist, I ended up travelling with my brother and sister-in-law, to Kansas City, to spend the holiday with her family.

She comes from a wonderful brood, who pride themselves on Thanksgiving traditions.

This year, I got to partake in the annual pre-feast tag football game. (My team won 35-28!), the Thanksgiving feast weigh-in (that's the amount of food consumed, we weighed on a food scale), and plenty of football.

The day after, (as is tradition), we went to Arthur Bryant's BBQ, in downtown KC.

http://www.arthurbryantsbbq.com/

This is the stuff, from which BBQ dreams are made. A-mazing. Truly. We waited in the freezing cold for over an hour, just to get in and order, but it was worth it. The ribs were the best I've ever had, with only one exception...a little place in Houston called Cozy's makes the best pork ribs I've ever had in my life. AB's were incredible, and a very close second though.

We also spend the better part of Friday, at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, in downtown KC. I had no idea what an incredible collection they had...but soon found out.

http://www.nelson-atkins.org/

Caravaggio, Monet, Manet, Pissaro, Bronzino, Van Gogh, Hart Benton, along with a myriad of other Renaissance and Contemporary artists were my company for the day, and I was never so happy.

Art, in any genre (music, painting, sculpture), tends to evoke in me, a very strong emotional response. More than once, I found myself either in tears, or close to it, while observing a particular piece of art. The Nelson, by far, was the highlight of my trip.

We also managed to hit Kelly's (http://www.kellyswestportinn.com/), for one of their famous 44 oz. beers, Topsy's (http://www.topsyspopcorn.com/), for some of their legendary popcorn, and a random gyro cart around 2 AM, with the best kabobs I've ever eaten. Sorry, no link to that one.

Truly a time, for which I am thankful.

Finding My Lost Youth...

2008-11-13T07:25:00.000-08:00

Last night, for the first time in more than a dozen years, I had "the flying dream".

As a kid, I had it nearly every night, and I remember my stomach actually dropping when I'd glide over trees and rivers and big cities. It was my most frequent dream, seconded only by the one I'd have where I was walking barefoot down the bridge of the Statue of Liberty's nose. (I'm not entirely certain I want to delve into the psychological ramifications of that one.)

They say, and I mean the proverbial "they", when you have the flying dream, it is representative of your own personal sense of power; it represents an individual "rising above" a situation, or overcoming some sort of obstacle. Meh. Yeah, sure, fine...I'll go with that...

For me, I think it's a re-awakening of my childhood. In the ultimate irony of ironies, turning thirty this year has reminded me of what it means to be a kid. After years of being a grown up before my time, I'm learning to play more, and I'm enjoying the hell out of it.

The little things really don't seem to matter. Truly.

And this, coming from the woman who thought anyone who said, "don't sweat the small stuff", was just looking for an excuse to be lazy... But, if being five minutes late, means I get one more game of sock tug-o-war in with my dog in the morning before I leave...well, so be it.