Sunday, July 28, 2019
Glitter and Be Gay
Antique of the week - Milk glass banana boat
I went through a period of buying antiques that I became obsessed with dishes on stems. I would search longingly for cake stands, compotes, candlesticks. Anything that had some kind of pedestal on it. I just love the look of them. I love to use them at the dinner table or on a buffet because I think that different heights of dishes bring such character to my presentation.
On one such trip to the Triad Antiques Market, I came across this milk glass banana boat. I believe it is Doric Lace Milk Glass made by Westmoreland. I love Westmoreland's glassware because it's not only elegant, but it's almost always thick and sturdy. I can use it without fear of breaking it easily. Anyway, I put this in my basket and went about browsing the store. I eventually found 3 more banana boats exactly the same, but with different prices. All were in great condition, so I bought the least expensive one, obviously haha! Of course, if you've ever been to TAM, trying to remember where things are can be confusing because there's a lot of booths there.
A banana boat is simply that...a dish to hold bananas. If they're not quite ripe, it's a great place to store them and it looks nice as well. I bought some bananas this morning at the grocery store and, yep, they're now sitting in the boat on the kitchen table. It's fun to have things like this that I will actually use...and these pieces were made to be used! Of course, you can use it to hold other items, even non perishables...it would make a great mail holder!
On that trip, I remember I also bought a silver bride's basket and a crystal serving compote...there as a definite theme to my purchases that day!
On one such trip to the Triad Antiques Market, I came across this milk glass banana boat. I believe it is Doric Lace Milk Glass made by Westmoreland. I love Westmoreland's glassware because it's not only elegant, but it's almost always thick and sturdy. I can use it without fear of breaking it easily. Anyway, I put this in my basket and went about browsing the store. I eventually found 3 more banana boats exactly the same, but with different prices. All were in great condition, so I bought the least expensive one, obviously haha! Of course, if you've ever been to TAM, trying to remember where things are can be confusing because there's a lot of booths there.
A banana boat is simply that...a dish to hold bananas. If they're not quite ripe, it's a great place to store them and it looks nice as well. I bought some bananas this morning at the grocery store and, yep, they're now sitting in the boat on the kitchen table. It's fun to have things like this that I will actually use...and these pieces were made to be used! Of course, you can use it to hold other items, even non perishables...it would make a great mail holder!
On that trip, I remember I also bought a silver bride's basket and a crystal serving compote...there as a definite theme to my purchases that day!
Saturday, July 27, 2019
I often find myself daydreaming of the houses of my childhood: the house I grew up in, Grandmother's house, which was my second home, the family homeplace in Wingate and Granny B.'s (Aunt Billie) house in Wilmington. These are all places where I felt safe and secure. Places filled with wonderful memories of times gone by. They each had such unique character and history to them. Other people live there now and I sometimes find myself jealous of that.
Don't get me wrong, I love the house that we live in now. It's just that I wonder what it would be like if we lived in one of the family homes. How would my daily routine be different? Many times, especially when I am in the kitchen, I imagine myself in one of those kitchens. Washing dishes, I think of what the view out of the kitchen window....seeing the magnolia tree in Wingate or Dad's vegetable garden in Monroe or the hundreds of camellias in Wilmington.
I think about the renovations done on each of these houses when they were in the family. I wonder if the owners have any interest in knowing them? And what renovations have the current owners made? It would be interesting to see and then ask myself if I would change it back if I bought the house one day.
It is the history of the houses that I love so much. The stories of the people who lived there, who created life there. The family gatherings, the births, the deaths. These were places where people set down roots and lived their lives. I think that's what I'm lacking right now. As much as I love my house, I do ask myself a lot if this is the one? Is this where I need to root myself. I don't know, but at 44 I think I need to figure that out while there's still time to make roots. Ah, well.
Who knows. Maybe one day I will find myself in one of these houses again. If I ever win the big lottery, you can bet that I'll end up in one of these places LOL Or maybe I will just find the perfect home for us? Only time will tell.
Don't get me wrong, I love the house that we live in now. It's just that I wonder what it would be like if we lived in one of the family homes. How would my daily routine be different? Many times, especially when I am in the kitchen, I imagine myself in one of those kitchens. Washing dishes, I think of what the view out of the kitchen window....seeing the magnolia tree in Wingate or Dad's vegetable garden in Monroe or the hundreds of camellias in Wilmington.
I think about the renovations done on each of these houses when they were in the family. I wonder if the owners have any interest in knowing them? And what renovations have the current owners made? It would be interesting to see and then ask myself if I would change it back if I bought the house one day.
It is the history of the houses that I love so much. The stories of the people who lived there, who created life there. The family gatherings, the births, the deaths. These were places where people set down roots and lived their lives. I think that's what I'm lacking right now. As much as I love my house, I do ask myself a lot if this is the one? Is this where I need to root myself. I don't know, but at 44 I think I need to figure that out while there's still time to make roots. Ah, well.
Who knows. Maybe one day I will find myself in one of these houses again. If I ever win the big lottery, you can bet that I'll end up in one of these places LOL Or maybe I will just find the perfect home for us? Only time will tell.
Three Wooden Crosses
This is one of those songs that gets me every time, no matter how often I have heard it. I know the twist, I know the ending, and yet I still get chills. I wish today's country music, if one can dare to call it that, was still written as well as this. Randy Travis is from my home county. Mom taught his dad in DUI class....twice haha Still, it's a great song!
Monday, July 22, 2019
Sunday, July 14, 2019
Today, I am quite anxious but that's ok. Tomorrow, I start a new adventure. I will be transferring departments at work and am quite excited about that. I will be working in resident relations as a CSR...basically, I will be at the front desk. Woohoo!
I am looking forward to this change for several reasons. One is that I do not have that much actual office experience and I need that. I haven't worked this kind of position before and it will look good on my resume' in the future...not that I'm going anywhere right now. And the department I'm going into is very much a team atmosphere and that is very important to me. Most of us will work individually but they always seem to have each others' backs and that is attractive to me. The dining services position at Verra Spring that I am leaving had me in a team atmosphere with the other associates who work at Verra. I will miss that and am glad I am stepping into another similar circumstance.
One of my career goals is to eventually run an assisted living facility. This job will help me to learn new things that can contribute towards that goal. I will learn things such as billing and insurance, intake assessments (hopefully) and other general pre management functions. This will help me to be a more well rounded associate, as I have already worked in dining/hospitality and housekeeping.
And I am going to definitely have to make some changes to daily life because my schedule will change. That's a good thing. I just need to sit down and figure out what all that needs to be. I can make it work. I won't be having a day off during the week on a regular basis anymore, so everything I used to do on my day off will have to be divided among the days of the week. Hopefully, this will keep me more on my toes.
Anyway, today's anxiety is a good thing and i will use this energy to prepare for my first day on the new job. Send me some good energy! Thanks!
I am looking forward to this change for several reasons. One is that I do not have that much actual office experience and I need that. I haven't worked this kind of position before and it will look good on my resume' in the future...not that I'm going anywhere right now. And the department I'm going into is very much a team atmosphere and that is very important to me. Most of us will work individually but they always seem to have each others' backs and that is attractive to me. The dining services position at Verra Spring that I am leaving had me in a team atmosphere with the other associates who work at Verra. I will miss that and am glad I am stepping into another similar circumstance.
One of my career goals is to eventually run an assisted living facility. This job will help me to learn new things that can contribute towards that goal. I will learn things such as billing and insurance, intake assessments (hopefully) and other general pre management functions. This will help me to be a more well rounded associate, as I have already worked in dining/hospitality and housekeeping.
And I am going to definitely have to make some changes to daily life because my schedule will change. That's a good thing. I just need to sit down and figure out what all that needs to be. I can make it work. I won't be having a day off during the week on a regular basis anymore, so everything I used to do on my day off will have to be divided among the days of the week. Hopefully, this will keep me more on my toes.
Anyway, today's anxiety is a good thing and i will use this energy to prepare for my first day on the new job. Send me some good energy! Thanks!
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Rose's Turn
There have been many great actresses who have played Mama Rose since Gypsy first opened in 1959. Ethel Merman, Roz Russell, Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters, Patti Lupone...just to name a few. The show culminates in Rose's breakdown at the end of Act II, a showstopping tour-de-force for any actress, brilliantly conceived by Jerome Robbins, Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim.
Here, we see Mama Rose as portrayed by Tyne Daly. She has a very unique voice and, to me, would not have been an obvious choice for the part. However, her acting chops are stellar and you would be hard pressed to find anyone do this number better. Each actress makes this number her own and they're all good interpretations. But to me, this is the best.
Enjoy!
Here, we see Mama Rose as portrayed by Tyne Daly. She has a very unique voice and, to me, would not have been an obvious choice for the part. However, her acting chops are stellar and you would be hard pressed to find anyone do this number better. Each actress makes this number her own and they're all good interpretations. But to me, this is the best.
Enjoy!
Quote of the week
"Faith goes up the stairs that love has made and looks out the window that hope has opened"
Charles H. Spurgeon
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Monday, July 8, 2019
My Funny Valentine
"My Funny Valentine" was composed by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for their 1937 musical Babes in Arms. Many artists have recorded this song from Chet Baker to Ella Fitzgerald to Frank Sinatra. This version, by Linda Ronstadt, is my favorite one of all.
Sunday, July 7, 2019
Top Ten UNCG theater productions
In my time at the UNCG theater department, I experienced so many good shows and performances it was uncanny. In this list, I have chosen to limit my responses to the Main Stage and Studio Theater productions. There was always great work done in class and in workshop theater too, but i'm sticking to the regular shows. i also am not adding any productions that i was actually in, only the ones i experienced as an audience member, while i was a student in the theater department. A couple of these are from my freshman year when, yes I had on rose colored glasses, but coming from high school theatre to college theatre was a huge transition for me.
In no particular order:
1. Candida
George Bernard Shaw's play about Victorian ideals of love and marriage, this was an exquisite and intimate production at UNCG. Every member of that cast did extraordinary work, most of them working outside how the department had stereotyped them...Brandon Roberts in a romantic lead, Amanda Sharpe playing someone who lusts outside of her marriage. It was brilliant. And thanks to John Gulley's casting, Sarah Wallis Craven finally got the recognition as an actress that she deserved and I know I was not the only person bowled over by her performance. To me, the show was like watching an episode of "Upstairs/Downstairs" and I would love to see it again!
2. Kringle's Window
I always enjoy a good Christmas show, and this was an excellent one! The story of a family learning to believe in the magic of Santa Claus. What more could one want? Stephanie Lohmeyer did a wonderful job in the lead as the girl who wanted to believe and share that with everyone. What I remember most about this show is it was signed for the hearing impaired. Now, normally, when we had people interpreting for the deaf they would be off to the side of the stage but not with this show. The characters were each shadowed by someone "playing" their part as well. Sitting in that audience with the deaf children being able to actually watch the show was pure joy. Their reactions were priceless, especially when Santa finally appeared and did his own signing. It was thrilling. Oh, and when the Christmas tree grew...and grew...and grew. I had tears each time!
3. The Yellow Boat
This was another children's show that was absolutely stunning to watch. It touched on the heavy subject of a child dealing with HIV and how that affects all of those people in his life. You don't often think of this as your typical topic for a kid's show, but it worked and it was very important. Josh Tyson was stellar as the young boy. And, as usual, Amanda Sharpe...a very pregnant Amanda Sharpe, was wonderful as his mother. I saw the show with my friend Colleen and we couldn't really speak afterwards. It gave you so much to think about.
4. Rocky Horror Picture Show
This show was just fun. I have never been a fan of the movie, I think because I watched it by myself the first few times and it must be viewed with a large group of people so that you get all of the extra gags. Anyway, there was not a weak link in this show. It was perfectly cast. Steve Roten came to life onstage as Frank-N-Furter. I will always remember Erica Linderman's entrance on the motorcycle...that was awesome! Everyone had such fun at this show, onstage and in the audience.
5. Long Time Since Yesterday
5 college friends reunite at the funeral of their friend. This show had it all. Laughter, tears, anger, jealousy, love, friendship...And Alexia Peebles singing her lungs out at the top of Act II! The six women in this show created a wonderful ensemble while each did extensive character work of her own. I saw this show several times because their work was just that good. Why this script hasn't been made into a movie is beyond me!
6. The Praying Mantis
This show left me slack jawed. I was stunned. I had never and have never seen anything like this before. The entire ensemble of the show was amazing, especially the women in the cast. They all fit like a glove in this dark comedy. This was Meg Coyle's thesis production and her character seemed tailor made to her often rigid acting style. Mikki Liner was a hoot as well. When she brought out that live chicken to feed her sister, I thought I'd fall out of my chair. And the set was incredible...that bright magenta curved wall that was slowly sucking in all of the furnishings and the oversized bright white door center stage. If only I could see this one again now...I only saw it 4 times the first run!
7. Our Town
I will admit that until I had never read or seen Our Town before this production at UNCG. There were so many wonderful performances in this show, I was in awe. Tom Behm directed the production and gave many undergraduate actors opportunities they had not had before and it paid off. Brandon Cardinal was magnificent as the Stage Manager. I particularly remember Fred Maske as the choir director. So many impressive moments in this show particularly the soda shop scene between Tammy Lail and Brandon Roberts...that was a lesson in good acting right there. Once again, Amanda Sharpe had everyone in tears with her monologue before the wedding scene. I have never been so jealous to be in a show was I was with this one. I was stuck in horse hell at the time (Equus). Oh well lol
8. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
This was another almost perfect show. I saw it so many times....literally....I was a Christmas Pageant groupie!! I think the cast worried if they didn't look out and see me in the audience. This story was read to me as a child every year and I was excited to see it onstage. The cast brought it to life in incredible fashion. They were having so much fun, I was jealous. It was a great blend of humor and sentiment that resulted in a touching show. Burton Holderness as the director who breaks her leg was beyond hysterical. Down to the littlest angel and bathrobe clad shepherd, this was classic!
9. Female Transport
This was my first experience with up close and personal theatre. It was in our black box, so you were right there in the action...there was not getting away from it. The six actresses who portrayed the convicts being transported to Australia were amazing. They worked so well as an ensemble. It was a hard show to watch but very rewarding. This was also the first time I had ever seen anyone hang themselves onstage. I was mesmerized. The use of the space was so well done that it truly felt like we were all stuck in the bottom of this ship.
10. The Who's Tommy
For UNCG, Tommy was a technical marvel. We had never really done anything like it before. And it was pulled off expertly. Everything worked in this show...the acting, singing, dancing, set, costumes, etc. It was an almost perfect musical. Jennifer Avery finally got to show off her musical abilities and brought life to Mrs. Walker when often times the character is drab and colorless. This show finally gave UNCG students a taste of what professional musical theatre is like. And except for the performance when Jennifer was knocked over by a set piece, it all came off without a hitch!
It's always fun, yet bittersweet for me to walk down my memory lane of theatre. But I am glad to have had the experiences in the first place, so that far outweighs any "what ifs" I may feel.
That is all :)
In no particular order:
1. Candida
George Bernard Shaw's play about Victorian ideals of love and marriage, this was an exquisite and intimate production at UNCG. Every member of that cast did extraordinary work, most of them working outside how the department had stereotyped them...Brandon Roberts in a romantic lead, Amanda Sharpe playing someone who lusts outside of her marriage. It was brilliant. And thanks to John Gulley's casting, Sarah Wallis Craven finally got the recognition as an actress that she deserved and I know I was not the only person bowled over by her performance. To me, the show was like watching an episode of "Upstairs/Downstairs" and I would love to see it again!
2. Kringle's Window
I always enjoy a good Christmas show, and this was an excellent one! The story of a family learning to believe in the magic of Santa Claus. What more could one want? Stephanie Lohmeyer did a wonderful job in the lead as the girl who wanted to believe and share that with everyone. What I remember most about this show is it was signed for the hearing impaired. Now, normally, when we had people interpreting for the deaf they would be off to the side of the stage but not with this show. The characters were each shadowed by someone "playing" their part as well. Sitting in that audience with the deaf children being able to actually watch the show was pure joy. Their reactions were priceless, especially when Santa finally appeared and did his own signing. It was thrilling. Oh, and when the Christmas tree grew...and grew...and grew. I had tears each time!
3. The Yellow Boat
This was another children's show that was absolutely stunning to watch. It touched on the heavy subject of a child dealing with HIV and how that affects all of those people in his life. You don't often think of this as your typical topic for a kid's show, but it worked and it was very important. Josh Tyson was stellar as the young boy. And, as usual, Amanda Sharpe...a very pregnant Amanda Sharpe, was wonderful as his mother. I saw the show with my friend Colleen and we couldn't really speak afterwards. It gave you so much to think about.
4. Rocky Horror Picture Show
This show was just fun. I have never been a fan of the movie, I think because I watched it by myself the first few times and it must be viewed with a large group of people so that you get all of the extra gags. Anyway, there was not a weak link in this show. It was perfectly cast. Steve Roten came to life onstage as Frank-N-Furter. I will always remember Erica Linderman's entrance on the motorcycle...that was awesome! Everyone had such fun at this show, onstage and in the audience.
5. Long Time Since Yesterday
5 college friends reunite at the funeral of their friend. This show had it all. Laughter, tears, anger, jealousy, love, friendship...And Alexia Peebles singing her lungs out at the top of Act II! The six women in this show created a wonderful ensemble while each did extensive character work of her own. I saw this show several times because their work was just that good. Why this script hasn't been made into a movie is beyond me!
6. The Praying Mantis
This show left me slack jawed. I was stunned. I had never and have never seen anything like this before. The entire ensemble of the show was amazing, especially the women in the cast. They all fit like a glove in this dark comedy. This was Meg Coyle's thesis production and her character seemed tailor made to her often rigid acting style. Mikki Liner was a hoot as well. When she brought out that live chicken to feed her sister, I thought I'd fall out of my chair. And the set was incredible...that bright magenta curved wall that was slowly sucking in all of the furnishings and the oversized bright white door center stage. If only I could see this one again now...I only saw it 4 times the first run!
7. Our Town
I will admit that until I had never read or seen Our Town before this production at UNCG. There were so many wonderful performances in this show, I was in awe. Tom Behm directed the production and gave many undergraduate actors opportunities they had not had before and it paid off. Brandon Cardinal was magnificent as the Stage Manager. I particularly remember Fred Maske as the choir director. So many impressive moments in this show particularly the soda shop scene between Tammy Lail and Brandon Roberts...that was a lesson in good acting right there. Once again, Amanda Sharpe had everyone in tears with her monologue before the wedding scene. I have never been so jealous to be in a show was I was with this one. I was stuck in horse hell at the time (Equus). Oh well lol
8. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
This was another almost perfect show. I saw it so many times....literally....I was a Christmas Pageant groupie!! I think the cast worried if they didn't look out and see me in the audience. This story was read to me as a child every year and I was excited to see it onstage. The cast brought it to life in incredible fashion. They were having so much fun, I was jealous. It was a great blend of humor and sentiment that resulted in a touching show. Burton Holderness as the director who breaks her leg was beyond hysterical. Down to the littlest angel and bathrobe clad shepherd, this was classic!
9. Female Transport
This was my first experience with up close and personal theatre. It was in our black box, so you were right there in the action...there was not getting away from it. The six actresses who portrayed the convicts being transported to Australia were amazing. They worked so well as an ensemble. It was a hard show to watch but very rewarding. This was also the first time I had ever seen anyone hang themselves onstage. I was mesmerized. The use of the space was so well done that it truly felt like we were all stuck in the bottom of this ship.
10. The Who's Tommy
For UNCG, Tommy was a technical marvel. We had never really done anything like it before. And it was pulled off expertly. Everything worked in this show...the acting, singing, dancing, set, costumes, etc. It was an almost perfect musical. Jennifer Avery finally got to show off her musical abilities and brought life to Mrs. Walker when often times the character is drab and colorless. This show finally gave UNCG students a taste of what professional musical theatre is like. And except for the performance when Jennifer was knocked over by a set piece, it all came off without a hitch!
It's always fun, yet bittersweet for me to walk down my memory lane of theatre. But I am glad to have had the experiences in the first place, so that far outweighs any "what ifs" I may feel.
That is all :)
Saturday, July 6, 2019
Dream of the Forgotten Child - David Lanz
Friday, July 5, 2019
Connection with other people is something that I would like to work on in my life. Once upon a time, I was really good at it. Nowadays, not so much. I feel like I am only partly to blame for that because in this age of technology and social media you can connect with people in an instant. For me, though, that's not a real connection. I did not grow up with that and I do not wish for it to be my main source of connecting with other people. Yes, social media does have its pros and can be helpful at times, but I really do not like the fact that I let it control me at times. I can hide behind a profile and not have to be a real person. That bothers me and I want to change the ways in which I connect with people.
Yesterday was the 4th of July. We had our annual cookout here at the house with about 11 people in total. It was wonderful to have them all here and connect and reconnect with friends. I need to do that kind of thing more often because I enjoy having people in my home. And I don't have a "no cell phone" rule at parties and dinners, though I have thought about that sometimes. We didn't need them yesterday. I don't recall anyone getting out their phones to text or search the web. How glorious it was that we all just sat around and ate and enjoyed each others' company for a change. Can I have some more, please?
As most of you know, I am big into correspondence. I love writing letters and cards and I think that is an excellent way to connect with someone. I adore it when I come home from work and find a letter in my mail box. It's such a relief to not always get bills!! But I really appreciate that someone has taken the time to sit down to write a note to me. And my hope is that other people feel the same way when they get some mail from me. If they don't, that's fine because I feel like I have worked towards my goal of connecting with people.
My phone skills need some work, however. Growing up, I loved talking on the phone. It was a big deal when a phone call was for me. Being an adult, though, I don't enjoy it as much. I spent so many years talking to bill collectors, which, yes, was my own fault, that it turned me off from talking on the phone. And the invention of the text message made it easy to avoid talking. Even though I do text, there's still a coldness about it. You can't always tell a person's meaning because you can't hear the inflection being used. I simply just need to start picking up the phone and practicing my talking skills. I didn't take all of those theatre classes learning how to speak for nothing, after all!
One of the saddest things about it all is that when I say the word "connection" I'm sure that 90% of people will automatically think of "internet connection". I am guilty of that as well and I need to change that. There are many ways in which I can connect with people... church, having coffee, entertaining, volunteering, etc. I just need to get out there and do it because I know it will make me feel better about myself and my life.
That is all.
Yesterday was the 4th of July. We had our annual cookout here at the house with about 11 people in total. It was wonderful to have them all here and connect and reconnect with friends. I need to do that kind of thing more often because I enjoy having people in my home. And I don't have a "no cell phone" rule at parties and dinners, though I have thought about that sometimes. We didn't need them yesterday. I don't recall anyone getting out their phones to text or search the web. How glorious it was that we all just sat around and ate and enjoyed each others' company for a change. Can I have some more, please?
As most of you know, I am big into correspondence. I love writing letters and cards and I think that is an excellent way to connect with someone. I adore it when I come home from work and find a letter in my mail box. It's such a relief to not always get bills!! But I really appreciate that someone has taken the time to sit down to write a note to me. And my hope is that other people feel the same way when they get some mail from me. If they don't, that's fine because I feel like I have worked towards my goal of connecting with people.
My phone skills need some work, however. Growing up, I loved talking on the phone. It was a big deal when a phone call was for me. Being an adult, though, I don't enjoy it as much. I spent so many years talking to bill collectors, which, yes, was my own fault, that it turned me off from talking on the phone. And the invention of the text message made it easy to avoid talking. Even though I do text, there's still a coldness about it. You can't always tell a person's meaning because you can't hear the inflection being used. I simply just need to start picking up the phone and practicing my talking skills. I didn't take all of those theatre classes learning how to speak for nothing, after all!
One of the saddest things about it all is that when I say the word "connection" I'm sure that 90% of people will automatically think of "internet connection". I am guilty of that as well and I need to change that. There are many ways in which I can connect with people... church, having coffee, entertaining, volunteering, etc. I just need to get out there and do it because I know it will make me feel better about myself and my life.
That is all.
Thursday, July 4, 2019
Send In The Clowns
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