60 Days

So, it has been quite a while since I've truly posted on here. I can't believe how crazy my summer has become. Working at the theatre has been both stressful and rewarding, but I'm very excited that I only have to be Ida Rhinegold two more times. (Hopefully the last two in my life). I've discovered that all theatre is not created equal. Though the melodrama is fun and most nights the audience truly seems to enjoy it, it doesn't fulfill me the same way musical theatre or some of the amazing work we have done at PLU does. This summer has truly made me appreciate the incredible caliber of work we do at school.

I am also very excited to be doing musical theatre this fall. And directing it. I am very proud of all the work I have put into NOMT so far, and though I have a long way to go I know that the hundreds of hours I've put in already will pay off. (Even if it is just that tiny bit less of stress that makes my semester somewhat manageable.

Yesterday I finished writing my 'script' for NOMT. I am so excited about this idea. I really think that both the actors and the audience are going to get so much out of the show, but it is going to be all that much more work. (I apologize if I am less than articulate, it is early and Pooka is attempting to sit in my lap while I type this). Reading Strike Up the Band has made me even more certain about how important musical theatre is. One quote in particular truly stuck with me and I am going to use it to help end my show:

"And in this modern world where emotions – particularly big emotions – are often considered inappropriate, inconvenient, even impolite, where the expression of full-bodied emotion has been “civilized” out of most of us, the extreme, unapologetic emotionalism of musical theatre offers audiences a much needed release." PERFECT!

I can't believe I leave Montana in just a few short days. I have so much to do before then. I feel awful because Anne has been asking if I want to hang out after the shows, and I do! It is just that I only have a few days left with my parents and they take precedent on my time right now. My parents support me financially and emotionally and I feel that it is only right to spend as much time with them when I am home as possible. I also hardly get to see them during the school year. There might be one day this fall when my dad gets to visit me because business is calling him to Snoqualamie Pass, and my mom will drive out with me and then visit again for NOMT, but when you are as close with your parents as I am, it just doesn't cut it sometimes.

So, though this week has been hard (we had to let go of little Stormy and now Velo is a bit lonely, and I've had some parent stress, despite our love for each other) I am very excited to finish up summer and get back to school.

I just know that NOMT is going to work out. There will be things that will need to be changed and unforeseen conflicts, but I know this is what I'm meant to be doing this fall. Hell, I have been training since I was 13 years old and was in my first MCT Performing Arts Camp show to do exactly this!!! So, here's to the end of summer and the beginning of my first real directing experience. I'm psyched! :)

And a list to finish it all off:

• Anne coming out here this summer. I don't know if I could have gotten through some of the drama at the theatre had it not been for her.
• Getting paid to do theatre. Enough said.
• My amazing amazing amazing parents.
• Having a clean car. My arms are still a little sore from buffing and waxing, but it was worth it.
• Great books. Alison Croggon, seriously read her. (well, her books) She is an Australian poet who has broken into YA Fantasy with a brilliance and maturity that is rarely found (except maybe with JK and Tamora)
• Having amazing blood sugars from eating raw. Though I took one day off this week I am now on day 8 (or 2 from my starting over) and have made a commitment to stay as raw as possible (hopefully over 90-95%) until NOMT is over. I know I will sleep better, feel better, and have a lot more time to do the things I need to do.
• Being back in Tacoma in a few days where I can get yummy gourmet raw foods and won't just be living on fruit and veggies.
• My new Saladacco, which I finally used yesterday. It is a vegetable spiralizer and turns zucchini or squash into NOODLES!!!!! Freaking awesome, mabye I'll post a picture of my awesome squash spaghetti sometime.
• Adrienne and Rebecca, again. They are brilliant and I feel so grateful to have them.
• This blog. Even when I don't write faithfully I read it every day and it is wonderful to know how we are focusing on being grateful. You women are beautiful. Inside and out.