The Week Begins Again!

Call me crazy but I like Mondays!  A new start to a new week...filled with plans and promise.  It is like a blank page ready to be filled with whatever comes your way.  

This week I plan on lots and lots of rehearsal for Jerry's Girls at Footlite Musicals in Indianapolis.  I am both excited and terrified at the prospect of opening night!  It is a cabaret setting so the audience is right there in front of you.  With this being the final rehearsal week, there won't be much time for anything else...until maybe Saturday.  So it is work and rehearse to fill my days!

How about your week?  What do you have planned to fill it up? 

 

My Fair Lady ~ Opening Weekend!

What a weekend! I haven't posted in quite awhile because I have been busy with rehearsals for "My Fair Lady" at Footlite Musicals in Indianapolis. The week before the show opens equals long rehearsals and total exhaustion. Once you step on to the stage in front of an audience the hard work is worth it. I am lucky to be sharing the stage with my daughter again! Here is a picture of us and members of the cockney ensemble.

The lovely thing about this show is we also get to dress-up as proper upper-crust ladies for another scene! I'd say, we clean up rather well!

Community theater is so much fun and filled with so many talented and dedicated people. We are enjoying ourselves and will get to perform for two more weekends so if you are in Indy...come by Footlite Musicals and enjoy our show!! Check out this blog for a review of the show!

Blog Carnival ~ What Am I Proud Of?

There are many ways to answer this question but I will try and focus on just a few. The first thing that comes to mind is I am proud that I am a strong person. Fifteen years ago I don't think I could have made that statement. But, through a divorce and the aftermath, I believe I have become a much stronger person. Details aren't important and there is no need to rehash the past. I have adopted the attitude of "look at it, learn from it and move on."

I am proud that I dug up enough courage to step back on the stage again after many, many years. Through community theater I have been blessed with so many good friends. After high school and college, I didn't even consider that there might be another opportunity to be a part of a theatrical production again. I am grateful that I have been allowed more than opportunity and I plan to make the most of it.

Through it all, I am proud that I work to maintain a healthy positive outlook. One must have an attitude of gratitude. Have that and it seems that everything else will fall into place. I hope that you will find that attitude and it brings you peace!

What's Up Wednesday!!!

Do I have news?! Lots of happenings in my life and online. Blessings are abundant in my life and I am so grateful. Here is a bit of what has been happening...

On Monday, my daughter, Emily, and I auditioned for "My Fair Lady" together. I was keeping my fingers and toes crossed we would both make the show. We got the calls last night and we are in the ensemble together! We did this a couple of years ago at the same theater and it was fun. I can't wait to get started!

Last night, I had a night off from theater since we are finished rehearsing the current show I am in, Fiddler on the Roof, and we have only two more shows this weekend. I decided to start getting the crap...oops!....I mean, Craft room back in order. Over this summer it had become a haven for anything that came under the category of "Where should we put it?". The answer always seemed to be the craft room. I did get a great start...there is now a walkway to my craft table, my beading supplies are all in one spot, fabric scraps are together in one basket and my table has been cleared of miscellaneous paperwork! It is still not pretty but it is a much better work environment.

As I was putting things away, I started to look at the tubs of finished items I have...and I have more than I thought I did! I really need to get to posting these items! I have some cloche hats that need just a little embellishment, scarves, more cotton cloths, and other various crocheted items looking for a new home. My goal is to get photos and postings done by September 1. That gives me almost a month so that seems doable. Plus, I can't sell them if I don't post them.

Another thing that has been occupying my time is Facebook. I truly believe that this can be a great networking tool for sellers on Etsy. I began a thread in the Etsy forums on July 20th asking "Do you need Facebook fans?" I am amazed this thread still has life!!! I just wanted to get over 100 fans for my Etsy shop's facebook fan page. I am quickly coming up on 270 and I have began a group on Facebook called Facebook Fans on Etsy. It has already gotten 101 members! That tells me this is a direction that needs to be explored. If you have any tech savy and would like to help, please let me know!! I could definitely learn from you!

That's a bit of catching up for now...next time I will try and post something lovely with pictures! Don't forget to check back on Friday when I feature one of my Facebook Fans!!!

God bless!

~gloria

Another Opening, Another Show

Some of you might remember that I love community theater. For the past few months I have been rehearsing for another show. Tonight we open to a preview audience. Here is my portrayal of Fruma Sarah in Fiddler on the Roof....

After the show, I hope I get a chance to catch my breath and get some crafting done!

Cleaning Out the Cobwebs

Oh my...it has been a month since my last blog post!! How did that happen?? I am thankful to say that my life has been full of theater and friends. After Nunsense closed, I went right into producing Dancing at Lughnasa.

The show closed yesterday. Wow ~ we had a successful run and the show was incredible. I am in awe of the talent that was assembled on the stage. It was just crazy. As is tradition, after the last Sunday matinee we strike (disassemble) the set then head off to have on last dinner together and laugh and enjoy a much needed rest. I thought that producing wouldn't wear me out as much as it did. Boy, am I wiped out!

I did manage to do a little crafting and came up with some items to finally update my etsy shop! In fact, I already sold one of my key chains before I got a chance to post it! I don't have any pics yet, but now that it stays light until 7:30ish I may get some posted this week.

I need to catch up with everyone. I have got to get to reading my favorite blogs and get back to posting on a regular basis.

God bless!!

Catching Up

It has been forever since I posted on my blog. I really need to get back at it! There has been a number of things keeping me busy. First my sweet little furbaby has been ill. Max has had a fever of unknown origin for over two weeks. We have been to the vet a number of times, he is on antibiotics and aspirin and he seems to finally be turning the corner and getting better. I am keeping my fingers crossed...hoping this time will be the time he finally breaks the fever and gets back to be his playful self. I hate seeing him so sad and lethargic. This morning his temp was down and he ate his normal breakfast. Things might just be looking up!!

This is my Max!!

The second thing that has occupied lots of my time is a show ~ Nunsense! My church put on the show over Valentine's Day weekend. I played Sister Robert Anne.

You just gotta love the sneakers with the boa!! She was tons of fun to play! Here is the chorus line of the Little Sisters of Hoboken. I am in the middle.

I had a blast and I got to share the stage with some talented gals!! The audiences were great. They laughed and cheered and made us feel great. I think it was about the most fun I ever had on stage. I am sad it is over but I am already on to my next project.

I am producing a show at Buck Creek Playhouse. It is Dancing at Lughnasa. It is set in Ireland in the 1930's. Meryl Streep played in the movie version. We have a crazy talented cast and the show just gets better with every rehearsal. I spent most of yesterday painting the set. Today I feel like a truck ran over me!! It is kind of nice being behind the scenes this time. It is incredible watching all the pieces of the show come together. I will post pics when I get them.

With all that said, I actually managed to spend time in my craft room!! I made a make up bag and some key fobs that will soon be in my shop. I used to share the room with my husband's drum set which left little room to work in. I am happy to say the drum set has been sold and the room is all mine. I am looking to paint and rework where I have my furniture placed. That is for another day. Right now I want to catch up on the blogs I have missed.

Random Thoughts

Today I am filled with random thoughts. I am not sure where this post will go so I hope I don't lose anyone in the process.

First thing is Facebook. I love it! It has allowed me to connect with so many friends that I have lost touch with over the years. Here is one example of what I have found. This is a picture of my high school's cast of Godspell in 1978...that was 31 years ago. It certainly doesn't seem like that long ago.

I am the second from the left. That show was so much fun. I am thankful that I got this sent to me by another cast member. Memories I will cherish!

Facebook is becoming the way to keep in touch. I know some of my online bloggy friends have pages. I do too so please ADD ME to your friends! If you are savvy about adding your store info page I would really appreciate some help. I could use a tool to help me promote my shop.

I hate being sick. I am at the end of the nastiest cold I have ever had. I literally slept for two days straight ~ one reason why I haven't blogged in a week! I have more energy but I am sound like a man. I need to kick this once and for all since the show is a week away!!!

I love hot tea on a cold day. Just warms me right up! I typically drink green tea but today I am enjoying some Lemon Lift!

I really have to list some major blessings...God is so good!!

• Facebook - I love the reconnections with friends
• Theater - the memories are priceless and the friendships are endless
• Technology - our world gets smaller everyday
• Friends - their amazing love and support lift me up each day

Make today an awesome day and remember to count your blessings!!! God bless!

Theater on Thursday

In honor of a lovely and talented young lady named Jessica who is celebrating her 20th birthday today, I did a search for items labeled THEATER and here are some of what I found.

from GretcheKramp

by Unresigned

Stitchmarkers by Babydragonjewelry

A sign by Countryworkshop

Enjoy the blessings this day brings and choose hope!

God bless!!

What a Weekend!

What a crazy busy weekend! I had a plan to get some crafting done and...well...that didn't happen. I took Friday off and had a plan...that sort of fell apart. I ended up napping in the afternoon...which is rest I really needed. Off to the hair dresser on Friday night. I was looking for a change. My hair had been some version of blonde or highlighted since I was sixteen years old. Taking inspiration from the fun wig I got to wear in the show I went a coppery brown. Woohoo~ I feel like a new woman!!! I love the red that comes out in the sunlight. I have gotten many compliments too! Hubby isn't too happy because he says he didn't marry a redhead LOL!

I also got a wonderful surprise...I am featured on a fellow etsyblogger, TiLTcreations, treasury blog. Stop by her lovely shop...you might find this waiting for you...

Saturday was another busy day with errands, grocery shopping and Girls' Night Out. I had three friends over for dinner since hubby is away on a fishing trip. We then went to a local theater to see a show...it was fabulous! We came back to my house and had a fire in the firepit and enjoyed a few cocktails and lots of laughs.

Up early on Sunday for church then my daughter and I got to see "Avenue Q". A wonderful day!!! When I got home I was determined to get some new items in my shop. Here are some of my latest creations.

This aqua scarf is trimmed with some fun yarn!

This is a fuzzy, warm hat and scarf set!

This is a stash buster scarf of some of my favorite purple yarns!

Doesn't this one make you think of autumn leaves?

I still have a number of items ready to be put in the shop. I just ran out of steam. It takes me a while to get things posted. Tomorrow night I will try and get some more soap pouches and other items in the shop. So check back often!

It's late and I need some sleep so God bless and I will see you in the morning!!

Finally Pix from the Show!!

Finally I have some pictures from the show! This is my favorite costume of all.-------->

I am on the right in the picture below.

I am somewhere to the right of center stage...this was our closing number

Fourth from the right in this one - our bows.

I hope you enjoyed these...I should have more sometime soon.

God bless!

Random Thoughts

I really have no idea what I want to blog about so I will begin and see where this leads me.

My first thought is my bloggy friends! Isn't it interesting that I feel so close to you all and we have never met? What a blessing it is to have the ability to get to know people from all over the world that we would have never communicated with without the internet! Each morning after reading my emails, my next step is to check the blogs I follow and catch up on everyone's blogs. When I am unable to do that (especially when work gets in the way! Imagine that!) I feel like I have missed something that day. It is hard to put into words what a blessing this is to me. I have even got in touch with a "real-live" friend through etsy and blogging! Vicki is so special and she has two beautiful daughters! She lives in the same town as my mother and I never seem to get back there as much as I would like. The internet has made it possible to keep up on the happenings in her family's life.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a meet-up? I just want to give hugs to those that have been reading my humble thoughts and made comments. I wish there was some simple way to make it happen. Just another random thought!

I am loving Fall!!! The leaves are really showing off ~ this morning driving in there was more yellow, red and orange than even yesterday. My husband got out some of our Halloween decorations for the yard over the weekend and I have a happy not-so-scary scarecrow welcoming visitors by the front door. The chill in the air each morning is so invigorating! This weekend here in Indy we are expecting a warm-up to the low 80s. For now, it is wonderful to have the windows open with a gentle breeze blowing through the house.

I get so inspired by my friends that sew. I really want to be able to make some of the lovely items I see. After this weekend, the show will be over and I will be able to concentrate more on all my crafts. Right now I am searching the internet for easy projects that involve the most basic skills. I look at the beautiful things that involve zippers and such and I can only hope I will be able to master more difficult skills. The thought of even attempting a quilt makes me nervous. I can only hope that someday I will have the courage to dive in and make something resembling a quilt.

Enough randomness for today...make it an awesome day!!

Blessings...

blogs ~ I love reading all about my new friends

cool weather ~ just seems to make everything crisp and clean

crafting inspiration ~ it comes from the most interesting places!

Very inspiring Woolly Bear Button Scarflette

from the Etsy shop of the very talented LazyTCrochet!!

God bless!

It Has Been So Long!!

I haven't blogged all week! Work has been busy, busy, busy and by the time I get home I don't even go near the computer! I have missed reading up on all my bloggy friends. I have tons of catching up to do.

First I have to tell you that I don't have pictures of my wonderful costume and wig ~ yet! I am going to get some tonight I promise, cross my heart! The last time I took my camera with me I forgot the memory card and I can't find the cable to connect the camera directly to the computer yada yada yada...anyhow...tonight I will take some with the memory card in the camera. Tomorrow I will post them!

The show has just been wonderful. All three performances went well last weekend and the audiences loved it! I hope that we get a good crowd this weekend. I have missed seeing my cast mates this week. Every night I end up falling asleep on the couch. I might have finally caught up on my rest. I can't wait to do the show again tonight.

Auditions went well but I didn't get the part I wanted. It is actually for the best. I will now have my evenings to work on my crafts and get my shop in tiptop shape for the holiday season that is quickly approaching. I still have a small pile of items in my craft room that I need to get in there. I started a scarf with some of my stash yarn. As I am making it I am thinking of how I can embellish it. The wheels are turning. I also have some paper projects I need to work on and there are three bracelets waiting for a new home! It will be nice to concentrate on my crafts.

Fall has arrived here in Indy. I love the crisp mornings! It puts a spring in your step for sure. The leaves are really showing off their true colors. Each day I notice more and more reds, golds and oranges! I need to get some pumpkins for the porch and put up my Halloween and Harvest decorations.

I am off to catch up on all my bloggy friends...I certainly have missed you all!

Blessings for today...

bloggy friends, of course!

autumn leaves

crisp morning air

God bless!!!

It is Thursday!

Last night was WIG night! What fun! Mine is absolutely beautiful. In a rush to get to the theater last night I forgot my camera. I took pics with my cell phone but didn't save them ~ will I ever get the hang of this new technology? So, I apologize for no pics today. I know you were all looking forward to them. Tonight, I must remember my camera.

We had a live preview audience and the show was a hit! It is so wonderful to hear laughter at jokes we have heard over and over again. It makes everything more exciting! No major snafus ~ when all was said and done it was a solid performance! I hope that word will get out to help with getting more reservations. If you are in the Indianapolis area, please try and make it to the show. Go to the Buck Creek Playhouse web site for ticket information.

No crafting for now...I think the next time I will be able to dedicate anytime to my crafts will be Monday at lunch! I am going to try and get some finished projects in my shop over the weekend.

Blessings are:

Dan - the wig man ~ he makes all of us look fabulous!

Kari Ann - the director ~ she rocks and I am so blessed to call her my friend!

Community theaters - a place for us to play for the love of acting and theater!

God bless!!

Wigs are Coming!

Last night was a very late night and I am exhausted but a good exhausted. Tonight we get the wigs!!! The guy that is styling them works professionally for a dinner theater here in Indy. We are so blessed because we get the benefit of his expertise for free! Best price in the world. All the gals in the show are so excited about the wigs. I know that I can't wait.

Tonight we will also have an audience! Our director and other members of the cast and crew have asked some people to come out tonight (for free) to watch us run through the show. What a night it will be! Wigs, costumes, make-up and an audience! That is the best part of theater ~ a live audience!

Not much time for crafting =( But that is okay. I do have a number of completed items that need to be put in my shop. I just need to get some nice photos and get them posted. I am taking the afternoon off on Friday so I can get caught up on a number of things. Hopefully, there will be time to get some pictures.

I haven't really blogged about my weight loss journey. Yes, it has been a journey. I started at 192 and I am now at 167!! 17 more to go to get to goal! When I started I was extremely "fluffy". I knew I had to do something. I went back to what I know works for me...but with a different attitude. That is the key ATTITUDE. I know this time I am adjusting the way I eat for life. If I go back to old habits and patterns, I will get the same results. Watching carbs has worked best for me and I have eliminated high fructose corn syrup from my diet along with sugar, anything refined like white flour, added flax seed and tons more veggies. I have gone from a very tight size 16 to a comfortable 12 since June 3rd of this year. I am feeling awesome! Getting dressed for work isn't so dreadful any more. The lovely thing that's happening now is I am seeing people that I haven't seen since committing to losing weight and getting healthy. I have had some not recognize me and others that just give me the best compliments! Wait until they see me after the last 17 pounds are gone! I am working toward a size 8 ~ yep, that's right, single digits! Slow and steady and I will get there.

Well, I think I have babbled on enough today. What are my blessings?

My online friends - even though we have never met, it is wonderful to read new posts and see what is happening in their part of the world
My real life friend, Sonja - she is spectacular and I just love her!
Inspirational Quotes - they just inspire me!

God bless you all and thanks for stopping by!!
ps ~ I will try and get some pics of the wigs tonight ;)

Cira 1890

Tally ho! As per a number of requests, here I am in my Victorian garb. Wigs will be coming on Wednesday. This is one of four changes I will make during the show. It is the most beautiful costume I have ever had the pleasure of wearing. But, whoo, is it hot! It is the one I wear the longest...entire second act! During the show, there is not much time to regroup and cool down. The ensemble in the Mystery of Edwin Drood is on stage 90% of the time. Quite different from most shows, I must say. Rehearsals are going well. I am looking forward to adding the wig for the full transformation into Gwendolyn Pynn!

With rehearsals all this week, the only time I get to craft is during my lunch hour. I bring my crochet since it is the most convienient. I am thinking about taking Friday afternoon off...just to get some things completed and go grocery shopping. My weekend is all filled up with the show, our church choir retreat and auditions for Bye Bye Birdie (yes, I am crazy enough to try for another show). Indy is blessed with a treasure trove of lovely community theaters.

I do have these pouches completed. I just need some better photos to post in my shop. I also have three bracelets on my craft desk plus a pair of earrings and a cell phone charm. I will have them up in the next few weeks.

I must be off...there is work to be done!

Blessings for today

beautiful costumes - dress up is so much fun

autumn leaves - I saw more colors last night on my drive to the theater

my family - for all the support during this crazy week!!!

God bless!!

Ike Visits Indy!

Who knew that we would have to worry about Ike here in the Midwest? Yesterday the wind was blowing and the rain came down. Chicago has some flooding. Here in Indy we have power outages and limbs down. I am amazed that Ike still had a little kick in his step when he got to Indianapolis.

Sunday was Long Sunday at the theater. We had a costume parade to see how the costume looked under the lighting. Here are some pics.

It was so much fun playing dress up! I was given a beautiful silver dress with gold accents. I didn't get a picture of that one. I promise I will post more in the future. We still haven't worked out wigs and makeup. Once the whole looks is put together we will all look very Victorian.

We were about 2 hours into our marathon and guess what happened? We lost power. It seems that Ike had done a number on the transformers that served the area. Well, the show must go on so we took the shades off the windows and continue rehearsing. Dinner was a pitch in and we were able to keep the hot foods warm in the gas powered oven. No running water (meaning no flushing!) We called it quits around seven since we were losing light. We are hoping power is restored for this evening.

I have heard from one friend who lives in Galveston. She evacuated with her fiance and is waiting for word on their home. I hope they are one of the lucky ones. Keep her in your prayers!

As far as crafting, Saturday I did get a chance to finish a drawstring purse. I did what I typically do. I start off with a pattern then in the middle I get an idea on how to finish it differently. I think it turned out adorable. I got my sixteen yo daughter's seal of approval! I don't have a picture yet. Maybe I can manage to snap a few tonight before I head out the door once again for rehearsal. Two weeks before opening night my life gets just a bit hectic. Once the run starts I will have most of my evenings free during the week, thank goodness!

Blessings for today are:

1. Kate and John are safe from Ike!

2. The wonderful cast and crew of Drood...we made it through a shortened Long Sunday

3. An understanding husband...most of the time!

God bless!!

Blog, Blog, Blog

I have to say I am not in a very bloggy mood today. I have made the rounds of the blogs I enjoy and I really don't have much to say.

Rehearsals are going well for the show...opening night is only two weeks away. I guess the nightly rehearsals are starting to wear me out. Thank goodness we have Friday and Saturday off! Sunday is Long Sunday...we start at 1pm and go until ??? which usually means 10pm or later. It is the day we get all the lighting and sound cues and props and begin with costumes. It amazes me how different it feels when all the "accessories" are added. We will break for a big pitch in dinner. I just need to get lots of rest on Saturday.

Went to Target at lunch hour today...found some $1 ribbon...I had to stop myself from buying them all LOL. Look around at the clothing and I really didn't see anything I thought was worth the money.

Even though I am tired, I am blessed beyond belief!
1. My friend Sonja - she is just a gem in my eyes!
2. My hubby - he has been out of work but does everything around the house and does it much better than me!!!
3. Salads - what can I say...I love my veggies!

God bless!!!