Tag Archives: blog post

Leading up to Leading Ladies

Posted on April 25, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

I had meant to avoid Wrist to Forehead Sunday, but, well, that is not going to happen.  What did I expect on the Sunday of production week for Leading Ladies (you know, my play at Ilion Little Theatre? Surely I have mentioned it) (and I’ll call you Shirley if I feel like it; I’m sure you’ve been called worse).

Where was I?  Ah yes, pausing in a dramatic pose as I make my blog post.  Today is my last chance to take a deep breath for the foreseeable future.  I have not even been able to spend the whole day breathing, either. I had to paint the floor of the stage, do grocery shopping, make a salad for my lunch for the coming week (there IS still a chance I could fit into that little purple dress on Friday), do laundry (oh yeah, I still have to get it in off the clothesline, but I am SO grateful for the sunny day), oh, and some other things I probably will not get to.  Don’t judge.  On the other hand, go ahead and judge if you want to.  I don’t have time to worry about who might be judging me.

Painting the stage was not the onerous chore I had feared.  I don’t think I did as good a job as others have done, but one cannot always have perfection.  An awesome member of my awesome cast finished the garden mural that really deserves to have a more prominent place on the set.  Really, if I can learn how to post a photo, this will deserve such a thing.  However, I shall not post the photo now. COME AND SEE THE PLAY!!!

So this is my Wrist to Forehead Sunday post.  We’ll see what I can come up with for blog posts in the coming week.  In between trying to remember to breath.

 

 

 

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Leading Lame

Posted on April 23, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Ever since I decided to direct Leading Ladies at Ilion Little Theatre (ILT), I knew I would at some point use the headline “Leading Lame.”  So today is the day.  I have rehearsal tonight and I really, really, really want to make my blog post before I have to leave for it. Luckily, it is Lame Post Friday.

I know, I know, many other days of the week I just type something foolish and go.  I can’t worry about those days right now.  The fact is, I have had a minor headache all day which has since flared into a full-blown sinus event.  It has been a while since I have complained about a headache. Or has it?  I can’t be bothered to go back and check now.

But getting back to All Leading Ladies All The Time, I seem to be spending a great deal of my time these days trying to remember every little thing I have to take care of or make sure gets taken care of.  A few big things, too.  Oh well, it was my dumb idea to direct a play.  I have been blessed with many people helping me out in all kinds of way, so I am grateful for that.  I got taken off overtime at work so have been getting an hour and a half more sleep in the morning.  Score!

Last night’s rehearsal went very well.  My husband, in particular, did a fine job with his scenes.  The other actors all had excellent moments as well.  I think it is telling that as many times as I have seen this play now, my cast can still make me laugh out loud.  For example… I’m not going to give you an example!  Come and see the play!

In case I have not mentioned it before, it is Leading Ladies at Ilion Little Theatre, on Remington Avenue in Ilion, NY.  Performance dates are April 29, 30, May 1, 6, 7 and 8; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, admission is $12 for adults, $8 for students. For more information you can visit ILT’s website at www.ilionlittletheatre.org.

 

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That Little Purple Dress

Posted on April 21, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

So this is the third time I’ve put pen to paper attempting to write my blog post ahead of the time I type it into the computer.  I still don’t have a clue what to write.  I suppose it is still All Leading Ladies All The Time, but I think I’d rather talk about me.

As director, one of my jobs is to give the curtain speech before each performance.  I welcome everybody, tell where the fire exits are and introduce the show.  It is a classy touch for the director to dress nicely for this.  Oh dear.

I know I have spent many blog posts on my wardrobe ills.  When dressing for anything other than work, I struggle over What To Wear.  What fits this week?  What would look good?  How is the weather going to behave?  Will I be over- or under-dressed (regarding style OR weather)?  I know some people do not agonize over these decisions and, oh, how I envy them.  Then again, do they ever have the utter satisfaction of finding the perfect outfit after great effort?  Oh, they probably have it more often and without effort.  I can’t worry about other people!

With opening night just over a week away, my concerns are coming to a head.  When the production was just a blip on the horizon, I had big plans to become small. You see, there is this little purple dress I purchased in 2011 and have never worn.  Wouldn’t it be delightful to give my opening night speech looking all hot and awesome in a little purple dress?

I have not tried on said dress so have no idea how far off I may be.  However, I am trying to take off weight.  Having no time for  exercise (I know, that makes me TOO busy), I have been concentrating on eating less.  I’ve heard where eating less without exercise will lose you more weight than exercise without eating less.  I must say, I find exercise more fun.  I mean, I like fruit, I like salad, but…

I WANT POTATO CHIPS!!!

There, I’ve said it.  That was as far as I wrote earlier today on my lunch hour.  Now I am frantically typing prior to hurrying to rehearsal.  I did not eat the potato chips.  Yay me.

 

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Oh, Yeah, And I Have a Bad Attitude

Posted on April 20, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

I just erased everything I typed in, and it was not on purpose.  It was not a very good blog post, but at least I was typing something in and not immediately backspacing back over it.  In fact, I had just typed in something along the lines of, “Now that I am typing in words and not backspacing them out,” and I was going to continue to say everything would be all right when suddenly the entire post vanished.  I have no idea what I hit.  I looked in vain for “Edit: undo.”

Did I mention this was Bad Attituesday?

I began this post feeling quite flustered.  In fact, my first attempt began with the statement that I was flustered.  I backspaced over that and tried again.  I am trying hard not to backspace over this and try again.  How many do-overs does a blogger get?  I’m thinking, a lot.

Now the insidious little voice in my head begins to say things like, “If it’s that stressful, perhaps you shouldn’t do it.”  Oh, please.  If that were the criteria, I would never leave my bed in the morning.  Anything worth doing can create some stress.  Come on, voice in my head, you can do better than that!  The voice goes on to say, “Well, we’re all tired of hearing you bellyache about it, at any rate.”  That is a better deterrent.  I just imagine some people are tired of hearing me whine (I know, Bruce, I should drink some WINE).

People who are tired of me, rejoice.  I shall end the post now.  I must hurry to my polling place and vote, for one reason.  Then it is off to tonight’s rehearsal for Leading Ladies.  Tomorrow I’ll try to write my post while on breaks at work.  As always, I hope you’ll stay tuned.

 

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Mired Meanderings

Posted on April 19, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

I’m not sure I can call this a Monday Mental Meanderings.  Meandering implies movement and I feel like a stuck lump.  No matter, post I must and so I will.

Today is the only day this week I do not have rehearsal, just to get back into All Leading Ladies All The Time mode.   I’m always so damn tired on Monday, largely because I do not lead a healthy lifestyle, especially on the weekend.  What I will do next week when I have rehearsal, I do not know (although no doubt I will write a blog post about it).

Steven drove me to work this morning and picked me up afterwards due to vehicle issues.  I suggested we make a couple of stops for props on the way home.  Alas, we did not stop at any distinctive local stores such as I love to mention in the blog.  A dollar store and K-Mart.  We were looking for a punch bowl and a couple of swords.  I’m afraid we are going to end up with something rather ridiculous-looking.  Then again, it is a comedy.  Perhaps we can get away with it.

Oh dear, I hope I have not given too much away.  I especially hope I have not given any local readers a distaste for the production and a disinclination to attend.  I can just hear somebody out there saying, “I’m not going to see THAT play!  I hear they have ridiculous-looking props!”  Or is that just my inner critic?  Sometimes it’s hard to tell.

So here I am, mired down in my theatrical problems and trying to make a blog post.  Will the blog posts get any better as the week wears on and I must run to rehearsal?  I hope everybody will stay tuned to find out.

 

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Sunshine Sunday

Posted on April 18, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Spring has returned to the Mohawk Valley.  It’s been here already once or twice in 2016.  Then cold weather and snow returned.  Then we had some gloomy, rainy days, which, truth be known, I kind of like.  However, yesterday and today the sun returned in full force, and I am loving it.

Yesterday I enjoyed a walk and some running around (it was Scattered Saturday, you may recall), but Steven was sick with a cold and could not join in my enjoyment.  Today he is feeling a little bit better.  We just took a lovely walk, so in lieu of my usual Wrist to Forehead Sunday or even All Leading Ladies All The Time, I offer a humble Pedestrian Post.

I wore my crazy old lady hat and sunglasses but no jacket.  I found a white cotton long-sleeved shirt to put over my t-shirt, because I didn’t quite want bare arms.  Steven, since he is still convalescent, wore a hooded sweatshirt (our generation does not call them “hoodies.” I’m not even sure if a hoodie is the exact same thing or if there is some extra quality attached). Fashion choices settled, we set out.

We headed towards downtown Herkimer, past my beloved Historic Four Corners.  I pointed to the 1834 Jail and said, “That’s where I got hung.”  That, of course, was a reference to the play Roxy, in which I played the title role.  I’m sure it is one of those parts I will carry around with me forever, and that’s not really a bad thing.

As we walked down Main Street, we were sorry to see all the empty businesses.  I wish the area was more thriving.  At least there are a few bright spots.  Valley Exchange is open Sundays now; that’s always a fun place to look around.  Roma’s Pizza now occupies the space that was formerly Brian’s Roast Beef Deli.  I’m fond of Linda’s Consignment Shop, and The End Zone is a nice place to stop in for a beer unless Pete’s Tavern is more your speed.  Collis TruValue Hardware still seems to be going strong.

Turning down Albany Street, we saw that Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner was, as usual, doing a booming business.  Hummel’s Office Plus had some clearance items out on the sidewalk.  We did not stop into any of these businesses.  In fact, I’m sure I missed mentioning a few.  Sorry.  What do you want from me, I’m an amateur blogger not a downtown-boosting advertising agency.

We continued down Albany Street to Caroline, enjoying the sunshine.  I think sunshine is nature’s cosmetic, because almost any scene looks better in the sun.  As we walked we discussed our plans for the afternoon.   I want to sit out on our deck or front porch, perhaps with a beverage.  Steven wants to study his lines from Leading Ladies (I guess I have to mention the play at least once).

One last sunshine-related note:  I washed our sheets and hung them out on our clothesline.  I am SO looking forward to the sweet smell when I go to bed tonight.  I feel certain it will make Monday a little more pleasant.  Hope to see you then.

 

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Leading a Scattered Saturday

Posted on April 17, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Did you see what I did there with the headline?  I used the word “Leading” because my blog is All Leading Ladies All The Time (I don’t promise it actually will be, but then we all know there is no proof in advertising) but indicated that it will be one of my normal Scattered Saturday posts.  Scattered Saturday, for the uninitiated, is when I give a brief overview of my gyrations thus far, usually because I want to get my blog post out of the way and get back to, well, gyrating.  In fact one of these days, I may actually use the title “Now Back to Gyrating.”

We slept in till six o’clock this morning, which was quite delightful after rising at three all week.  After some coffee and a little breakfast, I wrote a few postcards.  The sun was bright and beautiful although the temperature was still chilly, so I walked to the post office and took a long way back.  Oh, it felt good to walk.  I could do a Pedestrian Post.  Maybe I will, sometime in the next few days.

Shortly after 8 a.m. I left the house for more adventures.  First a stop at the ATM, then on to the Friendly Bake Shop in Frankfort, NY, which I wrote a blog post about on a previous Saturday.  I got donuts for my next stop and a loaf of bread for Steven and me.  My next stop was Ilion Little Theatre, where we had to paint and one member was building me a short set of stairs with a landing.  Our theatre activities could also make for a blog post or two.

Actually, I think it is more like three or four, because we didn’t just stay at the theatre.  I made stops at Ilion True Value Hardware and the Rummage Sale at the Episcopal Church I mentioned yesterday.

After we finally finished for the day, I went to Hannaford in Herkimer for groceries and cold medicine for Steven.  I forgot to mention: Steven did not join me for any of my adventures, because he is sick with another cold.  Oh dear!  He has to get better!  He’s in Leading Ladies!

 

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Write, Post, Eat? Or Just Yell?

Posted on April 13, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Is three weeks too early for All Leading Ladies All The Time?  Oh well, in the first place, it isn’t a full two weeks any more and in the second place, I’ll probably sneak in some other foolishness along the way.

That said, I’m stressed.  I have to finish my article for Mohawk Valley Living, make today’s blog post, and eat something.  Full disclosure:  I thought of the title while I was taking my shower and I have already eaten something.  Priorities, people!

I am having the damnedest time with the article.  Not the smallest problem is that I am on my new lap top not my old desk top.  I’m not used to this program!  Of course it is not all that hard.  I mean, I’m typing in words, how much to I have to do with them?  Still, it’s just one more thing to occupy my meager brain (which is still not back from yesterday’s tiredness, although I did go to bed early).  Yes, I know, one more thing to whine and cry about.  How tiresome am I?  Sorry, readers.

Earlier today I was talking about tonight’s rehearsal.  I have been discussing the play a lot at work.  People are interested, or pretend to be.  One fellow somehow got the impression that I intend to holler at my cast tonight.  He kept bringing it up:  “Go to rehearsal, yell at your cast, go home and go to bed.”  Me, yell at my cast?  I’m a woman of peace!  I am soft-spoken and gentle.  Who said I yell?  I got something to say to that bastard!

This week we rehearse today (Tuesday), Wednesday and Friday.  Next week it will be Tuesday through Friday.  The following week is production week:  every damn night till we open on Friday!  If this really is All Leading Ladies All The Time, that will be 17 more posts about the play, including opening night.  Let’s hope I come up with something to say besides, “I’m so stressed!  I do NOT yell at my cast!”

 

 

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Moronic Monday

Posted on April 12, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Oh dear.  I am so tired I feel I am brain dead.  Do you suppose when they shaved my head they pulled out my brains as well?  Oh, who am I kidding? I never had that many brains to begin with.

The St. Baldrick’s Day event was a great deal of fun.  They exceeded their fundraising goal, and I think everyone enjoyed themselves.  I had a few glasses of wine, some good food and a whole lot of laughs.  Yes, yes, no doubt the wine had something to do with today’s tiredness. These things happen.  What do you expect of me?  Incidentally, I must return to Arthur’s in Dolgeville, NY for lunch or dinner one day soon.  Maybe several days soon, because there was a lot on their menu I’d like to try.

Incidentally, I did do some writing today while on breaks at work.  I worked on my next article for Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  It needs more work.  That brain dead thing is kind of doing me dirt.  You may have noticed.

So today is supposed to be Monday Mental Meanderings, but once again I do not have the mental resources to meander with.  I believe this has happened to me before, although I can’t be sure (being, as I am, largely brain dead, did I mention that?).   I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again:  Sorry folks; hope I’ll see you again tomorrow.

 

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Pre-Bald Post

Posted on April 10, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Or should I call this Wrist to Hairless Forehead Sunday?  Actually, I am feeling excited about my participation in the St. Baldrick’s Day Event today.  It will be fun.  Some friends are joining us.  We will have some food, maybe a couple of drinks, definitely a lot of laughs, and I’ll get a free haircut.  What’s not to like?

For anyone just tuning in (and if so, Hi, new reader!), I am getting my head shaved to raise money for children’s cancer research. The event will take place at Arthur’s in Dolgeville, NY this afternoon from one to three.  Thanks to generous friends, family and co-workers, I have raised over $1,000.  I’m pretty pleased about that.

I did this once before, three years ago.  That year I was shaved the first Sunday in June.  We had an extremely hot May.  I sweated with my stupid long hair and couldn’t wait for the clip!  Then the weather took a turn for the worse and we had a cold, rainy June.  I wore my toque most of the time rather than show off my bald pate, which was kind of a bummer but what are you going to do?

This year the weather has already taken a turn for the colder.  I think it’s 20 or 30 out as I write this.  I’m debating which hat to bring to the Bald.  I have a lovely crocheted green hat a friend made for me some years ago.  I also have a black fashion hat I purchased last year at a local consignment shop, Linda’s Consignment Shop in Herkimer, NY.  At the time  purchased it I said I could wear it if I ever went bald again.  Seems kind of ordained, doesn’t it?

Oh well, I guess I don’t have much to say about my Bald plans for the day, but I wanted to give St. Baldrick’s Foundation another shout-out, and I wanted to get my blog post written.  Mission accomplished, as they say.  I hope to see you all tomorrow for Monday Mental Meanderings.  Happy Sunday, everyone!

P.S.  If anyone wants to add to my fundraising total, my page for that is https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/813330/2016.  For more information on St. Baldrick’s Foundation, you can visit www.stbaldricks.org.

 

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