Costume Imp

Counting down

2009-06-26T12:24:00.002-04:00

EEKK!!! i leave on monday!

it's going well, this week 'off' and being unemployed has been good in many ways. first and foremost, i've managed to catch up on some life things that i've been putting off. things like drs appointments and dental work and dealing with the multitude of banking institutions that i support.

i have to give kudos to travelocity and their customer service department. i spent 20 minutes on the phone with them this morning, and they were most helpful. the airline changed my connecting flight in Roma, resulting in a 6 hour layover before my flight to pisa. of course, this made me not at all happy, as i have a dear friend picking me up at the airport in pisa. i called and asked if they could change my flight and just eliminate the flight to pisa. travelocity called the airline and made the rebooking. no fees, and an apology for changing my itinerary so drastically. so now my friend is picking me up in roma, and we'll have an afternoon of sun instead of me wandering the roma aeroporta for 6 hours before a connecting flight boards. are you listening you bastards at united? customer service and NO FEE'S to change an inconvenience to their passenger, on a non refundable ticket. go alitalia/travelocity.

i am very pleased!

i'm heading into the city shortly to have my hair cut. a little trim, a little texture, it's all good.

i spent two hours in acupuncture on wednesday. after a day of feeling beat HARD, i'm feeling much better. the stress level at work had gotten to me so bad, i was knotted up in ways previously unimagined. numbness in all limbs and neck and face. i had more knots in my left shoulder than a 3 mast ship. seriously, i was a hot-mess.

not that needles and unemployment haven't managed though. i'm actually feeling much better.

i got offered a gig for the winter down in sunny sarasota. yes, i'm going back to the opera for the winter. i haven't committed to a firm YES, SEND THE CONTRACT yet, but i will. i have decided i'm going to do it, i just told them they had to wait for a firm answer until i returned from my adventures. it will be very exciting, as we are remounting magic flute, and i assisted the designer on it 4 or 5 years ago, and it's beautiful and it's my Egyptian baby. i'll be the third draper form the left for the season. no, it's not my old job there, they have eliminated that position due to the ecomony/budget cuts, but the other designer wants me onboard and onboard i shall be.

10 weeks out of the blow and cold. yah, it's less money than i'd make in nyc, but worth it, specially now when i'm wondering if i'm ever going to see sunshine again!

the packing continues. i went shopping yesterday for a few last minute things and come home with more shoes. lmao i have plenty of new clothes for the trip, the majority of it linen!

uhm, i've started getting fat, which i discovered when i started trying on shorts that i've owned for years... thus i purchased a few pair of linen pants, some of which i hemmed and tailored, others i tailored and turned into shorts.

i'm set.

the list grows smaller of things that must be accomplished before i leave the country. blissfully smaller...

although i am concerned... after months of no sun and endless gloom and rain in nyc, i see roma e firenze is now forcasting RAIN my first week in attendance... oh well

il palio di siena here i come.

i doubt i will make numerous blog entries during my trip, but i will be keeping a journal and will update you when convenient, but this could be upon my return to the states.

the adventure commences in 3 days!!!

ciao!

keep on keeping on

2009-06-02T10:03:00.002-04:00

moving forward. just keep moving forward.

it's been a rough season so far this year peeps. lots going on at the Ballet. i'm just trying to keep my head down, get my stitching work done, hang up the sweaty clothes, and take the train back home.

that's it. my career in a nut-house, erhm, nut-shell.

i've been attempting to operate under my mothers old adage, if you don't have something nice to say, say nothing at all...

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now that you're done reading between the lines:

i've completed all the IT plans that i'm going to make. the remaining days in Italia, i'm just going to wing it and wander.

less than 30 days before i land in Pisa.

i started packing yesterday, following a trip to banana republic. i picked up a few polo's, and payed a few more dollars than i felt necessary for a pair of linen shorts but i like them and they fit. it wasn't until i got home that i realized i'm going to have to purchase different underwear to wear with the shorts. who knew you could see right through that linen... lmao or i'm going to have to cut and install a lining, which defeats the purpose of the linen... it's all good though, i do have a pair of white underwear, someWHERE.

that's all i've got time for today. i'm leaving for work a smidgen early today so that i can stop by borders and pick up DEMON MISTRESS, by Yasmine Galenorn. the latest in the series is released today.

happy reading, writing, and summer to you all.

moving forward, keep moving forward.

love and light!

Back to Work II

2009-04-21T20:19:00.002-04:00

I'm back at the ballet again Peeps!

I'm whipping out arts and crafts and labels like nobodies business. Seriously, one of my missions was sewing teeth on the mythical monsters heads (think mascot) for Firebird. It's going to be a fantastical fantasy. I can't wait to get it off my table and on the stage!

Coppelia is also prepping. As is some Scottish Concerto complete with kilts, waistcoats, and sporrans.

"Let Me, Entertain You!"

Speaking of entertainment: Have you seen Susan Boyle on youtube?

I wept.

I want to be her vocal coach for 3 months.

I think I'm going to be booking another international holiday for 2009. I should know in the next few days if it's going to really happen or not. Imp thinks he shall see Prague.

I'm about to lock down/commit to bookings for the remainder of the Italia adventures. I've about got it mapped out. Me and google maps are Tight!!

I picked up my new glasses today.

I still need a haircut, and I'm oiling up the clippers.

I was a good boy and spent 90 minutes on my Italian Lessons/Rosetta Stone.

The tickets for Darren Hayes' New Years Eve concert/party/bash went on sale to the general public today. SOB I can't allow myself to go. I won't be able to be away from work, and so I've been replying to all my international friends (who ARE ticketed) and explaining that I can't get away. Not that I wouldn't LOVE to spend the night rocking into 2010, in London, with all my international flava's and His Lordship.

Not to mention it's his first concert in two years...

With Free Champagne...

I'm not bitter.

Wheel of Time Fans: The next Robert Jordan tome should be released for the holidays. Go here for the breakdown on the next release.

Speaking of the next tome, Brandon Sanderson is finishing up the WoT series. He was chosen by Jordan's wife as the knight to receive Jordons notes and outlines on the finale.

I have read 2 of his previous novels. Elantris and the First Mistborn. He's brilliant. He's got a brilliant mind, and in-depth yet easy writing style. You don't mind the number of pages. The telling of the final days of the Dragon Reborn are in good hands, I think. I'm looking forward to finishing the 2nd Mistborn book before next Tuesday, when the third (and most current) paperback is released.

That's all I got kids. I'm glad I'm home and back to work.

Time to take care of some business and make some bank, before I throw my costume da bango in a suitcase and head off towards the Mediterranean.

Love and Light!

I'm alive

2009-04-08T12:07:00.002-04:00

No peeps, I have not abandoned you. I've just been living my life, or trying to get caught up with my life.

It's been a busy spring(?) here. I use the term loosely as it's snowing on my daffodils today.

The break is officially over, as of tomorrow. I leave for Peoria tomorrow, off on the MasterClass circuit. I will return home late on Monday following Easter and proceed immediately to NYCB!! Back to work Cinderella!!

I'm actually quite excited about returning to the ballet. We have several full length ballets that will go into rep this season, of which, I'm very excited to see Midsummers Nights Dream.

I've managed accomplish most of the spring cleaning and arrangements.

I'm tired, and more than just a bit bored. (See, I am never, EVER happy). I just wish I could find a median that I enjoy. No, I don't want to work 16 hour days, but I do. No, I don't want to sit at home with 'nothing to do.' Oh, I find ways to amuse and entertain myself, but for someone who is married to their career, and always has been, it's difficult to have a few weeks off and still be in this country. Wah, Wah, Wah.

Yes, Looking forward to going back to work, in the nyc area, on my union contract.

I've thrown my hands in the air concerning the rest of the Italia trip. I'm calling in the professionals. It's time to rap with a travel agent. I'm out of time and energy and brainpower for the research and booking. Here is where I want to go, here is my price point and dates, make it so. Thank you Dear Eloise for helping me see the light!!!

Of course, in the midst of all of this travel lust, I find the 800$ week (hotel/air included) to Prague for the fall... Just after Darren Hayes announces his NYE concert in London. GASP!!! Those of you in the business know that attempting to get a week off of a seasonal gig between Christmas and New Years is a HUGE hassle (not to mention dumb). Not only is it hard to find a swing to cover it, but it's also a huge pain in the butt for everyone involved. PR, relax dearest, I'm not asking. Despite the excitement and invitations and pressure and persistence of my international peeps, I am remaining steadfast. One does not alienate his boss by asking for a week off during Nutcracker. I keep reminding myself of this, even if it's Darren's first concert in 2 years... There will be others... but I sure am going to miss you guys, A LOT!!! I'll be there in spirit; dancing and singing along with all of you.

The big question of the day is: Can I make it through this next trip without having to do laundry before I leave? I think so, or, I'm going to make it so. But I'm having difficulty knowing what to pack. 41-65 is a huge temperature range to deal with, but I'm a professional costumer, and layering is second nature.

I am beyond needing a haircut.

The weather is effecting and affecting me. I need some sun. I need spring!!! I want to play in the dirt. I want a lot of things.

I want to see my friends who are so busy they have evidently forgotten that I'm home again, despite repeated phonecalls, texts, and emails to get together.

Alas, I refuse to set foot in THAT broadway theatre. Yes, you are going to have to find time away from work to see me.

No, I'm not upset with my friends; I love my friends. I need my friends, and as a friend, I say that I won't meet you in the theatre. Let's have lunch/dinner/drinks away from the theatre and discuss Life or theatre, but not AT the theatre.

Yah, I'm in a very weird emotional place right now. It's all good. I'm recharging and bracing for the onslaught of returning to the workforce, because as you know; I don't do things half way, and I'm a perpetual planner and worrier...

Although I did give myself a stern lecture this morning. What have you got to worry about? Shut up and learn your Italian bitch!!!

Anyone out there interested in seeing Hair with me before I start running shows on April 28th? Email/text me.

Wishing you a wonderful spring. I love each and every one of you, more than know.

Love and Light!

Oatmeal Scotchies or Rosetta Stone.?

2009-03-23T20:26:00.002-04:00

That was the quandary today kids. Do I make the Scotchies or do I spend an afternoon with my Italian Lessons?

It will come as no surprise that I have close to 6 dozen cookies in the kitchen. hehehe

Somehow, I just could bring myself to SIT down at the computer for a language lesson this afternoon. By the time I got done baking (typically theraputic), I was too Tired for actual brain processing work!!

So I took a nap instead. Two actually. I decided I couldn't sit in front of the computer all afternoon, doing anything.

So I didn't. I am quite close to finishing Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson. It's been quite enjoyable, and I feel comfortable that the final WOT (WHEEL OF TIME) novel has been left in his capable hands. Here, I have faith!

Now that my afternoon of laying around is over, I must pull it together for the rest of the week. I have errands and meetings and dinners (oh my) in the city to attend to on the morrow. I am actually working a day this week, at the Garden, (No, it's not Britney, though i do know about 1/2 of their crew). It for the circuis.

Clowns? Ohhhhh I hope not.

lmao

Right!!!

I would like it to warm up now. Imp wants to go play in the dirt.

Love and Light!

Here! Here!!!

2009-03-20T11:15:00.001-04:00

It's about time... I'm writing a letter of thanks to my House Rep!!! Get em!!

It's about time they cracked down on these bastards!

Happy Spring

2009-03-20T08:26:00.002-04:00

Too funny!!! It's the spring equinox and it's snowing outside.

Up bright and early this morning and already re-arranging the house. The new bedding is being delivered sometime this 'morning' and i had to remove the old mattress from the room, as well as clearing a path for the new one to arrive. Meaning I had to take down all the artwork in the stairwell and move a few of the 'old man carts' so that doors open completely.

I'm very excited, I've been wanting and needing that new mattress for over a year. I didn't realize how bad it was until I left home on tour and started sleeping on decent mattresses. I still grumble about it, the current mattress was brand new when i moved to NYC, 9 years ago, but after 3 months, I left for a gig, and in that time, My lard-ass roommate slept in my bed while I was away. Permanently denting the poor springs. It wasn't QUITE a taco mattress, but there was a serious dent, no matter what way i flipped it.

What better time to recycle the old and bring in the new?

It's been a theme here too. I've been going nuts with the cleaning since I arrived home from the tour. Yah, I did all the paperwork, but then I attacked the dresser, closets, and storage. I recycled and threw out roughly half of my wardrobe (summer AND winter). It was past time for a good purge. Several bags went to Goodwill, but the majority of it went into the trash, even costumes. For some reason, I've been in the mood to lighten my load and my life. GET RID OF IT!!!

The cleaning frenzy didn't disappear over my Holiday. I came home, unpacked, and then attacked the kitchen. I've packed 2 more boxes of things for Goodwill, and temporarily opened up some shelf space in the kitchen. Then I reorganized the common shelves and now there is actually room to get items in and out. I've lived here long enough now that things are 'ours' instead of Yours and Mine. I haven't used my set of (relatively) brand new dishes, so pack them up and put them away!! Just use 'our' dishes and pots and pans. I think my roommate will be quite surprised upon her return home... There is significantly more shelf space now, which makes me Very Happy!

My current roomie is off in Paris, enjoying her birthday!! I returned from Holiday to have the house to myself. Bliss!!! I am Daddy once again, I had ALL of the kittahs in bed with me last night, which was delightful until they started spitting and hissing. Bast being the worst offender. She saw me put the suitcase away and realized I was staying home. I'm HER DADDY, and woe betide anyone who attempts to get between us. I've often laughed and said she is the dominant Kittah; she is, when she wants to be. She was stepping up last night. My Daddy, My Bed. This honestly rocked Horus's world last night; Bast laying down the law. The battle of the Gods/Godesses, all taking place within inches of my body.

Despite my best efforts, I woke up swollen and puffy this morning. Alas, tis true, I've developed a full blown allergic reaction to cats... This doesn't stop me from loving them, it just means we have to enforce the blanket rule. This is YOUR blanket, this is Daddys blanket. You stay on yours, and I'll stay on mine, and stay OFF Daddys (new) pillows!!! We have pettin's and then I have to go and wash my hands and face. This seems to be working. I just find it disturbing and ironic that sometime in the last year I've developed this allergy to my pets.

While I am awaiting delivery, I'm going to make myself useful in the office/studio. Sometime in my absence, the roommate cleaned and organized. I feel the subtle hint to do the same... and since I appear to be on a roll, I'm going to tackle that today. We will have to rent a car sometime next week to haul all this stuff away. I just keep cleaning with a passion.

It's therapy.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch... I'm scheduling events/dinners/conferences. I'm home for a few weeks before I start working again. Once I leave to do the Masterclass tour I am back to work. A Long Weekend followed by my immediate return to NYC and the Ballet.

Which means at some point, I'm going to have to get off Facebook and finalize my itinerary for Italia this summer.

That's all I've got this morning kids.

May you have a Spring in your step, and Wind to thy Wings.

Love and Light!

I hath returned

2009-03-19T09:07:00.002-04:00

I have returned home!! It is bliss, unpacking the suitcase, knowing I don't have to go anywhere for the next 3 weeks.

Time to get caught up on the homefront, and be domestic!!! I feel a baking afternoon coming on!

Give me a few days to get settled, and I'll be in touch....

Wrapped

2009-03-01T16:14:00.001-05:00

I'm wrapped.

I'm alive.

I'm resting and cooking.

I'll be home tomorrow evening.

Love and Light!

Almost

2009-02-23T10:46:00.002-05:00

We put on one hell of a show in Salt Lake City. Great crowd, and the seemed to loved the hell out of it!!!

short and sweet this morning, as i pack and head towards the airport. i'll be in Denver this afternoon for the show tomorrow. then one more travel day to the Big O (Omaha).

we are down to the final two shows.

my, how the time has flown.

i'll be home march 2nd, late, and am looking forward to the week of settling back into my own abode.

thank you all, for you support and kind words. they help more than you realize.

love and light!

busy busy busy

2009-02-18T13:14:00.002-05:00

hello peeps!

i've been a very busy camper... even on these days off here in montreal. i've been in front of the computer 12 or 14 hours a day. bleeding money, doing my part to stimulate the economy.

alitalia had a rare sale on tickets, so i jumped and purchased. i'll be out of the usa 29 june - 20 july. 3 blissful weeks in italia. timing is everything, and nycballet is helped by ending the spring season early enough to allow me to make it to siena in time for il palio, with my italian, thank you.

i have secured the most gorgeous loft in firenze for the week following il palio. i am over the top excited about the space. i discovered this loft online about 4 years, and i am just thrilled that i found it available for the week i wanted it. in addition, it's close to the train station (walking 200 meters) so any day trips (lucca) are easy and more than doable!!!

plus i've been online booking our hawaiian activities for march. all the while looking for lodging in italia and trying to block out my remaining time for roma, salerno, et. al.

plus i've been thoroughly enjoying my quiet alone time.

we depart montreal tomorrow morning, before sunrise (4:45AM) and head towards san jose, via dallas. the last week of ugliness commences tomorrow, bright and early.

bring it on!

i'm ready to wrap this puppy!!! 4 more shows and i get come home!

where the taxes and months of mail await me.

hope all of you are doing well!!

love and light!

Hmmmm

2009-02-16T00:34:00.002-05:00

i spent valentines day with HerSelf, and at the end of the show, rose petals rained down upon us. yes, really.

sigh

we played the last french show this evening. After 11 shows (total) in montreal, we have now laid to rest the french version of the show. which is somewhat a shame, as i really like the french show... it's a little more upbeat!

i'm now on the last 'break' of the last 11 days of the tour. we stay in montreal until the 19th, and then we hit it hard and heavy for the last 4 shows.

peeps in omaha, i'm almost there!!! i think we should have brunch on sunday!! plans to be announced as soon as i get the hell out of canada and have free phone service again. (yah, i'm tight... did i mention that i'm going to europe this summer?)

hey, i'm going to Italia june/july. finally. 3 blissful weeks, some beautiful art, il palio de siena, botticelli paintings, beautiful beaches, italian food and wine, and much much more...

thank you MaMa!!!

where does the time fly?

hope you all are well, i'm going to attempt to catch up on some serious email to you all soon...

love and light!

You know you are in for it when:

2009-02-14T08:38:00.002-05:00

You know you are in for it when your cpa takes a look at your final paystub from a rock and roll production company and says, "even with the family discount, this return isn't going to be cheap!"

sigh

Yes, i know... i have to file a state return for every state that i played a gig in, which is considerable.

Yes, i know. it's why i now have a cpa... so ballpark me a figure, ignore my sticker-shock, and we'll chalk this up to the cost of continuing success in my career.

it's ridiculous actually, and i can't believe that the touring laws have changed so greatly in the last 10 years, but there it is.

again i say, if it weren't for HerSelf, i wouldn't do it. lol

back in the land of canada...

i'm enjoying a relaxing morning on a show day! i love sitdowns! we don't start until 2pm. i have clean laundry waiting for me, so we just have to do prep and set,and we are ready to roll! of course, even on this 'easy' day, it will still be 12 hours. i'll be in the arena doing laundry until about 2am. but that also means i get to come in at 2pm, and not 9am.

we are back at the illustrious Bell Centre in montreal. great arena, people that know the show (this is THE arena for us; we will have played over 11 shows here on this tour, it makes a difference.

and for most of the crew, we are 'home.'

i'm in a pretty decent place mentally and physically. and i've been very busy online tracking flights to italia and discovering new adventures to add to the oahu itinerary.

i'm off to deal with some paperwork. i hope you all have enjoyable and productive weekends!!

love and light!

Royalty

2009-02-10T10:32:00.003-05:00

The queen has returned home. (no, not me, i'm not home yet), but the Canadian royalty has returned to her providence, and as far as rock and roll is concerned, there is no place like home.

what a difference it makes. people jump to make things happen. they are happy to have us, and believe me, we are pumping money into the economy; so we are doing our part to help. i think of it as the international Diva stimulus package. You pay her, and we are all happy! hehehe

Quebec City is beautiful, but freaking cold! i mean really freaking cold. COLD!! As my dear mother put it so well this morning, these last days you will be earning every penny of your salary. it's the truth. deep breaths, keep your head down, and keep rolling.

there really is nothing like the Canadian audiences. HerSelf really is the closest thing they have to royalty, and they flock to us and are extremely involved and appreciative. not only that, but we are now back to doing the french set list, which i personally adore. you have to go to canada or france to hear the french songs, and it's not so littered with the english ballads either.

we have one more show in QC, and then we head off to Montreal for 3 (more) shows there, bringing our grand total for the tour to 11 performances (selling out all performances to a capacity of 20,000+).

16 days, 5 more cities, 8 more shows.

last night was the first night i felt connected to the show. i'm always in it to win it, but last night i was finally embracing the show again. even amidst the chaos of one of the dancers going out during the first number, and having to race around to put the dance captain on. (note, i'm STILL) looking for her laundry bag which disappeared from where i stored it, making a mid-show turnover a pain in the arse. but we gave them their monies worth last night and then some.

we are beginning to hit the finals section of the tour. we take our final tour bus ride tonight to montreal. then we lose the buses. it will be air travel from here on out. i will not miss the long bus rides, but considering my current attitude about airports, i'm a little afraid of the next week and will have to make a concentrated effort to remain calm in the face of the tsa idiots.

i'm looking forward to montreal. we've done it so many times there, and the crew is great and know what it's all about. perhaps i can relax a bit, and i'm hoping we get our same crew back in wardrobe. they all crack me up and it will be a large pleasure to share the next 4 days with them, and also then to have our last 'break' without traveling and shows, before the last week hits us hard.

D, you are in my thoughts and meditations. i hope things are improving and you are feeling yourself again. i'm very sorry that you won't be able to join me this week; i understand, but i miss you! i hope we can get together in early march before i take my holiday.... but more importantly, i hope you are well!!

word from the roommate back home: granny has returned to residence in the house. part of me breathes a sigh of relief, she's been gone for almost a year following her fall in the bathroom (where she laid for 2 days before they carted her off to medical care and assisted living). part of me wonders how i'm going to deal with greek opera vibrating through the floorboards at 3am when i get home. i'm relieved though, as her being home makes my top floor apartment SECURE. her daughter isn't going to sell the house out from under us while her mother is still living there. which means i have my beautiful apartment to go home too... to quote my Diva, "I count the nights, i count the days, away. Yeah!"

my mother has informed me that i am the activities director for our week in Hawaii, so i had best pull out the calendar and get my act together. we have a lot of things to do during our holiday, and i need to sketch out a game plan, one that still leaves me a couple of afternoons on a beach!

I've got to go and deal with capezio and pack my life up. time to clean up, pack up, and get to the arena.

love and light to you all. i will be home soon!

Windsor

2009-02-06T08:43:00.003-05:00

back in canada peeps!!

today is a load in day at the casino in windsor. we have a later bus call by an hour, and i'm very glad for a regular 10-6 gig today.

i have no idea what the crew will be like, but i had a great day yesterday. my baby sister came over from the states for dinner and an evening. we had bbq (bad bbq) and she watched me lose some money, rather quickly, at the casino.

i'm excited to see my sis and her husband again this evening. i'll be taking them out to dinner following our work call today. go family.

we are down to the final 10 shows. yes, i can officially count them on two hands. very exciting if you don't consider the fact that i have yet to converse all of the usa one more time before we wrap.

i have to go, bus call is looming.

love and light!

Meet Me in St Louis

2009-02-03T13:47:00.000-05:00

Meet me at the fair! Lol

I’ve arrived in st Louis. After a fitful bus ride from Tulsa. I repressed the urge to beat the driver with my shoes, but I did have the urge! Hehehe

The gods threw me a bone yesterday with the Tulsa local. They rocked. It’s so great to do a show with people who understand what is happening, and know their craft. These ladys were fantastic and there to work. Work them, we did! But it was also a fun day, and I never once got tense about having the show looking fantastic and being ready on time! I give them a 9.

I’ve played St Louis years ago (a few times) and I remember liking their local here, so I have high hopes for tomorrow. I am relieved that we are finally getting out of the south (and labor pools) and back to venues with IATSE. I am not joking when I relate that I had to show my last two crews how to assemble and USE a steamer. Adios mio!

Anyhow, we are in St Louis now and are returning to old man winter. It was a whopping 13 degrees when we arrived the morning and it was quite a shock stepping off the bus, and having the wind take your breath away! Crazy cold. I checked in around 8am, and pulled out my list of things to do today.

1) Post office. I am no longer seeing any warmer climates; the rest of this tour is all up north and at high altitudes. I shipped home a medium sized box of books and shorts and tshirts; things that I will no longer need. The suitcase is blissfully about ½ full again and I’m not lugging around tons of baggage! Of course, I haven’t pulled out the big down coat(s) out of cargo yet either. But I do think I’ll be able to do the final week of this tour, when we are flying everywhere and then home with one suitcase, one murse, and the computer.
2) Lunch. I found the cutest little city grocery (not quite a balducci’s) and grabbed potato salad and a wrap from the deli for breakfast/lunch. Mmmm
After that 10 block r/t walk in the wind, I decided that I’m done for the day outside. Hehehe I will be inside in the heat, thank you very much. I have just started a new Sharon shinn book, and I have potato salad and a dr. pepper. I’m set for the afternoon. This in most certainly involve a nap too, I am still trying to catch up on my rest, and last nights bus ride didn’t help a darn bit. But I’m only a few mere days away from the next border crossing, which is a milestone in this final leg. We are closing in on it.

I believe we have 11 shows left. A mere 11 shows, and yet I will still be completely back and forth across the continental USA 2 twice in the next 3 weeks. (and then twice more for my trip to Hawaii)

Do you see why I am cranky with airport incompetence?

Suffice it to say that I no longer have my sense of wander-lust. Its cured for the time being! Lol Of course, I will be traveling again soon, but it won’t be for work, and will be on my schedule! I don’t think I’m going to overly mind my mother waking me up at 6am in Oahu. She knows to do with a cup of coffee…

I’m about to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you all for your support and everything that you do for me.

Love and Light!

RANT

2009-02-01T20:39:00.001-05:00

Just arrived Tulsa from san juan, and I’m here to tell you that the airports are getting even nuttier than before. Longer lines, less than competent help, and more cues than freaking Disney land.

It’s getting to the point where even allowing 2 hours at the airport for a domestic flight isn’t enough time to assure you actually make it to the gate. When is America going to stand up and refuse to put up with the shit that the airlines are pulling?
Don’t get me wrong, we need to be safe. We need to be screened to keep us safe, both in the air and on the ground. Why are we placing our safety in the hands of people who haven’t even received a high school diplomia? Why are we forced to tolerate incompetence and rudeness about their incompetence. I remember when flying used to be a relatively pleasant experience. These days, you pay an astronomical amount for a coach seat, only to be battered with fee after fee when you check in. is it too much to ask for free water on the plane? No, I don’t think so… I also doubt that charging 3 dollars for a cranberry juice is what is breaking the airlines bottom line. Stop paying the CEO’s billion dollar bonuses, and you just might be able to run a profitable airline. Seriously people, I love to travel, but I am seriously pissed off at the airline companies. Fuck you United for leading the pack on charging for baggage… (just charge me 25$ more for the ticket instead of nickel and diming me at the counter, you assholes; people travel with clothing!) fuck you United for making me wait in line for hours on end while idiots all over the world try and cram a suitcase that was never meant to fit in the overhead compartment, in the overhead compartment. Let me say it again, fuck you United!! And fuck the rest the airlines for following suit… and don’t give me the sob story. I refuse to pay 3000$ for a first class ticket to avoid paying a baggage fee. You continue to cut services and continue to whine and raise prices to try and offset your loss of business. Perhaps if you treated your consumers like people and not cattle, you would have a more loyal cliental. Fuck you United for selling me an expensive coach seat that a normal human doesn’t fit in, and the offer me a 30$ upgrade to a ecomony plus seat. WTF? And let me just state for the record, that after I pay you 50$ in baggage fees, I expect to have my luggage arrive with me, or I expect a full refund for fucking up! I’m even beginning to get disgusted with Continential, whom has been my favorite airline for US domestic travel for years.

Why is the common public so stupid as to put up with this behavior? The airlines are taking ADVANTAGE of your fear and cowing you into submission… heaven forbid you argue or raise your voice with any airline or airport employee. It’s AMAZING how fast security comes out of the woodwork.

One should NOT have to take a valium to check in at the airport.

Yes, I’m outraged. Rightfully so… if I wanted to pay good money for people to be rude to me, I could just walk down the streets of nyc, where there is less chance of being arrested for telling someone they are an asshole, when they are clearly being an asshole.

Stand up people, WE are the consumers. The airlines are only getting away with this shit because we are ALLOWING THEM TO DO SO. Do you think American and Delta would have not charged baggage fees if United hadn’t have proven to them that the general American public was ready to fork out more money to their coffers? There is a good reason why I will pay more money to fly on Continental than ever set foot on another united airplane…

End rant, before my blood pressure exceeds even my high parameters.

So uhm, yah. I’ve had about 8 hours of sleep in the last 3 days, and then, of course, dealing with various airports (and fuck you GWBush/Houston international while I’m at it). Don’t you dare tell me I’m going to be arrested for politely asserting my first amendment rights.

San juan was a mess, as was fort Lauderdale. Two crappy crews in a row. Uhm, I should NOT have to show you how to steam a garment if you are on my fucking wardrobe crew. Do I look like a fucking educator? No! take your wrench and go back to electrics or props, and get the hell out of my way.

Seriously. There are days when I feel like my department are the only professionals on this tour/ and I will state that between the three of us, we have more professional experience than anyone else on this tour will EVER have beyond working for HerSelf.

Yes, I’ve had a day. Now I’m going to have cake and go to bed.

I miss you all, and am really looking forward to being home again soon. No buses, no airplanes, no working with people who haven’t got a clue. I value MY WORK too much to have such a lackadaisical attitude about my career, and if you are only in it for the experience, get the fuck out and go do community theatre.

R&R

2009-01-25T22:23:00.002-05:00

miami rocked. she rocked, and the crew rocked, the crowd rocked.

up to tampa....

i'm now in the midst of a blissful 4 day break, and i've traveled south to sarasota to see my opera friends and companions. it's warm.

dinner parties

italian wines

sunshine

beaches

prime rib

ice cream

good friends!!

heading north to do the show on wednesday in tampa. i needed this break.

one more month to go

love and light!

postponed

2009-01-20T21:35:00.002-05:00

staying in raleigh another day. they postponed the show mid-day (during load-in) due to the snow... state of emergency and all that

there goes my day off in Miami

but it's a good thing, because the crew is so worthless, we wouldn't have been ready for the show... seriously

i hate them all

that is all

North to Raleigh

2009-01-19T22:28:00.001-05:00

Hello kids. I have just arrived in Raleigh, NC, and it’s cold, rainy, and did I mention cold? I am very concerned about all you Yankees up north, because if it’s this cold down here, I know it’s cold up there. Yes, I do check the weather on occasion (I adore my iPhone, keeping me connected and informed).

Well I’m sitting in yet another Marriott, one of the favorites of this tour. I am not impressed with this one though, although we are directly across the superhighway from a mall. Too bad we arrived at 5:55 and the mall closes at 6pm. Also, my room was oddly vacant of any hotel information, mainly a room service menu. All good, I had to run back down to the bus for a bag anyhow, so I picked one up on the way back to my room. That being said, I feel as though I’m in the middle of nowhere. I’m not, but the parking lot is at the back of the hotel, surrounded by huge trees, and after being in the middle of Atlanta, it just feels like the middle of nowhere.

I’m looking forward to my day travels tomorrow with a dear friend whom I haven’t seen since high school. I think it’s been about 18 years now. WOW. I’m feeling a little better each day, and am not going to miss this opportunity to catch up with her. It’s been so long. I ran away from home when I left for college. Most of my friends at ‘home’ were older than I, and I really only called about 3 people that I went to school with friends. All my Friends were people that I did theatre with. There was a very traumatic event my senior year of high school, that shook up (and down) my group of friends. It was a very sensational and devastating moment for my hometown, as it involved the vicious and brutal murder of a friend of mine, by another friend of mine, who were in fact also good friends. Let’s talk about total betrayal. To this day, we still don’t really know why it happened. The guilty isn’t talking, and of course, my other friend was the victim. So when I say that I ran away from home when I went to school, that’s not really an exaggeration. This event ruined friendships and relationships, and I went off to college not knowing if I was going to have to come back home and testify in court. (my current girlfriend and I were less than 25 yards away from the murder site just moments before it happened. We placed our ‘friends’ cars at the scene, even though we didn’t realize what had happened or was happening until the next day. Anyhow, that’s the past, but because of the trauma involved, I fell out of touch with most of those people over the following years. It was too painful to relieve those horrid months, and we weren’t capable of talking to each other without constantly wondering why it all happened. (Now you know why I have an aversion to gory movies and csi, I’ve seen the 68 court photo’s of the scene, and of the body, and still to this day, 18 years later, they can instantly become vivid in my mind. The pain has eased over the years, but it is still present. Although I no longer wonder why, as I accepted long ago that we were never going to know.
Oddly enough we are approaching the anniversary of that day, as it happened in late January, 1990.
Hmmm, got off on a tangent, but anyhow… I’m meeting one of my friends, and am looking forward to the day together. At one point in time, we took a trip to Toronto together to see the opening of Phantom there! I still remember that road trip with fond memories and she’s now a music and drama teacher. It will be great fun to get back together with my theatre friends and catch up with everything that we have been doing in the past 18 years… my, have we grown so old?

Hmmmm Atlanta. Well, we had a pretty decent crew, even if the prep did take all day. I saw my second DR in two days, to follow up on this ear infection. I’m making improvement, but the last dr also hooked me up with some steroids, to help reduce the inflammation and to jump start the healing process. My murse is exploding, antibiotics, steroids, my vicks, my vitamins, my other pills, and my shower tablets… by the way, let’s take a break to talk about these shower tablets… they are awesome people!! You just throw it on the shower floor and turn on the water. It’s like tub alka-selser, it bubbles and releases your choice of scent and menthol. Works with the steam to open your breathing passages. Many hours were spent in my bathroom steam room, reading my damp book, with the shower running and my tablets. Although I confess I think I am now expelling lavender and sage when I sweat…. Hehehe

That’s all I have time for tonight kids. I’ll try and catch you up again when I hit Miami!

Love and Light!

Currently listing to one side in Atlanta

2009-01-16T16:40:00.001-05:00

We are sick. Not just the royal We either. So many of us on this tour are falling ill that the promoter has scheduled a DR to come to the venue tomorrow. Sinus infections, bronchial, inner ear. We are a mess.

Seriously.

So I’m currently listing to one side, as I am experiencing my first ear infection in years. Nothing like being transported back to childhood. I knew something was awry a few days ago; I was getting cranky and just didn’t feel right. (yes, I know, I haven’t been right in years) but this was above and beyond.

The news that made me giddy is the fact that I was diagnosed by HerSelf’s ear/nose/throat specialist. So not only do I share a hairstylist but also a DR. what a trip it’s been… we’ve now shared a stethoscope, and examination tools. I’m very VERY grateful to Dr. G., and very lucky he was around and gracious enough to take the time to look at me. I took a 2 mile walk R/T to Walgreens this morning to get my latest z-pac. Hopefully I start to feel better soon!

OK, I left you in Houston, so it’s time for Nashville and Birmingham. Ugh. I was sick, and honestly not having much of it. The crews in the south are not union, and I’m tired of training people. It is too much to ask for to have experienced crews in the south. Some have been good, but let me share my favorite quote from the Houston crew, “we are all professionals, on the side”

Nuff said…

So now I’m chillin my heels in Atlanta, where the temperature is a whopping 17 degrees. I feel for you peeps up north…

That’s all I got for you today. I’m going back to bed, and curling up with a book (or two) and my antibiotics and orange juice.

I personally think it’s a little too soon, but the countdown has commenced. 18 shows and 4 border crossings to go. Can I tell you how much I’m looking forward to my >24 hours in san juan with no sleep?

No, I’m not complaining nor whining. Just stating the fact.

Thank Isis for my coworkers who have had my back the last couple of days. This would be hell without them….

Love and Light

Back-to-Back

2009-01-11T21:32:00.002-05:00

Really? I mean REALLY?!

(it's a recurring thought this year, so i had to share). Be warned, you will probably hear it again...

Someone pointed out yesterday (or the day before) that we have only been out on tour for a week... Really?! It feels like longer for some reason.

We survived our first back-t0-back shows on this final leg. Houston Friday, NOLA Saturday. I guess i should mention first off that we survived the bus trip, even if all 10 of us didn't get much, if any, sleep. We are having some Issues with our bus drivers driving and general attitude. i feel for the guy (to a degree) because i know he doesn't really 'get' our group of people and i'm pretty sure he's not having a real good time. Neither are we though; there is a reason why i don't sleep well on the bus. He's rolled me out of the bunk a few times in the last 5 months and the trip from TX to LA was rough and contained a lot of swervyness. A phone call was made to the bus company from the production manager if this tells you anything. i guess 10 angry, sleep deprived techs and management people aren't people you should irriate. hehehe

Houston: the best crew we had in all of texas. finally a break.

NOLA: was i in town for 27 hours, completely sober, and saw nothing but the interstate and inside of an arena? yes... sigh. the first trip to NO ever without a trip to the garden district and jackson square (for Cafe du Monde) I will just HAVE to come back. (I do have a love affair with that city)

i don't remember much about the show, the crowd rocked; and i wasn't having ANY of it. i was already tired when we arrived, and after a certain dancer tweaked my nose (by bold face lying to me) i was pretty much over it all. Oh, i behaved myself, although i call him out for lying to me in front of everyone around me) and for the sake of all others, i'm very glad that i am not dealing with anyone's black socks but my own.

I finally got the latest Yasmine Galenorn novel and i've been really enjoying running around the D'Angelio sisters, and smokey, and Roz... if i could only stay awake long enough to read more than 2 chapters... hehhee

We are less than a month away from Canada (which is a milestone). It's when i get to offically see the light at the end of the tunnel (not that the last week of airports is going to be easy, but it will be the Last Week) and then i get to see my Omaha peeps and relax for a few days before my sanctioned Holiday!!!

I'm chillin in Nashville today and tomorrow. it was snowing when we arrived this morning.

my big plans? room service and a novel.

i'm also going to hook up the computer to the large screen tv in my room, and finally watch the last (ever) episode of Stargate Atlantis (RIP). I'm nervous about watching it, as it's the last one, but i'm excited about being able to watch it on a great tv, even if i'm not home. i love iTunes.

love and light to you all!

uhmmm BRRRRRR

2009-01-06T12:20:00.002-05:00

WOW!!!!

IT'S COLD BOO'S!!!! Seriously, we brought that nor'easter south with us! Dallas went from 80 degrees to 34 degrees the day before we arrived....

foreshadowing, it was...

of my cold heart

when it comes to dealing with ineptitude.

seriously people. i had one chick who was sick enough that she was hacking her brains out every 2 minutes... so much so that we Required her to wear mask during the show. oh her mom was also on the crew (and was actually the one decent (used the term lightly) crew person). i don't care that you are ill and that you got it from one of the last touring shows... why you gotta give it to me, and my crew to spread around.

please note, I'M STILL RECOVERING and don't need something new. i have VERY little patience for that. i realize people need work, but if you can't draw a steady breath, don't stand near me please.

yes, we had a whack ass crew, and we basically ended up doing a lot of the crew prep ourselves so that we would actually get it done. those of you who have worked my show already, would shudder when i state it took the two of them 8 hours to steam 4 racks of clothes, and no, i'm not kidding. even with careful prodding.

next time: TAZER

i even caught one of them pawing through our roadboxes "like it was her own closet".... needless to say, that sent my boss completely over the edge.

so yes, dallas was cold, rainy, and incompetent. i was constantly thinking of one of my favorite susan surandon lines from that great movie.... "God, i Hate texas..."

i'm not surprized of course, i was down here 10 years and i remember...

now i'm sitting in san antonio, and it's 10 degrees warmer (so a whopping 43) although it is forecast to be 64 and i'm praying to Ra to bring on the sun to burn through this haze. my lungs need heat, my skin needs the baking rays. if i have to suffer through texas, i want a little heat... and not the kind that comes from racing around trying to mount a show with a roomful of idiots.

well, we have the day off, and i've got some fun errands i want to attend to today. i require new tennis shoes. i realized yesterday that i have worn the current pair out during the last leg. if i'm on my feet all day (and i am) then i need a bouncy pair of shoes. plus, today is national release day for Yasmine Galenorn's latest book, and i simply must have it! it's not quite noon and the sun is actually beginning to shine, so hopefully we will see a temperature increase and i can wander this city in a bit more comfort.

that being said, i got a decent couple of hours of sleep once we arrived at 6am this morning. even with pills i am having problems sleeping on the bus. perhaps it IS time to start drinking, and damn the consequences.

i'll rally eventually. it's only 7 weeks left... i am not thrilled about our locations much for the next couple of weeks... although i do have plans to see a dear old friend of mine from high school while i am in NC, whom i haven't seen since high school!!! so that will be most fun catching up and seeing her new place and catching up on what we have been doing in the last (mutters) few years!!!!

people continue to inform me that they are losing their jobs.... again, i state how blessed i am....

the wheels on the bus go round and round...

love and light

Back in the Saddle

2009-01-06T12:19:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone. Yes, I am still alive. Yes, I’m back on the road with HerSelf. Sorry that I didn’t get to see many of you on my precious holiday break. Santa brought me bronchitis for Christmas, and I was one sick puppy. I do mean seriously ill; I spent 4 days in bed.

I’m pleased to announce that I’m getting back to regular self. It’s been a difficult transition; I no sooner got home than it was time to leave again. It’s all good though.

I have to say, that while I wasn’t in the least bit interested in going to Kansas City, MO, we put on one hell of show. I mean that literally too. The show itself was flawless, and HerSelf is BACK and in GREAT voice. I mean seriously, GREAT VOICE!!! The break did her a world of good and she put on a fantastic show for KC. You will note (again) that I am a coinsure of voices, and I’ve followed her for a long time. she was in great voice and she was really pulling out the stunts for them last night. It’s fantastic to see my Diva strutting her stuff and showing the world just WHY she is the greatest… (eat that Barbara Streisand) . we were all very busy during the day though; there were a few issues during line-check which resulted in a blown amps and needing to replace instruments, but it was all taken care of the show went very well.

I am extremely blessed. Don’t hate me cuz I’m beautiful.

This next week should prove to be interesting. I’m in Texas of all places. Please don’t be offended, I just don’t really appreciate Texas. Just about everyone I’ve ever met from Texas I have adored, just so long as I didn’t meet them IN Texas. Perhaps this next week will change my prospective. I’ll keep an open mind.

I’m in a bit of mourning. Two of my favorite co-workers have not returned for this final leg of the tour. One I knew about, and wish him all the best in Europe with Tina Turner. The other, I wish all the best, and am slightly worried about. It isn’t many people that really impress me, and I genuinely like this guy, who was replaced at the last minute. Of course, I can’t go into details, but I’m going to miss him a lot. He was a great travel partner and WE got along just fine.

I’m still trying to adjust to life back on the bus. I just don’t sleep well when I’m moving. I’m trying this new medication from my dr, which is a lunesta derivative but only lasts 4 hours instead of 8. (Because you need to realize I rarely have time for 8 hours of sleep on this tour bus; at the hotel yes, but the bus, no). it worked for 2 hours last night. Knocked me right out, but after 2 hours (and my &$(%^ bus driver rolling me out of the bunk AGAIN) I was tossing and turning the rest of the way to Dallas. I am seriously going to consider starting to drink again, and to hell with the whole motion sickness… lol

It’s growing rather late here, and I have an early call tomorrow, so I’m going to wrap this up for now. Happy new year to you!!

Oh, I need to put this out there to all you wealthy and adventurous people. I’m accepting applications for travel companions to Europe this summer. Think july/august. I have already spoken to a few of you, I know… I realize we are in a recession and nobody wants to spend money, but if you are interested, send me an email. It’s going to be a very good time. I’m going reguardless and since most of you reading this are dear friends of mine, I want you to feel included. Shout out if you are interested. At the moment, I am definitely traipsing through Italia, and am considering a few side trips; Holland, Prague, are on the short list…

Love and Light, and again , a very happy new year!

Ho Ho Ho

2008-12-20T17:31:00.003-05:00

Ho Ho Ho, and a bottle of rum!!! (now that's some christmas spirit!) hehehe

Minneapolis, take two:

we were very successful on our second trip to Minneapolis!!! the show went up! HerSelf was in great voice and gave one heck of a show!!!

My thanks goes out to my wardrobe crew too. they ALL kicked ass!!! great people, talented, helpful, efficient, and down right rockable. thanks again ladies for making a very hectic day so productive and livable.

yes, they did their local proud, and i don't say that lightly, or very often...

now i'm just a bit bored... yes, i said it. i'm bored. how can i be bored on tour? well, let's just say that while i'm grateful for the day off, i would rather be working. we got 2 days off (ok, a day and 1/2 once we finally arrived here in Indy). It was FANTASTIC to not have to wake up this morning, but if we were doing the show today, i would be going home tomorrow... now you see where i am going with this... hehehe

I'm keeping myself busy though. i've seen two movies in the last 2 days; which is completely unheard of in my world. going to see a movie is a pretty amazing event to begin with, but two in the course of two days?! unreal!

i started with Twilight last night. It's pretty and i wasn't expecting too much other than twinks and skin. It delivered. it was beautiful to watch, but not too interesting at times. I got fidgety more than once. the special effects were cool though, and i did enjoy the james dean hair and pouty lips. but that's really about all i can say about it.

today i saw The Day the Earth Stood Still, which was more enjoyable and had better special effects. again, i wasn't expecting anything (K Reeves rocks my world) and i didn't get antsy much. I also think Kathy Bates is really great in this film (as usual), but the real award goes to the little kid. amazing performance. very natural acting style, and utterly believable, even if he was a brat...

any of you who are familiar with Indy, i want to tell you this. This morning, at approximately 10am, they imploded the RCA Dome in downtown. it shook the hotel i'm staying at!!! i'm very glad they warned us the night before or i would have thought something terrible was happening. i heard the explosion and felt the earth move moments later. luckily the wind was going in the opposite direction, and so we weren't breathing the dust afterwards. i feel sorry for those that were in fact, down wind.

well kids, that's all i got. the final show (this leg) is tomorrow and i get to return home on Monday. I'm very much looking forward to my 10 days off, even if i've managed to book them full already. I've got some important meetings to attend in the first couple of days, in addition to yet another dreaded visit to the dentist (and i just know we are going to now pull the other 2 wisdom teeth). fun, right?

Hope you all are warm, and enjoying your holidays!!! i miss each and every one of you. Hopefully i get to see most of you while i am at home.

much love and much light and many blessings upon you all!

Happy Anniversery

2008-12-17T11:41:00.002-05:00

Happy Anniversery wishes go out to MaMa. Today is her 14th wedding anniversary!

After some white knuckling, and praying, we arrived in a very frigid Minneapolis this morning. We have the day off and I am seriously debating how bad i want that Panera coffee and sandwich, it's that cold outside!!! hehehe

Chicago: the show went well, although I'm reminded what a pain in the arse the chicago teamsters are.

Our crew was great and we got the show up Finally! we had a rough start to the day, which began with 3 space heaters and a lot of arm waving when i realized that both of our washers were in fact, frozen. it took 3 hours to thaw them out, and thus laundry was 3 hours behind. I have the Magic Touch though; just as they were bagging the laundry to take to the laundrymatte, i got the first washer running, quickly followed by the 2nd washer. so we got to do it in house, even if we were running late.

nothing exciting to report other than that.

I NEED some time off. I NEED some time away from this. I can't wait for this impending break. I'm starting to feel combative about certain things, and that is NOT GOOD. it will be fine, i just need a few days away from everyone.

Happy holidays to you all, i can't wait to be home. just two more shows left on this leg, and i will be!!!

love and light!

Wait for it...

2008-12-15T16:17:00.002-05:00

Mexico Update:

the over all theme for mexico was 'wait for it' or at least it was one of the recurring themes.

You already know about the barn. Heavens!! that was a cold night, in more ways that one.

things improved tremendously in Monterrey!!! We saved the best for last (in mexico). it was a relatively easy show, we had a great crew, we were done prepping early and had a few hours in the afternoon and evening to kick it!! i finally had a show were it was all ready to go and i got to just mess around for a couple hours; after i repacked the cases and caught up on my paperwork. time to just wander around the venue and catch up with people and check things out!!! a luxury.

It was a long day getting to chicago though. i don't even want to relive it, so i'll just suffice to tell you the story in person when i see you. remind me to tell you the story about the flight attendant, and what occured when she woke me up during the flight for the FOURTH TIME(after a full 32 hours of no sleep for me). Don't panic, i'm not writing this from jail; but she certainly left me alone after that. No, i wasn't the least bit nice nor even pleasant.

Here I am in the windy city, and yes, it's windy and cold!! it's even cold for the natives; when i look out on michigan avenue, i only see about 8 people outside!! yah, it's cold!! welcome back to the midwest!! We'll be heading up to Minneapolis after tomorrows show, so it's going to get even colder!!

I'm having a very restful day. i took a quick trip to borders this morning, grabbed a book, and then did a little (so very brief) christmas shopping around randoulf street, before i just couldn't take the cold any longer. so i came back to the hotel and continued my shopping online. I'm just waiting for my boss to return to the hotel for this quick 'back in the states' meeting (Yes, MY department has production meetings) and then i'm going to curl up with my book!!

speaking of books, head over to Ink in my Coffee for the link to the latest story about Nina Bell. I just finished Devon's updates story entitled "Too much Mistletoe" and it's a great read. Devon creates fantastically strong and witty women characters, and this story doesn't fail to deliver more of the same. head on over to her site to get your copy today!

It's time for my meeting and then it's going to be nap time!! Ohhh, is christmas really next week?

love and light!

you can take the boy off the farm

2008-12-11T12:09:00.003-05:00

but you can't take the farm outta the boy...

tonights show is in a horse rink/grandstand/open air arena.

yes, really.

when we rolled up yesterday, i about lost my mind. there is no indoor space for dressing rooms. it's all trailers. so now i'm confused, are we shooting a movie? oh, i guess i forgot to mention that while everyone else got trailers, wardrobe didn't. they just expect us to set up between them. meanwhile it's open air, and everyone else in production is sitting in a heated trailer. yes, it's mexico, but it's been nippy the last couple of days.

am i complaining? oh no!! heaven forbid. just reporting the latest on this tour de farce that has become my life!! hehehehe we will do what we always do: make it work. at the cost of our health, sanity, and stamina.

Actually, the building is kinda cool. its set in the middle of a farm (go figure) of some mexican music star (no, i don't know who and don't really care) who had the place built on his property. it's outside the city, and i swear we could have landed the plane in the parking lot. it's huge, and it's pretty. the building itself is all white (or as white as white can be in mexico). but it's still a barn as far as i'm concerned. i don't care how many lights you put up... and i know barns, i grew up in them after all... :-)~

oh, the memories. at least the barn is clean.... or it was last night!! Now i just need to remain focused, and try to not pee on the fenceposts. but again, old habits are hard to break.

so the glamorous life continues... just wanted to share that with you all.

after tonight, we have one more mexican show, and then it's back for 3 quick shows in the cold midwest.

then, and only then do i get to come home and meet the new man of the house!

that's right. we have a new kittah!!! he looks like trouble, and i can't wait to meet him in person.

love and light to you all. sending the weak sunshine your direction!!!
xo

To Realize the Power of the Dream!

2008-12-05T14:25:00.001-05:00

Or: What I did for/on/around my 36th birthday, by Costume Imp.

I was actually forced to spread my birthday over a 2 day celebration, as I had to work on my actual birthday. December 1 began in my west Hollywood suite with coffee and phone calls.
I met up with DearEloise who is a dear friend and co-worker/theatrical wiz/travel partner (not to mention my masseur/acupuncturist for the past 5 years). I was really looking forward to our time together, as she departed our NYC for ‘weather and scenery’ this summer and I haven’t seen her in a few months!!

She drove over and picked me up and we took a lovely drive while babbling away in the car, getting caught up on what’s been going on in each others lives. We continued our tradition of dining outside in the sunshine whenever humanly possible by enjoying California omelet’s (with avocado) at a gorgeous little café/pastry shop. Heaven!! Yes, we will have that cinnamon stickybun with icing too, thank you very much!
We hopped back in the car for some more scenic touring and she drove me up over to her New place, which is going to be stunningly great when she gets moved in… We had some work to do in that department and I got to help paint!! Now before you begin to think that this is all very Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn and whitewashing the fence, remember that I love to paint! Hehehe And I’m always willing to paint for a friend. So I got to do some priming and painting and we talked about color for upstairs. (and I still love the chandelier boo!).

We made a quick stop for supplies and then we headed up the mountain to see the current place, which comes with its own personal palm tree (need I say more) and mountain views through surrounding bay windows. Delicious!!!

Then it was Imps turn!!! I enjoyed a fantastic 2 hour massage from the woman who knows my body best!! I love the addition of the heating pad on the massage table. Toasty warm. And it was nice to have that massage after my body was back under that deck again for the first time in 3 weeks!!! Work it out sister! It was heaven… any other peeps in LA that need a great pair of hands, call me. I’ll hook you UP!!

Then dinner and a foggy drive back to my suite (with my clean laundry) to say goodbye so that she could go home and I could pack up for my morning checkout and bus call.

Packing took a lot longer than it really should have, as it was now almost midnight and thus 9am in Europe. The phone started chiming, and lo and behold there was a happy birthday text from The Italian. He texted me the whole happy birthday song, which I just found amusing as all get out. He also wanted to know “Do we make a party tonight?”… (more on that later). That really made me smile and then of course, we had to text back and forth a few times… then back to packing!! Then I get the crazy lady happy birthday phone call just past midnight pacific time from dearEloise. Which you have to hear personally in order to fully appreciate it, but trust me; it’s freakin priceless!

Then I had to shower, set the alarm, and get to bed. Somewhere around 5am the texts from the east coast started the phone a chiming. I didn’t get out of bed, but they did wake me up (as we always set the phone alarm clock as backup on buscall mornings; ALWAYS!) (So be a dear and don’t text me at 8am eastern time when I’m on the west coast, thank you)!

I got up before the wakeup call at 6:30am, and made the coffee and took a shower and finalized the pack and was on the way to the staples centre by 8am.

Ah, the staples centre. This was a huge show for us, being LA and all. The stylist was in town, a lot of TV and press, more DVD filming, the record label, et.al. Between you and me, a HUGE day and show for us… As far as crew goes, we had a local who had toured for years (helpful) and 2 really good seamstresses. They were a bunch of nuts to be sure, but it was all okay. Trying at times, but ok! I even managed to get some work done during the day, in between my various phone calls and texting. Yes, I allowed myself to be on the phone during work, because it was my birthday.

Somewhere around 2:30 I decided that since I already had my earbud in, I would listen to a little music while I was rigging tux shirts. So I hit the button on the iPhone, and what would be the first song up but the mad scene from Lucia!!! I found myself singing along, and not so softly either; then I decided to really embrace it! :-)~ I had my coworkers and crew alternately looking at me out of the corners of their eyes, and then just downright laughing. Cause of course, they couldn’t hear the music, and suddenly there I am singing opera (me, singing opera) lmao… and Lucia’s mad scene none the less! “Il fantasama, Il fantasama!”

Now if you know me, you know that I wasn’t going to rest until HerSelf sang me a certain birthday song. I had steeled myself to brazenly walk up onstage with her during sound check and ask for it. Hehehe Anyhow, when sound check rolled around, there was an audience and tv camera’s present; which meant there was no way in the world that I was going to get away with waltzing onstage. (See, I am getting older; perhaps wiser?!) I told you this was a Big show for us… I didn’t sweat it, as I had backup plans!! I just reiterated to my boss (as I have, repeatedly, since the first day) that I expect to have a moment at the official meet n greet. (professional photographers sweeties, with whom I’m friendly even…) Because I am also going to own an autographed picture of the two of us together; so better that the professionals take it for me!! As a matter of fact, I’m going to have to rearrange the diva photo wall for this 8x10!!!
Oh was this something you didn’t know about Imp? Yah, I have a show poster collection (autographed) of all my broadway shows and most of my other nyc work. I also have a much smaller and selective collection of 8x10 glossy’s, autographed and framed, of my most favorite diva’s that I’ve dressed and worked with…

I digressed, but I reiterated my statement to my boss, who just smiled like she always does, like one whom is humoring a small child… but there was a sparkle in her eye that wasn’t there before. I now realize that this would be a great time to walk over to the roadbox and pull out my nice(r) dress(ier) shirt and put it on! I mean, I was already in my official show swag oxford shirt, but I felt it was time to be in something that buttoned all the way down the front!
We shuffled off to dinner and catering was packed!! We were a little later than usual arriving, but we found a table and sat down, ordered (they bring us plated food for dinner) and were enjoying our dinner when my boss excused herself with some random comment about switiching the laundry around. (she’s smooth, but I’m better I think). Shortly after her return the lights went out, and here comes a cake and a rousing chorus of happy birthday!! Everyone faltered @ ‘happy birthday dear….” as the cake hadn’t made it to the table yet, and nobody really know who they were singing too. It was priceless!!! And I didn’t have to blow out a million candles either, bless their hearts! My cake said (in candles) Happy Birthday!! Boy was it delicious. Our caterers had gutted a pound cake, covered it with chocolate frosting and stuffed it with strawberrys, blackberrys, and blueberrys. It was freaking delicious!!!

So I had cake and coffee before the show. Now the one supposedly ‘calm’ moment in my day is between dinner and the show, once we get the daily supplies packed away. All the costumes are set and we have an hour to just do little things before the show, like clean up and prepare for load out. It was during this lull in the day that my boss comes to me, with a big grin in her face and says, “what time to do go under the stage?” Knowing full well, that 8:15 is the magic time.

“I have a very important meet and greet that I need to you to do this evening, can you be late under the stage?” Yes, and Yes! I’m now grinning like a 5 year old who just discovered santa clause, because I realize what this is going to be. It’s going to be picture time!!!! Now I just need a moment to check my face and brush my teeth, cause heaven forbid I have even a hint of the Marlboro man on my breath when I engage Mama in conversation… all the while my internal monolog (which is usually NOT fit for publication) is chanting, “It’s my Birthday, it’s my Birthday!”
Now I’ve had brief conversations with HerSelf here and there. We have a preshow ritual when she enters on my side of the deck, this is where I say “Have a great show Ma-Ma!” and she replies “you too, Bay-Bay!” We’ve also had brief chats in the hallways when we met, but for the most part, we only see each other when we have somewhere else to be and time is of the essence. We wouldn’t want to miss our entrance, now would we?! It’s right around this time that I realize that I’m going to be standing in front of her, with only me (I can ignore camera’s and people) as her focal point… and I got scared and nervous. Two feelings that are not in my daily repertoire. These begin to be compounded by worries that I’m overdue for a Lucy moment (and if you have to ask, I can’t explain it).

So I’m there in the meet and greet room, with all the powerful people in LA, and I’m watching the flash bulbs pop, as everyone filters through, each getting their 30 seconds with HerSelf. Of course, I’m going last. It was great to be in the room and watch everyone and their reactions to my pop diva. (who really is one the most gracious people on the planet). Suddenly I realize that all the guests are gone, and it’s just the inner sanctum people left in the room; and me.
“Today we saved the best for last, didn’t we?! Happy Birthday Bay-Bay!! Can I have my picture taken with the Birthday Boy?”

Oh my god, will someone please pick me up off the floor?!

I’m thinking we will have a quick photo and then move, we gotta get this show up, and she’s not in her first costume yet…
She walks over to me and grabs me by the hand and pulls me into the photo area. I’m pretty speechless (how often does that happen, but there are so many things going through my mind, I can’t talk just now, and know well enough to just be quiet so that something stupid or completely inappropriate doesn’t fall out of my mouth). I’m thinking we are going to do a standing next to each other photo, like she’s done all night…. Oh no… she turns and faces me, I get the French blessing on each check and then suddenly I’m enveloped in the arms of HerSelf!!! Big old bear hug, with all the fabulous hair pressed against me!!
My knees were knocking people, literally! I know she felt me shaking, because she laughed about it. “OOHH, it’s like that, is it, Bay-Bay?”
I know I need to actually say something, but I am completely incapable of forming a coherent sentence. I mean, I thought myself immune to it, but I’m Completely and Utterly Star Struck. I mumbled something to the tune of ‘Thank you for taking the time to do this for me MaMa…”

She pulled out of the hug, and still holding me, looked me dead in the eye, “No Bay-Bay! Thank YOU for all your hard work, for all Your long hours, and for everything that YOU do, above and beyond the call of duty… we couldn’t do this without You!”

Ok, open the floodgates…. (I ordered myself NOT TO WEEP). I’m now 2 short steps away from being a blubbering idiot, and all I can say is ‘it’s all for you MaMa, it’s all for you!” Over and Over again. Shut up Imp, you are babbling!!!
“OK, Bay-Bay, let’s take some pictures!”

So I face the camera’s, and she slides right up next to me, pressing her cheek against mine, and once again I’m just shocked and amazed. I mean, here I am, standing next to my favorite female vocalist ever (a statement I don’t make lightly), having pictures taken on my birthday, and that Hair is everywhere!! I know I’m smiling like a complete idiot… so we take the pictures… and I take that moment of silence to rally myself and make an attempt to speak what is in my heart…

Something to the medley of, ‘I’ve followed you for years, and it is such an honoure and thrill to be working for you. I only want to work for you MaMa, it’s all for you, MaMa!”
The picture taking is complete, and she breaks the pose and I stop babbling…

Once again, she looks blesses me on both cheeks, and says, “Tonight! Tonight, I do this one just for You Bay-Bay!”
“Merci beau coup, MaMa; Merci beau coup!” Oh, my god, I’m so flustered I’m now speaking in tongues!! “Merci encore!”

Remember how I was going to get her to sing happy birthday to me?! Lmao How was I to ask her to sing happy birthday to me, when she just dedicated her entire evening performance to me?! I couldn’t; pure and simple, I just couldn’t ask for it. And I’m so OK with that.

In fact, I can now die a happy Imp. I mean, come on! What’s left? This is definitely going down in the history books and in the memoirs. I’ve had some pretty great birthdays, but this one… taking the cake!!

Is it possible to elevate HerSelf any higher on that pedestal I placed her on years ago?!

I stumbled back to my wardrobe room, completely on cloud nine! I had to take a moment to collect myself, and also to change back into my show shirt. I don’t wear my really nice clothes under the deck, as I like to keep them Nice, and I tend to rip my shirts on the hardware under there.
I hustle out to the deck, and do my preshow check lists and make sure we are ready to Rock n Roll! MaMa is making her entrance tonight on my side, so I get in another, “Have a great show MaMa!” and the reply as she goes sailing by, “It’s for You Bay-Bay!”
Now, I’ve completely broken the mold here, by discussing things that shouldn’t really be discussed in so public a forum, so we’ll just continue…
She mugged to me all during the first set. I always greet everyone as they enter the deck, checking on my dancers and peeps as they arrive, but I ALWAYS step out from under the deck and watch HerSelf’s entrance. I gain my energy and strength to run the show by listening to the screams and applause that follow that first moment when the screens lift and reveal my Diva on her stage. She always bows and acknowledges the 4 sides of the arena before she launches into her first song. This evening, when she was facing my side of the stage, she bowed and winked at me! Then she launched into the first number, and it was time for me to get back under the deck and start dressing my dancers.
Again, I have my routine, which includes getting a few people dressed, and then I ALWAYS (barring emergencies) step out to watch the second number, THE power ballad (the first one of the show anyhow). She mugged to me again a few times during the number, and I even got a pinky wave as she walked up the ramp past my station.

You know I’m in heaven!

Now it’s time to get back under the deck and get this show really rolling. I have important presets to do following the first set, as that’s when my dancers make their first appearance.
We basically got through the first set without any mishaps, but then it struck. Something happened, the technical glitch that we all fear in live entertainment. I’ll tell you the story in person later, but let’s just say for now that equipment got a mind of its own and one of the screens flew in by itself and wouldn’t fly back out. For the first time this tour, we actually had to stop the show (MY show)… HerSelf handled it very well and sang through the end of the set (three songs) before she told the audience to sit tight while we fixed our technical difficulties!

We stopped long enough that I wondered into her change area, and then threw my hands up in the air and exclaimed, “I didn’t do it MaMa, I didn’t do it!” We all had a good laugh over that!!

Then it was time to get back to work and finish the show. I’m glad to report that once we got rocking again, we finished it without a hitch!!

Then I sailed through load out on cloud nine.

I need to take this moment though to growl about my crew. They just completely stopped when the show did, and we just couldn’t seem to get them involved again. We had old timers, and they were tired (all of us, except for me, I think I could have done 3 shows and not lagged, it was my night after all). I ended up doing most of the work of load out myself, because the crew just wasn’t in it to win it.

All good. We got packed up and loaded out. Two different load outs, as the Artist and the Band had an appearance to do the next night in LA for the Grammy nomination event/concert. Some of us were staying in LA while the rest of us continued on towards Arizona. As fate would decree, my bus was staying in LA, while I was continuing on to AZ. This means I had to take the ‘dancer’ bus to AZ. Now I’m living the high life. They have a new swanky bus, complete with pillow top mattresses in the bunks! I still had to sleep on the bottom bunk, but THIS bus driver didn’t spend the night trying to see how many times he could roll me out of the bunk! Now getting on the bus at the end of a 20 hour day is NOT my idea of a good time, but this ride was pure bliss!!!

With all the other extra events we have done in the last week, we actually had a few days off here in AZ. I’m sitting in a very posh golf and spa resort, just enjoying the AZ sunshine and fresh air, and palm trees.

It continues to be bliss. This place is set on many acres of beautiful gardens, and the roses are stunningly beautiful. We are in the middle of nowhere, with nothing to do but relax and breathe. Lunches by the pool, smokes on my back lanai, I’ve got my own bungalow and I’m enjoying every last minute of it. Our next show is tomorrow on Saturday.

Yes, it’s taken me 3 days to write this entry. I know so many of you are reading this, so do me a favor, and validate my 3500+ word entry today, and please post a comment. I don’t care if you don’t like HerSelf or if you do. I’m working hard at keeping you all updated on all the various events that this gig has given to me, and it’s nice to have a little feedback! Even if it’s only to wish this old man a happy birthday here!

It has truly been one of the greatest birthdays ever. I’m going to remember this one for the rest of life. I’m very sorry that I didn’t get to spend it with most of you, but we will have some celebration when I return home (briefly) for the holidays, or when I see you on the next tour stop.

I’m serious, if you made it this far though my missive; please post a comment for your favorite Imp!

Love and Light to you all! Viva la MaMa!!!!

I'm trying

2008-12-01T14:24:00.002-05:00

I'm trying to like california. I mean, i enjoy the weather and the sunshine... but i really don't enjoy any city above oceanside. san diego? love it. oceanside? lovely beaches, great friends.

la? filthy

and i live in a filthy city, but it's MY filthy city i guess.

of course, it wasn't helpful that i had to wonder almost a mile to find a freaking drug store yesterday. you really can't be self reliant in CA without a car.

i'm coping. i'm not upset, i am enjoying the weather, but really have no desire to interact with the local yokels.

I thought west hollywood was supposed to be glamerous and gay. ok, i can see the gay part, vaguely, but i know when i'm out of my element... and i'm out of my element... perhaps if i had model looks, a bmw, and was 20 years younger, i might be impressed...

lmao

that being said, i'm meeting up with a good friend of mine today and perhaps she'll change my attitude about the place. i know she's happy here, and it will be nice to get out and about without walking though miles of skinny sidewalks that don't lead me anywhere i really want to be... :-)

I need to get busy and jump into the shower so i'm presentable as possible upon her arrival.

love and light to you all!

What's going on?

2008-11-30T18:06:00.002-05:00

I’ve had time to get used to it, but deep down inside I’m mildly offended when people say to me, “I didn’t even recognize you.” Obviously you don’t pay me that much attention if a mere change of hairstyle can tip the balance from fellow co-worker to stranger!

It been a wild trip here as you can tell! First of all I should share that Imp lost his Mohawk. Actually, I removed it. My hair has been standing straight up for well over a year, and has been various incarnations of indigo, purple, maroon, and honey blonde. I’ve been thinking of changing the style for well over 4 months now, but decided that the pop diva tour needed a rock and roll hairstyle. So I kept it, until the last two days before I left home to start the tour again…
I’ve evidently shocked several people with my ability to change my look. Now I will admit, I do look totally different. I don’t Have much hair. It’s all buzzed down to a scant 1/4 inch for extremely low maintenance. My hair-do has become a no-do. Or as several people have put it, I look like I’m in boot camp (No Comment). I personally love it, and I’ve got the goatee back again, so yah, I’m looking a little Rough.

Evidently it’s working to my advantage in the hetero department as the female promoter saw me standing on my west Hollywood suite balcony and proceeded to recite the Balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet to me (I played along of course, even though it should have been her on the balcony). I know we amused a few French Canadians as they were de-bussing. Even more exciting that they didn’t realize who I was!!!
I’ll say it again, I do work with some incredibly nice people.

Communication continues to be an issue with this company. I’m forever astounded and amused how something this large runs with such poor communication. Of course, I can’t say much other than that. At least I’m capable of letting go of it, and being amused by it to some degree. If you have to pull the trailer back into the dock because someone didn’t realize that clothes needed to be included in the pack for the TV event, well that’s not my problem. There’s this thing called a production meeting; and you get everyone together and Discuss and Plan. Perhaps this is just a theatre event though.
Anaheim was kind to us. We were lucky anyhow!! Nice building, playing where the Mighty Ducks skate; we had room to work and light to work in. It was thrilling being back at work after a whopping 22 days without a show. The laundry situation wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be. (Because we don’t communicate, we had no idea we were going to be going 3 weeks without a show, and as such there was wet dirty laundry and dry cleaning sitting thrown together in the bottom of a roadbox.) I was picturing mold and was really almost afraid of opening the roadboxes after such an extended period of time. Let me take a moment to tout the ‘hocky puck’ odor absorbers I bought at BB&B. Those little puppies really work! I smelled them when I opened the cases, and not rancid clothes!!! Of course, this didn’t stop me from taking the next hour to spray down everything with vodka, as I do really honestly attempt to keep my wardrobe smelling decent! I have to stand next to those dancers all night, you know!

We were in a non union house, which can always strike fear into my heart. After a shorthanded start to the day (one of my locals didn’t appear for work), we got down to business. I’m pleased to say that once we finally got our final 4 locals, two of them had appeared with their kits. Now, we carry everything we could possibly need (and then some) but it is a reflection of professionalism to see one arrive at work, on time, and with a kit. It means they’ve done this before, and have some idea of what is going on.

It was great to kick this tour back off with a great crew. We have a lot of new work to get done. We received replacement costumes the day before our last show in Ottawa that need to be fit, altered, and rigged so they can go into the show. I’m pleased to say that we got started in the time consuming rigging of tux shirts and bowties on our first day back. Yes, this is an accomplishment!! Everything lined up well for us on this show day. Our dry cleaning was back early, the show was prepped and looking fabulous (thank you very much) ahead of schedule, so we all had time to do the extra work while other people were running around attempting to plan the next few outside events (grammy’s/leno/et.al).

We had 4 great people. Special shout outs to Joy and thanks again for all your work. We had 4 great people, one of them a guy who just got off the Hairspray tour who sat down and worked over MaMa’s couture. The tedious dress…
The stylist is in town, or will be (surprise) so I’m expecting even more new clothes to randomly appear over the next few days.

We also need to rally and figure out how we are going to pack this bugger up for Mexico. We will be flying ourselves and our wardrobe; so it’s a space issue and needing to be able to fit it into 3 short cases. Which by the way, the dancers take up 3 cases of clothes and shoes. This does not include the band/singers/nor MaMa. We have our work cut out for us… the shoes alone fill one crate! Of course, we won’t be taking the duplicate outfits (except for MaMa’s), so we are also going to be at the mercy of laundry and drycleaning… hehehe

Just so you don’t think it’s glamorous, while I’m spending a week in Mexico, I have no less than 4 airline flights in a week. Talk about rode hard and put away wet. lol

It was really great to see my dancers and certain people again. We had a great time putting on the show, I laughed all day for many different reasons. While it was a nutty and very long day, if they could all be that way, it wouldn’t be that bad of a gig! :-)~ We got to work early, so it was a 21 hour day before I finally crawled back into bed!
Thank Ra! I woke up with a Major headache this morning. Nothing that 4 advil, two cups of coffee, and sitting on my balcony in the sun didn’t cure!! But yes, I had one of THOSE headaches this morning. The kind that Throb with every beat of your heart… I no longer have the throbbing, it’s subsided to a mild dull ache now, and I’m about ready to head out the door and wander west Hollywood for a while. I feel the need for lunch and the sunshine is no longer beaming into my side of the building. I want to get out and wander a bit before the sun goes down.

If you can find the time, take a moment to offer up a prayer for us. I have an uneasy feeling concerning vocal prowess. I’m not trying to create drama here either; I know music, I know vocal ability and duration. Music is a passion of mine, I know more than the average bear when it comes to singing and performing and what it takes. I notice the subtleties that the majority of people wouldn’t hear or recognize. It’s been my life; putting on the shows, the operas, the pageants, and I tell you I am worried.

I hope you all enjoyed a very pleasant and wonderful Thanksgiving. I sure did!! Many thanks again to everyone at the compound for such a wonderful couple of days in Paradise.

Love and Light to you all!

On the Road Again (Again)

2008-11-29T00:15:00.002-05:00

Imp here. coming to you from west hollywood.

Thanksgiving was a blast. San Diego and Oceanside; exquisite. The walk on the beach while the sun was setting over the pacific? Priceless!!

Spending time with the 2nd family? Delicious!! Ms Brenda's biscuits and gravy? Better than mine could ever hope to be! The sack of goodies that got packed for my trip to hollywood? (triple decker turkey club w/ avocado, cranberry, and extra bacon?) Insane!!!! Thanks ms D for dinner!! and for the drive up here tonight. I really appreciate the ride!!! and all the goodies/treats.

It was so great seeing everyone and catchin up!

We are allegedly doing this show tomorrow. We have completely taken over the street and suites in which we are ensconced for the next couple of days. Bus call for this imp tomorrow is 6:30am! It's time to lay out tomorrows outfit and make sure the work bag is properly packed and contains everything that it should!

Then a shower, and i'm curling up in bed... I already feel the turkey club kicking in!~! hehehe

More updates to follow, now that we are back on the road again!!

Oh! we are going to be on Leno next week. we film on monday in LA.

love and light and viva la MaMa!!!

enforced hiatus

2008-11-14T10:11:00.001-05:00

i'm home until just after thanksgiving.

plan accordingly

that is all

Well Put

2008-11-13T21:47:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine wrote:

"Eventually, there comes a time when one must realize that it is easier to dance if one leaves one's excess baggage in a locker in a depot in some small, forgotten town. Life is too short, and the world too full of beauty, to go through it with unnecessary weight breaking one's back."

Brilliant!

heads up

2008-11-08T20:24:00.001-05:00

i will be returning to nyc on sunday. the next week of shows have been cancelled. next show currently expected is in Omaha.

plan accordingly.

i have no further information at this point.

Where Does My Heart Beat Now?

2008-11-06T15:49:00.002-05:00

Where does my heart beat now?
Where is the sound,
That only echoes through the night?
Where does my heart beat now?
I can't live without
Without feeling it inside
Where do all the lonely hearts go?

Candle in the water - Drifting helplessly
Hiding from the thunder -
Come and rescue me
Driven by the hunger -
Of the endless dream

I'm searching for the hand that I can hold
I'm reaching for the arms that let me know
Where do silent hearts go?

Evidently we go to Ottawa...

Sing along with me, I could use the help!

Love and Light.

have mercy

2008-11-03T18:10:00.003-05:00

Let's just say that the last 26 hours have put me through it. i'm emotionally drained and exhausted.

i'm about over my tantrum, which all stems from lack of control. i've got the reins back in hand and things all fell very neatly into place concerning all the variant travel changes that have occured in the past day or so.

dare i say, i'm even almost content with it.

i can't say anything more about that...

i had a marvelous time with the Becki!!! it was great to have a visit and to catch up. how nice of HerSelf to give us the time to get together!!!

tomorrow we head towards ottawa via toronto. i'll be back in the states around the 9th, as i have a show in indy that evening. so this may be the last blog until then.

we will be making up our cancelled shows at the end of this leg, so i don't expect to be back in the city until the 20th of dec. please plan accordingly...

hope you all are well.

love and light

Catching Up

2008-10-30T11:39:00.000-04:00

Edmonton/Winnipeg via Minneapolis/Chicago

I have some serious catching up to do with you all. I spent a very long and busy week in northern Canada with basically no internet access, and as such, I’m more than a little behind on the updates here. My sincere apologies to you all for dropping the ball. One would think that I would manage to record my thoughts better, I had a bit of free time to do so, and there sure as hell wasn’t much else to do, but I didn’t. I got lazy…

When I last left you I was in Vancouver, just a stone’s throw from Portland. Ah, that Edmonton was the same. We have been putting the miles on the last week. It was a 14+ hour drive to Edmonton, and I’m pleased to announce that I managed to sleep through half of it. This alone is an accomplishment. We must have passed the exciting stuff while I was watching the inside of my eyelids, because when I got out of my bunk, all I saw for the next 7 hours was flat prairie. Let me say that again, flat prairie.

There must be something in Edmonton that keeps people living there; I must have missed it. I don’t see the draw personally. It snowed (twice) while we were in town, so I got to see the first snow of my season. Those of you who know me will know just how thrilled I was by that. No accumulation, but snow never-the-less.
Oh the inhumanity! Our wardrobe room in Edmonton was a tiny black box with what appeared to be asbestos sprayed all over the ceiling. We couldn’t even fit half of our cases in the room, much less all the racks required for prep. Of course, we just sucked it up and kept on rolling, but it wasn’t an easy venue for us. First of all, it was damn dark, even with additional lighting it was hard to see what we were up too. We made it all work, and the crew… was… marginally helpful. I’m no longer going to rant about skills or the lack thereof. They were ok, just ok. There were a few hair raising moments but nothing was completely damaged, and the show was presentable when it needed to be. I would have preferred to not do a second show but I’m not the manager and just do what we are told… hehehe

Did I mention that it was cold? I said it was snowing, but it was also WINDY and very very temperate. Just walking two blocks to the ghetto mall beside the hotel took my breath away, slicing right through multiple layers of leather and fleece, and blowing the tears right off my face. ‘Nuff said, right?!

This Imp didn’t care for Edmonton.

Nor did he care for the 15+ hour haul from Edmonton to Winnipeg, where it was even colder upon our arrival. You just know something is amiss when I begin to miss the old USA. The whole change of time zones and weather was making me want to curl up somewhere dark and warm and hibernate. The lack of sunshine can get downright depressing at times. Even STAR light only goes so far with me…

Alright! Winnipeg. We finally got a decent wardrobe room again in the Peg. Decent lighting, enough space to work (creatively) in. I’m going to refrain from commenting too much about our crew, but will say again, I was not looking forward to two shows. Perhaps I’m just too jaded, but I prefer to have the professionals working for me on something this large, instead of feeling like a teacher and having to educate the next generation. It was a tense city for all of my department; I wasn’t the only one. I will give many many points to Roxanne though, who came in on the second day to replace a person who didn’t show up for work. She was bright, intuitive, eager and professional. She made my day and my show.

All things considered I got a lot of work done in the Peg. Shannon, I owe you a couple of drinks for doing the alterations on that first red dress back in the city. The second dress was handed off to a ‘stitcher’ in Portland, and I’ve spent the last 3 cities trying to undo the damage and get it presentable and wearable. I think perhaps, after one more city of work, I’ll have the damn thing done…
Let’s just say that the show set changed a little in the Peg. Herself wasn’t feeling great. She still put on an amazing show but it was different and we all had to change our muscle memory around a bit to adhere to the new set list.
I saw the Dr(s) walking down the hall the second day at the Peg…

Now I sit in Minneapolis with my bus call approaching. Many of you Minneapolis peeps will know by now that the show scheduled for tonight has been rescheduled for February. That is right kids, we postponed one. MaMa needs her rest and so we head off to the Windy City a day earlier than planned, knowing we will be hitting the Mark in February. A few of my friends were attending the show here, and I hope to see them again when we are back in town.

The good news is, we all now have almost a week off. Time for us all to rest. Our next show in Chicago isn’t until the 4th, which allows us all to get our rest and to relax a little. The only thing that is standing between me and a great mini holiday is today’s 7 hour bus ride.

It’s all good though, I have a new episode of SGA downloaded, so that is 44 minutes of entertainment in the 7 hours, and I also finally managed to find the book I was searching for… so I have reading to keep me entertained the rest of the way.

The highlight of Minneapolis was seeing my dear friend Trina!!!! I once again took my girl out to lunch and then shopping (for dinner items) and then got the tour of the new house!!! I’m very glad we got the chance to spend the day together. We worked/lived together for many years in Omaha, and it’s always good to see her. She’s VERY pregnant, and I’m glad the child didn’t appear during our day together. She’s due on November 5th, that’s how Very close she is… we had a great time catching up and then making dinner together. I also got to see her fantastic husband when he got home from work, and we all had dinner together before he dropped me back the hotel!!

All in all, a very pleasant and easy stay in Minneapolis. I am looking forward to our return in February.

Now I must get off this machine and get my new purchases packed, repack, and get showered and downstairs. It’s time to head for Chicago!! Happy Halloween to you all… I get to enjoy a full 24 hours with my female BFF (without her precious daughter) in Chicago. Time for scrabble games and card games and a bottle of something…. It’s going to be so good to catch up with her again.

I just saw that a lot of snow is falling on the east coast… are you peeps there buried under it yet? I mean, 25 inches? WOW!!!!

Miles to go before I sleep….

Love and Light!

Priere de ne pas deranger

2008-10-22T20:41:00.000-04:00

You get bonus points if you can translate the French above…

Vancouver. It’s pretty, what I’ve seen of it. It’s a blessing from the gods that we had an EXCELLENT local crew here. Sasha, David, Clydia, Lisa, you guys rocked our world. Thank you so much for being hard and committed workers. See what theatrical experience will get you. If only all our crews were so freaking fantastic. I managed to even get some ‘extra’ work done, and catch up on a lot of things that have been getting ignored due to time constraints. Again, they rocked with us…

I’m trying very hard to stay awake now. We loaded out of the venue here last night and then returned to the hotel instead of the tour bus. We have a 14+ hour trip to Edmonton tonight that I’m not looking forward too. Even tour bus travel has been difficult on this tour, for me anyhow. Perhaps I chose a very poor time to quit drinking, but there it is….
I did finally get a decent (passable) pair of sunglasses today!!!! No more bright light first thing in the morning!!! YAY!!!! Also, the bargain of the day was the complete set of The Lucy Show dvd’s at a store here, for only $15!!! Canadian. I treated myself…

Now I MUST sit down and do some receipts and pull myself together . it’s time for a late lunch, and then packing and getting ready for the next stop.
I don’t return to the USA until the 29th of October, when we hit Minneapolis. Then I get to enjoy a couple of days in Chicago with my BFF (female) and enjoy a mini holiday filled with deep dish pizza and catching up. I guess I had better find a scrabble board before I hit Chicago, and a deck of cards. I’m so looking forward to it!!!

Love and light to you all. We continue forward!!

Tacoma

2008-10-20T02:11:00.000-04:00

Tacoma

What shall I say about Tacoma? It’s stunningly beautiful and the people are so very nice. I wish I could say the same for the wardrobe crew (local). It was a very long and very rough day. We earned our daily bread in Tacoma.
We played the arena with the wooden dome. Yah, it sounded great but it was a pain. Literally. The floor was shallow and the seating came right down to the floor. Yah, we sold the hell out of that place, but as a result, we had to do the modified stage which meant no rake. Which meant it did the show on my knees the entire night.
Have I earned the right to complain a little? Just a little. See, I’m already done.
We had a pretty bumpy trip to Vancouver, but we are here now. I’ll be in Canada for the next few weeks before we hit the Midwest and blaze our trail south to Mexico.
But for now, I’m going to enjoy the last hour of my evening off by watching some Stargate Atlantis and then curling up with my very interesting book. (thanks again D for putting it in my hand, I am enjoying Dhampir very much, even if I am already 2 books ahead as far as the character arc’s/relationships go).

Love and Light, and I’ll see you on the ice…

Pleasure in Portland

2008-10-18T01:16:00.002-04:00

Hello Friends!

Time to play a little catch up, as I’ve been extremely busy being entertained while traveling. Oh yes, there is work involved, but I have also been working the social calendar lately. One of the great things about traveling is seeing new places and reconnecting with friends from days gone by.

Imp had a great time in Portland. We arrived after a very long overnight drive from CA, and checked into a nice hotel (the president stays there when in town). I rolled into the hotel with the beginnings of a major headache (yes, one of those), but I refused to be disabled by it. I immediately swallowed enough advil to shock a baby elephant and took a very LONG and very hot shower. I think perhaps the altitude and travel of the last few days was finally catching up with me. It took a lot of will power but I departmentalized the pain and moved forward with my day.

The real thrill of the city was not the show, the guests, nor the crew. They all basically reflected the city, gloomy, hazey, and basically overcast. Don’t get me wrong, the show went well, but it wasn’t easy. I was also slightly hung over ( as you will soon learn) so that could have also impacted my rough recollection and perception.

The real joy of Portland was the sanity break that I had!!! My friend Sara has lived in Portland for about 2 years now, and I haven’t seen her (or her darling girlfriend Rebecca) in about 3 years. We had worked together for many years in upstate NY during the summers and always had a great time and it was so freaking great to see her again and she more than rose to the occasion. We had planned to get together for the day (what are the odds that both of us being in showbusiness and both of us having the day off!) and we made good on that promise.

Sarah came to the hotel and picked me up. We had talked about taking the puppy for a hike, but amended our plans due to the nature of my still recovering head. We decided to grab some lunch, which we did at a local eatery that Sara had been trying to try for a while, but hadn’t quite succeeded in the getting in the front door. It was delicious! I had a fantastic (and almost perfect) French onion soup, followed by a bbq chicken pizza that really hit the spot.

I had heard many tales of the ‘do not miss this’ bookstore in Portland, called Powell’s. I mentioned it to Sara as I knew it was close to the hotel and of course, I am always interested in wandering through a really good bookstore, especially one that is an independent!! Imagine my surprise when I learn that Rebecca works at that store as a buyer!! Our lunch eatery was a mere block away from the bookstore, so we stopped by after lunch to smack a howdy on Rebecca and to wander around for a bit. It IS truly amazing. Room after room of new and used books. Had I not had other plans, I could have easily spent all day there, sipping coffee and wandering the stacks. After a quick meet and greet with some of the store staff, I did a quick commando run through the sci-fi/fantasy section. Yes, I bought a few things to keep me occupied, but it wasn’t until I had paid for everything that I realized I should have looked to see if they had the new Mercedes Lackey Valdamier book. Oh well, less to haul around. As it is, I have three of the riftwar prequels by Raymond Feist which should prove interesting.

After our short shopping stop, we headed off to Sara’s new house, and I got the grand tour. It’s a really lovely house and it is so apparent that she is happy there. She has done a lot of work on it, and it is truly a beautiful home. I was especially interested in the guest room, where I plan on crashing the next time I am in Portland!!

We grabbed the puppy dog and headed off to the beach for a walk. This was in substitute for the hike we had talked about earlier. I had a great time with the puppy and wandering through the sand and watching the water and even eating a few wild blackberrys, tart, but right from the vine! We had a good long walk and talk on the beach and it was so great to be able to catch up with her and hear about everything and everyone we have in common, and to also discuss what we have been up to for the past few years. She shared some very excited news with me, which I am not at liberty to disclose, but I wish you all the best in that and can’t wait to hear how that develops!!!

After our walk we headed off to grab a coffee and then back to her house. Sara had promised me a homecooked meal, and I remember her cooking from years ago, so I was most definitely excited at this prospect. She surprised me (pleasantly) by informing me that they were throwing a dinner party that evening!! Oh did we have a great time. I got to meet two of their friends, C & H, who were a hoot and a half. Not to mention that I was fed to within an inch of my life. A very delicious chicken enchilada casserole was served, with a fantastic salad, along with more margarita’s than I actually remember consuming!! Hehehe C made desert, and it involved ginger/caramelized pears and ice cream; along with a few more margarita’s, because heaven forbid we not kill that bottle of José Quervro….

I know I had stated in the past that I enjoy traveling, and touring is definitely travel, but it is the hours spent with friends that you haven’t seen in years that really makes my day. Thank you again Sara for such a wonderful sanity break. It is just nice to have a ‘normal’ day sometimes in the midst of a very large and in charge national tour!

Of course, the next morning was a bit rough… only a bit but I think perhaps I was still slightly inebriated that next morning. Yes, 7am is early on any day for me, but following such guilty pleasures of the day before, I was in no mood to hop on my bus and do a pageant. We hit it running though and made do. Oh oh oh!!! Sara and I had briefly discussed a certain crazy character in the local union, and sure enough she was on my crew. I completely agree with you sara, she’s a handful and really thinks she’s funny. No, you didn’t bias my opinion, as I didn’t remember her name, and I had formulated my own opinion of her well before she mentioned the ballet you two were working on together… but it was an “AHHHH” moment when she mentioned it… hehehe I refrained from telling her we were friends, as I was not the least bit interested in furthering any conversation with her. She is not capable of talking and working at the same time, so it wasn’t just prissiness on my part…

It is now getting to be very late as I sit here and type. I’m currently in Tacoma, WA and tomorrow we head out for the next show here. It was a blissful day off today, and I am falling in love with Tacoma. No, seriously people. I like the vibe I felt today when I was wondering around. I didn’t do anything super, just a short walk in search of food and possibly entertainment. I grabbed a couple of subs for food, but I really enjoyed my sunny walk around town. In fact, part of me believes that I could live here, and I’ve been thinking about it all day. The people are super friendly, the city is beautiful, and they have opera and ballet companies, along with more art museums and glasswork than you can shake a stick at. I wish I had more time to explore this city, in fact, I’m putting it on my list of things to do. I will be back, and beforehand I just might investigate the social and economic status of this city, along with work possibilities. Don’t panic people, I’m not up and moving, but one is never to ignore that inner voice when it speaks, and it’s been speaking loudly here. I’m not easily impressed and this city is definitely worth further exploration. AND…. I have a view of Mount St. Helens from my hotel room… just saying.

PR, is your property/parents around this neck of the woods? I have thought of you often today…

It is past time for me to close this 1500+ word posting and pull out my suitcase. I have to repack and organize the laundry and get ready for the next couple of days and shows. Then it will be past time for bed!! We continue forward and I’m ready to see how we roll in Tacoma.

Love and Light to you all!

The Next Leg

2008-10-17T16:40:00.000-04:00

Sacramento, CA

It was with light suitcase and heavy heart that I departed my comfortable home and begin my 12 hour travel day across the whole of the States.

Budget Travel has got nothing on me this leg. I managed to pack one suitcase that will hopefully attire me throughout the west coast, Northwestern Canada, and Mexico. It still wasn’t full either. This leg is all about layers, and (gasp) currently running on only two pair of shoes. (I must be insane). Of course, I was intelligent and savvy enough to pack a few things into my road boxes so they were meeting me here in Sacramento. There is no point in paying to fly my shower bag home and back when the contents are not worth the now 50 or 100 dollars it would cost to fly them roundtrip.

Having never imp’d around Sacramento before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What little I did see of the city was positively rural yet beautiful. The venue itself was nice even with (what looked like) years of unfinished construction. The landscaping was incredible and our room was very near (one of) the loading docks, so it was difficult to pass by the dock without seeing how stunningly beautiful it was outside. I’ve always been a sucker for palm trees and sunshine, and Sacramento had this in abundance during our short stay.

Those of you who have been on the road before know that the local crew is the fulcrum that will make or break your day. I will whole heartedly endorse the wardrobe local that we had there. Not since Buffalo have we had such a great crew. They were actually waiting for us in the wardrobe room when we arrived and were ready and willing to work. This was a great blessing to us all, as we had more work than usual to accomplish, on this first stop on the next leg. Many cases needed to be unpacked, reorganized and repacked, due to the cleaning that happened in another country and without any of our assistance. (Our two people in Montreal are to be commended for their excellent work; it all came back relatively correct.) It was such a blessing to have a knowledgeable and talented crew. One of them had actually toured before and really took everything seriously. How great that someone would complete a job and then actually return to us and ask for the next project.
I took a special liking to one of our ladies for completely aesthetic reasons. She was standing and steaming a rack of clothes, and I caught her profile as I was working in the corner. I suddenly realized she reminded me of someone. My co-workers didn’t see it, but then again, my coworkers aren’t the fans and have not the background that I have concerning HerSelf. This crew person actually looked like HerSelf (about 15 years ago). It could have been the eye makeup application, it was definitely the bone structure and hairstyle of HerSelf about 5 or 6 albums ago. It made me smile even broader than before, just seeing her working so diligently on HerSelfs clothes. It was almost like a time lapse photo, seeing an early star look alike working on the present day diva tour wardrobe. It’s the small things that get you through a day, right?!

Obviously the show went well. HerSelf was in fine voice after a break and she nailed it to the arena audience, who repeatedly were stomping their feet in appropriation and approval. I don’t think I need to tell you how that gets this Imp off. Or perhaps I do; I get a huge charge out of seeing thousands of people screaming and applauding HerSelf. I feel the energy pass from the house through the Diva and back along through all of the staff. It’s the main reason I put up with the lifestyle that one must embrace and endure to do this gig. It really is that 90 minutes that makes the whole day worth it. There are very few people who give me such a charge to work with/for. I can count them on one hand. I haven’t experienced such a working thrill since my Sho-Sho was belting her ass off as the green girl on Broadway.
All in all, it was a great return to the road. It was a pleasure to reconnect with everyone and to see everyone rested and ready to roll once again. Many thanks to the powers that be for providing the gift of returning to work and having it be such a wonderful, wonderful experience.

Love and Light to you all!

Sacramento, CA

2008-10-13T17:53:00.002-04:00

I hath arrived in California. Ahhhhh, Palm Trees. I love palm tree's. We have the rest of the day to ourselves before we kick this tour into high gear tomorrow.

Yes, many of you have emailed, asking why i quit blogging while i was at home. Well.... how interesting is me talking about sleeping (yes, I was actually doing it). I had dinner with many of you, or as many of you as I could schedule.

Now we are back on it... and away we go. I'm meeting my boss for dinner (although I have yet to determine when she arrives. She is not here yet, and my stomach is rumbling like an ancient Egyptian chariot race.

We are in a SWANKY hotel. nice without being pretentious. Of course, it helped that I arrived with my dancers (who have an incredible tour bus, we are being robbed).

One of the airport security guards came up to me while I was sucking down a fag (cig, you filthy minded bastards) as soon as i finally escaped from the frontier flights i put up with today. "You missed your bus!" he said to me. It was then I realized that i was wearing my tour jacket and so of course, he knew. We chatted for a little bit, while i had my eye on the luggage carousel. I explained that there were many buses, and thanked him for looking out for me, as I was shrugging off my jacket and taking in the palm trees.

Now i'm off to find a cup of coffee (which i am making in my own room, cause i can) and wander over to the beautiful capital park that is right across the street from my current digs. Tomorrow we begin; again.

Love and Light to you all!

Oh Auntie Em, There's No Place Like Home

2008-10-04T22:10:00.002-04:00

Those writers knew what they were talking about Chil'! I just love being home, as proven by my track record the last 3 days. I got industrious and went and got my flu shot the day i returned, but I haven't ventured more than 5 blocks from my house for the past 3 days. And that was only to get moisturizer and coffee mate. LMAO

Imp has been industrious though. I fixed my dresser drawer (this involved tools and parts) and just today I went out to the front porch and started the fall cleanup of garden. When next I return home, it will be December, and I don't think one should hang christmas lights on, say, dead tomato plants. That's just tacky.

I'm still tour-lagged, but I got out and about today. I had social activities. I had dinner with an old Wicked friend, and then coffee and gossip with another Wicked/Ballet friend. So great to get out and see the people i want to see. Tomorrow i Must see my best friend, whom i've spoken too, but not yet seen. Seems ridiculous that he's offered to make me dinner twice or thrice now, and I still haven't seen him (due to self induced need to be HOME the past few days). I'm taking him up on dinner tomorrow and we can hang and dine and watch the new Amazing Race together.

Had a great time with both my friends tonight. great to sit and chat about work, but not BE at work. Everyone looks so great, and P! I love your new place. Welcome to mid-town!!!

What does one do when one is national tour? For me, it has always been a time to improve and update my electronics. New computer, new phones for example. Well I bought a new phone this week and I'm trying to get it all figured out. It is a crack-berry, which means it's got it all, down to live tv and a media player. Problem is it all has to be set up and configured and blah, blah, blah. So i've got homework to do. It came with a big fat book, and i'm about a 1/3 of the way through it. Perhaps i'll get the email set up sometime in the next week. But I am rather excited about it, cause it's a quad-band and already set up and configured for international use. This will come in handy in the next 3 months when I shall be in three different countries... Not to mention next summer when all you European peeps are going to be seeing me.

Let me take a moment to reflect, on how lucky I am. The economy is going to hell in a handbasket and I'm booking guilt free trips to Hawaii, and buying new electronics as well. At least for the next 5 months, I know the bills are paid; when so many of my friends are already starting to lose their jobs. (shout out to you sister in AZ, take the tour and ride it out brother).

Yah, i'm enjoying being home. I'm going to leave you with that, as i have two kittens who really are insisting on some attention and who am i to deny them?

love and light!

H-O-M-E

2008-10-01T16:08:00.002-04:00

Home. There is no place like it, is there?

I had a very special arrival home too. My Roommate rocks. I really pleased to come home to a CLEAN house. OK, our house is usually tidy (with the occasional sewing project strewn throughout the living room)but she deserves major treats for the condition of the house. The kitchen was spotless, the floors are shining; even the stairs, which are notorious furball traps, were spotless. It is so great to come home to a gleaming house.

Then it got even better because I had clean sheets setting on my bed AND a gooey cake on the stove (if you have to ask, Gooey cake is divine, and in my opinion, even better than her brownies). The weight gain continues... I can't stress how FABULOUS it was

Little Roo met me at the door, and was more than convinced she needed second breakfast (or lunch).

Sigh. I'm home.

The last show went pretty well. It was a Very long day for us, but we had a decent crew and drove all day and all night to get through it. I have stories but they must be relayed in person and not publicly. hehehe

I'm a little ticked about my new laptop though. Just yesterday the left shift key flew off. Yes I was typing, and then it just popped off. One of the 3 locking devices was obviously faulty, as it's broken. It's difficult to type when you can't capitalize on the left!!! Now I've got to get on the phone and find out who's going to fix this and how long it's going to take them. Papa is only on a 10 day break.

I've spent the day making appointments to the various people. I'm getting my flu shot tomorrow, and hopefully seeing the dentist as well.

Now it's time to make a few short personal calls. Don't be offended if you don't get one today people. I had to wade over a pile of mail to get to by bed, and none of it is my travel magazines. Then I'm going to cut myself a piece of gooey cake and reward myself with an hour of Stargate Atlantis....

Then I'm going to settle back into Magic and the Modern Girl, Mindy Klasky's third book in her Magic Series. If you haven't already done so, get her books. Neko is a very hilarious character, and i've enjoyed all the books. Special thanks to Sister sue for loaning me new latest book!!!

Love and Light to you all.

We're gonna do it

2008-09-29T08:24:00.002-04:00

On your mark
Get Set
And go now...

Got a dream and we just know now
We're gonna make our dreams come true...

That's the Milwaukee way, right? Isn't that sitcom set in Milwaukee?

Cuz that's where we are cousins, that's where we are.

The tour finally crossed a time zone, odd after all these weeks. I feel like I should be at work already. I actually am, even though I am still in my hotel. Yes, we have a show today, but I've been up (gasp) for an hour already. Got myself repacked and I have to say I'm excited about today.

It's going to be the longest day on my tour yet. We will be doing laundry tonight during loadout. We must repack the cases after the show tonight so that the dry cleaning can be done by someone in Montreal. I Know we must be out of the building by 5am. Yes, I'm looking at a 21+hour day. Luckily, I will be completely off tomorrow and have nothing to do but sleep and get myself ready to leave for home on Wednesday. Let's hope I keep my mind today, specially in the last 4 hours of the night (morning) when I am going to need it most.

Lots of things to do today and I've managed to be up at reasonable hour (east coast time) which has given me time this morning for coffee in my room, and now I have to hustle into the shower and pull myself together.

Swag. We got new swag. I'll be posting a pic of it soon. It's leather and it's embroidered. It's cool... It was presented to all of us by HerSelf in Person.

Favorite moment of the last show:
Imp, "Have a great show, Maa-Maa"
HerSelf, "You too, bay-bay!"

What a sense of humor.

All of us are ready for a break. I'm ready to get home and actually discover if I am capable of sleeping for more than 3 hours without interruption.

I'm feeling a bit better but still not even close to 100%. The cold lingers but it is no longer so raspy and deepfelt as before. I'm glad I'm about to have some time to rest and to really take care of myself.

Ok, I'm rambling, the coffee is kicking in. Time to make the donuts.

Love and Light!

Limping to the end (of this leg)

2008-09-23T13:55:00.002-04:00

It hasn't been easy!! Either physically nor emotionally. Perhaps it is because we can all see the light at then end of the tunnel but we aren't quite there yet.

Columbus. Hmmm, what can I say? It was southern Ohio, the crew was nice but completely lacking in skills. I believe we even had a hairdresser on our crew; all were more concerned with the show than with working. At one point, hippie-chick was dancing in front of the under-deck monitor with her back to all the changes that were taking place. I spent my one break hanging (or rehanging) clothes on the other side of the stage. Perhaps they were color blind or just illiterate. Again I state, nice people, but theatrically talentless. Two of my four had never done a show before, and so we did the intelligent thing and split them up, one on each side of the stage. One would think that would have been best, no? No.

All things considered, I did manage to get quite a bit of my own work done, mainly because I wasn't being interrupted every 5 minutes for job assignments. I finally got some securing of the flapper dresses done, even if I was having to listen to grandma tell me how to make my tour better. Again, their hearts were in the right place, but it was almost like being in the south. Everything was just moving so much slower.

We rolled into Cleveland this morning at 4am. I inadvertently left my mobile on the bus, so while I had planned to make several important phone calls today, I am now not capable. DRAT!!! One involved finalizing plans to see my darlin' sister on Thursday. We will still be getting together but now I am going to have to wait till i get my phone back before I can actually talk to anyone.

We are staying at one of my (in the past) favorite Cleveland hotels. Although this time around I'm having a bit of an issue with them. The AC is up so high, and I'm in my second room and can't control it or even turn it down. I've complained repeatedly, and believe me, the manager is getting sick of hearing from me. I even went so far as to go downstairs to meet with him, and hack and cough as much as I could around him, in the attempts to enforce my message that my delicate constitution is NOT handling a 60 degree humidless room temperature well. While I seem to have been holding this cold off for the last few days, last night I appear to have lost the battle. It's full blown nastiness now, and I even feel crappy. I've shut OFF the AC and still it is dry and cold (not cool, COLD) in my room. For those of you who have been there, there is nothing worse than being sick and being on the road. I'm giving it one more day and if things don't calm down it will be time to find an urgent care center and see a (gasp) doctor.

Trying to adjust to a new dynamic of touring life. We had a few new people join our bus roster. We have gone from 8 to 10, which seriously reorganized our bus life. One of the additions is also one of the last people to get out of the venue, so we are now waiting for his arrival post loadout before we roll. He's done a full 2 hours after everyone else. And he's returned to our bus with a bad attitude which doesn't help matters when we could be half way to our next stop before he finally gets on the bus and we roll. Not complaining, just saying the dynamic has shifted and we are all trying to make the best of this new situation.

Had a great bonding moment with a few of the tour people last night while we were waiting to get rolling out of Columbus. We've become friendly, but last night we kind of bonded and got to know each other in a deeper way than just being cordial. Very interesting guys, and the highlight of the conversation was when one of them asked me if I was gay. LMAO. My response was, "I don't remember, it's been so long..." which brought down the house, and even made me giggle; thus blowing my straight cover(?).

I did have an epiphany last night as I was standing in the parking lot, watching the rest of the loadout happen. This really is a Big tour, and this really is the largest gig of my career to date. Ok, so I already knew this, but somehow it really struck home last night. Perhaps it was the robitussin, or perhaps it was just the timing of it all. I'm doing my best to accept the blessings and live in the moment...

Speaking of living in the moment. It was (as previously stated) a rather difficult day yesterday. Of course, HerSelf rose to the occasion. No matter how difficult the day is, once the show starts and I hear that Voice, it's all ok. My tiredness melts away and for the next 90+ minutes all is right with the world. I've now completed 23+(?) shows on this leg and they just get better and better. Last night, at the top of the show I got a great show wish from HerSelf (in reply to mine to Her). I got a great evening wish at the conclusion of the show too, but the real Gem of the entire day (and the thing that made everything that day A-ok) was the 2nd acknowledgment from stage to floor that I got during the opening number. I don't know if she is now actively looking for me, but she is definitely seeing me when I step out from under the deck. I can't help it that I wink when I catch her looking at me during the show. Last night she (again) winked back and then rolled into the bridge... no money note last night, but isn't it amazing that a simple wink can make someone's day. It sure made mine. Several of my friends have said it to me, and I'll repeat it to you. "Classy. This woman is very classy."

Just goes to show you that ALL diva's are not stuck up bitches.

Ok, I'm off for a nap in the hopes of resting and healing. Sorry to all of you to whom I promised phonecalls today. I'm not capable. Thursday I'll play catch up. I still have 4 shows and 2 border crossings to go before I get to head back home for a short break and rest before we head West and see how they roll....

Love and Light to you all.

Can you believe?

2008-09-21T19:57:00.002-04:00

I have played two casino's on this tour so far, and have yet to see a slot machine, roulette table, or blackjack table. We have been so busy I didn't even have time to wander through the casino. Just behind it.

Currently in Columbus, seeing how they roll in Southern Ohio. The answer is, they don't on Sunday. Staying at a hotel in the financial district, and even the starbucks isn't open on Sunday. The river is pretty though, just so long as I don't have to smell it...

Well, Atlantic City was a hoot. Great crew for us, and a great show. Still putting new clothes into the pageant, but it's basically all good.

We are at the point on this portion of the Leg where everyone is counting the days we have left until our break. I too am looking forward to having more than 24 hours off, being home, and really relaxing and hopefully getting more life things taken care of.

Love and Light to you all. Just wanted to let you all know I am alive. And Coughing.

On the Road Again

2008-09-19T12:41:00.002-04:00

Morning friends! It's been a very busy and amusing 12 days in the nyc area. Did a couple of shows, had a couple of dinners; it was great to see you all.

It's been hard being 'home' and working the schedule. Two completely different mind-sets, and it will be nice to be back on the road again. I loved sleeping in my own bed, but the mental side of being home and still working has taken it's toll. It will be much easier to be back to 'get on the bus, get off the bus' and not be thinking about the extra train trips in order to get home and when I have to be back. I guess it will be good to be self contained once again.

A short trip before our October hiatus, although I have a lot of shows to do in the next 11 days.

I had a good time being back and working with (most of) my home local. There are a few weiners, erhm, winners in every group, but I meet some incredible people, and worked with several people that I haven't worked with in a very long time. There are also a few people who had better never ask me for work again. Nuff said.

I'm coming down with the nasty cold that's been going around and I'm not real happy about it. More fluids, more rest(?), and more miles to go before I sleep.

Odd that I was 'home' and did less posting that when on the road, but I was also very busy trying to catch up on the homefront, and take care of business. I'll be back in October, just in time to start it all over again. I'm very much looking forward to being back home and having more than 24 hours off and being able to really, really relax.

Love and Light to you all. I'm back out on the road and will try and keep you posted a little more regularly. I'll TRY, but we have a couple of back to back shows with a few hundred miles inbetween and that doesn't always allow for easy blogging; specially since I can't do it on the bus with my co-workers looking over my shoulders.

xoxoxoox

Finally!!

2008-09-14T02:25:00.004-04:00

It Happened. It Finally Happened. It happened in Newark. There were odd sounds coming from the hall, not quite distressful but Loud and consistent. Enough to make several security guards and several wardrobe people run to the hall to see what/if anything was wrong.

Nothing was wrong. It was HerSelf, warming up in the hallway. Everything was fine, I made eye contact, Her eyebrows raised, I smiled and went turned back to rummaging through a roadbox. Then my boss appeared around the corner, also coming to see what the ruckus was about. I saw the gleam in her eye and she mouthed,"Now! Brace Yourself!"

HerSelf stopped vocalizing and my boss introduced me. HerSelf Laughed and commented on how fast I came into the hall to see what was going on. I laughed and said it was the call of the Siren and I could not resist (damn, I am good). I don't think She quite understood it, but she commented on my hair (see, all you people can just suck it) and mentioned that perhaps my hair was like a satellite beaming in on the signal (perhaps I failed to understand then, but you know me, I smiled). She reached out and touched my hair (and I LET her) She shook my hand, and thanked me for all of my hard work and then gave me a hug. Classy!! I think my smile grew even wider, she laughed and I told her to keep singing for me and for all of us. She laughed, continued vocalizing, and then ever so slightly lifted the hem of her bathrobe, which made me fall out laughing. What a great Lady and a great sense of humor. I think I will stay...

She remains on the pedestal I put her on years ago. Can I offer any higher compliment than that?

Love and Light!

I love Rock-n-Roll

2008-09-11T02:30:00.002-04:00

I Love Rock-n-Roll; so put another dime in the jukebox baby, I love Rock-n-Roll...

I don't know about the rest of you, but today time slipped away so much faster than normal. Suddenly it was 3 of the clock and I knew then we weren't going to be done on time for the show, I still had one HerSelf (new, never worn) dress to finish, a band member alternation (which sadly didn't get accomplished nor even started cause, it's not the band that's paying the bills and HerSelf's clothes must come first. Our work is also noted by Her, she notices little things. I'm not saying if this is a good or a bad thing, I'm simply stating that as a performer, she notices things; she is not unaware of the things that are going on around her. So I have been told.

I would have officially Met HerSelf today had she not been previously mobbed in Mid-town. That would be enough for me for one day too.

No, I'm not making much sense, but I'm also trying to keep my promise to keep you updated on my tour escapades, and so you'll have to take the not coherent posts along with the not So coherent posts. hehehe

Newark show. I will say that Jersey was feeling it, and HerSelf was again in fine voice. Great sound in this venue, and a new venue so nice and clean to work in. Although it was very confusing today, I kept turning down a hallway only to discover I had no idea where in the hell I was. It didn't help that they kept opening and closing the garage doors Inside the building. When I can't SEE whats on the other side of that wall that was there on the last trip through, Yah, I get lost. (shut up)

Decent crew, although there were some pretty major screw ups today involving number of crew and responsibilities. We rolled with it (cause that's what we do) and the show went off just fine.

Our newest dancer arrives tomorrow and we'll be starting to put the costumes on her on Friday. Shoes is a completely different story, and I for one am glad that it's not really my thing. I deal more with clothes and very little with shoes. (or should I say, I deal as little as possible with shoes).

We were all (wardrobe) silly today. Laughing our asses off at things, but funny and ridiculous. Perhaps that is where the time warp occurred.; perhaps I laughed hours away this afternoon... Although I will say my hands were moving just as fast as my lips, I can talk and work at the same time.

now, i'm going to really go to bed. I will entertain phonecalls but only after 2pm. I'm going to see if I can actually sleep 6 or 7 hours in my own bed. hehehe i mean it, NO phone calls until after 2.

xoxoxo

There's No Place Like Home...

2008-09-09T07:50:00.003-04:00

Being on North America's Largest Rock-n-Roll Tour and being in your own bed @ 7:23am?

Priceless!!

Restless

2008-09-07T09:22:00.006-04:00

I'm a restless Imp. Even working for HerSelf days on end isn't enough to wear me out sufficiently to sleep. Significantly tired, but I'm just not capable of Sleeping on the bus. I rest, I doze, but I don't sleep. It's starting to catch up with me.

Sorry for the lack of posts in the last couple of days. We have been Busy, Busy, Busy here on tour. This is the Really Busy portion of our itinerary right now. We are almost to NYC (and home for me) though. Looking forward to petting my kittahs and having a sporadic night or two in my own bed this coming week. A luxury unheard of in Rock-n-Roll.

Previously:

Philly:

The show went well, although it seems a lifetime ago. Yes, it was only a couple of days but right now, even with coffee in front of me, I don't really remember that much of the performance. It's all coming back to me now: The Philly audiences are sedate (perhaps cause it's not a hockey game?). They just tend to be more reserved. Oh they scream at the end but not the rambunctious crowd of other cities. The thing I remember most about Philly is that I cried. Now, it comes as no surprise to most of you (that attend concerts with me) that certain performers make me weep. Darren Does it, HerSelf Does it; it's my mark of exceptional performance. I don't cry in everyday life, but certain vocalists cause my tear ducts to open up and freely flow. Call it a release of excitement, sometimes I'm touched, I know. I've wept at every HerSelf concert that I've paid to see, and every Darren show as well; it's why I continue to spend money to see them. I enjoy it. I must have been feeling a bit fragile(?) in Philly cause HerSelfs high notes where touching me; Just There: the money notes; the sweet spots. More than one dancer asked if I was ok, thinking my foot was bothering me perhaps, when it was really all in my head. I will admit that I was in mourning. For what I'm not exactly sure, and certainly won't discuss here now. Let's just say that I saw myself in the front row in Philly. There was this young Mo in the front row, dressed to kill in his tight blue shirt, white jeans, fabulous black boots, with his hair DONE, and his favorite accessory (fag hag) sitting next to him. He was INto the show, singing along, couldn't sit still, (had obviously been watching too many dvd's of HerSelf, cause he had her moves DOWN, and was hitting them before She did onstage). Let's just say he was LIVING for the show. Something about it touched me, just there, and then she hit her money note on the second song, the power of love became the power to make Imp weep, and I just lost my shit. The bodyguards asked if I was ok, the carpenter asked if I was ok, the dancers asked if I was ok. 'Yes, dammit, I'm fine, don't touch me!' (oh I am so my mothers child) Just no way to explain then (or now) what happened. It was just an emotional release, and it wasn't the last of the evening either. Everytime I stepped out from under the deck during the show, I couldn't help but see this kid having the time of his life and that would pull me out of MY show and into the Voice that was echoing all around me and I would lose it all over again. So much for being de-sensitized...

So that was My Philly show... Loadout and then on to the bus where we immediately departed for the casino in Connecticut. Out in the middle of no-where, although it was beautiful and green before the remnants of the hurricane blew in. Then it was just WET. No day off, no hotel room, 4 hours of sleep and then up and at em for the load in and the second 18+ hour day in a row.

CT was different. It was my first "flat' stage performance with this tour. Meaning: we didn't set up our arena set, we were on a flat stage in a real theatre. The good news is: no stooping under the deck, we had booths to change in where we could all stand up!! It was a beautiful theatre, small by our standards and I (personally) thought beneath our effort, but the audience seemed into the show. Altered set list to make the show casino friendly (shorter) and with less equipment came a very quick loadout. All for the good, since nobody was well rested when we arrived and we had to think outside the box and pay attention with the new setup and configurations. We also started later than usual, by a whole hour, so I actually had a moment to sit down following dinner. I had to find things to do to keep myself awake so I would remain(?) show-ready and not fall asleep! We had another great crew here and even though we had no washers/dryers and had to send everything out, we managed to get the Girl up and running!!

Then back onto the bus and now we are in DC, where we have a day off before we WOW them tomorrow night!! I was thinking it would be fun to revisit the Smithsonian here, but I think I'm going to opt for trying to get some rest today. Again, not Sleeping on the bus isn't healthy, and I do need more than 4 hours of sleep... hehehe See, I can be sensible at times... I haven't been in DC since High School and would love to revisit some of the monuments and museums but I think I'm going to forgo it for a relaxing day in bed. In addition, I'm plotting something for my December break and I need to get off the blog and onto my travel sites and see if I can find something acceptable and affordable. I have a plan, I just need to see if I can make it within a price point that I deem OK... hehehe NO, it's not Europe, don't panic. I believe I will remain in the what is considered the USA. It's going to be somewhere WARM though, I do not enjoy snow....

Happy Monday to you all. I'm going to log now... Love and Light to you all!!!

When next we speak, I'll be back in the nyc area!!!

Buffalo and on to Philly

2008-09-04T21:12:00.002-04:00

Let's just state for the record (for those of you who don't know). Buffalo is a hole. Period. I live in NYC and yes, I call Buffalo a hole. Dirty, repressed, Nasty.

That being said, The Buffalo Local kicks ass. Pure and simple. Our wardrobe crew rocked. Great Ladies, obviously there to work, interested in their work, taking pride in their work. No wondering off, no bad habits. We really wanted to take them with us for the rest of the tour. I stated to my boss at the end of the night, "If only every city could like this one!"

Of course the set up in every venue is a bit different, but the Buffalo show felt backwards. Mainly due to our exits. We have grown used to entering and exiting a certain way and the stage set-up/placement was opposite what we have grown used to. It complicated things at the end of the night, during the load-out, when we found ourselves with no clear path to roll our 5 racks off the floor and back into our wardrobe room. Bad communication between house staff and tour staff, and perhaps even some bad communication between tour staff. All peoples were being funneled out 2 exits and as a result we were trapped center arena for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile the rest of the loadout and tear down was going on around us. It set us back on our loadout, but never fear, Buffalo local came to the rescue, as a matter of fact, even with the delay, we still set a load-out record. Yes, really. See what happens when you have intelligent, professional people working with you!!

It wasn't only the wardrobe department either. The whole show was loaded-out in record time. In fact, we had to wait for the bus drivers to arrive to take us away, we were that early. Many Many thanks to you Buffalo. You ROCK!!!

On the bus and overnight travel to Philly. (Cheesesteak anyone?). It was a day off once we arrived and I had a fantastic day! My dear Friend Devon traveled to Philly today to join me in a day of sightseeing, wandering, museum strolling (limping in my case), and bookstores. We met at what is becoming a favorite Philly pub named Silante for a nibble before we started our escapades. I did have the special, a cheesesteak quesadilla, which was delicious even when consumed too close to a venti latte to get me prepped for the day.

We found ourselves in a cab and on the way to the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology where we spent the afternoon checking out Ancient Egypt, Rome, and a bit of Greece. It felt like ancient egypt too, the AC was non existent, and it was Very Warm inside. We had a great time wandering together though, and chattering away. It wasn't the least bit busy (in comparison to our last Philly Museum trip to the Tut Exhibit), we almost had the place to ourselves and it was quiet enough that we could converse and be heard. I had no idea this place even existed, so many kudo's D for learning about this place. (See, ONE of the great things about being friends with D is her ability to research...) It was also great to see a friendly face after so many weeks in Canada and being on the road. It was a little slice of home, while on the road. We always have a great time and today was no different!

Being so WARM after our educational time, it was the perfect time to grab an iced coffee beverage. Mocha Frap anyone? The guy who was shouting out completed orders was most likely a theatre major who had just completed a Voice for Stage Class. At the very least, he could be considered a booming baritone. I say theatre major because he know to 'lift' the end of his sentences; although I do agree with D, he was loud, but his diction was lacking. LOL

We wandered into the Penn State area, bookstores and computer shops. I needed an ethernet cable (do you believe some hotels still don't have wireless internet?) What century am I living in here? Anyhow, I found the required cable and we browsed the sci-fi and romance sections of the bookstore, rather briefly. We had a used bookstore in mind (ok, D did, I was along for the ride) and we found it, "the Last Word" What a great name, right?

Immediately upon entering the store, we interrupted the doorman (kittah). He was sleeping on the ledge right the door and lifted his head and opened the most beautiful green eyes I've seen since my own dear Bast. Mostly black with small white markings on his face and front paws, with white boots on his back legs. D and I instantly ooh'd and aah'd and leaned over the railing to deliver some pettin's. We then headed back and spent a good long time searching through the stacks for treasures. We both came away with a few books, and while we were both sitting on the floor in the back of the store, the kittah came over for some more loving. Oh, was he adorable. Lester was his name and he convinced me to buy another book too. Crazy cat.

After taking our leave of Lester, we paid for our treasures and stopped in at Ben and Jerry's for an afternoon treat. (I can never refuse B&J, unless it's the one in Time Square). We sat for a while and enjoyed our refreshments, and that gave me a chance to prop my ankle up and rest for a while.

Then we continued on to The White Dog for dinner. I'm sure D will have a bit to say about it, so I'm going to leave that to her, but I will say that the service was deplorable. Many things on the already limited menu were not available and it took 47 minutes to receive our order (and a chicken sandwich does not take that long, unless you are plucking the bird). It was at a very historical site, but again, I'll let D go into that, and I'm sure she will... hehehe

After dinner I limped back to the station (catching a great dragon on the way, more on that later though), and departed ways with my tourist buddy. She to catch her bus back to the City, and myself to hop on the septa back to the hotel.

All in all a great day off. Thanks again D, I had such a great time and I'm so glad we got to spend another day in Philly together.

Now, I'm hours past my repacking for the rest of the week, so I MUST log off and organize my life or else I'm going to find myself missing something very important in the next 5 days, and I won't have time to run to the bus to find, say, underwear.

Tomorrow Philly, then Immediately following we are off to Ledyard, CT and the Foxwood Casino, followed by DC, and then peeps, I'll be tearing into NYC. Please take note and do NOT stand between me and the 7 train. I've got a month of house and kittah to catch up on in a manner of mere hours, and then back to the city for friends, a drink (maybe two) and then it's time for the shows in Newark.

"Ladies and Gentleman, we are now a bus. Welcome to Rock-n-Roll"

Love and Light!

Back in the States

2008-09-02T13:47:00.000-04:00

02 September 2008
Travel day/Day off Montreal to Buffalo
Back in the USA!! Back in New York State even. I’m definitely in a New York state of mind.
It’s really starting to feel like Rock-n-Roll now. We got on the bus(es) after the show last night and headed off to Buffalo. The reality of the tour is starting to hit now; we have the buses, we are now longer playing 6 shows in one venue; the pieces are all starting to fall into place and this next week we are going to get the full dose of what this tour is playing several cities in a row with only travel days (if that) in between.
The final 2008 Montreal show went very well, even with the added complications of the film crew(s) everywhere. Perhaps now we can just get down to regular operations. (You will note I didn’t say ‘normal’). I haven’t seen any of the daily’s, because I don’t have time for that, but the buzz is good from people, and if it’s anything like I’ve seen in the monitors during the show, it’s going to be fantastic. The crowd was alive and HerSelf has been in Fantastic Voice for the last couple of shows. She always delivers, but she’s been in Fantastic Voice, and really turning it on the crowds and for the filming.
Load-out went well, even if I was gimping around. I’m up and about, very limited, but I am moving. Our medic has been seeing me every day and therapy is working. I got rubbed, then lasered and rubbed, which helped tremendously. I just have to be patient and stay off of it as much as possible to expedite the healing process. More ice, doing my exercises and laying low. It is nice that we are in Buffalo, and I have no desire to do or see anything here. I am staying in and resting today.
We are in a crappy hotel (by our standards); at least I’m in a crappy room. Top floor (don’t get excited, it’s the 9th floor) and the absolute end of the hall, over looking the highway. Crappy internet connection because I couldn’t get farther away from the source, and everyone here in online so that leaves me barely connected. Not complaining, but I did hope to download my movies and SGA today while I was hardwired. Little did I think it was going to Take All Day. :-( I have a couple of dvd’s with me that I haven’t watched yet, so I do have some entertainment. There is always the afternoon nap too… and I do love a nap.
Hoping to be walking normally again soon. I don’t like having to rely on others to help move my bags, et. Al. It’s nice that they do, but they all have their own things to take care of and I want to get fully back into the game. My co-workers have been doing my running, in addition to their own work, and I don’t like being the weakest link! Nor do I like having to rely on other people to do my work.
It’s all good though. I understand and they do too (and are nice enough to not complain). I hope to be completely up and moving (not running, Moving) by Philly. I think I’m still going to have to take it easy here in Buffalo.
Thanks sis for the vid info. Yes, plenty of advil, ice, and I do move. No more bloodclots, NO NO NO!!!
In a weird mental state right now. Didn’t sleep well on the bus (new environment), and caffeinated, so tired but not able to actually sleep. It’s nice to have a day off though, the last 3 days were intense and it’s nice to not have anywhere to be until tomorrow morning.
I’m rambling, so I’m going to close and attempt to post this today.

Not superman

2008-09-01T02:49:00.002-04:00

Note to Self:

2008-09-01T00:37:00.004-04:00

There are days I'm an idiot, especially when I'm moving at a mile a minute. I got a little crazy today during set up and decided to hop over the dasher wall (you know, the thing hockey players crash into around the ice, that little wall that keeps them from flying into the spectators... Well, Imp thought he was a spring chicken again and decided to go over the wall instead of walking to the other end of the arena to exit back into the wardrobe corridor. Again I say, Idiot. All went well at first, I cleared the wall no problem but I didn't score a 10 on my landing. In fact, I bit it, Hard. The kind of hard that makes people stop and stare. The kind of hard that causes your right ankle to roll in directions it shouldn't with your full weight and momentum on top of it. The kind of hard that sends danger signals to your brain, while you feel and hear the POP of your ankle.

I pulled myself up and limped back to wardrobe where my wonderful boss immediately went and got me a bag of ice to apply. I've got a very nasty lump on the outside of my ankle. The therapist (got to love traveling with a medic) thinks I've split one of the muscles in my foot. (Luckily not a tendion, again) I am taped and wrapped all up, and was forced (yes forced) to sit in a chair the rest of the day. Yah, I seriously banged myself up, and it's going to be a week or so before I'm moving normally again (that's the diagnosis).

Counting my blessings; no trip to the ER for xrays, not on crutches, although I do believe it was a close thing. When I started heading towards the floor I went limp and threw my body weight off my ankle. I think I saved myself from something REALLY serious. All because I thought I was superman and could leap the dasher wall in a single bound.

Embarrassed myself good. I have now garnished my tour nickname (at least for the next week). SOYA. (that's Sit on your ass). It was an ORDER. I keep telling you my boss has a great sense of humor. I'm beyond embarrassed and not only that, caused quite a bit of inconvenience to several of my new favorite people. You know I don't sit still well, and to forced to do so...

"Where are you going?"

"Uhm, to the bathroom?"

Tonight, once I got under the deck, I was forbidden to move, but to merely SOYA and supervise. I did do my two quick-changes, but they were watching me like hawks. "What are you doing?"

"Going to sit down!" Yes sir!!! hehehe

So I'm damaged, and moving really slow, but I am still moving. Hopefully things will be better tomorrow morning. This is a bad time to be hurt. The final dvd taping to tomorrow and we have a lot of continuity work to accomplish upon the return of dry cleaning.

Somewhere in all of this day, I just kept thinking that I couldn't have picked a worse time to screw my foot up. Of course, it's the right one; the one I always injure.

NO! I was not chewing gum at the time. hehehe

I'm currently back the hotel with ice on my foot and waiting for the post show snack to arrive. Think good thoughts for me, I can't let HerSelf or her dancers down....

How much does my boss look after me... When I started to move over to assist in a change, 3 of the dancers stopped me both with hands and voices. "Stay there, we are fine. We can do this..." She had a talk with them before the show, and told them to tell to stay put should I deem it necessary to try and get up. Great, now I feel crippled AND worthless. grrr

I just keep reminding myself that I'm lucky and DAMN lucky I didn't break it...

Tomorrow is the final (this time) Montreal show, and we head to Buffalo.

I lied in yesterdays post. There are 9 buses, not 7.

Time to change my ice... More to follow...

Love and Light from Hop-a-long...

Drama, Load-in, Lawyers, and Inappropriate Behavior

2008-08-30T22:19:00.002-04:00

The day started a bit on the wild side. 7:30 wake up call so that I could attend the venue by 9am. I arrived 10 minutes early to find our crates in our hallway, right where I expected them to be. I grabbed (a second) cup of coffee and headed back to the wardrobe room where I was greeted by 3 of our past local crew (who were requested by us to return for the following 2 shows). After genuine heartfelt greetings I noticed that they were all tense. I started moving roadboxes around while I was pondering what was happening. It was then the local president stepped into the room and asked when the boss was arriving. Our boss got a busy start to the day. I can't go into this situation in depth, but it concerned the person who was replaced when we were last here. This person showed up for the call and was huffy when she found she wasn't on the call. Letters were written, lawyers were called (on both sides) and evenutally it resolved itself to our satisfaction. Although this person continued to hang out in the hall of the venue and shoot frosty glares at us whenever we passed.

Inappropriate behavior is not tolerated nor rewarded. You reap what you sow.

The day progressed smoothly after the rough morning. Considering that I had 2 meal breaks of 15 minutes each, it went very well!

We walked away from the venue at 4 pm and the three of us did a little shopping together and then enjoyed (yet another) delicious dinner out together.

You are getting sick of hearing it, I know; but I really dig the people that I work with. My boss never runs out of interesting stories and we all have the same sense of humour and are constantly cracking each other up. At least they crack ME up, and that goes a Long way in our 12, 14, 16, 18 hour days.

Tour update. We are continuing to book dates in February 2009. It is going on and on. I still believe we are going to wrap early April though. Only time will tell!

Exciting news!! We are finally getting our tour buses!!! They will arrive here and take us back Stateside and to Buffalo early next week. Interesting tidbit, I keep telling you this tour is mega, right. There are no less than 7 tour buses (sleepers @ 12 bunks a bus)on this leg of the tour. Just saying. I'm going to get a firm semi count soon, they are still adding and moving equipment around, and we don't have the swag truck yet either. But we do have swag!!!

I'm off to bed early. Tomorrow begins the 2 days of close-up shots for the dvd. It's going to be a very busy day with extra people and cooks in the building, if you get my drift.

Cheers to my mates that are traveling to Europe with the Ballet. Continue kicking butt boys. I love you all and can't wait to see you again!

Love and Light to you all, even the crazy ones. (especially the crazy ones!) ;-)

Back in Montreal

2008-08-30T00:15:00.002-04:00

Time to catch up here. I just didn't have the energy to type following the 2nd Toronto show. The audience was much better the 2nd night, we got great reviews from the opening night, but the audience was participating the second evening. Load out following the show went well and speedily, even if we did have to haul costumes a half mile back to the wardrobe room.

We departed Toronto this morning and headed back to Montreal on the train. VIA train (that's the name of the regional Canadian train company). We were greeted at the station and escorted to a club room (with coffee and breakfast) and then preboarded before the general seating commenced. We were upgraded on our trip back, it was first class, they fed us (decent) food, not as good as our own catering, it was still travel food, but they wined and dined us for the 6 hour trip back. The car was nicer and I was exhausted and sure I would sleep... but that didn't happen. Crappy florescent lighting that I couldn't get away from; it kept waking me up. So it was a fitful and uncomfortable ride back to Montreal. All good though, I made great progress in my book, in fact, an hour outside of Montreal, I had to put the book down, cause I didn't want to finish it on the train. I wanted to say it for tonight...

My boss and I wondered out into Montreal and went dining at a French restaurant that was recommended by her Friend. It was a bit on the pricey side, but that is what per diem is for, and I had a GREAT gaspatcho made from cucumber/avocado with little baby shrimp. Delicious. The scallops weren't bad either. We had a great french wine (my first booze of this tour believe it or not) although the name alludes me right now, and NO, I only had one glass. After dinner we wondered and wondered around, arriving back at the hotel much later than anticipated, almost 11pm.

A great finish to the day, although I will admit that now I'm a bit peck-ish and I'll have to see what treats I've secreted away in my travel bag for emergancy snacks.

Our crew was all surprised in the last 48 hours. We thought we had Saturday off this week but Nope, we are loading into the venue tomorrow. No show, just loadin and everyone out of the building at 5pm. I think they want everything set up and flawless for Sunday and Monday, as we are doing the final(?) close-ups for the tour dvd. Perhaps then we will level out a bit... HA good luck with that.

We get a new dancer in NYC to replace a gal who is retiring from the tour. I may have mentioned that, so again, new clothes, new people and new tracks. As well as all the insanity that goes along with it. Rolling with it, cause there isn't anything we can do but be fabulous and make it happen. Which we do with flair, in case you were wondering...

I'm looking forward to an easier day tomorrow. Hopefully my old crew is back and we can just breeze through the day. They have all done this repeatedly and should remember their jobs/tasks/assignments. They are a great crew so it should be painless, until the certain someone arrives with changes and gets in our hair about existing costumes... We have a couple of serious repairs and replacements to do. One of the band blew out the entire ass of their pants in Toronto. The runner will be buying a new pair because I don't think it's fixable without being noticable. I just hope he had on black underwear when he did it, cause he blew them out from scrotum to the back of the waistband. Wide Open!! He didn't tell anyone either, we 'discovered' it as we were packing out. Some people's kids.... Job security though!!!

I'm going to make it an early night and finish up my book this evening, if I stay awake long enough. It's only 80 pages so I should be done in an hour if I don't pass out on it first. hehehe

Say a special prayer for a dear friend of mine. He's been having health issues and I just found out he was back in the hospital again this week. I love him like my own brother and I don't know what I would do without him. It bothers me that I'm not home to be able to help look after him (not that he would allow much of that, but still...) Say a prayer if you will for his complete recovery. We've shared a lot of things since we met and he's very dear to me, and I'm worried.

Love and Light to you all!

Toronto

2008-08-28T01:57:00.000-04:00

August 27, 2008

Toronto
Load-in and Show #1

Today was our first Load-in and show day (in North America) all in one day. Certain crew members were arriving at the venue at 5am to commence Load-in. With so many people traveling with this show, the call times are staggered so we aren’t sitting around waiting. Staggered meaning while some people started at 5am, my call time was 8:30. Still early when you consider that wardrobe are the last peoples out of the venue (following laundry) at 1am. Still think show business is glamorous? Stick around and I’ll debase you of that idea. It’s hard Work putting on a pageant, especially one of this magnitude.

I don’t want to rant too much, (and while I firmly believe there is one in every group) I still would like to know WHY there is always someone on the crew who is a supposed professional (these are Union Houses) who manages to arrive for a load-in and show and is dressed inappropriately. WHY? Pink Croc’s are NOT acceptable footwear for theatre professionals. Nor is showing up in a tank top! I take personal offense to tank tops at work. I think it is completely inappropriate for ANYONE to show up to dress people when your personal arm pits are exposed. It’s wrong. PERIOD. Why would anyone show up to a showcall and not at least HAVE blacks with them. I’m ok if you don’t wear them in, but if you don’t know if you need blacks or not, you should Have a set to put on if you do. Period.

Those of you who know me, know I don’t suffer fools lightly nor silently.

AND if you have an hour for lunch and an hour for dinner, then I expect you will come back for show call with appropriate Dresser clothing, specially if you have been told repeatedly you will need it.

[end rant]

It was a difficult day for just about everyone today. Problems with the building, problems with electricity in the building, problem with deliveries; all tending to make this typically happy go lucky crew a bit cranky. Poor catering arrived at 5 am to discover that the kitchen was 4 flights away from the actual dining hall, and then discovered they didn’t have electricity. Big load in and show day and a cold breakfast (which catering took as a personal affront). We understood and were ok with it, but sorry for them that their day started off so difficult. They rallied and gave us a great lunch and dinner but I hear tell certain deliveries didn’t arrive which made the day even more difficult for them. They deserve much applause because they still kept us in the style to which we have grown accustomed. I state again, I am already gaining that 10 pounds I thought I would. (Even running 20 miles a day around and around the arena).

It was difficult set up today, we were allocated one of the club rooms (great, not a locker room) but there was just ambient lighting. I gotta sew and I need Light. Our room couldn’t handle any more power being used. Two steamers and the sewing machine blew the circuit. I couldn’t even route power in from the hall.. it was all the same circuit. [grumble]. Too late to relocate us, so we had to limp through the day until I moved a ceiling tile and found out where they powered in the tv’s on the wall. These were on a separate circuit (the house electrician swore no) but suddenly I was running steamers, machines, irons, fans, and table lights without blowing a fuse. I’m not as dump as my hair may lead you to believe SIR.

We had a lot of work to do today, coming in with dirty laundry and dry cleaning too. The house refused to let us use their industrial washers/dryers, and we had to wait a few hours for our set to be powered up. We got it all done, but it was close. I was smart in pulling dry cleaning and only sent out what I had (clean) doubles of, so we managed to get the show prepped and set and only had 5 items to insert (at the last minute) when dry cleaning finally arrived back at the venue. Again, a tight day.

I think I had a 15 minute lunch and a 35 minute dinner. Glamorous!! I’m not complaining mind you, I’m just stating how the day went. I may be spoiled but I am working my ass off, running my ass off, and even in 15 minutes, eating my ass off… hehehe

Todays set list was more like the American version of the show than the French. In fact, it was the American Version. Only 1 French song, so the whole order of the show was revamped again which brought on the costume quick changes again. The new dancer (Scottish, and I adore his accent when he gets nervous) is doing very well and did a few more numbers tonight. I think he has one more piece to learn and then he’s in completely. So things are still changing and evolving on that front.

I had a pretty good crew today (outside of inappropriate clothes) but they all stepped up and dressed tonight. We had a bit of a slowdown during strike and I’m going to figure out how to clearly explain what I require cause I can’t be 5 places at once and watch 5 people working. I have to trust them to do what I ask and do it correctly. If they don’t, then I tell them again and make sure they do it, but something needs to change and I’m doing to talk to people tomorrow. I don’t believe the old system is the most beneficial, but I want to have solid suggestions for change before I propose how to make it work (for me). Problem is, there are so many variables… and pondering it at 2am is not the time for critical thinking. Hehehe

I have a leisurely call time of 12:30 tomorrow (today) so it will only be a 12 hour day tomorrow for prep, show 2 and loadout.

I will say that HerSelf was working extra hard tonight to engage the audience. They weren’t very responsive throughout the concert and I felt bad for her. Working so hard and not really feeling anything coming back from the house (perhaps the Montreal audiences were just awesome). Toronto screamed their heads off when it was over , but were very quiet during the show. HerSelf gave a great performance though (as always).

Now I must go to bed. I’ll post this if I can find an internet connection, if not, I will come to you up on my return to Montreal.

Still having a great time and still working my ass off. Now THIS is Rock-n-Roll!!

Love and Light!

Travel Day

2008-08-26T20:47:00.000-04:00

August 26, 2008

Montreal to Toronto

Travel Day

It is a beautiful ride from Montreal to Toronto on the train! Our group had one and a half cars reserved for our seating and they pre-boarded us prior to general seating. I was the emergency door operator, in case our attendant was disabled… Pull this lever, yank this cord, push this door, set the platform (after making sure there was no water, fire, or other trains). Once again the attendant started yammering at me in French, and I just smile and let them talk until they take a breath and then ‘Non parley-vous Frances.’ right back at them. I will admit I’ve started smirking a tad while doing it. (I’m tired, the novelty of hearing French has worn off, I’m afraid. Although I will say that I am actually starting to understand a bit of it, not to mention Merci rolls off my tongue at the drop of hat).

It is fantastic to be back in Toronto!! I haven’t been in this city in many years, and it is a delight to the senses to be here once more. I just wish we were going to be staying for longer than four days. The vibe is different here than in Montreal. The city is a bit grubbier; the homeless are a lot more aggressive than they were in Montreal or even in NYC. There are a lot of homeless here, or at least I see more of them here. Of course, we are staying in downtown east, in a very touristy area (just 2 blocks from the Eaton Centre) so perhaps they all congregate here, but damn are there a lot of them.

Toronto: home of The Worlds Biggest Bookstore. This is no joke, and I spent 2 hours wandering about inside. D, they have added a dvd section since I was here last. I didn’t buy anything today though. Half of my luggage is locked up in Montreal and I only packed for 4 days and two shows here in Toronto. Luggage restrictions on the train, you see. All good. I was not looking forward to dragging my entire baggage train along with me. I still have no idea when we are going to see our busses, but that is another story for another day. No purchases were made there, as I had gotten a new book that morning, and really don’t have the room to be traveling a library on top of everything else.

The crew is staying at a sweet Suite hotel. I have a mini kitchen and two widescreen HD tv’s in my suite. Again, I wish we were staying longer, or had more time to play but tonight is the only time we have free here in Toronto. Two shows in two days and then back to Montreal for another 2 or 3 shows. I suppose I should really look at my intinerary. It doesn’t matter though… I just know that I’ll be landing back in NYC on the 9^th, and that’s really all I need to know before then. “Be where they tell me be and I’ll be with the group and everything else is pageantry.”

New Venue and New Local Crew tomorrow. We will see how they roll in Toronto. We’ve got an early call tomorrow, so I’m in for the evening. I just can’t gear up to go out. I wandered about for a couple of hours upon arrival, treating myself to Burger King (yah, I won’t eat McDonalds that often, but a whopper with onion rings? I’m down!). It was a treat too. I had two helpings of onion rings, one with bbq sauce dip. Hmmmm I’m sure to be regretting that in an hour or so, but it was so good (the first time).

I’ve got 100 channels of tv but I’m not watching anything. I made a mad dash to TWO bookstores this morning in Montreal before leaving for the depot. The Gypsy Morph by Terry Brooks was released today. The first store had to send their copies back (I’m told) due to misprinting. Evidently half the text was illegible. Melissa was very helpful though and called a competitors store 3 blocks away to check if they had it in stock, and then I went racing over there to purchase the book and then a mad dash back to the hotel to check out and make it to the train. The good news is I had something interesting to read on the train! The bad news is I lost my latte somewhere in transit, my first and only coffee today. As a result I slept most of the ride here, but that is also OK. I only got about 4 hours of sleep last night and it’s good to catch up. I’m already feeling tired and forecast an early evening tonight.

Which is all for the best, having to be ready to work at 8am tomorrow. I have a coffeepot in my room and cremer, so I’m ready to roll in the morning.

I’ll post this when I get around to it, I have no free internet at this site so I don’t know when I’ll get online to post. It’s been liberating to be mobile free the last 2 weeks. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to call me mid week next week, when I’m back in the States.

February is booking up, at least the 3^rd set of Montreal shows is. BRRRRR I’m cold just thinking about it… We will see if I still love Montreal at 30 below 0…. Hehehe

It’s jammy time (that’s PJ’s) and then I’m going to curl up with a ginger ale and my book, and relax until I drift off to sleep and it’s time to Rock-n-Roll again!

Love and Light to you all!

Montreal, Part... whatever

2008-08-24T11:44:00.002-04:00

Montreal

Show number 5

Sigh! What a blessing to be sitting down for so long in a city, with the same crew. (ok, the same crew since we replaced Ms. Crazy). The process is easier when working with a crew who remembers their assigned tasks. Less questions, more efficient work getting done. This is extremely beneficial to us at the end of the night when we are moving racks, sorting clothes, doing laundry, et. Al.. I heard my boss say she is requesting the same crew upon our return here (even though it's just next week). This makes the process so much easier for all of us. Routine!!!

Show Number 5 was... (you guessed it) a smashing success. Once again, 20,000+ people screaming for their Diva. It puts a lot of things into perspective for moi; things which won't be discussed here for obvious reasons, but you get the idea, right? I must be getting older, do you know how LOUD 20,000+ people are on a Saturday night? Do you know how much beer was being flung around the venue. You couldn't pay me enough to do Security at a place like this. hehehe

Today we have a day off and then tomorrow is the final show (for this sitdown). We are getting this show back on the road this coming week. Toronto for two performances, and then we head back here to Montreal for a few more shows before heading back to the States, when this tour will actually start behaving like a real Rock-N-Roll Tour. It's been great to sit down for so long, and to have the same crew, but I keep reminding myself this isn't the way we typically roll. This is the calm before the storm, if you will.

Our Promoter (I'll detail this in a future blog, I can't do it right now) sponsored a cast n crew party last night after the show. We (wardrobe) got to attend the tail end of it; Laundry sweetie, Laundry must be done before we get to leave. It was at the Venue, in one of the club boxes/restaurants. Food, beverages (of the adult kind) and was very nice. You are going to get tired of reading it, but dammit, everyone is so freaking nice here. Perhaps I've just been in the City too long, I am suspicious of so many Nice people in one spot. Seriously though, it's refreshing to be surrounded by everyone in this state of mind. We all know who's paying the bills and are having a grand time doing our Thing. I've worked places like this before, but it is still astounding when everyone seems to be taking the same approach/attitude.

That being said, we have our issues, of course we do, it's not all sunshine this is Rock and Roll after all, and you got to be able to Roll in order to Rock. Last minute can be a theme and you just gotta roll and then figure out how to make it work.

I've got an early call tomorrow. It's load out day (twice) for us. The tour has been carrying around extra things, unused costumes and we are close to hometown here, so a bunch of stuff is getting packed and sent to the storage warehouse. This is going to be a big project, on top of just getting the show prepped and ready, and then loading out that evening/morning. Like I said, a two load out day for us. We are sitting pretty good though, and the early arrival will give us time to rally before the troops arrive and we are being pulled in several different directions at once. I'm looking forward to getting rid of some of the dead weight, and to actually have some room in the roadboxes. I have felt the compulsive need to reorganize things since I got here (it's well organized, but I can ALWAYS sort and improve). I'm hoping to get a bit more of Imp's logic in the dancers roadboxes, and once the dead clothes are gone, I will have space to hopefully make that happen.

Our new dancer went on for two numbers last night. Brilliant! We started the day fitting him in the entire lineup for his track. We still have a shoe issue or two (expected) but I think we have all the clothes we need for him, so that when he is ready to go on, the clothes are too. I spent most of yesterday in front of the sewing machine, doing alterations. That was a treat, to be Sitting down for a few hours and just doing alterations. It wasn't a difficult fit, but of course the clothes he needed for last night were the most time consuming alterations. Again, it was great to have a crew who knew what the routine was. It allowed me to work (relatively) undisturbed, and to process the work rapidly, all the while knowing that the regular show prep was being done.

Alright Kids, I've babbled enough this morning. It's time to take a shower and figure out what I'm going to do for lunch. Wardrobe has a plan (one of our seemingly favorite) of dinner and movie this evening. LOW KEY, as tomorrow is going to be a very long day for us. HA, I've been on this tour for over 2 weeks and we are just now getting to our second load-out! LMAO This too shall pass... soon!

Love and Light to you all.

in Mourning

2008-08-22T17:34:00.002-04:00

SGA (that's Stargate Atlanis) will conclude after season 5. No sixth season has been approved. There will be a 2 hour tele-movie (then released to dvd) which will air on SciFi early next year. What a shame that we are losing SGA.

SciFi has greenlighted Stargate: Universe, which will be the third incarnation of the SG series. Let's hope they do it right...

It's Official

2008-08-21T11:47:00.002-04:00

I'm confused (shut up)! More confused than usual?! hehehe

I've just reach the point where I am not sure what day it is; not that this is a bad thing. I do know WHERE I am, and I know that I don't have to work for the next two days. Just imagine being in production every day of your life; that is where I am. After a while it all starts to blend together. It doesn't matter if it's Monday or Wednesday or Friday or Thuesday (made it up, thank you becki), it just matters that you are where you are supposed to be. But it is a little disconcerting at times.

I'm not complaining, oh no!! Just saying I've lost track of the days of the week. Thank goodness for the computer being able to tell me that today is Thursday!! That being said...

Last nights performance was intense!! Our new crew person is great, the job was done well, although I am going to have to speak to some set people who are now moving set peices in my change area earlier than they used to (by two songs). I have to figure out if this is now normal or just them jumping the gun. I don't think dancers should be climbing over/around set pieces to get to me, and we have to clear the entire path for them to get that unit through and back out (or else my clothes get rolled under the unit and lost).

The dvd filming continues and there are camera's everywhere, mainly where you least expect them. Many times in the last few shows I've come flying around a corner to have camera's right up in my face. You know I move at a nyc clip and had to slam on the brakes. Once again I'm on a gig that doesn't allow a lot of time to get from point A to point B. Of course, I have it all down now,until they change the set list again.

Our new dancer arrives today and we will be putting him in the show on Saturday, beginning on Saturday, one number at a time until he has all the choreography learned. Looking forward to having him totally in and us getting back to a full line of dancers (and relearning the show with him back in, long story but it screws my end of night count up when people are out).

I'm going to state for the record again how glad I am that I'm not famous. Infamous perhaps, but not famous. I like the fact that I can still walk down the street alone and not be mobbed. The price of fame is more apparent every day that I'm on this tour and I see how the 'other' side lives, and just what it takes to get from one place to another. I'm glad I just throw on clothes and go. No waiting for the entourage, bodyguards, et. al. Just walk out the door. I like that fact I can walk through the press and no one pays the least bit attention to me (once they get past my hair).

It was blissful to sleep in this morning and then have a leisurely cup of coffee. I'm hungry and am going to wander out and get lunch. Imp is feeling like a Reuben sandwitch, and I'll get one too, if I can only remember which street to turn on... I've seen the place twice, I should be able to find it again. If not, it will be something else. Low Key.

My co-workers and I saw the Dark Knight on our last day off. Perhaps i'll catch Handcock today or tomorrow. I loved the dark knight, specially the costumes and the makeup. No spoilers here, but I had a great time.

Now it is time for me to get out and keep my tour legs in shape. Time for a walk and lunch.

Love and Light to you all!!

Swag Day

2008-08-20T02:04:00.003-04:00

This will be short and sweet cause I had two days off and lost the momentum, and Effie I'm tired!! hehehe

Today was swag day, I got three official tour shirts (hehehe) and a dufflebag, which is marked Europe 2008. Ok, so I didn't get to go to Europe with the tour, but I got the bag... LMAO Sorry Sis, you just KNOW I'm keeping this swag for myself. But we will get you some in Detroit if you want it, I promise.

Great show tonight for the performers. They are all to be commended! Long story as short as possible:

The dancer that was injured is out of the show until the next leg launches(no pun intended). We have a replacement on the way. We are very sad to see him go, but he's in a leg cast and moving around and still has big smiles for everyone. (Again I say, damn, what a great group of people).

Costume drama today revamping the show for 7 dancers not 8. Many of the sets of 4 are 2 and 2 so there was a bit of refitting/redesigning the look. We pulled it together and then had it ready for the designer to make a decision. All went well there.

The local crew person who has been making me crazy is not coming back to finish the run. We had a great new guy show up just moments before HerSelf took stage and even running it cold, he was hands down better. I later found out he's also the local president. Unfortunately we don't get to keep him; he's got other commitments. There will be a brand new person in tomorrow, and I don't care that we will have to re-educate someone. Perhaps everyone will get more work done now, perhaps.

Our hard-copy itinerary was handed to us today. Along with another piece of (sweet!) swag. I got a program for the show. Delicious!!! Now... where shall I have HerSelf autograph it for me? Certainly not on the holographic cover... hehehe

Another show tomorrow and then again, 2 days off. I could get used to this but I had best not. In less than 3 weeks I shall hit the 'ugly' part of this trip, 3 shows, back to back in 3 days (real Rock-n-Roll), and then I hit NYC and have one day off before we start our week in the Metro area. Perhaps I'll see you all then. D, I'm looking forward to seeing you in Philly just prior to my week back in NYC.

Love and Light to you all!

That was one long day

2008-08-17T02:36:00.003-04:00

Today was a very long day friends. My teeth were on edge most of the afternoon because of a certain local crew person. Wacked goes beyond saying. After being asked not to wear open toed shoes for the show tonight (cause she did yesterday), she showed up in a short skirt. A) she's too old to be wearing something that short. B) we are working under a deck, and therefore a short skirt hinders mobility AND it just isn't prudent for what she KNEW the job to be.

She kept asking (ignorant) questions all day long and was a slug to boot. Although I will give her credit, she DID step up and actually do the show tonight, even if I did have to point out clothes laying on the ground a few times.

There was actually drama backstage tonight too... right before the 6 numbers with 4 costume changes, one of the dancers went down. We finished the show without him and I'm really really concerned about him. I honestly hope he is ok. The medic person who travels with us was on the scene almost immediately and he and HerSelfs' bouncers got him out from under the deck and back to the dressing room. Say a prayer for the boy if you will....

I'm on holiday and I'm going to celebrate by going to bed before 3am. I have lots of options of things to do tomorrow and I want to be well rested for my adventures.

Love and Light to you all.... I'm free until Tuesday!!!! A real 'weekend' if you will!!!

Get Smart

2008-08-16T11:59:00.002-04:00

I got smart last night at 4am. I pulled the blinds and rolled over for a long summers nap. Wouldn't you know that I didn't see the outside of the eyelids until almost 11. Hurray for sleep in excess of 4.5 hours.

All I have to do is get through the next 14 hours and I am on two days holiday. Fun, Laughs, Good times!!!

I'm a hour away from my call time and not the least bit interested in dealing with a certain 4 local crew members today (but I am in a good place mentally). Time to take a quick shower, spike the hair, and pack up my laundry. It's time for some personal wash to get done, then I will be able to enjoy the next two days without guilt.

I adore chatting with my boss, I may have mentioned this a few times before. She's traveled the world, is a gemini, and has the best stories (and is not afraid to tell them, even the slightly off color ones). I adore honest people!!

A New Day has come, and it's time to jump in with both washers and wrap up this day and evening. I'm looking forward to uninterrupted wander time tomorrow!

Love and Light!

Montreal II

2008-08-16T02:37:00.002-04:00

Montreal
Show 1

Today was my first load-in and show here in HerSelf's hometown. Read that as a long day! There is nothing like doing a show in your hometown, and it's was really off the chart. Being in the frenchiest part of Canada, we were doing the french concert version. Just a little longer than the American version, and I got to hear HerSelf perform live versions of the french hits that I haven't gotten to hear anywhere else. WOW. The crowd was totally rejoicing in having their Diva home and the opening standing ovation seemed to last forever!!!

That being said, it was rather a difficult day. Our local crew (at least my department) was very excited to be included, but was more interested in the show than doing their job. A lot of babysitting happened today, including the wardrobe head (local) who had a tendency to wander away for close to an hour at a time. Difficult. Once we finally got to show time, I wondered why we spent so long going over the changes, as I seemed to be the only one on my side of the stage who was actually hanging up any clothes. It made the show a whole lot more difficult for me than it needed to be. At one point I was actually told, "You could do this all by yourself." "Not really, and tomorrow you both are going to step it up and participate more. I'm here to assist and to be free to handle emergencies." Sigh... We will see...

WOW, has it been a while since I have multi-tasked so much. A special shout out is going to PR and JR who will know exactly what I am talking about. I start working on one project, only to have to stop to supply info or projects to someone else, only to then start on another project, only to realize I already have something in process, only to find I have something more important that takes precedence over everything that I'm currently multi-tasking. It's all good, but the day sure FLIES by when you know you have to hustle to get everything done before curtain that evening. The closer you get to curtain time, the faster time flies, right?! Oh YEAH!!

I'm very glad we got the laundry washed and hung before we left the venue tonight. That means a much later call time tomorrow! Seeing as how it's now 3am, I'm very grateful that I am not reporting at 8am tomorrow (today).

Also, we do show #2 and then I am on holiday for 2 days. Unheard of in Rock-n-Roll!!! We are not traveling, we are just relaxing and free to entertain ourselves. I am very excited about exploring more of this city. Did I mention that Montreal Pride is this week? Parade on Sunday and I fully intend on taking full opportunity to see the Montreal Mo's turn it out for pride.

Over 20,000 people attending the concert tonight. Yes, they love the hometown Diva. It was a very special show for a lot of people. Most of the crew is based close to this city and so a lot of family was present this evening and everyone is in great moods, even with a hardcore load-in and performance.

I must put myself to bed now. I have reached my limit of consciousness for the day, and it's already tomorrow.

I am still having a grand time, even with the difficult moments, but that is why I love my job!

Love and Light!

Montreal

2008-08-14T22:58:00.002-04:00

Boston, MA to Montreal, Canada
Travel Day

The second (and last) Boston show went very well. The audience was really vibing and HerSelf was in fantastic voice!!! The load-out was pretty painless, in fact; I was out of the venue an hour earlier than I was on a non load-out evening. Go figure!

It's a fantastic show; I'm looking forward to the Montreal shows. We will have a different set list here in Canada (the french shows), which means different clothes... ok, perhaps not different clothes, but different orders, and other clothes that aren't used in the US, but different enough to be dangerous until I learn what it's all about.

We wrapped up Boston and headed back to the hotel last night. I was just too pooped to blog, or even to pack. This morning was a flurry of activity in the hotel room trying to make sure I
A) had everything
B) had the right clothes in the proper suitcase

OK, let's educate you on how I pack for tours. First of all, for bus and truck, I require 3 items of luggage (because I have shoes). First is the big suitcase, which contains the bulk of shoes, and extras like the one NICE outfit that I may need, and the overflow of socks, undies, jeans and other Misc. The 2nd suitcase (smaller than the first) contains what I need to live and work in for about 5 days. My show blacks and personal grooming items are a part of this pack, as well as my laundry bag for dirty clothes. Included in the 2nd suitcase is the empty duffle bag. On load out days, the duffle bag gets packed with the showering/personal items so that I can clean up/shower and put on my jammies at the venue before I get on the bus to head to the next city. The first suitcase (overflow) basically lives in the belly of the bus. The 2nd suitcase is what checks into the hotel with me, and the duffle bag travels between the hotel some days, but basically lives in the bus where I can access it while it is moving.

So it takes a bit of time to repack and get set up but operates flawlessly as long as I am sober and coherent when I pack. It also makes traveling easier cause I'm not hauling everything around every time I change cities/venues.

That being said, we are not on our tour buses yet, so I AM hauling everything around, for about another 3 weeks. We don't get our buses until later in the month, after we have trained from Montreal to Toronto and then back to Montreal.

For those of you who asked or where wondering: No, we don't have a jump-set. We are completely in and out of each venue, even when we are returning to a previous venue 3 days after we just played there.

We left Boston this morning on two charter buses for Montreal and I am in trouble!!! We arrived here about 5pm and I was starving. My co-workers and I went out and had a great greek meal (they had a great greek meal, I should have known better than to order steak at a greek place). I can't remember the name of the place right now, but it was in a great neighborhood and this is where I am in trouble. I've been here 6 hours, and I am totally falling in love with this city. It's beautiful and if everyone weren't trying to speak french to me it would be perfect!!! hehehe

Seriously though, I am much impressed with this city and am really looking forward to spending the next 12 days here (a luxury hardly ever afforded on Rock-n-Roll). I have a fantastic view of the cityscape from my 19th floor hotel room, and am currently looking into the huge glass windows of the Bell Center, 1 block away, where I will be loading in tomorrow (in about 7 hours).

That being said, it's time to bring this latest installment to a close and put myself down. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day, and the DVD filming continues the entire time we are here.

Everyone is still super pleasant and nice and happy to be working. I'm looking forward to this new set list cause I will be able to hear HerSelf sing more than one song in french, and while I don't understand much of it, it is a beautiful language to her sung... or at least I should say I enjoy her french albums just as much as I do the english ones.

Ah, the rays of the full moon are piercing the clouds and lighting up the roof of the venue. Oh, the venue capacity tomorrow in our show configuration? 20,000+ people

Mega-cool!!!

Love and Light!!

We are open

2008-08-13T11:39:00.002-04:00

I need more sleep than 4 or 4 1/2 hours, when I am working a 16 hour day.

Short today, but we are OPEN... and it's great.

One more show and then we are heading to Montreal for a nice little sit-down. I still have piles of work to do, but at least we won't be loading in and out every day for a little while.

Yah, I got a lot more to say but no time right now. I'm too delirious and could easily say something that could be held against me... ;-)

Love and Light.

Day Three

2008-08-12T00:14:00.003-04:00

Boston

Day Three

It's going to be short tonight folks. I've got a lot of work and a 14+ hour day tomorrow. Dress rehearsal in the afternoon, and opening the concert tomorrow night.
HerSelf should be in town now, and tomorrow is CD day. LMAO

WILD day at work, a lot of which I can't really go into. Suffice to say that it was a rough start to the day, the newbie was the only one at work this morning when the local crew arrived and for many reasons beyond my control there wasn't much for them to do until certain things arrived. Which they did, eventually.

But it was a long, rough day which I survived. New clothes going into the show tomorrow (if we get them performance ready). A few re-designs, and our leader went to the hospital last night, where she remained throughout the day. Nothing serious, she will be with us tomorrow, but we were down a very important person today which made things difficult.

ALL GOOD though. We survived and we are going to open this puppy tomorrow!!!

Met and fit the dancers today. What a great group of people, seriously. They warmed my heart.

Early call tomorrow in the attempt to be fully prepared for dress rehearsal.

Still kicking as$ and loving life... even if I am a bit... well, this photo sums it up, sans the pint!!

It's an ironing board.... get it?

I discovered this awning mere blocks from the hotel.... Priceless!!!

Love and Light and good night!

Day Two/ Load in

2008-08-10T23:55:00.000-04:00

Boston
Day Two
Load-In

Mega!!! But more on that later…
The day started leisurely with a stop at Panera Bread, which is right around the corner from the hotel. You all know I’m worthless (and even quite cranky) before my first cup of coffee. I could have (and probably should have) made coffee in my room. I do have a coffee pot and coffee mugs, but I was very excited about Panera, as we don’t have them in NYC.

I ordered a muffin and a latte and paid for my order. The cashier then headed over to the coffee bar, where I watched her open a manual. It was then I discovered she was wearing a pink shirt when everyone else was in black. Trainee? Anyhow… I watched her make the latte which included seeing her pull the milk out of the refrigerator. It was a little light on the milk by the time she completed it, but again, I wasn’t over the edge or anything. I’m actually in a very good place right now, and my patience is longer than is typical for me (especially before my first cup of coffee).

I took my latte and a muffin and proceeded to cross 3 major intersections which brought me to the wharf/docks. I sat down on a bench and enjoyed my morning java and muffin surrounded by water and major boats. It was a beautiful and sunny morning, and not too hot either. It was a lovely breakfast on the bay. Until…. My stomach revolted. I had barely made it back to my hotel room when I realized that my stomach was not having any of that latte. All the talk yesterday about vomiting? Well today, I did. Then felt perfectly ok after a 30 minute laydown.

I had a noon meeting with the wardrobe supervisor and my fellow co-worker. I had yet to actually meet either of them face to face. Our call time wasn’t until 3:30, and we decided to have lunch and get acquainted prior to load-in commencing for us at the venue. We strolled down to State Street and over to the Faneuil Hall area where the three of us finally decided that the Cheers bar/grill had the best menu of what we were looking for. It was an amazing couple of hours, and it’s very refreshing to come to realize that all three of us have similar tastes. “I think this menu is too limited.” We all agreed. “I would like something a little bit lighter than what’s offered here.” Agreed. What a lovely stroll and early afternoon it was. We have many friends and co-workers in common. I have stated to many of you that I have been working towards this gig the last 20 years of my life, and it’s true. If it weren’t for the friends we have in common, I wouldn’t be here on this tour right now.

Mega. You didn’t think I had forgotten I mentioned that, did you? Great Balls of Fire!! Yah, it’s MEGA. I mentioned yesterday that there were 50+ people at this hotel. What I didn’t mention is that there are another 50+ people at another hotel. There are over 100 people who travel with HerSelf to make this all happen. You want more statistics/logistics? Ok! In the European Legs of the tour there were 5 tour buses full of staff and no less than 17 semi trailers of equipment. This show is MEGA.

We arrive at the venue at 3:30. Load in had commenced at 6am this morning (I love not stage managing… showing up for a huge load in 9 hours after it starts). I step off the freight elevator to be surrounded with the typical load in insanity. The first thing that catches my eye is Herself’s autograph/logo. It’s painted on every single road box/crate/hamper in the joint. It was only THEN that I realized that I was not in fact being Punked, and that this was really happening. Now I’m like a kid in a candy store… (but still perfectly calm and collected because I know She isn’t anywhere in the building until Tuesday).

It took about 30 minutes to finally get to the actual wardrobe room, because people were stopping us every 2 steps to say hello to my co-workers and to be introduced to me. This is Very much a family atmosphere, the rumours were true. I, of course, blossom when surrounded by foreign accents (although I will point out that I Am the Foreigner here).

Oh, sports arenas. The smell of stale man scent and spilled booze. There is nothing like it. Let there be no doubt that place is huge and will be filled to capacity on Tuesday and Wednesday evening.

I got my crash course in concert wear. It’s all very well organized and packed and we begin by unpacking the racks so that road boxes can be emptied. I start with the musicians and work my way into the dancers. Then I started to unpack and set up for the fittings that will be happening tomorrow. It’s not as bad as I initially thought, but we still have a lot of work to do, and get done as soon as possible; we need great looking clothes ASAP as the tour DVD begins filming long shots on Tuesday, our North American premier.

I am on top of the world… and we are not even to Sound Check or rehearsal yet!
Let’s chat for just a moment about how fat I am going to be at the end of this tour, shall we?! We are not fed by the local catering. Oh no, not us. HerSelf travels her own caterers, and I am here to tell you I am easily going to gain 10 pounds. I had a porkchop tonight that almost blew my mind. Everyone had been talking about how great the food was, but nobody did it justice. I am truly being spoiled rotten. I can only imagine eating 3 meals a day from these incredible people, all of whom greeted us by name when we arrived at the venue.

Let’s talk about Love. Let’s talk about life. Let’s talk about how I have admired the Voice. Let’s talk about how much Herself is spending to keep her crew spoiled and happy. Living life on the bus and working Rock-n-Roll is NOT an easy lifestyle, especially when you are at it for months at a time. My knowledge of the industry makes me very jaded sometimes, but this production team is going out of their way to do everything possible to keep us happy and healthy. My respect (and utter awe) has grown tremendously. Consider that … How many more hundreds of thousands of dollars a day could be going into their coffers, but instead, they are sharing the wealth, with all of us, down to the local people behind the scenes who are working to insure all of our welfare, well being, and success. MEGA!!

Now before you get all bent out of shape, thinking I’m being spoiled rotten (I am), I beg you to consider that even though I started ‘working’ today at 3:30, I also put in a 9 hour day. A short day, as tomorrow is going to be even longer, and Tuesday will consist of a rehearsal and a performance. When we really start to hit our stride on the road, I will be working from 6am to well after 1 or 2am. It’s Still Rock-n-Roll…

Oh my friends, I can’t express the joy I feel for the blessings I have received. I am working with a very talented and Great group of people, for an artist that I have loved for years. It’s more than I dreamed of, and again I remind you. I haven’t even met her yet.

Time for a shower and then off to bed. I’m excited for tomorrow morning, as I discovered a 7-11, three blocks from the hotel, that has my hazelnut cremer in a pump next to their coffee machine. Tomorrow I get to have my morning java my usual way!!!

Love and Light to you all!!

Travel Day/Day One

2008-08-09T23:00:00.000-04:00

New York and Boston

Day One

I’m coming to you live from Boston peeps!!! That’s correct, I’ve finally reached the end of the travel day and am kicking back in my (swanky) hotel room, keeping my promise to keep a journal of sorts.

Ah, Day one. It was a rough start to the day. It won’t come as any surprise that I’m way psyched about this gig. To the point of being crazy nervous about it. Ok, I’m not the least bit worried about my skills, I am more than capable of the work; but it has been a hard haul getting here. I’m more nervous about going back on the road and leaving my house, and my ‘normal’ life (Not that I put any stock in normal). Several times this morning I was actually wondering if I just needed to go vomit and get it over with. Worked up!! Yes, I do get excited about my work on occasion, and if you are reading this entry then you know exactly how big this gig is for me.

I got everything all pulled together and packed, although I had started to think I was going to have to have my own personal (clothing) gondola. I had to keep reminding myself that the suitcases could not be Full upon departure. It was quite an agonizing experience, trying to decide how I was going to present myself for the next several weeks. It may surprise some of you that I no longer have a blue Mohawk. I still have a Mohawk, but the color has gone to the way side. Anyhow, finally got it all into suitcases and got into the car and headed for the airport.

I had an incredible flight to Boston on the Delta shuttle. Now I have had some really crappy Delta flights in my day, but taking the shuttle rocks!! It has its own separate terminal, and it was a breeze. Very efficient and non annoying. Even the people seemed more pleasant. Of course the flight from NYC to Boston is so fast you barely have time for a beverage service… right about the time you hit cruising altitude, you are starting your descent. I’ve raged about Delta in the past but today they were a great airline.

Upon arriving in Boston, I grabbed my luggage and started to wonder to a different terminal where my tour mates were arriving and the van was to take us to the hotel. The flight from Montreal was delayed slightly so I had plenty of time to make it. I found myself standing by their luggage claim (which was servicing 3 different flights) and just watching people. Shortly there after I turned my head to see this middle-aged gentleman checking me out (as I’m standing next to 2 suitcases and a laptop).

“Are you waiting for a group of people?” he asked.

“Not just any group of people…” I replied.

He broke into a big grin and introduced himself; I had just scored a few points with the business manager. Off to a good start with him anyhow. I had picked a few people out of the crowd at baggage claim, wondering if they were tour mates. I was right about a few of them (but how hard is it to guess that the young man with tattoos covering both arms does Rock-n-Roll?)

I was asked how my French was, on the way to the hotel. “Lousy” I replied. I’ve been assured that it’s going to get better over the next few months (Or else I’m going to be left out of a lot of conversation). All good though, it will happen or it won’t; and I have just started back up with my Italian lessons again, so that ought to confuse my mind even more! Perhaps Mr Montreal (with the tattoos) would like to tutor me. Perhaps I can teach him some Italian, or American English.

Upon checkin at the hotel, I get a list… there are 54 people staying at this hotel with our group. I’m just saying… perhaps this will decline once we get rolling again, perhaps not… but it seems like a large group of people to be traveling to each city (please note that tour buses only have 12 bunks per bus).

I took a walk along the river front here in Boston after I got checked in. It was already dark and the lights were reflecting off the water. Boston is a beautiful city at night. I stopped and got a couple bottles of water and a light dinner to bring back to the hotel.

My room is loaded. Not only do I have coffee maker and iron/ironing board, but I also have a bathrobe. Sigh. I love being pampered. The thing that Really amazed me though: There is a large umbrella in my room! Yes, it’s the hotels, I checked… That’s what I call service.

I must conclude now. It’s almost 2am and it’s been a very long day. I am having lunch with my boss and other co-worker tomorrow prior to heading to the arena for our portion of the load in tomorrow (today). Nice slow launch (?) for this one, our first rehearsal and show is on Tuesday. Of course, any of this could change at the drop of a Canadian nickel… hehehe

Imp is here, and ready to play!! Bring it on.

Love and Light to you all!

Priceless

2008-08-05T21:56:00.002-04:00

Less than a week

2008-08-03T10:01:00.002-04:00

The preparation and the Pack continues... I depart this Saturday for Boston and the beginning of one of the biggest (and for me, most exciting) jobs in my career.

The equipment and tools have been sorted and repacked. My small kit is packed and ready to travel.

I'm having major issues with personal clothing. At one point in time, the only colour in my wardrobe was black; now it's decidedly blue. Tiffany Blue, baby blue, but Blue. It is time for a return to black; show blacks. I had a good shopping trip last week that included a great pair of black cargo pants (comfort first), and a handful of black shirts... I am still not complete.

Can you imagine trying to pack 2 suitcases to travel and successfully clothe yourself for the next 7 months?

It's been many, many years (at least 12) since I had to pack for such an extended gig. I used to be able to pack the day before and out the door I would go. Perhaps I'm older and crankier now; I'm decidedly older anyway. I can't imagine how I'm going to do it. I'm not overwhelmed, this is what I do for a living. It's just been a long time and I'm a bit out of my personal comfort zone at the moment.

Let's face it: I could pack one full suitcase (overweight of course) of nothing but shoes....

It will all come together soon. I'm going to make it all come together soon. I must. I must also remember not to leave with both suitcases full, for there will be no room for further purchases...

The easy stuff is accomplished. There are new t-shirts, socks, and underwear already packed. Everything matches of course (I refuse to mate socks unless they are paying my union scale). Shiny white new t-shirts (pit stains do not travel), and comfortable drawers (cause when you are working 18 hour days, there is NO patience for undies that creep, crawl, or bind).

I still need to find a pair of tour shoes. I think the last time I did an arena tour I estimated that I walked about 5 miles a day... around and around the arena. I think perhaps this tour will be less running, but until I get there, I don't really know.

Another black pair of pants and at least 4 more shirts are needed. Of course I want to look my best. One must not appear to take care of HerSelf looking like a rag-muffin!!!

I'm having separation anxiety already... The kittens know something is going on; they realize what the suitcase means. They just don't realize just how long Daddy is going to be away. Of course I am not worried about their care. My roommate is a top notch caregiver (no offense AuntiE, and thanks for being able to step up if the need arises); but I still worry. They are my babies...

Today I purchase the 'other' suitcase. It was on the list o things to do yesterday, but was trumped by the rather intense morning thunderstorm. I was not hauling luggage home in the rain. By the time the rain passed, I was too engrossed in home projects to leave the house.\

Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock.

Almost all of the business aspects of my life are now managed. I am ready on that end. Bills are up to date, the new laptop is running and has all the required info transferred over to it. I am once again "Mobile."

Speaking of Mobile, it's time to get out of the house and get some of that shopping done. I just wish I was more in the mood to do it....

Until the next time:

Love and Light!!

I fell in Love here

2008-07-30T16:34:00.002-04:00

A few hours in the afternoon was spent laying in the grass and speaking (broken) english and italian. This was the place when I realized I was going to kiss the boy....

Can you relate?

2008-07-26T16:12:00.001-04:00

I'm passing this along, cause I can relate....

He was just having one of 'those' days...

Cackles

Aspire

2008-07-24T20:14:00.002-04:00

Aspire.

What a fitting word in this Imps life the last few weeks. What Aspirations does Imp have? (other than being wealthy and healthy enough to travel all over the world). I haven't had many career aspirations lately. Burned out on the broadway circuit really, enjoyed a bit of professional dance this spring and was really looking forward to Not having a show this summer and just, well, Kicking it.

Aspire.

Now I'm no longer Aspiring to kick it and laze around this summer (but damn if I wasn't looking forward to it, and even dreaming of lounging about my quiet home with a paperback and cocktail). Suddenly I awake from my pipedream to discover that I'm about to embark on a Huge National (plus) tour, with a celebrated Pop Diva, and my summer(?) has been limited to the next two and a half weeks.

I should ASPIRE to start packing and getting my life together. I should Aspire to finish the Lists I've created to keep myself busy this summer. On that note, I have in fact accomplished major and minor miracles. I've gotten a whole sh!tload of errands run, and I should be far enough along early next week to actually begin the pack...

Celebrate for me, I'm Not complaining!!! There are only 2 (maybe 3) people that would actually get me back on a tour bus, and one of the called, and can afford me. hehehe

Aspire.

Aspire to be successful. Just in case the doubt sets in, just remember how long you are going to travel around Europe at the end of this tour. Oh yes... You peeps get ready, cause this Imp is coming to your continents next summer, and I expect to enjoy some beach time and at least 2 cocktails with each and every one of you.

Aspire to be available.

My new laptop arrived yesterday and I'm still learning how to type on it. You know, that period of adjustment from a raked keyboard to a flat one. Grrrr....

Aspire... is also the model/name of my laptop. Irony? Shall i aspire to get everything transferred and backed up before Vista eats it all? Well, Shall I?!

I'm not going to be around much for the next several months, at least until things calm down a bit, but I do hope to make regular short notes on where I am and the fun and fabulous goings on of the tour...

Coming to a city near you soon!

Love and Light!

Hexbreaker

2008-07-24T20:08:00.002-04:00

Check it out people!!! My dear friend has another book being published, so get yourself a copy!!!

I'm looking forward to reading it; I have known and admired Devon for many years. I'm sure we won't be disappointed. Pick yourself up a copy and discuss it with your friends!

Love and Light!!

I made it!!!

2008-06-30T15:49:00.002-04:00

Ballet season is wrapped!!! I'm officially unemployed!! Blissful I tell you. I got up at 6am, puttered around until 7:30, filed my unemployment claim, did laundry, and packed a suitcase.

Not bad, eh?!

Everyone keep your fingers crossed for me. I'm in the running for a totally awesome gig, and I need all the good thoughts I can get! A dream job of mine!!! More to follow after I book it!!

Pasta Salad is made. Peach cobbler is in the oven.

Done with as many chores as I care to do today.

I'm about ready to leave on Wednesday. I mean, after the hobby store, Dr, and pub crawl, that is. (Which is why I am almost packed already).

It's a beautiful day and Im going to go sit on my front porch with a book and some homemade lemonade.

Love and Light!

Almost

2008-06-28T10:13:00.002-04:00

Just 3 more programs/performances and I will have wrapped the spring season at the Ballet. 54 ballets in 9 weeks. Whew!!

I should be concerned about getting packed for my travels that commence next week; I am concerned, I just haven't done anything about it. Laundry must be done first, before any packing really takes place. It's been excessively hot in CA from what I'm told, and of course, I'm also traveling to the desert, so I need to have cool coverage.

I really need to just go shopping, but I'm holding off on that one until I get the Job completed.

It will come as no surprise that I'm Tired. I'm looking forward to this holiday and being away from the city for a while.

Several other things are complicating my life right now; most of it mental and it's been a trial trying to keep it together. I detest feeling fragile and yet at the same time wish there was someone who could shelter me from (basically) myself. (Disgusting as that statement is, tis true).

I'm strong enough to live through it and I shall.

Happy Pride to all you Mo's out there. Once Again I continue working throught pride weekend; but I want you all to know I'm celebrating in spirit with you.

I have a pub crawl scheduled with one of my great friends next Tuesday... The day before I leave on Holiday. Has been a long time since we've had one of those, and I'm looking forward to it!!!

Love, Light, and Happy July to you all!
xo

Thank You

2008-06-24T23:47:00.002-04:00

To the attractive mo' in the blue Armani Exchange shirt:

Thank for holding that door for me mate. Even if I did practically closeline myself on your forearm on my way through.

Nice to have a handsome one hold the subway doors for me... It cut 20 minutes off my commute home tonight, and for that alone I would have bought you that drink...

I owe ya one...

How do you spell Relief?

2008-06-11T10:12:00.002-04:00

R-A-I-N!!!

I wandered outside during the ballet last night. Imagine my surprise when I exited the theatre to find a stiff cold wind blowing, lightening flashing every 5 seconds, and the occasional roll of thunder and drop of rain striking my face. It was blissful. The temperature had to have dropped 20 degree's.

Being from Michigan, my thoughts immediately turned to "this is perfect tornado weather." Luckily we didn't experience any of those. After being so hot for so many days, it was nice to stroll to the subway after work. While the platform was still roasting underground, it was absolutely lovely walking there.

The garden is heaving a sigh of relief. Too many days with high temperatures. I checked it this morning and everyone is happy and healthy, if still a tad wilted from the excessive heat.

Not much new to report this morning. It's now midweek (not quite humpday for me yet) and things are progressing smoothly. I'm just really happy that it's a bit cooler. All that heat was making (even) me a bit more testy than usual. I'm sure my coworkers will appreciate the cooler Imp, cause I sure wasn't having much of it yesterday. (And we had the kids from the ballet school in doing performances yesterday and today and sunday). Those of you who know me, know that I am not a huge fan of children. Not to mention most of those boys are just hitting puberty and someone hasn't taken them aside yet and mentioned personal hygiene. Soap! Use it! Deodorant! Use it. And change your socks once a day!! I had close to 20 kids changing in a very small room yesterday and I had a flashback to jr high gym locker room. That SMELL... I thought I was going to faint.

It made me realize how lucky I am with my regular dancers. They may be sweaty, but they don't really stink.

Going to do it again today.

Typhoid Mary is back in the building; ie my coworker who gave me that nasty cold a few months ago. He started hacking and coughing again. I made a very firm statement *(again) about the importance of NOT touching My Things. (See aforementioned statement about the heat and my testy-ness). If you are going to blow your nose, do not pick up and examine my cell phone, scissors, markers, chalk, anything. Wash your hands and keep them limited to YOUR tools. I can imagine the look on his face when I invoice him for time worked cause he coughed all over me.

Patience, I'm still working on it. Stupidity: Not having it, EVER.

Time to rally for work. I finally got my hairs cut, (almost all of them) and the color has been refreshed. The blue 'hawk is loud and proud. Amazing what a difference a cut and color can make.

Love and light to you all!!!

Push the fluids and keep to the shade!
xo

How you feelin'? Hot Hot HOT

2008-06-07T10:52:00.002-04:00

They say it's going to be close to 97 degrees today. I believe it enough that I went downstairs and gave the front flower bed a good drink to help sustain it through the heat of the late morning (the only time it receives direct sunlight. I'm very happy with the white, purple, and coral/salmon impatiens there, they are all blooming their little heads off, and have started to spread and fill out the bed quite nicely.

Unfortunately the roses did their big bang and and are now just green... but it was great having full blown color in the bed before any of the neighbors... hehehe Yes, I'm like that.

I've even been getting to know the neighbors a little bit. The older (not quite elderly) lady /matron next door has been offering 'friendly advice' on my garden... I take it in stride, cause I am NOT trying to alienate the neighborhood, but I give it right back when I know she's misguided. Just cause sport a blue mohawk and look like I'm a kid, does not mean I do not know what I'm doing. I've been growing things for longer than I've been doing theatre and I'll thank you to NOT take it upon yourself to 'assist' in watering my flower pots and beds... Papa is going to be unemployed soon, and is going to need this Project to help pass his time!!

My major battle lately is with myself. There are 3 shrubs (small very small and skanky) in my front bed. I want them gone, but I also know I'd probobly give the landlady's mother a stroke if I remove them. She isn't here, and Should she return to us, I don't want to hear it. I know they are precious to her or they wouldn't be there... so precious I haven't even considered asking the landlady if I could remove them. So I deal and try to turn a blind eye to them... hehehe

The tomatoes are taking over the front porch. I even have little greens ones and so far the squirrels are leaving them alone... Merely lulling me into a false sense of security I know, the matron next door has warned me repeatedly about them... and I am well aware. Those little buggers like to completely unearth the snapdragons and paw through my pots in search of treats.

The work life in the world o dance is going well. I actually had some real work to do this week (Work that wasn't just sewing in labels). I was actually altering costumes. Yah!! Yesterday was a very busy day with no less than 6 dress rehearsals. A big money day and it was busy but not crazy.

Caught up on the gossip from the old broadway show... Let me just state again how happy I am to be out of there. This summer is going to be positively insane with changeovers and replacements and that is just the flagship. Most of the national companies are closing/relocating this year as well. Glad they are doing so well; glad I am no longer intimately involved...

The roommate FINALLY gave notice on her show and is supervising an upcoming limited run starting next week. I have high hopes of attitude adjustments and her finding a different outlook on life. She's been miserable at the old job, and I hope this new one leads her to better and happier pastures.

Of course, this has completely whacked my summer plans a bit. I was thinking I was going to have the house to myself for a majority of the summer, and I still will... but it appears we are both going to be unemployed later in the summer and I know that is going to cause Her angst about money... Perhaps even me too a little, I am comfortable here (who would have believed it) and I enjoy having a place Outside the city...

Thanks D for all the recommended reading lists you've been sending me. I've hit a lull in the new releases that I'm waiting for and it's great having someone who knows what interests me and doesn't give me something to read that I consider to be crap!

Had quite a bit of time to ponder things lately, and for some reason I keep reliving certain dates that I've been on... Don't panic, it's the great dates I've been dwelling on... in fact this was supposed to be a post about them. Alas at this point I don't really have time to go into detail so I'll save that for the day off blog. For someone who doesn't hardly date, i've sure had some hum-dingers and I guess that makes a simple dinner boring in some aspects, specially since my great dates have been electric and off the hook.

I miss myself sometimes... I miss the ignorance and energy of youth. I don't really miss the innocence, but I do find myself longing at times for the simpler life. And for someone to share my precious time with. I can't help it that I'm a hopeless romantic with a vicious reality streak. Someday perhaps I'm going to find someone who fits and who understands and who stays in my life. Or not; I'm not ever settling for someone who isn't right again, for someone who takes advantage and acts like nothing is wrong. I've learned some very hard and very painful lessons. I'm not perfect either (far from it) but I would rather be single and lonely than miserable and coupled.

Maudlin? Not really, just deeply reflective. Having a bit of time during the day to think, and to watch other people interact has opened a new pathway of thought. I've begun viewing life differently in the past few months. Everything has been changing for me... new house, new job, new outlook on life. I don't know if I'm any happier, but I'm a lot less stressed. I still don't really Want to go to work, but I no longer Dread going...

The more I ponder it, the more I think I need something else. I'm searching it out. I'm switching things up in my life. Everything has been a very positive improvement and yet I'm still not satisfied. (Not that I think I ever will be, I'm simply not That Kind of Personality). I sure am looking forward to this summer of doing things for me and spending time with some friends again, instead of slinging dirty dance belts around this city....

The time has come to get it together for work. It's a no cue day at the ballet today, so I'm taking in my script for Pirates. It's time to really begin the process for the upcoming fall show...

Happy June to you all. Much Love and Light!

Commencing Week Six

2008-06-03T10:18:00.002-04:00

Thus begins week six of the spring season. We are more than half way through the Spring Season, and have a mere 3 weeks left of performances. There are still a couple of BIG ones coming down the pike at us, in addition to a few TBA's for Dancers choice. I believe we open another really large and labor intensive ballet this weekend. All continues to flow smoothly though, and the issues that are being had are no direct result of anything I have (or have not) done.

It is a whole lot different for me, I've pulled back since I left the green machine. Not getting deeply involved, not getting vested in it. It really is a 'job' and not so much my life... I like it; it is going to stay that way.

After stating that: It was a very BUSY day off(?) yesterday. I had a 12 hour day yesterday, non-stop, of personal things that needed to be accomplished. It started with Laundry in the morning when I woke up, and ended with a few dozen oatmeal/raisin cookies coming out of the oven. In between there was a trip to Target (for litter and cat food), Home Depot for tomato cages (a dismal failure, but came home with dowels and staked those plants anyhow), a trip to the market (just a little one) for items for dinner.

On a summery note: The roommate and I made homemade lemonade yesterday. We had a bunch of lemons and I thought lemonade would be the perfect thing for mid afternoon. It was plenty warm yesterday and I was right. It just hit the spot!!

While the drink was refreshing, it did little to elevate the "I'm working 12 hours on my day off" attitude. hehehe This is why I don't want to do shows any more. I Want more than 36 hours off in a week. I want a real weekend, or at least 2 days where I am not required to be anywhere for employment purposes. Cramming all my errands into one day is more than Fine, provided I get the chance to then sit down and enjoy myself a little in my house before I head back into the city for the man...

I haven't put the air conditioners in the windows yet, but yesterday was a very near thing. Being in the kitchen with the oven on, made it clear this task is on the To Do Soon list.

One of my neighbors (an Old Indian lady) warded herself against the evil eye yesterday when I walked past her front stoop and issued "Good afternoon" to her. I was so shocked that all I could do was laugh. I even had my ball cap on, so it wasn't like the blue hair scared her. I wonder what she was sensing that made her think that I was the latest walking evil incarnate.... I'm not saying she was wrong, I just wonder What it was....

I have more that I could go on about, but the time has come to prepare myself to head into the city. No dress rehearsals today, but a full day of them tomorrow. Today should be relatively easy.

Happy and Healthy June to you all, where ever you are. 26 days left of employment!!! :-)

Love and Light!

2008-05-25T12:02:00.002-04:00

The Yellow Roses are now blooming...

First of the season

2008-05-19T16:39:00.005-04:00

The First Rose to bloom in my garden, I got a perfect one, right out of the gate...
Love and Light to you all!

Hack

2008-05-19T16:13:00.003-04:00

Hack: as in coughing your brains out...

Imp has got the crud; thanks to a certain someone at work coughing all over him about 10 days ago. GRRRR Keep yo hands and yo germs to yo-self people...

I stayed at home in bed yesterday, all day. Luckily I had plenty of juice in the house, and kept pouring the OJ and the Cranberry juice (sans the vodka).

Felt well enough this morning to sort and do the laundry (cause Monday is the only laundry day I have until July). Went to the 'other' laundromat and I am going to continue to go there. Nice people, big, clean... and most importantly, not ghetto. I mean not trashy... I was actually thrilled to be at the laundromat, sick as that is. And I was in and out in 90 minutes, which included bedding. Which can only mean that the dryers actually get hot... and they do, I shrunk the kittens blanket...

There are a few dozen oatmeal/raisin cookies on my buffet, cooling; the corned beef is on the stove and starting to smell great, just barely bubbling in one of my favorite stock pots. Evidently I'm being a domestic Imp today. Which means I'll have meals and snacks for a couple of days!!!

The new gig has been going great. More hours that I had forecast, but when you have 54 shows to rep in 9 weeks.... I'm adjusting to being away from the broadway, and dealing solely with dancers, and ballet dancers at that. It's a whole other world; and I'm fine here for the time being. It's a decent cheque, not too taxing on the brain, and it will be over at the end of June, and then I can begin dealing with the upcoming show that I'm designing for a midwestern, private, liberal arts university.

The libretto arrived today in the mail...

I am in lust with the mailman. No seriously.

The first Rose of the season has bloomed. Will post the pic after I transfer it... One of the 3 rosebushes produces Red Roses. We are still waiting to see what the other ones are; no one here seems to recall what color they were.

I am currently waging a losing battle with the Queens squirrels. Those little buggers keep digging out my snapdragons in the front bed. I mean completely digging the rootballs out of the ground. I head out for my morning coffee to see my ladies drying out in the dirt.

As of yet, they are staying away from my tomatoes... as well they should!!!

All is well here on the NY front.

Love and Light to you all!

Chainsaws

2008-04-26T09:06:00.002-04:00

It was a startling beginning of the day for this Imp. First of all, I bolted up from a dead sleep because someONE was standing in my bedroom. Nothing to Panic about, it was only my roommate and she was rearranging kittahs, I think... I just laid back down and actually went right back to sleep, after a quick glance at the clock: 7:15

The next thing I know, multiple chainsaws are running full throttle, and my hand is slapping the alarmclock in a futile effort to STOP the noise. Unfortunately, the alarm clock doesn't stop the noise of the chainsaws, and my bedroom is beginning to fill with exhaust. It's now 7:32am...

I suddenly found myself propelled out of bed, and rummaging through the bedroom closet, although I can't find what I'm looking for... So I go right to my other closet, and still can't find what I'm looking for... At that moment, my brain engaged, and I realized that I was looking for the shotgun... Yes, really. I was looking for my shotgun. You can take the boy off the farm, but you can't take the farm outta da boy, I guess.

I'm more than a little irate at my neighbors now; a little advance warning would have been nice. They are taking the tree down in their backyard, which is a mere 10 feet away from my bedroom window. I stopped myself from marching next door and knocking on the door until AFTER I had a cup of coffee. Just cause I realized that I was looking for my shotgun, don't think I was not over my murderous instincts. There was almost blue mohawked harry-carry in Woodside this morning...

So now I have dueling chainsaws in back and the chipper/shredder running outfront. Devone, you are lucky you aren't around here this morning. Repetitive noise!!!!

The really funny thing is, on the way up my stairs last night I had this thought, "If I get up early tomorrow, I Could/SHOULD go and do my laundry in the morning." Unfortunately I may have brought this early morning rude awakening on myself... Alas, netflixs delivered ENCHANTED and so I didn't pack up the laundry but went right for the dvd player. So now there isn't tme to for me to get it done before I head into the city for 2 more dress rehearsals today, one of them is the evening invited dress rehearsal for The Concert Gala Opening.

I'm really enjoying the new job. I wanted to do something different, and I sure got what I asked for. Just in case you don't realize (and you probably don't, yet): There are 54 ballets in the spring repertoire. I've had 4 dress rehearsals since I started on Monday, and I have two more today. The spring season kicks off on the 29th, and then I start repping 54 ballets in less than 9 weeks. I am definitely no longer doing the Same thing every day!!!

I'm arriving home early too, no more 3 hour musicals... even on dress rehearsal nights I've been home before 11pm. Which is loverly!!! The kittahs are thrilled that daddy has been spending more time around the house; they really do enjoy my company, and being at their beck and paw.

This week I reconnected with an old friend of mine, whom I had lost contact with after he moved to Boston several years ago. He is back in the city and we got reacquainted this week. It was nice catching up on what has been happening in our lives in the last 3 years. He's quit showbusiness and is now doing computer work and finally relocated back to the city. He's very happy and even happier to be out of showbusiness (although I did make him sing me a song... he's blessed with a beautiful high tenor). There were definite sparks between us in the past, and some of that is still there; although I am older and wiser now and don't think anything serious would be healthy...

It sure is nice to have a little bit of time to spend with the 9-5 crowd... Working in showbusiness means you are working when most people are playing... As a result, I rarely get to see my 9-5ers. That changed a bit this week, and I'm thrilled. Of course, I'm going to be back doing shows next week, but at least I know on June 29th, I'm going to have my whole schedule free again (at least at this point).

I had a very unfortunate trip to the dentist this week and some results that make me cranky. The short version is: I have 2 wisdom teeth that need to be removed and my dentist can't do it. The one of them is going to have to be cut out (i.e. general anesthesia and all). The bottom tooth is wrapped around the jaw and growing at a right angle, so the dentist can't just pull it. So I have to call and make the appt. with the surgeon, and I'm going to have all 4 of them taken out, cause I'm not going through this again... But I'm not real thrilled (as you will imagine). My health insurance doesn't cover dental, so this will be completely out of pocket... As I said to my dentist, "Dammit; there goes at least one trip to Europe!" To which he replied, "Yah, Pretty much!"

Oh well, what can you do?! It can't wait until December when I could buy the dental insurance and still pay 70% out of pocket, so I guess sometime in the next month, I'm going to be swollen and choking down vicoden... I am going to have to call upon someone to go to the surgery with me and get me back home.... Anyone want to step up?!

I'm off. Time to finish the winter/summer wardrobe changeover, and then I have to get ready to head into work!!!

Happy Saturday to you all!!!

Love and Light!

Get Nelsons CD!!! It Rocks!!!

2008-04-22T19:28:00.000-04:00

Good Times

2008-04-20T10:51:00.002-04:00

Yes, Yes, YES!!! It has been a long time since I touched based with you internet peeps... So much has been happening around here, and yet I just couldn't bring myself to sit down and type about it. Trust me when I say that you really didn't want to read much of what was on my mind lately...

A NEW DAY HAS COME!!! (Thanks Celine).

Today is my last day of unemployment. I head back to work tomorrow after a blissful week OFF!!! I am finally free of the green machine, and that alone is mindblowing and exciting. I've managed to get a lot of things accomplished this week. Catching up with friends, getting the house organized, resting, cooking, and just generally doing what I want to do!!

I've spend an inordinate amount of time in the kitchen (you will recall that I have a real kitchen). I made corned beef, several quiches, ice cream, and just last night: peach/champagne sorbet. Thus kicking my domestic goddess points up several notches...

I've also spent quite a bit of time wearing out my Stargate Atlantis dvd's this week, having them on in the background while I'm puttering around the house... BLISSFUL I tell you!!!

I'm actually excited to get back to work. Heading back to the NYCB Monday to get prepped and ready for the gala opening on the 29th. I've had a few business calls from them this week, and a few social ones... they are very busy there, but were nice enough to allow me this week to myself to recharge and get MY life together prior to my starting working again.

I have not had ONE moment of "Oh Lord, I quit my good paying job" stress!!! I am actually quite happy being free, and everything is pointing to this being the right and proper decision. I actually feel like I have the reins of my life in hand again. I KNOW it was the right decision and many things have happened in the last few months that totally validate that...

Of course, I'm going to miss my green peeps, but I'm only a phone call away (so remember that monkeys). Just call me!!!

Off to finish up a few house things and then chill for a bit. I'm heading into the city tonight to catch many of my friends doing a musical review tonight at the Beechmen on 42nd.

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, it's back to work I go.....

Love and Light to you all!!!

Spring

2008-03-21T13:09:00.002-04:00

I don't know about the rest of you'ings, but I'm happy it's spring!!!

Did any of you see the full moon last night?! It refused to be ignored here last night, even the scattered clouds couldn't weaken its light last night!

I barely made it home before midnight, but I had a quick meditation and then headed outside with a few of my crystals; time for an intense purification and recharge.

May this new spring season bring many blessings upon all of you, my friends.

The turning of the pages continues in my life. I'm not where I want to be (I don't know where I want to be, but I'm not there); although, I am taking intelligent steps to get there.

With everything else that has been happening: I'm trying very hard to finish out my broadway without losing my sh!t. It's hard when I mentally left the show months ago, only to be recalled by everything that's happening. I have to be present mentally for the show these days; mainly because others are NOT. (Regardless of this being their own fault, or not). I am not pointing fingers.... I'm just angry that I am not capable of keeping my head down and letting it fall to shit around me due to others lack of concern/involvement/sobriety.

"Effie, we All got Pain."

The brand new chapter will be beginning soon. I was in hopes that I would be able to close the show without having to put new people in; such is not the case. And every day it become more and more apparent that I waited too long. There is a mass exodus beginning from the show. Many people are switching positions or flat out leaving. More are to follow.

What does that say to the producers? It SHOULD be a social comment on the way things are managed, from the very top - down. Unfortunately, all they see is the btm line (which has always been treating them DAMN well on this show), and the opportunity to cut salaries and hire in all new newbies, who are willing to work for minimum. Well, they do call it show BUSINESS for a reason, don't they?

You get what you pay for...

Evidently, I'm not done bitching about it yet. But I will be pleased to get away from the green machine and watch it evolve withOUT me. Many happy returns.

Summer plans are up in the air. Due to a conflict of interest, Italia has been placed on hold (again... I'm beginning to think it's not going to happen; but I trust the universe and hear it Loud and Clear that This is Not The Time).

For those of you who haven't already heard: I'm designing a production of Pirates of Penzance for Bradley University in the Fall. I've already started the process. So I have fall work lined up, which will be excited and fun, and stepping back into the freelance world once again. I have a nice long break from the ballet after June 29th.

Some of you in the more exotic locales just might be seeing me this summer. Instead of one big trip, I just might have to do a mini tour of my own... be afraid, be very afriad!!! HAHAHA

Must go and change the laundry over. now. Yes, I've been reduced to doing my own laundry. GASP!!!

Love and Light!

Toasted

2008-03-05T10:38:00.002-05:00

Greetings again friends. Day 2 was a rest day!!! I slept in till 9:30 and then just enjoyed coffee on the screened in front porch/balcony as i watched a good ole thunderstorm blow in front the gulf.

I spent a bit too long on the beach on monday. I did end up a bit sunburned. I just didn't realize it till the morning, when I the water hit my back... YOW!!!! hehehe

So I took it easy yesterday and just relaxed. i wandered into the opera house and saw the peeps that I didn't see on Monday.

Then I came back to the apartment and watched the rain and read my book. Just chillin and kickin back.

Had a great dinner at the chinese bucket, erhm, buffet. Fat as a cow. We then stopped for some booze... I found that one precious bottle of wine that I so enjoy, Ruffino's Il Ducale, The 2003 vintage is delicious. I think i'm going to have to find my way to them when i am in Toscana this summer. hehehe

Went to bed early as I had to get up this morning and take a friend to a drs appointment. So was up at 7am this morning. All good though!!! It's a breezy 70 degrees today and I plan to wander downtown for a bit, grab a bite of lunch on the fly, and then get ready for my dinner party this evening.

the decompression continues....

Love and light to you all!

SRQ day(?) 1

2008-03-04T10:46:00.004-05:00

I come to you with the sun on my face, the white sand between my toes (and in my ears and nose, and anywhere else it got blown), and the wind blowing through my purple hair. Is there anything that blue waters and white sand can't mend?

Actually, yes, but we aren't worried about those things right now. Non importa.

What a blissful day I had yesterday. I was up at 8am (no change there), took a shower and put on the only clothes I had and wandered into the opera house. After a quick Hello to everyone in the shop, I took a trip to the box office to let them know that my luggage was supposed to be delivered in the morning and to please accept it. Then i wandered a few doors down to the 'daytime cafe' for one of my favorite breakfasts in Sarasota. it's called the turkey dill: basically an omelet with turkey, tomatoes, peppers, topped with a light holliandase sauce and dill. Served with fresh fruit and hashbrowns. Add some fresh Florida orange juice and it's the perfect start to the day!!!

During breakfast, one of the box office managers walked in to inform me my luggage had arrived, so i picked that up and promptly came home to shower/change into shorts and short sleeves (don't be hating, I've earned this trip).

It was SUCH a beautiful day, I just had to make a trip to the beach. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to take someones lunch into the opera house, which I discovered upon my return to the apartment with the luggage. In the flurry of getting back out the door, I failed to grab the sunscreen and bathing suit, which I realized upon arriving at the beach.

So I just sat in the sand in my shorts, and waded in the gulf and watched pelicans dive into the water in pursuit of their lunch. Quite an entertaining couple of hours. There were very few people on my section of the beach, so I got to peacefully sit and contemplate life and listen to the surf.

Not 25 minutes after my arrival at the beach, I got a phone call inquiring about my availability for a job in August/Sept, which I am available to do. I don't know money yet, but it would be a fun project, and would also consist of me holding a masterclass for a university while I am in residence.

Do I need another confirmation/validation that I have made the right decision in leaving the current Broadway show? No, I don't! It's nice to have one though.

The stress of the last several months is slowly peeling away. I know I've made the proper choice, and I'm excited that I'm going to be able to do other things again. There IS a method to my madness, a plan in action, for the all the decisions I've made in the last 5 months.

I got a thank you card from my two bosses at the ballet right before I left town, reminding me how happy they were to have me, and that they were glad I was going to be joining them for the spring season. It touched me, right there; nice to be reminded that one is appreciated.

Had a brief conversation with one of the music directors here, one of my co-workers, when i was working here many years ago. He made an off handed comment about wishing I would come back, and i think I surprised him when I told him that we should talk about it. "Really?! You would consider coming back?!"

"Yes, I just said we should talk about it."

Let me state again just how nice it is to have options.

Of course, things are also changing in the other costume shop (where I am now assisting from NYC) and I've been told it won't be long before the local assistant retires. I love how people try to feel me out... Yes, we may discuss work for next year, I am officially entertaining options and offers. The opera is also going to start a fall season here, so instead of 4 shows a year, there will be 6? Curious.

For some reason (yet to be examined too deeply) I've been wondering how I feel if I left the city. Years ago i stated the NYC had wrecked me from living anywhere else. Time and people change, and I'm no longer so adamant about that statement. I am happy in the new home in Queens. I like my 'home.' Now, more than ever, that is important to me. Getting my career moving in a different direction is also important to me. Doing things that I enjoy is important to me. Traveling to the places I want to see is important to me. Not working 6 days a week for the rest of my life is important to me.

Somehow, I'm going to get it all figured out; eventually. hehehe

Sidetracked?! yes, but this is what goes through my mind on the beach. It's always had the power to open my mind to different paths and options. The beach has always been an important place of mediation and creative thinking.

After the beach, I went to a very large grocery store. You know, with WIDE aisles, that you push a cart around?! hehehe Got a few staples for the week, and also the ingredients for my infamous Pasta Salad (what I have started calling the $40 pasta salad). yes, there is that much stuff in it. It gave me the sense of domestication that I was craving, making that pasta salad. Quite a lovely end to the free day.... by the time i cleaned up the kitchen, I was racing out the door to the first dress rehearsal for the opera.

Lovely clothes, no major complaints, mostly dressing notes, and there are a few hats that need to be tweaked today but onward and upward. The new pieces are lovely and the show overall is even more beautiful than it was 8(?) years ago. This is going to be a very easy tech the rest of the week, for which I am very grateful.

I'm going to wander around town this afternoon, and most likely get wet. it looks and feels like rain, but I won't be IN the sun today, just wandering around with some serious SPF on. Perhaps I'll have another afternoon at the beach on Wednesday.

Off to a great start to this working vacation. more to follow loves.

Love and Light!

What in the hell

2008-03-03T01:00:00.002-05:00

Delta connection partners: There is a reason why you are close to bankrupt.

What a travel day I had. it was a comedy of errors from the very beginning.

Let's just say that I finally made it to Sarasota. I made it. The first plane, direct flight didn't go off as planned. We were on the plane, away from the gate, and then back to the gate and deboarding an hour later.

Then we were waiting in line, being rerouted. kiss the direct flight goodbye, you are now flying through Ohio to Florida.

Both planes were delayed (thankfully the connection was delayed or I wouldn't have made it), and so I arrived again, after midnight. Only to discover that no one on the flight was getting luggage, as they couldn't get the door open, and there was no maintaince people on duty at this time of night. So they will be dropping off my suitcase at the opera house in the morning.

Does anyone remember a time when Delta was a good airline?

It doesn't matter really.... I have blossemed like an exotic nightflower. Just a dab of humidity, and seeing the palm trees started the release of the last few months. I'm in FLORIDA, it's warm, and I have nothing but social (and anti social) events to keep me busy this week.

I have a connection with Sarasota (like I have with new orleans). I just feel at peace whenever I am here. Even if I am working. Luckily I have the important paperwork with me for the opera tech this week, as I wonder where my new shiny suitcase is.... I failed to ask if they actually GOT it on the plane or not...

Just wanted to check in and let you know that I made it here.

New stories to tell later, perhaps upon return....

Love and Light to you all.

I have returned

2008-02-26T08:47:00.002-05:00

Just a quick note to say I have returned.

Getting to London wasn't easy, neither the trip from NYC to the airport, nor heathrow to Paddington, but I made it. Virgin Atlantic is such a delightful airline to fly, and there were 3 special people that made my day(s). First there was the ticketing agent who noted we shared a birthday and then changed my seat assignment from the back to the middle (and in a row all to myself), then there was Josh, the cutest brit boy I have seen yet, who took care of me all the way to heathrow, which entailed bringing me things (without my asking) whenever he noticed that I was conscious. I slept through Dinner and Tea, and yet, within minutes of me sitting up and realizing I was thirsty or hungry, Dinner appeared... a real cup of coffee appeared, with creme, and with a smile. "You missed tea, but I brought you a fresh cup of coffee." And it was a real cup, not an airline shot of coffee, a real cup of coffee. Which made the day better...

To Carmel Car service, whom I have reliably used for the past 10 years... SHAME ON YOU!!! You do not call your client 5 minutes after your scheduled pickup to inform them you are not coming. I don't CARE that there was a blizzard going on. You cancel hours before, not minutes after. SHAME ON YOU!!!

Oh, I made it to Newark Airport. It took a long time, and was a very expensive cab ride, but I made it. Thanks to Peter , the 70 year old man who had the nerve to drive me from midtown to the airport (even if we did have to stop for gas along the way). Oh yes people, it was a huge comedy of errors all day long. But I actually DID make it to london on Friday (just barely on friday) but I made it.

I had a great time seeing my friends, and making a few new ones. I have more to report, but it is going to have to wait. There are things that require my attention at home and I want to get them off my list before the day gets away from me. I do have a show tonight, and I will be needing some quiet time this afternoon. Trying to get back on schedule, but not that concerned about it today.

For the first time since November, I have nothing but the show to attend today. Just one!! No week full of doubles, just a 'regular' show week for me this week. I'm finally getting some of that time at home I'm been whining about.

Time to get unpacked, laundered, and start repacking for the trip to Florida on Sunday.

I'm down to waiting for one W-2. I would love for that to show up today so I can get those darn things done this week.

Many cheers and best wishes going out to Darren. Enjoy your well-earned break. We shall miss you.

Until next time, I have returned. I am in decent humor, and I'm looking forward to a 'light' week and having the chance to catch up on things in MY life.

Love and Light to you all!

snowing

2008-02-22T04:10:00.002-05:00

Here we are. just after 4am, I haven't been to bed yet, cause I've already put myself on london time, and let's face it, I'm going to sleep on the plane.

I randomly looked out the window here in midtown, to see piles of snow. I'm glad I'm leaving early. So far everything is on time and uncancelled.

Do I need to repeat how much I want to get on that plane. It is the symbol of many things. My hard earned holiday, after months of working nonstop. My freedom, being able to jaunt off to London on a whim(?). But most importantly, a chance to sit down and sleep!!!

it's been a wild morning. I couldn't quite fall asleep after the show tonight, and I didn't go out and booze it up. I sat on the couch and read my book. Now I've started the 2nd book, and decided to do a quick check of my plane to make sure I'm still going!! hehehe

Love and Light to you all. More to follow upon my return from England.... where once again, I'm seeing the last stop on a darren tour!!!

La Dolce Vita!!