Life is like a river

Today I floated down the Provo River with friends Lisa and Elisa. We picked the activity a week ago, and were thrilled that not only was it a cloudless, warm day, but when we arrived at the inner tube rental place at 12:20pm there was no crowd! Lisa had her own life jacket and tube, and I took a life jacket, so Elisa rented a jacket and both of us paid for tubes and we were good to go! The friendly folks at the rental spot drove us and the tubes up to the starting point. We walked to the freezing water, sat down, and shoved off.

It was so pleasant just floating along, enjoying the breeze, warm air, and sound of running water. I started to feel very relaxed and smiley. It was so soothing...

...Until I started drifting into the weeds on the bank. I used my flip-flops to paddle myself away the best I could... but it didn't last long. My tube was nice and full which kept my fanny out of the water, but my arms were neither long enough or strong enough to effectively navigate! Curse my wimpy arms! Any time I tried to relax my tube slowly spun until I floated backward and I headed right back toward the weeds! To make matters worse, that slowed me down a lot, so my friends ended up leaving me behind (not for lack of trying. Lisa said she tried to wait, but when she grabbed a hanging branch she capsized. I didn't blame her for going on without me at that point).

After an hour, I felt like I wasn't making any progress sitting in the tube, so I decided to shift my position. I put my feet and legs in the hole so I could hang my arms over the front. I figured I could get more leverage that way. It was a good idea in theory, but the truth is my arms are just too wimpy. I fell out of the tube twice. I gave up a couple of times and just let myself drift into the weeks or rocks or riverweed or whatever came my way. I now have a very impressive bruise on my right knee for my trouble. I got out at one point so I could kind of shove off again, but it didn't help much.

That last hour was miserable. I was frustrated with having to paddle nearly every second, especially since at least 50 people floated lazily down the center of the river past me. I was doing all I could but it wasn't enough! For some reason I just had really lousy luck! I really wasn't having fun. I started the trip with "Life on the River" (a song from Toad! The Wind in the Willows) in my head. Halfway through, "Master the Tempest is Raging" became the theme. I ended with "Sloop John B." I just wanted to go home!! I am not ashamed to admit I cried. A lot. (But I guess that's nothing new. I cry when I'm happy, sad, stressed; pretty much all the time.)There were so many times I wanted to just give up and get out of the water and carry the stupid tube to the parking lot. I almost kissed the 12 year-old boy who told me I only had about 15 minutes to go.

Poor Lisa and Elisa felt so badly when I finally caught up to them! Lisa (who is actually in shape and probably in a better tub) was an angel and towed me the last hundred yards. What with the cold water and the way I'd been crouching for that last hour, my legs were not prepared to work correctly for awhile, and I knew my abs and arms were going to hurt tomorrow. But once we were in the car and started to warm up I was able to feel more cheerful again. I got through it! And I was glad to get to spend time with Lisa and Elisa; I don't get to see either of them nearly enough, and they are such fantastic and positive women. We ate lunch together at Subway and just chatted. How I love them both!

Now, I really, really hate it when people take ordinary events and turn it into some life lesson. (Seriously, why can't some people just enjoy each experience without making it a huge spiritual discussion?) However, during the "Master the Tempest is Raging" period, I thought about how much stronger nature is than I am. I couldn't even pull my puny body and lousy tube through a stupid river current. Yet the Savior was able to calm the sea with just a word! No wonder the Bible said man is lower than the dust of the earth. I had no power in that water. At all. At that point, I knew how totally out of control I was. My best was not good enough and it never will be. I need the Savior to help me to get where I want to be. It is nice to I'll have His help and company as I slog through my various trials and issues. I really don't want to have to do it alone. Life may be short, but so many moments feel so very, very long.

Shoot. It became a lesson after all. Sorry.

At any rate, it was a beautiful day. Now I can say I floated the Provo River, and I don't need to do it again any time soon.

Although, if I do try again, I may take an actual raft with real paddles. That actually looked fun, and with my friends in the raft with me we'd have a more difficult time getting separated!

A weekend with Shakespeare and friends

My mother, grandmother and I spent last weekend in Cedar City, seeing plays at the Utah Shakespearean Festival and hanging out by the pool. A girl could get used to that!

We drove down early Friday morning. The drive took much less time than we'd anticipated, so we enjoyed a leisurely lunch (none of us had any idea the shakes at Ice Berg were quite as big as they were!) and some shopping at a nifty antique boutique before our first play, The Taming of the Shrew. It was hilarious! The actors were more than up to the challenge of conveying the physical comedy implicit in the brilliant script. We knew exactly what was going on, even if we didn't understand all of the dialogue. The director and design team set the story in post-World War II Italy, and it was fun to see Lucentio's father's character play an homage to Marlon Brando's godfather. I think the production also made the play more accessible to folks who think Shakespeare is above their heads. Afterwards, Gram turned to me and said "I hope we didn't see the best one first!" We loved it!

As the lights came up, Mom turned to me, pointed to some people in the row in front of us and said "Is that the Kittels?" It was! I was so excited to see them! Mr. and Mrs. Kittel played my parents when I played Isabelle (my first lead) in Scrooge at the Dickens' Festival 14 years ago, and their daughter Kristen and I have called each other "sister" ever since! She was with them and it was fun to catch up a bit. Golly I love her! She went to high school with Dave, so I saw her a bit back then, but its been a few years. Now I have her email address and phone number, so hopefully we can keep in better touch. Later that night they and our high school drama teacher, Tuckness, and his wife all saw Cyrano... and we discovered we were all on the same row! Craziness!!

me with my cute Kristen


After Shrew, Mom, Gram and I checked into our hotel and took a brief but much-needed nap. We then proceed to the Sizzler for dinner. Before we knew it, it was time for play number two, Cyrano de Bergerac. We were excited to see it in the Adams Theatre, which was modeled after the theatres from the 1500s-1600s style. Cyrano is not one of Shakespeare's plays, but it was gorgeous! Set in France during the time of The Three Musketeers, Cyrano is a brilliant poet and soldier who has low self-esteem because of an unusually large nose. He is in love with his best friend, Roxanne, but when he learns she is in love with handsome but not-terribly-bright Christian, Cyrano helps Christian woo Roxanne, because he thinks it will make her happy. The show was marvelous. I don't generally like poetry, and I'll admit that much of the dialogue went over my head, but I think I'm going to need to buy a copy of the play so I can read through it. Even I thought it was swoon-worthy! It didn't hurt that Cyrano was played by the inestimable Brian Vaughn, who I have seen previously in plays at the Festival and have a moderately huge actor-crush on. There were so many moments his emotions were completely raw -- it was beautiful. His real-life wife played Roxanne which made for some great chemistry. There was definetely a reason the performance was sold out that night!

Cyrano on stage (well, at the left under the balcony)


Saturday was my mom's birthday, and Gram and I were happy to let her set most of the day's agenda. In the morning, after a simple Continental breakfast at the hotel (bagels, cereal, English muffins, fruit, donuts, and such) we decided to sit by the pool and read, or in my case write in my journal. We didn't actually get in the pool, so we wore our street clothes. We sat in the shade and just relaxed. I think we all appreciated not having any demands put on us for a little while.

We went to Quiznos for lunch, and then Mom spotted a cute, cute sewing store called "Sew Swanky" so we went in to see what was all about. We found some great ideas for her sewing circle, and a fun pattern for some pillows for my apartment. I love seeing my mom get excited about projects! Her face just lights up as she thinks of the possibilities and making them her own and what she would do with them. Everyone needs something that makes them happy like that!

I wanted a souvenir of the Festival, so we drove over to the SUU bookstore to look around. I was looking at childrens' books when I heard a familiar voice. All of a sudden I froze and my heart started beating really fast. When I was able, I turned around and THERE IN THE BOOKSTORE WAS BRIAN VAUGHN!! I was so excited I couldn't even think of his name! I raced as casually as possible to my mom and said, "Mom! That's the guy who played Cyrano last night!!" She turned to see him and then whispered, "That guy? He bought a sandwich in Quiznos while we were sitting there!" I nearly died!! Where the heck was I?!! That would have been a much cooler story than seeing him at the bookstore, but whatever. I had the program in my purse, so I looked up his name again, and then I'm ashamed to admit I eavesdropped a bit on his conversation. But it was only to wait for an opportunity to talk with him! I walked over and said, "Excuse me, are you Brian Vaughn?" He said yes, and I told him I was a huge fan and asked for a photo. He was really genuine and nice, and taller than I thought he would be. I still feel elated whenever I think about it too much: I met Brian Vaughn and actually had the courage to talk with him! I didn't let the opportunity go by! I overcame my awkward shyness and ended up getting what I wanted! I am so proud of me. As Director Steph would say, "I'm growing as a person!"

with Brian Vaughn


We headed over to the Randall Theatre where I looked at some more souvenirs before Fiddler on the Roof started. I haven't seen this play in a good 12 years, and I forgot how good it is. Very relevant to our society, and the music is wonderful. I enjoyed the performance very much, and so did Mom and Gram. After the show I bought a pink long-sleeved t-shirt, and a childrens' book adaptation of my favorite Shakespeare comedy, Twelfth Night.

During the afternoon break, Gram and I took Mom to Rusty's Ranch House for some BBQ ribs and mud pie. We wondered if we could get a free dessert for Mom's birthday, however, she is more shy than I about bringing ourselves to strangers' attention, so we agreed I'd say it was my birthday and see what happened. I started feeling guilty because I felt my mom should get the celebration she deserved, so after the waitress told us they wouldn't sing if I didn't want them to, I snuck away from the table and privately told the waitress that it was actually my mom's birthday. She was only too happy to put a candle in the mud pie Mom had just ordered, and I sang the Beatles' Happy Birthday song to Mom quietly at our table when the dessert arrived. It was fun and the food was really good! I even got a picture my mom approved of... though for her sake I won't post it.

Our last play of the trip was Othello and although we agreed it was excellently done, it was not the favorite for any of us. I had forgotten about all the sexual references and we were all too tired to try to wrestle understanding from the wonderfully convoluted dialogue. The actor playing Iago was terrifically evil, and we were glad to see the character get what he deserved in the end. It was a great play and the story isn't too difficult to follow. Just a long way to go to get to the tragic ending...

Sunday, we didn't feel in too big a hurry to run home. So, we spent the morning reading (or writing) next to the pool again. About 11:00am we checked out of the hotel and started driving home. We stopped at Cove Fort since none of us had been there. It was really neat! An elderly Elder missionary showed us around and we watched a video about the origins of the Fort and the Hinckleys, the family that lived there. When we actually got inside the Fort, I was surprised at how large all the rooms were, and how small the Fort itself was. I guess I had expected something grander outside and more modest in. I almost started laughing when one lady commented on the rooms being small, and I thought, "That woman has not had to look for a condo recently." I can see how the Hinckleys would have been comfortable living there, and able to accommodate visitors. I'd like to live there! I'm glad we stopped.

Cove Fort


Gram opted not to stay for the family birthday party since she'd been to the one on Mom's actual birthday, so we dropped her off at her place, and arrived at home at about 5:30. Lindsey had set the table and brought a cake and ice cream, and we were greeted by her, Gunner and Adam, and also by Dad, Peter, and Dave who had all been in Alaska for the last 10 days! It really was a party, with everyone trying to fill everybody else in on what happened during all the vacations and stay-cations and such. Gunner helped Mom open gifts and we just enjoyed being together. It was a lovely ending to a lovely trip.

And now having viewed some of the plays at the Shakespearean Festival I am mad to do Shakespeare again! It's been years and I really miss it. Plus, where else can one wear nifty costumes like the one on the left of this paragraph? Hmm... I'm going to have to prepare a piece while I keep an eye out. It's been so long since I've auditioned for a straight play I'm not even sure I know how anymore, but I am totally willing to give it a shot!

Although, if a good musical comes along in the meantime I'm not going to let that opportunity pass me by.

Point of Reference

Below is a list that Beloit College students put together every year to remind their professors that references familiar to those professors may not mean anything to the students. Every time I read these lists, I feel a little old. And, hey, I don't think it's been time wasted. My childhood was good times! I am proud that I've lived in a world that included Pee Wee's Playhouse!

Mindset List

Students entering college for the first time this fall were generally born in 1990. For these students, Sammy Davis Jr., Jim Henson, Ryan White, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Freddy Krueger have always been dead. Beloit College's annual Mindset List, provides a snapshot of the world view of the school's incoming freshmen, for the Class of 2012:

1. Harry Potter could be a classmate, playing on their Quidditch team.

2. Since they were in diapers, karaoke machines have been annoying people at parties.

3. They have always been looking for Carmen Sandiego.

4. GPS satellite navigation systems have always been available.

5. Coke and Pepsi have always used recycled plastic bottles.

6. Shampoo and conditioner have always been available in the same bottle.

7. Gas stations have never fixed flats, but most serve cappuccino.

8. Their parents may have dropped them in shock when they heard George Bush announce "tax revenue increases."

9. Electronic filing of tax returns has always been an option.

10. Girls in head scarves have always been part of the school fashion scene.

11. All have had a relative — or known about a friend's relative — who died comfortably at home with hospice.

12. As a precursor to "whatever," they have recognized that some people "just don't get it."

13. Universal Studios has always offered an alternative to Mickey in Orlando.

14. Grandma has always had wheels on her walker.

15. Martha Stewart Living has always been setting the style.

16. Haagen-Dazs ice cream has always come in quarts.

17. Club Med resorts have always been places to take the whole family.

18. WWW has never stood for World Wide Wrestling.

19. Films have never been X rated, only NC-17.

20. The Warsaw Pact is as hazy for them as the League of Nations was for their parents.

21. Students have always been "Rocking the Vote."

22. Clarence Thomas has always sat on the Supreme Court.

23. Schools have always been concerned about multiculturalism.

24. We have always known that "All I Ever Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten."

25. There have always been gay rabbis.

26. Wayne Newton has never had a mustache.

27. College grads have always been able to Teach for America.

28. IBM has never made typewriters.

29. Roseanne Barr has never been invited to sing the National Anthem again.

30. McDonald's and Burger King have always used vegetable oil for cooking french fries.

31. They have never been able to color a tree using a raw umber Crayola.

32. There has always been Pearl Jam.

33. The Tonight Show has always been hosted by Jay Leno and started at 11:35 EST.

34. Pee-Wee has never been in his playhouse during the day.

35. They never tasted Benefit Cereal with psyllium.

36. They may have been given a Nintendo Game Boy to play with in the crib.

37. Authorities have always been building a wall across the Mexican border.

38. Lenin's name has never been on a major city in Russia.

39. Employers have always been able to do credit checks on employees.

40. Balsamic vinegar has always been available in the U.S.

41. Macaulay Culkin has always been "Home Alone."

42. Their parents may have watched "The American Gladiators" on TV the day they were born.

43. Personal privacy has always been threatened.

44. Caller ID has always been available on phones.

45. Living wills have always been asked for at hospital check-ins.

46. The Green Bay Packers (almost) always had the same starting quarterback.

47. They never heard an attendant ask "Want me to check under the hood?"

48. Iced tea has always come in cans and bottles.

49. Soft drink refills have always been free.

50. They have never known life without Seinfeld references from a show about "nothing."

51. The Windows 3.0 operating system made IBM PCs user-friendly the year they were born.

52. Moscow residents have always been able to buy Big Macs.

53. The Royal New Zealand Navy has never been permitted a daily ration of rum.

54. The Hubble Space Telescope has always been eavesdropping on the heavens.

55. 98.6 F or otherwise has always been confirmed in the ear.

56. Michael Milken has always been a philanthropist promoting prostate cancer research.

57. Offshore oil drilling in the United States has always been prohibited.

58. Radio stations have never been required to present both sides of public issues.

59. There have always been charter schools.

60. Students always had Goosebumps.

Pasted from an article by Dinesh Ramde for the Associated Press.

Some Enchanted Evening!

Just want to thank Mandee and Laren for joining me at Sandy City's South Pacific last night! I always have fun with these two, and this was no exception. It was cool to sit between these two darling women, and through Mandee see the play with new eyes, and through Laren realize how truely beautiful the music is. With gorgeous music and a thoughtful storyline this show is classic for a reason, and I really enjoyed watching my friend Jason play the hammy Luther Billis. Not only did I wish I were on stage with him, but I wanted to go back to Hawaii and sit on the sunny, peaceful beaches...

I took Amy and Jason up on the offer to join them and their cast at Village Inn afterwards, though I couldn't blame Laren and Mandee for chosing not to come; it was late! I didn't order anything, but Tony let me share his pancakes which I thought was awfully nice! Mmmm... pancakes... I think it worried Jason just a little that I didn't eat more, but I'd been eating all day and felt good about not overdoing it. It was lovely to chat with my Wadsworths and their friends.

Good times! Thanks to everyone who was there.

Quotable

A few quotes that struck me as I watched the plays at the Utah Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City this weekend.

(Forgive me if they are not entirely accurate. I couldn't really see my journal while writing in the dark...)

"Even a poor tailor is entitled to some happiness!" - Fiddler on the Roof

"If you fight with windmills, the spars will throw you down to the mud or up to the stars." - Don Quixote (in Cyrano de Bergerac)

"Since your words fall, they fight with gravity while mine have to rise to find it."
- Cyrano de Bergerac

"Tis the mind makes the body rich." - The Taming of the Shrew

Painting Gourds

Yesterday, I came home in the middle of the day because I had forgotten my cell phone, and discovered I'd been missing a party! My mom, Gram, Lindsey, the G-unit, Aunt Stephanie, Aunt Elaine, cousin Kim, and Kim's boys Charlie and Andrew were all there. They working on a craft project, as the women in my family are wont to do. This particular project was pretty awesome:

They were painting gourds.

A gourd is "the hard-shelled fruit of any of various plants, esp. those of Lagenaria siceraria (white-flowered gourd or bottle gourd), whose dried shell is used for bowls and other utensils, and Cucurbita pepo (yellow-flowered gourd), used ornamentally."

It looks like this:



I guess they got the idea from a lady in Park City who paints big gourds and little gourds for holiday display. The lady charges crazy-high prices, though, and since they can, my female relatives decided to paint their own.

They turned out pretty cute!

This is Lindsey's (minus a bottle cap over the yellow eye and some tacks in the teeth)


This is Auntie Steph's


Lindsey even painted a few little ones for tree ornaments. Looked like good times. They were nice enough to let me stay and eat pizza and salad and observe for a little while. I wished I could stay for the afternoon and paint a couple of gourds so I'd have some decoration for my own new home! Silly work getting in the way.

My mom might be a little surprised to hear me express interest in craft-art endeavors. She sews and paints and creates things out of wood. When you come to my house I'm sure you'll see her influence all over. My mom is a terrific decorator. She's always wanted to teach me to sew and knit and quilt and paint and I just wanted to do other things. It's very possible I take her for granted. She's my homemaking hero, though.

Examples of my mom's talent and dedication:

All three of these costumes

An Easter dress and matching flower-ribbon headband


Rats. Can't find a photo of any of her amazing quilts. She won first prize at the State fair for one! We are all so proud of her!

I saw all those women hanging out and painting together and felt just a little jealous. I haven't done much sewing et al myself. Generally, I'd rather read, or go to a movie, or do a play. But sometimes I wish I had the leisure (or just made it a priority -- let's be honest, I'd prefer to do other things most of the time) to sit and work on a quilt.

The activity yesterday looked like fun! But, I just bought a condo, so I had to go back to work. And I accomplished a lot that afternoon. Go me! I'll just have to find holiday decorations someplace else.