Shakespeare in the Summer

Back in January, Liz invited me to join her for a teacher's conference at Southern Utah University. I'm not a teacher, but I decided to come anyway and see as many of the plays at the Shakespeare Festival as I could. Liz, Aubrey, and I drove down Sunday night so they could check in Monday morning.

Monday matinee: Mary Poppins. I've not been a fan of this musical but I loved this production. I was thrilled they cut the creepy dancing doll scene, the kids were ridiculously talented and cute, the choreography was awesome, and my friend, Susanna Florence was lovely as Mrs. Banks. Two thumbs way up!

Susanna and I went to high school forever. It was fun to see her on stage again.

We watched "Irish Night" at the Greenshow. The new stage is positioned so the performers face the sun, which is unfortunate, and none of us liked that they wore contemporary clothing and sang U2 and "Shake It Off." They did sing and dance some traditional tunes, and they were talented.

The three of us, plus Mandie, saw Much Ado About Nothing Monday night. The Prince was a bit too wacky for my taste, and Beatrice was more yelly than comedic, but overall a good production. I liked the Night Watch, and Claudio and Hero's story, and Benedick was great.

me, Liz, Aubrey, and Mandie

That night, Liz worked on a workshop she was giving the next day, and Aubrey and I helped by demonstrating the "Bunk Beds" yoga position. I was able to do it the first time, but struggled the other two. Oh, well. We sure did laugh a lot trying!

The next morning, I took a backstage tour. It was really cool seeing the wigs, costumes, workspaces, and sets. I wish I'd gone when the Adams was still open. I'd like to have seen those dressing rooms and such.

The wig master, with another tour guest, and our tour guide Nicki Allege (from Mary Poppins and The Cocoanuts)

His duck face is better than mine.
I'm okay with that.

It was a good idea going to the orientation for The Cocoanuts. The lecturer described the Marx brothers' musical as an episode of Animaniacs -- full of silly songs, jokes, and pop-culture references. It was funny and clever and really well done. I loved the slapstick, costumes, and live band. It was the one I had the least expectations for, and the biggest surprise. I loved it.

I had dinner at Centro with Liz, Aubrey, Mandie, and a LOT of Utah junior high and high school drama and choir teachers. I sure do know a lot of them!

That night, we all saw Henry V, by far my favorite show of the trip. Well-acted, and affecting. They cast men in several classically male roles (without acknowledging anything was weird) and it was a bold and effective choice. The fighting was awesome, and I almost started yelling because I was so mad about one of the character's deaths. I've followed a lot of them through three plays and I wasn't prepared for some of their fates. An excellent, excellent production. I would have liked to see it about four more times.

I went to the seminar the next morning, and fangirled a little over Kellie Rogers and Sceri Sioux Ivers. Such excellent actresses, and nice women. I hope they come back next year and the next! 

I'll be wearing these socks a lot this winter!

I spent nearly every spare moment practicing music, choreography, and lines for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. At one point, I saw that the Adams Theater was unlocked, so I rehearsed "Act English" and "Me Ol' Bamboo" on the stage. It was thrilling imagining the theater full of people, and I sounded pretty good, too!

As a bonus, Liz, Aubrey, and I drove down to St. George and did a session there. It was, like 100 degrees outside, but the session was worth the heat and the long drive home!

June!

Sunday evenings continue to be my favorite time of the week

I bought my tickets to Newsies nearly a year ago. I am so excited I finally got to see it for the second time. Loved seeing how much my friends enjoyed it, even if none of us had seats next to each other.

From left: Theresa, Nichole, me, Jamie, and Larissa

 I live on the third floor, so I asked mom my if she'd help me wash my windows. She proceeded to just come over while I was at work and wash them for me. So, basically, my mom's a saint. 

I am so grateful!

I had one chip in my windshield for 9 months with no problem. A second one meant the windshield was toast. Thank goodness Safelight is willing to come to my workplace.

My brother Adam turned the big 4-0. How weird is that? But he will always be young at heart.

And effortlessly cool.

Dave, Mom and Dad at Adam's party

My last chance to say good-bye to Laura before she married a doctor and moved to Virginia.

I'll miss our birthday lunches with Janette. 

My friends keep getting married and moving out of my ward, as they should.

Larissa and Rob threw a party for the 2016 Tony Awards. They had a costume contest, so I wore my 1776 costume (and won), though Jamie's Alexander Hamilton costume was brilliant. I love Larissa's parties. She invites the best people, and her food is beyond tasty.

Jamie is not giving away her shot!

I cannot see enough of Amy!

 Liz and I drove down to Manti one Friday to do a session at the temple, and see the 50th Anniversary of the Mormon Miracle Pageant. That temple is splendid. So much history and the architecture is gorgeous. The pageant was more entertaining and insightful than I remembered (and just as cheesy).

The G-unit was ordained a deacon on the same day his brother was blessed.

Big day. Great kids. Lots of family.

Brothers! 

Jordyn, PJ, and Peter

 Father's Day is always hilarious. The men in my family are the best.

Papa and Angel baby

I adore this little face!

 Finding Dory was darling

I always seize upon every chance for a mini Little Women reunion. Jillian and Summer were wonderful in West Side Story at CenterPoint Legacy Theater. I'd never seen the play or movie all the way through, and I was surprised at how funny and affecting it was. And the dancing was incredible. Could become a new favorite, even if there isn't a role for me in it anywhere ;)

This is me trying to avoid road rage (I was stopped at a light at the time):

 I won this computer monitor in another contest at work. Woo-hoo!

Peter also had a birthday. I love seeing him and PJ together.

I always knew Pete would be a terrific dad, and he absolutely is.

Amazing April

April was an odd, rainy month, full of new beginnings and celebration. I started my new job, went to Disneyland, and played a lot. Life started to slow down and settle down a little. I'm grateful. After three stressful months of unemployment, I needed to find "normal" again.

The month started with General Conference. I was sick in bed on the Saturday, but I moved my laptop into bed with me and listened to quite a bit of it in between naps. I love General Conference. I listen to the talks every day and continue to draw strength and wisdom from the messages shared by the leaders of my church. I crave the peace of the Holy Spirit. I'd be a different person without it.

I met Wendy six years ago on my very first day in my current ward. She and I were both late to church and walked in together. She introduced me to Sylinda, and the three of us became good friends. Sylinda was married earlier this year, and she and I celebrated Wendy's April Fools Day wedding together. Wendy designs wedding dresses, so we were both curious "What does a wedding dress designer wear?" Something gorgeous, obviously. She looked so happy and radiant. She gives me hope. I am thrilled for her!

We all laughed that of COURSE Wendy had three different desserts at her wedding. Too perfect!

I was gifted a ticket to see Cowgirls at Pioneer Theatre Company. My friend Angie played a role in this all-girl musical, and I was impressed and proud of her skill. Everyone in the cast played their own instruments, and Angie nailed the fiddling, not to mention the singing, dancing, and acting. The play was at times poignant and other times hilarious. It would be a difficult one for community theaters to do, so I'm glad I had the chance to see the play at least once. It's was an entertaining evening!

Chantryce invited me to join her and a few others for lunch at Chili's on her birthday. Cutie Chantryce and her collection of loved ones. She loves with her whole heart and will protect and fight for the people most important to her. I'm honored that she includes me in the group.

I started my new job, and marveled at the view from my new "front door." At the Gateway, when I had a window, it overlooked the rooftops at the Gateway. Here, I see the mountains and grass and trees. It's glorious! I love living in Utah.

My first desk. Pretty sweet setup!

Sometimes I write myself helpful notes.
Sometimes I slap in a placeholder and call it good.

Rainy day view. Love the blossoming trees!

It seems that once in awhile during our team meetings, my new boss likes to give everyone a creative writing assignment and five minutes to explore an idea. Then we all read our stories out loud to each other. I don't remember the last time I did something like this. I enjoyed it. Not an exciting story, but I'm pretty proud of it anyway. #creativewriting #sliceoflife #outofpractice #worktolive #skillz

I finished several books this month: The Bands of Mourning, The Way of Kings, and Stars Above. All fantasy novels from different series. All wonderful. I don't understand how some people can not enjoy reading. I hope they find something someday that catches their imagination -- for me, there are few things more wonderful and relaxing!

I'm currently addicted to nutella. It's a problem.
No, I won't tell you how many jars I've eaten in the last three months.

Spent some time with the G-unit while he shot hoops. I admire his skill and tenacity in sports. He loves the activity and cannot wait to finish dinner and run over to the neighbor's house to use their hoop (he always asks them first). I expressed a curiosity if I could shoot a basket, and he went into coach mode, encouraging me to try, and being very impressed (and surprised) when I made 75% of the shots I tried. We talked about books and school. He told me his electives next year are choir and drama and I felt proud and hopeful. He's always loved to sing, so I hope he enjoys it. He's so grown-up all of a sudden.

THIS IS TRUTH!! I feel like every story I tell is terrible. My friends are sweet about it, though, always willing to listen. Someday the telling will match the ideas. Persistence is key!

Liz and I visited the Ogden Temple on a relentlessly rainy day. I'm glad she likes to go with me, and that she's always up for a photo, even if it's an adventure finding a photographer!

Dinner and hanging out with Laura, Theresa, and Shilene, and Theresa's family. We spent some time jumping on the trampoline (trying to get in our FitBit steps) and coloring. Most of the time we talked each other's ears off. Love these long-time friends!

Vanity selfie of a curl usually hidden by the rest of my hair. It's always a perfect ringlet underneath my mane. I'm a little obsessed with it.

Started a new journal. This one was a gift from Larissa. She bought it for me at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter last year. I love that she thought of me, and knew me well enough to know I'd love it. Thank you, darling friend!

Silly Facebook games and random generators. I am always curious and cannot resist trying every one!

This may be the only photo Lindsey allowed while she was pregnant. She's, like 36 weeks here. Tiny! She and Adam are a beautiful couple. I think it's awesome they're best friends. #lifegoals

Never know what I'm going to get when I ask these girls to "Smile!"

Note: Grammy and Papa put this new swingset in their yard this month. They are the cutest grandparents. I need a better photo of the set!

Baby PJ is a baby no more! He's a big, handsome two year old! His mom threw a barnyard-inspired party and we sang and celebrated the implacable, devious, adventurous little boy who has wrapped us all around his little fingers. What would we do without him?

With his favorite person, Papa!

Big cousin G teaches PJ how to hit a ball off a tee. The little guy is a natural!

Judging by all of the rain we got in April, the flowers in May are going to be AMAZING!! Cannot wait to visit the temple grounds and see for myself ;) May will be filled with work and play and auditions and I don't know what else. Should be fun!