Theater

The last show of Winnie the Pooh was yesterday. We had several friends and family members come to cheer on the girls. I think in a way they are glad it is over, but there will be some aspects they will miss. Now, they are looking toward the future to auditions for Shrek the Musical later this Spring.

Even with rehearsals every night, Jesse has managed to keep up with her animation homework. She has been working really hard. She is taking a break today, and I haven't heard the mention of "bees" all day.

A full month

I know I haven't posted for awhile.

Honestly, I have been battling my sinuses for supremacy. I'm losing. I started late December, or early January. I've been to the doctor twice. I had a double ear infection. The last time I was put on two weeks of antibiotics; four days after the last dose everything started turning green again. I am going to the ENT this week. I hope this time they will help me.

Valentine's weekend we took a trip to Pigeon Forge. We took my Mom too. I think she had a good trip. I know the girls did between the pool table, the hot tub and the snow.

 

The girls have been busy with the theater. Chloe is working hard with her singing. One of the girls helping with the music said Chloe sings well she just needs confidence. Jesse has been tasked with "bee keeping". Or said another way, keeping about fifteen 6-7 year olds amused, quiet, and where they are suppose to be when they are suppose to be there.

Jesse is also working hard on her second animation class. I think she is finding getting the work done a little daunting considering she spends almost every night at the theater. But she is managing her time well.

We have also had a couple of "Nerf War" dates with friends. I know they are enjoying the outside time and seeing friends they don't see at the theater.

Update on Winnie: she is growing and doing well. However, her hernia re-opened a bit. The vet said she doesn't want to go back in to correct because Winnie is growing and doing well. We are watching it daily to make sure things don't change.

We also have another kitten. She showed up a few weeks ago. We are going to make sure she gets fixed (SOON) and have named her, Ember.

No Audition but still with the show!

I wrote that Jesse is no longer able to audition for the younger plays at the Fine Arts Center. Well, this morning I received an email asking if Jesse would be interested in being an Assistant Stage Manager for Winnie-the-Pooh. Of course, she said yes! I think she is happy now.

Audition time again

It is that time of year again. Auditions at the Fine Arts Center in Camden. Jesse has now aged out, and they did not have a "teen" show last fall. Chloe is excited because they are doing her favorite: Winnie-the-Pooh!

Chloe went to auditions last week (or maybe the week before, not sure). She was called back to sing and read more lines yesterday afternoon. Jesse went too and actually had the opportunity to help run lines. Jamie, the director, asked Jesse if she was in ninth grade and that was why she didn't audition. It was.

Chloe is now checking my email every couple of hours to see if the cast list has been posted. I told her it would be a few days, at least, because three people did not go yesterday. She is still checking it though.

I will keep you posted.

The end of the play and a beautiful day

The last play was yesterday. The girls had quite a group there to see their final performance: three great-aunts, two-great uncles, grandma, and John and myself (Grandpa is anxiously awaiting the DVD). I believe most of my aunts were amazed by her performance. I know Aunt Dian was because she talked to me about it. They went backstage to see the girls, and take some pictures. I headed backstage to help prepare all the costumes for their journey back to Columbia.

The girls had a great time in the theater, as always. They love seeing old friends and making new ones. They exchanged emails with a few new homeschool friends and made sure old friends are going to keep in touch. Jesse is looking forward to this fall when she starts doing the jr/high school productions, even though she doesn't know what they are going to be doing yet.

Jesse told me a few days ago, she felt she was doing a good job (with her role) if she scared kids or made them cry. She did both several nights. TJ (our "Oz") had her talk to one boy who was terrified of her. She reassured him she was not that evil and he was safe. She really enjoyed all the compliments from everyone; one even suggested she go into acting for a career. She said she is not going to do that. haha

Chloe enjoyed getting all the laughs! Her role was the "not so with it" storyteller. Some of her lines were just funny. Other times it was her "not paying attention" that got the laugh. She did great with role. And as always she loved being with Gabby for all the rehearsals. But this time she made a few new friends, who also homeschool. And I think she is really looking forward to talking to them more.

Today is one of those days when I am so thankful we homeschool. It has been beautiful all day! We started this morning doing some school work. However, after lunch, we decided outside was calling us. I had already planned a few chores for outside so we started on the list after lunch. We managed to get quite a few things done and the girls even had time for a water balloon fight.

I am hoping to get to Lowe's in the next couple of days to pick up a few things. I want to look for some tall plants to go in back of the azalea bed (in front of the fence). I also need another African Violet pot and some plant food. John always has a reason to be at Lowe's so I he may want to go too.

I am super excited about our plants this year. The azaleas are all covered with buds. The hostas are beginning to poke of our the ground. The two surviving irises are already about five inches tall. And, what I'm most excited over, is our blueberry plant is covered in blooms! It is going to be a grand year.

Pictures as promised

If you see the show, you'll really appreciate this picture. Then giggle.

Witch ponders, "Where did I go wrong?" lol

Best buds!

Our great and powerful Oz! He is such a ham!!

Our favorite storyteller, purple

The gang of storytellers

Cousins!

Second night of The Wizard of Oz

Tonight, we were expecting Master Mike and his wife, Beth, to attend the show. The girls were sort of nervous knowing they were coming, but happy too. Well. When they went to the lobby after the show they found Master Mike and Beth, the Wilhelms, the "Gabby's", and my cousin Phoebe and her family! They were so excited so many people came out to see them in the play. And the fact that Phoebe and her family drove down from the Charlotte area. When the girls figured out what time Phoebe would get home, the girls were amazed they came down.

We are so fortunate to have so great friends and family!

I'll post some pictures tomorrow of Jesse with her throne and Chloe with all the other storytellers.

A week of firsts

School has been going remarkable well this week. I believe today will the first day this week they will not complete all of their work before lunch (11am). But they will finish shortly after lunch, so I'm happy with it.

Rehearsals went well. Tuesday night is always "costume night" and is always trying. This time I was asked to help with costumes. A job I've avoided all these years. But I was eager to learn as soon as I heard Ms. Donna was there. Woohoo! For those who do not know, Ms. Donna is THE Costume Lady (next to Mr. Jerry). She made most of the costumes herself and has been doing it for years. She is awesome. So learning from her put me at ease...until I found out she wouldn't be there the rest of the week. {Palm to forehead} But last night went well. I only had to put one hat in the freezer. :)  (If any part of a costume is left where it should not be, it goes in the freezer; that person never forgets.)

Tuesday was also the first night Jesse had her throne to practice "melting". (Ms. Donna's son created the chair.) Jesse loathes the chair. She says it is difficult. However, from the audience's perspective it  looks awesome! The only thing we won't have in Camden, that we had in Columbia, is the fog. Which really made it creepy.

Tonight is opening night. None of us can believe it is already here. The girls are excitedly nervous. I have my marching orders from Mr. Jerry now. Seems like when you are working with this many children there is always something coming up, so you just have to go with it. Hopefully, I won't forget my note for tonight.

So...On with the show!

Tech Rehearsal for the Wizard of Oz





I admit I am used to being on stage right and not in the house. Tonight, I was asked to sit in the house and keep things in check. Now, I've been asked that before and told I needed to be nicer. I was nice, but eventually I took away all talking rights because they just did not understand "whisper".

 

 

I pulled out the camera, so they could make funny faces instead of talking.

Yes, he's a poser. ;)

 

House center

House left! What hams!

Gabby and TJ thought this was going to be a "loving" picture.  lol  We do love both of them!

Corner of house center and house right.

The storytellers on stage with Toto.

Tonight was the first time I saw any of Jesse's scenes. Wow! She is loving being wicked! I took some videos. They are dark and full of technical stuff from rehearsal, so I am not going to post them. You'll have to see the play or come by to watch the DVD once we get it.

After John saw the pictures of all the children I had to "wrangle" by myself, he said I was "a tough woman." Yep. There a quite a few children out there tonight telling their parents about the mean lady; and a few others who are telling their parents about the nice lady. One had to hug me in the middle of rehearsal. TJ hugged me several times, so did Gabby. lol  So welcome to our little theater family. There are a few missing because they are in high school now, and tonight I really did miss them lots. But I get to see them on Facebook. :)

A full weekend

Saturday, the girls had school. I was kind and made it a half day because it was also the day for the "Kids in Print" reception. We really didn't know what to expect at the reception, since we've never been. But we saw a couple of families we know there (my gut knew we would see them) and one family we didn't expect was there too. There were so many people!!! You were suppose to RSVP; however, I don't think half of them did because the librarians were scrounging up chairs for everyone. Two actors were there as our moderators. They introduced the drawings and read the stories and poetry. It was quite fun. The girls loved seeing their drawings on up the big screen for all to see.

Sunday was another school day, another half day. They did their school work while I drove to Charlotte. The girls helped Grandpa make homemade rolls to go with lunch. They were delicious! And they put out an Easter sign for Grandma in the front yard. Now, we have to start planning Dad's birthday.

Today, we had to go shopping. Chloe thought she could still wear her black shoes from last year, but she couldn't. She has to wear them to rehearsal starting tomorrow night, so we went out today hoping to find some. We did find a pair, but not like hers from last year. We found a pair like them but they were two sizes too big. I'm just happy she found a pair this close to spring when all the sandals come out (she needed closed toe shoes).

The "Wizard of Oz"

I have had so many people ask about tickets for "The Wizard of Oz". Tickets are now available for purchase on-line at fineartscenter.org. The shows are March 12 through the 15th. Thursday through Saturday shows will be at 7pm. Sunday's show will be at 3pm.

I'll do my best to personally tell those who have asked, but in case I miss someone I thought I would post it here too.

What a week!

I'll start with the funeral on Friday for Vernon. I've never attended a funeral for a Vietnam Vet, Marine, Harley rider before. It was a beautiful service. My cousin, Cindy, arrived on Vernon's Harley driven by my Uncle Morgan. They were followed by about ten other Harley's carrying Vietnam Vets. Three-uniformed Marine's were present. One played the bugle while the other two unfolded, then refolded the flag. It was then presented to Cindy. I cried. We all knew I would. The flag presentation, no matter what branch, is heart breaking. But if you have ever witnessed what Marine's do with it you'll understand. The chaplain sang two songs a cappella; he has a beautiful voice.

I believe it was Saturday (could have been Sunday) when I found out my great-uncle Carroll had double-pneumonia. He left the hospital yesterday for Hospice. My mother called this morning to tell me he passed away during the night. I liked Uncle Carroll. I think he was a good man and I liked him. I will miss his hugs greatly.

Rehearsals seem to be never ending. But tonight's will be the last until Tuesday night. Woohoo!

Taekwondo went well without the girls Tuesday night, but they were missed. The students missed them. And of course I missed my awesome instructor, Jesse (she is teaching me my new form).

John has had a very rough couple of weeks. He really needs a vacation, but with his schedule he can't seem to take off from work. Then one of his bosses told him he needs to take off twenty-eight days by the end of September! And that is not counting all of his holidays and Mondays off.  There are some other things going on at work too, but won't discuss those (neither will he, so don't ask). He has come home the last week and been, well, out of sorts. Not himself. I hope things clear up soon.

An icky week

This week I've been feeling icky. I finally went to the doctor yesterday (I was holding out for Monday when I had an appointment, but I didn't make it). She confirmed what I already knew: my allergies are wonky and both my ears are "gunky". It just means more antibiotics for me. Woo...hoo. {sigh}

The girls are having fun at their rehearsals. Jesse is enjoying being "evil" and Chloe is loving seeing Gabby almost every night. They even got to go to taekwondo Tuesday night. All the students were sad to hear the girls would not be back until graduation, but excited knowing Master Mike was going to teach tonight.

I am getting ready for a funeral tomorrow. My cousin's husband passed away last week after a long battle of COPD. I liked Vernon. We didn't get to see them much, but I always enjoyed talking to him when we did see him. Some people make you smile and he was that way for me. Tomorrow I'm going down toward Savannah to say goodbye. John will fill my shoes here to get the girls where they need to be and when they need to be there. Your thoughts should go out to John. ;-)

I haven't mentioned this yet, but our daffodils are coming up. I do love this time of year when the green of the daffodils start showing. Some of them are about six-inches tall now. There was a lady (I believe she is one of the two Barbaras) at book club last night who was worried about her plants. I asked her what kind of plants. She told me daffodils; I explained they are suppose to come up this time of year and they should be okay with the cold.

I haven't talked about book club much, but I have to say I am enjoying it. The ladies are getting used to me, and some even know my name now. Mr. Jim, who runs the meeting, knows me too well. lol Ms. Regina cracks me. She was trying to get my attention from across the room last night to let me know she agreed with me. lol  I'm not sure anyone else heard my comment. There was a lot of talking at the same time last night. I will miss it next month, which is sad. Ms. Regina said I'd be missed, which made me smile. But I'll be at the theater that night for the last dress rehearsal.

First week of rehearsals are complete!

I'm glad last week is over. lol  Chloe had her first rehearsal and her friend Gabby brought her some crutches to use. Gabby was laughing so hard while Chloe was trying to use crutches for the first time. It is always fun to watch those two together. I had the opportunity to catch up with Selena, Gabby's Mom.

Everyone missed Chloe at taekwondo last week. I think they will be happy to see her Tuesday; however, I believe that may be the girls' last day until graduation. I will have to teach all alone for the next couple of weeks. It is very sad. I really enjoy watching the girls interact with the students. Both of them do a great job teaching and encouraging the students. And I will miss their help greatly.

Friday was a long day. While Chloe did not volunteer (because of her ankle), we had Meet the Masters. The girls always enjoy that class. We also found out that day my cousin's husband died. And Jesse had her first rehearsal that night too. Like I said, it was a long, and emotional, day.

I believe my Mom and I are going to drive down to Georgia later this week for the funeral. We are still awaiting the finalized plans so I can make our arrangements. I don't think John is looking forward to everything he'll have to do in my absence, but I know he will do well.

I woke up yesterday with a pain in one of my toes, on my right foot. It had woke me up during the night, but I hoping it would go away. It didn't. When I stood up, I found I couldn't put pressure on that toe. When I went to touch it, I discovered I couldn't touch it. It felt like a nerve had been injured. But I was asleep when it happened, so I don't know what happened. Then when I was in the shower I fell. I mean I FELL! I had one foot in front and one behind me, and on the way down I'd hit the shower door with my back. I just had a five-inch red mark on my back, so I thought it was fine. However, last night when we went to bed, John was rubbing my back and got to my left shoulder blade. OUCH! There may not be a bruise but I whacked that place hard. I was wondering why my left shoulder started hurting yesterday afternoon. It happened so fast, I just couldn't remember what all I did hit on my body. So, be careful in the shower!

We are having school this weekend. John is working, so are we too. The girls hate these weekends. I don't like them either, but we need to do it. I really want them to finish by mid-May so they can have a few weeks off before we start back in June. I still can't get over Jesse will be in high school when we begin our next school year.

We have been homeschooling for nine years now. I just find that amazing. We have now finalized all of our books for next year, but I still need to work on a schedule for a few classes. Jesse will be doing American Literature and US History and Constitution. I am finding it very difficult to limit American Literature. I have, on our top shelf alone, enough great American books/authors to cover two years of AP Lit. How do you narrow that down? Anyway. I have a friend whose husband teaches history at USC and she said he may do a one-day intensive Constitution study with us. The only problem is Jesse is the only one I know studying American history next year. But at least I know who to go to with questions. lol

Our last week before crazy!

This last week was our last week before Wizard rehearsals begin.

Monday, we took Chloe to see Dr. J. about braces. He said her mouth looks great, so she is on there growth program. She'll go in every once in awhile just to make sure she is still going down a good path. She is excited to be a patient now; we think she'll be able to enter the monthly contests now.

The rest of our week was the usual: taekwondo, volunteering and school work. I spent a great deal of my time working on a high school schedule. I think we've mostly narrowed down everything for Jesse's freshman year. We still have to order books, but we are mostly there. I think.

Friday we had Meet the Masters. It was the first Meet the Masters we had since, well, I don't remember. That long ago! I enjoyed it because the tables and chairs were already set-up when I arrived. Usually we arrive ten minutes early and most everyone else is ten minutes late. Friday, we were the last ones there. We were two minutes early! And the tables were set-up!

Today, the girls went to a birthday party at HiWire. I don't think I will ever go back there on a Saturday again. They have a volleyball league so we had to park across a three-lane road at Academy. Unreal! But the party went well. Chloe, however, sprained her ankle. She is not a happy camper right now.

The Wizard of Oz cast list is out!

I checked my email this morning just to see if the list was out. They said it would be out by 3:30 today. The list had already been emailed. There the three of us were: Jesse behind my chair, Chloe leaning over my chair from the sofa and me in my chair with the laptop. We were all a twitter that was sure.

Chloe had wondered, for weeks, if she would get the same part she had in Columbia (for the same play). I didn't think she would, but I tried not to assume anything. Jesse was focused on one thing. We sat there scrolling down the alphabetical list looking for the M's. There it was! Gabriella Mason as the Red Storyteller. (Chloe's best bud.) Then there was Chloe Morgan as the Purple Storyteller. They are together again. I think Candy has something to do with the fact those two are always together. Next. I wasn't sure she would get it. Jesse really wanted a particular part. And she had it. Jesse Morgan as the Wicked Witch of the West! They are both so excited and looking forward to the first rehearsal in a couple of weeks.

Mid-January already?!

I cannot believe we are already in the middle of January. Unreal.

The girls auditioned for the Wizard of Oz Monday night. This will be Jesse's last play with this group (K-8). She can still choose to audition for the high school student shows, but so far they have not done one that she wanted to do. The cast list comes out this week, so I'll keep you posted.

We went to the dentist this week and found out Chloe needs to see an orthodontist sooner rather than later. John is not too excited about having two girls with braces at the same time. He was hoping to have a little break between the girls. Oh, well.

Wednesday night, while I was at book club, the girls decided they wanted to make cupcakes. Jesse found a recipe online. They were delicious!

The girls and I actually skipped taekwondo Thursday night. We went shopping for John a new shirt and tie for a funeral we were going to attend on Friday.

Today, I went out to breakfast with a couple of friends. We haven't gotten together in months (as the lady at the bakery reminded me). Okay, we haven't seen each other for the sole purpose of sitting and chatting. It was a good visit. I suggested we gather monthly. lol 

"Alice in Wonderland"

Today is the final show of "Alice in Wonderland". If you've missed them all you missed one heck of a great show! I've had many parents come up to tell me how awesome they believe Chloe did. She has one speech that has rendered everyone speechless. Jesse was complimented last night, by the director, for her dance moves, which made her very happy.

Back row: Rachel, "the Caterpillar"; Mel, "the Hedgehog"; Jesse, "the Tin Man". Front: Chloe, "Alice #2)
Yes, all the Alices were referred to by their number. lol



Two of my favorite people from "Music Man" that we were reunited with during "Alice".

The "Wizard of Oz" crew for "Alice". It was a bit funny!

Lewis Carroll and all of his Alices.

All-in-all it has been an interesting ride. But I'll be honest, I will happily go back to teaching our taekwondo students next week knowing they listen (most of the time), are honest and trustworthy. I rather enjoy being around people I know I can trust. One of the things I teach in my classes are honesty, integrity, and the idea that martial arts is not just an individual sport, but a team one too. We help each out when we're stuck. We offer support and aid when we fall. And above all there is no laughing at one another because no one enjoys being laughed at.

We also went on an awesome field trip Friday. We went to the Catawba Cultural Center in Rock Hill. It was amazing. I learned so much! Chloe said, on the way home, it "was the best field trip ever!" Jesse quickly agreed.



A pottery demonstration; she created a milk jug right in front of us!

A demonstration of their music then several of their dances.

Jesse's favorite part was the "Friendship Dance" because everyone was able to participate. I loved the idea of the dance; you hope you and your friends' paths cross often. It is a beautiful, simple thought. Chloe's favorite was the "Hoop Dance" and I agree it was awesome and tiring just watching. lol

Oh, happy day!

Sometimes it is the little things in life that bring us much joy. Today, I had one of those moments. The girls and I had to go to Michael's for art supplies for a science project for Jesse (I'll post pictures when she is done). You know how they always have the row of small, awesome things you could live without? Well, today they had an item (maybe two) that I just could not do without and I already knew how I would use it. The girls told me to buy. I put it down; then picked it up and brought it home. It is a simple item. A bag. (Yes, John another bag, but wait!) This particular bag is rather small, but I knew it would be the perfect size to house my watercolor pencils, brushes and notebook. Guess what? It was a perfect fit! Now I have all my tools together (minus the water) and it makes me happy.

It is awesome! Right?! I love it.

The second tech rehearsal went much better last night. We actually ran the curtain calls three times and ran through the entire play. A couple of lines were messed up (one was a Que for Chloe; she was slightly irritated). I even charged my camera for pictures! Then promptly left it at home. So frustrating! I'm hoping to take a few pictures tonight backstage, but not sure how well I'll do with that. It is so much easier taking them during the rehearsals rather than an actual performance. Will see what I can accomplish. Fingers crossed that everyone breaks-a-leg!!! :)

Pictures. Yep! I have pictures.

I took a few pictures of the garage yesterday. Mainly, so after it gets messy again I can look back to see what it looked like clean. lol

My gardening area

It all looks so nice. And I've discovered another bonus: John moved the trash can to the side where my car door opens. So, I just put the trash directly from my car into the can outside my door. :)

We had another rehearsal last night. I was just too tired to blog. Last night costumes were handed out. What a job! I was not part of the dressing team; I was in the auditorium trying to keep 110 children somewhat quite and unharmed. The first part of that was much easier than the second considering I was the one wanting to do harm. I was so proud of my girls, who know how to sit quietly and patiently while waiting an hour and a half for 110 children to all get their costumes. It was all the socially enabled public school kids who can't seem to sit quietly nor wait patiently. So why am I also asked about the socialization of my kids? Interesting.

Anyway. I managed not to hurt anyone's children, but I did have to threaten one with being removed from the show if I saw her hitting anyone else with her costume. She instantly said it was "an accident". I asked her if "I looked stupid? You hit her three times in a row, which makes it not an accident." Girl, please! I also embarrassed a boy, who has been untrustworthy backstage. I asked him in front of all 110 children if he needed to come stand beside me and be my friend. (I told him the night before, backstage, if he didn't behave he was going to have to stand right beside me and be my friend.) Do I know how to get them to behave or what?! LOL 

Well, here is what you were waiting for anyway. The girls in their costumes:

I got some GREAT pictures last night and I hope I can get more tonight. But I figured, here, most people would just be interested in seeing our girls. ;)