tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-367134132024-03-13T09:45:31.972-07:00Little DreamerThis kind of certainty comes but once in a lifetime.LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.comBlogger319125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-27512227393620433362015-09-28T20:51:00.001-07:002015-09-28T20:51:18.330-07:00baby steps<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
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I kind of want to watch <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> again. </div>
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I think I'm finally ready.</div>
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I know this doesn't seem like a big deal to most, but for me it's huge. You see, I'm a die-hard Jane Austen fan. My favorite novels are <i>Pride and Prejudice </i>and <i>Persuasion</i>. And the other day I discovered *my* Pride and Prejudice (the Colin Firth / Jennifer Ehle version, of course) was twenty years old. I'm not quite sure how this is possible, but numbers don't lie...right? </div>
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But I digress. </div>
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I watched <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> for the first time with my mamma…and each viewing thereafter. I’ve never seen it with anyone else and never watched it by myself. It was always *our* thing, full of inside jokes and laughs and happy moments. And after she died, it went on the unofficial list of movies to never watch again. Fortunately, over the years, a few titles have come off that list. It took a while, but I was finally able to watch <i>You’ve got Mail </i>(the last movie we ever watched together) and <i>White Christmas</i> (it took us two nights to get through it because she was so sick from radiation treatments). But somehow I could not bring myself to endure six hours of bittersweet memories. I couldn’t bear the thought of watching P&P without my mamma, and it made me all sorts of angry and sad and melancholy. </div>
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But now I think I'm ready. I may not watch it tomorrow or next week or even this year, but the idea of seeing it again seems okay. After almost four years I may be ready for another first without my mamma, and while I know it will be hard sitting through that initial viewing, I think I can face the pain. It won't be easy. I may tear up or even cry. I may have to take breaks or give myself grace to not finish it. However I'm proud for even considering this again. And just like <i>You've Got Mail</i> has come to hold a special place in my heart because I remember watching it with my partner-in-all-things-romantic-comedy, the same can happen with P&P. I'll remember the laughs. The lines we recited together. Her favorite scene. Favorite line ("dearest, loveliest, Elizabeth) and especially the good times shared with Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennett. </div>
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I hate that my mamma is just a memory, but that's my reality, and sometimes memories are all I've got to hold on to. So, after a lengthy absence, I think it's time for a walk down memory lane...Jane Austen style.</div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">After all, "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; line-height: 18.2px;">It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #6a6a6a; line-height: 18.2px;">must be in want of a wife</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: #545454;">."</span></span></div>
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LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-34049363239374791062015-09-27T21:50:00.000-07:002015-09-27T21:50:21.663-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4OBYexG7p2c/VgjFIKWTaXI/AAAAAAAAKZM/c9iR5p-qtDI/s1600/encourager.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4OBYexG7p2c/VgjFIKWTaXI/AAAAAAAAKZM/c9iR5p-qtDI/s400/encourager.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-53779746543242723082015-09-06T22:17:00.002-07:002015-09-06T22:17:33.392-07:00there are days...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-83392429118273575352015-08-22T20:49:00.000-07:002015-08-22T20:49:48.430-07:00it was a beach morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tried a new beach and found this gem. Beautiful.LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-13906783944813395342015-08-12T21:04:00.001-07:002015-08-12T21:04:50.002-07:00at the end of a long day<br />
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So...at the end of a very long and discouraging work day, I decided it was time to clear my head and crack open the journal (which hasn't been opened since July 4. gulp). After hitting up my favorite coffee shop and then changing locations twice (lack of air conditioning/too many smokers at the first place and some seriously creepy homeless dudes at the second), I headed for what we locals call the "trail." Formerly a railroad track, this mile-and-a-half, linear park is my go-to for an after work walk/run, but this time I needed the space for some serious mental rejuvenation. I found a secluded spot with a bench and some much needed shade and wrote. And wrote. And wrote. It was a productive hour of pouring out the craziness that seems to be my life and (hopefully) putting a few things into perspective. Writing has always been cathartic for me, so the question is why don't I journal more often? It takes times and effort and sometimes I venture into uncomfortable territory, but it's always worth it in the end. Perhaps I'll make a last-quarter-of-the-year resolution to journal more. <br />
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Perhaps.<br />
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Or perhaps things will continue as they are, and I'll turn to writing as a get-me-out-of-this-insane-mess last resort. <br />
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Time will tell. Whatever I choose, tonight was lovely, and I think I even managed to clear my head. Mission accomplished. <br />
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Photo: I have absolutely no idea what these little white balls are called, but I thought they were quite lovely.LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-56039161200647848072015-08-08T21:18:00.001-07:002015-08-08T21:18:35.798-07:00something like that<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-33830890709377124832015-07-30T19:58:00.000-07:002015-07-30T20:05:42.205-07:00summer loveI simply ADORE summer storms. The thunder, the rain, how fresh the air feels afterwards. Sigh.<br />
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That's all.LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-6002832676200776122015-07-29T20:43:00.002-07:002015-07-29T20:43:43.158-07:00what we leave behind<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">"To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"> Thomas Campbell - ‘Hallowed Ground’ </span>LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-16298851252133971752015-07-25T20:50:00.003-07:002015-07-25T20:50:59.879-07:00life rules <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-88374919164192368942015-01-04T06:00:00.000-08:002015-01-04T06:00:00.699-08:00the wait is over!Happy Downton Day!!! (maybe <i>this</i> will be the season us Carson/Hughes fans finally see some action! Hint, hint, Mr. Fellows...)<br />
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<br />LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-59017028706338064702015-01-01T18:32:00.001-08:002015-01-01T18:32:14.968-08:00blank pages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6aaJZmyxvf0/VKYC_UANqsI/AAAAAAAAKOI/AfoQjJDfJTg/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6aaJZmyxvf0/VKYC_UANqsI/AAAAAAAAKOI/AfoQjJDfJTg/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-47646260259830195712014-12-25T06:00:00.000-08:002014-12-25T06:00:00.256-08:00merry christmas to you and yours<img height="640" src="http://images.tinyprints.com/personalization/7785b5efebb9400324b0b5198d5a08b747702b48/width/700/height/500/1.png" width="454" />LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-43003172189548774712014-12-24T12:41:00.002-08:002014-12-24T12:41:35.377-08:00tradition (sometimes comes in the form of cake)<div style="text-align: center;">
So excited to be making a holiday favorite!!! The kitchen smells amazing!</div>
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(here's the <a href="http://www.sassyradish.com/2008/11/cranberry-orange-cornmeal-cake/">recipe</a> if interested...)LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-6325659975310605612014-11-13T05:30:00.000-08:002014-11-13T05:30:02.216-08:00three yearsThree years ago today my life turned a corner. Three years ago the person I thought would live to be 100 was diagnosed with cancer. And even though a semi-serious chunk of time has passed, I remember that day all too well. Where I was, what I wore, expressions, emotions, who I told when and where, and how I wanted to wake up from this awful dream that was now my reality. I don't mean to be this way, but I am so my mother's daughter. We're date people. We remember what we (and sometimes other people) wore on certain occasions. We remember random people's kids names or when their dog died. This type of memory can be a blessing, but it's also a curse. It means I remember every day of that week long hospital stay. What happened when. Which nurses were on duty. Who came to visit. Where I called people from the hospital. Which nights I stayed. What I did (or as was most often the case didn't) eat. When she had surgery. How she woke up. These memories are indelibly imprinted on my brain. I try not to think of them, but sometimes, and especially at this time of year, they resurface with a sudden vengeance and threaten to overwhelm the life I have now. <br />
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So much of this journey has been a private affair for me, however the older (ahem, or should I say, more mature) I become, the more I recognize the value of sharing these experiences with others. To allow myself moments of complete transparency. To say, hey, this is a crappy day, and here's why. And most importantly, to not forget my mother and her all to short life here on earth. Because even though the three months that followed her diagnosis were the most difficult of my life, they were also the last days I spent with my mama, and for that reason alone there will always be an element of preciousness about them.<br />
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So, tonight I'm going to see the National Theater Live production of Skylight. Why? Because it's something we would have done together and for whatever reason, it feels right. And while she may not be with me physically, I'd like to think that she's with me in spirit, and maybe, just maybe, she'll be watching the show from heaven... <br />
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<br />LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-24052210878054492702014-08-30T05:00:00.000-07:002014-08-30T21:26:26.151-07:00for the love of booksEver since I can remember I've been *that* person who reads several books simultaneously. Sounds strange coming from a type-A, but it's so freeing to know I have more than one option and can choose the book that fits my current literary mood. I mean let's face it, sometimes you feel like that meaty autobiography, and sometimes you just want mindless fluff! And since I'm the kind of person who believes in finishing everything I start, whether or not I like it (and yes, to the one person wondering, this does include <i>Great Expectations</i>. I shall conquer it!), there have been a few books that have taken longer than others. (Alexandre Dumas' <u>The Black Tulip</u> comes to mind. That one was seriously brutal.) Fortunately for me, the current list much more palatable. :-) <br />
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<u>The Ashford Affair</u> - 1920s/1999 historical fiction crossover and great to read on break!<br />
<u>And Furthermore</u> - Judi Dench's autobiography 2.0<br />
<u>Living History</u> - Hillary Clinton's autobiography<br />
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<br />LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-66978456057339032672014-08-24T00:00:00.000-07:002014-08-24T00:00:02.923-07:00it's not everyday your best friend turns 30<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, my best friend turned 30 this year! We have a tradition of treating each other to some kind of birthday fun, and this year was no exception. Given that this was the BIG 3-0, her mom, husband, and I threw her a surprise birthday party, but I still wanted to do something for just the two of us. I started researching ideas a few months ago (after all, I wanted it to be the p-e-r-f-e-c-t day) and hatched this little plan...of course, I changed my mind multiple times, but ultimately, decided to pursue my original idea and am so glad I did.</div>
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Rodeo Drive!!!!!!!!</div>
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We started the afternoon at The Blvd, an art deco style restaurant at the Beverly Hills Wilshire (of Pretty Woman fame)! We loved the vibe (and music), but unfortunately, the food wasn't as good. The presentation was striking, but the taste buds were under-impressed. </div>
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Naturally, the day wouldn't be complete without a food pic. </div>
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Via Rodeo!</div>
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Front of the hotel</div>
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Stop two was supposed to be pedicures at Olive and June, an environmentally friendly nail salon with services like "The Margot" and "The Olive." It came highly recommended and sounded like tons of fun. Too bad we were turned away because they were booked solid! :-( (we won't talk about how I called twice to make sure they could take us without a reservation) It's a good thing the BFF was so understanding! Despite our little setback, we pulled out our iPhones and found another salon within walking distance. It was quite relaxing, and our toes looked be-a-u-tiful.<br />
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Finally, no outing would be complete without something sweet. We found a cute French bakery and enjoyed iced mocha's and split an amazing almond croissant. <br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"> Fortunately, one of us (and it wasn't me) made sure we took a selfie.</span><br />
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I am beyond blessed by this girls friendship. We've known each other for more than half our lives and have been friends for sixteen. She's seen the good, bad, and the ugly and hasn't run away yet! We've laughed and cried together (okay, I may have done more of the crying part), stayed up 'til 3:00 a.m. watching movies more times I care to admit, and have cooked some seriously elaborate meals. We've navigated the challenges of a cross-country relationship and come out closer than ever. I don't have to explain myself or my family to her and can just be. How many people can you say that about?! All-in all, it was wonderful having an afternoon to ourselves to just hang out enjoy each others company. </div>
LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-15090153987255208572014-08-23T00:00:00.000-07:002014-08-23T11:33:57.706-07:00quotes to live by<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Ct8BniJS_c/U_gVzo2bA0I/AAAAAAAAKIg/Li8-Q8mY21g/s1600/Bacall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Ct8BniJS_c/U_gVzo2bA0I/AAAAAAAAKIg/Li8-Q8mY21g/s1600/Bacall.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-87655345129947942772014-08-20T20:14:00.002-07:002014-08-20T20:14:57.666-07:00embracing the single thing"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans."<br />
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I had a breakthrough last week. Not of the earth shattering variety, but a breakthrough in my world nonetheless. I went to the movies by myself. Intentionally. I know, I know, this sounds ridiculous, but coming from someone who has always made an effort to experience what I consider "shared cultural activities" with others, this was kind of a big deal. Ironically, I've done the shopping/museum/and even travel thing solo, but somehow I just always thought I was supposed to do movies or theater with someone else because I never had the self confidence to do them on my own. After all, everyone would immediately notice I was <i>by myself,</i> no significant other or friend at my side, and thereby, clearly, ALONE. <br />
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Why? Well, I'm one of those people who had her life all planned out. Neat and orderly. Married by 25, first baby by 27, established career, you know, your average run of the mill schedule. I remember planning my wedding with my cousin when we were about five-years-old. (I wanted a large wedding party with each bridesmaid wearing a different colored pastel dress. Me, pastel?! That's the last thing I'd want today!) Fast forward about twenty-five years, and there's no significant other (Hello, Hugh Jackman...where are you?!), no kids on the horizon, and considering I work in a college library with about zero prospects on the romantic front and am still on the fence about online dating, I'm at an impasse. There's no built-in plus one, and most of my friends are married with families and extra responsibilities. So, when I decided to buy myself a solo ticket to the theatre last June, it was a big step for me. I was going into the unknown without a safety net. No one to go with, sit with, and, obviously, talk with. I don't know what I expected, but the experience was relatively painless. Nobody laughed at me or pointed out I was there <i>by myself. </i>I even had a pleasant conversation with the woman sitting next to me, who - get this - was also flying solo. (granted, she was about 30 years older than me, but still.) Then a few weeks later I went to the ballet and now the movies. I suppose I <i>finally</i> recognized (or perhaps admitted) my relationship status won't be changing tomorrow so maybe I should embrace the single thing and enjoy life as it is...<br />
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After all, why do I always need someone to do things with? Why can't I enjoy and be comfortable with my own company instead of publicly avoiding it at all costs? Sure, somethings are better enjoyed with others (who doesn't want a travel companion or shopping buddy?), and I certainly won't hesitate to organize future group outings, but I also won't avoid going at things solo. I've always been on the shy side and missed out on lots of fun opportunities during my high school years because I was too scared to do them. Then came college when I didn't have much time for anything, and the last half of my 20s was overshadowed by family health/job crises. I know I missed out on chances, but there's no point in wallowing in regret about the past. All I can do is work to change the future, not waste anymore time, and experience life to its fullest...today. <br />
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Maybe there is something to this 30s-is-the-best-decade thing. :-)LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-86388430336738493862014-08-02T21:21:00.000-07:002014-08-02T21:21:48.215-07:00chapel at sunset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On a day that would rival the tropics in the humidity dept, the chapel at Mariners is a beautiful sight to behold. I'm SO excited to have finally found a new church. </div>
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<br />LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-48347244171643621632014-07-04T10:43:00.001-07:002014-07-04T10:43:37.750-07:00what a holiday means to me: extra sleep!This morning I woke up early and thought I overslept. Panic set in as I frantically grabbed my phone to check the time. Then I remembered it was a holiday. Hello!<br />
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Happy Independence Day everyone!</div>
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LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-25790542258247321732014-06-25T05:00:00.001-07:002014-06-25T05:00:05.768-07:00the last confession <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Those of you who know me know I love the theater. Specifically, good theater. From musical theater to drama to anything in-between I'm a sucker for it all. This past week I matched my NYC record and went three times in five days!!! It wasn't exactly planned that way, but when it rains, it pours, right?! On Tuesday I saw Mystere at Treasure Island (great acrobatics but anything Cirque sets me on edge, and parts of this show were downright creepy), Friday was a youth theater version of Fiddler on the Roof (the student playing Tevye was amazing...everyone else not so much), and finally on Saturday I drove to LA to see David Suchet in The Last Confession. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect and went because 1) here was a possible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Mr. Suchet live and in person and 2) I got a great deal on the tickets. The subject matter was secondary to me, but I'm happy to report everything about this play was pure excellence. The acting hit the right tone, and great as the RSC's Suchet is, he never overshadowed the other actors. It was a true ensemble cast in every sense of the word. <br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17.02400016784668px;">The Last Confession is a play about the reign of Pope John Paul I, who died under suspicious circumstances in 1978, only 33 days after taking the Vatican’s top job. A determined liberal reformist – similar to the current Pope – he intended to replace some of his most powerful conservative cardinals. The death was not officially investigated but one insider who helped install the short-lived pope, Cardinal Giovanni Benelli (played by Suchet), doggedly tried to uncover the truth.</span><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17.02400016784668px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17.02400016784668px;">- Sydney Morning Herald </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17.02400016784668px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Entertainment</span></span></div>
The Last Confession was written by lawyer turned first time playwright Robert Crane (see <a href="https://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/The-Last-Confession/">here</a> for more info) and did what any great piece of theater should do: it made me think. Not in a let's-bash-the-church or put-down-Catholics sort of way, but rather, it took an honest look at how the desire for power can corrupt even the very best of our intentions. Although labeled a conspiracy thriller, TLC struck me more as an examination of human nature and how some cling to power at any price. Like John Patrick Shanely's, Doubt, audience members are left with questioning what really happened...was the pope murdered or did he die of natural causes...and like any good researcher, I intend to give it my best Boy Scout effort and find out! LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-38534566824282087272014-06-24T05:00:00.000-07:002014-06-24T05:00:09.246-07:00meeting hillarySo, this happened the other day!!!!!<br />
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I met Hillary Clinton. You know, former Secretary of State, Senator, FLOTUS, potential future president ...Hillary!!!! It all began a few weeks ago when I read she was coming to The Grove in L.A. as part of her book signing tour, and the rest as they say is history.<br />
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Of course, the event was the day <i>after</i> we got back from Vegas, and I admit to being exhausted on Wednesday night. I'd read about people camping out for her signing in Seattle and was concerned the same would happen in L.A. I didn't want to drive all that way only to find out the tickets were gone! I woke up at five o'clock the morning of and checked The Grove's twitter feed to see if there were any updates. Nothing. I guess they don't work that early. :-) I left the house an hour later and thanks to two accidents on the 710 and a car fire on the 5 it took me an hour-and-half to get there. Apparently, half the county had the same idea. The line extended all the way around the perimeter, but since I came this far, I wasn't about to leave now!<br />
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To make a long story short, I waited in line six-and-a-half hours, but it was totally worth it.<br />
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Sign inside the store. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I waited four hours to see this! At this point, we bought the book and were given a wristband. I was in group Z. Talk about close! (A few people later they started the standbys. Eek!) After exiting the store, we were directed to a different line and settled in for another couple of hours. </span><br />
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Security was extremely tight, and we went through an airport like checkpoint before being allowed on her floor. They had bullet proof glass set up on the side and Secret Service <i>everywhere</i>. (These people have ZERO personality, and I mean, zilch.) Barnes and Noble staff kept the line moving at a <i>very</i> steady pace. I took this picture on the move (hence the blurriness), but it gives an idea of the overall setup. </div>
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We weren't allowed to have our phones out after this point so the next photo I got is the one below! When it was my turn, I was behind one of my new friends who goes to school in D.C. Turns out he attends the same church as the Clinton's and mentioned it to her. She replied, "I love that church." Mini conversation! Score! I didn't have much to say other than, "Hi" and "Thank you." Original, I know, but at this point she'd been signing for over two hours, and no one was given the opportunity to say anything more. One thing I noticed was she made eye contact with <i>every single person</i> who came through that line, and I thought that was a nice gesture. </div>
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It was truly an A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. experience, and I'm super excited I at least saw her face-to-face. And, I must say, she has the bluest eyes...</div>
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The prize!</div>
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<br />LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-27228652477388969722014-06-23T05:00:00.000-07:002014-06-23T05:00:05.825-07:00what happens in vegas...doesn't stay there!It has been a seriously busy week. My family spent Father's Day in Las Vegas (my dad got a ridiculously amazing deal) and stretched it into a mini 4 days/3 night sin city vacation. Then on Thursday I met Hillary Clinton (okay, I use the word "met" loosely. It was for approximately 10 seconds, but we said "Hi" and made eye contact -- more on that later), and Friday/Saturday I went back to work, finally caught up with my BFF, and fit in not one, but two theater productions. First up: Vegas!<br />
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Overall, it was an enjoyable trip, and we made lots of great memories. Going in I only wanted two things:<br />
1) afternoon by the pool<br />
2) spiked mocha at the Bouchon<br />
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Unfortunately, neither dream was fully realized. Our hotel kept closing its pool due to strong winds, and although we were allowed to use the pool at Treasure Island it turned out to be less than satisfactory. So, I may not have read the afternoon away with a umbrella worthy drink in my hand, but we sure tried! As for the mocha...the last time I had breakfast at the Bouchon the server surprised me by spiking my coffee. I assumed they did that for all coffee beverages and didn't say anything this time around. It seems that's not the norm... :-(<br />
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Dad & I on Father's Day </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">We celebrated Father's Day with dinner at Ottos Pizzeria at the Venetian. My pasta was smothered in a butter sauce that would </span>have sent my stomach into orbit so I think I only managed 2 or 3 bites. Desperate times call desperate measures, and Dad and I had our "second dinner" a couple hours later at Cheesecake Factor. Appetizers for all!<br />
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The little bro & I at the Bellagio. I still find it hard to not have current pictures of Mother, </div>
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but since I almost always wear my hummingbird necklace I suppose part of her is there in spirit. </div>
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The boys & I! What am I going to do with these two?! </div>
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(and for the record, Mr. Beatles can whip up an awesome afternoon adult beverage...)</div>
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I love color! And flowers! And carousels! I found all three at the Wynn. So beautiful.</div>
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More flowers at the Aria. </div>
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I'm usually such a goody-two-shoes, but I broke my rule and took a picture of the </div>
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Mystere stage at the end of the show. Everyone else was doing it...</div>
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We bought last minutes tickets for the 9:30 showing...perhaps not the best time for me because I was definitely fading by 10:30.<br />
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Awesome art show at the Bellagio featuring art painted by or of women. (also </div>
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confirmed I'm a total sucker for all things impressionist. I can seriously stare at those pieces for hours.) </div>
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<br />LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-70589212235092423912014-05-24T22:26:00.000-07:002014-05-24T22:26:09.773-07:00a day in the life of the creatively uninspired A friend of mine is expecting a baby in August, and I'm helping with her shower. I volunteered to be in charge of the games and thought it would be fun to make the prizes instead of buying something. Three weeks ago this seemed like a brilliant plan. I went to a stamping party with my BFF, ordered lots of new supplies, and left feeling creatively inspired. My plan was to make note cards with five cards in each set...fast forward to present day. We're now T-minus two weeks to the shower, I just got the supplies, and I pretty much have no time to make the note cards! In typical fashion, I way over planned my three-day weekend, leave next Friday for a 4-day trip to NorCal for my cousin's wedding, and literally every night this week is booked. :-/ In an effort to make every minute count, I took a few minutes this morning to start planning the cards and later in the day managed to get 4 cards done in an hour-and-a-half. Not my greatest track record ever, but it's a start. Here's a look at what I've done so far.<br />
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I seem to craft best on the floor...and can make quite the mess! </div>
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I like to watch TV while I work, and this go around I'm watching one of my </div>
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favorite British series, Inspector Lewis. </div>
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I'm a sucker for detail, and nothing says 'finishing touch' like an envelope liner.</div>
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I'm going for a variation on a theme. Pansies, hearts, and chevrons are in!</div>
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Four down...6 more to go. Now that I have a few established designs, </div>
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I'm hoping to use the same pattern but change the colors. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-RdJYcQdCE/U4F7RiCjn3I/AAAAAAAAKCw/3h7eJLFfiek/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-RdJYcQdCE/U4F7RiCjn3I/AAAAAAAAKCw/3h7eJLFfiek/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br />LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36713413.post-32134475159810382632014-02-15T18:16:00.000-08:002014-02-15T18:16:00.821-08:00a mother isMy aunt shared this with me today, and I thought it was definitely worth passing on. <br />
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<br />LittleDreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224123408715557823noreply@blogger.com0