Church

I've been thinking about church a lot these days. Trying to put my finger on what it is that feels lacking. For the most part, I love what we do. We are committed to one another in a way that I have never experienced outside of college. I think it's wonderful. 

But lately I have been aching a bit, and until recently, I haven't been able to put my finger on it. I need some hard thinking. I crave the discussion of big ideas, or small ideas. I love to wrestle with the hard questions. I love to read what others are thinking and actually have a discussion with others who are also needing that same thing. And as much as I love our community, it's just not going to happen there. We've tried. There are those of us who enjoy it. But it's not something that will just happen spontaneously. 

What's a girl to do? I don't want to give up what I have, but I need more. (Is that just the epitome of an American belief system?!) I checked out the local seminary workshops and they all seem to be related to music and counseling. And while I am not opposed to either, they are not exactly my baileywick.  So in all my internet surfing, I stumbled across a local church (very mega) which offers 101 things to do. Thing is, I was interested in most of them.

Now, if you know me, you know that I am NOT your typical evangelical. In fact, it's been really hard for me to find a place where I don't feel like I am always the sandpaper rubbing up against everyone. So the fact that these book groups, artist meet-ups, drum circles and celtic services appealed to me was a bit of a shock. I am thinking I will give a couple of them a whirl. At least a book group and the artist meet-up. And the best thing is, I can still maintain my Sunday community. Perhaps there is a way for me after all?

Movie Time

It's that time of year for us. My mom and dad and I seem to reserve Winter Break as the time to indulge in movies. We have our usual suspects for the holidays: The Family Stone, The Gathering (both really the same movie), It's A Wonderful Life, Christmas With The Kranks (again, the same movie) & The Holiday; and then there's the wonderful array of movies that Turner plays: Holiday Inn (I think this is my new holiday fav), White Christmas, Family Man, About A Boy.

We also like to watch the movies that show up under the tree. This year it was The First Wives Club. I've said it before and I'll say it again: when I grow up, I want to be Diane Keaton.

Last night we stumbled across a great little chick flick called The Women. If you are a fan of Sex And The City, or Meg Ryan, Annette Benning, Cloris Leachman, Jeda Pinkett Smith, Deborah Messing, Candice Bergen, Bette Middler, or fast talking dames in general, I'd give it a go. It's not going to win any awards - and the critics hated it. And it is NOT as good as Sex And The City. But I thought it was a great little romp through the lives of women and how we make decisions, what matters most, and how our girlfriends are irreplaceable.

Any suggestions for the rest of break?

A New Perspective

As I was getting myself my last cup of tea this evening, I saw this lovely poem on the Celestial Seasonings box. It describes perfectly the way I feel about being out in the garden. A perfect reminder on a bitter cold December night.

A New Perspective
Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Those little cares that fretted me,
I lost them yesterday
Among the fields above the sea,
Among the winds at play;
Among the lowing of the herds,
The rustling of the trees,
Among the singing of the birds,
the humming of the bees.

The foolish fears of what may happen,
I cast them all away
Among the clover-scented grass,
Among the new-mown hay;
Among the husking of the corn
Where drowsy poppies nod,
Where ill thoughts die and good are born,
Out in the fields of God.

Deep Breath

Upon further review, and despite a terrible night's sleep, I am feeling better. It's amazing what a shower, anti-anxiety meds, and a thorough tooth brushing can do. And those blueberries I purchased from the very evil Walmart corporation that I am sure contributed beyond measure to the global warming crisis which before this week I would never have even mentioned for the sheer guilt of having broken my in-season-only vow -- those blueberries were especially nice today.

Living the Week from Hell

Wednesday, November 26th

• 6 am mad dash to the airport
  
• two uneventful flights land us in Orlando
• call from home that Garter (my grandmother) has been hospitalized with pneumonia
• family dinner at Downtown Disney is not so fabulous, but the Lego store is a winner

Thursday, Thanksgiving

• Call Garter, doing well
• Spend wonderful day with family in Florida
• wakened in dead of night (12:23 am) to a call from home: Aunt is being air-lifted to the heart center, as she has had a massive heart attack. Don't know if she will survive

Friday, November 28th

• 1:30 am, still awake and listening to the last Disney busses stop at our hotel
• 3:30 am, randomly wish I were a smoker so I could go have a drag on the balcony
• 4:30 am, finally fall asleep
• 6 am, wake-up call for "fun day" in the Magic Kingdom
• 11:30, finding quiet place in MK to take conference call with family - finally get the full story, still not sure if aunt is going to make it.
• 1 pm, nap
• 5 pm rejoin family in MK and have some fun after all
• midnight, fall into bed

Saturday, November 29th

• Last hurrah in WDW
• Flight delayed and will not make connection
• Aunt still touch and go
• Garter checked into nursing home; my aunt was her primary care giver
• Fly home on a jet far to small for my taste

Sunday, November 30th

• 1 am, home at last; fall into bed
• 10 am Richard departs for week in Texas
• visit Garter in nursing home (30 minutes away) - take home a list of items she still needs from the house
• go to Aunt's house (30 minutes away) and reheat Thanksgiving leftovers. How perverse is it that my aunt made the dinner we would need while she was in the hospital?
• Family meeting at 7 to figure out details of next week
• 9 pm, take items to Garter
• 10 pm, visit Aunt for first time. It's as bad as everyone has said.

Monday, December 1

• All manner of running about, to nursing home, to hospital, to pick up Nephew from school
• GOOD NEWS! The balloon pump that was in Aunt's heart has been removed and her heart is pumping on its own. Thank God.
• Dinner with Uncle and Nephew at our house

Tuesday, December 2

• Another blur of hospital and nursing home visits, groceries, Nephew and dinner at our place
• Hospital decides not to take Aunt off ventilator yet.
• Garter calls and calls and calls - she has inane jobs she wants us to tend to (brushing her dog, putting up the Xmas tree for Aunt, etc.)
• Father has to go put Garter in her place.
• we are all on edge with one another.
• I polished off an entire bottle of Chardonnay.

Wednesday, December 3

• 9 am, Take coughing child to Dr. Diagnosed with mild form of asthma - only flares with colds
• 10:30, pharmacy for refill on nebulizer
• 11 am, pick up Nephew
• 11:30 am, visit nursing home, conference with occupational therapist
• 1 pm, discover that the little whippet has demolished the carpet at the threshold of our bedroom door
• 1:30 pm, oh yeah, the boys need lunch
• No word yet from hospital. Have yet to visit that bunch.

I don't even want to ask what could go wrong next for fear of jinxing us all -- we just need some peace and quiet.

UPDATE:

• 5:30 pm, reheat and freeze last of Thanksgiving dinner at Aunt's house
• 8:15 pm, Hayes has to be held down by me AND my father for nebulizer treatment.
• 9:30 pm, glass of wine and vegging by the TV

Overheard in Indy

The girls are here this week - apparently Michigan schools believe in a Thanksgiving break. Hayes has been in heaven. It's like having instant sisters. We always find it amusing to hear bits and pieces of their conversations. Here's a sampling:

"Remember, we are not blind, we're just idiots."

In reference to the Marc Cuban news on ESPN:
"If he stole another $2 million, that'd really be over the boat!"
One can only assume he meant overboard?

"Who cut the cheese?" "What cheese?"

I love these kids.

Rally!

I had the privilege today to attend a rally for Barack Obama and the Democratic Party in Indianapolis. Over 21,000 people turned out in the rain to hear our next president speak. Mom and I were there by 10 a.m. and barely found seats in the Grandstand. Folks were standing in the mud and rain for 2 hours just to see Obama. And they were happy to do it. It was so good to see so many ready for a change -- especially in a tried and true red state. Rally, Indy; Rally!

New All About Me Page

I've been working on an All About Me scrapbook with a couple girlfriends. It's been a lot of fun getting to know one another. And of course, I love scrapbooking! This digital thing is awesome too. This is my latest page:

Politics, Politics, Politics...

The deadline to register to vote in Indiana is October 4.

Stop traveling to catch my breath? Moi?

Yes, it's true; right on the heels of a fabulous trip to wine country, I took off with my dad and the boy to see my cousins in Michigan. It was one last hurrah before the summer officially ended. We spent Saturday at the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Empire Park. It was a perfect day & the kids had a blast!



Unfortunately all that sand had to go somewhere, and despite a thorough cleaning in the outdoor shower, we just didn't get rid of it all. Hayes wound up with some of it in his eye. After a quick trip to the ER, he came away with a corneal abrasion and some eye drops. He was a good little patient, but it was so hard not to rub that eye! No harm, no foul. Just some good clean- well maybe not so clean - fun, and loads of sand.

Have I mentioned that I love wine?

I just returned from one of the most INCREDIBLE vacations I have ever taken. It's certainly in the top 10. My good friend Amy and I spent an entire week in wine country (Sonoma, Napa, Callistoga) and did everything we could to relax and enjoy ourselves. It was amazing. We started in Sonoma -- which holds a special place in both our hearts. The Cheese Factory is the BEST place to pick up a picnic for the square.


We hit several wineries while there, including Sabastiani, Gloria Ferrer, Mondavi, Mumm, Clos du Bois, Rubicon, Biannco & Rosso, Jessup, Sausal and Korbel. It was fantastic. Sausal is definitely a new favorite of mine. I am an old vine Zin girl and this just hit the spot!


We also bit off a bit more that we could chew in the mud baths at Callistoga. I feel I am just not enough of a "California girl" to have enjoyed this the way I should have. But I will say, the effervescent jacuzzi and the massage were to DIE for. I could go back again and again for that. The facility looked a bit scary, but we pulled through.


I can't wait to go back. Next time we take the family so we can go on the Safari together at Safari West. In fact, I would love to stay in their tent cabins. Can you imagine? This giraffe tried to kiss everyone in the jeep! It was surreal being so close to these animals! I loved it.

When she was good she was very good...

You know, when I don't want to kill her, I really do love her. She can be so sweet.





But she's not really foolin' Jezzy, is she?

A bit odd if you ask me...

I admit it: I am a webkins mom. I love to play the games, hunt for gems, the whole shmear. But what are the odds of getting this message? I mean, really?

Putting Food By

I have been working hard to preserve what I can of this year's produce. It's been an on-going task and certainly a time consuming one. But there is something so marvelous in putting up food that I grew and processed myself. So far this year I have:

• frozen 4 quarts of blueberries
• frozen 6 quarts of green beans
• frozen 4 quarts of strawberries (the harvest was slim this year)
• canned 12 quarts of tomatoes
• canned 12 pints of blueberry jam (2 of which were sugar-free)
• canned 4 pints of sugar-free strawberry jam
• canned 6 pints of applesauce
• canned 6 quarts of salsa

Not to mention all the wonderful salads and sorbets we have made this summer. I love doing this. I feel like it is one of the most meaningful contributions I am making to my family. I am so lucky to get to do it. I hope there will be much more to come. We are hoping to try mincemeat before the last frost gets everything.

New Background!

I finally figured out how to create my own blog background! I'd love your feedback on it.

prayer to the election gods...

Dear gods of the election,

I know it's lame (perhaps as lame as making your election choice based on who the first lady will be), but I can't bear the thought of not being able to listen to the State of the Union address for 4 more years. Please, election gods, let there be a new president who can deliver a speech that does not put the electorate to sleep. Please, oh please, oh please.

Amen.

Scrapbook Layout #985

Actually, I don't know how many I have done. I just liked this one and thought I'd share.

Politics, as usual?

I was trying to wait until both conventions were over to post about them, but last night was my tipping point. I just have too much to say not to comment.

First, the Democrats are my party; so let there be no secret about it -- I love Barack Obama; I will be voting for Barack Obama; I think he is the best thing to happen to this nation in a very long time.

I could go on and on about how fabulous Ted Kennedy is and how gracious Hillary was in her speech, but instead, I'll just point out the parts of his speech that struck me as true, as right, and as good for our country. Here's what Obama said:

We are a better country than this...

Let there be no doubt that the Republican nominee, John McCain, has worn the uniform his country with bravery and distinction, and for that we owe him our gratitude and our respect. And next week we'll also hear about those occasions when he has broken with his party as evidence that he can deliver the change that we need. But the record is clear: John McCain has voted with George Bush 90% of the time...

It's not because John McCain doesn't care, it's because John McCain doesn't get it. For over two decades he subscribed to that old discredited Republican philosophy: give more and more to those with the most, and hope that prosperity trickles down to everyone else. In Washington they call this the ownership society. But what it really means is that you're on your own. Out of work? Tough luck, you're on your own. No health care? The market will fix it, you're on your own. Born into poverty? Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps, even if you don't have boots, you're on your own...

Ours is a promise that says government cannot solve all our problems. But what it should do is that which we cannot do for ourselves: protect us from harm and provide every child a decent education, keep our water clean and our toys safe, invest in new schools and new roads and science and technology. Our government should work for us not against us, it should help us, not hurt us. It should ensure opportunity not just for those with the most money and influence, but for every American who is willing to work...

I will stop giving tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas, and I will start giving them to companies who create jobs right here in America. I'll eliminate capital gains taxes for the small businesses and start-ups that will create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow. I will cut taxes for 95% of all working families...

In 10 years, we will finally end our dependence on oil from the Middle East...As president, I will tap our natural gas reserves invest in clean coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power. I'll help our auto companies re-tool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America...And I'll invest $150 billion over the next decade in affordable, renewable sources of energy -- wind power, and solar power and the next generation of biofuels -- an investment that will lead to new industries and 5 million new jobs that pay well and can't be outsourced...

If you have health care, my plan will lower your premiums. If you don't, you'll be able to get the same kind of coverage that members of Congress give themselves. And as someone who watched my mother argue with insurance companies while she lay in bed dying of cancer, I will make certain those companies stop discriminating against those who are sick and need care the most. Now is the time to help families with paid sick days and better family leave...

I will also go through the federal budget line by line, eliminating programs that no longer work and making the ones we do need work better and cost less, because we cannot meet 21st-century challenges with a 20th-century bureaucracy...

We must also admit that programs alone can't replace parents, that government can't turn off the television and make a child do her homework, that fathers must take more responsibility to provide love and guidance to their children...

You don't defeat a terrorist network that operates in 80 countries by occupying Iraq. You don't protect Israel and deter Iran just by talking tough in Washington. You can't truly stand up for Georgia when you've strained our oldest alliances...As commander-in-chief, I will never hesitate to defend this nation...

I will not suggest that the senator takes his positions for political purposes, because one of the things that we have to change in our politics is the idea that pople cannot disagree without challenging each other's character and each other's patriotism... So let us agree that patriotism has no party. I love this country, and so do you, and so does John McCain...

We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country...

The reality of gun-ownership may be different for hunters in Ohio than they are for those plagued by gang violence in Cleveland, but don't tell me we can't uphold the Second Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals...

I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in a hospital and the live lives free of discrimination...


I just want to point out that he is a man with specific ideas, who talks straight and who respects all people. What's not to love?

Second, Sarah Palin is AMAZING! I am so glad she is not the presidential nominee, because I'd be re-examining my commitment to Obama. What an incredible speech. She's a small town girl with a knack for politics and seems to be true to her ideals. What a team she and Obama would make! Too bad we don't live in a time like Lincoln's where members of opposing parties worked together in Washington.

I just have a small bone to pick with Ms. Palin: she mocked Obama's experience as a community organizer. But community organizing is how ordinary people respond to out-of-touch politicians and their failed policies. They give voice to the voiceless. Don't mock that.

John McCain has a tough act to follow.

First Day of School

Yesterday was Hayes' first day of school. It went off without a hitch! Hard to believe, I know. Here are some pix of the first day.

I didn't get much of a report from Hayes, but after two days of prodding, I did finally hear, "it's better than I could even have imagined!" I'd say that's a good sign.

Back to School

It's that time of year, when I think all people should be feeling the transition of school starting, summer ending and a hint that fall is just around the corner. We certainly are. 

Hayes will be at a new school this year. We hate to have left the school he was previously attending, but we just couldn't afford the tuition anymore. So Hayes will be in the public schools (a place where I left a little of my heart so many years ago) for second grade. 

We got a tour of the building today and were able to meet the principal and the assistant principal. I think it really made Hayes feel better. I know it made me feel good. He is of course excited about eating breakfast and lunch at school and about catching the bus. (I know, the things we cringe at now are so cool to our kids!) And the fact that they get to choose their specials on Friday is utterly cool. He is also excited that he may get to participate in some after school activities that we never had the money for last year. 

All in all I am feeling good about the switch. As long as Hayes can be convinced, we should be in good shape.

My Never List

Wet Dog or Wet Boy?

Just a note -- a wet boy can smell worse than a wet dog, especially when he forgets to use shampoo.

Thankfulness

I’m not much of a Reader’s Digest reader, but when I’m at the shore house without my usual reading material, I’ll pick up whatever’s available. And this article surprised me: How The New Science of Thank You Can Change Your Life. It was written by Deborah Norville & published in the October 2007 issue. (Yes, it was still on the coffee table this August!) You can read the entire article here.

Norville suggests that being consciously grateful each day had several benefits on the majority of participants in a recent study. They were generally:
• More optimistic
• More energetic
• More enthusiastic
• More determined
• More interested
• More joyful
• More likely to exercise
• More likely to have helped someone else
They also:
• Felt better about their lives
• Had fewer illnesses, and
• Got more sleep

Norville believes that we can all reap these benefits by simply taking the time to keep a gratitude journal. She suggests writing down three things every day for which you are thankful and then writing about why they made you feel grateful. Seems pretty simple. I might have to give it a try.

Friends

I am so lucky to have my friends. I don’t use the word lightly, friends. I feel like it’s an abused word these days. But my friends, they mean so much to me. They are the people I rely on, the people who save me from myself and the people who remind me that the journey is significant. I’ve had an entire week with my friends. I am so lucky.

My Anam Cara from Milligan came to visit this weekend. We have all changed so much since our time there (as is only appropriate) and yet, so much is still the same. We can pick up conversations that were started years ago and resume them as if we just broke for lunch. Our love has deepened even over time and distance and our various journeys seem to have brought us together even though we didn’t realize we were traveling down similar paths. The outward circumstances look widely different, but the soul experiences have been similar. We’ve been rattled to the bone and loved beyond measure and always, always, always, experienced the grace and mercy of God. Such is the breadth and depth of the love of Jesus Christ.

And then my local Anam Cara came to the rescue for me simply because she is part of my community and loves me without good reason. It probably didn’t seem like a big deal to her, making a small exception, but for me and for my friend, it meant the world! Thanks Amy. Your grace is abundant.

Where would I be without my friends? They are the hands and feet of God. It’s no small task to love me so greatly. I am ever mindful of how lucky I am.

I love Pat Oliphant

Boys Adrift

I finished reading this book over the 4th of July holiday. It has made a HUGE impact on the way I understand my son and the world he lives in. I'm not saying that Dr. Sax has it all right; but I am convinced he has done some very careful and thoughtful examining of what it means to be a boy today. He addresses: ADHD drugs and why "just giving it a try" is damaging to your child's brain, how schools generally treat male students, why the video game culture is so epidemic and how to think through your own child's video game routine, boys and motivation and the changing physical environment. Just a few small details you may have been thinking about yourself! If you have a boy, or teach boys, you must read this book.

Summer Has Officially Arrived

Today I made my very favorite summer salad: Tomato Basil Salad. It can go a lot of ways, but in my opinion the most crucial element is a bowl (or plate, or platter) full of bite-sized pieces of homegrown tomatoes sprinkled with bits of homegrown basil. I vary the dressing and cheese element, but a good piece of crusty bread is also a must. Today I dressed it with EVOO and sea salt and added four-pepper goat cheese. Yeah! The tomatoes are really going to be here in bulk soon. I can't wait!

Luna meets Lake Michigan

We took the dogs to the Elberta Beach on our last day up north. It was so beautiful. The sand was hot and the water was cold and Hayes and Luna just couldn't get enough of either! Luna was fascinated by the waves and I would have LOVED to be able to take her off leash and let her run, but who knows where she would have ended up and the possibility of having to chase her into the water was too strong. We kept them on leash and we all had a blast!

Yes, Michigan!

There used to be a slogan (in the '80s, if I'm not mistaken) for vacationing in Michigan: Yes, Michigan! This is exactly how I feel when I wake up at the Lakehouse each morning. We had such a great time this week, despite the hectic schedule around the 4th. Here are some scenes from this week.

Runner Up, Again

It's that time of year again, when all small communities honor their hokey traditions and celebrate the birth of our nation. In our neck of the woods, we have an annual boat parade. Ironically, this year our boat was the "Long Lake Royal Family." I know, we were actually declaring independence from the royals, but we cruised with gusto anyway. We gave it the ole college try, but yet again, we were the runners up. Maybe next year...

The Visitor

We had a rainy day today, so we decided to go to lunch in Traverse City and then see The Visitor at the State Theatre. We ate at a fabulous place called Amical. If you are ever in the area, you must give it a try. The menu reminded me of a French Bistro and was every bit as quaint. I could easily become a regular there.

The State Theatre has been beautifully restored thanks to a very large investment from Michael Moore and many, many volunteers in the community. They have 25 cent movies three days a week for the kids, they host the Traverse City Film Festival, they show the current season of the Metropolitan Opera live in the winter on the big screen. It is such a boon to the community.

The Visitor was a great movie. It was very human and touching; another story about how the United States has unjustly treated it's immigrants. I highly recommend seeing it.

Wine Country, MI

We have been thoroughly enjoying our trip to Michigan wine country! Seems odd, but we drove up to the 45th parallel – the same one that runs through the Washington/Oregon wine region as well as Bordeaux in France. I was surprised at the quality of the wine. They had some really lovely cabernet francs, as well as a couple of nice dry whites. I wasn’t holding out much hope for the dry wines, but I was pleasantly surprised.

We stayed at a beautiful B&B: Chateau Chantal with our incredible cousins. And we couldn’t have asked for more perfect weather! It was a most beautiful respite in the midst of a very busy week. Thanks you two for inviting us!

Toy Recommendation

I am always on the lookout for travel toys; things to keep us busy on the 7 hour trip to the lake. My most recent favorite is the Find It. If you’ve ever been in an independent toy store, you’ve probably seen one. It’s a plastic tube filled with plastic confetti and small objects. On the top of the tube is a list of all the things hidden in the tube. You have to shake it up and roll it around to find all the items. It kept us busy for a full hour. I plan to keep it in the van for just this reason. It was a bit pricey, but if we use it as much as I think we will, it will be well worth it.

Dirty Little Secret

So, here’s my dirty little secret that many of you may not know: I am addicted to television. I have several shows that I have set to record weekly, most of which are mindless, purposeless and not very good at storytelling. But I like stories and TV has them in tidy little 60-minute packages. It fits into my life, and, well, I’m willing to settle.

The writer’s strike really put a damper on things this spring. Just as shows were getting started, bam! we’re back to reruns. And then, in several of my favorite crime dramas they cleared the decks of my favorite characters. In CSI Warrick is gone – I loved the complexity they gave his character. In CSI: Miami, the medical examiner, Alexx, left the show. I loved how she loved her dead bodies. And lastly, in Law & Order: Special Victims, they inferred the leaving of Casey (the lawyer), Lake (the detective), and Iced T’s character, Tutualla (the detective). Can this all be related to the writer’s strike? One has to assume the two are somehow related. And then there is the end of Battlestar Galactica, one of THE BEST shows on television. I am sad to see it go, and sorry that they took the tack they did on Earth. If you follow the show, you’ll know what I’m talking about. There are still a few episodes left for the show to redeem itself.

So it’s no surprise that I am delighted to finally have the start of the summer series at hand. I am a big fan of The Closer. I love to go around imitating Deputy Chief Brenda Lee Johnson. I think the characters on the show are super and I especially love how Brenda is a smart, fast-talking dame who always gets her man. And I’ll be giving Saving Grace another shot this summer too. I love Holly Hunter’s inhibitions. And the premise of the show is promising. I just don’t think they took the spiritual angle far enough last season. I’m hoping for a bit more daring in that department this time around.

I’ve been looking for something to fill my crime-drama yen. I’ve seen all the Law & Order episodes, ditto with the spin-offs Special Victims and Criminal Intent (the joy of the DVR). I’ve also tapped out CSI (I’m working on the CSI: Miami series). I’ve even seen all the Without a Trace Episodes. Of course we record the new episodes, but like I said, I’m addicted. I’ve tried Cold Case and it’s just not satisfying. Love to hear your recommendations.

Fun Link

Here's a fun little link I discovered through my friend Amy's blog. This is a representation of all my blog entries over the last 2 months.

My Girls

I just couldn't resist posting this one!

Night Out

We have been trying to get together with some friends of ours for what seems like months. Our schedules just weren't working out. But this weekend we finally made it to see The Fantasticks at a local theatre.

I am not sure what I was expecting, but it was a really nice show. It seems like it was probably a major influence for Steven Sondheim and Into The Woods (which is one of my favorites). The girl who played Luisa was so over the top, our friend said she was a bit too Disney-princess. I agree. I was also surprised that I didn't recognize but one song from the show. After all, it is the longest running Broadway production ever. I just assumed I would have heard more of the tunes. 

I'm not sure this is a show I would rush to see again, but if Jerry Orbach came back from the dead to reprise his roll as El Gallo, I'd be the first in line! All in all, it was a great night out -- thanks guys for the invite. Let's do it again.