Grabbing a Minute…

For those of you who were interested in more information about my sister Julia’s lovely paintings, I made some edits on my last entry. Julia has been thrilled by your interest and wonderful comments, by the way—and sends her thanks!

My birthday/valentines weekend was delightful, thanks mostly to Don—who said yes to everything. Yes to Chinese food, yes to movies, yes to dark chocolate and decadent desserts, yes to breakfast out, yes to joining friends, yes to cooking dinner for me, and yesyesyesyesYES to anything my lil’ heart desired. And yes, he knows that he will be saying yes all the way through the end of the month, because that’s just the way it is, now that I am in my fifties, and have stretched my birthday week (adopted in my 40’s) into my birthday month (decided when I turned 50.) Mostly he says yes anyway, but this month I get to be obnoxious about it. Heh.

Once again, I am waaaay too busy for how old I am. My imagination has more energy than my body these days—and I must get back into water aerobics or something…(and believe me, I’ve tried and cannot do most yoga—even with the very best EVER yoga teacher–as it’s too hard on my particularly fragile and damaged neck—and my chiropractor has forbidden many poses….sigh.) And getting back into a walking routine is a must, since we are leaving for Istanbul in just over a month. *gasp*

Don, gregarious and curious man that he is—has been in frequent email contact with the man who is renting us our apartment in the Old Town area of Istanbul. The apartment is “in the shadow of The Blue Mosque” and right on one of the top ranked most beautiful walking tours in the world. The two of them have been discussing books they’ve read and music they love, and the owner is planning on being in town to meet us and take us out to dinner while we are there. He also owns a bed and breakfast in Venice, and travels between the two places….nice life he has!) I am getting more excited for this trip as the days go on….I am imagining the mosaics and marketplaces and the FABRICS!!!! *swoons*

Meanwhile, “Romeo and Juliet” is moving along briskly. The actors are becoming more comfortable with the language and characters—and the sets and costumes are nearly done.

It’s a bit scary to say out-loud that the costumes are nearly done, as I haven’t seen it all together on stage yet—and when I do, I usually change/add/delete/rearrange and generally tack on more detail and work to the “we think we’re finished” To-Do list. My costume crew is bracing themselves for what they now know is the inevitable list of changes. I enjoy every costume crew I’ve had—and marvel at the various talents and personalities that come with each year of new students. This year, I have two seniors (who will break my heart when they leave to go out into their bright worlds). They have been steadfast and brilliant in their work throughout the years, and have been dear and supportive role models for the younger costume enthusiasts that have now gathered in our midst. Every day, the crew members land in the costume shop like a flock of little energetic birds—chirping and chattering and busily hopping about. “MsKari!MsKari!MsKari!” rings in my ears all afternoon as they show and ask and fret and take pride in their truly wonderful work.

My left eyebrow that wings upward in mock teasing or genuine disapproval has become legendary. The girls fly to change any music with questionable lyrics that blare on the iPod player and which they know will warrant “The Eyebrow”. They watch and wait in delight for “The Eyebrow” if an actor whines to me about a costume. They drop their heads in (laughing) shame if they slip up and use language or make statements that will surely raise “The Eyebrow”. They are an affectionate, thoughtful and talented group—and I truly adore them.

Next weekend “Romeo and Juliet” is our first performance as the showcase play for our city-wide school Theatre Festival. All the Jr. High and High School Theatre/Thespian groups gather for a day of workshops, one-acts and individual performances, and this year our High School is hosting the event. The festival is a wonderful way of joining artistic forces with all the theatre students, teachers, and directors in the area. I am teaching three workshops: Costume Rendering/Illustration, ThriftShop Chic, and Pulling it all Together: OnStage Color and Design—(or some-such title). Fun!

Actual performances of “R &J” for the public are the following weekend, and then *poof!* it will be March!

In March I will be sequestering myself in a self-imposed art retreat/marathon until we leave for our trip. We will eventually be unveiling this exciting project I’m working on to all of you—but right now I think it’s still under wraps…shhhh!

Oh, and I have a little shop on Etsy.com now for my “Itti-Bitties”. In the menu search bar, under the Sellers Usernames, my shop is called Adagio (There will be a few choices that come up–mine is called The Artsy Stuff Shop.)

Must Fly!!

Love you!

:)xo

Adagio