Last Performance and Bittersweet!!

Okay, so today is the last performance of The Mousetrap. Today is going to be bittersweet. As does happen, this show has been amazing to put together and the cast phenomenal to work with. Tomorrow, I will face my post show crash, but today I go in with my head held  high and watch my cast give it all for their last performance.

ROW 80 goals are still on the short side this week, as I am still in between my two worlds. It's okay. I am going to have much more time. Feeling good today, Dear Readers. My current state of health is the illness wasn't bronchitis, just a several chest cold/cough. Yay ZPAC!! Cough is receding and feeling much better.

This Week (really short):
     *Reading: finished Five Little Pigs (Murder in Retrospect) by Agatha Christie and started Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman. I can see the similar characters the Miss Christie has used in a few other of her novels that I have read, but the end always seems to surprise me.
     *Social Media/Visiting: most of the week was on track, 4 blogs daily. I slipped up about Friday and Saturday nothing.

This Week (upcoming and return to form):
      *Reading: continued with Anansi Boys.
      *Writing: work on flash fiction piece for #writestuff challenge.
      *Blogging: 1 new blog entry (non-ROW80). I promise this week, I swear. :-)
      *Submitting: 1 new submission.
      *Editing: edit another 10 pages of The Real Road Trip.

A Round of Words in 80 Days is a Blog Hop challenge that allows you to set goals and report on the progress of those goals. Come on in! We have Oreos!!

That's it, I write this before I have to head to the Elks for the show. It's going to be a long day. Since I have been out and about, what have you been up to, Dear Readers? Any good trouble?

Not so bad as I thought...

This Week:
     *Reading: close to finishing Five Little Pigs (Murder in Retrospect) by Agatha Christie. Less than 40 pages left.
     *Blogging: no new non-ROW80 posts, but I am current with my ROW80 updates.
     *Social Media/Visiting: 4 blogs for the last 3 days, I cheated a bit and did it all on Tuesday. But this gets me caught up on my daily tallies and keeps me informed of my fellow ROW-ers.
     *Theatre Stuffs: brush up rehearsal tonight!

It's been a weird week, what with 2 days off. While the rest was much needed I feel at a loss when I am not doing something theatre related. This is especially true of the week between performance weekends. Here are a few more (non-spoiler) shots from last weekend.

 This (coming) Week:
     *Reading: finally finish Five Little Pigs, and start Anansi Boys (Neil Gaiman). This is the plan. I was not feeling that great yesterday and missed a chance to read.
   

*Writing/Blogging: work on a story for #writestuff, post 1 new blog post (non-ROW80) to the blog, maybe write some poetry. We will see how much I can get done tomorrow (Thursday).
*Social Media/Visiting: continue to be on track.

I am still keeping it simple for this week. Expect that I will have more to report on and more writing to share with you all, Dear Readers. Yesterday was rainy, but the warmer weather has arrived this week and the piles of snow are starting to recede. Wahooo!!

A Round of Words in 80 Days is a Blog Hop, writing challenge, created to allow writers to set goals and report on their progress.

Also, it being Wednesday, it is WIPpet Wednesday. I have not really worked on my WIP The Real Road Trip, but it's time to introduce Selynee's dad. Using the WIPpet math (today's date is the 11th), I present 11 short paragraphs (I don't have access to my edited script, so here's the pre-edited version).

“Not tonight,” Selynee shook herself free of the memories. She looked up at her father, “I will tell you, but it’s almost midnight and I still have two days of school to get through before Spring Break.”

“Right. Well, if you need to talk, I can break out the cheesecake and coffee.” Her laughed and lightly shoved Selynee.

She smiled and looked up at him. He was trying. “Thanks, Dad. I’ll keep that in mind if I can’t sleep.”

“I know I’m not your mother…”

Selynee interrupted, “And for that I am glad…”

“But I want you to know that I want to be involved. I might not know how to sew, but you and me have to stick together.”

Selynee nodded, “I know, Dad. I just don’t know everything myself.”

“Neither do I. Maybe we can try finding it out together?”

“Maybe,” said Selynee.

“Goodnight, Pumpkin.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.


“Night, Daddy.” She smile and shoved him back.

Because for some reason this was playing in my head yesterday:

1 Weekend Down and Straight Onto Morning

So, first three performances of The Mousetrap are over. It's been a long week and weekend. Really worth it though to see my cast entertain three sets of audiences (Friday through Sunday). They made them laugh, surprised, and sympathize with them. They made me laugh, cry, and surprised me too! It was AWESOME!! I couldn't have asked for a better cast!

A quick shout out to Choice Photography for these great shots of Sunday's show, and don't worry these are not spoilers. SPoliers, Darling!

This Week: 
    *Reading: I'm a little further along in Five Little Pigs (or Murder in retrospect) (Agatha Christie). I think I can finish it.
    *Theatre Stuffs: Opening weekend! Full of awesome!

Again, if you are anywhere near
Corning, NY, come and check us out! We perform at the Corning Elks
on the corner of 1st and Walnut, March 13th - 15th at 7:30 and 2:00.

Centre Stage Community Theatre

Monkswell Manor

Yes, shameless plug!!

This Week (upcoming):
   *Reading: start Anansi Boys (Neil Gaiman), begin another Agatha Christie mystery, maybe And Then There Were None (or Ten Little Indians).
   *Writing: flash fiction piece for #writestuff. Write more flash fiction/short stories using the 30 song title writing challenge. I am not sure how much I am going to write, but this week is a return to normalcy (well as normal as a writer's life is).
   *Blogging: 1 new non-ROW80 post.

Okay, I am going to take it easy on my. I know what goals I can also work on, but I want to get back into thje swing of thing, Dear Readers. Directing a show is rather overwhelming and awesome, but also tiring. So, I am going to build up slow. See where I am at Wednesday and then go on from there.

A Round of Words in 80 Days, a blog challenges that know you have a life. Set some goals and as you work on them, log in and report on your progress. It's a Blog Hop, so stop in to meet  and see what we are up to with writing, reading, theatre, crocheting, blogging, or any of our other hobbies, jobs, past times. We have cookies, cheesecake, tea, coffee, you name. Welcome!

Music of the Day:

It's (almost) Showtime!

Quite short and sweet!

This week:
    *Theatre Stuffs: got the set going, began tech rehearsals (had a snowstorm that cancelled yesterday's rehearsal), cast looks and sounds good, getting final touches on the set, painting trimming and fireplaces, hanging pictures, interviewed this morning on WENY-TV (see here). I have two more rehearsals. not going to look at the script. My stage crew and light/sound tech are in control (which is harder for me as I do like having a degree of control). But, my confidence in this show and the pride in my cast supersedes that need to have my hand everywhere.
    *Reading: I did manage to read more of Five Little Pigs (Agatha Christie). TOTAL PAGES: 20.

The Rest of the Week:
    *Theatre Stuffs: shows Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
    *Reading: continue with Five Little Pigs.
    *Writing: have a new #writestuff challenge A Choice. I am excited, even with the busy days and nights, to have a specific goal to work on. Keeps me thinking.

A Round of Words in  80 Days, a blog challenge that allows you to set goals and report on the progress of said goals. It knows you have a life. And right now I have never been so aware. It's a Blog Hop, come in and visit with us. :-)

Not really much else, Dear Readers. Been so busy with Monkswell Manor that I have developed a British accent when I talk to everyone. It's been a grand time. I will be you on the other side. Lots of stuff and writing projects post Mousetrap.

Music for the Week:

...Only 30 Miles from London!

It's Sunday and no I haven't done a thing with my goals. I spoke earlier about this potentiality. It is true.

Today begins Mousetrap tech week (known to the theatre community as Hell Week). Simply put, when hell week happens nothing else gets done. My house has becomes a tornado alley (more than normal), with stuff and things everywhere. Chores like dishes are forgotten, laundry doesn't get put away, forget any sense of order. Anyway, all this babbling means that I have been 'living' in Monkswell Manor, 30 miles from London for the last week and will be for this week. I will try to accomplish something, but today and Wednesday are looking a bit packed for time.

This week:
     *Reading: I got a little farther in Five Little Pigs (Agatha Christie). TOTAL PAGES: 20.
     *Theatre Stuffs: got the first coat of paint on the set. Will need a 2nd coat on some of the panels as the previous show used this dark red and touch ups. Got most of the props, just missing a few last minute props. The interior designer is still at work getting wall stuff for Monkswell Manor, just so far it's looking good. Sound effects are done. Publicity is ongoing with press release having seen in the Corning paper already.

This coming week (going to make this simple):
      *Reading: attempt to read at work, during lunch. I usually do, but this past week has been distracting. Make my way through more of  Five Little Pigs.
      *Writing: try to write something between Sunday (today) and Wednesday, even if it's one thing.
      *Theatre Stuffs: do TV interview with Dale 3/4 (butt-crack of dawn), finish set (painting, fixes, and last minute touches) on Tuesday, rehearse, rehearse, rehearsal, oh and I forgot rehearse! :-)

A Round of Words on 80 Days is a blog challenge that knows you have a life and is a Blog Hop. Stop on in and get warm.

I have been quoting this show about continuously, "Little Bo Policeman has lost his skis and doesn't know where to find them..."

"The north wind doth blow; and it will bring snow; and what will the Robin do, poor thing."

"But such a gay little tune? Don't you think? She cuts of their tails with a craving knife- snick, snick, snick- delicious. Just what a child would adore. Cruel little things children..."

So, if you are in the Corning area March 6 - 8th and 13 - 15th come and see The Mousetrap!

So late...thus begins my Tech Week...and Writing...and Goals...

So pressed for time and it's almost midnight. I am still trying to finish this check-in. I know, not necessarily the priority, but it's the principle. I have made these goals and I will stick by them. Mousetrap rehearsal are beginning to take over. They are running long and the set is mostly erected (still need to be finished and then paint). But it's looking so good, my cast is looking so good, and my life is falling into place. Yes, I am gushing about my show. Well, by Monday, it becomes my cast's show. I leave it in their hands. I trust them. I have guided them to this point, time to take the training wheels off and get the technical stuff ironed out.

Okay, I am gushing now! But, there is something about waking across your set, when it is all still pieces and odd colours and knowing it's going to be amazing. I get goosebumps. Even if I have to write my ROW80 check-ions after midnight or read my fellow bloggers in the few minutes before leaving for work. I shall forego sleep this week and next, but it will be worth it.

Okay, this check-in is going to be short. I don't have full word counts or all the details at the moments so what I can report on, I will report on now.

This Week:

     *Reading: read more of Five Little Pigs (Agatha Christie). PAGES READ: about 50 pages.

     *Writing: wrote a story, using the 30 Song Title Challenge. Not sure it's the actual title. But, borrowed from Fallon Brown (click the link to read more). Wrote a poem after coining the title Don't Anger the Goddess. inspired by Jessica Scott and Rod E. Kok. WORD TOTAL: 1271 and 149 words.

      *Social Media: mostly on track. I did miss Wednesday's daily goal. Plan to visit 8 blogs tomorrow to make up for it.

     *Theatre Stuffs: submitted press release to The Leader, posters, promotions, and getting last minutes props/costumes.

The Rest of the Week:

     *Blogging: 1 new post.

     *Submitting: 1 new submission.

     *Editing/Novels: 10 more pages edited.

     *Reading: finish Five Little Pigs.

     *Writing: write new story in 30 Song Title Challenge and/or new poem. 

     *Theatre Stuff: prepare of Hell Week (Tech Week).

It's Wednesday too, and I am scrambling to find a WIPpet to share. So, let's look at the math first 2/25 is today's date, let's do 25; 2 + 5 = 7 paragraphs. A bit of back stork. This is the other co-protagonist, Marcie. She just woke from a nightmare. Must of it is unclear to her Mother, but like most dreams, there is truth there. Some of this is echoes from Selynee's snippets from previous weeks, if you've been following along.

Elsewhere there was sounds of screaming. It woke up this house and the tuxedo cat darted through the house.

 

Marcie was screaming and her mother rushed into her room. It happened to be one of those rare nights that her mother wasn’t working. Marcie’s was screaming, not aware of her Mother’s arms holding her. She was crying, and then suddenly hiccupped, thus stopping the screaming. Marcie’s mother sat on her bed, , “Oh, Sweetie, what happened? Honey? Hey, you okay?” She kissed the top of Marcie’s bed head hair.

 

No words came from Marcie, just some tears and hiccups. “Breath, Honey. Please.” She rocked Marcie against her body, softly shushing her whimpers and calming her hiccups.

 

Marcie tried to speak, but her vocal chords wouldn’t work. All she could do were soft grunts and sometimes a sigh, as she breathed against her Mother’s chest. “Let it out, Honey,” she said and she at the clock sitting on the night stand. Two o’clock in the morning. “It must have been a nightmare.” Marcie’s mother said, the only conversation occurring in the room. She was used to her daughter being tight lipped about many things and wasn’t expecting Marcie to answer her.

 

“I dreamt of Daddy, Mom.” She looked at her Mother.

 

The words spilled out of Marcie’s mouth before she could stop. Her mother could barely keeping up with the stream of thought. “I dreamt of Daddy, when he was in the hospital, right before he died. After that, Selynee was there, and that old nurse McLean; and then Selynee and I were at the semi-formal, dancing. Garrett Mulvaney he was there too, for some reason and she stole him. I was mad.” The sentences flowed out of Marcie is a mad rush. “Daddy wanted to die,” Marcie fought back some tears. Marcie was onto the next thought, “She asked him to dance. And I saw, Daddy. He wanted to die, Mom. And she promised to let me dance with Garrett.” The words spilled out of Marcie like a confession that her Mother was unaware of. Marcie was crying again.

 

“Oh, Honey. I’m sorry.” She could do nothing but let Marcie cry, would figure the rest out later.

ROW80, A Round of Words in 80 Days is a blog challenge that knows you have a life. Visit the Blog Hop to see what we are up to.

WIPpet Wednesday, created by author, K.L. Schwengel. A Linky List where writers can share their WIPs. Also, stop by, read a bit, and make some new friends! :-)

That's it for now. It is quick and I need to sleep. I have prom dresses to pick up and I think I will go into the day job and take Friday off. Always something. I am pleased with my goals, I am doing pretty well. How are you doing, Dear Reader? Tell me about your favourite goal this round? Mine is the writing daily goal (which I am doing more consistently) and my 2015 Goodreads Challenge to read 30 books this year. I'm at 14. Leave me some love! Thanks!!

Been in a Mediaeval Baebes Mood:

Sunny on a Sunday and Lookee Here...

So, yeah, winter blows and blows...but, here I am doing this...

This Week:
   *Reading: finished Stardust by Neil Gaiman. I really good read. Very fairy tale. Started Five Little Pigs (Murder in Retrospect) by Agatha Christie and will be starting Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman. Trying to shift my reading into other author as I am getting low on Gaiman books to read. I am looking at either the Inkheart or His Dark Material series (both I have read, but am looking to revisit them).
    *Writing: wrote a flash fiction piece called Happy F***in' Valentine's Day: A Story for the #writestuff group (topic Anti-Valentine's Day) and co-wrote a poem with the Hubs on Friday about Quetzalcoatl. WORD TOTAL:  877 and 114.
    *Editing/Novel: made a dent this week in The Real Road Trip. Not the full 20 pages I planned, but really got to the heart of one of my characters. I am going to accept that this revision is going to be a full revision and not just small fixes. It's what is right for this story right now. Need to clear the crap out and flesh out the rest of the bits left after the cut. TOTAL 11+ pages. 
     *Blogging: was busy on the blog, what with the Coraline review happening. I finally watched the movie and the review of the book versus the movie needed to happen. Then I posted Happy F***in' Valentine's Day: A Story. Finally, I was tagged in Ink Dipped Moon's blog for the Liebster Award. The getting to know you blog conversation starter. I had done it before, so I decided to do it again and tag new people.
     *Submitting: 1 new submission: Please Hold
     *Social Media/Visiting: on track. 4+ daily blogs visited. Missed Saturday due to it being an unplugged day.
     *Theatre Stuffs (The Mousetrap): got the armchair, most of the costume pieces from the costumer, move the furniture to the dance floor because of an event that needs the space Monday and set building commences on Wednesday, and chatted with my producer. You know, the getting in line with his stuff and my stuff, so we are both on the same page.

For This Coming Week:
    *Reading: Five Little Pigs (Murder in Retrospect).
    *Writing: write or work on a new flash fiction story and interview my friend about her new Kickstarter: Positive Randomosity podcasts. More on that later (but check it out now)!
    *Blogging: 1 new post, about friend's Kickstarter project (see above).
    *Submitting: 1 new submission.
    *Theatre Stuffs: preparation for costumes parade Wednesday, submit press release to one more newspaper, and not freak out about there being less than 2 week until we open.

This is the second time I type this check-in, as my internet went stupid just prior to hitting publish. Gah! So anyway, it has been a busy week here. The cold isn't helping. Today is at least in the upper 20's (heat wave?) Tomorrow the bitter cold returns. I still have a nasty cough. But, I have the theatre and the writing. It keeps me going. What about you, Dear Readers? How are you surviving you winter of hell 2015? How are the goals coming? Anything exciting, joyous, and beautiful happening in your worlds? Leave me some love below, I do love to hear from you all!!

A Round of Words in 80 Days is a blog challenge that knows you have a life. It challenges you to make goals and report on those goal bi-weekly. It is a Blog Hop. Come on in!