Today was…full. That is not a bad thing, it’s just for this month. There are many deadlines in bookkeeping world this month and I am keeping lists and ticking them off. I definitely don’t want to drop any balls!!
After getting all I could done at work, I headed to pick up the take out meal for the cast and crew and headed to the theatre. I had picked up the programs earlier in the day and they are just as I hoped. Everyone seems really happy with them. We did a full run as if there was an audience and Ashlée was there to take archival photos for us. I had a couple blips to fix as we are still adjusting timings of sunset and moonrise. I believe though that all is ready. Duncan and I have to meet early tomorrow to fix a set piece that needs to be shored up and I will run the tricky cues for a practice before the guests arrive for preview/media night. I think we have a nice group coming that will give the guys a sense of timing with an audience and hopefully they will spread the word that it is a must see.
It was funny as I was hand producing fireworks tonight, I realized I was the Aurora Borealis in the last show I worked on. Seems I have found my niche in sky effects. Now a good rest before another day of crazy concentration and then on with the show!!
I am being surrounded by the generosity of so many people, and today was full. There was a lovely donation from my Oregon friends to the fundraiser to start things off. That is love in action. I see all the time people are giving to the show and it blows me away. Its success is due to every one of them. There was much running around between running payroll and filing T4s. I got to the theatre and calmed myself to ready for another run. There are so many small details that come into play as Preview night approaches. The personalities of most involved are just happy and accepting and ‘let’s get it done’. The set decorator did an amazing job of the finishing touches. Camille says she isn’t an artist but I beg to differ. I love when I can say, this is what we were thinking and Voila!
The run went well. We only had to run one scene over again to get the sunset and moonlight to happen smoothly. Tomorrow will be the test. I kept a couple notes and came home to write out all my cues again. I need them to be good and clear to handover when Pepijn is ready to come back. There were a lot of smiles at the end of the night and that is all we can hope for.
I was in a good mood, up and ready to go to the Tech run-through day. As I was about to leave to go pick up some additional items for the set and the pizza lunch I had ordered, I got a message that Pepijn, our tech guy was really sick. I had no words, and just headed to the theatre after picking things up. I admit I had a wee panic attack processing what I needed to do. Although I am the tech director, I have never set cues or run a show with the new gear. I know what things should look like, how to focus the lights etc. But have not found it necessary to get into the nitty gritty as we have capable techies. I have not used QLab at all…
Duncan, Sandy and Lorraine let me vent my fear so I could let it go and then we went up and talked to the cast while they ate and I asked for their patience as we did a Q2Q for me to learn and write notes. They were so great and after one quick run through, we ran the show. There are two firework scenes that took the most time yesterday to co-ordinate and it turns out they were not set cues but hand created. I messaged with Pepijn and Steph stopped by to call him and confirm our actions and then I took the reins and made them happen. It wasn’t perfect but so great! At the end of the show, me made some notes for adjustments to preset fade in and out times and will test them tomorrow. I had to copy and set a couple cues even. The board does not feel intuitive until suddenly it clicks. I left pretty shaky but sure I can do it for this first week of final rehearsals, previews and three shows. I asked Pepijn to stay home and get well and then come observe and make notes at the matinee to ensure he gets the timing differences we have made as this would have been his rehearsal time.
When I left the theatre it was like I was in aftershock from the Adrenalin of making it happen and reassuring everyone that we could do it. I have everyone taking their temperatures on arrival again and am really going to be extra careful of my own health. Everyone did seem confident and relieved at how quickly I made it happen. It all seems logical now and I sat and took time to write out my notes of all that needs to happen.
I was pleased that the Production Manager and her assistant reached out to say they found someone who could do it as they were concerned with all I have to do as the Producer. The good thing is everything I had to do is almost wrapped up. I just have to pick up the programs from the Printer and the poster being framed for the lobby. I will order food for Tuesday night before the final dress rehearsal and get the gifts ready. I will have time to take care of those as they are for closing night on the 26th. At least it happened when I still have two more rehearsals before a preview audience. I said thank you but no, to someone else as that would make more rehearsal time and I am the best person to do it in this case. If I didn’t know the show so well and hadn’t been there yesterday it may be a different tale.
So now I have puzzled, and had my tea and am sitting in the happy glow of this mornings milestone of 15 pounds gone since Jan 2nd. I posted on Facebook about it and my Dry Feb fundraiser and when I got home saw that my client, Steve from Fruitvale donated $250, adding that to the funds from my friends in the UK and Bella Bella and I am well over my fundraising goal. What a blessing. I will have to send him a thank you in the morning. It was late by the time I saw it.
I gathered myself together, loaded the cooler into the car and headed to superstore to buy water and pop for the day Belford stopping to grab ice and a coffee at the Husky and get tot the theatre. Today was what can be one of the most painful days in the theatre world, the initial tech day. It is the time to move, aim and re-aim the lights and test and set cues. We have Pepijn, the 17 year old tech genius for our show which is a blessing. He is very quiet though and it is not always easy to know where his thoughts are. In the end he comes through though. We were also blessed to have Steph show up for the day and assist as she has a good deal of experience and I enjoy her energy and spirit. I popped out to get sub and cookie platters from Safeway and they were remarkably good. The guys were good sports as there were many lulls, awaiting cues to be programmed. It was fun to chat and get to know them a little better as well. We started at 10 and were done by 6:30 or so. A last tidy to be sure all was set for the church in the morning and we were out of there. It was nice to sit and chat with Steph for a bit before heading to the hockey game. I missed the first period but the game ended in sudden death and a shoot out again. Unfortunately we lost again but I do prefer these close games. When I pulled up, and got out of the car, I heard Missy’s bell behind me and was shocked, wondering how she got out as I always make sure she is in this time of year, when I am going to be gone all day. Over 12 hours after leaving I found my door had come open. I don’t know how as I have a power keyless entry. It must not have locked and I didn’t pay attention that it was because it didn’t click shut. I did enter loud and aware checking the rooms to make sure no one was inside. My spider senses weren’t tingling though so it was just a precaution. I can only imagine how much my gas bill took a hit for my furnace trying to heat up the outdoors all day…. At least it wasn’t deep freeze outside.
Today was draining and filling. Most of the work involved on the phone and online simultaneously training and assisting others with their books. I like doing it, it is draining only that I have to process information quickly to get to the root of and solve issues. It is filling when the conversation ends with gratitude and I feel they are further ahead in knowledge.
After work I headed to the theatre where Duncan and I finished a few tasks involving blocks of wood and medium screws. I had a good laugh when I had commented on his use of the word medium and then I proceeded to ask for a good sized one later. It was nice to discuss the finishing touches and make ready for tomorrows tech day. He and Matt had done a great job with the radio interview this morning, only forgetting to mention Woody and the Playwrights names, lol. Dennis Walker, the host promised me in a message that he would in future mentions of the show. It is only one week to opening night, the programs were sent to the printer today and all is falling into place.
Next was a hockey game against the Vernon Vipers which went through sudden death and into a shootout where the got two and we did not. It was a good game. Not sure if I will make it to tomorrow nights as the tech can sometimes run long. Hopefully we are starting early enough to be out at a decent time. As long as everything is ready for the Q2Q on Sunday, all will be well. This is the stage where there can me stress but I hope to keep it light (and well lit).
It is cool and windy tonight, I was glad to get home and into my jammies. I have a wee list to pick up before the theatre in the morning. Have to keep that crew fed and hydrated.
Spoke to Rosie at the end of the night and they had spent the day burning years of accumulated paperwork including Hydro bills back to the 60s! Finally found the will though. Not sure my kids won’t go through a similar horror, must get sorting through all my ‘treasure’ totes.
I am not feeling stress, just making lists and crossing things off. My head is very clear. It really makes me wonder how much processed food was muddling my brain as much as my health. I am down 12 pounds in one month, feel clear headed and energized. This is also day three of Dry Feb and that hasn’t even been an issue. I didn’t think it would be as it is more of a habit than a need. I do like to do this and check in on that habit though. It is sure to assist in the weight loss, healthy eating lifestyle I am working on as well.
With all of the things going on: work, play, treasurer x 2, and Stage crew coordinator start up, I have found myself not reaching out to friends and family. I know there is much grief in the outer circles but I have not stepped out of my bubble to do much consoling. That is unusual for me but I will, I will ask, ‘how are you doing’. The thing is I want to have the time to hear the answer, to listen attentively and not bring anything of mine into it. The show opens next Friday and then that part of my responsibility will be nearly over, am just putting together the food and gifts for the run, will pay the last bills and report to the Board. I can then focus on work and MusicFest which will let my soul feel for my loved ones again.
I noticed something was wrong as soon as I woke up. My floors were freezing and the air was chill. It was -21 C outside and only +10 C inside. The thermostat was blank and the furnace was blowing recycled air. After a panicked moment I pulled the thermostat off the wall to see it has two AA batteries, of which I had no new ones left. I grabbed two out of one of my remotes and got it running again. I am not sure how many stick bugs I may have lost, and my fish, George would not rise up out of a spot between his house and the bowl. I added some warm water to his tank, got in a hot shower and headed to work.
It was another super concentration day and that was good as it made it go by fast. When I was done the file I was last working on I decided to come home and check on George and work on the file I have at home. George had moved which was a relief but still isn’t up swimming around like usual. I hope he will be fine as I have had him for over 2 years now, a year longer than Missy. I have talked to him a lot, especially in the solitude of those early quarantine days.
I did work on the file for most of the evening, stopping only to eat, fold my laundry and respond to messages including the final program ready for printing. I am so looking forward to sending it off to the printer tomorrow.
The thing that I have had enough of, and that is cramping my enjoyment of social media, is the posting of all the mixed messages about the trucking convoy to Ottawa. I don’t even need to do any research, all sides are being presented and I have grown weary of it all. Until people around me stop dropping out of work due to the virus, until the hospital is back to normal long waits, and until all protocols are dropped, I will obey the mandates. It is in the interest of the greater good and also mine. I believe I have dodged the bullet but won’t push my luck. Just working on the set lately has been more interaction than I have been used to and I am slowly getting used to that. One of the things I am happy about is the number of people I consider ‘my peeps’ that think the convoy is ludicrous and embarrassing as well. No government is perfect, but the number of horrible things that are being spewed at ours is disgusting. I want to be proud to be Canadian again. It has been a long season of Residential school horrors, white supremist looniness and open vile between strangers and kin alike.
Maybe I can Rip Van Winkle to awake in a more pleasant time of harmony and health. Wishing you all the same xo
Today, for at least three quarters of it anyway, I felt like I had the worst hangover I’ve had in years. I woke sometime after 4 in the morning having struggled to get to sleep and my stomach was very upset. I didn’t get on the treadmill as usual but instead made poached eggs on toast and sat in the quiet eating. It is a meal made for visitors in my family. One that I enjoyed on my travels to Auntie Ollies and to her daughters and to my Moms. I sat just trying to get my head straight so I could get to work and do the payroll and other things that were so important today. The feeling lasted until mid afternoon before I was able to eat an apple for lunch. When I first got to work it took me several reads of two different email to understand entirely the message. It wasn’t until much later in the day when I was talking to my Ashlée that she pointed out I was probably dehydrated from the crying and I admit I didn’t drink my new habit of water before bed. I started drinking water while Duncan and I were building props and finishing the trim on the set and began to feel better. When we were done we went to The Heidout for a nice meal. I was proud of me as it is the first day of my Dry February and I was in a brew pub for dinner but I had a lovely Cobb salad and a Diet Pepsi with no feeling of missing out on anything. I think a beer or glass of wine with every meal out is an expensive habit as I always like the good ones. We recruited Steph, the director of the next show who also took the lighting workshop to come and help on Tech Saturday. It will be good to have another set of knowledgeable eyes there. I am looking forward to getting it all done and letting the world around us see the magic that has been made in these Pandemic times. I am really grateful to the guys for looking after themselves, for staying healthy.
I came home from dinner, shoveled my parking area and walk, and enjoyed a pomegranate brownie dessert that I brought home. I may have to walk extra tomorrow but it was deliciously worth it. I am feeling better, calm and sleepy; a good combination. It was definitely nice to sit and chat about MusicFest and other things than the play with Duncan. I miss my son and look forward to him coming to visit on the 11th. I hope he can make time to see the show.
Today was full of so much accomplishment and joy. I worked until 3:30 and then went to the theatre to finish putting up the siding on the set. It has become a thing of beauty, like the vision we had. I am so grateful for the time Duncan and I spent in the summer, recovering extremely dried cedar siding off the Perreault’s shed that was being demolished. It really looks good on the set. The cast and crew all arrived and the final details of the next month were settled. I stayed for the run of the show, the first rehearsal with working set and props. I was so moved by it. I had not been the biggest fan of the show initially but was sure I would be once they got it on it’s feet and wow. I really hope all the advertising hitting the airwaves and media gets it the crowd it deserves. I am so happy with the work everyone has done.
Just as the show was over and I was expressing my feelings my phone rang and it was my Mom letting me know my Great Aunt Ollie had passed away this evening. It was not a surprise, she is 93 and has gone down quickly this past couple weeks. That did not make the emotions any less. I was overwhelmed and had to just sit there and cry as everyone tidied up to lock up and leave. A tough ending to a good day.
My aunt was that person who has always just been a strong personality in my life. So many summers and Christmas vacations spent sleeping in the big high old fashioned metal beds in her home, listening to her tales of battles with the moles in her garden and being taken to task when I needed it, sometimes when I didn’t, but in the end we just had love. She was the youngest in a big family. Her remaining two brothers died before Christmas at ripe old ages and now she has followed, the last of her family. I feel deeply for this end of a generation, for the pain her children and grandchildren are feeling. I know my kids are feeling the loss of her as well. When they were young, her name was Auntie Odie, lol. I don’t think I ever beat her at Scrabble, although I sure remember trying. I will hold onto those memories and remember her always.
I had a good sleep, and was having a coffee while checking my email when I received a text from Diane to go for a walk at Jim Smith Lake. As I wasn’t needed at the theatre until 1:30, I got myself dressed appropriately and she picked me up. She gifted me with the perfect set of grippers that fit over my winter hikers. We spent about an hour circling a big loop on the frozen lake. There were big cracks and on occasion there were loud noises that were unnerving but apparently it is normal. I will admit that one of the occurrences got my blood pounding a little. It was such a great visit and a wonderful way to get my steps in. It started to softly snow as we made our way back to her truck. The grippers were incredible, I had no stress about falling, nor did I have to walk like a penguin.
Once dropped off, I got changed into my painting clothes and headed to the theatre. Before I left I received an email that there was a rental until 3:30 which threw off the plan. Duncan, Matt and I spent time in the basement building the recycle box set piece and getting ready to work onstage. Aspen and Camille arrived and we all got as much done as possible before we had to clear up and leave as the church was in the studio and I was using a chop saw to put the siding on the set. I am sure we would have had noise complaints. We are all very thrilled with what we got done though and made plans to take some work time off to come and do more. It needs to be done before next weekend as that will all be dedicated to tech and then the following Friday is opening night already!
Bill and Deanne invited the family for a delicious dinner of flank steak, roast potatoes, Caesar salad and cheesecake. So spoiled and lovely to spend time together. Deanne introduced me to an app she uses to track her walks and hikes called Runkeeper. I downloaded it and know it will inspire me to get out there more.
Once I got home I worked on show items for Social Media and reviewed draft number two of the program. It looks really great and with the couple of additions I had, will be ready to send for review by the Production Manager and Director and then off to the printer. I need to make sure nobody gets left out.
All in all it was a lovely productive day. This weekend didn’t turn out at all like I planned but it was good.
Oh, and I finished the wee little puzzle from hell over my coffee this morning.
I had no intention of leaving the house today, but I realized I needed to go see what was up with the set and be of help. There was a painting party scheduled for 2 so I had coffee and finished my 2 sided puzzle. I am ever so glad I went. As it happens I was able to help make a plan to finish the set and stabilize it. I suggested they not do the faux fencing that would look odd but rather do faux building walls which was widely accepted as a good and easier plan. Duncan and I made a plan to meet tomorrow and Camille will join us as well. We will put the siding up and the new pieces of set. I look forward to spending time making happy theatre magic. Matt came by with the new to us MacBook and set it all up for Pepijn to operate. The lights are still not working properly but I did not hear back from Ben when I reached out so I will assume he is working this weekend and hope he will come early in the week. I need him to follow up on the promises made and installs that are incomplete. Fortunately I know just enough and have other resources to get this show running.
I dropped off my hockey ticket to Gene as I had work to do for the program and social media. I only need two more pictures and that will be complete. I also stopped to find out costs for the idea I had for closing night gifts. Knocking things off the list feels really great and they are happy things to be doing, also great.
Dinner and Wentworth and what could truly be the worlds hardest puzzle filled my evening. I will have to have a look at it again tomorrow as I must have some pieces in the wrong spots. Oh those Hearndens, challenging me this way!
Next project
Turns out the pointillism gift was way better than I Thought!
I am blessed by friends who read this and I start my day with encouraging messages from near and far; some touch my soul, some make me laugh, some give me hope. Today overall was awesome as I finished the last file I had to complete today and got a bunch of work preemptively done. Every one had cleared out early or wasn’t there due to C so I was able to open my door, crank Sirius and get ‘er done. I am currently listening to Eddy Trunk podcast and he is incredibly knowledgeable about hatred rock and metal. I am surprisingly interested in his interviews. My mail held a book I have been waiting for for some time now. I shall sink into the couch and enjoy it.
My goal was to get everything done and head to the hockey game, stopping at Bill and Deanne’s to trade puzzles on the way. They kindly invited me for dinner which was delicious and included a nice Smokey Scotch. It is always so nice to spend time with them. I wish I had the ambition D does to walk. Part of me was jealous of her getting out there and the other part was all “you know you are stiff for a reason” catty. She has inspired me to lose weight with her good efforts. They gave me a piece of black cheese that tasted like lemon meringue pie which just really messes with your senses. I have all kinds of ideas to use it for special occasions!
After dinner I headed to the arena and was grateful to get inside to warm up! The opposing team was from Wenatchee. I guess it is ok to come across the border now. It wasn’t the greatest game but we play them again tomorrow and will hopefully win. Aymo was a volunteer, it’s good to see the teens involved. Rae came and we had a good catch up, sharing the sorrows and fears of recent, ending in going to the FireHall for some wings and stupid expensive red wine. Both were very good and the air was cleared. We are good at that. Jordan was a great bartender/server and we enjoyed our ‘date’ night.
People are dropping like flies around me and I have to wonder if it is like chicken pox back in the day, where moms would try to get their kids infected so they would get it over with. Or maybe I will be one of the few who do not get it as I have been crazy careful. Tomorrow is paint the set day and I am thinking I should go help and thinking it is safer not to!!! I do have work to do on books tomorrow so we shall see what the mood brings.
Danika posted that they have COVID and that Emmy has been helping feed her mom, complete with lonely bread, mangled sandwiches. That child is something. I hope to see her mid February when Jake is coming for a visit.
I have lived an ‘interesting’ life. I wonder what the next 20 or so will bring. It is up to me I suppose to pick a path of least resistance and most joy. I have challenged myself, overcome fears and downfalls, and come out satisfied. I am experiencing regrets for the first time in my life, a side effect of aging, I suppose. I have lived under the false pressure of thinking I had to do something, be someone, leave a legacy. I was given the legacy of trauma, that is not what I want to leave for my decedents. I think I may need to make at least a 5 year plan, make a list of the things I would regret not doing. I am so caught up in the pandemic fear, I am giving up things I have previously thought I never would. Some of those choices are well made. I can only work on my weaknesses, leave others to be themselves, supporting them when they need it. Tonight I go to sleep aware that my Auntie Ollie is in her end days. It is likely anyway, with her failing health. At 93 one does not have many reserves. I wish I could see her, spend time laughing but the Pandemic keeps me away, aware of her fragility. I can only continue to FaceTime and text with her daughters, be here with hugs when they need them. We all play a part in this circle, this world, this life. I need to be my best for others who are suffering in my circle at this time, give them positive energy, not drain it.
I wasn’t even in a mood for Social Media last night so I barely noticed my friends picture of her daughter as it only registered as what I thought was a before and after hair picture. This morning the post was still at the top of my feed and I learned her beautiful daughter had died on Monday only days after her daughter’s 11th birthday. It is unimaginable to lose a child and sadly I know several who have, far too young. This darling girl was such a joy to be around, I will never forget camping with the three generations of them oh so long ago. Rest In Peace sweet Ciara, don’t worry your Mom and lovely Lily will be well cared for. This sadness I feel is honest, it will lift not to be replaced by the petty whining of yesterday.
I came home and made my last Hello Fresh, had a glass of wine and started The World’s Most Difficult Puzzle. It is double-sided with the same image, but one side is turned 90 degrees and then it’s cut from both sides so you can’t feel which is the back side. It’s not that hard… or I guess my puzzle brain is a good escape right now.
Finished this while I was trying to make myself go to work after getting the news
First let me start by saying this is not a goodbye message, but just where my headspace is tonight. Not exactly a pity party but just a general feeling that there will be a sigh of relief when I stop having opinions in groups that I work with. It is literally my job, paid or not, to have opinions, but I realize why so many things don’t change because offering suggestions is opening yourself up to being criticized for being observant and speaking up. I think I’m at the point of just keeping my mouth shut, meeting expectations, and moving on. I had a very interesting conversation with a gentleman who had lost his wife not too long ago. We are of a similar generation and go into deep conversation about motivation and best place to spend one’s time. I observed that I only want to do that which makes me want to leave the house. No I don’t always feel great about getting up and heading to the office. I am Not the biggest fan of scooping the litter box and taking out the garbage but those both give me a sense of satisfaction when I’m done. My New Year’s intention was to Marie Kondo my life. Sure I need to thin out the stuff in my life but more than the things I need to apply that to where I expend energy. The timer is running down on my obligations. I shall continue to do what is expected of me and I shall try to smile while I do it.
I enjoyed work today, knocking things off the list.
I announced my commitment to Dry February with only one night off, closing night of the play. From now until Wednesday there is a matching donor so should you be interested in the Cancer Fundraiser https://www.dryfeb.ca/users/marnee-bellavance every amount counts!
After work I picked up a printer that Di was paying forward as the kids need one. She also gave me the cutest little play kitchen for Emmy. I’m sure she will love to play it outside this summer and I have the table and chairs to go with it. I will likely set up a little play area under the pergola.
I had a late dinner and got half way through a puzzle. At first I was trying not to use the picture but was having trouble with the Vancouver Museum of Art… seems their spell checker missed one
I was heading to bed when I saw a Facebook post reminding me about the convoy heading to Ottawa and I have to say it annoys me. I believe in the public right to gather and protest peacefully but this is taking away our already seriously compromised supply chain especially in BC. Who knows how many days weeks or months our food supply, mail, packages, medical supplies & never mind building supplies will take to get back to normal availability because they have to drive all the way back as well.
I awoke to the sound of a text from one of the grandsons telling me they had left a gift on my porch. I suspect they knocked but too softly for me to hear from my room. I found a new pointillism picture. I haven’t opened it yet as II had too much work to do today to get distracted. It is Lilo and Stitch themed and I was told I should watch the movie again while I am doing it. I just may take that advice. I had breakfast and headed out to a beautiful day to take down my inflatables. Before I got very far my phone started ringing and I had a good long FaceTime with Emmy. I do love catching up and hope we can have a stay over again soon. I should have one of the boys in the near future as well but am keeping distances still until the covid numbers are down. A connected row of my yard décor had come unplugged at one pont and became frozen in the snow so I had to leave it there lest it rip. Missy seemed quite interested in where her friends went and she spent a good deal of time outdoors with me which was the longest time in months. I worked at trying to get the snow/ice removed from the walk where it is still compacted from coming off the roof but had little luck. I need a metal blade.
The rest of the day involved working on books and finishing some shows in the back ground. Stay Close on Netflix is recommended as was the poignant last season of Afterlife. And I got a full 8 hours and a full years worth of info in which feels very satisfying. I took breaks to work on theatre bits and that is all coming along brilliant as well. My neighbour gave me some high end ground beef and I made a nummy dinner. A good day was had.
Got up feeling rested, did some chores and then got dressed for work before settling at the dining room table. I didn’t get too far but I did get all my laundry done. I also dealt with a bunch of theatre things and finished my puzzle. This one was just the right amount of difficulty. Didn’t take too long but kept me interested and it is 39” wide. It is so strange not to be able to identify all the buildings on the Vancouver skyline any more. I finished watching ‘And Just Like That’, am done the second season of ‘After Life’ and am ready to watch the third. It is strangely touching and completely odd ball at the same time. If I took a shot every time I heard the C word, I’d be passed out smashed. That is probably the biggest difference between us and the Brits. I wonder if they think that about MF in American movies?
I owe a shout out to my friends that I forget are in the age range I would have called old. I forget they are that much older than me as they put me to shame with their active lifestyles and young personalities. At my age they were climbing Machu Picchu while I was taking the train and wouldn’t even consider such a climb then, never mind now. The age issue became a ‘wow, they are gone too soon’ when I learned first of Meatloaf at 74 and Louis Anderson at 68 passing away. Bat Out of Hell was my first Rock album, I still have it. I was fortunate to see him in concert and still can’t sit still when Paradise By The Dashboard Light comes on. Gone are the days of dancing to the end of probably the longest song ever played in a club.
I was at work for over 9 hours today and didn’t make a penny but got all the things done for the theatre in time for the board meeting next week and further prep for the play. It was a long but satisfying day.
I got home to a message from my cousin that her Mom is not doing well and as she is in her 90s we don’t know how long she has. I FaceTimed her to debrief and we ended up chatting for over 3 hours. I don’t think there is anyone else on the planet I can do that with. She has known me since I was 2 and there is nothing to fill in the blanks about, we just ramble on about family, books, politics, etc. I feel so filled up again.
There was a point in the day that I stopped to scroll my facebook feed and stopped dead at a picture my dear friend in Cumberland had posted. I recognized a guy in it and texted her to ask who it was. When she confirmed his name I told her my story and we had a good laugh. He is her sisters husband, seems they were childhood sweethearts and reconnected and were married in 2018. He and I were an item back on Salt Spring over 15 years ago. It was so strange to see his picture as I always wondered where he ended up after our difficult parting. Sadly he had lived up to his nickname, Liquid Plumber. Seems he has himself together now and is happy. I’m glad to see that. What a weird small world.
triumphgal 