Dates are interesting. The fact that today is the same upside down and back and forth if put in the British style of dates and lands on a 2sday has everyone in a fuss. It is interesting and I do love 2s. Many of my favourite things come in 2s.
It was another day of heavy concentration. Much was accomplished and I feel like I will get it all done this week as needed. Straight from there to a Board meeting where much was talked through. It was not all smooth but good choices were made, in my humble opinion.
It is really cold out, -17 that feels like -21 apparently. I walked to the mailbox without gloves and highly regretted it. Even Missy had no interest in going out when I opened the door and the cold drafted in.
Today was a bonus day of sorts. I slept in a bit and then made a nice breakfast, got some more chores done and then headed to the office for 5 hours. I got the last of my T4s filed and started on a big file that needs to be completed. There are 4 left for this week. I will get them done. Just need to stay focused and prioritize. Getting home to one last Hello Fresh was so nice and easy. It was tasty, filling and light. There was snow when I woke up and it didn’t even all melt away although it was a blue sky day. There is cold weather again this week. It is -14 C and the moment and is forecast to go down to -24 by Wednesday. I hope that won’t keep people at home rather than the play. Will be interesting to see what the numbers are tomorrow. I wonder if I should feel bad about not seeing family this weekend. They are busy and I await an invitation to join. It’s ok though. I am good alone. It is just a little unsettling as to what the future looks like. Today was just another day.
Who am I kidding, I was becoming allergic to my house as I hadn’t vacuumed, dusted or fully cleaned in too long. I spent a good deal of time, even washing curtains and carpets that were covered in cat hair. I emptied my full bump out front window, cleaned, wiped down and reorganized. I picked up a corner metal rack that fit and now holds my glass collection. The other corner window now has a spot for Missy to sit or curl up and look out. There was a mess of nose prints on that window where she would peer through to see what was going on outside. It was a big job and I got all rooms done except the den which has a lot I need to sort and a box to go to good will. I completed my day with a nice soak in the tub and feel much better. It was good to have the time to. I probably ‘should’ have worked on MusicFest, or books, or… but I did what was necessary for my health and happiness instead.
Had a relax this morning and then got the kitchen, bathroom and litter box cleaned before deciding to shower and do my nails. They are so short now as I pick at them when I am stressed. That is usually why I have them done up. I decided for time and money’s sake to do my own as I have the gear. They turned out okay and will protect them as they grow back. I don’t want them long while I am running the board anyway. I then made a lovely shrimp and roasted potato meal before heading out. I picked up bags and wrap for the cast gifts and dropped them at home. I was ready to head to the show when I saw the news that the lovely Chris Wilton from Denny Island had died suddenly. It was gut wrenching. The population there is under 70 and the loss of one of their own hits especially hard. My heart aches for my friends there. She was the owner of the garden store and a spot of sunshine in any day. I feel for her husband of over 40 years, Keith. I cried and sent my love to those mourning. I then got to the theatre and had a moment with a friend there before stuffing it down in order to do what needed to be done. The show went well and the audience was appreciative. Two people even used the discount code we offered which makes me happy the word is getting out there. I am home now and feel the weight of loss, wishing I could be there with others who loved her. It is another, I hate the pandemic moment as I have not been allowed to go up to Bella Bella and visit Denny Island since it began. I hope to soon.
I enjoyed my job again today, finally got through a batch of T4s with union stuff. That is a very unofficial way of saying I am glad they are done. I ordered the photos to use on cards for the cast and crew and picked them up before heading to my optometrist appointment. I was happy to hear I don’t need new glasses and was given tester contacts. I am planning to get new ones just for at work that have a higher and wider focus area. Only 400 for the lenses, sigh. Next it was off to the theatre. I was in a very good mood and it was a a lovely evening. There was a very small audience again. They loved it.
When I got up this morning I was mulling over the whole lack of audience and came up with the idea of advertising half capacity for two nights next week to ensure comfort for those who are not sure they want to be in a full house. Also, we are offering $5 off to frontline workers for the duration of the run. Ashlée is the social media person for the theatre and we talked this evening about boosting the post for the next week. I will ensure we have done everything to garner an audience.
My favourite office this week
Missy let me know she was out of water this morning
At work today I got in a conversation with another worker in the building about sending cards and letters. She told me about a project she was involved in filling out postcards and sending them to Wells, BC. That is where my Dad was born, one of only two Caucasian boys born there in 1939. It is a lovely heritage town born of the Cariboo Gold Rush. It is the entrance to Barkerville. I was so happy to complete the cards and mail them off.
After working on CCT business most of the day, I raced home to wrap Sawyers birthday present as he turns 7 tomorrow. I dropped it off and he was very happy with my choice. I headed to the show and had a talk with Jenn, our Production Manager about keeping our capacity at half, hoping to attract more audience. The cast got a pep talk and I vowed to find new ways to attract people. They are so good and deserve to be seen after all the work they have put in during this pandemic. There were only 8 people in the audience but they giggled and laughed and soaked in the story. Afterwards I had all cast and crew pose for pictures on stage. I want to use one for their cards on closing night.
On the way home I listened to two videos of 14 year old Gene’s band concert. He was percussionist and did such a great job. I am enjoying listening to these videos on my car speakers.
Unfortunately it was nearly 10 when I started dinner. I needed to cook my Hello Fresh so I would have it for lunch tomorrow too. It was a poor choice so late in the day, Turkey Chili. I substituted mushrooms for the red pepper but still used the Mexican Spices that came with it. I may have to wait a bit before going to bed as my system processes it. Gosh it was delicious though.
I did have a lot of work, including assisting a client in office figure out some differences in her books. But! Who can resist when a puppy comes to visit. The newest addition to the co-working space is Wren. She’s adorable! A friend posted a picture today of the concert I took Jake to in 2011. Ween was in Vancouver and I really wanted him to see them but had to wait until he was old enough to. They are not for the faint of heart. Unfortunately one half of the leads, known as Gene Ween, had a complete drug and alcohol fused meltdown on stage and the concert ended. It was truly the oddest stage gig I have experienced. And I paid a lot for our tickets, lol. My friend was there as well apparently, in the front row.
I left work in time to pick up my picture I had framed. I love it and didn’t want to just throw it away after finishing it so now I have a new Halloween and Christmas decoration. I had it framed so I can hang it both ways. After that I stopped by the Blind Pig pub to arrange a gathering on closing night. The place is gorgeous and they promised to keep the kitchen open for us. I am looking forward to hanging out with everyone and celebrating the success. The reviews came out on E-Know, an online paper and in the Townsman, our weekly print newspaper and WOWZA. I really couldn’t have paid them to sum it all up so well.
There was a time when I stopped auditioning for shows unless they had a message that needed to be delivered or were for a good cause. They take up so much of your time. It needed to be worth it. I was surprised that I agreed to Produce this show after one read but I wanted to redeem myself for quitting a show in the fall of 2019. There were good reasons, and I don’t regret it but it became important to me to see this show all the way through. I didn’t know at the time what the big picture of that would look like but I sure am glad I took it on.
Tick, tick, tick, things were disappearing off the list today. There is still much to accomplish this month but there is still time and I will do what I need to do and not let it stress me out. I admit it is hard sometimes to be doing work for people who are away in Australia! Some day, when there is time and money again I too shall travel. The Board meeting tonight was pleasant and I was glad I stayed at the office so I could access and amend the budget as we discussed it. Didn’t have to add it to the list! Unfortunately it meant I had to miss my grandson Lukas’s first band concert. Ashlée sent me a video though, and I sat in my car watching it and listening loud on the car speakers. It was so good! I am very proud of him.
The snow I woke up to this morning was all gone by the time I left the office. It was pretty, covering up the dirty but this shoulder season is always like that.
It is interesting how completely happy I am being single and unattached. Well, unless you count my cat and good friends. My life is full, too full some days and I have numerous people I can reach out to, spend time with or just FaceTime at the drop of a hat. The great thing about having friends in so many time zones is there is always someone up as well. I need to remember that if I am down again. I stayed after work and prepared my reports for tomorrow night’s board meeting and still got home at a decent time to have a strange combo of steamed mussels and nachos. It was perfectly satisfying and I almost made a second pot of tea but I called my Mom and then my dear friend who has ended up in that orphaned in your 50s mode. We had a good long FaceTime and I hated to hang up but I must rest and protect my health. We have a commitment to the audience. This show has gotten more positive feedback on our socials in the first two nights than the last long stream of shows. That is pretty great given the subject matter. Anyway, not much to share and am chatted out tonight. Talk to you tomorrow! Sweet Dreams.
It was another glorious late winter day in Cranbrook. The roads are getting wider as the melt ensues. The mountains take my breath away every time I get a glimpse. I took care of some chores and made a food plan for the week. It was call time at 12:30 for the crew and I always stay in the entry room to welcome everyone, remind them to sign in and take their temperatures and communicate with the Front of House volunteers what the cues are they need to give me to start the first and second act. It is a lovely part of my role as the Stage Manager and Stage Hand are getting everything set on stage, ready for the show. Today turned out to be a good day to go for a couple walks down the alley to soak up some sun and calm my stress.
There was a happy little audience of 13, most seniors. They are always the ones that are early so the show could have gone on 15 minutes earlier but for everyone’s sake and consistency we just started on time. Our sponsor was there again to test our recording equipment as there are future renters that are interested in the service. It seems like our laptop needs an update, or a replacement to make it happen though. I have left it in his hands to sort as he sold me the gear and it is running properly. I look forward to his assistance in hooking up the camera for the shows to be able to run on the monitors throughout the building as well. I sure appreciate his dedication to Team CCT.
I left and headed to Safeway to get my fruit and veg for the week. I am really looking forward to my fresh mussels tomorrow night! I picked up Caesar salad makings and after dropping the groceries at home, headed to Rae-Anne’s for dinner and a visit. Jake made it back from dropping off Emmy, a 4 hour or so round trip and we had a nice visit, played a little Rummicube and then it was time to get home and get focused for a busy week of Board meeting prep, files to complete and rest up for Thursday to Saturday’s run. As it happens, our techie was still not feeling well so I was glad I had suggested I run the show for the duration.
A bonus to the day was wearing clothes I haven’t fit into in a long time. I haven’t weighed this low since November 2020. I felt very heavy then! It is amazing how much more energy I have from healthier eating. It motivates me to keep going!
I received a text first thing from Jake that he is in town, has Emmy and wanted to spend time together. He showed up with Will and Sawyer in tow as well. The kids played outside with the kitchen I was given by Di and over in the giant cave as Emmy called it in the park. Emmy’s hair was a mess and she doesn’t like it brushed but her French braids were well slept on and need to be taken out. I set up Nana’s salon and gave her a lipstick to put on while I took them out and sprayed with a detangler. After a break to play a bit, I returned her to the salon and gave her eye shadow. She learned what a Smokey eye is and did a lovely job. Jake and I were able to catch up about all the excitement in his life before Rae and Ashlée showed up with the wonderful dog, Monty, that Ash is fostering. The dog was rescued from a California kill shelter and I only wish I had a lifestyle that could include a dog. I also hope that Ashlée is able to keep him in the end. We all went for a walk from my place to Elizabeth Lake and wandered around to the old abandoned car which Emmy thought was pretty cool and she pretended to drive her cousins around. Then as we were walking back she had a melt down over a stick the dog licked. She emphatically stated that she was just hangry so Jake and I took her to Wendy’s where we could have a relatively healthy meal for me. My baked potato and pecan salad was good and didn’t upset my stomach. They took off to Ashlée’s where they are staying tonight and I headed to Home Depot to buy flashlights for the Front of House team. I picked up a lovely Flamingo plant while I was there for my office. Popped home to let Missy in who disappears when the kids arrive, and headed to the theatre. The show was great and it was nice to see so many theatre peeps in the house. Afterward I asked the Director and cast if they would like me to keep running the show. There was a resounding yes, so I committed to it and have let the other person know that I wouldn’t have been able to do it without his design and initial set up but I would take it from here. I have offered him a comp to come and see it. I feel better for making that decision as I really wasn’t looking forward to giving it up. We are a team and I feel the desire to see it through.
When I got home I turned on the TV and the news was on showing the protests across the country. The things being done at the war memorial in Ottawa are disgusting. I am embarrassed by a portion of my country and feel I understand better how the US citizens felt after the storming of the Capital. I just want it to be over. We are losing respect in this world.
Today was full of a nervousness that was full of joy and anticipation rather than abject terror. I got a lot more done at work than I thought I would and then went to pick up Diet Pepsi for the green room. Who would have guessed that would be the beverage of choice for a bunch of young men?! Next stop was Sweet Gestures for some heart shaped chocolate lollies for the cast and crew. I finally made it to the theatre and blew up 15 Alien faced balloons and decorated the change and green room. I was all set by the time everyone arrived and there was a happy atmosphere before the show. There was nearly a full house and the show was outstanding. The audience laughed in all the good places and were moved when it called for. Afterward Duncan was toasted with champagne by his friends, some of whom had come from Alberta to support him. That was nice to see. They were all going to the pub after and I was glad to have the excuse that I wasn’t drinking as I don’t want to sit across a table without masks. It is so important I stay healthy, especially now. I am happy to be home having my tea and puzzling, glowing from another show under my belt. I only wish we had gotten permission to stream it so that more people from afar could see it. On the other hand, I am glad to not add that to the stress list right now. I am glad I took this project on. I had my reservations at first but I seem to always end up where I am supposed to be.
It was nice to have time to work without a countdown clock on the day. I did get through a great deal of work, picked up the framed prints for the show and then stayed finishing off a few things and emailing clients for more information so I have it for tomorrow. I came home around 7 and finished off one puzzle before starting one I have had for a year. I will need to clear off my table to fit it but spent the evening sorting pieces. I must say, I am really going to enjoy this one.
Duncan did the phone interview live on the Rewind Radio this morning. He did a great job and didn’t forget anyone this time lol. We only have 5 seats left for tomorrow night!! That will be awesome if we get a sold out Opening. Fingers crossed.
Today was a blur of books followed by media preview night at the theatre. And WOW, the guys knocked it out of the park. I am so dang proud of this whole team. Months of work have culminated in a piece of art. I only wish Annie Baker, the playwright of The Aliens could see how they brought her vision to life. The first audience, albeit a small one can be daunting and they pulled it off. Tomorrow is dark Thursday and then Opening Night on Friday. I admit there is a part of me that wishes I were running the tech for the whole run as I am so enjoying doing it. For the first time tonight after adjusting a few things before the show, I was able to hit all the marks. I guess you can teach an old broad new tricks. It has been decades since I ran lights and sound back on Salt Spring Island. The gear is so much better and the options to create effects are splendid.
Anyway, that’s enough about the show. I need to come down from this happy high, have my tea and get ready for a busy day at the office tomorrow. Good night.
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.
triumphgal 