Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Wizard Rock = EPIC
So...found my new favorite band.
I am a huge fan of electronica AND Harry Potter, so...
My favorite Wizard Rock/Wrock band? Ministry of Magic.
THEY ARE SO COOL.
These are my favs right now:
"Bravest Man I Ever Knew"
"Prelude"
But I have most of their songs that are on Grooveshark on my playlist.
Also, I found a band that did an entire Wrock Opera - "Magic! A Wrock Opera". Can't find it except on their site, though...:/
Anyway. This is what I'm enjoying today while I take notes on administering tests...*yawn*
I am a huge fan of electronica AND Harry Potter, so...
My favorite Wizard Rock/Wrock band? Ministry of Magic.
THEY ARE SO COOL.
These are my favs right now:
"Bravest Man I Ever Knew"
"Prelude"
But I have most of their songs that are on Grooveshark on my playlist.
Also, I found a band that did an entire Wrock Opera - "Magic! A Wrock Opera". Can't find it except on their site, though...:/
Anyway. This is what I'm enjoying today while I take notes on administering tests...*yawn*
Wizard Rock
I just started listening to Harry and the Potters...
"Save Ginny" makes me LOL.
They have a bunch of stuff on grooveshark if anybody's interested.
Apparently Wizard Rock is a growing genre (I knew there was such a thing, didn't know it was such a huge deal!) - there are at least 880 bands categorized as such.
Like:
The Remus Lupins, The Whomping Willows, Swish and Flick, The Moaning Myrtles, and Justin Finch-Fletchley & the Sugar Quills.
So ridiculous and awesome!!
Also: The soundtracks to A Very Potter Musical & A Very Potter Sequel are on grooveshark. YAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Save Ginny" makes me LOL.
They have a bunch of stuff on grooveshark if anybody's interested.
Apparently Wizard Rock is a growing genre (I knew there was such a thing, didn't know it was such a huge deal!) - there are at least 880 bands categorized as such.
Like:
The Remus Lupins, The Whomping Willows, Swish and Flick, The Moaning Myrtles, and Justin Finch-Fletchley & the Sugar Quills.
So ridiculous and awesome!!
Also: The soundtracks to A Very Potter Musical & A Very Potter Sequel are on grooveshark. YAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Soup, Dream, Reality, Life
I got the idea for a soup recipe a few days ago and had to try it out last night. One of my goals is to create my very own soup recipe, and although it wasn't perfect (I think I got the amounts wrong on the broth), it was pretty tasty.
I love orange, and chowder, so I decided to make a carrot chowder - I blended homemade chicken broth and chopped up carrots in the blender until smooth (it looks a little like runny, mashed sweet potatoes. Not too appetizing, I know). Then, I put some dill, onion salt, and pepper into it and let it simmer while I sauteed some zucchini and squash. I added in some mushrooms to the sautee and then poured it all into the soup. Then I added some cooked butter beans and some half-and-half and waited for it all to heat up.
Then I ate a bowl of it with some buttered slices of homemade beer bread.
I finally feel like I made a meal worthy of Brian Jacques' Redwall (and if you've never read his descriptions of feasts, you should. Mouth-watering).
We dropped our friends Dave & Ruth off at 1 am this morning to fly their way to the D.R. for the church mission trip, so of course Stu and I were hungry after that (we are halflings, it seems), so we stopped and got cheeseburgers and fries and watched the new episode of Leverage!!! (So glad I'm caught up!) Then we went to sleep around 3 this morning (thankfully I'd taken a nap from 9-12 so I'm actually not tired).
My dream was less than fantastical, but here it is in all of its anxious glory:
My family was back and we were living in a large, LARGE house (sprawling rancher). We were going to be playing at a church so we took the harp there and then I said I was tired and went home to take a nap. When I woke up, I found out I was an hour and a half late and the service was over and I'd disgraced my family and the harp had just had to sit there. :(
Fast forward to years later - I was a detective and chasing three siblings for some kind of fraud. I caught one at their home, one at an auction, and one at a dock and rounded them all up to go to prison together. They had been partners in crime basically their whole lives and it was a big accomplishment for me to have caught them all.
Then the alarm went off and that's where the weird stuff started. It's weird when reality feels more like a dream than a dream you just woke up from. Still a little disoriented and feeling like I've been Incepted. :P
Anyway.
Life continues as I struggle to discover what God wants me to do and...I'm still sort of working on monologues but I do this to myself all the time. I have things I would love to do but I psych myself out of doing them because I don't want to try and fail, which is exactly what to do if you never want to accomplish anything.
So...for now, I'm at work, trying to figure out if I should put acting on hold until I can get some training, or if I should just memorize my monologues, or if I should go back to writing, or try some of the other dozens of things I'm interested in.
SIGH.
I aggravate myself.
I love orange, and chowder, so I decided to make a carrot chowder - I blended homemade chicken broth and chopped up carrots in the blender until smooth (it looks a little like runny, mashed sweet potatoes. Not too appetizing, I know). Then, I put some dill, onion salt, and pepper into it and let it simmer while I sauteed some zucchini and squash. I added in some mushrooms to the sautee and then poured it all into the soup. Then I added some cooked butter beans and some half-and-half and waited for it all to heat up.
Then I ate a bowl of it with some buttered slices of homemade beer bread.
I finally feel like I made a meal worthy of Brian Jacques' Redwall (and if you've never read his descriptions of feasts, you should. Mouth-watering).
We dropped our friends Dave & Ruth off at 1 am this morning to fly their way to the D.R. for the church mission trip, so of course Stu and I were hungry after that (we are halflings, it seems), so we stopped and got cheeseburgers and fries and watched the new episode of Leverage!!! (So glad I'm caught up!) Then we went to sleep around 3 this morning (thankfully I'd taken a nap from 9-12 so I'm actually not tired).
My dream was less than fantastical, but here it is in all of its anxious glory:
My family was back and we were living in a large, LARGE house (sprawling rancher). We were going to be playing at a church so we took the harp there and then I said I was tired and went home to take a nap. When I woke up, I found out I was an hour and a half late and the service was over and I'd disgraced my family and the harp had just had to sit there. :(
Fast forward to years later - I was a detective and chasing three siblings for some kind of fraud. I caught one at their home, one at an auction, and one at a dock and rounded them all up to go to prison together. They had been partners in crime basically their whole lives and it was a big accomplishment for me to have caught them all.
Then the alarm went off and that's where the weird stuff started. It's weird when reality feels more like a dream than a dream you just woke up from. Still a little disoriented and feeling like I've been Incepted. :P
Anyway.
Life continues as I struggle to discover what God wants me to do and...I'm still sort of working on monologues but I do this to myself all the time. I have things I would love to do but I psych myself out of doing them because I don't want to try and fail, which is exactly what to do if you never want to accomplish anything.
So...for now, I'm at work, trying to figure out if I should put acting on hold until I can get some training, or if I should just memorize my monologues, or if I should go back to writing, or try some of the other dozens of things I'm interested in.
SIGH.
I aggravate myself.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Potter
Had another Potter dream last night - (We went to Carraba's, for anyone who is wondering. I do keep a list of stuff I eat that winds up being awesome for dreams) it was a little confusing. Not sure if I was me or Harry (I do end up being Harry sometimes).
Anyway, whoever I was, I was ready to go back to Hogwarts. I was living with my parents at the old log cabin in Cosby (*shudder*) and I told them that a lot of the children would be stopping at our place b/c it was a half-way point. Things had gotten dangerous and we had to travel in packs. (And somehow, we couldn't use the train.)
The first person to arrive I had a hard time telling who it was until he put his face up to the window. It was Sirius (but looked more like the Wrestler Edge...which is weird...). He came in, and as I looked out for Death Eaters, more Hogwarts people arrived - first years I didn't know, Professor McGonagall, some of the Weasleys, and I believe Hermione and Snape were there.
They all took off in little groups while I tried to pack (my bag had a charm on it so I could put a ton in there - Hermione had done it).
After everyone was off safely, I took off on my broom just outside of London and followed the train tracks, but I wasn't sure they were the right ones, as they went sideways over steep hills and through forests I'd never seen. Flying on a broom takes some getting used to, by the way. I had a time with controlling the broom while I was learning to fly it. I met up with some of my parents' friends (and my parents were visiting them) in the middle of one of the forests and tried to find Hogwarts on GoogleMaps and then remembered I probably couldn't find it with technology...
So, I jumped back on my broom and kept following the tracks, through a lot of rain and then I finally made it to Hogwarts but I'd missed the feast and I'd gotten there late, so I had a lot of catching up to do. But I'd flown all the way there, which took much longer than I thought.
Then, of course, my alarm had to go off. >:(
Anyway, whoever I was, I was ready to go back to Hogwarts. I was living with my parents at the old log cabin in Cosby (*shudder*) and I told them that a lot of the children would be stopping at our place b/c it was a half-way point. Things had gotten dangerous and we had to travel in packs. (And somehow, we couldn't use the train.)
The first person to arrive I had a hard time telling who it was until he put his face up to the window. It was Sirius (but looked more like the Wrestler Edge...which is weird...). He came in, and as I looked out for Death Eaters, more Hogwarts people arrived - first years I didn't know, Professor McGonagall, some of the Weasleys, and I believe Hermione and Snape were there.
They all took off in little groups while I tried to pack (my bag had a charm on it so I could put a ton in there - Hermione had done it).
After everyone was off safely, I took off on my broom just outside of London and followed the train tracks, but I wasn't sure they were the right ones, as they went sideways over steep hills and through forests I'd never seen. Flying on a broom takes some getting used to, by the way. I had a time with controlling the broom while I was learning to fly it. I met up with some of my parents' friends (and my parents were visiting them) in the middle of one of the forests and tried to find Hogwarts on GoogleMaps and then remembered I probably couldn't find it with technology...
So, I jumped back on my broom and kept following the tracks, through a lot of rain and then I finally made it to Hogwarts but I'd missed the feast and I'd gotten there late, so I had a lot of catching up to do. But I'd flown all the way there, which took much longer than I thought.
Then, of course, my alarm had to go off. >:(
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Prayers
God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-prayer for Young Persons, BOCP
O Merciful Father, who hast taught us in they holy Word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men: Look with pity upon the sorrows of thy servant for whom our prayers are offered. Remember him, O Lord, in mercy, nourish his soul with patience, comfort him with a sense of they goodness, lift up thy countenance upon him, and give him peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-prayer for a person in Trouble or Bereavement, BOCP
Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-prayer For those we Love, BOCP
Stu and I are in the midst of helping a friend through a dark and muddled time. I don't know what to do or say except to assure our friend of our love and support, and I worry that whatever we say in truth and love will be looked on as non-supportive or a misunderstanding. Praying for guidance and wisdom, love and faith today as we try to be there for our friend.
It hurts me to see someone in so much pain and confusion. I know how they feel. I hate not being able to do anything.
But that really isn't the case - I CAN do something. I can pray, and that is stronger than anything I can say. God has a purpose in all of this and I place our friend in His hands, no matter how difficult that may be.
O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgement, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-prayer For Guidance, BOCP
-prayer for Young Persons, BOCP
O Merciful Father, who hast taught us in they holy Word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men: Look with pity upon the sorrows of thy servant for whom our prayers are offered. Remember him, O Lord, in mercy, nourish his soul with patience, comfort him with a sense of they goodness, lift up thy countenance upon him, and give him peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-prayer for a person in Trouble or Bereavement, BOCP
Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-prayer For those we Love, BOCP
Stu and I are in the midst of helping a friend through a dark and muddled time. I don't know what to do or say except to assure our friend of our love and support, and I worry that whatever we say in truth and love will be looked on as non-supportive or a misunderstanding. Praying for guidance and wisdom, love and faith today as we try to be there for our friend.
It hurts me to see someone in so much pain and confusion. I know how they feel. I hate not being able to do anything.
But that really isn't the case - I CAN do something. I can pray, and that is stronger than anything I can say. God has a purpose in all of this and I place our friend in His hands, no matter how difficult that may be.
O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgement, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-prayer For Guidance, BOCP
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
BEER BREAD IS DELICIOUS
Found an easy bread recipe to add to my repertoire (trying to get better at baking), and successfully baked my first loaf of beer bread from scratch. I used Pabst ("The Pepsi of Beer" as Stu calls it), and it is SO GOOD. I sliced a piece off the end and slathered it with butter and...YUM.
Here's the recipe, in case you want to try it:
3 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1/4 c. sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
12 oz beer (1 bottle)
Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix ingredients (will NOT look like regular dough - more gloppy). Put dough in lightly greased loaf pan (make sure it's even). Bake 1 hour. During the last 10 minutes, brush top of loaf w/ butter.
Yep. That's it. I did use all-natural cane sugar...and the recipe also says you can add herbs or cheese (or both), if you like. I'm thinking sharp cheddar with dill or rosemary could be good...?? I just made a plain loaf for starts to see if it would turn out, and I am very happy with my results.
Stu's mom gave us a bunch of strawberries, so next up: Strawberry Bread (recipe below).
1/3 c. butter, softened
2/3 c. sugar
2 eggs
3 tbsp. sour cream
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp.salt
1 c. strawberries, cut into pieces
Preheat oven to 350 F. Microwave butter until soft, then add sugar. Add eggs, mix, then add sour cream. Mix in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and mix. Stir in strawberry pieces. Pour into greased bread pan. Let mix sit 20 minutes before putting into the oven. Bake at 350 F for 50-55 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 10 min. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack, then serve.
IT SOUNDS SO GOOD. :)
Also: I am enjoying baking immensely (mostly I like it 'cause I can whip up the dough and then let it sit/bake while I do other things like dishes, laundry, or knitting)
Tonight I'm also working on my first hat with ribbing...interesting, so far. Hope it works, b/c this yarn is gorgeous!
Here's the recipe, in case you want to try it:
3 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1/4 c. sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
12 oz beer (1 bottle)
Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix ingredients (will NOT look like regular dough - more gloppy). Put dough in lightly greased loaf pan (make sure it's even). Bake 1 hour. During the last 10 minutes, brush top of loaf w/ butter.
Yep. That's it. I did use all-natural cane sugar...and the recipe also says you can add herbs or cheese (or both), if you like. I'm thinking sharp cheddar with dill or rosemary could be good...?? I just made a plain loaf for starts to see if it would turn out, and I am very happy with my results.
Stu's mom gave us a bunch of strawberries, so next up: Strawberry Bread (recipe below).
1/3 c. butter, softened
2/3 c. sugar
2 eggs
3 tbsp. sour cream
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp.salt
1 c. strawberries, cut into pieces
Preheat oven to 350 F. Microwave butter until soft, then add sugar. Add eggs, mix, then add sour cream. Mix in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and mix. Stir in strawberry pieces. Pour into greased bread pan. Let mix sit 20 minutes before putting into the oven. Bake at 350 F for 50-55 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 10 min. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack, then serve.
IT SOUNDS SO GOOD. :)
Also: I am enjoying baking immensely (mostly I like it 'cause I can whip up the dough and then let it sit/bake while I do other things like dishes, laundry, or knitting)
Tonight I'm also working on my first hat with ribbing...interesting, so far. Hope it works, b/c this yarn is gorgeous!
Brother, Car Trouble, Knitting & Magazines
Yesterday's visit with my brother was FUN. Just fun. We laughed and swapped our favorite songs, TV shows, movies, and books, ate Chinese take-out, and planned a trip so he can come stay with me and Stu for a few days at the end of June.
He wrote me today and said "We should chill out more." I agree. Ethan and I discovered yesterday that independently of each other, we'd tried Land O' Lakes hot chocolate flavors and both loved the Graham flavor best.
Don't know why I'm surprised - we're very alike in a lot of ways, but the more I see him and Uncle Leon and me, the more I realize how alike we all are. I love knowing that I'm not the only one who loves a crazy hot chocolate flavor or waves hands when excited.
Today I got to spend time with Abbie (hooray!!), who brought me a bunch of lovely magazines to look through, and I even had time to learn some new knitting stitches, but unfortunately, Stu did not have so great of a day.
He got rear-ended on Monticello and now has a stiff neck. It's off to the doctor tomorrow, and our bumper is crunched. I'm hoping this will turn into a check that means we can get an older station wagon to haul the harp/cameras around in.
So...that's what happened today.
Now it's time to go home, experiment with a loaf of beer bread, practice guitar, and watching something funny on Netflix.
He wrote me today and said "We should chill out more." I agree. Ethan and I discovered yesterday that independently of each other, we'd tried Land O' Lakes hot chocolate flavors and both loved the Graham flavor best.
Don't know why I'm surprised - we're very alike in a lot of ways, but the more I see him and Uncle Leon and me, the more I realize how alike we all are. I love knowing that I'm not the only one who loves a crazy hot chocolate flavor or waves hands when excited.
Today I got to spend time with Abbie (hooray!!), who brought me a bunch of lovely magazines to look through, and I even had time to learn some new knitting stitches, but unfortunately, Stu did not have so great of a day.
He got rear-ended on Monticello and now has a stiff neck. It's off to the doctor tomorrow, and our bumper is crunched. I'm hoping this will turn into a check that means we can get an older station wagon to haul the harp/cameras around in.
So...that's what happened today.
Now it's time to go home, experiment with a loaf of beer bread, practice guitar, and watching something funny on Netflix.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
BRUVVER!
My brother Ethan called to tell me he was coming to Columbia for the day with our godfather - and since 'Uncle' Dave is working, Ethan wants to come spend the afternoon with me. We are going to pick him up at lunch and I'm really excited. We've had a few conversations the last week (he got to the States about a week and a half ago...? Something like that), and he seems to be more relaxed and happy than he was...I'm afraid he had a senior year like I had...:/ Not great.
Anyway - very excited about widdle bruvver and talking about him coming to stay with us at the end of June.
And also cooking Korean dishes (his specialty).
Anyway - very excited about widdle bruvver and talking about him coming to stay with us at the end of June.
And also cooking Korean dishes (his specialty).
Monday, June 20, 2011
First Guitar Song = COMPLETE.
Finished writing my first song with music & lyrics (for guitar)...I love the writing process for songs, as it turns out. I wrote this love song/lullaby for Stu and it's completely nerdy. I have plans to record it so I'll post a video of it once I do...I'm hoping to get my sis on violin and my brothers on cello and bass guitar.
I won't put the words here because it doesn't look the same as it sounds...it sounds much better than it looks, I think (haha, I flatter myself).
Suffice it to say, I love combining words and music and I will be doing this much more often. It's incredible to put what I want to say but can't into a song that I can sing.
I won't put the words here because it doesn't look the same as it sounds...it sounds much better than it looks, I think (haha, I flatter myself).
Suffice it to say, I love combining words and music and I will be doing this much more often. It's incredible to put what I want to say but can't into a song that I can sing.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Guitar = FUN
So, our friend Robbie dropped off his extra guitar at our house a few days ago and I have been bitten by the guitar bug. Seriously. I scoured the internet all day yesterday and then came home and played for hours. I learned some basic chords, enough to sort of play "Dirty Little Secret" by All-American Rejects...SO FUN!!!
Hopefully this is a stepping-stone to bass, and possibly an outlet to write.
I haven't written words to a song ever, but it might be a new and needed exercise...
Also: my favorite uncle wrote to ask if we wanted him to pick us up from the airport in Kansas in July!! I think my family planned to pick up/drop off but I was like "UM YES!!!!!!!!!!!" I'm always worried I'll scare him with my enthusiasm. He doesn't know how crazy I am about him. He's awesome!!!
And: I had a GREAT conversation with my brother last night. I think he's in a better place than he was a year or two ago when we last had a really serious conversation. Plus it helps that he's graduated from high school and is feeling relieved...! I may get to see him at lunch next week...here's hoping.
AND APPARENTLY HE SAW BOOKER T AND A BUNCH OF OTHER WRESTLERS AT THE AIRPORT!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Too bad he didn't get pictures...!
That is all for now.
Hopefully this is a stepping-stone to bass, and possibly an outlet to write.
I haven't written words to a song ever, but it might be a new and needed exercise...
Also: my favorite uncle wrote to ask if we wanted him to pick us up from the airport in Kansas in July!! I think my family planned to pick up/drop off but I was like "UM YES!!!!!!!!!!!" I'm always worried I'll scare him with my enthusiasm. He doesn't know how crazy I am about him. He's awesome!!!
And: I had a GREAT conversation with my brother last night. I think he's in a better place than he was a year or two ago when we last had a really serious conversation. Plus it helps that he's graduated from high school and is feeling relieved...! I may get to see him at lunch next week...here's hoping.
AND APPARENTLY HE SAW BOOKER T AND A BUNCH OF OTHER WRESTLERS AT THE AIRPORT!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Too bad he didn't get pictures...!
That is all for now.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Verses from The Message
I really, really, REALLY want a Bible in The Message version. I read an NASB and it's good and I memorize out of it now and again, but the Message comes alive for me. It really is living and breathing, and it impacts me in a way that no other version has.
Here's what I'm talking about:
Jeremiah 33. 2-3
"This is God's Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: 'Call to me and I will answer you. I'll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.'"
James 4. 7-10
So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.
James 5. 19-20
My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.
1 Peter 1. 13-18
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that's coming when Jesus arrives. Don't lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn't know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy." You call out to God for help and he helps - he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living. Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God.
1 Peter 4. 1-2, 7-13
Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want. Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless-cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything-encores to the end of time. Oh yes! Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
2 Peter 1. 5-9
So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can't see what's right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books.
Here's what I'm talking about:
Jeremiah 33. 2-3
"This is God's Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: 'Call to me and I will answer you. I'll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.'"
James 4. 7-10
So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.
James 5. 19-20
My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.
1 Peter 1. 13-18
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that's coming when Jesus arrives. Don't lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn't know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy." You call out to God for help and he helps - he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living. Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God.
1 Peter 4. 1-2, 7-13
Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want. Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless-cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything-encores to the end of time. Oh yes! Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
2 Peter 1. 5-9
So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can't see what's right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
We Shall NOT Be Daunted!
So, Stu saw that the CIU job isn't posted anymore, and I found out that I was not one of the Highlights Fiction Contest Winners.
While it would have been nice to have money (from either one), at this point I can be grateful for a few things:
1. I still retain the rights to my character, Taffeta Jones, the Lady Pirate. I was a little queasy about sending off the story anyway, as I imagined an entire line of picture books...so perhaps it's for the best.
2. Not getting the CIU job may be, in fact, good for Stu. Narrows down the choices a bit, and other jobs could potentially be less stressful/more money/better insurance.
3. I'm grateful we have a loving support system - Stu's mom joins me in prayer for a good job for Stu, as well as encouraging us and helping us out - she just gave me some new kitchen stuff and extra groceries. She's such a blessing!
4. Friends who pray with us, laugh with us, hang out, and talk with us. You guys mean more to us than we can express.
5. The Beauty & the Beast soundtrack. That music (and movie) has developed my worldview, story-telling, and longing for something more.
Other things to be grateful for:
AWESOME KNITTING PATTERNS FOR FINGERLESS GLOVES (ravelry.com -- it's fantastic)
Friends who give me magazines. You'll never know how many hours I sit happily on the floor, pouring through magazines and clipping out pictures. Endless entertainment.
Weddings that provide extra income just when we need it - with added bonuses of gas money and overnight stays in nice hotels.
All of that being said, it's time to get back to work. Writing, memorizing monologues, and my part-time job which I love and am grateful for every day.
C'est la vie, and all that jazz.
While it would have been nice to have money (from either one), at this point I can be grateful for a few things:
1. I still retain the rights to my character, Taffeta Jones, the Lady Pirate. I was a little queasy about sending off the story anyway, as I imagined an entire line of picture books...so perhaps it's for the best.
2. Not getting the CIU job may be, in fact, good for Stu. Narrows down the choices a bit, and other jobs could potentially be less stressful/more money/better insurance.
3. I'm grateful we have a loving support system - Stu's mom joins me in prayer for a good job for Stu, as well as encouraging us and helping us out - she just gave me some new kitchen stuff and extra groceries. She's such a blessing!
4. Friends who pray with us, laugh with us, hang out, and talk with us. You guys mean more to us than we can express.
5. The Beauty & the Beast soundtrack. That music (and movie) has developed my worldview, story-telling, and longing for something more.
Other things to be grateful for:
AWESOME KNITTING PATTERNS FOR FINGERLESS GLOVES (ravelry.com -- it's fantastic)
Friends who give me magazines. You'll never know how many hours I sit happily on the floor, pouring through magazines and clipping out pictures. Endless entertainment.
Weddings that provide extra income just when we need it - with added bonuses of gas money and overnight stays in nice hotels.
All of that being said, it's time to get back to work. Writing, memorizing monologues, and my part-time job which I love and am grateful for every day.
C'est la vie, and all that jazz.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites dream
I don't know if it was the lemon pepper chicken bites or the watermelon I ate for dinner last night, but I had a crazy dream - crazier than usual.
I think the dream started in a city. It was nighttime, and I couldn't see any stars because of the city lights. It seemed deserted, but when I went into the old white house where I was staying, I looked furtively over my shoulder, hoping no one had seen me.
When I entered, a bunch of witches and wizards had congregated - Dumbledore and the Hogwarts staff were lining children up, 3 to a broom, and were flying them out the window.
We were escaping this zombie-infested town.
I was Harry (apparently) and after all the children had left, Snape, Dumbledore, and a couple others (and myself) flew on our own brooms to a cemetery outside of town. Voldemort was coming. I knew Dumbledore was going to die, I knew Snape would appear to betray him, I knew how it was all going to happen and I couldn't stop it. I tried.
Afterwards, Snape and I were in the white house again, awaiting further instructions. We were fighting (I think Ron and Hermione were there) when Donna Noble appeared. She was the stand-in for Lily Potter, I suppose, because I realized Snape had betrayed Dumbledore so that he could have Lily back.
He kissed Lily and they disappeared.
Next thing I know, I'm Willow, and Xander and Buffy and I are holed up in a townhouse, awaiting another zombie attack. It had been months since the last people left town, so the zombies were more like perambulating skeletons at this point. I went downstairs to let someone in and of course a zombie spotted us. I struggled with the door but in the end managed to lock the 3 locks and keep it out.
We went back upstairs and Buffy was eating some cereal while reading some books. We got to talking about highschool and waxed nostalgic. I went into another room and just as I was about to open the door, I panicked, because I knew SOMETHING was on the other side.
I pushed the door almost closed when I saw that the bottom half of the door was bulging. It wasn't a door anymore, it was like braided raffia, and whatever was on the other side was going to come through.
Fortunately, it was Xander, who got a scolding for giving me a heart attack.
That's about all I remember.
I think the dream started in a city. It was nighttime, and I couldn't see any stars because of the city lights. It seemed deserted, but when I went into the old white house where I was staying, I looked furtively over my shoulder, hoping no one had seen me.
When I entered, a bunch of witches and wizards had congregated - Dumbledore and the Hogwarts staff were lining children up, 3 to a broom, and were flying them out the window.
We were escaping this zombie-infested town.
I was Harry (apparently) and after all the children had left, Snape, Dumbledore, and a couple others (and myself) flew on our own brooms to a cemetery outside of town. Voldemort was coming. I knew Dumbledore was going to die, I knew Snape would appear to betray him, I knew how it was all going to happen and I couldn't stop it. I tried.
Afterwards, Snape and I were in the white house again, awaiting further instructions. We were fighting (I think Ron and Hermione were there) when Donna Noble appeared. She was the stand-in for Lily Potter, I suppose, because I realized Snape had betrayed Dumbledore so that he could have Lily back.
He kissed Lily and they disappeared.
Next thing I know, I'm Willow, and Xander and Buffy and I are holed up in a townhouse, awaiting another zombie attack. It had been months since the last people left town, so the zombies were more like perambulating skeletons at this point. I went downstairs to let someone in and of course a zombie spotted us. I struggled with the door but in the end managed to lock the 3 locks and keep it out.
We went back upstairs and Buffy was eating some cereal while reading some books. We got to talking about highschool and waxed nostalgic. I went into another room and just as I was about to open the door, I panicked, because I knew SOMETHING was on the other side.
I pushed the door almost closed when I saw that the bottom half of the door was bulging. It wasn't a door anymore, it was like braided raffia, and whatever was on the other side was going to come through.
Fortunately, it was Xander, who got a scolding for giving me a heart attack.
That's about all I remember.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Song of the Day
"I'm Still Here" - John Rzeznik (From the OST of Treasure Planet)
I am a question to the world,
Not an answer to be heard.
All a moment that's held in your arms.
And what do you think you'd ever say?
I won't listen anyway…
You don't know me,
And I’ll never be what you want me to be.
I am a question to the world,
Not an answer to be heard.
All a moment that's held in your arms.
And what do you think you'd ever say?
I won't listen anyway…
You don't know me,
And I’ll never be what you want me to be.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Trust
I was doing some thinking (Which I do too much of) lately and I realized that it terrifies me to think of going up on stage and doing auditions. What if people say I'm no good? What if I don't get any parts? What if I just keep auditioning forever and no one sees my potential? Should I go back to school? Should I do summer workshops? Can I actually do this?
Of course, the one question that's easily answered is: "Do I want to do this?" Yes. Yes, with all of my being, I want to tell stories communally, on the silver screen, on a stage, in a webseries, wherever.
I want to do this.
So why am I so terrified? Is this where my insecurity meets trusting God? Is this what it is really supposed to be - taking a leap of faith and trusting that He has a plan? Because what I'm doing right now is not scary. And maybe we'd have more communication if I had to rely on Him more.
My problem of trusting is in no way resolved, but it's interesting to wonder whether this is more how life is supposed to be.
Of course, the one question that's easily answered is: "Do I want to do this?" Yes. Yes, with all of my being, I want to tell stories communally, on the silver screen, on a stage, in a webseries, wherever.
I want to do this.
So why am I so terrified? Is this where my insecurity meets trusting God? Is this what it is really supposed to be - taking a leap of faith and trusting that He has a plan? Because what I'm doing right now is not scary. And maybe we'd have more communication if I had to rely on Him more.
My problem of trusting is in no way resolved, but it's interesting to wonder whether this is more how life is supposed to be.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
FINALLY
I finally found the contemporary comedic monologue that I needed.
It's from "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" and it is little sister Sally giving her teacher what-for over a "C" she got on an art project. It's perfect for me:
"A 'C'? A 'C'? I got a 'C' on my coathanger sculpture? How could anyone get a 'C' in coathanger sculpture? May I ask a question? Was I judged on the piece of sculpture itself? If so, is it not true that time alone can judge a work of art? Or was I judged on my talent? If so, is it fair that I be judged on a part of my life over which I have no control? If I was judged on my effort, then I was judged unfairly, for I tried as hard as I could! Was I judged on what I had learned about this project? If so, then were not you, my teacher, also being judged on your ability to transmit your knowledge to me? Are you willing to share my 'C'? Perhaps I was being judged on the quality of coathanger itself out of which my creation was made...now is this not also unfair? Am I to be judged by the quality of coathangers that are used by the drycleaning establishment that returns our garments? Is that not the responsibility of my parents? Should they not share my 'C'?"
HAHAHA I can so relate...!
It's from "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" and it is little sister Sally giving her teacher what-for over a "C" she got on an art project. It's perfect for me:
"A 'C'? A 'C'? I got a 'C' on my coathanger sculpture? How could anyone get a 'C' in coathanger sculpture? May I ask a question? Was I judged on the piece of sculpture itself? If so, is it not true that time alone can judge a work of art? Or was I judged on my talent? If so, is it fair that I be judged on a part of my life over which I have no control? If I was judged on my effort, then I was judged unfairly, for I tried as hard as I could! Was I judged on what I had learned about this project? If so, then were not you, my teacher, also being judged on your ability to transmit your knowledge to me? Are you willing to share my 'C'? Perhaps I was being judged on the quality of coathanger itself out of which my creation was made...now is this not also unfair? Am I to be judged by the quality of coathangers that are used by the drycleaning establishment that returns our garments? Is that not the responsibility of my parents? Should they not share my 'C'?"
HAHAHA I can so relate...!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The Pumpkin House Story
In the midst of finding monologues and reading memoirs and attempting to figure out what I can put on my resume and how my headshot should look, I'm taking some time out to develop a story that I've only had the title for.
Titles are hard for me. Usually I have a situation first, a couple of scenes, or some dialogue.
This title came to me one day and I wrote it down so I could come back to it later.
When I started thinking about building my second dollhouse, I connected it with the name I had written down and decided that the dollhouse would be my inspiration for the house in the story. The house is called Pumpkin House (it is a coppery orange with off-white trim, a little Cape Cod cottage) and while the story doesn't share its name, it is definitely the centerpiece for the novel it will inspire.
I'm listening to The Village and Lady in the Water soundtracks and writing a few pages of ideas, bits of dialogue, character names, and plotlines before I continue with my office work.
...this stage of writing always excites and fascinates me.
Titles are hard for me. Usually I have a situation first, a couple of scenes, or some dialogue.
This title came to me one day and I wrote it down so I could come back to it later.
When I started thinking about building my second dollhouse, I connected it with the name I had written down and decided that the dollhouse would be my inspiration for the house in the story. The house is called Pumpkin House (it is a coppery orange with off-white trim, a little Cape Cod cottage) and while the story doesn't share its name, it is definitely the centerpiece for the novel it will inspire.
I'm listening to The Village and Lady in the Water soundtracks and writing a few pages of ideas, bits of dialogue, character names, and plotlines before I continue with my office work.
...this stage of writing always excites and fascinates me.
Dinner With Friends
Can I just say that an evening spent with friends does me a world of good?
I really appreciate friends with similar interests, homecooked food, and boardgames, and last night all three were present! It was marvelous.
Although now that I think about it, I should have offered to help out with the dishes. :/ I'll remember next time!
I really appreciate friends with similar interests, homecooked food, and boardgames, and last night all three were present! It was marvelous.
Although now that I think about it, I should have offered to help out with the dishes. :/ I'll remember next time!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Another Monologue Found!
FINALLY. I found a contemporary (haha, not so much - 1939) monologue from Daphne Du Maurier's play adaptation of her own novel. She wrote three plays, this one not as popular as her others...but I'm going to read the book (they don't have the play at the library) so I remember the story correctly.
It's sort of a Gothic (Bronte-like) nightmare of a story...the black-and-white movie is thrilling and horrific and wonderfully dramatic. So I need to go watch that again and see if I can pick up anything from that. (It might be on my Netflix queue)
The monologue is brilliant...with lots of action. Not like the monologues I've been reading where I struggle to come up with what I should be doing.
So...one more to go. Comedic contemporary or modern monologue. This has been really difficult but I found some newer (in the last five years) monologue collections so I'm hoping I find something in there. If not...I might have to comb through my favorite movie comedies and come up with something. Teh internetz have not been helpful on this one. :P
But at least I'm 3 for 4. That's a relief. Now I just have to work on two songs (when I start voice lessons) for auditions. !!!
It's sort of a Gothic (Bronte-like) nightmare of a story...the black-and-white movie is thrilling and horrific and wonderfully dramatic. So I need to go watch that again and see if I can pick up anything from that. (It might be on my Netflix queue)
The monologue is brilliant...with lots of action. Not like the monologues I've been reading where I struggle to come up with what I should be doing.
So...one more to go. Comedic contemporary or modern monologue. This has been really difficult but I found some newer (in the last five years) monologue collections so I'm hoping I find something in there. If not...I might have to comb through my favorite movie comedies and come up with something. Teh internetz have not been helpful on this one. :P
But at least I'm 3 for 4. That's a relief. Now I just have to work on two songs (when I start voice lessons) for auditions. !!!
Zombies Are Not My Friends
Had another creepy dream last night - but instead of fish people or human/wolf hybrids, there were zombies.
Zombies are just about the worst things to dream of. I'm always slow in dreams where I'm being chased, and I can never quite lock everything down before their hands start sliding around the door.
Last night I was with a group of people and we were getting out of a zombie-infested town in a little red car (were we CLOWNS?!) and I tried rolling the window up but the zombie got its fingers through the window and we had an epic battle of finger-swords before I was able to roll the window completely closed, and then I realized I didn't have all my stuff with me and...
I don't remember anything else.
But I HATE being woken up by the alarm clock before I can happily resolve my nightmares. :/
Zombies are just about the worst things to dream of. I'm always slow in dreams where I'm being chased, and I can never quite lock everything down before their hands start sliding around the door.
Last night I was with a group of people and we were getting out of a zombie-infested town in a little red car (were we CLOWNS?!) and I tried rolling the window up but the zombie got its fingers through the window and we had an epic battle of finger-swords before I was able to roll the window completely closed, and then I realized I didn't have all my stuff with me and...
I don't remember anything else.
But I HATE being woken up by the alarm clock before I can happily resolve my nightmares. :/
Monday, June 6, 2011
Harpist for Geeks
I'm *officially* the Harpist for Geek weddings.
Over the next two weekends, I will be playing:
Raiders of the Lost Ark Theme (two weddings)
Star Wars Theme (one wedding)
Memory from Cats (one wedding)
Transformers Theme (one wedding)
I LOVE IT.
Over the next two weekends, I will be playing:
Raiders of the Lost Ark Theme (two weddings)
Star Wars Theme (one wedding)
Memory from Cats (one wedding)
Transformers Theme (one wedding)
I LOVE IT.
Beauty & the Beast
I JUST HAD AN AWESOME (I flatter myself) IDEA FOR A RE-TELLING OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Since this is my absolute favorite story/movie of all time (Disney), I've often wondered what it would be like to write my own version.
...I read one of the first (probably the most well-known) tellings of Beauty and the Beast and it's so aggravating - Belle is perfect, beautiful, and her sisters hate her. Ahhhhh. It's almost like reading *shudder* Elsie Dinsmore.
The original story of Beauty & the Beast is quite a bit different (backstory for the Beast, for one), so I'm going to see if I can find a copy and compare.
I wrote down a whole page of stuff, and looked up a bunch of re-tellings (there are dozens of course...some even link it to the tale of Cupid and Psyche!) and...now my brain is on fire.
...This might make an interesting NaNo project...
Since this is my absolute favorite story/movie of all time (Disney), I've often wondered what it would be like to write my own version.
...I read one of the first (probably the most well-known) tellings of Beauty and the Beast and it's so aggravating - Belle is perfect, beautiful, and her sisters hate her. Ahhhhh. It's almost like reading *shudder* Elsie Dinsmore.
The original story of Beauty & the Beast is quite a bit different (backstory for the Beast, for one), so I'm going to see if I can find a copy and compare.
I wrote down a whole page of stuff, and looked up a bunch of re-tellings (there are dozens of course...some even link it to the tale of Cupid and Psyche!) and...now my brain is on fire.
...This might make an interesting NaNo project...
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Scary Dreams, Birth of a Webseries (?) and Memoirs
I've had three scary dreams in as many nights - waking up each morning with a shot of adrenaline, fear, a turning stomach, and a horrible feeling that they really happened. They're all patently ridiculous, of course, but it doesn't matter in the dream, because when you're dreaming something, it is reality.
The first one was about my new job as a security/usher in a jail/theater. I was escorting a blind person past a row of cells/aquariums when I realized they were putting some of the more dangerous fish people in with the regular petty thief fish people (they were mostly built like fish but with human faces and some had human appendages...more like sharks and exotic fish) and I recalled an earlier time when they had done something similar, which resulted in a massacre. I started crying as the fish people started fighting, wailing, "Why do they keep doing this?" I ushered the blind man to his seat and then ran back down into the chaos.
The second dream I only remember a snatch of - I was in the country and running toward a log cabin, a wolf-person behind me (the wolf-person is perhaps one of the scariest things I've ever seen - it was like a wolf in all aspects except that it could stand on its back legs, it had human eyes, and a human brain). I ran into the cabin and ran to lock the windows and doors but it made it to the door right as I tried to lock it, and we battled it out, me trying to lock the door and the wolf trying to get in.
The last dream I was was more funny in retrospect than the other two. I was in love with a baker (He looked like the guy who played Thor) but this 90 year old women forced me to marry her so that I couldn't be with him. My sister was only mildly interested when I broke down, and I wildly hung onto the hope that since we hadn't actually had a ceremony and we hadn't signed anything, I wasn't really married (plus I made the case that same-sex marriages are illegal in South Carolina). I finally got my love on the phone and let him know where I was so he could come get me, and I enlisted my sister to help, but it was a half-hearted attempt on her part while I, nerve-wracked, waited to escape.
Anyway. 3 nights of 3 incredibly creepy dreams and I'm wondering what is going on. I know that I don't feel in control of my life right now, and that is what part of the dreams are about...but a wolf with human eyes?! Seriously. That was awful.
Also, I've been doing some thinking about the webseries. I don't even know if it is possible at this point, but I'm mulling it around because, let's face it, there's not a lot of opportunity for television work in Columbia, and while I'm waiting to audition at theatres, it wouldn't hurt to at least write and film a 10-minute pilot.
So I've scratched the idea (sort of) of a sketch comedy show. I think it would be much more interesting to make a narrative and include anecdotes and skills and what not into the story. So I'm basically pulling from this video blog idea I had and thought about how to incorporate sketch comedy/variety show aspects into it. I feel like maybe it is something I could do, and it would be great to get some friends on board (hint, hint). Going to do some research on how Felicia Day did her great webseries (The Guild, which you can watch at www.watchtheguild.com and it is brilliant), which is now sponsored by big companies and she's getting paid to produce, write, and star in her own show. Living the dream, I tell you.
And that's where I am with that.
Finished reading Molly Ringwald's book (sort of memoir, sort of advice book) as well as Kristin Chenoweth's. I'd love to meet Kristin (and Molly) someday...but something about Kristin is more exciting...she's a self-proclaimed 'liberal' Christian, she was adopted at birth, and she is 4'11". Plus she was Galinda/Glinda in Wicked and Olive Snook in Pushing Daisies. She's amazing and I really connect with her - her book, "A Little Bit Wicked," is amazing and WHO KNEW SHE DATED AARON SORKIN?!?!?!?! Ahhhhhhh!
Anyway. It has been enlightening to read these memoirs - knowing that people like Carol Burnett and Kristin Chenoweth made it to the stage/screen and get to do wonderful stories...encourages me that it isn't as impossible as I think it is (I hope).
I just need to work a lot harder if I'm going to go anywhere with this.
And that's all for today.
The first one was about my new job as a security/usher in a jail/theater. I was escorting a blind person past a row of cells/aquariums when I realized they were putting some of the more dangerous fish people in with the regular petty thief fish people (they were mostly built like fish but with human faces and some had human appendages...more like sharks and exotic fish) and I recalled an earlier time when they had done something similar, which resulted in a massacre. I started crying as the fish people started fighting, wailing, "Why do they keep doing this?" I ushered the blind man to his seat and then ran back down into the chaos.
The second dream I only remember a snatch of - I was in the country and running toward a log cabin, a wolf-person behind me (the wolf-person is perhaps one of the scariest things I've ever seen - it was like a wolf in all aspects except that it could stand on its back legs, it had human eyes, and a human brain). I ran into the cabin and ran to lock the windows and doors but it made it to the door right as I tried to lock it, and we battled it out, me trying to lock the door and the wolf trying to get in.
The last dream I was was more funny in retrospect than the other two. I was in love with a baker (He looked like the guy who played Thor) but this 90 year old women forced me to marry her so that I couldn't be with him. My sister was only mildly interested when I broke down, and I wildly hung onto the hope that since we hadn't actually had a ceremony and we hadn't signed anything, I wasn't really married (plus I made the case that same-sex marriages are illegal in South Carolina). I finally got my love on the phone and let him know where I was so he could come get me, and I enlisted my sister to help, but it was a half-hearted attempt on her part while I, nerve-wracked, waited to escape.
Anyway. 3 nights of 3 incredibly creepy dreams and I'm wondering what is going on. I know that I don't feel in control of my life right now, and that is what part of the dreams are about...but a wolf with human eyes?! Seriously. That was awful.
Also, I've been doing some thinking about the webseries. I don't even know if it is possible at this point, but I'm mulling it around because, let's face it, there's not a lot of opportunity for television work in Columbia, and while I'm waiting to audition at theatres, it wouldn't hurt to at least write and film a 10-minute pilot.
So I've scratched the idea (sort of) of a sketch comedy show. I think it would be much more interesting to make a narrative and include anecdotes and skills and what not into the story. So I'm basically pulling from this video blog idea I had and thought about how to incorporate sketch comedy/variety show aspects into it. I feel like maybe it is something I could do, and it would be great to get some friends on board (hint, hint). Going to do some research on how Felicia Day did her great webseries (The Guild, which you can watch at www.watchtheguild.com and it is brilliant), which is now sponsored by big companies and she's getting paid to produce, write, and star in her own show. Living the dream, I tell you.
And that's where I am with that.
Finished reading Molly Ringwald's book (sort of memoir, sort of advice book) as well as Kristin Chenoweth's. I'd love to meet Kristin (and Molly) someday...but something about Kristin is more exciting...she's a self-proclaimed 'liberal' Christian, she was adopted at birth, and she is 4'11". Plus she was Galinda/Glinda in Wicked and Olive Snook in Pushing Daisies. She's amazing and I really connect with her - her book, "A Little Bit Wicked," is amazing and WHO KNEW SHE DATED AARON SORKIN?!?!?!?! Ahhhhhhh!
Anyway. It has been enlightening to read these memoirs - knowing that people like Carol Burnett and Kristin Chenoweth made it to the stage/screen and get to do wonderful stories...encourages me that it isn't as impossible as I think it is (I hope).
I just need to work a lot harder if I'm going to go anywhere with this.
And that's all for today.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Song of the Day
Resilience, by Thomas Newman (from the soundtrack of A Series of Unfortunate Events)
For melancholy yet hopeful days.
For melancholy yet hopeful days.
I Dream Before I Sleep
I am completely exhausted - the heat and a bout of summer allergies has clogged my head and so of course, I can't sleep. Finally resorted to melatonin last night (usually my yoga routine works but my brain's been even more hyperdrive than usual) but before I drifted off I started thinking about what I love about variety shows.
Then I started thinking about what I want to do, which has been, of late, working on a web-series. Then, I don't need to worry about an agent, resume, or job, (or what I look like) and hopefully through the experience of writing/directing/acting in a show, I will get a job (if indeed the webseries is successful).
Then I started thinking about what makes a sketch comedy (like Carol Burnett's show) great - the cast and the crew (plus some writing). Really, that's all you need.
Then I started thinking about places to film around campus - Hoke (on the weekends), the Apartments, the Prayer Towers, etc.
Then I started thinking about the schedule - meetings on Monday, writing at work from Tues-Friday, rehearsals Friday night, filming Saturday/Sunday, editing and putting up on Monday morning before meeting.
I saw my life ahead of me - working here part-time and doing this through the week and then ending up on Conan O'Brien's show (nobody has ever told me I don't dream big enough...!) talking about how my friends and I all got started in our careers.
Then I came up with the name (forgive my somewhat selfish desire to name the show after myself...I'm open to other options): "Kate's Quarter-Hour Comedy Show" or something similar.
"What's New in the News?" would be the news segment, we'd do commercials, sketches, interviews/reviews, Interludes (music/art), Intro/Finale segments, and of course, end titles with our mistakes.
This morning I was thinking about how I'd wear a rosary in every episode, and that we wouldn't necessarily be a "Christian Comedy Show" but we'd be Christians writing a Comedy Show webseries, and how great it would be if we got other Christians involved...
Basically, this is my dream. Doesn't have to be a comedy show, necessarily (as I am not very funny), but my deepest desire is to tell stories communally, which is why I adore television.
So. That's worth thinking about...
Then I started thinking about what I want to do, which has been, of late, working on a web-series. Then, I don't need to worry about an agent, resume, or job, (or what I look like) and hopefully through the experience of writing/directing/acting in a show, I will get a job (if indeed the webseries is successful).
Then I started thinking about what makes a sketch comedy (like Carol Burnett's show) great - the cast and the crew (plus some writing). Really, that's all you need.
Then I started thinking about places to film around campus - Hoke (on the weekends), the Apartments, the Prayer Towers, etc.
Then I started thinking about the schedule - meetings on Monday, writing at work from Tues-Friday, rehearsals Friday night, filming Saturday/Sunday, editing and putting up on Monday morning before meeting.
I saw my life ahead of me - working here part-time and doing this through the week and then ending up on Conan O'Brien's show (nobody has ever told me I don't dream big enough...!) talking about how my friends and I all got started in our careers.
Then I came up with the name (forgive my somewhat selfish desire to name the show after myself...I'm open to other options): "Kate's Quarter-Hour Comedy Show" or something similar.
"What's New in the News?" would be the news segment, we'd do commercials, sketches, interviews/reviews, Interludes (music/art), Intro/Finale segments, and of course, end titles with our mistakes.
This morning I was thinking about how I'd wear a rosary in every episode, and that we wouldn't necessarily be a "Christian Comedy Show" but we'd be Christians writing a Comedy Show webseries, and how great it would be if we got other Christians involved...
Basically, this is my dream. Doesn't have to be a comedy show, necessarily (as I am not very funny), but my deepest desire is to tell stories communally, which is why I adore television.
So. That's worth thinking about...
Memoirs
Finished reading Steve Martin's "Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life" which read more like a cautionary tale than anything else...dipping into Carol Burnett's "This Time Together," which is already more fun and heart-warming.
I've also got:
Ann Rice's "Called Out of Darkness"
Kristin Chenoweth's "A Little Bit Wicked"
Molly Ringwald's "Getting the Pretty Back"
And I read Portia De Rossi's "Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain".
And then, of course, I got "The War for Late Night" (about Conan O'Brien/Jay Leno) and an "Uncensored History of SNL".
So between those and the cookbooks I got this week...I am swamped with tales of fame and food.
It's a nice mix so far. :P
I've also got:
Ann Rice's "Called Out of Darkness"
Kristin Chenoweth's "A Little Bit Wicked"
Molly Ringwald's "Getting the Pretty Back"
And I read Portia De Rossi's "Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain".
And then, of course, I got "The War for Late Night" (about Conan O'Brien/Jay Leno) and an "Uncensored History of SNL".
So between those and the cookbooks I got this week...I am swamped with tales of fame and food.
It's a nice mix so far. :P
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
I had a great idea for a Harry Potter fanfic last night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am ecstatic. Stu had a FANTASTIC idea for one a long time ago (I need to write it down in case one of us decides to NaNo it one year), but last night I had my first really interesting idea for one. It just sort of exploded into my head.
"The Lost House of Hogwarts"
-would take place several years after Deathly Hallows - there's not a Slytherin House any more since most (if not all) of them left during the final battle at Hogwarts, but what if a child appeared years later that was put in Slytherin by the Sorting Hat?!
Still talking to my sister, who says that although she reads Eragon (pffff) and Chronicles of Narnia, she "just isn't interested in the genre" so she's declining to think about reading HP. So I'm begging her to let me read just the first few chapters and then if she doesn't like it we'll stop.
That's fair, right?
I just want our week together to be perfect, and what could be more perfect than building a dollhouse (we have a kit and we're talking about colors now) and listening to Harry Potter????
I am ecstatic. Stu had a FANTASTIC idea for one a long time ago (I need to write it down in case one of us decides to NaNo it one year), but last night I had my first really interesting idea for one. It just sort of exploded into my head.
"The Lost House of Hogwarts"
-would take place several years after Deathly Hallows - there's not a Slytherin House any more since most (if not all) of them left during the final battle at Hogwarts, but what if a child appeared years later that was put in Slytherin by the Sorting Hat?!
Still talking to my sister, who says that although she reads Eragon (pffff) and Chronicles of Narnia, she "just isn't interested in the genre" so she's declining to think about reading HP. So I'm begging her to let me read just the first few chapters and then if she doesn't like it we'll stop.
That's fair, right?
I just want our week together to be perfect, and what could be more perfect than building a dollhouse (we have a kit and we're talking about colors now) and listening to Harry Potter????
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