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A Little Relaxation and Picking Up Old Habits (for the better!)

8/2/2013

2 Comments

 
What a summer it has turned out to be! I have been so blessed to have been working consistently for the past few months on some really terrific productions - none which excited me more artistically than getting the chance to play one of my dream roles, Rosalind in As You Like It.  I grew so much as a performer and as a woman, and the run was over all too quickly.  It seems the past month and a half I've made it a mission to find out about myself and grow in as many new ways as possible - it's been very exciting to see such personal growth.

Here are a few pictures - when my computer isn't being completely stupid, I'll post more.

AYLI ended on Sunday, and I've jumped straight back into auditions.  However, I've also taken this week as a bit of a vacation - allowing myself to relax, making the apartment habitable again, and doing a lot of reading outside.  That's right, folks.  I have taken up reading for pleasure again!!  It's been almost 4 years since I moved here, and when I did, I left behind my fantasy and fiction novel reading habit in favor of plays, biographies, histories, and other work-related reading.  I didn't realize how much I truly missed losing myself in a beautiful, magic-filled world until earlier this week: after an audition I just HAD to get out of the apartment, away from electronics, and hang out in the perfect weather and feel the grass between my toes.  I looked through the few books I have here (my personal library back home numbered over 200 books - how pitiable is my collection here), and I decided upon The Black Swan by Mercedes Lackey (nothing to do with the movie of the same title), a book I'd read several times, but not in many years.  I packed a snack, my book, lathered on sunscreen, and, sporting a wide brimmed black hat, I took myself off to Sheep's Meadow and read/lounged for 6hrs.  I don't remember the last time I read a book in a day.  I used to do it all the time.  I had such a great time that on Wednesday I went to Barnes and Noble and bought 2 new books, one of which I just finished reading after another brief afternoon in the park.

I did a three day juice cleanse last week.  After the first weekend of shows, I went out drinking three days in a row - something I have never done before.  It was a kick to my body, so I decided to be kind and get back on track by cleansing my system.  The first day was the roughest - I kept getting the strongest cravings for all sorts of foods.  But by the third day it was easy, and I thought about sticking with it for five days, but then we had the show again and I didn't want to perform with just juice in my stomach.  My latest "diet" is only eating when I'm hungry, which may sound obvious or silly, but I've realized I eat so much when I'm not actually hungry at all.  I do it out of boredom, to have something to do while watching tv, whenever.  I'm not doing it to lose weight (though I wouldn't mind if that was a side-effect), but to feel better and not overly full all the time.  So far, it seems to be working!

I want to jump back into cooking and creating delicious dishes, but the drive isn't there anymore.  I wish I know why, and how to get it back.  I'm starting out this month trying not to spend any money, so of course I'm eating what we already have, and I make good, wholesome food, but I haven't been experimenting or trying any audacious and new recipes.  Maybe I should watch Julie and Julia again - that always seems to get me in the cooking mood. 

I'm also trying to get rid of a ton of my stuff.  While Carolyn and I finally cleaned the disaster zone that had become out apartment, we ended up getting together 5-6 bags of clothes/costumes we want to get rid of - hopefully sell, but if that doesn't work, just take 'em to Housing Works and get tax whatsits for them.  I am so SICK of all the STUFF I have.  I'm realizing my mother was right.  But it was a lesson I needed to learn for myself and now I'm trying to remedy it.

I'm also thinking it's time I found another focus for my talents and energy.  It's all very well and good to read hours away in the afternoon, but I need to get my tush in gear and jump back into my career - but not just how I've always done it.  I want to find another passion in the same vein, something that gets me excited to go work at it every day. I do want to do a six week Shakespeare Intensive course in England, but that won't be available to me until next summer (and is pretty darn expensive).  What could and should I be doing here and now? Or how do I find fresh drive and inspiration for the things I need to do?


Wow, I feel like there was a lot of "I" in this post, more than usual.  'Spose that's only to be expected, since it's my blog.  I wonder why it struck me as overboard this time...So, what's YOUR favorite food dish, and why??
2 Comments
Billy Jack
8/2/2013 12:10:33 pm

I still say journalism or writing.
Glad you are having a fun summer.
I am online to Lollapalooza Liked Iona Pop, Killers & NIN to close.
Heather is there on a 3 day tkt again this year.
I bet my crapper is better than her Port A Let.
Final thought. Mom is always right.
Stay well and enjoy life.

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Nancy Menn
8/2/2013 11:17:13 pm

Love the update. It's perfectly alright to find out for ones self that someone was right about something. We're also dealing with "stuff overload" here at the old homestead. Are there lots of auditions this time of year? My current favorite food is Dad's grilled chicken marinated in oil and Herbs de Provence. He's making Basque Lamb Stew tomorrow when McFaddens come over. Sounds wonderful.

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    Actress, Singer, Dancer, Food Enthusiast, Animal Lover, Writer.

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