A New Challenge

In the past I've blogged about community theatre - a lot!  This year alone I have done hair and makeup on some wonderful productions.  The first in 2012 was Big River where I had to figure out how to and then tar and feather an actor in a page and a half of script.  If you haven't done theatre, let me tell you, that is not very much time.  I tried corn syrup and chocolate first, thinking I need it to be sticky so the feathers would stay on.  It just ran.  Adding cornstarch didn't help.  So, next I tried black body paint.  Silly me, it worked.  So, for the run of the show as the actor stripped out of his costume down to his longjohns I had a sponge and painted all the exposed skin I could find, and occasionally an eyeball (he was the one moving, not me).  A few contacts (his, not mine) were destroyed in the process.  And while I was doing this, a young cast member stood by with a bowl of white fathers that I practically threw on the wet paint in time for him to crawl out on the stage. I was never able to see what it looked like from the audience, but I have decided it was awesome :).

I was supposed to take a break until May but while at the Spring Fling in Chicago I received a text message that the production of Chicago needed someone on hair and makeup.  The person they had came down with appencitis and if rumor is correct, found out she was pregnant at the same time.  I walked in five days before opening and got to work. It was fun. I think it is because I didn't have time to worry about anything and just get the job done. My favorite character to makeup was Mary Sunshine.  By the time I was done with him, he was beautiful.  Okay, maybe not beautiful but he has the perfect lips for lipstick.  So unfair I tell you!

The next scheduled show, more of a hair show, was Hello Dolly and after that, I went to work on Hairpray. This was a cast of 109 (that is not a typo).  I had five people working constantly to bring that 1962 look to the stage.  Again, my favorite person to make pretty was Edna.  I am beginning to see a theme.  I did the makeup for a guy in Hello Dolly who went out as the Statue of Liberty in the parade scene. Hmmmm.  The only downside to Hairspray was it was in the Tent = outside in 90-100+ degree weather.  Those poor actors never let it affect them as they danced on the stage every night.  But, thanks to Tosha Maaks (lead on hair) none of those beehives fell :).

But, probably my biggest experience in theater this year is taking place right now.  I am co-directing Twelve Angry Men. I've always loved this show and this is my first foray into directing adults, some of them directors themselves. It is a bit daunting but after rehearsal tonight (our first) I am so excited to see how it all comes together. Okay, I was excited before this, and a little nervous.

Have you ever directed before? Any tips you want to pass on?  If not, what do you think of the show I chose for my debut into adult theatre?

On a side note, if you love the A&E Romance Classics, my friend, Jerrica Knight-Catania is giving away the entire DVD box set.   Check out her blog for a chance to enter.

The Popular Romance Project

A must read interview at LadyScribes today with Laurie Kahn about her documentary, The Popular Romance Project. If you attended the RWA you should be familiar with the film. If not, then you really should see this blog. Have a great day.

http://ladyscribes.blogspot.com/

So Out of Touch

A few years ago a handful of romance authors and myself formed the LadyScribes.  Since, we usually have a blog post five days a week, each taking our own turn.  As a result, I let my own blog go (hanging head in shame).  I even got away from reading blogs.   Isn't it crazy how you can let one thing go for a few days amd the next thing you know it is shoved so far to the back burner that you can't even see it anymore?  That is what happened with my blog and reading blogs.

Yesterday, I realized how out of touch I was with the blogs I loved to read when Jessica Nelson was a guest on LadyScribes. How did I miss her book being released this past spring and why hadn't I read it yet?  You can read her blog at LadyScribes.

So new vow, to revisit all those blogs I used to love reading.  I know, I know, I vowed that about five or more months ago, but I intend to keep it. I wonder what else I have missed.

Back in the Groove

One of my New Year resolutions was to revisit blogs and blogging, beside LadyScribes where I am active.  We won't mention that it is already February 11th and I am just now getting around to this (oops, I wasn't going to mention it).  While I might not post, as I rarely have anything interesting to say, I will be reading. 

When your plate is full, what to you get rid of, or put off? Writing, reading, Facebook, blogs, dinner with friends . . .?  Is there a magic formula out there somewhere that allows an author to do it all, short of never sleeping?

Wow, Where Did the Time Go?

I cannot believe I have not posted since March. When I had to put blogging on a back burner I never thought I would be away this long. I barely managed my every other week blog for LadyScribes.

A lot of things have happened that have been priority. Namely, my husband was diagnosed with prostrate cancer. That actually happened last fall but this spring was when decisions had to be made, etc.  He had surgery a few weeks ago and is recovering well.

My mother no longer drives and her health has not been the best. So, I visit there and take her grocery shopping, to have her hair done etc. Oh, and she fell and broke her wrist this summer, but it has mended well.

What else? Oh yes, my son got his driver's license. Oddly, I find I am praying for him a lot more.  :).

My daughter also moved from Illinois to Oregon to finish school. I miss her terribly, but I did have a chance to visit and love it out there. I can't wait to go back.

So, that was my summer. How was yours?  I hope to catch up on all the blogs I've missed because I do miss reading them all.

Powerful Prayful Post 3/6/11

It has been sometime since I posted a Powerful Prayful Post. I didn't stop praying (I could never do that). I just got away from posting.

I saw a really good movie last night that left an impact. Defiance. The movie was released in 2008, but I just discovered it.

"Jewish brothers in Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe escape into the Belarussian forests, where they join Russian resistance fighters and endeavor to build a village in order to protect themselves and about 1,000 Jewish non-combatants." http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1034303/.

The Bielski brothers could have escaped, made their way to safety somehow, or at the very least, not take anyone else with them so as not to risk discovery. Instead, they helped hundreds who would have faced unspeakable horror and most likely, death. According to Wikipedia, 1236 Jews survived because of these brothers.

Prior to the movie I had not heard for the Bielski brothers though I wish I would have. The world needs to hear about the unselfish heroes in our world, past and present. We need to learn of the goodness, especially when the news is filled with so many depressing things.

What heros do you know of who deserve more recognition, whether they want it or not?

In my prayers this week I am going to remember all of our soldiers, fighting for the freedoms we all enjoy and protecting us with their very lives.

How can I pray for you this week?

Contest

We all know there are all kinds of contests out there for writers. I tend to pay attention to those for the romance writer. After I establish it is a romance contest I look to see if they have an inspirational category, and most do. In fact, I was very happy with the last contest I entered :). Today I came across a new contest. This is for Christian fiction, and books published in 2010. I am sure that most of you know of someone who has published a Christian / Inspirational book in 2010 that you just loved. Here is a chance to nominate them. At least, that is what I understand from the rules.

Just thought I would pass it on. http://www.grace-awards.com/

But you should note, time is running out. I beleive the deadline is March 15th.

My second inspirational historical romance was published this past weekend, The Healing Tree. It is the first in a trilogy and I couldn't be happier or more thrilled.

Lady Lilian Bliant appears to be a serene earl’s daughter, but under her exotic façade she has a spine of steel. She is determined to thwart her manipulative father’s plan to shackle her to a weak-willed man of the ton and is successful until Lord Maxwell Warrick becomes a suitor.

Lord Max is anything but weak-willed. He is happy with his life until Lady Lilian wreaks havoc on his heart. Despite her continued rejection, Max wants Lily to trust him, trust in his love, and have faith in the Lord.

With the Lord’s guidance, and through prayer, he begins to hope that one day their differences will be put aside and Lily will accept his faith as her own and Max as her husband.

This has been one of my favorite stories for a long time and it is exciting to see it in print, so to speak since it is only available in an e-format.

This was suppose to be the third book but the original second one is not out yet. Funny how things happen.

Have a great week!

Love is Timeless

What is your favorite love quote? Visit ladyscribes.blogspot.com and let me know.

Stepped Out of My Comfort Zone

Today I tried something new. For those who know me I am behind the scenes type of person. I write my novels from my laptop and prefer to remain in the background. The idea of promoting, in person, has always terrified me. It is the same with the theater. I love being at the theater, but I love being in the makeup room and never on stage. I've never known if it is shyness, awkardness, who knows. I just know that being up front and noticed has never been something I am comfortble with.

Well, as the title states, I stepped out of my Comfort Zone and appeared on a local show today, Good Company, and promoted my book, Loving Lydia. It was the Week of Love on Good Company and they had some wonderful segements for restaurants, jewelry, clothing, etc. And, they gave away one of my books each day this week, which I loved. Then it came time for me to be on the show. I think I must have lost five pounds (not a bad thing) from stressing over this.

Anyway, I thought I would share it on the blog today. My first blog for February (how sad is that). The Wizard of Oz will close on Sunday so I know I will have more time to blog after that. It has been a fun run, but exhausting. There were times I wasn't sure I would ever get the green out from under my fingernails - but the witch looked awesome. Add the silver from the tinman, browns from the scarecrow, pinks and sparkles for Glenda, and a rainbow of colors on the munchkins, the back of my hands and fingers made for some very interesting color combinations.

Anyway, I digress. Here is the segment of the show: Loving Lydia Segment on Good Company.

I am not sure if I will do something like this in the future, but I am glad it did this today. I think it is good to step out of your comfort zone on occasion, don't you? When is the last time you did and what was it ?

Software for Writers

Today I am blogging at www.ladyscribes.blogspot.com about the various software available for writers. Stop by and let me know your thoughts. I would especially love to hear from you if you use any of the programs available.

I'm Off to See the Wizard

It is show time again. Well, I won't actually be on stage (that will never happen), but I will be doing makeup. If you can't tell by the title, the show is the Wizard of Oz. This is going to be a busy one, with a lot of changes. Thank goodness I have a team of about 6 other people. Thank you, ladies!!!!!!

This is also a challenge. Right now, I am trying to decide if I want to use a green cream or powder on the Wicked Witch. I hate to put her in the cream so many nights, but she needs to have the right look. In a lot of shows you can go with what the makeup chair thinks would look great and you aren't necessarily stuck with a specific look. Such is not the case with the Wizard of Oz. If I mess up, it won't only be the reviewer making note but a five-year-old will probably be calling me out as well.

All and all I can't wait to work more on this show. The cast is great and the director is wonderful. If you happen to be in Central Illinois at the beginning of February, make plans to see the well-loved family classic.

Now, to figure out what to do about the flying monkeys . . . And, will I ever get "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" out of my head?

Have you ever seen the Wizard of Oz on stage? Did you you enjoy it as much as the movie or did you like it better?