Saturday, January 24, 2009

A Helping Hand


It always amazes me the lengths people go to help one another. I firmly believe in the innate goodness of the human spirit. Most prominently, I have experienced such goodness from my boss. I currently work in the box office for a theater company as a part of my communications internship. I love having the opportunity to learn about marketing as well as handle administrative tasks. My degree is in directing, so clearly I am excited to get any job in the theater world.

Well...my boss knows my love for directing and went out of her way to contact the director for "Moon for the Misbegotten" back in early December. She asked him if he would be open to having me come into rehearsals. She wanted me to shadow him so that I could see what it was like to be a director in a regional theater setting. The director agreed and so I was very privileged to sit in on his rehearsals. The director was amazing - he always talked with me about why he did certain things and how to handle other situations. I learned so much from this opportunity! I also loved every second of being a part of a production again. I did not realize how much I missed it. As much as I love handling ticket sales and marketing our shows, I absolutely love being there in the action of the rehearsals!

The fact that my boss contacted the director and made such a request just goes to show that people who work in the theater all believe and support each other. I am forever grateful for her willingness to aid in my continual learning process.

Friday, January 16, 2009

What If Time Stopped?

I just finished The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger and am completely consumed by this love story. I am aware that there are classic love stories everywhere and these stories grace us with their presence day in and day out. It seems to me like this story should be a part of daily conversation just like Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. I should easily be able to make a comment about Henry & Clare and anyone on the street should be able to reply back with, "Oh yes, I simply adore them." Well...in fact this did happen recently. My manager persuaded me the other day to read this book because it is one of her favorites and now I can see why. Yesterday, I brought it with me to work and she noticed that I had gotten pretty far into the story since I had last saw her. I mentioned where I was in the story and she said, "I love them." So, you see, to her and I (only recently) Henry & Clare are two people that are apart of our world.

Henry and Clare are caught tragically, but ever so romantically, in the space of time. Time is not only the reason for how they meet but it is the very reason of their existence together. All great love stories revolve around a simple idea: be in the right place at the right time. In The Time Traveler's Wife, it is Time itself that makes it so they meet. The idea that Time lives, breathes, exists on its own accord is what keeps this story living & breathing right now. I always feel like the little boy in the movie The Neverending Story whenever I read a great book. I imagine myself reading the book with a blanket around me (just like the little boy in the movie) and as I continue reading, the characters continue living. It seems silly, but to me it is the best part of reading.

I have posed the above question, "What if Time stopped"...and I ask it to you now. I personally, as I am sure everyone does, wish I could stop time in moments where I am extremely happy and nothing is bothering me. I want to relish in these moments and spend hours enjoying them... but alas I am only human and have only so many hours to my day - 24 to be exact. But does that stop me from wishing...no. It shouldn't stop you either. So if you want a break from your day-to-day and a taste of a life unlike your own, read this book. It is magical in that it does take you away from your daily routine and cause you to think about how you would handle the situation if you were Clare...or Henry.

I just wanted to post about this book so that I could share it with someone who has not yet read it. So...please take a risk and see if the story of Henry & Clare moves your heart too.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Golden Globe Victory


Last Night I caught the tail end of the Golden Globe Awards, I was at a rehearsal and had missed the beginning. It is one of my favorite awards shows and I wanted to make sure that I watched who won especially tonight.

My mother had told me that Heath Ledger won for Best Supporting Male Actor for his role in Dark Knight. I was so happy!!! So happy in fact that I poured myself a glass of wine and raised a toast to him.

I have been an admirer of his work for many years now. On the day of his passing, I was a complete mess. I didn't want to leave my apartment. I couldn't believe that his talent would no longer be on camera and his beautiful spirit would no longer be here on Earth.

As a tribute to him, I saw Dark Knight at midnight - I wanted to see it the very first time I could. I saw it three times after that. I had an addiction...I had to see this film and his work. I was captivated from the very first moment I saw him to the very last. I knew that this role was tough, but clearly he was brilliant. He deserved the Golden Globe!

I applaud you, Heath Ledger! Bravo!

Friday, January 9, 2009

New Year - New Heart


I spent a week in Rhode Island for a Christmas Retreat. I stayed at the Mater Ecclesiae College with the women of Regnum Christi. It was a beautiful time for me to learn more about the movement as well as reflect on preparing myself for the new year. The retreat was beautiful! I was blessed to stay at the college. It even snowed! This is a picture of Our Lady in her grotto on New Year's Day. It was a beautiful metaphor having snow falling on New Year's Eve. It was the day we were reflecting on the year that was about to pass. God was reminding us to forget all our past faults and mistakes and to remember that we need to start this new year with a clean and pure heart.

Being in a place so devoted to God's call truly opened my heart to what God wants of me too! He calls each one of us by name and we should be proud to answer! May we take Our Lady's enthusiasm and say "Yes" to whatever He wishes!

I pray that each one of us finds our calling...

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Happy New Year!


Happy New Year! May you set some good resolutions that prepare you for the rest of 2009! It is not merely about "losing a few pounds." Think about setting resolutions that involve you "doing" something for someone else. We need to think on a more broader scale. Our resolutions should go beyond simply improving our way of life but also reaching out to others. Let's make 2009 a year of improvement. A year for change. I wish each of you a year of much deserved happiness!