Some Theater and Some Books

This past weekend I acted in two plays for a reader's theater here in town.  The plays were "Captive Audience" by David Ives and "The Actor's Nightmare" by Christopher Durang.  The whole process, from being cast through rehearsals and performance lasted only one week.  It's the kind of theater where you have no set, very little movement and keep your script in hand. I didn't know anything about "reader's theater" until this project last weekend, but I thought it was fun.  The audiences seemed to like it.  I'd be happy to do it again.

Also in town this weekend was Armistead Maupin!  He came to Powell's Books to discuss, read from and sign his new Tales of the City book, Mary Ann in Autumn.  SO EXCITING to have a new "Tales" book!  I feel like a believer who just discovered a new Gospel has been added to the Good Book.  I love them so much.

I didn't get to hear Armistead read from or discuss the book, though, as I was at the theater doing the above-mentioned plays.  As soon as I had bowed my bow, I rushed out the door and ran the three blocks to Powell's, raced up to the 3rd floor...and he was still there, signing the very last person in line's book.  If I'd had to wait for a traffic light to change, I would have missed him.  He looked tired and frazzled, so I didn't bother him much, just got my book signed and exchanged pleasantries.  Can't wait to read it.  I'm almost afraid to start, because I know I won't stop, and then it'll be finished. 

I also picked up the new Stephen King collection of novellas called Full Dark, No Stars.  The first story, 1922, is just amazing.  That word - amazing - is so ridiculously overused, but it is the only word that really captures the genius and artistry of this story.

I recommend both of these books HIGHLY, and if you haven't read the Tales of the City books, well....I sort of envy you.  Because they lie ahead for you, glittering and wonderful.  Read them!

Laid Off

Well, hello!  I haven't blogged in a while.  Mainly because I didn't want to write another depressing/negative post.  Don't want you readers thinking that my life is just one big unpleasant news story, over and over.

But the truth is, I did get more bad luck.  After losing my vehicle and my beloved dog Jesse...I have now been laid off my job at the Portland Opera.  A job I absolutely loved.  This last happened a month ago today, October 15.  So I've had time to adjust.


I have decided that, while I will continue to look for work, I am going to write.  Fiction, plays, whatever.  I am going to set myself up a schedule and adhere to it like writers must.  Just like a job.  Maybe something good will come from that.  At least it will keep me sane!   I just have to try and stay off Facebook, and keep the television quiet.  When you're alone as much as I now am, the distractions are very comforting, but they do not help produce anything good.  Music works. 

Anyway, I hope you are having a good fall, had a happy halloween and such.  I will be spending Thanksgiving on the Oregon coast with some cousins of mine, and Christmas with family in Sacramento (unless the airport is closed again this year due to snow).

There surely can't be any more awful news coming my way....can there?  Surely I will have positive things to write about.

You take care, I will blog more frequently...it's good to get the writing juices running.