Hearing From Old Friends

 

This afternoon I received an email from my friend who recently had Covid.  She said that she was ready to talk on the phone, even though she is still on oxygen, and asked me when I was available.  I called her right away, and we chatted for quite a while. She filled me in on how her recovery is going.  It's going to be a long, slow process of healing.  She finds it  scary with her oxygen levels, (which she measures at home,) and said that her blood pressure is high.  There is so much that we don't know about this virus.  It is deadly, mysterious and unpredictable.  I was thrilled to hear her voice, though.

She told me that she had received my card and check, and she sounded so grateful.  Like so many people, she lost her job recently, and it will help her.  I feel for her.  She said that I can share her hospital horror story with you, so when I am feeling more energetic after a cup of coffee tomorrow, I'll write it out here.  Right now I'm just too wiped.  It's very shocking to read what she went through; she describes it in detail.  

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.   

  

Daily Discipline During the Pandemic

Today I finished some last minute changes on an article that I'm writing for Peter Glebo and Tommy Tune in New York.  It was quick and easy to add the edits.  I scrutinized their notes on my mini ipad, and carefully typed them in on my desktop.  At this point, it's out of my hands.  I didn't even go back and read the entire article again.  I knew that if I did, I would want to add more shaping and cutting, and they are happy with it the way it is.  I didn't want to disrupt that flow.  I just focused on the list of corrections and additions that they had sent, then read each paragraph that I had rewritten  to check for rhythm and accuracy.  I skipped the stanzas that had already been shaped and formed over many recent hours  and weeks, hit send, and  let it all go.

Glebo and Tune will choose and design the layout,  photos and artwork.  I have a feeling that it is going to be amazing!  I am so excited to see  the finished product.  I told them to work their magic.  One of the thrilling things about theater is that everybody's talent is thrown together in a big pot, and it collect and magnifies into something rich, unexpected  and wonderful. 

I have been holding to the daily discipline of eating well, cooking at home, walking Lula, doing yoga and meditation, and keeping things clean, neat and tidy.  I also stay on a consistent watering schedule with the garden.  The oak trees seem so much happier and stronger now that they are getting irrigated.  I think they were struggling in the heat. 

How is your daily discipline?  

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cosmos In Bloom

The magenta Cosmos that I planted are now blooming.  Each week I feed them compost tea, and they have developed a lovely bright color through absorbing the nutrients.  It makes such a difference to amend and mulch the soil.  Ours is very rocky up in Wrightwood, California. 

I planted a few packages of sunflower seeds, as well.  I am hoping that they will bloom before the weather changes.  They always add a bright spot in the garden.  I sprinkled the soil with compost.  It was covered with pine needles, so I raked those up and deposited them in  the green waste bin.

I am nearly done with the writing project that I've been working on; it's getting exciting.  I have really enjoyed applying the hand written notes from Tommy Tune.  Peter Glebo emails them to me.  I will post the link once the article is finished and published.  It's so rewarding to use your talents, especially during a pandemic.  It's so easy to work with them.  That makes all the difference.

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.  

Back To The Library-Just Published

This morning I took Lula for a relaxing walk down the Wrightwood Trail.  I stopped at the post office on the way back, while no one was there.  In my mailbox was the latest edition of our local newspaper, The Mountaineer Progress.  My article on our sweet little library was in it.  It's so fun to be in print again.  My friends have been so supportive.  It's sweet. 

I stopped at Mountain Hardware and picked up some Cosmos and a large, impressive  Russian Sage plant.  Cosmos do very well in Wrightwood.  They get so tall!  I also bought a couple of bags of rich, black  planting soil.  As I was digging into the dirt in my front garden, I was disappointed to realize that  most of it is still very dry and rocky.  A few pockets have improved, but not nearly at the level that I had expected.  I need to do some more amending and mulching.  My friend always told me, "Just keep planting..."

It was so satisfying to work closely with the earth and plants.  I love how my tiny woodland garden is coming along.  I hope to add some berry bushes and more colorful flowers.  The purple Russian Sage plant is so delicate.  I've seen them growing in my neighborhood, and they thrive.  It helps to pick plants that do well in your location.

Have you been out in the sunshine lately?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated. 

      

First Published Article for the Mountaineer Progress

Yesterday I received my subscription of the Mountaineer Progress in my mailbox.  I was pleased to find that the feature article I had completed on the country club had been published.  

You can also read this issue online here.  It's on page A-3.  The photo in the digital version is in color, so it appears much brighter than the black and white newspaper.

My writing work has gotten very busy.  I have more submissions to complete for the local paper.  I enjoyed a rich 45 minute phone interview with Tommy Tune this morning at 9:00 a.m.  I was up at 3:00 a.m. getting my chores done.  I zipped down to the  gas station at 6:00 a.m. to avoid any lines and people.

I am doing some creative work for Tommy's  CEO, Peter Glebo.  I am very excited to get started on editing the interview  for Peter's website.  Right now I am just in the typing phase.  It will take many hours to shape and rework it.  I love collaborating with such talented, successful artists!  

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated. 
 

Holding Your Focus

Yesterday I received a  message from a kind  and special friend that I've known for decades.  He lives in New York. He told me that he had an idea, and  wanted to run it by me.  Knowing that he is extremely  creative and talented, I eagerly called him right back and left a message.  He had asked me to phone him when I had time to discuss it.  We talked this morning, and I am thrilled.  I can't wait  to get started on this new writing project!  I will be telling his story.  I love writing about people that I admire;  it's so rewarding. 

One thing that's exciting  is that we can include video, photos, painting, and interviews online.  I can work in California send my drafts and outlines to him in New York.  The digital age is truly amazing.  I get to live in the Jeffrey pines of Wrightwood, yet still  co-mingle with some of the greatest creative minds that I know.

During this virus it's so important to stay focused on using you creative gifts, rather than being depressed by the negative stories and reports.  Keeping in touch with people who are disciplined, positive, and uplifting makes all of the difference.  Their energy feeds us.  We need to take careful care of our bodies, minds and souls.

I even arranged for text messaging with my phone service, something I had been dragging my feet about for many years.  It was set up in a matter of minutes.  Now I just need to figure out how to work it.  It shouldn't be too hard.     

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published. If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated. 

I Got A Job As A Reporter!

Last Saturday I attended a dinner for seniors over 55 at the Wrightwood Community Center.  They served homemade spaghetti, fresh salads, delicious desserts, and beverages.  I was very impressed with the quality of the food, and met some very friendly and talented people.

One of the men seated at my table happened to be the publisher for the local newspaper.  His wife was with him;  she is the editor there.  He invited me to stop by their office, and suggested that I write articles on local events for them.  He told me that they would pay me as an independent contractor.

Although I was very tired from moving all of the stuff from my parents' house home, I pushed myself to follow up this morning, and went in for an interview.  Writing is so important to me, and this man used to work for the Los Angeles Times.  It's exciting to be around talented artists.  I love the paper they produce, and am excited to get started on my first article.

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.

 

Another Article!

Yesterday I heard from my editor at Dance Magazine, and she agreed to use a pitch that I had just sent to her. This article will be about dancers, and common mistakes that they make with their money. I have been talking with some  of my show business friends on the phone about their past and current financial situations, and it has been fascinating.


They all have enthusiastic advice for the young dancers. I was surprised how many opened up to me about things like a spouse who spent all of their savings, or how an unexpected illness or injury set them back financially.  In my own life, I got involved in two separate situations where I was pulling far more than my own weight, financially. Instead of saving money, I was paying my partner's share of the bills.Thankfully, I realized that I couldn't afford to continue this behavior, so I ended both relationships. It could have turned out much worse if we had been married.

My editor is having me consult one of the experts from Career Transitions For Dancers for this piece. I received a $2000.00 grant from them when I was in my thirties. I used that money to obtain my yoga certification. I also attended their free career counseling and computer classes. I was so afraid of computers at that time! Now I love them.

One thing that makes me feel good is to look back at the goals that I set when talking with their career counselor, Eleanor. At that time I wanted to teach dance and yoga, and  to become a writer. That's exactly what I ended up doing. I remember getting upset in their writing class, because I brought in my homework, (which I had spent hours on,)  and some of the other women in the group criticized it.  I shot back  that I didn't think that they should be pointing out the flaws in my work, since they hadn't even completed the assignment. They were shocked. I remember the conflict so well. It was hard for me to confront them at that time, but I'm glad so that I did. Sometimes you have to stand up for yourself.   

Thank you for your comments. They add so much talent and energy to the blog. Please comment in English. I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published. If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.

Thinking For Yourself

I had an interesting conversation with my neighbor this afternoon. We discussed the importance of developing qualities in children: things like being self motivated, desiring to improve, and wanting to be the best that you can be. As a child, I was enthusiastic about learning and  doing well in school. I usually won the spelling bee each Friday in 5th grade. I didn't really understand why, but almost 100% of the time I was the last person standing at the front of the room, spelling out the final word. I used to wonder if it was an inherited ability.  I thrived on  the challenge and recognition. If that happened today, the parents would probably complain. I'm afraid we are losing the drive for excellence. 

In those days, the teachers put up partitions at our desks. We were not allowed to copy the answers from our neighbors. We had to know them ourselves. If we hadn't studied, our test score would reflect it. You couldn't depend on someone else to do the work for you. It was your responsibility. When people don't learn this way, they expect others to "help" them. They want to ride on your coattails, and to take the easy route. It's a very passive existence, and people who think this way don't develop to their potential. 

My parents and aunt were avid readers, so I followed suit. I think that reading is a habit that is greatly underrated and underused. When I was in elementary school, we were sometimes allowed to read library during class, as a treat. I so looked forward to it. Reading  teaches you rhythm, sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation. Just by becoming absorbed in a book, your brain and memory is exposed to what it needs to write and speak well. Children need to soak in material with proper grammar. If you aren't hearing the language being spoken correctly at home, reading well written books will uplift and educate you. It has a simple but profound effect on the ear. 

I am so saddened to hear how the California schools are no longer supporting the work of Helen Keller, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Rose Wilder Lane. These are authors who really wrote from the heart, and with honesty and purity. Their childhood perspective doesn't fit in with today's "politically correct" society. These books opened up a whole new world for me. They were vivid, expressive, and eloquent.  I hope that parents will continue to give these inspiring classics  to their children.

I mentioned to my dad the other day that I had read that some of the younger people today have no desire buy a car, or to own a house. "They don't want a job, either," he added. I laughed at his honesty. To be fair, I see many bright and talented people in their twenties working diligently at Barnes and Noble, Sprouts, and even in the Broadway shows that I see on tour.  They seem excited to be working, and it warms my heart.  I think much of it has to do with what we have observed in our parents. Perhaps those that don't want these responsibilities are people whose parents were struggling with debt.  My guess is that they don't want that stress.     

Thank you for your comments. They add so much talent and energy to the blog. Please comment in English. I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published. If you enjoy the posts here, please share them. 

Unmolded the Goat's Milk Soap

 
This morning I unmolded the goat's milk soap. This was the Martha Stewart recipe with Crisco. I was eager to see how it would turn out; it popped out of the molds very easily. I have learned to be patient, and to let the soap completely harden. The center one was one that I tested too early. I will keep it as a sample.

I finished up the article on knowing your type for Dance Magazine this afternoon. I added  my editor's changes, and included a few small tweaks of my own. I am really exited about this piece.  It's advice that I believe will help dancers pursuing a career on stage.  I will post a link here, once it's published.

A raccoon got into my homegrown artichokes  the other night. He or she decimated three quarters of the stalks and flowers on my largest plant. I chopped them up and threw them into  the compost bin. Gardening has so many unexpected challenges. Oh well. "Win a few, lose a few," as my Aunt Mary used to say...

Thank you for your comments. They add so much talent and energy to the blog. Please comment in English. I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published. If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.

Taking Correction and Accepting Rejection

As a young dancer, I grew up taking classes at the local dance studio every afternoon and evening. I thrived on the discipline, classical music, and routine. It was grounding and centering. My friends and I found it exciting to learn new material, to receive constructive criticism, and to improve. Dancers love to receive corrections. It's the teacher's professional eye that brings out your talent. They can see and convey what you need to know.

Once I started attending auditions, the lessons in rejection began. It was painful to be cut, but it taught me to keep striving, and to not give up easily. When you are in the arts, you are competing against thousands of other hopefuls. It's not always about who's the most gifted. Often they want a certain type. They may need a blonde, a person who is 5'11", or someone who can belt the high notes. The ability to persevere is what keeps you in the game.

Now that I am writing professionally again, the same lessons are proving to be valuable. I send out pitches  regularly. There are many things that come into play. Does the magazine need any more stories? Is the issue I'm interested in current? Do I have the photos and video material that they require?

Editors may not want the structure and format that you submit. If they rearrange and revise your writing, you have to accept it gracefully and adapt. I think of it like choreography. Quite often directors and choreographers will change numbers in a show. You just learn the new material and move on; there is  no arguing or negotiation. You can't get too attached to the original version. Your solo might get cut. It's part of the business.

If you can take correction and accept rejection you will be the kind of person who doesn't give up and quit. Often people stop trying just before they are about to make a breakthrough. Persistence and determination make all the difference when it comes to achieving success.

Thank you for your comments. I greatly appreciate them. If you enjoy the articles here, please share them. Comments in English only, please. Comments with links will not be published.    

More Knitting and a New Article In the Works!

I've been working on this hat, to give to a friend of mine in New York. I started it yesterday morning. It's made with the leftover alpaca/merino/bamboo yarn that I used on his birthday scarf. I just love it. The colors are fabulous. They're so bright and cheerful. There may be enough yarn to make myself a hat like this, too. It goes so well with everything, especially jeans.

Hats are a pleasure to knit, because they are so quick and easy. I started this one on circular needles. I had to do four gauge swatches to get close to what the pattern required. It's thick and thin yarn, so it's a little confusing to count. I was still off by four stitches, but the hat fits. It's very soft and comfortable. I think a little big is far better than one  that's too tight and feels uncomfortable. Now that I'm at the decreases I'm working on long, double pointed needles.

Yesterday I sold a couple of soaps at knitting. When I arrived home, I had received another order on Etsy. This one was a Christmas gift, the soap of the month club. A very nice woman ordered six months of specialty soaps for her sister. For the ad I had used a photograph of some of my friends and I from "42nd Street" in Europe. She said that the picture is what drew her in to my shop. That was sweet of her to mention in her note. It always helps to know how people found you when you are in sales.

I submitted a query to DanceMagazine a few days ago, and they made me an offer. I will be writing an on line story on Tommy Tune and Chita Rivera. It will describe what it's like to be on tour with them. I think it's right up my alley, since I spent many months on tour with Tommy.  I have always loved Chita's work, as well. I am so excited to see them perform when they are here. I will get to interview them in their dressing rooms backstage, and also plan to watch rehearsal. What a treat!  After dinner, my friend and I will go back and see the show.  It's going to be just wonderful.    

How are things going with you? 

Thank you for your comments. I read them all, and greatly appreciate them. Please share any of the articles that you enjoy.