Yea for Shannon! Yea for boys!

It was Shannon's birthday on the 29th, So Jane and I busted out the yummy dessert The ricotta cookies with fruit topping were a big hit! And I think we did Shannon proud, ending the night with a round of happy birthday.
Tiffany really is singing and raising her mallet jovially, not about to take out Laura, so she can go on as Alais, really.

And what birthday would be complete without a little topless man dance. Ah theatre. Chris is pretty hot too.

No really, you are adorable Chris. I have been lucky to work one other show with Chris. He is a really amazing actor. In this show, he plays an extreme middle child syndrome prince. Never enough love and always plotting his revenge for it.

It can be very exhausting. he he. We have a few attractive boys in this cast.

Michael Fagan has a male model thing going on, perfect for our French Prince. Although sometimes he looks more like a muppet. he he. As I have gotten to know him, I can't believe how silly and funny he is. It's great riding the train with him. Oh and great book reccomendations!Then there is Rob. That's always how he introduces himself. Largely, I think, because his last name is Belushi. Yes of those Belushi's. His dad is Jim. He is very funny in a boy kind of way (lots of poop). I like him better like this. Asleep. He is awfully attached to his phone...
Oh don't worry kid, I do like you a lot when you are being a normal chill person. I've just never been into boy humor. Can't stand those movies y'all love. And he is a cutie.

Never underestimate the power of being cute, I always say. I guess he's recently lost some weight. Not sure he really knows how good looking he is. Oh well. I'm not going to tell him.

Oh and he's great as the pouty youngest son John. The charecters did exist in history. John is Little John, who was king during the time of Robin Hood, who is probably just a ledgend.
This deer in the foreground is Lea Coco. Great name huh? He is dating one of my favorite actresses, Audrey. He's the one that commissioned the sweater for his girl. She loved it by the way.
He plays the eldest son, the warrior/poet. That would be Richard the Lionheart, who was fighting the crusades while his brother, John stole his throne. And he's gay, in the show. Great on stage kiss between him and Michael Fagan.
Lea is very earthy and likes to cook, so he is always looking for advise on the subject. So we always have something to talk about. He also reads a lot. And watches good movies, so I have enjoys reccomendations from him too.

It's so nice when we have a cast that is so pleasant and interesting. Sure they are young and once in a group descend into poop jokes, but if you can just get them alone...I've had some good conversations with these guys. I'm glad I have gotten to do this show with them. Thanks guys.

Love Hurts

I realize we are almost done with the run, and I still haven't introduced the rest of the cast. So today let me present our love triangle.


Mr. Michael is our King. He is married to the lovely Shannon, both in the play and in real life, she's the curly headed one with the beautiful laugh. Just on stage, Laura, the young blonde, is his mistress.


Here is a shot of them on stage (with others). The King has just given his mistress to his eldest son. She's not to pleased about this, and so has pulled a concealled knife. I do love the ladies costumes.


Jane does a great job, putting in extensions for Laura and dressing Shannon's wig. Here they all are in the ladies' dressing "tent" (a curtained off section of the green room). She also has to tie them into her dresses, so she has gotten extra close to these ladies. Anyway, a little more about our three lovers. They have a very good backstage relationship considering the harm they commit to each other in the name of love on the stage. My hat is off to them for their performances and their professionalism. Just as people I like them very much.

Michael takes very good care of any floral arrangements that happen to be backstage, which is very nice as they tend to just rot. He does like the ladies, so if you are looking good, you can count on a compliment, or at least comment from Michael. And he makes a mean pulled pork.

Shannon has Michael wrapped around her little finger, in the cutest way possible, like she couldn't care one way or the other, but he is utterly devoted. She is enviously tall and slim, fabulous legs. But the best part is her physicality. Some tall girls are gangly and some have dancer like poise, Shannon can seamlessly go from one to the other. It makes her a great physical comedian backstage. You can always count on a good laugh from her. And I love how curly her hair comes our when she takes off her wig.

Laura is the baby of the cast. A mere 22, oh wait she had a birthday, it's 23 now. She tends toward gullible, and yet that is part of her dewey eyed freshness that makes her so adorable. She got this role right out of college, so it's a big break. We are proud of her, but really just love having her backstage. I especially do because she is almost as big a hamm as Rawson.

Whenever a camera comes out these two perk up and put on a cheesy or silly face.

Why are closed-eye pictures always so funny?

The circumstances don't matter:

Alone.

With a friend.

Or in a group.

She's the cheesiest.

Or peanuttiest.

Time to Celebrate

On Monday we went out in celebration of Mike's Birthday. First to the Cultural Center where we saw an art exhibit featuring works by many various artists that where inspired by Marilyn Monroe. From photographs of the lady herself to Warhols' silk screens to almost abstract representations. It was extensive and fun to look at. Although I have to say my favorites were the photographs, she had such a way with the camera that the artists just couldn't capture that. But the highlight was getting to see the newly restored Tiffany dome. The sunlight can now shine through it as initially intended. It glows with a beauty I wish I had time to gaze at for hours.


But we were due to have dinner an drinks at Andy's Jazz Club. It was a delicious meal, and although a little pricey, it was worth it. Friends Heather, with her brother-in-law and Lisa came to dinner. And Justin came later for drinks.

Here's Justin laughing his butt off at...

Mike wearing Justin's stylish sunglasses.

And then the second jazz group started to play. Seven member ranging in age and race, they were fun. The man stading center in this picture was Mike's favorite, loved his jaunty beret. But I liked the bassist, especially after finding out he also plays a japonese three-stringed guitar that he learned at the age of three in the geisha house where he was born. The japonese style jazz was a new and exciting experience.

So we had a fun night, much thanks for friends and good food.

One more reason for celebration, I finally finish my Dafodil socks!

YIPPEEE!! They fit, the odyssey for this yarn is over. Now I just need cooler weather to wear them in.

What's on the Needles

So my goal for the summer is to knit entirely from my stash and it looks like it is an entirely obtainable goal. These two new projects have been waiting to happen for a while and I have at least one more sweater after these. It feels really good to be able to just keep shrinking the stash and not spend money. Although it feels more like a dent than actual shrinking, if I can complete these two, plus a couple more by semptember, I will be totally hyped.

First up is some lovely Lorna's Laces Shepard Sock Yarn in Daffodil. Going back a few monthes, I used Grumperina's Jaywalker sock pattern, thinking the gauge dif was minimal, wrong. the sock was so small, I couldn't fit my foot in at all. Didn't even bother taking a picture, just frogged and decided to try a toe up pattern. It's one of those techniques that are on my list to try. So when I found Eunny Jung's entrelac sock pattern, I thought "Great! Toe Up and entrelac looks great with self painted yarn!" And it did turn out beautifully:

What you can't really tell from this pic is how extremely TIGHT it was around the heel. I was in fear of rippage. Turns out entrelac is a very UN-stretchy fabric and this yarn is VERY un-stretchy as well, so a VERY BAD fit together. Plus I hated the feeling of the entrelac on the soles

of my feet. Too much texture. So this was frogged as well and now...

Here is THE PERFECT pattern for this yarn, another by Grumperina. Lots of ribbing to help with the stretch factor and smooth bottom to soothe my feet. Helps that it is written for Lorna's Laces sock yarn. Ahhh. Can't wait to finish number two, so I can reveal how cute they are. Another project to make me long for cooler days.

But on to a more summery Bamboo yarn. I bought it on ebay and have no idea what country it is from or what anything on the label says, but it is very silky and stringy; is easily split, but drapes beautifully. I was disappointed that the seller's "peacock" was actually navy blue, but that's what I get for buying yarn online with no return option.

So I had been putting off putting it to use, but the time has come and I went in search of a suitable summer cardigan. Something with a lot of drape and not too much stitch detail, as navy blue is not the best color for showing off such details.

This pattern is very simple and I like the idea of trying my hand at making a collared top so it wins. I am going to alter it by making it a 3/4 sleeve, becuase I have enough yarn, I think. And also no sticking out french cuffs for me, mine will lie flat. I am also making mine with an inch positive ease, this model have 1.5 NEGATIVE ease, hence the slightly unattractive pulling at the bust. So the navy will make it slightly more dressy, could be worn business casual, and would also fit over a button up during the winter. Now I must go knit, or will never shrink my stash. But I leave you with Rawson.

Birdies, Kitties and Booties

No not a nursery rhyme, but my latest finished objects. Here we have my new knitting pouch. Having lost my old one, with my fishing reel tape measure and tiny calculator was SO sad, I needed to make my new one something that would make me smile everytime I use it. So we start with a strawberry red and one of my favorite stitch patterns:


Little Birdies! At least that's what I call them. They are most often featured on children's clothing, but I would love a cardigan matching this beautiful pouch.

And check out the inside. I added little pocket for my sewing needles and another for my knitting cards. It is the perfect size, not too big so as to take up extra space, but big enough for small balls of yarn and extra needles. Now I just need to get another little calculator, cause you never know when you may need to do some maths.

Now these booties are especially special because they are for the unborn babe of Tracy and Marcus, who were our Roselinde and Orlando in As You Like It. It is determinded that they baby was conceived during tech, how they found the energy, I'll never know. But this is not only special because we were around at time of conception, but because Tracy thought she couldn't have children. So we are all totally hyped for her, not even because we also witnessed her first three monthes, but because it is an unexpected blessing. Now that she's on her fifth month, and she found out it's a boy, it was time for me to knit up some booties to celebrate. They are tiny tiny. Not sure they will fit even newborn, but they are too cute.

And lastly KITTIES!!! I love this, as does everyone else who sees it. It is based on the Colette Pullover by Veronik Avery from Interweave Winter 2007 issue. Obviously this one has no sleeves, because I didn't have enough yarn. But my gauge was also different, so I just used the stitch pattern and pic as a guide and did my own thing. But the stitch pattern makes it, so thank you Veronik, I love these kitties. And it's not creepy because I don't own any. whew. I had a few moments while making it when I felt like a cat lady, I just loved watching them grow and multiply. Every time a new row of them was finished I would make them sing, "meow, meeooow, meow!"

Okay showing a whole new level of crazy, but I can blame this one on the boss man. David came up with the singing cats during As You Like It. It was a semi-musical and had lots of tunes that stuck in you head, to conteract, or just entertain us David started singing along to transition music it a cat voice. It makes every thing more fun. So now we do it all the time. Mostly on headset, not in public. I even found him a meowing cat card for his birthday. Yes theatre people are strange, but actually after a while, it's really freeing because these people appreciate the little bit of crazy in everyone! Come join the theatre, and let your crazy free!

Back to the cute sweater, Love it. Must find long sleeve shirt that will go well under it. Too warm to wear right now anyway. almost makes me wish for fall.

So now I have two new things on the needles, but more about them tomarrow.

Fire up the Grill!

Oh Boy, Oh Boy! Sunday we only had a matinee and we were extremely lucky to have the costume designer, Nan, invite us over for a meal off the grill. yum yum. The salad is from her garden, check out the georgeousness:

Here is Nan showing her veg garden to Jane and Jane's man friend, Bill. Nan's house is a beauty in Evanston. They have done amazing work on it and the yard is my favorite part.

Check out this patio, made from cross-cuts of a tree (among other things) that fell down in recent years. That's Nan's son Peter getting a fire ready and David and Roxy watching.



This is a great time to introduce to to the other members of the crew. From the left, this is Jane, our worldly Wardrobe Mistress. She's a real spitfire, a ball of energy. She has done many things in her life, including a chorus girl in Las Vagas, but we are so glad that she is working with us now. Next is Shannon, she's David's Assistant and his eyes and ears backstage. She takes care of all the props and goings on wonderfully. She has a beautiful singing voice and sometimes still thinks about being the chorus for the opera. Both of these chicks knit and that has been a great bonding point for us. Sharing advise and ideas is a great bonus to working with them. Lastly David, our Stage Manager. For me he is like and on site manager, not ultimately who hires or fires me, but he gives me my daily marching orders. He's quite the task master, but once you get used to his sense of humor, it is fun working with him. And you can always count on David for fashion advise (whether you like it or not) as well as many other things. I will be eternally grateful for him introducing me to Cook's Illustrated and will miss our headset conversations. All three of them are great co-worker and I can't believe that I will have to leave them behind. But thank goodness for evening like this when we can truly enjoy eachother's conversation and company. Thanks Nan!

Ah Nan, a great designer, here with my husband Mike.

And she has such a handsome son, Peter.

Who was very nice and kept me supplied in Blue Moons.

We continued our delightful evening with a mexican chocolate torte. yum yum. You can almost make out the remains there on the table.
Here is Laurie, Nan's husband, and Bill, Jane's man. Laurie plays sax for the CSO, very cool. Bill is a Computer secruity guy.

We kept on until well past dark, talking, laughing, eating and drinking. It was a great night and I'm glad we were able to have an evening, just the crew, before the end of this show and my time with writers theatre. Hanging out like this with cool people is the best part of my job. Even at the theatre before and after shows, when we are all hanging out is what I look forward to. My reason for going to work

**Had my interview at Paper Source, but I won't hear if they can use me for a week or two. Here's hoping.

Time to Get it Together

STOP THE PRESSES!!!! I was all set to show the great knitting I finished in the past couple days and talk about my coworkers and the cookout we went to last night when...

...the call came in, and I'm up for an interview morning after tomarrow! I had dropped off my resume exactly two weeks ago, and of course those were the two weeks that the manager was out of town...but she called me and seems excited to interview as soon as she can, even going so far as asking me to come in before the store opens Wednesday to get it in as soon as possible. Yipppeee!

Because this is IT, the wonderous Armitage Paper Source, where I have been wanting to work for four years. Oh please do not let this new dream lover of a job stay that, I'm ready to leave behind the needy theatre and find a new true love job.

The best part, and scariest, is that she asked me to bring in sample of my paper arts. I Am So Excited and Had to Look Through Everything Now! Hence posponing showing my fabulous finished knitting and new WIPs. And can you blame me look at this selection of works, just as luscious and inspiring as my knitting and yet so much easier to share because, although tastes still differ, one size fits all.

So what to bring, or really, how much is too much? I need to demonstrate all the skills listed in my resume:

using paper source products, not only papers, but kits like my planner

stamping

gocco (an awesome silk screen printer)

embossing

making paper

designing cards and invites

scrapbooking which includes using paper creatively, grommitting, distressing ect ect.

I'll probably take most of it, for a decent variety, cause honestly, I have made even more than this, but they are things I give away, not keep. Never knew people would want to look at them. Now I feel like a dope, but my life is so cluttered with things waiting to get made, it's hard for me to keep all this stuff around. Oh well, I think there is plenty.

The hardest part is picking a scrapbook. I have four, wedding, knitting and two life. Well it's really between to two life ones. I just pulled out my invite from the wedding one, and the knitting one really doesn't show much skill. I might just bring both, they are just so HUGE. I am going to through and mark pages that use paper source products especially well and see what I got in each.

Here are things I've made with the gocco, how cool are these. Everytime I use it I get better. I love how even though it is the same image, each print is slightly different, even if it's from opperator error, it's still cool.

Oh I just realized one of my FO's made it into the big group shot, that red pouch in the bottom right corner-ish is my new knitting pouch, which has it's very own business card pocket...

...more on that next time.

TO THE BEACH!

Finally a good way to spend the intermindable amount of time between a wednesday matinee and evening performance. Two and a half hours can really drag on when you have no where to go, but the beach at glencoe made the perfect escape. Here's how you do it:

First off, you need cool shades to come the the beach with us, y'all!

Then, you have to stop and get (or bring along) some yummy dinner to enjoy at they scattered picnic table. Doesn't Kipp's fried chicken sandwich look delish?!?

Now you are ready to wade. Start out slow, because even after a couple of almost 80's days, Lake Michigan can be chilly. But it sure is lovely and the sun, sand and water is so calming.

When you get used to it, go in as far as you can, without getting your only shorts wet. Undoubtably a wave will still come along and soak you anyway, like it did to Chris here, hey nice legs, by the way.

Now it's time to go lay or play in the sand to dry off. Or if you are Rawson, the sit and spin.

We ended up just sitting and watching the kids go wild. Wish I had gotten a picture of the banshee girls playing in the sit and spin, their long dark hair spun wildly around them, until they didn't look like little girls any more, but hairy things. And they would spin and spin and then get out and stagger drunkenly and fall and then try and climb the jungle gym. oh so funny.

There were also more wild little boys throwing rocks down the slide, i mean takes two hand to carry boulders. Just hope your friend jumps out of the way, yikes!

What fun. I was cursing myself for forgetting my camera, but thank goodness for cell phone pics.

The only downer was when we remember that we don't have margheritas and more fun waiting but more work. Oh well, it sure made the day go by a little easier. Was so glad to catch a ride home on the good old metra...

The train way packed on the way home, but sometimes that's fun too. Especially sharing tunes with Rawson. Thanks for the cute pic Laura.