Well, I have to say that I am a bit shocked. I have had more people come onto my blog than have in a while, but only ONE person actually answered my previous post. What does that say? Is it just that religion is one of those taboo topics that may cause debate, or is it that no one wants to share their faith? It is a bit disconcerting and more than a little disheartening. As I had mentioned, I started going to a bible study in hope that I can become a stronger Christian. I was raised in a Christian household and, even though I have researched other religions, I was happy with being a believer of Christ. But this lack of response does prove something to me, even though no one was willing to answer my questions...

Faith is dropping in North America, even as it flourishes in third-world countries. Why? Because we are all far to selfish to really care about anyone's well-being but ourselves. If I sound a bit disgruntled, I have reason beyond a lack of comments. I had also recently asked some people if they wanted to pitch in to make a donation to World Vision to help people who have far less than we do, and was told no. I suppose this wouldnt' have angered me half so much if I wasn't told "I'm pretty broke" and then seen some of them shortly thereafter go out for coffee or buy cigarettes or purchase a movie... The money spent on the video alone would have been enough to give some family three blankets; the coffee and cigs could have given another child school supplies. Too broke to help someone in need, but not too broke to buy something for themself. 

My friend works for World Vision, and she wrote this. Sometimes, children are far more amazing than we give them credit for. 

* * * * *

Last week I came across this old article about a woman who has written to thousands of soldiers over the years, and this one about students doing the same. I had thought about doing something like this before when I read the book "Christmas Letters" probably about ten years ago now, but didn't have the nerve to write to a stranger and, to be honest, I was putting most my focus on getting through uni. Once I saw the article, it brought the idea back into my mind.  I know I love getting letters in the mail --in fact, I got one today!-- and I'm sure it would brighten up someone's Christmas so far from home. I was going to ask if anyone on here was interested in starting a writing campaign to send letters or christmas cards to soldiers overseas... but I wonder if there would be any point. If anyone is willing to give up some time and stamps, please let me know. 

* * * * *

Now, time for the happy part of things for those who've actually kept reading after my angered rant and hopeful plea. Okay, so it's probably nothing to you, but it sure made my day! I was texting with BB (for those who haven't been keeping up these past few months, he is one of the guys involved with the play) and we were talking about how some of us have decided to get together once a month. BB cannot because he moved the week after the show's run was finished, but myself, Gwen, Algy, and maybe Jack plan to. I was filling him in on our get-together last week and he said: "I always thought you and Algy were going to have an off-stage romance. It seemed like you had some feelings for him and that maybe he was reciprocating." 

I told him it was just an overflow of stage stuff (I'm still a bit iffy whether I actually had a crush on him or whether it was just playing opposite each other with our characters falling in love). I mentioned that I was actually under the impression than both Algy and Jack had a thing for Gwen since they started a mutual admiration society, always gushing about how beautiful and talented she was whenever we went out for drinks. Yes, she is both and I'm proud of her abilities, but it made me feel invisible, gauche, and talentless because they didn't say anything like that to me. Am I being vain? Quite probably, but they wouldn't even let me participate in the conversation. It felt like the boys were competing for her notice...  even though she has a boyfriend already! I wouldn't want a guy who prefers some other girl to me, but I wouldn't have minded a more balanced conversation or a change of topic... like books, or movies, or plans after the play. 

Anyways, after telling BB about the fan club he said: "Gwen is very cool and very good looking, but she's not someone I would pursue personally. If it's not too weird to say, you are more my type. You're beautiful in a special, quiet way that I find attractive. It's more appealing when beautiful girls don't flaunt their looks as much. You're small, and cute, and artsy, and all that. That's really more my type." Which was absolutely, unbelievably sweet of him! More often than not I feel eclipsed by sophisticated, gorgeous girls and wonder how anyone will notice me when my stunning friends are around... but now I know that there are people out there who just might prefer my company, and not just use me to get closer to my friends.  

SUMR

 

 

I started attending a Bible Study last week, and we are reading the book "Called and Committed" by David Watson. In this book it says that a quarter of the world's population professes to be Christian, so I started wondering what the ratio of xangians is for various religions (or agnostic or atheist). I would like everyone who happens to read this post to answer the three questions below, BUT you must not make any comments against other people's beliefs. If you would like to rec this so a larger group of people answer these questions, feel free to do so.  

(1) What belief system do you hold to? (If a denomination, include that in your answer)

(2) How long have you believed this way?

(3) Why did you choose that religion or non-religious belief? 

 

SUMR

On November 9th, I had my TEN-year xangaversary.

SUMR

 

We Will Always Remember... 

 

Stolen from @SaintBlue1131 who stole it from @babieboo_annie 

1. Most attractive feature of the opposite sex is...

Physically, their smile. Personality, a sense of humour.

2. What is the meaning behind your username?

Years ago, some friends and I were out walking around town, and I saw this huge field of daisies. I yelled "I want to be a summer daisy!" while running to plop myself down in the middle of the flowers. There are some pictures of me surrounded by daisies, and the nickname stuck --though is often shorted to just Sumr. 

3. Something I should be good at but aren't is..

Public speaking, cooking, cleaning my room, etc. 

4. I've walked on the wild side when I...

When I got my navel pierced, and when I streaked my hair blue, and when I went skinny dipping. I'm really wild *LOL*

5. The perks of being (YOUR AGE) is..

I will let you know when I figure that out! 

6. Leftie or rightie?

Rightie

7. What is the most adventurous food you've ever tried?

Tofu and other odd vegetarian replacement foods... and my mother's cooking. 

8. Do you speak a second language? If yes, what is it? If no, which do you wish you do?

No, I just have a little french, ASL alphabet, and a couple words in spanish. 

9. Butt or boobs?

I quite obviously have both. 

10. You are crazy if you don't like.. (question not to be taken seriously. )

Chocolate or books

11. I find a woman/man is sexiest when she/he is wearing..

I love a guy in casual-chic of a pair of jeans, dress shirt, vest, and maybe even a fedora *sw00n*

12. If you could have the ability of one of the tribes in "Avatar: The Last Airbender," which would it be and why? (water, earth, fire, or air)

Fire is my astrological elements, so I'll go with that since I haven't seen the movie in a long time. 

---

 

SUMR

As the play is done you'll never again have to read about every single detail of putting on a performance... okay, so you'll not hear about that play specifically... all that often. *L0L* I miss my cast mates already, but it is such a relief not having to come home from work only to run out to the theatre immediately after. I just got an email today that the video of our dress rehearsal is almost ready for us to pick up! Since "Earnest" is in public domain we were allowed to film it so we can watch our own performance

Speaking of work, I nearly lost my job. Not through any fault of mine, but rather a lack of business. They just hired someone new to work on pitching to various places in attempt to increase the clientele, but for the past month I've had nothing to do and there probably won't be until the new year. Just before halloween the receptionist gave notice that she was quitting; partially due to the fact she came down with mono and was quite ill thus requiring a fair bit of time to recover, but also because she was ready to move on to bigger things and there was no room for her to grow with this company. I lucked out and was offered her old job (sort-of) since I had prior experience, while the other junior formatter was essentially laid off. 

I said I kind of got her old job because I only got part of it. I was not given full-time hours nor was I given N's full responsibilities. Before she quit, the company was planning on bringing in another girl to take over the gallery and be paid by commission, but because N did leave this new girl was hired on part-time to work the other three days of the week (they are going to open the gallery on saturdays now, too). She and I will be sharing a lot of duties, but her focus will be the gallery and mine will be the other two companies in the building. I am hoping there will be enough work soon that I will be needed an extra day, though I don't mind the idea of still having Friday through Sundays off  

The intent was for this month to be used to rest. After the play's craziness I need a break, but I totally forgot it was NaNoWriMo and couldn't NOT do that! I haven't done much of my own writing since last year's National Novel Writing Month and even then I didn't finish because my great-grandmother died and I couldn't stand the idea of writing anymore for some time after. I don't have a story planned or anything, but when I was reminded of the challenge via various facebook posts and tweets I decided this would help get my mojo going again. 

So yesterday I had an idea for a scene and started writing it, getting up to five pages and, therefore, sitting at the halfway mark of the day's goal. I wanted to write more, but with no plot I had no idea of where I wanted to go with these characters. I went back to reading my book then instant messaging with some cousins until I got tired and headed for bed... As usual I got various ideas while trying to sleep, so I quickly jotted them down before zonking out.

I couldn't write anything this morning as I had just enough time to get ready for church. I contemplated not going as I only had forty-five minutes to get ready, but I haven't been in so long I felt horribly guilty. I had been thinking of switching to a church closer to me, but I love some of the people at that church. The only problem I have with it is that I find the pastor boring, and there is nothing for anyone between the ages of 16 to 35. Ever since the pastor was hired and he cut the youth programs, there has been a steady decline of members. Other than myself and a young married couple, there aren't any attendees between the aforementioned ages. In fact, I think my parents are probably the near to being next youngest and they are fifty! A few of those beloved members had come to see the play and told me how much they loved it, while others said they planned to come see it this coming week. Sadly I had to tell them that the show was now over *le sigh* 

As horrible as this may be to admit, during the service I had an idea for another scene for my story. It was inspired by some things that happened at church, and I have no problem with making my heroine a christian and a church-goer. I don't intend to make the book of the inspirational genre, it will just be a part of my main character's personality. I rather think what I am writing is going to be chick lit, and knew it by the time I had the first couple pages written... though I still have no plot! I have no idea where this story is going, but I hope I figure at least a modicum of a plan soon  I spent most of the afternoon writing said scene, and a couple others based on the ideas I came up with last night, before coming back to it later on. After yesterday's short session the NaNo tracker said at the rate I was going I wouldn't be finished until just before my birthday *L0L* but I have now surpassed the Day Four goal. I am now on track for getting this book done by the end of the month! 

In between this afternoon's writing and dinner, I went with my dad to visit my papa and Donna. I hadn't seen my grandfather in absolute ages, in fact it was so long ago that I can't even remember the last time! I think he may have stopped by once or twice to talk to dad during the seven months I've been living here again, but I don't recall any other times. I did see Donna and her mother at the play on closing night, which was really awesome of them. It was a nice visit, though short as mum was at home starting dinner. I think my papa is going deaf as I had to repeat myself a lot and talk a fair bit louder than I had to previously. I keep forgetting that my grandparents are getting old and may not be around for many more years

Also in that time between writing binges, my mum got a phone call from the woman who runs her bible study asking if she was interested in this other study on discipleship. Mum said she couldn't handle our sunday sermons on Revelations, her weekly bible study on David, and this new topic as well, so I was asked to go in her stead. Mom does want to learn about this new study but it will be five more weeks before her David group is finished, thus I will be attending for at least a month and a half. I am hoping that I like it, though this class is apparently going to be rather long --mom was told the plan was to go very slowly through the book. I'm not overly sure I want to commit to something that may take a year to do, especially since I had been planning on attending a new church, but c'est la vie. 

SUMR

I was the only person to dress up for Hallowe'en at work

Can you guess what literary character I am supposed to be? 

SUMR

Here are some more photos of "The Importance of Being Earnest" as performed by the Pinnacle Playhouse. They were taken during a rehearsal so hair, make-up, costumes, sets, and props are not always complete... but it's the next best thing to seeing the show! (photographs by Pinchin Design Group, summary provided by me)

ACT ONE

There once were two friends, Jack and Algernon, who were always talking nonsense. 

Jack was madly in love with Algy's cousin Gwendolen. In order to go to London to see her,
Jack made up a brother named "Ernest", whom he pretends to be while in Town.

Gwendolen's mother, Lady B, does not approve of Jack because he was a foundling
--he was found in a railway station-- and has no idea who his parents are. 

So Jack and Gwendolen secretly become engaged.

Once Algy learns of Jack's secret identity, he decides to go to Jack's country house while his friend is still in Town...
Even though Jack has decided to kill his imaginary brother as it was getting too hard to lead a double-life. 

ACT TWO

Cecily is Jack's ward, and the reason why he needs to escape to the city to have fun.
He cannot behave irresponsibly when he has a young girl to raise to be a proper lady!

This eighteen-year-old dreams of being rescued by a knight in shining armour,
and is also madly in love with Jack's brother Ernest whom she's heard so much about. 

Instead, all Cecily got was a governess trying to teach her German, geography, and political science... 

...though Cecily often wrote in her diary, rather than paying attention to her lessons. 

 Cecily also attempts a bit of matchmaking, as she knows Miss Prism is in love with Reverend Chasuble.

 Then Algy arrives in the country, but he calls himself "Ernest".
It is love at first sight for Cecily and Algernon. 

Jack returns from the city early with the news that his brother Ernest is dead,
and is quite surprised to find his brother very much alive in the form of his friend Algy. 

While the two men are sorting out their differences, Gwendolen arrives with the intention of eloping with Jack.
She ends up having tea with Cecily, whom she knew nothing about.

 

They would have become great friends if it wasn't for the fact they discovered they were both engaged to Ernest! 

ACT THREE

When Jack and Algy come outside the girls realize they are not engaged to the same man, but to a man who doesn't exist.
Gwen and Cecily join forces, and both the gentlemen who are no longer called "Ernest" have to do much pleading to gain forgiveness. 

Once the two couples have reconciled their differences,
Lady B arrives with the intend of stopping the marriage of Jack and Gwendolen. 

 

Then she finds out Algy has gotten himself engaged to Jack's ward, Cecily... 

...And she doesn't approve of that either! At least until she finds out Cecily stands to inherit a lot of money, that is. 

The only problem now is that Jack refuses to allow Cecily to marry
--she doesn't come of age for another 10+ years-- unless Lady B approves of his marriage to Gwendolen.
But Lady B refuses to allow the marriage until Jack finds out who his parents are.

Reverend Chasuble and Miss Prism arrive in all this confusion, and it is discovered
that Miss Prism used to be the governess for Lady B's sister... The one who misplaced a baby!
Miss Prism tells of how she accidentally left the baby in a railway station, and Jack realizes he is that baby. 

It turns out Jack really is Algernon's older brother, leaving Lady B no choice
but to approve of Jack's engagement with her daughter. 

But Gwendolen refuses to marry anyone by a name other than Ernest,
so it is important to figure out what name Jack was actually baptized with.
Lady B only remembers that Jack was named after his father,
so Jack grabs his copy of the military directory... and says he was named "Ernest John"!

So they all live happily ever after: Jack and Gwendolen, Reverend Chasuble and Miss Prism, Algernon and Cecily.
Even the servants found romance! 

 

SUMR

Today started off rather gloomy. I woke up around noon or so, having not fallen asleep until 5am, to grey skies and pouring rain. I almost wonder if we're catching a wee bit of the hurricane that seems to be swooping through Ontario. Bad weather aside, I still had errands to run. I stopped at the theatre to drop off the gifts I made for the cast and crew, went to the bank to deposit my last two paycheques *ooops*, and go to the library to pick up some more books or I would have nothing to read on Sunday. Though I suppose that is technically not true since I have some novels of my own I've not yet read, but I really wanted the last book in a trilogy I have been reading...

While at the library this guy said "Hi, how have you been?" Now, I have no idea who he is and, quite frankly, he wasn't the type of guy I'd go out of my way to meet: He looked to be in his mid-thirties, had bad dental health, and wears baggy clothes. Okay, so I shouldn't judge a person by their looks, I'm sorry, but he was in no way cute. Even though he was a stranger, I said "I'm fine, thanks" and he did a double-take at me. He then told me that he had thought I was someone he knew, but now realized didn't because I was prettier, much much prettier. While getting a compliment does tend to brighten my day, I kind of wondered if this was a new way to attempt picking up girls. I have never heard of someone using pick-up lines in a library, but if the guy was younger and cuter I would so be all over that! 

I barely got my errands done, biscuits baked for the cast potluck, and ate my dinner before I had to go to the theatre for one last show. It is such a weird feeling, knowing this was the last night, but you had to ignore that while on stage or it could bring down the whole vibe of the performance. I kind felt like it was both the last night and not the end of the run, it is as though my head knew it but not my heart... nor do I think I yet feel its over. 

Nevertheless, to commemorate our last evening as a production, I crocheted everyone pillows with either their character name or the play title. Everyone claimed to loved their prezzie, which I was glad to hear as I did put in a lot of time and money into making them. (Though one of the crew --the one whom the cast had a bit of a love/hate relationship with-- asked why her pillow was smaller than some of the others. Apparently the fact I made the cast ones bigger than the crews' was not appreciated by her )

I don't think anyone messed up a single line, and all the blocking went flawlessly (as far as I know). I still needed a glass of water on the stage as my throat, while better, is still troubling me. Jack and Gwen pranked each other a bit, and I think Jack and Algy for once didn't prank each other which is a prank in itself. I was a bit worried that they might prank me, but thankfully no one did so I guess they knew it would throw me off too much. I contemplated doing a pseudo-prank to Algy by kissing him  where there wasn't one expected, but chickened out

After the show we all went to Lane's house for the cast party. OME, his house is gorgeous! It used to be an old bed-and-breakfast that he and his wife (who's irish!) have been renovating. He's a doctor so of course he can afford to fix up the place and fill it with some seriously stunning (and some odd) art pieces. Ironically, his daughter went to the dance school I used to work at! I peaked in her room and it was adorable; she even had a practice ballet barre  Needless to say, I asked if Lane wanted to adopt me but he just laughed, so I assumed that was a no. He even had the most loving little cocker spaniel named Teddy who liked to follow me around and beg for petting *awww*

I can't say the party was all that thrilling, just a potluck of snacks and standing around chatting, but it was still fun. A really good way to just hang out with the cast members without any show-related stress. Kodie and I decided that we should plan a flash-mob for around Christmas after hearing a Charlie Brown christmas song. I thought we should sing christmas carols, but Kodie suggested a dance to "Jingle Bells" instead, so I said for a grande finale we should lift up a kid dressed as an angel or reindeer. I hope we do it, cuz I think it would be a blast! Though we're short about 47 people... 

I had never met the producer's husband before, but I had a short chat with him. I guess his wife told him how much she pushed for casting me as Cecily --something she also told me-- as he said I was indeed perfect for the role, and the most natural  Apparently he thought some of the other's were overacting their parts, but I was just utterly believable. If that wasn't the most wonderful thing to hear! Especially since, truth be told, I did not make much effort in developing my character which worried me some. I know a few of the others actually planned out what mannerisms and facial expressions their character would have or do, whereas I basically went out their as myself with a British accent *shrug* Along this line, a friend of another cast member apparently told her that I was almost distractingly tiny. The other's thought this a good thing, that it was a "gimic" of sorts to garner attention, but I would think that might detract from whatever talent I may posses and also from the show. 

The director told me, just before leaving, that he saw me really grow --though not in height!-- into the part and as an actress. (He also really wanted me for the role, as I was the only one to have a sweet and innocent air about me, which now makes me wonder if the decision to cast me was unanimous or if the stage manager wanted someone else.) Also, he said he'd love to work with me again and that I should audition for the end of the year musical. I guess I'll have to try for a part now! *L0L*

Other than the pillows I made, the entire cast pitched in five bucks to get prezzies for the director, the producer, the costumer, the stage manager, and assistant stage manager. For the ladies we gave a small teacup decorated with pink roses as one of the lines in the play is "Because you are like a pink rose" (which ironically most the cast decided was the creepiest line in the play). For the director we bought a picture frame with five photos of the cast in various scenes throughout the play, and signed by everyone. I also bought a sign-able picture frame matte for everyone to autograph for me, just like I did for when I was in South Pacific as it is a great keepsake. Now I just have to purchase a frame and choose a picture to put in it

When the party wound down, we all gave hugs and said our good-byes. We'll see each other again on Tuesday when we take down the set and truck it over to the annex, but then it's completely over. While this may give a bit more closure, it is heartbreaking to know things will never be the same between us. We probably wont be seeing each other even once a month, let alone five times a week, and so some will just drift apart  We all have jobs and (presumedly) lives to get back to, so who knows if we'll ever be together again...  

SUMR

I've been so wrapped up in the play that I haven't had time to update frequently. Oddly enough, I haven't been working a great deal; there hasn't been much by way of projects, so I only get called in when someone is needed to cover the front desk. You'd think that would mean a lot of spare time during the day, but it somehow didn't work out that way what with sleeping-in and running errands for the parentals, etc *shrug*

I was asked to work this afternoon as the receptionist has only been coming in during the mornings while she is still recuperating from mono. I was a bit worried as boss-lady (aka M, who is in charge of all things publishing related) had called earlier this week to say she intended to talk to boss-man (aka owner) about my lack of hours and they would discuss it with me when I came in next. I thought I might be getting fired, or perhaps laid off until business picks up again. 

Imagine my surprise when I was informed by the receptionist today that she was quitting. I have to admit N was doing a heck of a lot of work (enough for two or three people!), but I think it quite strange for someone who wanted to branch out into new responsibilities within the company to just up and quit. Yet before N left today, she told me she wanted to take more time to get over her illness, then see about starting her own business... doing something she had already been doing for this company. She's going to be a competitor it seems 

I did think it a touch odd when an auditor (or something similar) suggested for the company to hire someone new to help in sales and another to take over the gallery (two things that were part of N's duties) when business was slowing down, but apparently this person had an idea that N was thinking of leaving. Recently two people have been hired and will begin training for their new positions, and N said I would probably be asked to take over the reception work. 

Sure enough, just before closing, I had a meeting with boss-man and was asked if I minded taking over front desk. I like the idea of having more hours because who wouldn't want to earn more money? I might even get full-time! The unfortunate aspect of this shift is that I'd be doing less publishing related things --which was the main reason I wanted a job there. Oh, I'll still get to do some proofreading, and I'll apparently be a main-contender with any scoping projects once M goes on baby-leave, but it isn't exactly what I want to do in the long run. Ah well. 

The play is still going wonderfully... sort of. Last week Algy had a sore throat and, since we kiss every night for the show, there was no way I was not going to catch it. I've now had a horribly sore throat for five whole days! I was hoping it would go away before the show started up again after our two days off, but no dice.  I've been taking oil of oregano drops, drinking lots of tea, eating honey by the spoonful, going through lozenges like candy, eating chicken noodle soup and drinking a lot of juice, spritzing Mouth Kote (dry mouth spray) right before going on stage, as well as any other remedies the cast could think of. Essentially I try not to talk throughout the day so that my throat hurts as little as possible before the show when I have to force myself to project loudly. We did discover that talking in a British accent hurts less because you push your speech to the front of the mouth, as opposed to North Americans who pronounce things at the back of the mouth and in the throat. 

On an even more positive note, I stopped messing up any lines as of last week! Well, I did have a trifle trouble this wednesday, but that was because my voice kept cracking. The servants now put a glass of water on the table while they are changing the sets for Act Two, so that I can sip it throughout as I hardly get the chance to leave the stage. Tonight Gwen and my friend from Ottawa came to the show with her hubby and another mutual acquaintance; it was so awesome of them to make the trip! She asked me why I was drinking water at the oddest times, as she thought it was a very strange stage direction to have been given *L0L* Sore throat aside, we got major kudos from our friends, Gwen's parents (who also came tonight), two girls who auditioned for the play but weren't cast, and a few other people. The producer told me that her trainer at the gym came to see us and practically fell in love with me, saying how adorable I was *awww*  Nothing like a compliment to make a girl feel better! 

SUMR