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Saturday, December 26, 2009

Quotes

I love quotes. My facebook page is littered with them. It doesn't matter whether it's funny or serious, silly or profound--if a quote appeals to me, you can bet I'm going to share it somewhere. I especially like it when I find a quote that I can relate to or agree with.
One of the gifts I recieved yesterday was a daily planner (something which I've been needing...heh, did I ever mention I stink at orginization?) from my amazing, wonderful aunt. The planner itself is cool enough, but it also includes gorgeous illustrations of whimsical fairies...and quotes. My aunt also gave me a quote box to hang on my wall. It features a quote from Roald Dahl, and it reads, "Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in the magic will never find it!"
Truer words were never spoken, Mr. Dahl. No surprise that such a well-worded revalation came from the man who introduced us to the Big Friendly Giant and led us through Willy Wonka's marvelous Chocolate Factory. The above quote inspired me so much that I decided to share some of my favorite quotes with you--both from my new daily planner, and from other sources. I hope you find some of them as inspiring as I do.
This one is usually attributed to Voltaire, but in fact it was a quote about him, summing up his view of the world, rather than by him. You may have heard it before: "I disagree with what you are saying, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
Then there's the ever-wonderful Mark Twain. He's remembered as a beloved humorist and author, but one need look no further than his masterpiece, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," to see that he could also be very profound. One of my favorite quotes of his shows that he was an excellent judge of character: "“A man's character may be learned from the adjectives which he habitually uses in conversation."
Here's one that applies more to the creative side of things, and thus fits perfectly on this blog: "How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live."--Thoreau. I've talked before about how artists must adopt a unique view of the world, and it seems Thoreau agrees. For instance, how can you possibly create a believable, well-motivated villian for your novel when you yourself haven't encountered a few real-life imps and demons?
From my new daily planner comes a quote from St. Frances De Sales. It is a tender affirmation for those of us who have had our kindness mistaken for weakness: "Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength."
And lastly for today is a quote which applies to all of us--and everything we've ever created, nurutred, or cared for: "The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit."
Thank you, Nelson Henderson. Thank you.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

...and also the busiest, which is why this blog has been neglected for a month.
In the past four (or is it five? Hmm...can't recall.) weeks, a ton of stuff has been going on with me. Creative stuff? But of course. Time-consuming stuff? You bet.
Here's a few of the many things which have kept me on the move and off the computer for the last month:
1) Running lights for Peewinkle's Puppet Studio's Christmas shows. Talk about your adorable holiday activities for preschoolers. I look forward to working this show every year. The puppeteers who perform here are awesome, and the show is so sweet, funny and cute that I never get tired of watching it.
2) Going back to square one on my current attempt at a novel. When I say current, I mean the project that's been hammering around in my head for the last two years. THAT project. *Facepalm* This time, though, I think I've actually made progress. My characters aren't wandering around in a desperate search of a map, a plot and a good stiff drink any more. I've finally figured out where they're going and--with some luck--how they're going to get there. More will come on the blog about that, but for the time being, know that Faery Tail (working title, folks--please excuse) is back on track.
3) Finishing up asst. directing Home For Christmas, Buck Creek Players' Christmas show of the year. This was an amazing experience. The director for this show is one of the nicest, sweetest, most considerate people I've worked with. She gave me a ton of awesome opportunities to try my hand at directing, casting, blocking, you name it. The cast was absolutely incredible--we had a great mixture of veterans of the stage and newcomers, but they were all wonderful to work with across the board. I had a blast--and learned a lot about directing and all that it entails. The show closed last Sunday, and while I was sorry to say good-bye to my Home For Christmas family, I was--and am--looking forward to my next theatre project...which is...
4) MY FIRST EVER SPEAKING ROLE ONSTAGE!!!!!!!! This is by far my most exciting news. I, Ruthie, have at long last gotten a speaking role! The show is "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten." It's based on the work of Robert Fulghum, and I've gotta say, it's awesome. It's just the right mixture of profound and silly, heartbreaking and knee-slapping, simple and deep. There's not a scene in this show I don't love. If you haven't heard of Robert Fulghum, take fifteen minutes and google him. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Anywho, I auditioned and was cast in the show three weeks ago. I've attended two rehearsals so far, and the cast and crew are all awesome. I can't wait to get to know them better. We're breaking for Christmas at the moment, but we'll be starting up rehearsals again in January full-force...which means four nights a week. Teh woot! Again, there will be more about this to come. :)
So that's my story, and I'm sticking with it! My current project is pretty much relaxing, rejuvinating, and looking forward to my favorite day of the year...CHRISTMAS! Mwahahaha! The next two weeks are completely school-free and project-free. The only things I've got left to do are wrap a couple of presents and clean my room a bit. Heheh. This week is all about the Christmas countdown, but next week I'm planning on knuckling under and getting some chapters written on my novel. 'Cuz, let's face it...as of January 5th, my creativity is going to be pretty much focused on getting ready for opening night of Kindergarten!
Thanks for the patience with me, guys. This blog'll get a little more consideration now that the holiday rush has slowed a bit. :) Love you all, and more to come!