Day 1837: Behind the Scenes

Musical prep, backpacking classes, more research, class reunion meeting, CC WAG, ice cream with Amy and Annie, a few long walks.   Sawdust in my hair, sawdust in my eyelashes, sawdust in my bra.  By the time we got home from stage crew today, I fell asleep almost instantly.

I love these kids on stage crew.  They are so dedicated, loyal and hardworking.  There's James Sr., 6'4", no longer a student, now an employee, who with his entourage creates signs that are works of art.  This year, he painted a swinging western style bar door. Then there's James Jr., another 6'4" tall painter, artist and all around cool guy.  On construction and set finishing we have Abbey, Sean, Jake, Caryn, Johnny, Kevin, Kaelyn, Adam, Riley and more.  Everyone is working furiously to get everything done in time.  We have just two weeks and three days till the preview assemblies.  On Friday, three cast members showed up to work for 40 minutes.  Another one has been a regular, but that' snot surprising considering his family.  Their help it was much appreciated.

The costumes require very little sewing, but lots of fitting.  We've got almost everyone in cowboy boots, jeans and plaid shirts.  Of course, the show has a prom so the girls have drawn from our vast collection of 80s prom dresses.  Getting close, but lots left to do.

This week's backpacking class was for ladies only.  I like to tell the girls that they can do anything and that they should never let a minor biological function keep them from doing anything.  I've become quite blunt in my old age and can comfortably address any issue, no matter how embarrassing.

March 1 was Molly's birthday!  She celebrated with a nice meal and several long naps.   We made a major mistake, though, she's 20, not 19!  I had been using the little book I wrote called Molly's First Christmas which is dated 1998 as my reference point.  However, the photos had to come from the previous Christmas.  Plus, she gave us joy after a series of deaths.  My dad in Oct. 1996, Monique in March 1997, then my precious cat Willy in April.  Molly came to us later in May.

On the book front, I'm on pause till I speak with my writer's group tomorrow.  I haven't decided what to do about the publisher.  Do I go with No Frills Buffalo or self-publish?  After eight years of work, I must be cautious and get this right.  This book means too much to me to make a mistake at this point.

This is my sawing station. 

Painting the booths.