Wednesday, February 15, 2012

And ... scene.

So last night I did something different.

It was Valentine's Day, one of those rite-of-passage days for me each year, because six years ago I finally decided to stop sitting around waiting for my then-husband to look up from his instant-message-chat with his girlfriend (yes, you read that right) and notice that I'd come home from work. On Valentine's Day 2006, I loosened my grip on my hope of saving my marriage and started trying to be happy.

Six years later, I barely recognize that girl. So it should come as no surprise that the person I am today does a lot of things differently. For instance, when Maggie 2.0 was asked to participate in a one-night-only production of "Love Letters" with Liberty Town Productions in Libertyville, I jumped at the chance. For one night (and a few rehearsals) I was able to flex my dramatic muscles, and it felt awesome.

It was amazing to get back on stage in this capacity. I've sung a little over the past few years, but I haven't tapped into the actor within in a long time. I think it went well; I know I feel good about it.
Me and my awesome co-star and director, Scott.

I'm humbled and pleased by the audience reaction, and I couldn't be more proud of what we were able to share with our audience. People were moved, I think, by the story we shared. Our characters read the letters they've sent one another over the course of about a 50-year friendship. It's easy to see myself in some of the letters, and I think everyone can relate, in one way or another, to one of the characters. At least that's my hope. At the end of the evening, when Scott and I took our bows, that's how it felt.

Will there be more opportunities to perform? I don't know. It takes something pretty special to get me out there. But when everything comes together, it's like lightening in a bottle.

And I can't think of a better way to spend a day dedicated to love.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Rituals

Yesterday - roughly 24 hours ago, in fact - I began to feel under the weather. Personally, I far prefer being above the weather, thank you very much, but for the moment, it seems to have brought the hammer down on yours truly. Which is fine. I mean, really, it's been a long time since I've been sick. So I'm going to just let it run its course, which hopefully won't take too long.

But while I'm feeling crappy, I get to do things I don't usually do. See, I have these "sick day" rituals that serve as a little treat for the low days. I drink tea from a pretty cup - one that I only use when I'm sick. I add eucalyptus oil to my bath water. I kick my usual good habits up a notch, I drink orange juice, and I let myself get copious amounts of rest.

I have lots of rituals, and it's a big part of what makes me ... well ... me. Before every race, my friend Linda and I take a "long arm" photo of ourselves. When I have a particularly bad day at work, I take a shower as soon as I get home, to "wash the day away". And when I make myself a particularly fancy dinner (hey, it happens) I eat off the good china. It's those little things that mark moments, that make them special.

So weird as it sounds, I'm going to enjoy my cold. I'll work through it, and hope it moves along quickly, but while it's here, I will acknowledge and respect it.

And drink tea out of a pretty cup.