Summer discoveries

Ha! I have managed, after much too long, to access my account. Let the summer blogging begin!

Let us hope that after such a long hiatus from thesunsbirthday that I shall have something interesting to write about this summer. My plans for the season are simple: a babysitting job for two gradeschool children and one highschool student. No performances planned as of now, but my heart aches to step on stage. In place of a summer musical, I have bought an acoustic guitar, which I shall learn as well as I can. And I shall read. Oh, I shall read.

So far, I have read Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, and In Defense of Food, by Michael Pollan, and am currently enjoying Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. Alas, the first time I picked up the latest novel was four years ago as an obligation of my English class. Having read much more classic literature since then, my mind is more attuned to the language and am thus enjoying it much more. In fact, as I write this I think in classic English prose, for I watch Becoming Jane. I must admit, though her British accent is not perfect, I still admire Anne Hathaway and take great pleasure in knowing that her name, like mine, is spelled with an E. Until later, at which time I promise a much better post, I send my love and affection.

My weekend on the high-ropes

For a New Beginning

In out-of-the-way places of the heart,
Where your thoughts never think to wander,
This beginning has been quietly forming,
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire,
Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,
Noticing how you willed yourself on,
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the gray promises that sameness whispered,
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,
Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream,
A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not yet clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life's desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure;
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

~ John O'Donohue ~

What a wonderful poem... and what a wonderful beginning to an amazing weekend!
I recently participated in Dominican University's Emerging Leaders Retreat, a weekend of adventure and discovery for a fantastic group of freshmen. We were sent off to the Outdoor Wisconsin Leadership School (OWLS) in Wisconsin by President Donna Carrol and Vice President Sr. Diane Kennedy, the amazing leaders of this University. Sr. Diane read this poem to us before we left with our host of eager frosh, excited student leaders, and patient staff members.
Now, if you think this was an ordinary group of college kids, you are oh so wrong. These were (and still are, I suppose) the kind of people who actually like ice-breaker games because they are a good way to make friends. They will do their best to line up in order of birthday without stepping off of a foot-high log or speaking because "mysterious dust" is in their throats. They might even strap themselves into a harness and traverse a rope bridge or walk across logs 30 feet in the air. They are blue, gold, green, orange, and a jumbled mix of these fascinating "color characteristics" (more about that later). Most of all, they care. These are the type of people who are passionate about leading others to a better world through peaceful action. Ghandi's quote, "Be the change you wish to see in the world" adorns their t-shirts, which they believe wholeheartedly. What amazing people. How lucky I am to call them my classmates and friends.

The camp was beautiful, the weather was nippy but nice, the stars were innumerable, the s'mores were perfectly gooey, the conversations were meaningful and the laughter was endless. I especially liked zip-lining down from the high-ropes course... because it meant I would be on the ground!
For me, the most amazing part about the retreat was being called a "social butterfly." That's right, me! A social butterfly! What?? Apparently, I'm coming out of my cocoon. All I know is that I enjoy every chance I get to stretch my growing butterfly wings.

To all of my ladybugs, blue people, Brunk Cabin-mates, and s'more lovers: I look forward to "being the change" with you!

Once upon a time, in a distant land...

Hello friends, it's been a while and I miss you all.

The reason I haven't written is because I am in a magical, distant place full of wonderful things to do, amazing people to meet, and brilliant things to see called college. Here, my dear friends, is my list of favorite things about college (in no particular order):

1. The campus looks and feels like Hogwarts. The first day of class, I had to stop myself from asking why all the students were not in house robes, and why in the world the faculty was not wearing pointed caps. The reality is, this is Dominican University, not Hogwarts, but the Gothic, ivy draped vibe is still the same. The way light shines through the second level chapel at night is enchanting and beautiful.

2. There is this awesome vibe here called Caritas et Veritas. When I came to admissions events and went on a tour through the campus as a high schooler I was blown away by how friendly everyone was. The school truly is full of people brimming with happiness, from the teachers who actually know your name to the sisters who give you random hugs in the hallways and even the students who hold doors like true gentlemen and ladies. The school motto, meaning "Love and Truth" is totally legit.

3. I have the cutest dorm room. Yes, I was nervous about how it would come together, but it has. My roommate (who is the best roommate one could ask for) and I have bedecked and bedazzled our room complete with art posters, butterfly wall stickers, and shelves full of health food. We have even welcomed another friend into our home, Francis the Goldfish, who I won at the annual DU Fest. My curious friend is a brilliant orange color who brightens even the most difficult homework assignment.

4. I actually like my classes. Yes, that is right, I like my teachers. All of them. I really appreciate how my English 102 teacher didn't just slap an A on my paper... she's actually going to make me refine my writing style before I can have that 4.0. I am also enjoying my Nutrition (yee!), Honors Seminar (aka book club), Chemistry (you'd like chem 101 too if you had this teacher... he doesn't look at you funny no matter how stupid your question is), and Computer Science (very little homework, please and thank you) classes.

5. I'm not the only Jesus Freak, in fact there's a bunch of us. I can go to Mass every day with the sisters on campus and a group of faithful friends. I get to sing in the Liturgical Choir (and get academic credit). Whipping out a rosary is totally commonplace. I can also be a part of an awesome group called Breaking Open, which consists of the coolest group of people on campus and tons of other prayer and service opportunities. I'm even meeting people from different faiths and learning about them. Plus, the chapel is connected to a reading room, which I have taken full advantage of. How cool is that!

6. I don't care what the other kids on campus say, I like the food. The thing is, the cooks sneak vegetables into pretty much everything, so of course I love it! I figure if you don't like the choices of the day just go to the salad bar or make yourself a PB&J.

7. I can wear whatever I want. No uniforms for college kids. Ha!

8. I don't have to wake up at 6:00am to get to class on time. I live two minutes away from breakfast and class... I can get plenty of beauty sleep... most of the time...

9. The Rebecca Crown Library is the most wonderful place in the world. Three levels of library, filled with books from all over the world, in all different languages, on all different subjects, from all different times. I found one book printed in 1850-- and it had a barcode! I can check out anything I want from this glorious place! But more on this later...

10. I know how to get to Chicago and will do so quite often. Believe me, I plan to take full advantage of those student reduced ticket prices!

11. Making new friends, meeting new people, and being overwhelmed with endless opportunities. Yes, it's tiring and stressful, but it's coming together. Dominican University, here I am!

No time but the present

This, my faithful friends, is my very first blog post typed on my new laptop. Hooray!

I am overwhelmingly occupied with college preparations... my room is a mess and half of my life is packed and lined up against the wall, ready for the trip to university. That is why I am truly enjoying this very moment. I am currently sitting in my dining room with three very good friends and one additional amiga via skype. Therefore, I cannot devote the time to a full post.

Post again soon,
Annwithane

A very nice beginning

Holy cow, aren't opening nights amazing!?! The cast and crew of SUA Summertock was thrilled to have a full house last evening for our first show of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. We even pulled out extra chairs to accommodate the people who came to see us! The performance was thrilling-- from the (not-too) overwhelming heat of the un-airconditioned gymatorium to the terror of unexpected microphone problems, there was just enough drama to satisfy our dangerous sides without bursting the show into flames. An awesome audience was exactly what we needed to keep the jokes rolling and the adrenaline high. Thank you to everyone who came!

I found it hilarious that our opening night was on the evening of Friday the 13th... it was like the ultimate "break a leg!"

The show was also highlighted in several local newspapers. Check out this link to The Blade: Troupe Presents its Inaugural Show. How exiting!


To accompany this celebration of theater, please enjoy these delightful quotes about that very topic:

An actor is part illusionist, part artist, part ham. ~Oscar Wilde

An actor is a sculptor who carves in snow. ~Lawrence Barrett

In your choice is your talent. ~Adler

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. ~Goethe

"You can throw away the privilege of acting, but that would be such a shame. The tribe has elected you to tell its story. You are the shaman/healer, that's what the storyteller is, and I think it's important for actors to appreciate that. Too often actors think it's all about them, when in reality it's all about the audience being able to recognize themselves in you." - Ben Kingsley (English actor. 1966-present)

"Every now and then, when you're on stage, you hear the best sound a player can hear. It's a sound you can't get in movies or in television. It is the sound of a wonderful, deep silence that means you've hit them where they live." - Shelley Winters (American actress. 1920-2006)

If a playwright tried to see eye to eye with everybody, he would get the worst case of strabismus since Hannibal lost an eye trying to count his nineteen elephants during a snowstorm while crossing the Alps. -- James Thurber

Acting is the art of speaking in a loud clear voice and the avoidance of bumping into the furniture. -- Alfred Lunt

Next to a tenor, a wardrobe woman is the touchiest thing in show business. [Birdie, in All About Eve] -- Joseph Mankiewicz

Act well your part; there all the honor lies. -- Alexander Pope's Essay on Man, Epistle iv, line 193

"Theatrical Logic"

In is down, down is front, out is up, up is back, off is out, on is in, and of course - right is left, and left is right.
A drop shouldn't and a block and fall does neither. A prop doesn't and a cove has no water.
Tripping is O.K. A running crew rarely gets anywhere. A purchase line will buy you nothing. A trap will not catch anything. A gridiron has nothing to do with football.
A Strike is work (in fact a lot of work). And a green room, thank God, usually isn't. Now that you are fully versed in theatrical terms, Break a leg... but not really!

~Author Unknown

Read more at Suite101: Famous Theater Quotes: Thoughts and Quotations About Theater's Joy, Meaning, and Importance http://playwrights.suite101.com/article.cfm/theater_quotes#ixzz0wbeEAHaw

http://www.satheatre.com/otherstuff/index.htm

http://www.chiff.com/a/theater-quotes.htm

http://upstagereview.org/Quotes.html

Ice cream makes many things better

Yesterday was the one month anniversary of my first official car accident. I know this does not seem to fit in with the rest of my blog... running the back end of a car into a basketball pole is neither delightful nor something to be celebrated, but I assure you-- it was an incredible learning experience.

The shock of such an experience is something that can be remembered forever. The noisy "crunch" and the awful jerk of the car is enough to make one a more cautious driver. Though if that wasn't enough to make one reevaluate one's driving skills, the bitter silence of my father's dissapointed stare and the embarassing week of driving around with a busted tail light is certainly a good reinforcement of safe, concious driving. Luckily, no one was hurt and a replacement piece was able to be found without breaking the bank too badly. I am truly lucky-- though this wasn't the first time a car has been damaged by the basketball pole in the front yard!

The event was filled with interesting and funny moments. I was lifted up by my mother's forgiving smile and a high five. She actually congratulated me on making it through my first driving accident! My brother was quiet and understanding as I drove him to football practice... late, of course... though we did blow off some steam by playing Believe Me Natalie by The Killers very loudly as we made our way there. The condolences of my friends (for my missing tail light) were helpful and many shared stories of their first mishaps. My best friend (and now boyfriend) even surprised me my showing up with my favorite ice cream (black cherry) at midnight... we sat on my front porch and enjoyed our melting treat (milkshake style) under a starry sky.

It certainly is amazing what one can learn in just one month. One's view of the world can change so much; all of a sudden everything seems even more precious and beautiful. I assure you, I am a safer driver than before. Or at least, I'm trying to be! Who knew so much could come from a silly car crunch?

A 10' by 12' pit of possibility

Preparing for college is very stressful, from the application and acceptance portion to the scholarships and financial conundrums... but I don't need to tell you about that. Either you know about all of this already, you will sooner or later, or you will hear others complaining about it from now until forever. But this, my friends, is not my place to complain, rather, I choose to use this online opportunity to muse about my future dorm room.

Ah, my dorm. Shared with just one other person, this is the only place in college that I may officially call my own, and ONLY my own. From the mini fridge to the shower caddy, it seems there are many necessities in this place. However, I am finding that the cutsie, predictable dorm decorations abounding in stores are not inspiring me. Instead of cut-out florals or neon patterns, I'm on the lookout for designs and colors that draw out my inner zen/intellect/happiness.

To do this, I think I shall make a list of the things that inspire me in such ways. Perhaps this will lead me to finding the perfect college bedding set (my cockeyed-optimistic approach)

1. Flowers~ particularly lilies, roses, peonies, and anything that smells delicious

2. Tea Cups~ the old designs are absolutely gorgeous, and I love the soft, iridescent colors

3. Tomatoes~ Honestly, I believe tomatoes are the perfect food. You can do pretty much anything with them and they will taste great

4. Stars~ Nothing is more spectacular than a clear night sky full of stars

5. Ella Fitzgerald~ When paired with Louis Armstrong, nothing can stop her

6. Cinderella~ Rags to riches stories exist all over the world, as do brilliant interpretations of this girl's fantastic wardrobe

7. Chanel~ "A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous" -Coco Chanel

8. Pianos~ From the music they make to the alluring shine of their keys, there is something truly appealing about a piano, not to mention those people who can play one

9. Speaking Spanish~ I like how much I think about what I am saying, but even better is when I don't have to think as hard- and it just comes to me!

10. Walking~ Through parks, neighborhoods, cities, country streets, beaches- there is no better place than the present. You can walk wherever you are.

11. Museums~ The one and only type of place I love to get lost in

How this list will help me set up my dorm room, I'm not sure... Though I have some ideas now.

Reading my own palm

My design interpretations according to my interests:

Flowers: Perhaps a vase, bottle, or bowl full of blooms (fake or real... preferably real)

Tea Cups: Look for soft pinks, blues and turquoise with gold accents and delicate designs

Tomatoes: Hmm, maybe an obsession with tomatoes should just stay in the kitchen...

Stars: One is never too old for glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling.

Ella Fitzgerald: There is an intriguing poster of Ella at a performance- you can just tell how engrossed she is in her own world of music and rhythm.

Cinderella: Ah, Cinderella- I'll reflect my love of her with my shoe collection

Chanel: Authentic Chanel may require something more extravagant than a college student's budget, but I can certainly draw from her tasteful use of pearls, tailored fabric, and good smells

Pianos: A collection of quality piano tunes in digital form would fit perfectly into a dinky dorm room while making it sound as huge as a concert hall

Speaking Spanish: Ooh, architectural elements from Spain are gorgeous- think wrought iron crosses, brightly painted tiles, and fountains. I believe a cross is in order, right above my bed.

Walking: "Walking" might be a hint to get out of the room. Frequent walking will be part of my schedule.

Museums: Posters will abound in the old-fashioned way: filling the walls from top to bottom. However, I hope I won't get too lost in my own room.

Wow! I truly think it was worth my while to do this. It's like reading my own mind...

A New Adventure

Is there anything more delightful than the little things in life? Of course not, which is why this blog will be filled with musings about wonderful things that make my life simply great.
Wish me luck, for this is my first blogging adventure. Hopefully (with practice) my posts will bring some of my happiness to you!

The inspiration for my title:


i thank You God

i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything
wich is natural which is infinite which is yes

(i who have died am alive again today,
and this is the sun's birthday;this is the birth
day of life and love and wings:and of the gay
great happening illimitably earth)

how should tasting touching hearing seeing
breathing any-lifted from the no
of all nothing-human merely being
doubt unimaginable You?

(now the ears of my ears awake and
now the eyes of my eyes are opened)

E. E. Cummings