Keeping Up with Cheryl Ann

Window Shopping

2011-12-12T00:04:00.009-05:00

Found here.

alis volat propriis

2011-12-04T23:27:00.000-05:00

Who's Your Celebrity Doppelgänger?

2011-11-12T15:39:00.003-05:00

My celebrity doppelgänger is Zooey Deschanel

Free-spirited and unique, you can’t help but stand out from the crowd — just like your celebrity twin, the cute and quirky film actress Zooey Deschanel. Whether it’s your slightly retro hairstyle, jewelry, or makeup, you love expressing your offbeat sense of style and artistic soul. In some ways, you’re like a modern-day flower child — you follow your own path and love finding the beauty in the people and places around you.

Fellow doppelgängers include Nicole Ritchie, Rihanna, Drew Barrymore, and Sienna Miller

4th Grade Report Card

2011-11-04T16:13:00.003-04:00

Cade received his first real report card. Here's how he did:

In Music, Art, PE, Behavior and Work Habits he earned an "S." There's no key on the actual report card, so I'm assuming an "S" means satisfactory and not sucks.

In his core classes, Reading, Language Arts, Math and Science he earned a "B." I'm especially proud of Cade's Math grade. We all worked hard for that B!

He did make a "C" in Social Studies, which surprised me.

Cade was very proud of his accomplishments, and we were too. We took him to dinner to celebrate.

Congratulatory Skittles Tree

2011-11-02T19:05:00.001-04:00

My mom made this for me in celebration of my promotion to Training Instructor. Love, love, love it!!

Unhappy Halloween

2011-11-01T13:21:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since I've worked for a company that encourages dressing up for Halloween, my absolute favorite holiday of the year. Some of the characters I portrayed in the past: a mime, The Phantom of the Opera, a fortune teller, a farmer's daughter, Emmett Kelly, Zorro, Juliet, Roxie Hart, and a Mardi Gras Princess.

This year I had three potential costumes in mind - all Disney characters. Ultimately it boiled down to what I could find at Goodwill.

A brown skirt was the easiest find. I was terribly excited to find the same blue colored undershirt, then the search began for a black vest. Beige kitchen curtains could be altered to make the apron. I already had black ballet flats (purchased at Goodwill last year). And I also found silver shoes that would do for the glass slipper. I was going to be Cinderella!

I woke expecting to feel the rush of kid-like Christmas morning excitement! Instead I felt the rush of blood to my head, the throbbing of my sinuses, the swell of my throat. I downed some pills and returned to bed, optimistic a nap would make me feel better. I awoke in a drug induced haze, feeling worse. After Cade told me that I looked "real bad", I called in to work sick, and returned to bed. My Boo turned into boo hoo hoo. I guess I'll be Cinderella next year.

2011-10-31T09:11:00.001-04:00

Brained

2011-10-14T12:01:00.001-04:00

Source

I am both.

Fish Tacos

2011-08-28T21:22:00.000-04:00

Last time I was at Village Tavern I noticed Fish Tacos, a new addition to their menu. Bridget and Dana were telling me how tasty fish tacos are and I really wanted to try them. Never having them before, I chickened out during that visit. Since the VT is right across the street from work, for tonight’s dinner, Bridget and I ordered fish tacos.

Blackened Tilapia with lettuce, Tavern sauce, guacamole and salsa. Served with black beans and rice.

I have to say that I was unimpressed. Black beans – wonderful! Rice – ok. Tilapia – meh. I don’t think there was any salsa in my two tacos because I kept thinking the tacos lacked…something…umph, spicyness, flavor.

At least now I can say that yes, I’ve had fish tacos. I don’t think it’ll be something I’ll readily order again.

An Afternoon At The Movies

2011-08-13T17:45:00.001-04:00

Mallorie and I really wanted to see this on opening day, but my work schedule interfered. So, we caught the show this afternoon.

We had a great time singing along with our favorite Glee songs "Raise Your Glass," "Jessie's Girl," "Loser Like Me," and "Somebody To Love." Our favorite part of the entire movie was after the credits and the Mini Warbler. He is too cute for words; Mallorie and I laughed until we cried.

We were so inspired by the concert that we decided to finish watching all the Season 2 episodes that we hadn't watched since April.

We are Gleeks and proud of it!

2011-08-09T11:01:00.002-04:00

Last night for my lunch break I went to the Mall, the Hallmark store specifically. Chris' birthday is this weekend and I needed to pick out a card.

The store was empty, or as empty as a store can be at the Mall. Since no one was around I caught myself singing, mostly under my breath, but singing none the less.

“I throw my hands up in the air sometimes
saying ay-oh, gotta let go
I wanna celebrate and live my life
saying ay-oh, baby let's go"

The song is "Dynamite" and Taio Cruz sings it. However, I was singing the slowed down part that China Anne McClain sings in an episode of Disney Channel's A.N.T. Farm. I've been singing this for several days now. I love singing it because it's a part I think I can sing fairly well.

As I moved down one of the card aisles, a couple of people were talking to the cashier. What caught my attention was hearing my name – Cheryl Ann. I stayed where I was, but stopped singing to pay further attention. They were talking about how Cheryl Ann couldn’t sing!

OMG!

I ducked my head down so they wouldn’t see me. They kept talking about how bad Cheryl Ann's singing was. I was freaking out because I was only singing in the store and pretty low in volume so they couldn't possibly have heard me enough to know that I am not really a singer.

Close to mortification, I'm thinking the people talking have to be either co-workers or theatre peeps, and they've seen me in the store, heard me singing and thought I had left the store. As scared as I was that they would see me, I peeked over the top of the card case to try and see who was talking about me.

As I was standing on my tiptoes, one mentioned that she hated hearing me singing…with Bon Jovi.

Bon Jovi? Wait…what?

And then it hit me…it’s not Cheryl Ann they are talking about. It’s Sugarland.

Oh, those damn southern accents.

An Afternoon At The Movies

2011-07-31T20:10:00.002-04:00

While I grew up in the Smurf era, I didn't really get into the cartoons. Still, I did own a few of the figurines and used the "smurf" language for a time. That a Smurf movie was coming out did nothing for me. That it was offered in 3D did not impress me. That it was a live actin movie set in NYC and starring Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays had me putting it on my "must see" list. Mallorie is a fellow NPH and Jayma Mays fan so she was willing to go. Cade decided to go based on a few TV commercials.

All in all it was an enjoyable movie and we had a good time.

Super Excited!

2011-07-23T17:27:00.000-04:00

Mallorie and I are going to see them tonight!!!

Very Proud

2011-07-14T20:41:00.000-04:00

Course Description

2011-07-10T12:32:00.001-04:00

Ok, so Robin sent us the descriptions of what each of us will be teaching. Here's mine:

Drama/Auditioning - Cheryl Ann Roberts Actor & Former Educational Theatre Services Coordinator, Southeastern Theatre Conference
Explore dramatic "cold readings" acting, best practices, head shots and resumes.

I'll have to do some research on the "cold readings" piece. But "best practices" will be easy peasy due to the work I did on SETC's "Nail That Audition" webinar last year.

I'm less nervous and much more excited!

And Scene...

2011-07-09T11:13:00.000-04:00

While it was great reprising Rachael (I mean...she's such a fun, no boundaries kinda character!), I'm glad for The Couch to be over.

Thank you to Chad, Ken, Myla, Mark and Bridget for coming out to see it!

Your face! I thought you were really having one!
~NS 7.8
**********
GREAT job tonight! You had me laughing every time you talked! So fun!!
~JP 7.8
**********
You were spot on brilliant in "The Couch." Enjoyed every second. :-)
~MF 7.9
**********

Legit

2011-07-05T11:10:00.001-04:00

So, it's official. Robin's classes have been approved and I will be teaching class on the 12th. I'm still not sure what I'm supposed to teach, only that I will have two classes - one for middle school students and one for high schoolers.

I'm both nervous and excited. I'm nervous about not having a lesson plan to go by, but I'm so totally excited about working with kids. I absolutely love working with kids!

Change Your Words

2011-07-01T00:08:00.000-04:00

This is such a beautiful video.

Love and Support

2011-06-28T17:02:00.003-04:00

Joe, Maryann, Mark, Latimer, Eric, Mallorie, Chris, Robin, April, Bill, Michael, Myla, Nanette, Ken and Heather, Chad, Mom, Fred, Bridget, Lee, Dad, Laurel, Neil, Kati, Katie, and Perry...

thank you so very much for your encouragement, your faith, your hugs and praise, and especially all your love and support during The Beauty Queen of Leenane. I could not have brought Maureen to such life without each of you sharing in her breath.

Beauty Queen Kudos

2011-06-28T15:18:00.003-04:00

Loved the show. You are wonderful. I wish you were famous and then I could say I know her.
~RM 6.15
**********
It was FANTASTIC, Cheryl Ann- WOW!!!
~LBA 6.16
**********
You were simply brilliant.
~CEC 6.18
**********
Hi Cheryl. I am so sorry I didn't get to talk to you after the show last night. You were magnificent! Wonderful, wonderful work!
~SM 6.18
**********
You MUST go see The Beauty Queen of Leenane. Some of the most incredible performances I've ever seen by Maryann Luedtke, Latimer Alexander V, Mark Flora and Cheryl Ann Roberts. An incredible, if disturbing, evening.
~JB 6.18
**********
I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful show it was, and what an amazing performance. You are so lucky to get to do the challenging meaty roles, and you were incredible as always. The accents were amazing and came effortlessly and it was only a few minutes before one realized there were accents at all.

Anyway, I just wanted to congratulate you on an AMAZING performance, and I hope your hiatus from theatre (after THE COUCH) won’t be very long!!
~KA 6.20
**********
Did I mention that you were simply amazing in the show? Genius, I say! Genius! (not to be confused with the liquid refreshment Guinness)
~MO 6.21
**********
You were spectacular!
~FM 6.24
**********
My dear...KUDOS for your performance last evening! U were GREAT! What an intense show and it was so well cast! You guys all rock!

And for goodness sake................get a room!
~LH 6.25
**********
Nice night tonight with my wife and some good theatre, namely "The Beauty Queen of Leenane" at OSCT, featuring the fabulous Cheryl Ann Roberts.
~LU 6.26
**********
Just wanted to write and thank you for such a brilliant character you created for BQ..and to thank you for trusting me in the process. You were/are great to work with...fun and creative.
Your performance and interactions with other characters was awe inspiring!
Hope we can do it again sometime.
~JN 6.28
**********
YOU! YOU! You were magnificent! Did I tell you that? :o)
~NS 6.28
**********

Happy Birthday, Mom

2011-06-27T08:13:00.000-04:00

Performance, "The Beauty Queen of Leenane"

2011-06-25T23:50:00.000-04:00

I have to say that last night and tonight's audiences were the best, so far. It might have been because I decided to tweak Maureen just a tad bit. And for that I ~~blame~~ thank Mark, who plays Pato.

Last Saturday, as I came off the first scene, Mark high-fived me commenting that I was on fire. "Evil" and "mocking" were two more words that stuck with me. Those are not adjectives that should come right after the opening scene! That combined with the woman in the front row that held such tongue-clicking disgust for me (at one point I was really afraid she was going to jump up on stage and go after me!) had me rethinking my acting choices.

The play works best when the audience empathizes with both Maureen and Mag. We are our own worse enemies and our own victims. What I believed happened was that I was playing Maureen a bit too harsh. If I was starting the very first scene "evil" and "mocking" I really had nowhere else to go with her. I was also overpowering Maryann's attempts to grow Mag. Ultimately I was hurting the lay by inadvertently making Maureen immediately unlikable.

So Friday I made Maureen a bit softer, lighter and it worked so much better. We actually got laughs that we'd never gotten before! Both audiences went right along for the ride that Mag and Maureen took them on. Instead of being so very dark and heavy, the show was simply sad, which is what the playwright intended it to be.

2011-06-25T17:53:00.002-04:00

Ok, guys, do you agree or disagree with Scott? Do you have more to add to the list?

9 Things Guys Find Sexy About You That Have Nothing To Do With How You Look

by Scott Alden on April 21, 2011

There is no denying that looks are what usually first attracts us to a woman, but most guys who have been around the block also know that how hot a woman appears to be on the surface has very little to do will how good the sex will actually be.

However, there is a lot that we can tell about how sexy a woman really is, if we pay attention to certain things. Here are 9 examples:

1. Your Walk
Oh man. A brisk, confident, heel-clicking strut? A slow, hip-swinging mosey? Would it be creepy if I just walked behind you for awhile? (I know. It would. That's the definition of creepy.)
2. Your Voice
Whether it's smokey/scratchy, airy or, I'll say it, slightly lisp-y, the way you talk can be a major turn-on.
3. Your Sharp Wit
Just watch any classic screwball comedy -- verbal sparring is the ultimate foreplay.
4. The Way You Dance
This one's pretty obvious right? The way you move is the way you move.
5. Your Adventurous Spirit
And being up for anything kind of implies that you might be up for anything. On the other hand...
6. Your Shyness
If the bedroom is the only place that you really let yourself go crazy, it's kind of twice as hot.
7. Your Laugh
I think the laugh was the first thing I ever found sexy. Before I knew what sexy was, I remember hearing Kathleen Turner's laugh (I was probably 7) and feeling something... different.
8. The Way You Smell
I'm not talking about what perfume you wear. I'm talking about the way you smell. I'm talking about burying my face between your neck and shoulder, inhaling and losing all capacity for rational thought.
9. Your Ability to Communicate
Nobody's going to believe me on this one, but it's one hundred percent true. Even the hottest, easiest sexual relationship is eventually going to run into a snag somewhere. A woman who can express complex feelings clearly and confidently is a woman who's going to be able to keep the sex interesting and fulfilling when the initial shine wears off.

Happy Birthday, Mallorie

2011-06-20T08:32:00.000-04:00

(Yes, that's a dragon cake. )

Final Dress, "The Beauty Queen Of Leenane"

2011-06-15T23:19:00.000-04:00

Man, I was on a roll tonight! We were rocking along, things were going well, lines were being delivered and pacing was great. I was resisting the urge to posture and pose for the photographer who was taking show pics. We were on!

I'm backstage, struggling to get into my final black dress when I realize I've got it on inside out. I yank it off and redress, trying to beat the lights up of the final scene. I see Mark come offstage and send up a little prayer that I made the costumer change in time. I grab the raincoat and start my entrance, wondering why the lights still haven't come up. Doesn't Eric see me? I jangle my keys in an attempt to signal Eric that I'm about to enter.

Lights come up, I open the door and step onstage. I see that Maryann is sitting in the rocking chair. Shit. Wait, what? Now I realize that I'm all wrong. I've skipped an entire scene!! And funnier still, it's my own page and a half monologue!

(I didn't actually skip it. As soon as I realized what scene I was supposed to be in, I sprang into action.)

Yes, that's the beauty of live theatre where things can go wrong. Thankfully, though, there was no audience other than the photographer, and he didn't know I'd messed up. And, of course, I had to reassure Joe and Eric that it won't happen again.

2011-06-12T10:54:00.000-04:00

Had one yesterday, compliments of McDonald's. It was tarty, refreshing and delish!

For Hannah

2011-06-10T08:45:00.000-04:00

Tonight's Feature

2011-05-15T21:03:00.003-04:00

The play came to my attention in 2006 when Cynthia Nixon won a Tony for the role of Becca. I read the play shortly thereafter and immediately fell in love with it. I wish I could say the same about this movie.

I'm baffled over why John Cameron Mitchell chose to set particularly intimate scenes in public venues. A bowling alley? A cold, dank basement? A public park? I mean, really??? Mallorie also felt those scenes lost their power in the wide open spaces.

I'm still trying to decide if I liked Nicole Kidman's portrayal. I did like Aaron Eckhart as Howie and I thought Miles Teller was spot-on as Jason. I thought it was unfortunate that Nat's (Dianne Wiest) and Izzy's (Tammy Blanchard) roles were so watered down in the movie. Maggie Gallagher and Laurel Ullman, who played these wonderful roles in Theatre Alliance's staged reading were soooo much better.

My Mother's Day

2011-05-10T17:20:00.001-04:00

I had a very nice Mother's Day. Cade made a colorful card for me, as well as a decorative cup. Mallorie gave me some much needed Bath and Body Works lotion in one of my favorite fragrances. And all chipped in for an absolutely stunning Pandora bracelet.

I also received a FB message yesterday that really made my heart smile.

So, yes, I had a very nice Mother's Day.

For My Mom

2011-05-08T12:49:00.005-04:00

It has not always been a smooth road that you and I traveled.

I'm pretty sure you will agree that my teenage years were the worse years of your life. I knowingly chose the opposing side; purposely fighting against you. As I battled for independence and my own identity you became the unwitting target for my frustrations.

During my 20's you supported me without judgement, watching me grow into my role as a single parent. During my 30's I became someone neither one of us recognized as I struggled with marital expectations and postpartum depression. These failures and disappointments lead to shifts to my priorities and searches for moments I missed in my 20's. You were conflicted; torn between reaching out to salve and slapping needed sense into my head. You tried both and I purposely lost you.

Now in my 40's I am surprised to find that in many ways I am turning into you. Even more astonishing, I am absolutely relishing this transformation. My own parenting mirrors the philosophy you quietly instilled in me all my life.

While never once did I make it easy on you, you held on to the wisdom that one day we'd come out, together, and on the same side. And as always, you were right.

Simply, thank you, Mom. I love you too.

Last Night's Feature

2011-05-07T10:56:00.001-04:00

As soon as Mallorie got home from spotlighting WSTA's Alice In Wonderland we popped in the DVD. We both knew it was a twist on the traditional vampire story, however neither of us were expecting it to be so gory. Aside from the CG scenes, the FX were disgustingly good.

It really was a sweet coming-of-age love story, and both child actors were remarkable. Richard Jenkins was absolutely amazing. A particular moment between him and Abby had me initially reeling from inappropriateness, but then had me pining from such tenderness.

Date Night

2011-05-06T22:43:00.001-04:00

Phoenix was beautiful and I had a great time, but I really did miss my little man. When Allan asked him why I was coming home last night instead of today, Cade smugly replied, "Because Mommy missed me."

When Cade got home from school I asked him if he wanted to go on a date tonight and we decided to attend his school's Carnival. $5.00 got him 20 tickets to exchange for various fair activities. He met up with one of his BFFs, Colton, and I soon became a third wheel. No matter, I was content to watch him race around and have fun.

Here's one of the "booths" Cade was most excited about. The car came compliments of the Winston Cup Museum.

An Evening At The Theatre

2011-05-04T23:31:00.000-04:00

When I discovered that Billy Elliot The Musical was going to be playing at the ASU Gammage while I was in Tempe I made immediate plans to attend.

Right after class I walked from CHQ to the Gammage Auditorium. I had decided to purchase my ticket at the Box Office instead of messing with an online purchase. For $50.50 I got a first row, first tier balcony seat (68). I grabbed a chicken pesto salad at the Portico Café, and reviewed the Playbill.

Unfortunately we did not get to see Faith Prince as Mrs. Wilkinson. Beverly Ward played the role well enough. Our Billy was Giuseppe Bausilio, 13, who hails from Bern, Switzerland and enjoys cooking, skiing, swimming, reading, speaks 5 languages, studies kung fu, cello and piano. And oh, he's a trained ballet, modern, jazz, flamenco, hop-hop, and tap dancer. Of course.

Overall the show did not reach the levels of excitement I had expected. The "Angry Dance" which was performed with gusto at the Tonys, was only ho-hum. While certainly capable, Giuseppe lacked, well, the anger of the piece. His "Dear Billy" (Mum's Letter) duet with Mum (Jennifer Evans) and Mrs. Wilkinson brought tears to my eyes. Heartwrenchingly beautiful. "Dear Billy" (Billy's Reply) was equally so.

My absolute favorite scene was the Billy and Older Billy ballet/aerial dance. Maximilien A. Baud, who played Older Billy, was wonderfully mesmerizing. Again, the simplistic beauty of their performance brought tears to my eyes.

Jacob Zelonky played Michael, Billy's BFF. He is one talented kid with perfect comic timing. His performance and personality during "Expressing Yourself" filled the stage as much as the come-to-life dresses did.

2011-05-02T21:57:00.003-04:00

Because Betsey wouldn't have been caught dead hosting annual SETC conventions in high school/college budget hotels, I got very used to staying in the lap of luxury. My week long stay at the Courtyard by Marriott in Tempe will be no different.

Last Night's Feature

2011-05-02T08:18:00.001-04:00

After delivery of an all-better laptop, last minute laundry, pre-packing, a mad dash to Kohl's to get an electronic tag removed, Chris, Mallorie and I finally sat down to watch the DVD.

The storyline is one you've seen a million and one times before, and the story itself is fairly ho-hum. What really made this movie highly enjoyable were:

1.| Jake Gyllenhaal - NAKED. Man, oh man! The boy has a rockin body to equal his rugged good looks. Like a kid in a candy store I couldn't help but drool and squeal with delight during each of his fleshy scenes. Mmm hmm.

2.| Anne Hathaway. She is absolutely beautiful. Expressive eyes, pouty lips, and gorgeous hair.

3.| Josh Gad. Hi.LAR.i.ous

The Journal Article About Cade's Blog

2011-05-01T13:35:00.003-04:00

The item appeared in today's MOTHER'S DAY 2011, a special advertising section of the Winston-Salem Journal.

You can read the article here on Cade's blog.

2011-04-28T22:52:00.001-04:00

Today was the first day of The Shepherd Center's annual used book sale. I've been attending for the past 4 years. Last year I went on the final day of the shttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifale and I didn't bring home muchttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifh. This year I was determined to go early for the best pick. I ended up getting out of work earlier than expected so I was at the Education Building by 2:30p. Since the sale opened 5 hours earlier, I felt I'd have a good selection.

So that I didn't blow my entire paycheck, I set a $20 limit. I also wore my heels, which after a full 8 hour day, was beginning to hurt my feet. Pain has a tendency to focus, so I headed straight for the Drama and Fiction tables.

An hour and $14 later, I hobbled out, laden with books:

1.) The Collected Plays of Neil Simon, Volume II
2.) Atonement
3.) Eat Pray Love
4.) Something Borrowed
5.) Something Blue
6.) I Heard That Song Before
7.) The Memory Keeper's Daughter
8.) Love Walked In
9.) Running With Scissors
10.) Who Moved My Cheese

Tonight's Feature

2011-04-27T20:44:00.003-04:00

I don't remember Ben Affleck being so buff! As it was, I forgave his soft acting with such a tight body to watch. Mmmmm hmmmm.

Overall I liked the movie. Bad guys, lots of action, and even a little romance. And things resolved exactly as they should. Very enjoyable.

One Happy Girl

2011-04-27T17:01:00.000-04:00

I love it when the Tiffany blue envelope arrives in the mail. New catalog!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T08:59:00.000-04:00

Cade and I Might Be In The Paper!

2011-04-19T23:30:00.001-04:00

I follow Winston-Salem Monthly magazine both on Facebook and Twitter. The editor posed a question today that I happened to answer. And things took off from there!

-----Original Message-----
From: Me
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2011 3:34 PM
To: WSJ WSMonthly
Subject: Kids Artwork

I don't know how unique it is, but I created a blog with my 7-year-old son to record pictures he took with his camera. Two years later, his blog also includes pictures of his school artwork, at-home drawings, and writings.

Cheryl Ann

From: ELineback
To: Me
Sent: Tue, Apr 19, 2011 4:02 pm
Subject: RE: Kids Artwork

This is great!

Do you mind potentially being in a story that is scheduled to run in the Winston-Salem Journal (I think the weekend before Mother's Day)?

If so, what's your full name? And where do you live (just the town -- not sure if you're in W-S or in another town in the area)?

What was the catalyst for creating the blog? Who sees it, and what do they say about his creations? Has the blog evolved any in the last two years or is the method/system pretty much the same? What does your son think about it?!

And finally, what do you do with the originals once he's captured the image for the blog? How do you feel looking back at his artwork, comparing his work then versus now, etc.?

(He's 9 years old now, correct?) Do you mind giving his first name? You don't have to if you'd rather not, but it'd be good if we could include it.

Thanks so much!

Emily-Sarah

From: Me
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2011 5:40 PM
To: Lineback, Emily-Sarah
Subject: Re: Kids Artwork

I would be honored!

My full name is Cheryl Ann Roberts and I live in Lewisville. My son's name is Cade and yes, he is 9 years old.

When he was 7 I got him a camera for Christmas. He was thrilled and took all kinds of pictures. According to him, EVERY picture he took was good and worthy; I just didn't want to print ALL of his pictures for an album. His blog was created to mutually satisfy us both!

His blog started as just camera pictures. Over the past two years it's evolved to include his school artwork and doodles/drawings he does at home. Some artwork was given away to decorate family fridges and my office cubicle wall. Other papers are recycled and still others reside in a box in my attic waiting for "that day". (And by "that day" I mean either the one when I'll scrapbook it or pass on to his future wife.) We've also included a few of his writings (plays, stories and poems).

I've just recently started tracking the "traffic" to his blog. Mostly it's family members and close friends who read it. "Creative" is the word they use to describe Cade.

Cade is sometimes embarrassed to go back and see previous entries. But overall he's proud of his development, as am I.

From: ELineback
To: Me
Sent: Tue, Apr 19, 2011 5:48 pm
Subject: RE: Kids Artwork

Cheryl Ann, this is perfect. (And how cool.) Thank you so much! I may have a follow-up question, but what you've sent is wonderful. I really appreciate it.

Emily-Sarah

Friday Funny

2011-04-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

To hoom it mae cunsern,

I waunt to apply for the job what I saw in the paper.

I kin Type realee qwik wit one finggar and do sum a counting.

I think I am good on the fone and I no I am a pepole person, Pepole realee seam to reespond too me well. Certain men and all the ladies...

I no my spelling is not too good but find that I Offen can get a job wit my persinalety.

My salerery is open so we kin discus wat you want to pay me and wat you think that I am werth,

I kin start emeditely. T hank yoo in advanse fore yore anser.

hopifuly Yore best aplicant so farr.

Sinseerly,
Bubba

PS: Because my resimay is a bit short - below is a pickture of me.

Dear Bubba:

It's OK, Honey. We've got spell check.

See you Monday.

This Makes Me Smile

2011-04-11T08:16:00.002-04:00

(And also makes me want to reread The Battle of Shallowford by Ed Simpson.)

Tonight's Feature

2011-04-08T21:00:00.002-04:00

Ken and I saw the staged production at The Public Theatre back in 2007. I was so excited to have been so close to Phillip Seymour Hoffman that I could have reached out and touched his arm. I was also thrilled to see Daphne Rubin-Vega on stage. Neither disappointed.

I was initially upset that Raleigh was the closest city showing the movie. I email a/perture cinema and asked if they would consider showing it. Apparently they did, though I was out of town during the short run. Even though the DVD was a high priority on my Amazon (birthday) wish list, once I realized I wasn't going to get it I placed it at the top spot in my Netflix queue.

Mallorie and I watched it tonight. She was slightly bored with it and I was absolutely enthralled. Jack is a very quirky, awkward character and Hoffman's portrayal was spot on. Clyde is Jack's best friend and Ortiz's performance was endearing. The pool scenes were some of my favorite in the movie. Rubin-
Vega's character, Lucy, was appropriately bitchy. Her cut down of Clyde and their marriage is heartbreaking.

I loved the movie as much as I loved the stage production. And even though I've seen the movie, it's still on my Amazon list. Maybe for Mother's Day?

Resurrecting Rachel?

2011-04-08T12:11:00.000-04:00

From: Kati Frazier
To: Devon; Laurel; Cheryl Ann; Greg; Chris; Sam; Alice; Katie
Sent: Fri, Apr 8, 2011 10:51 am
Subject: The Couch again?

Hey guys!

So, I have already mentioned this to some of you, but that possibility of bring The Couch to Theatre Alliance is becoming a reality. We will be performing July 7th and 8th with a tech on the 6th.

Of course that use of "we" is tentative. I want as many of you back as possible, mainly because I like you and enjoyed what you did with the script but also because it will make putting this back up much, much faster. The plan right now is to start rehearsal in early June, and the schedule should be pretty light. We will mainly be refreshing our memories, working a few minor revisions, and bringing up to speed any new actors. How busy it is depends on how many people I have to replace.

So here is my question to you: Are you in? Don't feel bad if you can't do it, I'll be sad, but I understand that you guys have other shows and other commitments.

*Rachel was such a fun character and I so enjoyed bringing her to life. I'd love to bring her to the Theatre Alliance stage! I advised Kati that I won't know my work schedule until mid May and that I'd let her know as soon as my schedule was ironed out. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it'll work out.

Searching For My New Team

2011-04-07T19:28:00.001-04:00

US Airways bringing 200 jobs to Winston-Salem center
By Richard Craver

US Airways Group Inc. said it is bringing as many as 200 reservation-center jobs to Winston-Salem, offering promising news for job-seekers struggling through a 10.3 percent Triad unemployment rate.

The new hires include 60 workers brought on in March, and another 60 will come on board if they complete training that began Monday. Starting pay for the jobs is $9.96 an hour.

The jobs are returning to the Hanes Mall Boulevard center — as well as to centers in Phoenix and Reno, Nev. — as part of the airline's collective-bargaining agreement with its unions.

It was required to return all reservation sales and service calls originating in the U.S. to domestic call centers by October. The Winston-Salem center operates around the clock, primarily handling specialty domestic calls.

The jobs are not all new positions, said Vonda Hardy, the president of Communications Workers of America Local 3640, which represents the center's workers. The center has lost some union employees in recent months because of attrition, retirement, health issues and workers being let go.

"Being a reservation agent is a very hard job, and some people left to pursue other employment," Hardy said Wednesday. "It truly is a job where you are accountable for every second you are at work."

In December, the airline approached the Winston-Salem City Council for a one-time incentive of up to $29,250 in return for pledging to add up to 200 jobs.

The council approved the request but has not paid any of the incentive, said Derwick Paige, a deputy city manager.

Mayor Allen Joines said, "The city worked hard on this project and is delighted that US Airways chose Winston-Salem as a site to bring back these jobs."

The airline said in December that it had 757 jobs overall at the center, including union and nonunion employees.

Hardy said the workforce represented by the union has dwindled to 600 — down about 30 from 15 months earlier. Some of those employees have left since December, she said. Some non-union management and administrative employees were hired in recent months, she said.

Joines said the airline remains eligible for at least a portion of the incentives based on a net gain of jobs at the center.

The airline has added 60 employees from training sessions that took place in March. Some of those workers are former American Express employees in Greensboro, Hardy said. American Express said Jan. 19 that it was closing its call center by year's end, with an expected loss of about 1,500 regional jobs.

US Airways expects to get another 60 employees from a second round of training that began Monday. It plans to conduct training in July, August and September.

The starting pay for the new jobs is about $20,717 a year, Hardy said. The $9.96 hourly rate represents a 62-cent increase from the current wage.

She said employees get two weeks of vacation and one week of holiday pay, and they qualify for health insurance from day one. As part of the union contract, new hires will get two weeks of holiday pay beginning in 2012.

Forsyth County officials chose not to offer incentives to US Airways because the proposed salaries for the jobs aren't high enough. The county has a guideline that says companies should pay at least $10 an hour to be considered for economic incentives.

A per-job incentive package was offered to US Airways in 2005 when it was considering consolidating its two main reservation centers in Winston-Salem or Pittsburgh. The company collected a small amount in incentives for those jobs.

The center has been one of the city's larger private employers for more than 10 years, including mechanical and other back-office jobs. However, the airline's local workforce has fluctuated sharply over the past nine years.

Since August 2002, US Airways has been through two bankruptcies. It was bought by America West Holdings Corp. in 2006.

Legit

2011-04-06T19:50:00.000-04:00

2011-04-01T20:35:00.003-04:00

Today was my last day at GMAC. While I am looking forward to returning "home", I will greatly miss my co-workers. They organized a food day in my honor and presented me with this card.

What a great, fun group of people they are!

Celebrating 42

2011-03-31T20:18:00.002-04:00

Delicious Birthday Cake

Pretty Birthday Roses

Fabulous Birthday Presents

Cards For My Birthday

2011-03-31T19:47:00.005-04:00

2011-03-20T21:38:00.007-04:00

On April 17 I will be participating in another "den" reading of Reunions, the latest script by my favorite playwright, Bill Cissna. This will be the 4th den reading I've done with Bill.

The reading itself is a reunion of sorts. Everyone but Zac was involved in the staged production of Bill's first play, Conversations In A Cafe.

The Female Cast is:
Gretchen – Mary Lea Williams
Susie – Cheryl Ann Roberts
Mary – Myla O’Brien
Denise – Carson Gregory
Chrissy – Rebecca Clark

The Male Cast is:
Cameron Williams
Scott Terrill
Paul O'Brien
Zac Hiatt

Did you notice that the male character names are not listed? It's not an oversight. I truly don't know the characters the men will be reading. Bill only provided us gender specific parts of the script. I'm very excited to see how the evening plays out!

2011-03-20T21:17:00.003-04:00

Today Cade decided to write a story. When I asked him what it would be about, he said it would take place in a toy store. He said Mikey would be in the story, as well as Jazmin and Cosi (Mikey's two dogs who we kept for a year when he was on tour). Our cats Lizzie and Buddy (who died two years ago) would also be in the story.

He was sharpening his pencil as I headed to the shower to get ready for my afternoon at Theatre Alliance. Forty-five minutes later, I kissed him goodbye and he was still writing.

Cade's creativity never fails to entertain me. If you'd like to read Trapped In The Toy Store, exactly as he wrote it, click here.

In Honor of Spring

2011-03-20T09:31:00.000-04:00

In the name of the Bee-
And of the Butterfly-
And of the Breeze-Amen!

2011-03-17T08:06:00.000-04:00

Happy Brave Soldier's Day, Michael

2011-03-04T08:31:00.000-05:00

For Craig

2011-03-04T08:20:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss

2011-03-02T08:17:00.000-05:00

I was never really into Dr. Seuss, except when Mallorie and Cade were learning to read. But, I really love this cake!

Ken, Let's Go!

2011-03-01T08:03:00.000-05:00

Dream Cast

2011-02-28T20:50:00.005-05:00

I know this play has been made into a movie, but I'd still love to see it staged. And if I was directing, this would be my dream cast:

Joel Bixby - Chad Edwards
Dink Feeny - Neil Shephard
Nick Whalen - Ken Ashford
Perry Latimer - Scott Stevens
Leo Applegate - Anthony Liguori

As I was reading the script tonight, I kept hearing their voices in my head and I could see exactly how each of them would breathe life into their respective characters. With this talented group of men the show would definitely rock!

So how about it guys? When can we all get together and put on a play?

Ten Second Theatre

2011-02-28T18:27:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love that Cade is so creative, and it warms my heart that he is following in my theatrical footsteps. He likes to write and perform his own plays. After writing his script he talked Mallorie into originating the role of Guy. Here's his latest 10 second production:

Cade: Hey, do you want to ride bikes?

Guy: What is a bike?

Cade: You know what a bike is.

Guy: Do you think my hair is bad?

Cade: Just shut up, okay?

Guy: You shut up.

Cade: You.

Guy: You.

Cade: Just...bye.

I gave them both a standing ovation!

Lego Lamborghini

2011-02-27T09:54:00.002-05:00

Cade's birthday is April 12. In an effort to be more organized this year, I'm already making his gift list. Do you think he'd want this?

Last Night's Feature

2011-02-26T12:01:00.001-05:00

In May 2009, I spent a week in NYC. I was the stage manager for "The Nebula Of Georgia" which ran for 3 days at the Manhattan Repertory Theatre. After rehearsal one night Ken and I walked with Kelly back to her hotel. At one of the Broadway intersections, we were halted. Apparently a movie scene was being filmed. A few short moments later a silver car equipped with cameras pointing into the car drove by. Unfortunately we didn't find out what movie it was.

When I saw the trailer, I quickly realized that Ken, Kelly and I had witnessed a scene from this movie. After telling Cade my story he wanted to see the movie. So, last night was another Netflix date night with him.

We both enjoyed the movie, though we were both a bit tired. There were some slow moments and Cade and I had to fight to stay awake. Overall we enjoyed the special effects. Cade has been throwing "plasma balls" all over the house today!

Tonight's Feature

2011-02-18T22:17:00.002-05:00

After some slight begging Mallorie agreed to watch with me. She had to pause the movie a couple of times to ask me to explain what was happening. I had to smile. Her questions indicated a deeper interest from a more mature point of view. She is really starting to think like an adult, instead of a teenager. I'm proud of her.

We both liked the movie, though I wasn't sure if I liked the fact that the lead character wasn't a clear cut good guy/hero.

An Evening At The Theatre

2011-02-17T23:52:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite actors is Ken Ashford. If he's in a show, I will try my best to go see it. After a quick chat with him that included an update on a particular costume, I wasn't so sure. If it weren't for Jamie Lawson and Heather Hamby playing the leads, I really think I would have skipped this show. But Jamie and Heather are such a pleasure to watch, that ultimately I decided to watch.

Honestly, I didn't much care for the show. Now, wait and hear me out before you jump to conclusions. Eating Raoul: The Musical is just not my kind of theatre. Very similar to how Refer Madness wasn't my kind of theatre. I guess I'm just not hip enough to really get into the cult campiness these kinds of shows offer.

But there were a great many things I loved about Theatre Alliance's production of the show, starting with the leads. I was blown away by Jamie's performance in Thrill Me and was really looking forward to seeing him back on stage. His portrayal of Paul Bland was spot on, and I enjoyed every minute of his performance, especially the biker outfit. I always, always enjoy watching Heather. She embodied Mary Bland with such empathy and uncanny comic timing. "One Last Bop" was my favorite musical number. Heather's a true talent with such professionalism that she never missed a beat when her ballgown got caught on her heel.

Natasha Gore was another talented standout. Cary Newberry and David Cole just made me smile. (I so want to party with them!) And the set! I loved the dayglo set.

I was absolutely impressed with the costume design by Shayla Henry and Lindsay McWilliams. The Raoulettes looked fabulous, as did Donna the Dominatrix. And Ken's costume that I almost decided to skip, priceless!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T20:12:00.000-05:00

Today's Feature

2011-02-12T17:26:00.002-05:00

Since this is the last weekend of my unexpected 3 month vacation I decided to treat myself to a pre-Valentine's Day celebration. What better way than with this movie?

I have to admit that I loved this movie! If only I had the money to spend a year abroad!

An Evening At The Theatre

2011-02-11T23:00:00.003-05:00

Earlier tonight I had the pleasure of serving pre-show and intermission beverages to Twin City Stage patrons who were attending the final Friday performance of Dearly Departed. As "payment" for my time, I was able to say and watch the show. And what a delightful show it was!

First of all, I cannot tell you how proud I am of Dillon Robertson's stage debut. He was wonderful! I was also very proud of Beth Frazier, who played Delightful. She remained true to her character without stealing focus.

Ray Stewart as Ray-Bud and Becki West as Suzanne were fun and hilarious to watch. I was so excited to see Ally McCauley and Paul Van Loon. I wished their characters could have had more stage time. The Joy of Life Singers (Katie Abel, Holly Bostick, Kirby Carespodi, and Diana Coe) were, well, a joy.

And I absolutely loved the set designed by Larry Hurych.

Report Card

2011-02-09T18:04:00.000-05:00

Second quarter report cards came out today.

C in Reading
A in Writing
A in Science
C in Social Studies
B in Mathematics

He went down in Reading and Social Studies, and we weren't surprised. Cade has promised to work on his reading comprehension and we've committed to helping him study more. (It floors me that no one teaches you how to study, only telling you that you should.)

The best news is that Cade did improve in Writing, Science and Mathematics. We've really worked hard with Cade on his math. He still has a habit of counting on his fingers and we are trying to help him memorize simply addition/subtraction facts. He's getting so much better with memorization of his multiplication facts.

Calgon...

2011-02-06T12:32:00.000-05:00

take me away!

An Evening At The Theatre

2011-02-05T13:14:00.003-05:00

Mallorie and I attended this 5th show in the 2011 Greensboro Fringe Festival early last night. I enjoyed the show. Mallorie did not.

We both agreed that the show might have been better as a straight play. The story was engaging in and of itself and we felt the music impeded the flow of the story. It did not help that two of the actors were not strong singers. One particular dance number was almost unbearable.

Outside of the musical numbers, what made the show enjoyable was the strong acting from a talented cast. Phil Powell was wonderful as Wellman, Tom Barker was a winner as Joe, and Kalen Gaulden was good as Kay.

My favorite was Laurel Ullman as Sarita. She had the least amount of stage time, but she commanded an indelible presence in flashback movie shots.

The Angels Sang Today

2011-02-04T22:47:00.001-05:00

and all because the UPS man totally surprised me with a delivery.

That's right, my CosMedix products arrived around 11am this morning!! Just to remind you how amazing this is, I placed the order at 7:30p Wednesday night! Lightening fast delivery; I'm totally sold on SkinStore.com.

I began my spa facial treatment at 8pm. I swear I could hear the angels singing as I cleansed my poor scaly face with Purity Clean. Instantly I felt the familiar coolness and clean tingle. I breathed in the wonderful pepperminty fragrance. Relief flooded my face.

Since I couldn't remember the last time I masked and because my face was in such dire condition, I applied Clear which is a clarifying mask. I was initially a bit fearful. Masks usually tighten the skin and I was already feeling like a dried apple. Per the instructions, I left it on for 10 minutes. To occupy my mind I changed my bedsheets and dusted my nightstands and dresser. Back in the bathroom I warmed the water and began to splash off the mask. Looking up into the mirror I was amazed to see such a brillant, fresh face staring back at me.

To help slough off the scaly, dried skin I next used Purity Balance, an exfoliating prep. Once again I felt a wonderful cooling sensation. I headed back to my bedroom to pick up the pile of clothes I let accumulate on the floor. I won't lie. There was a happy spring in my step.

Fifteen minutes later I returned to the bathroom for the final step. I opened my brand new jar of Define, a resurfacing treatment. As I applied it to my face I marveled at how smooth my skin felt. Once again, I swear I could hear the angels sing. For the first time in quite some time my skin was a smooth as the proverbial baby's bottom.

I'm in bed, blogging between fresh, clean sheets. I can't help the smile that's easily spreading across my face. My shriveled apple doll face is healing. I am on my way to supple apple cheeks!

A Most Wonderful Friday

2011-02-04T21:44:00.000-05:00

The morning started early. 5:27 to be exact. The school system called to advise of a 2-hour delay. I waited ten minutes for a return call because I thought for sure it was a mistake. I rolled over, grabbed the TV remote, and tuned in to channel 2. Sure enough, a two-hour delay. I obviously missed the latest weather forecast. I reset my alarm and snuggled in for a few more hours of sleep.

With Cade (finally) off to school I got ready for my day with Mallorie. We were going to head to some places she was interested in applying for jobs. I also had to stop by LabCorp for a pre-employment drug test.

Mallorie and I hit Harris Teeter and Walgreen's. After chatting with the customer service manager in Kmart, it was apparent no one uses paper applications anymore. Mallorie and I decided that we'd spend all day Sunday applying to these places, and others, via their websites. With that we headed to LabCorp. Unfortunately we arrived 10 minutes into their hour lunch, so Mallorie and I hung out in the parking lot until they reopened at 2pm. I was in and done within 10 minutes.

Our next stop was Ham's Restaurant in Kernersville for a late lunch. Mallorie had a burger and I had a turkey sandwich. Both of us had the homemade chips, cooked crispy instead of left floppy. Lunch was very nice outside of a few rock songs played at a higher volume. I was proud of myself for resisting the urge to get a cookie skillet for dessert. After lunch we headed to Greensboro. We had plans to see a show in the Greensboro Fringe Festival.

We arrived early and browsed one of the art galleries in the Cultural Arts Center. We also perused the displayed artwork of some Guilford County elementary students. I can't believe the talent some of these kids have! I was blown away by two works - one from a student in 2nd grade and one in 4th grade. The detail in both pictures was so advanced. I'm envious of such natural talent!

We chatted with Bill and Kathy Cissna as well as Kati Fraizer before the show. The show started at 6pm and was relatively short. Mallorie and I were back home by 8pm.

I know these days will become fewer and further between, so I absolutely treasure these precious mother-daughter days.

Family Movie Night

2011-02-03T22:57:00.001-05:00

Tonight's Feature:

We all loved it! This is a movie with something for everyone: villainy, romance, hilarity, minions, and too-cute-for-words sweetness. Oh, and a really awesome soundtrack from Pharrell Williams.

Can't Take It Anymore

2011-02-02T20:10:00.000-05:00

My face is in such a bad state that I fear I will look like this by next week!

I reviewed two different online stores for my CosMedix purity products. SkinStore.com had the best prices, with a 20% discount and free shipping so I placed an order.

I am crossing my fingers that blizzards don't delay my delivery.

2011-02-01T16:02:00.001-05:00

I woke up yesterday morning with very puffy eyes, looking like I hadn't slept in years and my lips were slightly swollen. My face felt like this and looked slightly worse. My face hasn't ever felt or looked like this and I wonder if these might be some reasons why:

1.) I used to use CosMedix products that I purchased from Skin Like Rissa's. I could well afford the products and the spa was a short walk down the hall from my office. I ran out of the cleanser, and since I lost my job, I switched to some Arbonne products I had on hand. I ran out of that last week, and have been using a facial cleansing bar.

2a.) Mallorie needed some new face wash so, after Saturday's rehearsal and before our performance, we stopped at Target. We purchased this, and I used it to wash my face before putting on my show make-up.

2b.) The bathrooms at City Arts do not contain paper towels. Unfortunately I didn't remember this until after I had already soaped up my face. Without really thinking it through, I stuck my head under the hand-dryer.

3.) I can count on one hand the times I've worn make-up over the last 3 months. I've worn foundation each day for the last 7.

I do believe the facial cleansing bar was beginning to dry out my face and the Neutrogena simply increased the affect. It's also very possible that I gave myself some facial wind chap from using the hand-dryer.

Whatever the reason(s), I fear I'm starting to look like an apple doll.

Saturday's Features

2011-01-01T22:33:00.001-05:00

My first Netflix movie of the new year! And a very enjoyable one at that.

This movie was one you'd more likely see on the Lifetime channel. Meh.

Family Movie Night

2010-12-30T22:43:00.001-05:00

Mallorie and Cade both wanted to see this movie, so I added it to my Netflix queue. They were very excited when it came in today's mail.

It only took me 10 minutes to dislike the movie. Honestly, I was shocked at the amount of violence. From Max's outbursts and meanness to a cruel dirt clod fight. It was all I could do to sit through the remainder of the movie.

There was one saving grace. When Max decides to leave the island, Carol (voiced by James Gandolifini) is very sad. Cade was very affected during this scene and tried his best to hide the fact that he was crying. Watching him trying to "be brave" made me almost cry. After the movie I was able to have the "it's okay for boys/men to cry" talk.

2010-12-25T21:01:00.002-05:00

It's been a very nice Christmas. We've gotten some beautiful snow. Mallorie and I are staying warm and enjoying a repeat of season one of Glee. (As you can see, Lizzie is keeping Mallorie extra warm!)

If I Could, I Would

2010-12-10T13:03:00.000-05:00

2010-12-08T15:06:00.000-05:00

I am very proud of Mallorie. She starts her first real job tonight, a paying gig! She will be running spotlight for the Greensboro Ballet's production of The Nutcracfker at the Carolina Theatre. I helped her with her resume, but she secured the gig all by herself!

Toy Soldiers

2010-12-06T17:29:00.002-05:00

The entire 3rd grade class will be presenting Santa's Holiday Playlist tomorrow night after a PTA meeting. Cade's class are toy soldiers and will be singing and dancing to "Just A Little R & R". I can't wait to see the show!

Me Want

2010-12-04T19:31:00.003-05:00

(I've no idea where to find these. If you do, please let me know!)

Tonight's Feature

2010-11-25T20:47:00.001-05:00

Tonight I had a Netflix date with Cade. He chose this movie and I do have to admit it was cute. We both laughed, though Cade had a few more giggle fits than I did.

Tonight's Feature

2010-11-24T21:40:00.000-05:00

I've decided to treat Netflix as a guilty pleasure, and as such I wanted my inaugural movie to exemplify that theme. I don't think there's any guiltier of pleasures than obsessive shopping.

I read the book several years ago and the movie was fairly faithful. Definitely a chic flick, and this chic definitely enjoyed it!

2010-11-24T17:28:00.002-05:00

Because I now have an extraordinary amount of time on my hands, and due to the fact that my eyes are extremely tired from all the reading I've done for the past two weeks, I've decided to sign up for Netflix. I'm really interested to see how the "instant viewing" via the Wii goes.

Because We All Need Some

2010-11-12T19:53:00.000-05:00

Report Card

2010-11-09T21:24:00.003-05:00

Cade brought home his first real report card today:

B in Reading
B in Writing
B in Science
A in Social Studies
C in Mathematics

I'm so proud of Cade! Too, Mallorie deserves a little of the credit. Not only does she pick him up at the busstop, but she helps Cade with his homework every day. She takes this job very seriously. I'm so proud of both their accomplishments.

Art by Me

2010-11-06T19:22:00.000-04:00

Well, the art is actually by Cade and is part of a school fundraiser. Everyone draws a picture and the fund raising company will turn it into a magnet, mouse pad, trivet, etc. I've got all of Mallorie's magnets and all of Cade's, except for this year.

Usually the fundraiser package comes home with a "sample" magnet. As happens every year, we forget to return the magnet and end up having to pay the $5.00. This year the company didn't include a sample magnet. Nothing to return and I'm still $5.00 to the good.

Oh, Cade says it's a picture of a bird. A tropical bird, to be exact.

Love and Support

2010-10-30T23:14:00.000-04:00

Chris, Bill and Kathy, Myla, Rebecca, Maryann and Fran, Michael, Mallorie, Ken, Gary and Pat...

...thank you for spending some time at Kressmont's Five and Dime. I am, once again and in as few weeks, honored.

Touring The Folly

2010-10-27T12:52:00.004-04:00

Twice a year I volunteer to be a tour guide for FS Ed and take 3rd graders through Korner's Folly. I wasn't able to participate in April, so I was really looking forward to the past two days of tours.

Each 3rd grader is assigned a role. They play Joseph, Jule, Alice, Gilmer, Dore, Aunt Dealy or one of Gilmer's classmates. Some memorize their particular script, but we have cards just in case they get a little nervous. We also have a costume item (vest, shawl, hat) or prop (doll, walking stick) to help them create their specific character. Watching them acting these roles is my favorite part of the tours.

I take them through each of the 22 rooms, and we count each of the 15 fireplaces in the Folly. We toss pennies in the Witch's Corner to distract the ghosts and goblins. I tell them about the Necessary. We compare life today to that of the late 1800's. I try to make it a fun, but educationally, filled hour.

For the most part, I love the kids. They are so excited to be on the field trip and most enjoy the Folly. Yesterday's and today's classes were a bit overly energetic and I kept having to call them down. I also got "that kid" in both of my groups. You know "that kid", don't you? The one who is loud, all knowing, has to be first and just won't listen.

Still, one little girl made both days totally worth it. She told me how pretty I was and gave me a big hug. She reminded me why I look forward to these tours.

2010-10-22T17:56:00.003-04:00

On the way home from the show last night I had a little chat with God. He knows I've been struggling with two specific issues, and I implored His guidance.

Indeed He works in mysterious ways.

Late this afternoon I received a series of phone calls, each regarding the same problem. The first was from a co-worker, the second from an elected official reminding me he was "just a volunteer", and the third from a very concerned parent. The latter call left me crying at my desk. It wasn't that the parent was rude or nasty; she was simply disappointed. Hearing the disappointment in her voice and learning of additional failures is what made me realize that it is useless trying to plug the holes in this sinking Titanic. Her phone call provided me the answer I sought last night.

And so I am seeking an available lifeboat.

Love and Support

2010-10-18T11:15:00.003-04:00

Thank you Chris, Ken, April, Nanette, Allan, Cade, Barbara and Allan, Stephen, and Claire for coming to see the show. It was such fun bringing Ellie to life for you!

Jimmy Dean Publicity Photos

2010-10-18T11:06:00.006-04:00

Magic Hour

2010-10-15T21:05:00.002-04:00

Mid-October, when the trees were dressed in tangerine leaves and danced in the chilly, rain-scented breeze, and the sun was a brilliant shade of gold that illuminated everything.

Lending My Voice To Regula

2010-10-12T23:30:00.003-04:00

Last week I was hired to do some voice-over work for Regula Systems. They are participating in an Expo in Las Vegas and needed some narration for their PowerPoint presentation. I went to their office today to do the recording.

According to the script, I was promoting their Electronic Welding Regulator or EWR. This product is designed to save money on use of shielding gas in MIG and TIG welding. The terminology was certainly a mouth full and I definitely had to rely on some acting skills. I had to sound like I knew exactly what I was talking about. I ran through the script once, recorded once, and within 20 minutes I was done.

Not too bad for a full day's paycheck, and have to say that I was quite impressed with the EWR. If you know anyone interested in reducing carbon emissions by about 400 kilograms per year in a one shift operation, the EWR is the perfect solution!

Life in the 80's

2010-10-11T08:58:00.001-04:00

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were when they were growing up. And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on my kids, about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it!

But now that I'm over the ripe old age of forty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in Utopia! And I hate to say it, but you kids today, you don't know how good you've got it!

1) I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have the Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!!

2) There was no email. We had to actually write somebody a letter - with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox, and it would take like a week to get there!

3) Child Protective Services didn't care if our parents beat us. As a matter of fact, the parents of all my friends also had permission to kick our ass! Nowhere was safe!

4) There were no MP3's or Napsters or iTunes! If you wanted to music, you had to beg a ride to the record store.

5) Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio. The DJ would usually talk over the beginning and @#*% it all up! There were no CD players! We had tape decks in our car. We'd play our favorite tape and "eject" it when side one was finished, flip it over and insert for side two. We had to be careful or the tape would come undone rendering it useless.

6) We didn't have Call Waiting. If you were on the phone and somebody else called, they got a busy signal.

7) There weren't any cell phones either. If you left the house, you just didn't make a call or receive one. You actually had to be out of touch with your "friends".

8) And we didn't have Caller ID either. When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your parents, your boss, the collection agent... you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances!

9) We didn't have any fancy PlayStation, Xbox, or Wii video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like 'Space Invaders' and 'Asteroids'. Your screen guy was a little square! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen...Forever! And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE!

10) You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on. And you had to get up and walk over to the TV to change the channel! NO REMOTES!!!

11) There was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning. We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons!

12) And we didn't have microwaves. If we wanted to heat something up, we had to use the stove!

13) And our parents told us to stay outside and play... all day long. And if you came back inside... you were doing chores!

14) And car seats - oh, please! Mom threw you in the back seat and you hung on. If you were lucky, you got the "safety arm" across the chest at the last moment if she had to stop suddenly.

Kids today have got it too easy.

2010-10-08T09:21:00.003-04:00

Cade has a "Bones" test today. Let's hope this skeleton he put together (under Mallorie's supervision) will help him pass.

A Note From The Divas

2010-10-07T12:18:00.000-04:00

We’ve enjoyed our time with each of you --
(Even when you missed your cue)
Not that we want to point your mistakes out,
But make us look bad, and we’ll start to pout.

Tech week is here and the show must go on,
So we want to say thanks for all the fun!
Break a leg, and don’t block our light,
Or else we may drop a line for spite.

Have a great run!
Cheryl Ann, Myla & Rebecca

Made My Day

2010-10-07T11:10:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday, Ken!

2010-09-27T08:31:00.001-04:00