The Art of the Brick

 Ken, Samuel and I decided to visit the Lego Museum today. I wish Cade had been with us. I think he would have liked it too.

This is my favorite Klimt painting, The Kiss.

This is a 1:1 scale made with 18, 893 Lego bricks.

The Scream

This is a 1:1 scale with 3,991 Lego bricks.

Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night

3,493 bricks

Moai

75,450 Legos!

Nefertiti

(I forgot to get the number of Legos used.)

Degas' Little Dancer of Fourteen Years

Only 7,100 pieces.

An Artist's View

"Where does the real world end and the artist's world begin? Sometimes when I'm working, it can feel like the truth lies in the work itself and my surroundings fade away to grey."

11,561 Legos were used in this installation. It includes the checkerboard flooring!

Dinosaur Skeleton

"This is one of the largest sculptures I have ever made. It took an entire summer to build and nearly drive me crazy trying to make it work. After seeing so many kids flock to my first solo exhibition, I wanted to give back something and create a sculpture that children would enjoy. What is better than a dinosaur?"

80,020 pieces

Red Umbrella

4,628 pieces were used.

Flip Flops

Only 760 pieces were used in this.

At the end of the journey, we were instructed to write our names on a brick and add it to the wall. When the New York show is over Nathan Sawaya will use them in a new one-of-a-kind sculpture. 

Here's one he did previously.

All in all it was a very interesting exhibit. I absolutely admire the creativity it takes to build something out of Legos. Cade can get imaginative. I usually just follow the instructions that come with the Lego sets. 

A Book Report, "The Fever"

I admit it. I can be a “book by its cover” kinda girl.

The cover to The Fever drew my immediate attention and the book’s teaser sealed the deal.

This is a book that touches on all the genres. Several of Deenie’s close friends are having terrifying seizures. Is this an epidemic plague caused by a polluted lake in which the girls dare each other to swim? Is it a bad batch of vaccinations for HPV which has been administered to the girls. As the aftermath of the outbreaks remain freakishly unexplained, is the cause more supernatural?

While there were definitely some slow and repetitive sections of the book, I remained true to my curiosity and read to the end. The resolution is somewhat disappointing, but it is a resolution nonetheless.

(I received an advanced reader's copy of this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

Still Pretty

Almost 2 weeks since I bought these flowers and they are still beautiful.

Goodbye, Nicky

My co-worker, Nicola, left US Airways on Friday. Today she begins a new adventure with BB&T. This posting is an homage to her.

This is an actual drawing handed to a flight attendant on a Quantas flight by an 8 year old girl. And while it wasn't Nicky who actually penned the letter, they certainly share more than the same name.

2014 Goals - May Update

Here's how I did with my goals for May.

See a minimum of 5 Broadway shows 

1. Once - The Musical (January 25, DPAC)
2. The Book of Mormon (February 15, DPAC)
3. Evita (March 15, DPAC)
4. Peter and the Starcatcher (May 3, CLT)

Read 60 books for my Goodreads 2014 Reading Challenge
- I read 6 books toward my goal this month:  Divergent, after her, Wonder, The Madman's Daughter, Insurgent, and  A Purple Summer: Notes on the Lyrics of Spring Awakening

- Total books toward my goal of 60 - 36 books. 

Read 3 books off the BBC Reading List
- None (yet). 

Attend 3 Festivals

1. North Carolina Wine Festival (May 24, Clemmons)

Travel somewhere I've never been
- None.

NC Wine Festival

Ken surprised me by asking if I wanted to accompany him to the 14th Annual North Carolina Wine Festival. Since I like wine, and I like Ken, I said yes.

We arrived right a bit before noon and Ken was amazed at how quickly we were able to get in. Apparently in previous years he's had to wait in lengthy traffic.

There were 29 wineries there. There was no way that we could have taste-tested all of them, so we hit those we were familiar with or ones that looked interesting. Falling into the latter category was Skull Camp Wine. Their "sublime" wine was crisp and refreshing. I purchased a bottle. I also got a bottle of Carolina's Riesling from Herrera Vineyard.

There were also 26 businesses and crafters at the festival. Vineyard Lines had a beautiful booth. They were giving a show deal discount and I was tempted to buy one of their lazy susans. The barrel stave candleholders were beautiful too. I saw some fake Sabika jewelry at the Penny Lane Boutique booth. They had some other unique gifty things too. I also placed a "Wines Constantly" order with Fuzzy Pickle T-Shirts.

By 2:30p we'd sampled from the wineries we were interested in, purchased several bottles, and visited all the crafter booths. As the sun was zapping us from energy (yea, I'll blame it on the sun!) we decided to call it a day.

If you've never been to a wine festival, it's a great time. Get there as soon as opening to avoid long tasting lines. And bring your lawn chair.

Mother's Day Hug

Happy Mother's Day to Me

As you can see, I broke my favorite coffee in late 2012. It's been on my Amazon Wish List forever because Tumbleweed Pottery was sold out of the mug.

So imagine my utter surprise when Cade presented me with my Mother's Day gift this year. Thanks to Ebay, I had a delightful Mother's Day!

Kudos

Absolutely LOVED your play! You did a GREAT job. All thoroughly enjoyed it. Lorraine (little lady in blue top) said she has been to many plays....enjoyed them but would not see them again....except this one....said she would enjoy seeing it again.....good story...well written and very well presented! You picked a good one to come out of retirement for. Really kept us laughing and even made us shed a tear! Great! Great! Great! And thanks for your last lines in your bio....that always touches my heart. Love you, Mom

2014 Goals - April Update

Here's how I did with my goals for April.

See a minimum of 5 Broadway shows 

1. Once - The Musical (January 25, DPAC)
2. The Book of Mormon (February 15, DPAC)
3. Evita (March 15, DPAC)

Read 60 books for my Goodreads 2014 Reading Challenge
- I read 5 books toward my goal this month:  Never Tell A Lie, Room, Breathe Into Me, The First Rule of Swimming, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

- Total books toward my goal of 60 - 30 books. 

Read 3 books off the BBC Reading List
- None (yet). 

Attend 3 Festivals
- Due to rehearsals and very full weekends, I wan't able to get to a festival in April. 

Travel somewhere I've never been
- Nope.

An Afternoon At The Theatre, "Chess"

Earlier today Chad and I attended the lastest production from Theatre Alliance.

I could spend a few minutes writing up my own review of the show but these two reviews already say it better than I could.

Piedmont Triad Theatre

Yes! Weekly

Prom!

Chad and I are, once again, chaperoning his high school's prom. Yes, I did get my hair done for the event!

Cut and Color

I'm not a natural blonde. It takes quite some time to make me a beautiful blonde. Jennipher Ross, who has been cutting and coloring my hair since the early 2000's, does the best job!

I've never documented all that I have to go through for fabulous hair. So, this is it!

One-Act Festival

And so now Bill and I play the waiting game!

From: Justin Dionne
To: Cheryl Ann
Sent: Thu, Apr 24, 2014 1:20 pm
Subject: Re: One-Act Festival

Hi Cheryl Ann,


Thank you for your submission and interest in our One-Act festival! We will notify everyone of selections by June 9. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you!

-Justin Dionne
Managing Artistic Director



Lee Street theatre
2013 NCTC Community Theatre of the Year
www.leestreet.org
info@leestreet.org
704.310.5507

From: Cheryl Ann
To: Lee Street Theatre
Sent: Thu, Apr 24, 2014 1:11 pm
Subject: One-Act Festival

Good afternoon,

My name is Cheryl Ann and I am interested in participating in your One-Act Festival. Attached, you will find "Patent," which I am interested in directing.

About me: I have acted with the Paramount Acting Company, Open Space Cafe Theatre, Community Theatre of Greensboro, Kernersville Little Theatre, The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem/Twin City Stage, Clemmons Community Theatre, Davie Theatre Company and Hickory Community Theatre. I've also done commercial and voice-over work. I've staged managed plays and musicals for Kernersville Little Theatre, Open Space Cafe, and Elise Jonsell Productions. I also directed 2011's "The Vagina Monologues" for V-Day Greensboro and Bill Cissna's "All About Faith" last year.

Okay, enough about me. Now on to the script....

About the play: "Patent" follows two brothers who are crossing 1858 Iowa, selling a patent medicine created and passed down to them by their father. While the trip begins well, sales begin to falter. In the second town, a couple comes forward to claim that Porter’s Potion in fact killed their children when the brothers sold it to them on a previous visit. Soon, the brothers find that they see this crisis in two different ways – one intends to carry on as before; the other feels strongly that they must stop selling potion and find a different way to live. They reach a parting of the ways as the one brother reaches out for new work and a new home. But the other brother’s refusal to address the issue causes a more critical moral dilemma.

About the playwright: Kernersville-based Bill Cissna has been writing short and full-length plays since 2006. Full-length scripts "Conversations in a Cafe" and "All About Faith" have been produced in 2010 and 2013 respectively. Reading of his full-length play "Reunions" are scheduled for August, 2014. He has also had seven 10-minute plays produced in Greensboro and elsewhere since 2010. Details on his writing are available at www.billcissna.com.

Thank you for your consideration. I very much look forward to bringing "Patent" to life at Lee Street!

Cheryl Ann

3rd Quarter Report Card

Cade made the honor roll again. Head over to his blog to see how he did on his report card.

50th Birthday Cake

I wanted to do something really special for Allan's 50 birthday cake. We both love watching "Cake Boss" so I originally thought about ordering a cake in the shape of his beloved Mustang. Unfortunately it was somewhat cost prohibitive. (And orders like that need to be made waaaayyy in advance!)

I took the picture to Christine's Bakery and she and I discussed some alternatives.

So that I would not have to pay for delivery and since the party wasn't too far away, I decided to pick it up. I enlisted Chad's help. When I saw the cake, I was very happy! Christine did a great job of incorporating the Mustang's logo. I knew Allan would love it.

Now, the cake is bigger (and heavier) than it looks! I made Chad drive while I held the cake. (I didn't want to get mad at him if something happened to the cake!) It was a tedious ride, but we got the cake there safe and sound.

I gave the signal to the band to begin playing "Happy Birthday" and I rolled out the cake. Allan was stunned, which was exactly what I was going for!

The gray and black icing might not look appetizing, but the cake was absolutely delicious!

Still Left To Do...

From: Cheryl Ann
Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2014 6:40 PM
To: Mom
Subject: Update on ADK Party

Here’s what I’ve done/my plans are so far!

Beer
Instead of a keg, I’ve purchased 5 cases of beer: Natty Green, Foothill’s Hoppium IPA, Samuel Adams Spring Brew, Samuel Adams Summer Brew (2).
I did this in order to offer a variety of flavors instead of everyone having to drink Miller Lite.
I will rent washtubs from Hauser Rental to put the beer in.

Beer Action Items:
Rent the washtubs
Buy ice
Ice beers by 6:30p on Saturday

Wine
I plan on offering Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Reisling, Merlot, and a Cabernet.
I purchased small clear cups for the wine.
White wine will be chilled in a washtub.

Wine Action Items:
Rent or borrow the washtub (I’ve asked Bridget for the one she uses at her Sabika parties.)
Buy ice
Ice wine by 6:30p on Saturday

Soft Drinks
I plan on offering Coke or Pepsi, Diet Coke/Pepsi, Sprite
Soft drinks will be chilled in a washtub

Soft Drinks Action Items:
Rent the washtub
Buy ice
Ice drinks by 6:30p on Saturday

Cake
A 3 tier cake has been ordered from Christina’s Dessertery in Lewisville.
I’ve purchased clear plastic plates

Cake Action Items:
Pick up cake at 5:30p on Saturday
Purchase clear plastic forks
Purchase white napkins

Snacks

Veggies
I plan on offering these single serve veggie cups.
I’ve already purchased the clear plastic cups

Veggies Action Items
Need to purchase celery, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, Ranch dressing (all can be found at Costco)
Need to cut celery
Assemble


Salty Snacks
I plan on offering mixed nuts, Pub snack mix and flavored popcorn
I’ve already purchased the mixed nuts and Pub mix

Salty Snacks Action Items
Need to purchase popcorn (The Popcorn Fanatic at Silas Creek Crossing). I’m looking for a “goes with beer” flavor
Need to find glass bowls and scoops for serving
Need to determine whether to use plates or cups

Cheese and Crackers
I plan on offering these in the picture

Cheese and Crackers Action Items
Purchase the cheese cubes, pepperonis and toothpicks (Food Lion)
Purchase the crackers (Costco)

Other food ideas that I’m considering are Ronnie’s hot wings (I could borrow a hot tray from work), potato chips, pasta salad. I don’t have time to make the pasta salad, though. My goal isn’t to feed the guests per se, but to give them something to munch on while drinking beer and wine and rocking out at the concert. So, do I already have enough or do you think I need to add wings and pasta?

Band
Band needs to be set up by 7p.

Band Action Items
Pay remaining balance to them by Friday.
Determine Cake Cutting time (I’m thinking somewhere between 8 – 8:15p)
Determine Special Dance time (I’m thinking somewhere between 9 – 9:15p)

Allan’s Arrival
I’ve tossed this one around so much! If we did dinner, I couldn’t be at the clubhouse to help set up, greet folks, etc. and you wouldn’t be at the clubhouse to help set up, etc.

I think I’ll plan on taking Allan out to dinner and then having to stop over at the Clubhouse because you need Allan or me to do something. Maybe something like Bill has purchased the pool table from the Clubhouse and you need his help to put it in your garage?

2014 Goals - March Update

Here's how I did with my goals for March.

See a minimum of 5 Broadway shows 

1. Once - The Musical (January 25, DPAC)
2. The Book of Mormon (February 15, DPAC)
3. Evita (March 15, DPAC)

Read 60 books for my Goodreads 2014 Reading Challenge
- I read 14 books toward my goal:  The Chase, there was an old woman, Reconstructing Amelia, Before I Go To Sleep, Beautiful Creatures, John Dreamer, Wedding Night, The Selection, Gruesome Playground Injuries, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, The Elite, The Truth about Alice, Labor 
Day and The Dixie Swim  Club.

- Total books toward my goal of 60 - 25 books. 

Read 3 books off the BBC Reading List
- None (yet). 

Attend 3 Festivals
- I'm looking at possbily attending the Dogwood Festival the late weekend in April. There are two the same weekend. One in Fayetteville; the other in Mebane.

Travel somewhere I've never been
- Nothing yet.

Even FB Wished Me A Happy Birthday

Hi Cheryl Ann,

We’d like to wish you a very happy birthday full of great friends and everything you like.

— The Facebook Team —

Birthday Celebration at Read-thru

125 years ago today, the Eiffel Tower was officially completed in Paris after 2 years, 2 months, and 5 days of construction.

No wonder I have such an affinity for the Eiffel Tower. We share the same birthday!

Tracy Sent a Cake

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Enjoy your day; you deserve it BIRTHDAY GIRL!!!!!

Christiana

 

Happy Birthday To Me!

This is the first picture taken with my brand new iPhone!

Happy Birthday from Myla

Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday, deaaaar Cheryl!
Happy birthday to you!

This was sung in perfect pitch. You'll just have to take my word for it.

Have a great day! Hope to see you soon!
Myla

Cast of "The Dixie Swim Club"

The Stained Glass Playhouse is proud to present the cast for our upcoming production of The Dixie Swim Club.

  

Sheree- Kathy Cissna

Dinah- Jean Wentz

Vernadette- April Marshall

Jeri Neal- Sandy Warren Scott

Lexie- Cheryl Ann Roberts

We would like to offer a sincere thanks to all who came out to audition. We hope to see you in a future production.

SEE YOU AT THE SHOW!

Performance Dates:  May 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 2014

I was planning on attending this Bookmarks event tonight. I've recently read The Selection and The Elite by Kiera Cass, and I was looking forward to hearing from her specifically.

Unfortunately she came down with a stomach bug and wasn't able to make it. Since I really didn't know anything about Megan Shepherd, I decided not to go at all. Another friend of mine said Megan's books were good, so I will put both of them on my To Read list.

Facebook Message

• Conversation started March 23
• 3/23, 9:57pm

  Caitlin Stafford

  Hey Cheryl! I know you don't know me, but we have a lot of mutual friends in the Winston theatre scene. I'm stage managing for Dixie Swim Club at Stained Glass playhouse and your name came up while we were talking about possible actresses for the show. Would you be interested in auditioning for us tomorrow night at Stained Glass at 7pm or so? We would love to have you. Thanks in advance for considering it
• 3/23, 10:00pm

  Cheryl Ann Roberts

  I'd love to audition. I'll see you tomorrow night!
• 3/23, 10:02pm

  Caitlin Stafford

  Fantastic! Looking forward to meeting you

(via)

Sunday Project

Cade and I worked on a school project today. You can view it on Cade's blog.

Facebook Message

• Conversation started March 12
• 3/12, 2:29pm

  Bill Cissna

  OK, so it's me asking again. Are you by any chance around town on April 12 (a Sat. evening) and, if so, would you be willing to take a look at a short play script and maybe be part of a reading of it? It's not mine, but a friend wrote it and is suddenly faced with producing it, basically, because it got selected as the top entry (W-Salem Writers). And she begged me for help, which I cannot resist.
• March 12
• 3/12, 9:48pm

  Cheryl Ann Roberts

  I am around town on the 12th, and, of course, I'd be willing to help out in any way you need.

  Cheryl Ann
• 
  

  3/12, 10:11pm

  Bill Cissna

  You are awesome as always!! Still using the aol.com email? Let me send you the script. After you've read it maybe you'll have some thoughts on the male characters.

A Book Report, "Above"

I finished this book almost 2 weeks ago and I still can't get it out of my head. I mean I've read several other books since finishing Above. But during quiet times I continue to reflect on it. I guess that's a symptom of a really good book.

I don't want to go into more detail about the book. To do so might spoil it or taint your thoughts. Suffice it to say that you really should read it. I think it would help me to find someone who I could talk to about the book. Another symptom of a really good book!

Oh, yea, I was given a copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley, in return for an honest review.

So these went out today...

A Book Report, "The Chase"

I was lucky enough to win an advanced copy of "The Heist," Evanovich's and Goldberg's first Kate O'Hare and Nick Fox novel. I absolutely loved it.

So when Netgalley sent me an email announcing "The Chase," I quickly requested it and squeed in delight when the request was accepted. After downloading it to my Kindle, I immediately began reading it.

It's the cast of characters that really sell this book for me. I love the repartee between Kate and Nick. They both take it as much as they give it. Many times their banter led to out loud laughter.

Boyd is another of my favorite characters. He's an absolutely hysterical method actor. His discussion of his motivation with the director of a pancake commercial is priceless.

This is a very quick and a highly entertaining read.

2014 Goals - February Update

Here's how I did with my goals for February.

See a minimum of 5 Broadway shows 

1. Once - The Musical (January 25, DPAC)
2. The Book of Mormon (February 15, DPAC)

Read 60 books for my Goodreads 2014 Reading Challenge
- I read 6 books toward my goal:  Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children, The Bitches of Brooklyn, The Undiscovered Goddess, The Fault In Our Stars, Above and And We Stay.

- Total books toward my goal of 60 - 11 books. 

Read 3 books off the BBC Reading List
- None (yet). 

Attend 3 Festivals
- I've added two festivals to my calendar, one for May and the other in September. 

Travel somewhere I've never been
- Nothing yet.