O Happy Day

sound- bbc sherlockS2 e1
again. haha

Anyways, trying out writing a post on my new phone, and i hate it! wont be trying this out.

thank goodness my only intentions were to share a photo i took on my phone and this was the fastest way since my phone refuses to connect to my computer.

went up the canyon with katie and her cool friend andy who wants to be a professional photographer. so we found the lava rocks aftrr a while. not easy for me to maneuver in flip flops but i did get a lovely picture i wanted to share.

^ And this is where I stopped with the phone. It was frustrating. It's been a long day of work, barely sleeping the last few nights, and just feeling nauseated for no good justifiable reason. I was trying to live off saltines but splurged on some delicious ice cream... not a wise idea. I learned fast.

Back to the picture I've been dying to share: it's ridiculous how stubborn my phone can be. I stopped that. And spent five extremely frustrating minutes trying to figure out how to get to my picture from my phone because it refuses to connect or anything so I sent like three emails to myself which didn't even work and I managed somehow to download it from a draft, switch it from that ignoramus picture viewer into paint and finally, to here.

Which refuses to show. Again. Let's see....

Okay granted it looks a little more fish-eyed on my phone which makes the effect just LOVELY.

But look at it. It's better on my phone than my camera.

Yellow! Aspens! and lava in the distance, lava rocks. It was sort of fun, climbing on boulder over boulder you know? But at the same time, I was wearing flip flops and I have the balance of a 2 year old, so I nearly sprained my ankle and got a wee bit scraped up. One of these days, I'm going to put on my hiking boots and just run.

Lovely, just lovely!

And on another bright note, I've decided I'm going to write a Broadway play. Fantasy/Historic Barbaric Revolution/ It Makes Sense In My Head
And even my sister, Jordyn's head, I think.

It's going to be awesome. I told her she was to write the music scores and I can do everything else. Apparently Jenessa wants in on it [tends to happen, us three girls with one idea and then we all have to jump in on it. I fear for our weddings and anything else "big" or momentuous], so I told her she could do costume design which would be epic of course. She wasn't too impressed for some reason....

Wherefore Art Thou?

Sound: a ringing in my ears and heart.

For those of you who do not know: At the age of 8, I first stepped on stage before an audience. I was a mere but worthy caroler in, you know it, A Christmas Carol. I was in third grade, I was just part of the choir. But it was just the beginning.

Then came the Big Move, and that following winter I performed- and sang again- in Newsies. I was Boots.

Another year later, and that was my first introduction to Shakespeare- I joined Shakespeare Conquest. To graduate the first portion, I had to read/watch/listen to at least 17 of his places. Then came the acting, my first play: Twelfth Night.

It's been true love ever since.

I was going through the list of his 36 plays and I recall 21, the other 15 having never held any interest. And I've read many of those 21 plays several times. I cannot think of all the hours I have spent in production of some of those plays along with reading and watching and just EVERYTHING.

The ones I've performed in:
Twelfth Night -Gideon
A Midsummer Night's Dream -Her...? Hermia!
Romeo And Juliet- Balthasar
As You Like It - Silvius
The Comedy Of Errors- Dromio of Ephesus

I think that's the right order? I also redid pieces of Twelfth Night as Olivia [Jenessa, is that right? It's been so long!] and As You Like It as Touchstone- those for the Annual Shakespeare Festival held every April in Balboa Park, CA by their Old Globe Theatre. Actually my last year there, we did a piece of the Comedy of Errors, and I got an award for it. YAY!

Um but yes. Yes.

I feel like I was meant to be Shakespeare's soul mate sometimes.
If I ever get to meet him- I may spontaneously combust.

I feel like these truly are the stories of my childhood, though I didn't begin until I was about 12. But they took  many of my years growing up, and I gave them freely. I've seen so many movies of them, I've reread many of the plays, and I have been lucky enough to see a few performed.

All new SUU students are able to participate in the new Thunderbard project [witty or what??]. For one, there's a new minor: Shakespeare Studies or something like that.  [HEAVENS YES I FOUND IT (and at a decent price at that)] AND anyways so there have been workshops on discussing pieces of Hamlet, the play they picked alongside The Shakespeare Festival held here in Cedar City every summer.

AND GUYS YOU GUYS I GOT A FREE TICKET TO SEE THE PERFORMANCE AND I SAW IT AND I LOVED IT AND IT WAS JUST SO GOOD.

Fangirling a lot here, seriously.

I miss the stage, I realized. It's just incredible.

I was in the fifth row, on the edge by the steps which the actors took advantage of. I cannot say enough about this! I loved the movie by Kenneth Branagh, he is just a wonderful Shakespearean, I cannot say enough about him. 

And think about it, Hamlet is pretty tough to portray. Not only are you trying to help an audience understand Old English which very few understand any more- while acting as a man who may or may not be mad! A lunatic, honestly. It's one of Shakespeare's most intriguing plays, indeed.

In fact I was at the workshop last Friday- and nearly started freaking out then because I'd missed it so!

At first, I wasn't sure I'd be impressed. I mean, they did good with slightly modern dress- sort of 20's era, almost? But still modern. I mean, Hamlet came out with hair in a ponytail and ill-fitting loose suit. Everything was stiff, just "eh" I was almost disappointed!

But then Hamlet saw his father's ghost- which they portrayed as a light, because let's face it, most ghosts on stages aren't too awesome nor creative, it's 'just hard. But yeah, after that... like he lost his mind and that's how the play just really came together. He came out with really short hair and I kid you not, a goth jacket [long with slits and zippers, everything!] and big combat boots. INGENIUS!

They worked so well with the costumes- Gertrude was always in red, like the sinner she played [and yet for the first time, I actually felt sorry for Hamlet's mother- first time ever! Lovely actress!]. Claudius wore white- until Hamlet's play with the actors where we really knew he was the murderer- and then he began wearing black like the murderer he was. Ophelia was always in white. 

She was pretty good, played such a delicate part that was pretty tough to do. I loved her last scene, when she's handing out the flowers- but all she had were long nails! Ugh, it was just incredible.

Oh okay okay OKAY- tiny piece but it made such an impact: after the play within the play, Hamlet was called to his mother's bedchamber to talk to her. He has that quick monologue, how he will talk with knives but have no daggers there [something like that? anyways, he lied because he used his pocket knife to kill Polonius]- but he stares off madly, starts running up the stairs just to my right- and yells "MOTHER!"

It made me shiver, it was just so.... Skldfjalskdjfakdsjfsakdfjadskfj!!!! YOU KNOW? Insane, irrational, yet calm and conniving and just it's so maddening and lovely and genius.

Final piece to go crazy about: the play ran by WAY too quickly and suddenly Laertes was literally banging on the door to the King and Queen and then they were plotting Hamlet's demise [just the first two, that's when the Queen became a real alcoholic], and then the final scene.

IT WAS THE COOLEST SWORD FIGHT EVER ON STAGE. They pushed a table across, they had actors running around to avoid it, those people seriously knew what they were doing. It was incredibly impressive, I couldn't believe it. It was pure MADNESS. Carefully orchestrated, of course, but still. To be honest, the trade of the knives and the two woundings/poisonings/murders [no, three, don't forget the King as well] didn't flash so well as they could have at first, they almost lacked momentum- but it did catch up fast, indeed.

But seriously. I was on the edge of my seat from all the awesomeness.

Granted, there are a few pieces in the play where I had some BRILLIANT ideas for the actors that would have made it a teeny bit better. But still, granted without my assistance, it still rocked. Like, insanely.

Actually, I do feel that if the Shakespeare Festival here in Cedar met with the professionals of the Old Globe Theater back at Balboa Park- every stage might explode from sheer amazement of what could be done. 

You know how people say that there are a few things we are meant to do, a few passions we are meant to keep, to grow, to share?

THEATER!!! Mostly Shakespeare granted, but I'm definitely leaning towards some Broadway [in Vegas on Nov 20-25 they'll be doing a production of The Addams Family- THE FREAKING ADDAMS FAMILY] so since that's my dad's Birthday week, and he's the one who got me such a fan of that freak family, I think we should go. Don't you?

I'm going to be a writer. Don't know if I'll be an actor- maybe little pieces? But I do love the big ones... I'm just such a reserved person, I'm not willing to do just anything and be that crazy and outgoing, I have too many limits at the time being...

Definitely looking to write the next Wicked. Or something like that. I kid you not, I am ready. All I need is a musician to put those momentus pieces together and we could very well have a great production just waiting to be performed by professionals. 

Little

Sound: traffic

This post is here mostly because I've been busy going through Pinterest, and finally scrounging around outside of the Geek and Animals categories [crazy, right?], and went to the Quotes selection.

So inspiring! Even the sad ones. I've been feeling something building inside of me, something great just waiting to get written. I started a few lines, but it faded and thinks I'm not prepared yet. Reminds me- I watched this lecture where they talked of a Poet who recently passed. But that woman, the poet, claimed that her inspiration would come like a wind running right at her. She could feel it coming, all she could do was run: run to find paper before it went through her and left. If she didn't get it all down, the wind would move along to find someone else who would do it better.

Make sense to anyone else? It does to me, though my way is slightly different. It sort of makes me feel whimsical, and light, and usually a little bit quiet. It's like I'm waiting for the full moon to see the fairies dance in their circle sort of way, even. Like Cinderella in her pumpkin carriage, anticipating the glory and wonder of the ball. Like Ariel wobbling on her new found legs, excited and pretty scared.

Back to the quotes. They've been making me think about life. I mean, what doesn't? It's such a fascinating concept of how we mortals think of it- death, as well. It's such a mystery filled with questions we don't have the answers to- that we couldn't even comprehend.

So why do so many of us waste it away?

Just a little something I've been working on in the last few years: boredom. In the morning I may think differently, but isn't it such a silly concept? People getting bored. In this world. Where you can take a walk or listen to the birds- I used to wake up to the crows and I didn't mind it, I liked listening to them. My brothers say this all the time the moment they can't have the TV, computer, or their itouch.
Sure, there's the world at your fingertips right there.

But what about cooking? Trying a new recipe? Even cleaning- I love turning on music and getting things done! I reorganize my closet if I want to. Or I make paper airplanes. Or I steal Katie's ukulele and attempt to strum it. I pick up my archaeology textbook and read a few paragraphs [ugh, textbooks, so unhumorous].



Granted, it gets tougher when you're alone in a tiny town like this. But both of those choices are mine- and I can change either of them if I want to! Besides the boredom issues, I'm attempting to get better at making decisions.

Instead of saying "I don't know" I say something else. Of course I don't know- but I can change it by making a choice and finding out. Sure, there are some choices I regret [like ever climbing in the car with my sister's boyfriend], but at least I can learn from them [that took me a few times to sink into my head, to be  honest], and make better choices next time.

All of this helps with making goals, and I think tomorrow, I might start writing down some answers to choices ahead of time- like no, Katie, I will not ever go camping. [This idea comes from watching all 5 seasons of the Big Bang Theory in an evenly spread out amount of time that allows me to soak up Sheldon's nerdyness.] Then, I'll head off into town and buy some more washcloths. While jamming to music.

Oh! Thought I'd share an update of my weekly events:
Work: Mon-Thur, random times.
Institute: 2 classes before and after work on Tue/Thur
Zumba: starting this week,3x weekly
Archaeology class: online, study daily
Archery club: thursday nights [SO EXCITED AREN'T YOU EXCITED FOR ME?!]
^ This is my kind of sport. No running, and it releases my stress/anger because we all know I could cool it now and then, haha.

In between, I need to work on the very first 23 seasons of Doctor Who. As well as make an attempt to be slightly more social. Instead of hiding out with my computer on Friday nights. As usual.

Dark Friday~

Sound: Once Upon A Time [Jenessa wanted me to watch it. Not too bad]

Um I don't really know where to take this, but here goes.

My grandma- my mother's mom- passed away this last week from Alzheimer's. My family drove up Sunday to spend sometime with her, and once most of had spent some time with her, she let her spirit go. I'm so glad, I'm so happy for her- thanks to the gospel and the atonement, I know the truth that she is happy and healthy, and that'll I'll see her again someday.

She didn't have very much family, mostly just my mom, dad, and us kids. Our grandpa had everything already planned with her passing, and everything came together well. I was asked to speak a few minutes at her funeral and shared a few precious memories [for anyone who could understand me.] I sat beside my sister Jordyn, and we went through at least half a box of tissues. We struggled to keep our spirits high, reminding each other of our grandma's humor, and did all we could.

It was a lovely service, and all the family friends were so very kind. I wrote her a poem as well, that I feel she's going to be reading a lot- as will my grandpa, because he has a copy of it. And I'd just like to put it on here, because it seems in a way I don't really do a lot of writing here.

I’m making you a paper crane,

In paper red, your favorite color!

And on it’s wing, I’ll write your name:

There’ll be none the same.

I’m folding her so carefully,

My fingers smooth every wrinkle-

Already I can’t wait to see

I know she’ll fly so beautifully.

I feel her spirit fluttering

She’s a miracle, she’s a marvel.

Her soul is flying though we can’t see.

An angel, a crane, she’s more than a body.

Her red wings stretch out to the sky,

She’s ready to soar with the eagles.

Her dreams and spirit make you sigh

And with the wind, she waves goodbye.

I’m making you a paper crane,

It’s red, your favorite color.

With my heart I write your name-

There’ll never be another the same.

This isn't the first personal poem I've written- I wrote a few for some friends in the past, and it's a really nice challenge to add particulars. My grandma loved the color red, and she's always shared a love of eagles with my grandpa; and she's had the biggest love of [guardian] angels. But I think this is one of my favorite poems I've written so far.

She was- and is- my biggest fan. I'm just going to miss her hugs.

And on this note, I've had plenty of time to learn about funerals and how depressing they are- no offense, Grandma. History reveals that when people died, the tradition was to have a long procession with the family tearing out their hair and ripping their clothes. It's a horrible, sad time, it always has been.

Thus, my sisters have all agreed on having Celebration/Receptions instead. 

So I thought I'd try to end this somewhat cheerfully with my ideas of what is to happen when I die:

-A nice party, preferably at 3AM on a Friday Night [perfect time when people are delirious,cheers!]

-There can be pictures with our memories all over the place 

-A book of Remembrance- write down your favorite memory of me!

-They can use a microphone and share your favorite things about me [wow this is beginning to sound conceited, yikes!]

-Possibly a talent show where you can mimic my talents, haha!

-My favorite songs playing one onside, my favorite movies on the other

-A collage of my favorite things- and people!

-All of my favorite foods [I wonder if we eat in heaven?]

-I almost think I'd like everyone dressed up all fun, but I'd have to make a list of what's appropriate, haha

-At the conclusion, there may be a moment of silence

-And for the closest friends and family, they shall visit my grave and make a toast with apple and peach sparkling cider [YUM YUM!]

I was going to include black lights until I was reminded it would appear like a rave, and I don't like crazy crowds, I like small friendly ones so I decided against that. Hopefully by then as well, I've have published books and you can all read those or something there if you want to be there but not talk to people [because let's face it, that's what I would be doing].

Also if anyone wants to know: 

Katie Barnes and my two sisters may fight over all of my clothes and accessories. 

My brothers get my books and must bear the responsibility of READING THEM ALL. 

Jordyn must take the responsibility- along with any of my friendsto help her- in sharing my works with the world, anything that's finished. 

And I think I'd like my set of scriptures buried with me, is that allowed? That would be nice. And a glow stick, possibly.

And on that last note, let me show pictures of what I intend on getting once I earn enough money:

A hedgehog! Apparently illegal in California but I'm working on getting my Utah residency so... I CAN'T STOP SQUEALING. Isn't he precious?

Probably won't be that nice. But I'll want some transportation during the summer, eh? Cheap enough and  handy because let's face it, I just shouldn't be allowed to drive a car.

Ugh I want these both so badly!