carathecarebear

2011-06-12T13:00:00.001-04:00

"Ah, music. A magic beyond all we do here!"
–Albus Dumbledore

on repeat..

2011-06-08T10:54:00.000-04:00

the story of Tonks..

2011-06-07T20:35:00.006-04:00

If your from Long Island, then you'll know that we've been having very VERY erratic weather.. long bouts of rain accompanied by one (just one) beautiful day, followed by 2-3 disgusting hot/muggy ones.

Well, this story begins about 2 weeks ago, during one of those dreaded rainy weeks..

Once upon a time, on an island known as Long, there lived a girl named Cara, and a goose named Tonks.
Strangers, neither one knowing that fate would soon bring them together..

Ok, ok... so maybe i don't have the creativity or mental capacity to keep up with this tale, but the real story is a simple and sweet one, and in the end, they do live happily ever after!

About 2 weeks ago, there had been some high tides (we live on the water) and the streets would flood. I guess a baby goose got confused by this, lost his bearings, and was separated from his family. We found him cowering in my neighbors yard, and my family, being the nature lovers that we are, set off to save the day..

We took him home so he could calm down and warm up.

When we finally got him to eat, the little bugger wouldn't stop. He chowed down until his tummy was full of cheerio mush, and there was (what looked like) a big smile on his face. ..I'm not kidding. Look at the picture, tell me i'm wrong!

When he seemed to have had his fill, i wrapped him up in a towel and put him in my lap so he could rest. The poor baby must have been so lonely, he climbed right up to my neck and snuggled in for a nice long nap.

In the morning, while leaving for work, we spotted Tonks' family in the street. We took Tonks outside, and he couldn't have ~~ran~~ waddled to them faster. I may have teared up a little bit. He was back with mommy, daddy and siblings.

And they lived happily ever after.

The End.

buy the book

2011-06-07T12:39:00.011-04:00

I think these will be my next adventure in the kitchen.

Even if you don't want to try and undertake these complicated little confections, I think it's worth getting this book just to marvel (and druel) at all the incredibly cute photographs of these adorable treats.

The restoration.

2011-06-05T12:40:00.007-04:00

I dont know if i had ever mentioned, but i recently found out that i had my great grandmothers Singer sewing machine (circa 1937) collecting dust in my parents garage. So naturally, being the ~~pack rat~~ antique-er that i am.. i decided to claim it as my own and got to work restoring it.

It's going to be a very long, and already proving to be a very frustrating process.

BEFORE

Step 1: polish wood.
Step 2: Sand and de-rust frame.

AFTER

I know it doesn't look like much, but it took me all day. The next few steps will be to get some laminate to replace the warped pieces. Do a little more sanding to the frame, then repaint it to the original colors (gold and black) since it seems my great grandfather the handyman decided to paint it the colors of the italian flag. Even after that, it's got a LOT more TLC to go through (ie: tracing and ordering missing parts), staining and polishing laminates, etc... but i cannot WAIT to have this thing done and looking beautiful in my place.

a little advice from me to you..
..when you are de-rusting/sanding metal... wear rubber gloves. Your nails will thank you. Mine, however will be wearing dark "non summery" polish until my rust colored nails decide they want to grow out, break, or just come clean when i want them to!

2011-06-05T12:21:00.000-04:00

Dear "As seen on TV",

You were right. The Yoshi Blade is, indeed, very sharp.

Regretfully,
Cara's index finger.

Today:

2011-05-10T19:24:00.002-04:00

I learned how to change a flat tire.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T18:24:00.000-04:00

Thank you, mom...

...for allowing me to abuse you for 25 years ;o)

2011-05-01T15:08:00.007-04:00

"A little kingdom I possess, where thoughts and feelings dwell;

And very hard the task I find of governing it well."

-Louisa May Alcott

Dear self,

It does not do to dwell. Move on and up.

Love, me.

music and magic

2011-05-01T11:07:00.003-04:00

The other day, one of the kids I look after showed me this music video:

So naturally, I showed him this one:

I forgot how happy this video makes me. Inspired, even.

...We also bonded over his newly acquired 'Monster Book of Monsters' and our shared ~~obsession~~ love of Harry Potter. As he told me all about the exhibition, and I squealed with jealousy.

It was a nice couple of hours to spend while his little sister was off at ballet (as she usually demands most of my time, and he's usually contented curling up with a good book.)

This was a moment I cherished.

Warm weather things

2011-04-30T21:31:00.002-04:00

and while everyone is swooning over Kate Middleton's ring...

2011-04-30T09:28:00.003-04:00

:o)i get such lovely gifts.

here's to a beautiful weekend

2011-04-29T17:19:00.001-04:00

2011-04-28T18:52:00.001-04:00

i want to do so many things.

and i will.

starting with a cup of coffee :o)

the help

2011-04-21T16:05:00.003-04:00

This makes me VERY excited.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1454029/

movie poster from www.movieweb.com

I read this book in about 3 days. I recommend it to everyone, always. I now crave fried chicken and caramel cake daily. And the trailer for the movie looks awesome!

The power of words

2011-04-18T23:07:00.002-04:00

Do you ever feel that some words are thrown around too frequently that you start to think that people might not fully understand the power behind them? Phrases such as "I love you" or "literally", "I hate..", etc.

"I promise" is one such example that really gets me. I have made it a personal goal of mine to try and limit my use of the phrase "I promise". I feel like it's used too often and taken too lightly.
I've just simply been witness to too many broken promises, and they all hurt.

Step one: coffee

2011-04-14T16:09:00.003-04:00

:o)

Sorry for the fog

2011-04-13T16:29:00.004-04:00

I can't help but feel that all this lousy New York weather is my fault. As it seems symptomatic of my mood of late.

I suppose it's time to get my act together. If not for me, then for all of my friends trying to enjoy a nice Spring!

A hero garauntee, or your money back.

2011-04-12T09:59:00.002-04:00

I blame Disney for my unrealistic expectations of men.

But, on the other hand.. At least I know, when I find him, he'll know his way around a dragon or two. ;o)

my ssb (secret single behavior)

2011-04-11T13:32:00.009-04:00

Last week, in the midst of face painting and ~~baking~~ burning sugar cookies (but that's a whole 'nother upset in itself), the kids I babysit for asked me when I was going to get married. When my answer to them was that I "didn't know when that would be"... they spiraled into a whole set of questions (every other being either 'why' or 'why not?'). Basically, what it came down to, is that they strongly implore that I get married soon before the eldest is too old to be a flower girl and i'm just simply, too old..

.. i went home and cried.

I was almost dumbfounded by the initial question. How do you tell 3 kids (no older than 9 years old) that you were recently heart broken and you feel as if every thing you knew, or dreamed for your life has been shattered into pieces, and that you don't know when or how you'll be able to manage to put the pieces back together again? My answer was as such: This question hurts my feelings. Now what do you want for dinner? I made them macaroni and cheese.

*sigh* these are the things..
I'm currently seeking help.

inspiration!

2011-04-11T10:23:00.005-04:00

by: Laurie Necco

Her art work is absolutely charming and lovely.

To see more of her stuff, check out her blog.

love you, lau!

Hogwarts...

2011-04-06T23:12:00.008-04:00

made of pipe cleaner, paper, two very creative kids,
.... and a babysitter who knows how to make pipe cleaner people.
All in all, a well spent rainy day :o)

sleepy lady

2011-04-06T22:59:00.003-04:00

Lu Lu's make over..

2011-04-06T22:51:00.008-04:00

Lu Lu is my poor, poor wig head who has, frankly, seen much better days.

I "acquired" (acquired means I did not steal........) Lu Lu from one of the (ohhh so many) productions of "Seussical" I did- back in 2004. She's been my confidant ever since; carrying many a Halloween or show wig, modeling for pictures of my latest knitting venture, and carefully wearing the hats I deem too delicate to throw into the overly large pile of hats I've come to own (it's a bit of a problem, really).

Since she's been helping me for the last 7ish years, i figured it was about time to show a little TLC in kind.

So, I learned the basic techniques of decoupaging, and, thanks to my grandmother who went through a major decoupage phase back in the 90's (so long ago, right? i know) I was hooked up with all the necessary equiptment and treated Lu Lu to some well deserved cosmetic surgery.

Before

After

Voila! She looks about 10 years younger and about 95% less creepy.

and she's been booking work like crazy:

First ride of the season..

2011-03-20T21:49:00.008-04:00

Happy Spring :o)

walking to the fire island light house...

2011-01-10T22:59:00.002-05:00

Brooklyn bound..

2010-11-08T16:08:00.001-05:00

Fall in Prospect Park

2010-10-26T13:36:00.003-04:00

i <3 fall

Hagrid's NY Pent-hut ;)

Gardiner's Park -Bay Shore

2010-10-19T12:40:00.000-04:00

do your worst, Earl...

2010-09-03T15:56:00.001-04:00

i'm all set.

Happy Birthday to

2010-09-01T00:28:00.000-04:00

This Little Rose
birthday twin ;o)

the emotional 'high school'er in me...

2010-08-31T16:14:00.001-04:00

"There exists a melody that just might change your mind.
If only I knew the key to sing to make you mine."
-hellogoodbye

strolling around Stony Brook..

2010-08-27T00:46:00.003-04:00

just one of the kids.

2010-08-13T16:25:00.000-04:00

I think my favorite part of watching these kids (aside from all of the cute shots i snap) is that whenever they introduce me to one of their friends or neighbors, they say "She's not just our babysitter, she's like our family."

Did i ever mention how much i love these babies? :o)

*cb

give a little listen to..

2010-08-11T15:20:00.001-04:00

Props to Cheyne and Em for turning me on to these treasures the other day.. I suggest you check em out.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Paolo Nutini

down the rabbit hole

2010-08-11T15:06:00.002-04:00

The other day we rescued a bunny that we found in the pool filter.
He was either hiding from the dog, or mistook the hole for it's home.

Gilgo Beach at 7 a.m.

2010-08-11T14:51:00.003-04:00

slippers

2010-08-11T14:49:00.000-04:00

I completed my first pair of, what apparently EVERYONE refers to as, "grandma's slippers"
And I've also been warned by my mother (and grandmother alike) NOT to walk down any stairs with them, or else my next step will be into the emergency room.. for they live up to their given name- slippers..

ravelry slipper pattern

I'm really proud of them, they are totally cozy and I love the color. And I totally "MacGyver"ed some pom-poms by hand, since I had no pom-pom maker, and couldn't find a good tutorial on how to fashion some up.

on my bike ride..

2010-08-07T18:18:00.002-04:00

babylon docks

A day at the beach..

2010-07-29T00:32:00.003-04:00

Today was my first time to the beach in.. 3 years! ::GASP:: I know!
I got a lot of color... a color that i like to call maroon, but color none the less. (I guess even SPF55 can't perform miracles on skin that hasn't seen sun in that long.) But it was totally worth it. It was a beautiful, relaxing and a well needed day off for all parties involved.

*cb

Atlantis Aquarium

2010-07-24T16:20:00.014-04:00

Last week, I went to a wedding at Atlantis Aquarium. It was just beautiful; what I've been describing as the perfect wedding (aside from the fact that the menus read Jason &; JulieT.. still, more funny than anything). It was so unique and true to this couple, and I wish them a lifetime of happiness.
OK, now, the point of this blog, you ask? No you're NOT going to spout precious quotes and drone on about love and life and good friends?!

Nope. I just got picture happy and wanted to share some of my favorite aquatic shots ;o)

the stunning couple: Jay and Julie

*cb

P.S. Sorry Shoshanna for deleting the last entry along with your (very amusing, sorry 'bout it) comment... that page break situation was eating my soul, and i needed to kick it's ass.

P.P.S. Sorry to bring this up AGAIN- it's kind of killing the buzz of this entry, but so far, I am NOT impressed with the new posting format (clearly). It just doesn't do what I want it to (why the hell are my breaks double spaced?) If any of you blog/tech savvy people out there can correct this, i will give you a million kisses (chocolate or otherwise). I'm giving this format three strikes (you're already up to two, pal) and then I'm reverting back to the original. ..i don't like change, ;o)

creepinintheback.com

2010-07-23T16:23:00.000-04:00

Is one of those funny websites like thisisphotobomb, texts from last night, etc, where people post random photos/anecdotes, for other peoples' amusement. This was sent to me from my friend Kevin.. http://www.creepinintheback.com/?p=61
I am the red hat lady back left (not the ultimate creeper in the picture, but funny none the less)

Enjoy! I know I did ;o)
*cb

mmmm licorice..

2010-07-22T12:18:00.005-04:00

heliotrope

This plant is quickly becoming one of my favorite flowers.. (don't worry Gerbera Daisy, you're still my #1).

Not only is this plant gorgeous, but it smells divine! I'm not a big fan of floral scents, but this plant takes the cake (mmm cake, perhaps my all time flavorite scent... but i digress) This flower has the sweetest smell of Licorice! (something i like to pronounce "lick-or-ish".. because my trying to pronounce it any other way would just sound pretentious)

.. I couldn't resist ;o)

Now off to the theatre for a "Marvelous" double show day. Maybe i'll bring a snip for my dressing room to help calm myself before "places".. On the other hand, I may never leave my spot.

*cb

"Put Your Records On" -Corinne Bailey Rae

2010-07-21T20:44:00.007-04:00

Three little birds, sat on my window.

And they told me I don't need to worry.

Summer came like cinnamon

So sweet,

Little girls double-dutch on the concrete.

Maybe sometimes, we've got it wrong, but it's alright

The more things seem to change, the more they stay the same

Oh, don't you hesitate.

Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song

You go ahead, let your hair down

Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,

Just go ahead, let your hair down.

You're gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow.

Blue as the sky, sunburnt and lonely,

Sipping tea in the bar by the roadside,

(just relax, just relax)

Don't you let those other boys fool you,

Got to love that afro hair do.

Maybe sometimes, we feel afraid, but it's alright

The more you stay the same, the more they seem to change.

Don't you think it's strange?

Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song

You go ahead, let your hair down

Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,

Just go ahead, let your hair down.

You're gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow.

'Twas more than I could take, pity for pity's sake

Some nights kept me awake, I thought that I was stronger

When you gonna realise, that you don't even have to try any longer?

Do what you want to.

Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song

You go ahead, let your hair down

Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,

Just go ahead, let your hair down.

Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song

You go ahead, let your hair down

Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,

Just go ahead, let your hair down.

Oh, you're gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow

White:

2010-07-17T15:19:00.001-04:00

..A blank page, or canvas. Her favorite. So many possibilities.

-Sunday In The Park With George

lazy afternoon

2010-07-08T13:19:00.005-04:00

I don't know about everyone else, but here on L.I., New York it has been 100+ degrees for the past week (so far) and those without air conditioning (yes, that's right, pity me!) have been finding nice, crafty ways to stay cool. I personally prefer an ice-cold glass of home-made lemonade (0 WW points!). And others... well..

How are you beating the heat?

Happy Summer!

*cb

{this moment}

2010-07-02T21:44:00.005-04:00

"A Friday ritual. A {single photo} - {no words} - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember." - soulemama

Question..

2010-06-30T11:11:00.004-04:00

Does anyone know of any natural/holistic remedies for suppressing cramps?

I'm dyin' here.

*cb

summer's up and slimming down.

2010-06-25T19:43:00.016-04:00

So, the first week of summer is upon us, and it has been put to it's full potential.

Starting with a garden full of berries, veggies and herbs, that will be ready to fully enjoy in a few days time :)

I went on my first boat ride of the summer. Even as a (nearly) 24 year old, when my dad makes me man the wheel of the boat, I feel like a 5 year old sitting on my parent's lap helping them pull the car into the driveway. And, although terrified (as I don't like driving- land OR sea), it's a moment between a father and daughter that I can't put into words, and one that I wouldn't trade for anything. His hobby, his moment of peace, his get-away, and he's sharing it with me. Just a dad, his little girl, and the open waters.

The Great South Bay (photo courtesy of whimsical foodie)

With the first week of summer, came my first dip in the pool, a round of indoor-s'mores, and the ultimate realization that I need to kick my *self* (not my first word of choice) into gear. Since the closing of "Fiddler On the Roof", thanks to some very gracious and wonderful cook cast mates, hoarding the dressing rooms with delicious snacks weekly, I come to find that I have gained a very uncomfortable 10 pounds. (a gain that might not seem much to most people, but it has definitely crossed my "I-never-want-to-weigh-this-much-again" line. Before the summer is through, I hope to have made it back down, and then some, and hopefully back into dancing shape, or whatever dancing my 2 left feet are able to muster. Tomorrow morning I'm making a long past due appointment with my Wii Fit personal trainer, running to my local Weight Watchers' meeting, hitting my favorite bike trail, and smiling through it all. ..That's the plan, anyway.

Tomorrow's challenge: My little cousin's High School Graduation party. Where there will no doubtingly be some great BBQ followed by some even greater desserts.. May my 100 calorie packs and WW IPhone app be my guide.

peace, love and (unwanted) pounds

*cb

{this moment}

2010-06-25T16:52:00.012-04:00

"A Friday ritual. A {single photo} - {no words} - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember." - soulemama

The Marvelous Wonderettes

2010-06-23T11:25:00.005-04:00

visit Smithtown's website for more info!

Be Marvelous!

*cb

{this moment}

2010-06-18T23:14:00.004-04:00

"A Friday ritual. A {single photo} - {no words} - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember." - soulemama

losing my voice..

2010-06-15T11:41:00.003-04:00

My friend Miss Monster just recently posted about The Secret. A theory I very firmly believe in.

And as if I needed definitive proof of just how strong this Law of Attraction rules our every day life... Well this weekend sealed the deal:

This past weekend, I was under a terrible amount of stress, I had 10 shows to put under my belt in 4 days. Exhausting! And my mind took hold of that tired energy and ran. I had lost my voice.

Not only had I lost my literal voice, but with that, I had lost my voice to the world. I was no longer sending my positive words and thoughts out into the universe, but instead was filled with exhaustion, frustration, conversations that could not be had and shows I wasn't sure I could pull through. Well, let it be known that those thoughts were all the universe needed to incorporate into my physical life. This weekend was filled with sore throats, gained weight, disconnected friendships, loss, and closings.

A lost voice, indeed.

I sit here this morning with my strengthening chords, a cup of soothing tea, and a beautiful sunny day off, writing these negative words for the last time. Take THAT universe.

So, here's what I've got today..

..let's see if something can transpire.

Today's going to be a good day.

*cb

{this moment}

2010-06-11T23:55:00.005-04:00

"A Friday ritual. A {single photo} - {no words} - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember." - soulemama

added to my amazon wishlist ;o)

2010-06-07T15:31:00.005-04:00

teacup pig

photography by nico

2010-06-07T15:01:00.003-04:00

i think there's a bright future for this 3 year old.. :o)

*cb

{this moment}

2010-06-04T10:50:00.018-04:00

"A Friday ritual. A {single photo} - {no words} - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember." - soulemama

*cb

23 going on 5..

2010-06-02T17:59:00.012-04:00

Happy June! And what better way to capture the summer spirit than hanging out with the babies!!

Quotes of the day:

Christian: What's this called?

Callie: A unicorn.

Christian: Hahaha oh look, him has a piece of corn on his head!

on the walk back from the bus stop..

Nico: (on piggy back) Oohhh this is taking a long time.

Me: Do you want to walk?

Nico: No

Me: Then don't complain.

Nico: OK ::sigh:: this is not taking a long time.

face painting!

cat

shark

and a couple a monkeys!

You can learn a lot from a kid's honest, naive and lively nature, but i have to say, my favorite part of a kid's spirit, is that no matter how many or how severe the boo boo is, it can be easily remedied with the right dosage of kisses. (wipe forehead with relief) and you don't even need a prescription! ..It's kid magic at its best!

On a side note, I was encouraged (encouraged is the word I use to make it seem like I had a choice in the matter) by Callie girl and her friend to join a site called www.moshimonsters.com At this site you can create, adopt and care for your very own virtual monster. (it's almost like the 2010 equivalent of a Tamagotchi.. remember when THOSE were considered high tech?). You can also add and play games with friends and, according to Callie, we can write to each other everyday. So in case you, or the little monsters you love decide to sign you up, friend me... I'll be the only 23 year old on there. ;o)

peace, love and popsicles

*cb

pignoli cookies

2010-05-30T11:51:00.005-04:00

Pignoli Cookies are an Italian family tradition, and my all time flavorite cookie!

I've perfected a recipe and hope you use it as often as i do, enjoy!

Ingredients: (makes 1doz. cookies)

- 8oz can Almond Paste

- 2 egg whites

- 1 cup sifted powdered sugar

- pignoli (pine) nuts

- parchment paper

Instructions:

- Preheat oven to 350

- Whip egg whites until they form a slight peak. Set side.

- In a separate bowl, grate almond paste

- Add powdered sugar. Blend.

-Slowly add in the egg whites a little at a time (you might not use all two, the egg whites are just used to bind the ingredients together) until the dough forms into a slightly sticky ball.

- Form into balls (approx. 1" in diameter)

- Dip into pine nuts and place on parchment covered pan.

- Bake for about 18-20 minutes, until tops are golden brown.

- Let cool, then sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Mangia!

*cb

{this moment}

2010-05-28T10:04:00.004-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.- soulemama

a nice "feel good" album...

2010-05-24T23:13:00.004-04:00

Michael Franti and Spearhead "All Rebel Rockers"

"The Road Not Taken" -Robert Frost

2010-05-24T20:52:00.006-04:00

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

"Yesterday's the past and tomorrow's the future. Today is a gift - which is why they call it the present."

2010-05-24T14:13:00.014-04:00

-Bill Keane

I've been taking the time to think (it didn't hurt too badly, i promise), because this year has come with some horrible rough patches, and I was starting to lose track of what's important to me and what "all of this" is for. I forget about all the little gems that have been there, hidden beneath the rocks. I almost forgot about how happy I am that my best friends found love within each other and will soon be sharing that love with everyone at wonderful weddings! I forget that I'm in a show with, not only very talented, but very LOVELY people, and that I'll soon join the proud ranks of the Actors Union in a mere 2 weeks! I forget about the little things that make me happy, like a day off, sleeping late, a cup of coffee, flowers blooming, picking up a new book, baking, finishing some knitting projects. But here- here is where I'm remembering it all and will keep it clutched closely to my chest.

[breathe and smile.]

a little treasure given to me by le petit hibou. just because [heart]

And I've been working on some little treasures of my own.. update ensues..

just remember to take time to stop and smell the roses :o)

*cb

Free time, whats that?

2010-05-24T14:10:00.010-04:00

These rare moments when I have off are definitely few and far between.

And today i got to spend mine in the lovely company of:

(The Nazi Officers Wife)

*cb

A Question...

2010-05-17T15:40:00.004-04:00

to all my green-crafty friends:

What exactly is "thrifted fabric" and where do you go about finding/purchasing it?

*cb

Life's little treasures...

2010-05-12T20:23:00.021-04:00

A closer look into my present day inspirations:

work :o)

I had always wanted a Mary Poppins' umbrella..

..rainy days are just more fun this way

Oliver

Now that's what I call a day off...

2010-05-10T22:37:00.007-04:00

home-made matzoh ball soup, and some knitting,

...a day complete with a pedicure with the momma.

And now, back to the chaos that is:

But, did I mention, I love it? ;o)

*cb

My Double Stuffed Oreo..

2010-05-07T14:50:00.011-04:00

i'm going to miss you so much.

Expecto Patronum!

2010-05-06T01:45:00.002-04:00

After 3 1/2 months, I can officially and proudly announce that I have read, and thoroughly enjoyed the Harry Potter series.. Why am I overly proud of this completion? Because of the journey it brought about in myself; from resistance to curiosity to excitement to adoration, then blind hatred for a portion of it, to acceptance, tears, and above all, fulfillment!

Starting this series was not an easy thing for me, the “Fantasy” genre had not exactly been my cup of butterbeer *wink wink*. I would even refuse to read things of that nature for school (cliffs notes would do me just fine on those occasions). I’m more of the Biography/ Historical fiction kinda gal. In fact, I have strongly resisted the Harry Potter craze for about.. 11 years? ..Oh good gracious, are Harry Potter and I really the same age?.. I digress.. I just REFUSED to see myself read a book that 10 year old claimed to love. What would I be getting myself into if I was caught reading a child's' book? Was I really about to jump on the bandwagon and turn into the likes of a Harry Potter groupie? But as time went on I was persuaded by the movies (or lack there of, at present) friends, the novels themselves taunting me from the dusty corner of my bookshelf, and eventually my own nosey curiosity. I finally decided to put those old Christmas presents to use. What was it about these books that had everyone so captivated? Myself included, without even having cracked a binding.. Well, by the first letter inviting Harry into Hogwarts, I had been invited into what proved to be an exciting adventure. I was hooked, quite in the same navel-pulling fashion that comes from Apparation, I had been sucked into Harry’s story. The characters, the events, the places, even the food! ..There have been times where I would come home after a long day and set up a bath to de-stress myself along side a cup of tea and my book and read until the bubbles disappeared and the water ran to ice burg temperatures, and had not even noticed.. having finished an entire book. I would cry for hours over an unfortunate turn of events, or feel anxious over a looming Quidditch match, or even open my fridge craving some ice cold pumpkin juice! I would not be surprised if these books did truly contain some sort of wizarding magic to lure you into their ever fascinating world, (perhaps one of Fred and Georges’ love potions?)

I don’t want to go into much, or any detail for that matter (now that I feel I have sufficiently geeked out all over you), because I don’t want to ruin anything for those of you who haven’t read them yet. And if that is the case to any of you reading this blog… GET ON IT!

(I really do think it would have taken me even less time to read this series if real-life hadn’t gotten in the way… and trust me, sometimes I found it hard to make the distinction between mine and the Wizarding world.)

Along with the start and end of this series, was the life of my poor bookmark... "holly, with a phoenix feather core."

*cb

Happy Opening Nights...

2010-05-03T22:45:00.001-04:00

Lately I've become quite intrigued by the idea of a blog: growing up as a little girl with a "diary", and presently, a young woman with a slightly similar version I now more maturely dub a "journal" ;o) ..But now, like the hoarder I am, I feel I must get my hands on this Internet journal-ing as well!

Writing has always had a special little home in my heart. I have dabbled in 'The Mechanic's of..' and Poetry classes in college, though I must tell you truthfully, even after all of that skoolin', I'm still not quite sure I have the skill and eloquence one needs in writing a blog for someone to deem worth while. (I blame my self diagnosed ADD for that) Even still, I hope to maybe share with, spread joy to, discuss, and even enlighten some of you readers, in due course. I hope you to be a patient audience, for it might take me a while to find my groove and niche in all of this, but i do hope to, and maybe in the future, provide some written entertainment for you lot!

Now onto another happy first... This past Saturday was Opening night to our lovely little production of "Fiddler On The Roof" playing at the John W. Engeman Theatre in Northport, NY from now until June 20th.

Opening Night/ May Day flowers for the Ladies' dressing room, brought to you by none other than your fellow blogger Le Petit Hibou! (who plays our beautiful "Hodel" and also happened to be my final push into the blogging world, whether she knew it or not ;o))

I'm truly honored to be a part of this production. It's such a special piece of theatre, with a tremendously talented and, beyond that, LOVELY cast. If you're in the Manhattan/Long Island area, and in need of a little culture, music, or just a night out, I recommend coming to see "Fiddler On The Roof".

With that.. I am beyond thrilled at my little contribution to this production: I'm playing the part of Fruma Sarah, and, although nerve-wracking, it is one of my favorite theatre experiences to date! I won't tell you much more, but i WILL leave you with this lovely transformation:

*cb