A New Room and Carol Burnett

My current gig, "Into the Woods", has me spending several hours a week commuting in my car.  Last week, I took out a few audiobooks from the library, and have been staying inspired while on the road...

Carol Burnett's autobiography "This Time Together" has helped me examine my own life and career.  She is such an original artist, a smart woman and a warm mother.  All things I aspire to be (maybe someday I'll be a mom).  As a musical theatre comedienne, she was able to accept her talents, and how others viewed her, and was able to launch her career as an insanely successful performer.  

I was first introduced to Ms. Burnett's work when, as a high school senior our new theater director, Mrs. Schlink, chose "Once Upon a Mattress" for our spring musical.  I was determined to land the leading role since it was my senior year, and when I listened to Carol Burnett on the original recording, I was even more determined.  Here was this fearless, funny voice embodying a princess who came from the Swamp!!  I remember rolling around on the floor during the audition, letting my silliest self shine, and since then, this wild abandon has helped me land and create numerous character roles for the stage.  

As I prepare to join the stage actors' union, Actors Equity, this month and reach a new level of competition, success and fulfilling work forever balanced with fear and lack of confidence, Carol's stories could not have come at a better time.  I highly recommend "This Time Together" whether you are a comedic actor, a lover of comedy, or just in the mood for some fun summer reading.  I think "The Carol Burnett Show" will also need to be viewed in the coming year.

On another note, I am so thankful for my Mom today, as I type from an upstairs room in our home.  For the first 9 months of my living here with Justin, the small room has been a mess of boxes, bookshelves and scattered papers.  Last week, Mom, with her amazing interior decorating skills and attention to detail, helped me transform this room into a tranquil space.  I sit in a chair which, I believe, my parents have owned since the beginning of their marriage- my brothers and I used to hide under it's small opening underneath-gosh, we were tiny!  A fragrant hydrangea scented candle wafts through air, and I look at a beautiful bamboo plant Justin has shared with me, a small table from my late Aunt Esther's home, a fun leopard print chair pushed into my makeshift vanity, and a beautiful new area rug, a major deal from Christmas Tree Shop, which I splurged on last week!

It is a gorgous day outside- I've got to get out there!  
Be well, and thanks for checking in :)

PS. Check out our "Into the Woods" Saturday Intermission Pic, featured on Broadway World here!   
http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Flash-Saturday-Intermission-Pics-Part-2-614-LES-MIZ-Plays-Heads-Up-7-Up-IFTHEN-Goes-STAR-WARS-and-More-20140615#.U55fGI1dVOV