Of cygnets and summer

To steal a line from Harper Lee - Summer is my most glorious season. It may not be officially summer, but I have that elated, glowing feeling that only happens when the temperatures start to soar and picnics followed by frozen yogurt are common occurrences.

So, I am a happy girl these days - mostly because my wandering minstrel has returned.

Here we are in style at ... Barney's...after his graduation and Eric being his regal self in the Festival's costume warehouse:

If you didn't know, he has been touring with Basia Bulat - you can buy the cd online now from overseas, but it'll be out here eventually I'm sure.

Ok....work is crazy like always, but being steeped in the theatre world brings rewards with the challenges. You may have seen some leaks about the 2008 season, and while of course I cannot comment it promises to be extremely exciting should they be true.

From the last show of opening week at the Avon theatre:

Eric and I have been exploring the river running paths of late, and I have to tell you it can be mighty hard not to slow down for this kind of scenery (photo by a patient Eric):

So I as enjoy my first two completely free days in some time (and my new Wii), I hope you enjoy yours.

Opening Week

Guess Who's Coming for Dinner

Hello dear readers - a special day in Stratford - Kalene, illustrious Humber PR prof, is here! She has a message for you:

Spring in Stratford.

It's about swans, mommy ducks, lush, green trees, shopping and Shakespeare. Even if you don't love Shakespeare, Stratford has something here for you.

I have visited Stratford for decades (really!) and the city's beauty always delights me.

Same with the shopping .. it's about the fudge and the fun lingerie!

Canadians .. if you haven't been here you are missing a bit of heaven ... my dear U.S. friends ..thank you for supporting this Eden; you already know how cool this is 'cause you're here having fun on every street corner and in every restaurant.

I hope you all listen to Kalene - it's beautiful here and has pretty lingerie, could you really want more in a destination?

The Opening Week Garden Party is tomorrow, I'm sure it will be flowery and maybe (Denise) even have some tea sandwiches. In true PR style Kalene and I have had a lovely chat over some delicious food and wine and now it's time to relax. Goodnight everyone.

Delicious

mmm I love warm weather. I also love leaving work at work. The hours can be long - and they're going to get longer - but the minute I leave that famous theatre and walk into golden light through the sweetest smelling gardens...well. It's pretty nice. Just having those evening hours to unwind I appreciate so much.

So I've been living and working in Stratford for a month now. I suppose it is a milestone of sorts, but all I can think of is how much more I have to learn. Overall it has been great so far. I love this city. First, because it is beautiful - bucolic and bright. It also has a wealth of things I adore - theatre, art, book stores, coffee shops, clothing stores, frozen yogurt and really friendly people. What Stratford has that is also high on my list of living must haves - really great food - from gourmet dining to takeout sandwiches (faves so far: York St. Kitchen, Pazzo and Down the Street).

The theatre is an amazing place too, full of passionate, creative and focused people in every department. It can be tough, but it is magical. Everyone is working hard because they believe in the Festival.

Opening week starts Monday! It'll be a crazy week full of plays, executives, media, requests, 15 hour days and running around the city - all in formal wear and heels no less! It'll be incredibly exciting! I'm booking my massage for afterwards now and stocking up on wine. Come and see me in June, it'll be fabulous.

If I was my heart / I'd rather be restless

So what do you do when your heart aches? Really I would love some suggestions - real ones now lovely readers.

This was my solution tonight: raspberries and cream and Amy Winehouse.

Work was madness today. You know those days? C2? Run off your feet and not having a break? Still love it but...even meeting zany, beautiful, wonderful actors going stir-crazy working a 12 hour rehearsal day can't always make all things good. Long weekend, I have never wanted you more. I guess.

Only one thing would make me feel level again, but until then, this hot girl is coming to visit:

Denise, we need some new sexy pictures. I think we should take them..this weekend.

All right, I so need to get off computers for the day. Happy Birthday Sarah! Have a great long weekend ya'll.

Tempest

Well, I do love a good storm. However...seeing tornado warnings just before my power goes off while I'm up in an attic...a little more ... well exciting, who am I kidding.

Wind, hail, the works - then I felt the house shake so I looked outside to this:

There actually were tornadoes in the area last night, but here mostly strong winds and lightening. My poor landlord's car is absolutely totalled. My car was missed by about half a foot. My landlord was ok, and everyone ran out to help her rescue things from the wreck.

I'm sure other streets had trees down, but ours was a magnet for people. Eventually I went outside again and met my lovely neighbours, who handed out wine while we chatted in the drizzle.

I woke up at my normal time despite being alarm-less - but I guess the chain saws would have done it. Clean-up is underway.

Time for work. Good morning everyone.