Home Making

It’s good to own land …

Before last week, I never would have imagined that SO many crazy/amazing/beautiful/life-changing things could happen over the course of seven days, but everything keeps getting radder and radder.

Matt taunted me in the days leading up to my birthday saying, “I have lots of surprises for you.” Did he ever! The Saturday before, he spilled the beans on what I thought was going to be the biggest, best surprise. He had rented a house on the coast for the weekend and we were going to hang out, relax, and just having a great time. Perfect! I LOVE the coast. It was such a wonderful, welcomed surprise and I was touched he had gone to the trouble of planning the trip.

But there was more … after a couple of months of contract negotiations, house inspections, and the rest we FINALLY closed on our first home! It was a thrilling moment that I had been working towards most of my adult life. Unfortunately, our conflicting work schedules kept us from celebrating by cracking out that luxuriously priced $12 bottle of wine from Trader Joe’s. We usually stick to the $4 bottles, but figured … Hey … we just closed on a house - let’s indulge! So the plan was to grill and accompany some tasty burgers with some tasty wine. I got home from work Wednesday night, I prepared everything, eagerly anticipating my sweetie to be home within the hour. Time ticked on and he was nowhere to be found. When he called, he gave me the “bad news” that he was in Portland getting one of my birthday gifts and wouldn’t be back until 9!

I had no idea what he could be getting. What the hell would he buy me that could only be obtained in Portland? Thoughts of a new dining room table or perhaps he was picking up a friend from the airport as a surprise… I was not expecting Alice!

Happy hedgie.

She is too cute! I have been a hedgehog enthusiast for quite some time and now I have a snuffly-nosed ball of prickles to call my own. And so we welcomed the newest member to our crazy little family of humans, chickens, and a dog. A hedgehog seems fitting addition.

The surprises didn’t end there. Matt had invited friends to join us at the beach house - we ate, drank, watched sunsets, walked the dog, laughed, and enjoyed what was possibly the most idyllic weather I have ever experience at the Oregon coast.

Best. Cake. Ever.

It was an amazing birthday night - topped off by my favorite birthday cake made by Angie (even though it is a huge pain in the ass to put together). I felt love, love, love all around.

Two nights were spent soaking in the coast … I was incandescently happy and grateful for such a flawless birthday weekend. How could it get any better? It turns out Matt had one more surprise.

After packing up the rental house on Sunday, Dave encouraged us all to take one more walk on the beach before leaving town. I almost said “no” due to the huge amount of work awaiting me at the office, but heck … how often do perfect weekends happen? Might as well extend things just a few more minutes. We took Hermione down to the beach and splashed in the water. Dave took her by the leash and ran off for a while as Matt and I stood holding hands and looking out at the soul stirring beauty of the Pacific. Suddenly Hermione ran back to us and Matt remarked, “There’s something on her collar.” I suspected nothing and looked down for a piece of trash or seaweed. What I found instead was a gorgeous diamond and sapphire ring, and looked up to see Matt on one knee proposing! Never in my life would have expected such a moment of cinematic-style romance. It couldn’t have been scripted better.

A ridiculously perfect day.

My head is spinning with so much love. I am very excited about this next step in my lucky, lucky, very rad life. Monday we got the keys to our new home and now … the nest-making begins!

Spring’s Promise

The new members of our weird little family.

Spring has returned bringing warmer weather, longer days, and the promise of new experiences and challenges. We’re this close to closing on our first home, I’ve begun a new quarter, and on Wednesday Matt brought home the new additions to our little family. In twelve weeks Feste, Athena, Bullseye, and Jane will be joined by their little sisters. This year we add a Rhode Island Red (Sriracha), a Black Sexlink (Troi), a Golden Sexlink (Butter), and two Speckled Sussexes (Winston and Maggie) to the flock. So far, they seem to be settling into their temporary brooder box nicely - peeping away, pecking at their chick feed … basically doing what fuzzy little chicks do best.

Their presence in the house has a calming effect. Coming home from a long day at work, there is something a little magical about going into the “peep room” with its warm, red glow from the heat lamp, and taking a few moments to hold each peep. Taking the time to gently handle them each day makes them friendlier towards us in the long run. It’s fun how, as grown hens, Feste, Athena, Bullseye, and Jane come running towards us when they see us approach the coop (most likely because we have food, but still). Hopefully the new additions will grow in their affection for us as well.

Life’s adventures continue …

Good Friday

Lent seemed particularly long this year. Usually my carnivorous cravings fade after a couple of weeks, but this year I’ve spent the last thirty eight days salivating over fantasies of bacon, tender short ribs, juicy roast chicken … uhg! I’m getting hungry typing this.

Every year people ask why on earth I would impose this fast upon myself. I’m not Catholic, after all, so I can understand why it seems a little weird. Truthfully, it’s part of a personal tradition and a spiritual discipline. I’m incredibly lucky to have the privilege to choose to forgo inexpensive sources of quality protein. I’m very privileged to be able to choose to purchase organic, minimally processed, and humanely-slaughtered animal products. Lent, for me, becomes a reminder of all the blessings and plenty I have from the people around me to what I can put into my body. An annual meat-hiatus allows me to step back and examine a number of life choices. It is a reminder that every time I choose to eat meat, another creature gives its life to nourish me. That incredible gift should not be taken lightly.

Veggie Loaded Pasta e Fagioli Soup

With the end in sight (and my cravings some something deeply flavorful and satisfying), I devised a new recipe. This vegetarian-friendly Italian-inspired pasta and bean soup has a rich spicy broth thanks to the additions of smoked paprika and a handy Parmesan rind. Try it out! I topped it off with homemade garlic croutons for some extra crunch. It’s a nice reminder than going meat-free can be a flavorful and fun adventure.

Huevos Rancheros for Two

Put an egg on it? Don’t mind if I do!

Have I mentioned how awesome chickens are? Yeah … I know I have. The ladies have been producing like crazy since we sprung forward last week. We’re getting a dozen eggs every few days - which is more than enough for two people. Not that I’m complaining … the abundance has inspired lots of yummy new egg-centered recipes. Tonight’s fare? Huevos Rancheros making use of leftover vegetarian chili and a variety of on-hand items. Check out the quick and delicious recipe! You won’t be disappointed.

Other signs of spring? Blossoms are doing what they should be doing this time of year … blossoming! Right outside my building little buds are bursting pink and orange like tiny sunrises! Hope, fresh starts, and gratitude is in the air.

Life, Love, and Food Blogging

House … work … love … life … the stirring of creativity associated with sunnier weather. Spring is coming and I have so much to be grateful for, but for every blissful achievement there is a challenge. As I transition into the next part of my life, the culmination of work and sacrifice, I will always carry memories that have shaped me for better or worse and the tangled mass of scar tissue around my heart. We all bear burdens and I hope to bear mine with grace, strength, and gratitude for the fortune I have experienced. While good days and good times can be shadowed be sadness and challenges, I want to thankful every single day.

And with that little bit of self-indulgent musing …  here is a link to my latest recipe! I like to present myself with little “food challenges” on my food blog. Re-making leftovers into something rad is a common theme in my world.

What the Heck Do I Do With All This Leftover Fried Rice? Egg Drop Soup With Leeks and Greens

Last night’s challenge was a shrimp fried rice makeover. It was a success, by the way. I’ve been keeping my food blog since 2009. I started it at the behest of friends and family who wanted me to share recipes. I love to cook. I love having people over for dinner. There is nothing like the act of sharing a meal to turn strangers into friends and friends into family. Food can be magical in that way!

Anonymous asked: What are you going to do with the chickens?

We raise chickens - it’s the best! Fresh eggs everyday coming from a source where we know they are taken care of humanely. Currently we have four hens in a coop and run at our rental. We are getting new peeps in a few weeks to add to the flock. They will be moving with us - they are a part of our little family. We’re very excited because we will have a larger space with grass they will be able to range. We let them range in the backyard now, but without grass there are fewer bugs and grubs for them to peck at. Thinking of raising chickens? Check out this book A Chicken in Every Yard - it’s an amazing resource for newbies!

Home

“Sale pending.” To me.

My life seems absolutely full. Full of action. Full of people. Full of adventures. Full of challenges. And I’m grateful for all of it … the good and the bad. The current challenge is exciting, life-consuming, and a culmination of many years of planning, saving, and being a bit boring and responsible. I have said “no” to so many things for so many years to be here now where I can actually say “yes.”

I moved out of my parent’s house at eighteen to go to college and I never lived at “home” again. I have resided in a variety of places … apartments, dorms, rental houses, couches, guestrooms, and (very briefly) my office and car. I’ve had this colorful inner-life about buying my first home inspired by countless hours of DIY television shows.

I’ve always been pragmatic and cautious, and for many reasons I delayed the gratification of buying a home in spite of low interest rates, special deals for first time buyers, and other social and economic pressures. I wasn’t ready. I wanted to do it when I felt I had saved enough money and felt secure enough in my own life and choices to take that next step.

And here I am. I sat back after a meeting with the loan officer and realized with a little bit of pride that I actually did this. I had saved money, maintained an excellent credit score, and put myself in the secure position to purchase a home without a roommate, husband, boyfriend, parent, sugar daddy, or co-signer or any kind. It’s a strangely empowering thought that hard work and discipline can pay off in the end.

The process has been moving forward smoothly. Matt and I found a home well below our price threshold. Yesterday’s inspection proved it had a strong foundation, good roof, lots of insulation, solid siding … pretty much everything it needs. The “problems” are quite frankly very minor - mostly little maintenance issues. This is getting quite exciting.

Home sweet home?

I’m in nervous anticipation of seeing this process through. There will be issues to address, but for the most part, fun issues. Painting rooms, making the kitchen the way I want it, planting a big garden, figuring out where to put the chicken coop.

I will, no doubt, be including lots of renovation pictures and other house-related information soon. For the time being, I am enjoying these little rad moments where the pieces seem to be falling into place. I’m thankful for my wonderful partner, my parents, my patient students, Andrew and Katie, Arin, Barb, and Tina-Marie all who have been there to listen and share in this exciting new part of my life! 

THREE SISTERS

My current directing project is Anton Chekhov’s Three Sisters for Oregon State University. The process so far? Challenging, tiring, and pretty darn rad.

Chekhov is so delightfully dense as he probes into life’s most heartbreaking moments with sensitivity and humor. For more in-depth information, dramaturgy, and a rehearsal blog on this production, please check out OSU Theatre Plays: http://osutheatreplays.blogspot.com/

Book Review: The Casual Vacancy

Rowling conjures up a very adult novel that weaves a different kind of magic.

I picked up The Casual Vacancy from Costco with a degree of skepticism as did, I will assume, many other readers daring to explore J. K. Rowling’s follow-up to that series about some boy wizard. My hesitance came not from a dislike of Rowling, but the fact that I would consider myself a Harry Potter fan. I attended more than one “Magic at Midnight” book release party, I speculated on theories as the series progressed, I regularly followed various Potter-themed fan sites, I have read (and listened to Jim Dale’s charming audio versions) multiple times, and I have been known to wear a Hermione Granger costume on more than one occasion.

In spite of my devotion to the series and the charmingly inventive world of Harry Potter, I have also been willing to criticize Rowling. My general assessment of this beloved series of books is that Rowling may not be the best writer in the world, but she is an amazing storyteller. The astounding cross-cultural popularity of the Harry Potter series is a testament to her skill at crafting an engaging narrative and creating a magical world with such detail that it seems as if it could actually exist. (Since reading the series, I have passed by many run-down buildings or sketchy hole-in-the-wall bars and considered wryly, “Could there be wizards in there?”)

When my partner saw the freshly purchased copy of The Casual Vacancy on the kitchen table amongst the bulk cheeses, he responded with a note of cynicism, “What’s she trying to do with this? She just needs to stop writing.” (Later, he came to refer to the book as The Casually-Written Novel.)  Like me, he is a fan of the Harry Potter series and his feelings toward Rowling’s attempt at a follow-up are not completely unfounded. After all, he is right … she will never have success to match what she has already achieved.

But what is the world’s most famous living writer to do? She will never write another Harry Potter. How could she? In creating Hogwarts she has achieved a level of success no other author has ever reached. What other writer living or dead can boast eight blockbuster film adaptations, multiple prestigious literary awards, sales in multiple translations of over 450 million copies, and even a theme park? It’s simply unprecedented. Rowling’s challenge now, it seems, is not to make people forget Harry, but to live past it. She is a writer, after all, she must have other stories to tell. She has nothing to prove, and yet with this book it seems she has everything to prove. In spite of her previous success,The Casual Vacancy is Rowling’s literary debut.

The Casual Vacancy is a deliberate departure from the world of Harry Potter. This is obvious in its content (which is unapologetically adult - rife with profanity, sex, and drug use) and its utter grounding in “the real world” lacking in whimsy or sentimentalism. That is not to say the story is without humor or hope, in fact, the common thread that binds Potter’s world with the people of Pagford is Rowling’s social thesis of personal, familial, and community responsibility.

The Casual Vacancy begins with the untimely death of a kindly pillar of the seemingly idyllic community of Pagford. The small town is dominated by typical small town politics and old rivalries between “old families.” Town council member Barry Fairbrother’s roots in Pagford were not that deep, having grown up underprivileged in the neighboring community. The first in his family to attend university, Barry became a beloved resident of Pagford and an advocate for the disenfranchised poor living in “The Fields,” a poverty-stricken no-mans-land between peaceful, prosperous Pagford and Yarvil. Barry’s untimely death in his early-forties leaves a vacancy on the town council, but more importantly, sets in motion a tragic series of events revealing bruised and broken relationships, cruel class warfare, and the power that a single individual can have to impact the lives of many for better or for worse.

Tensions run high throughout the story as Rowling moves fluidly between numerous character perspectives. The large cast of community members spans three generations of residents, including established families and newcomers. While the convention of an inconsistent perspective may take some getting used to, it pays off in the last half of the novel when rivalries and suffering relationships can be pinned back to moments of misunderstanding and miscommunication.

The Casual Vacancy is a compelling work, and I might argue, Rowling’s most mature writing to date. She approaches the world of Pagford with intricate detail and her familiar sly wit, but her prose has grown more confident. The writing is a successful balance between poignancy, humor, and anger in articulating the problems of class tension and poverty without descending into making trite moral judgements. Rowling’s personal concern and sensitivity for youth issues is made clear throughout the story whether through the perspective depressed social-misfit who resorts to cutting herself as a means of dealing with her internal demons or in the particularly heartbreaking scene when social worker Kay visits the dilapidated home of a heroine addicted mother, her struggling teenage daughter, and neglected three-year-old son.

The novel is strong, but imperfect. Due to the number of characters, the first quarter of the novel reads slowly … carefully setting up the story to come. Once immersed in the small town, however, it’s an extremely engaging read.

RAD RATING: 4/5 (A richly wrought-world without a hint of magic.)

Director’s Journal: Season’s Greetings

The beautiful and fully realized set design by the amazing Cristie Johnston.

Opening Night has always been a bittersweet experience for me. It’s satisfying to see everything come together (and it truly did for Season’s Greetings) but it also means saying “good-bye” to a show and to a great group of people. When I direct at home, I get a more drawn out farewell because I see the show more than once and I get to be a part of the cathartic experience of strike. For Season’s Greetings, I came to Opening Night excited, but knowing it would be the last time I’d see the silliness and that twelve hours later, I’d be on a plane back to Oregon.

Bernard (Philip Bozich) performs his ill-fated puppet show for Harvey (Jason Grubbe) and Pattie (Wendy Greenwood).

I am happy to say, that in spite of a few unplanned detours, the show came together delightfully - as far as I am concerned the Opening Night was pretty flawless. With the exception of a malfunctioning prop the show went off without a hitch, the audience enjoyed it, the cast was full of inventive energy, and that’s all I could have asked for. The show did what it was supposed to do, made a room full of people laugh while making them feel a little uncomfortable watching all the familiar dysfunctional relationships. What more could you ask for of a holiday production?

I go into every production wanting to learn something … and once again I wasn’t let down. This was a blocking challenge! How am I ever to create multiple acting areas (and believable multiple rooms) in a postage stamp-sized space? Luckily, the brilliant Cristie Johnston was up to the task for transforming the Gaslight into the warm and welcoming Bunker home. For me, this became a play about people desperately searching for private moments in an impossibly public area … and (thankfully) comedy comes from that tension.

Clive (Stephen Peirick) and Belinda (Emily Baker) try to steal a moment together underneath the Christmas tree.

I am very happy with the show and thankful that the audiences and critics are also responding positively to it. The cast has worked hard in our short time together in order to bring it together. They stepped it up! And people are responding!

The cast is now in the midst of their second week of performances and I am cheering them on from afar. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with this gifted group of artists and I look forward to my return to St. Louis come spring time for the upcoming La Bute New Theater Festival and for next season’s auditions! For now, I need to move on to preparing for Three Sisters. I have a wonderful cast lined up and I’m eager to being this next journey.

Thank you to STLAS for a wonderful November! Happy holidays!