Wedding-a-ling

I never knew weddings could be so emotional. I always see people get teary and cry during movies, but ultimately I didn't really understand why. I get teary over the drop of a hat...so I don't think I specifically count. But still, there is a moment in a wedding-- when you know the person getting married-- and you think that this is the event that is going to change their lives forever and ever and nothing will ever be the same after those two simple words-- that things become both beautiful, exciting, and emotional. And then there comes the buying of a new house and you think that this is the event that is going to change their lives forever and ever and nothing will ever be the same after you step in the front door for the firs time. And then there comes the baby and you think that this is the event that is going to change their lives forever and ever and nothing will ever be the same after that birth...okay actually this last one, I think wins because nothing is the same after you have the child.

I realized right before the wedding was about to take place that I was feeling exactly like I feel right before I go on stage. I was nervous (and yes I get nervous every time I get up on stage to perform...even for karaoke). I wasn't nervous about the actual event of the wedding...I was nervous that my heels were to high for walking on grass, and that I was either going to sink into the grass and not be able to move-- or that I was going to fall and twist my ankle and hobble down the aisle making a spectacle of myself, ruining everything. Lucky for me, neither of these events happened. Although I bet you would be a lot more interested if they did. 

But enough about me... this is the one day that isn't mine (ba ha ha.) The bride was beautiful-- the day was pretty much stress free, and the whole thing was incredibly stunning. And for those of you who are not sure if they should or should not get a Limo for arriving at the reception-- get one. While the bride and groom are off taking pictures...there is some champagne left to keep the rest of you occupied-- and a quick stop at the LCBO makes the time spent in the Limo very appealing-- and the walk into the reception much less nerve-racking then the initial walk down the aisle (despite the mimosa's had in the morning).

I wish we could freeze time. Rewind. Relive. Have the flowers, and sunshine and laughter last forever. I guess that is why photos and video's exist. But, alas, the special day seemed to fly by (as they always do). And what was once a day to be anticipated is now a day to look fondly back on. (Especially when there is video evidence of someone doing the splits on the dance floor-- I have no idea who that person could have been...what a crazy family!). All I have left to say is congrats to the now happily married couple-- and thank god no one fainted!

A Reflection: The Hobbit

So, in all honesty, I don't know why I have never read this before. It's not that I don't like fantasy, although the style of it is often difficult for me to get through-- but this novel I found incredibly enjoyable and delightful to read. It was an adventure, to say the least, with the brilliancy of J.R.R. Tolkien to constantly reassure the reader (most likely designed for children) that everything was going to be all right. I think that is the thing I liked best: the narration. The narrator has a wonderful way of delighting the reader-- in the description s/he gives, the way it hardly ever repeats the stories already told, and the was s/he suggest of other stories that live in this world and are saved for "another time". However, the thing I like best about this novel is actually what I liked least about this novel-- because of the way this novel is narrated, I felt safe reading it...perhaps a little too safe? I never felt the danger of a character getting lost never to be found again of, heaven forbid, a character dying. I just knew that this was probably not going to happen. Yet, reminding myself that the intended audience is for kids, the safety is the brilliance.

While I found this book delightful, I don't feel the need to read it again, or get a ton more. I hope that The Lord of the Rings will change this opinion that I have (perhaps leading me to an unsafe zone?)-- I look forward to reading them!

Up Next: War & Peace (Although it may take me five years...)

A Reflection; Wuthering Heights

It is hard to forgive, and to look at those eyes, and feel those wasted hands,' he answered. 'Kiss me again; and don’t let me see your eyes! I forgive what you have done to me. I love my murderer—but yours! How can I?

There is something to be said about the animalistic quality of Heathcliff. The gypsy boy who grew up with few people who loved him, is the one character who I found the most compelling in this novel. The way he holds Catherine as though he is mad/ has rabies and is foaming at the mouth (nearly) and bearing his teeth. In a very strange world-- this is what all women want (ba ha ha). A devoted man who can only be tamed by you? (very appealing)
I am not certain that I understand all of the messages Brontë is trying to convey. We never really see Heathcliff and Cathrine fall in love-- we just know that they are in love, and that it is clear that they are meant to be together. Yet, by denying this clear cut path to one another Catherine's choices, inevitably, cause for a very dark and unpleasent life style for many characters of the novel including: herself, her husband, her future child, Isabella, Hindley, Hareton, Heathcliff, Linton Heathcliff, and Nelly...so pretty much everyone in the family...

Also, there could be something hidden within the idea of genetic connection versus parented connection-- what I mean by this is, Cathy (the original Catherine's daughter) is genetically part of her mother (obviously), while Hareton is only parented by Heathcliff-- If the genetics were strong enough wouldn't the lust for one another have been present through young Cathy and young Linton-- or is there something to be said by the rabid way Hareton was raised.
I am unsure as to if I am even supposed to sort through these thoughts-- or if it is simply that the denial or submission to love is what shapes our lives, and I should be content with that. (I won't be...but I can move on to the next novel at least).

Next Up: The Hobbit

A Reflection: The Great Gatsby

The Roaring Twenties...what an era. I think if I had to choose another era to live in, this would be one of them-- but only if I was rich, and only before the Great Depression. I have to say that the beginning of F. Scott Fitzgerald 's novel The Great Gatsby captured the fast-paced, flapper-esque feel that I never thought possible. I found the writing to be similar to the Charleston step, the back and forth of the continual dialogue much like the back and forth of the leg swings in the dance numbers. As we slowly are introduced to Gatsby-- the party seems to slowly come to an end. This is done with such eloquence that you almost don't even see it happen, until you, as the reader, stop in order to reflect upon this character and realize that there is a great sadness to Gatsby that seems to creep in and take an underlying tone to the story. Do we ever truly know who Gatsby is...not particularly, but we feel for him-- for his love for Daisy and his intense drive to live purely for her. I must say that the clever writing and captivating story is one that I will not forget, even if I do have five million other books to read.

I look forward to the new Luhrmann movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire. The look of the trailer seems...interesting. It has a Hunter S. Thompson feel to it-- which could be interesting, however seems to lack the traditional 20's swing momentum and music, so I am not sure if it will be exactly what I hope it to be. Nonetheless, I will go with an open mind and hope to be throughly entertained, as I do like these three actors very much and look forward to seeing this story come to life (I realize that there is an older version of this film, however I am going to wait to have an unbiased opinion on the Luhrmann one).

Up Next: Wuthering Heights

My Canine Vinny

I have decided that every actor needs a dog. At first I decided to get a dog because while at school I had an overwhelming feeling that if I didn't get a dog my life will forever be incomplete because I do not have a furry companion who loves me unconditionally, and who I can dress the way I want-- but isn't a doll because he is living. But once I got the little guy, I realized that not only is this dog a great companion-- but he can teach me a lot about acting and booking auditions!


Things your dog will teach you, that will be having you book auditions in no time:

1. Selective Hearing. This technique is really great if you ever feel like you are going to get rejected at an audition. Just turn your back and prance around the room pretending that you didn't hear what they said.

2. Always get what you want. If you are in the audition room and they say thanks or dismiss you before you have a chance to truly show them what you wanted to show them-- just start make high pitch squawking noises, and if this doesn't work gently slap them on their legs while making these noises and eventually the auditioners will give in!

3. Do everything on the count of three. If you are feeling a little uncertain about doing something, just have the auditioners shout -one-two-three-go! then begin! (works every time).

 

(yes my voice sounds dumb...)

4. Motivate yourself with a treat. Sometimes we don't always feel like performing, but even on these days it is possible. Just bring your favourite treat to your audition, and ask the auditioners to dangle it in front of you while you say your lines.

(yes my voice gets really high)

5. If the treat isn't enough motivation-- have the auditioners dangle it in front of you, ask "do you want it" and when you are saying.."not really" have them pull it away really fast and say "I wan'it!". Repeat this several times, and you will find yourself doing everything you can for that treat, and ultimately ace the audition!

6. Head tilt. If you really don't know what the auditioner is asking you to do-- or if you don't really want to perform in the way they are asking you. Just put a really focused look on your face and tilt you head every time they say something. The auditioners will think this is the most adorable thing they have ever seen!

7. Bite. If the auditioners are trying to show you something that you don't really want to do-- bite them. They will back away and give you the space you need to perform your best. You may, however, want to growl at them first so that you give them proper warning with what is to come.
 

8. And finally-- if the audition really didn't go your way-- get a hair cut and come back. Trust me they will have no idea that you are the same person, and you will get another shot!

Before

After

In essence, ever actor should have a dog.