Sunday Post #amwriting #amjoy

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The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted  @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things  received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme, its also hosted by Readerbuzz

LOOKING FORWARD TO February

This week I thought I'd piggy back off another blogger's post and answer this prompt : You see someone walking ahead of you on a small path in a local park. Suddenly they stop, turn around , run straight to you and say "I know what you did"

Are you talking about the time I:

 I rolled down the aisle in a wheelchair to accept my five year dance trophy in a body cast  played floor hockey in 8th grade and broke my femur).

-the time I tried to get out of a speeding ticket and held up my red painted hands because I was returning from a haunted house: "No officer I am not injured. Nor did I injure anyone tonight."

-Or the time I wrote my second grade teacher a tear jerking letter about how great she is.

-Or the time I went to Corona, California to go zip-lining and I got stuck in the middle of the zip-line and someone had to come out on the line with me and throw me a buoy. 

Pics from my week

My son Zulfi when he was five months

A fun car in my neighborhood

A pic from my son's day at the play park

Upcoming shows

Fearless Comedy annual New play festival Feb 11,12,18,19,25,26 @Mounds Historical theater

Quote of the week

“If you can’t annoy somebody, there’s little point in writing.”  — Kingsley Amis

That's my week. Tell me about yours in the comments below.

ON THE BLOG

Synopsis: When newly-divorced Ivy Perkins buys an old farmhouse sight unseen, she is definitely looking for a change in her life. The Four Roses, as the farmhouse is called, is a labor of love—but Ivy didn't bargain on just how much labor. The previous family left so much furniture and so much junk, that it's a full-time job sorting through all of it.

I know I'm reading a Christmas book in February, but as long as the snow has got me holed up, I'm going to do it. And like the character of Ivy buying a farmhouse on her own and starting fresh as her job as a marketer doesn't pan through. 

I like this self help book by Brianna Weist.  It's a great look at the obstacles we create for ourselves and how to overcome them.

Lake Nokomis and Ice Castles in New Brighton #amwriting

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The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted  @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things  received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

LOOKING FORWARD TO JANUARY

Last Sunday I went to see an ice castle in New Brighton. I had to sign a waiver, because they didn't want patrons to touch the icicles. I guess ice castles are made by crisscrossing-wire racks hoisted on tall wooden legs – they look like horizontal chainlink fences. Water is sprayed over the top and, icicles form below like stalactites, which can be harvested and fused into the formations.  The ideal weather is -10 degrees.  

In Minnesota, we have plenty of -10 degree weather, but we have had a few nice days until it drops twenty degrees (then its back to survival mode).

Latin's on Ice (Improv show on Lake Nokomis

My son at the Ice Castle

Improv on the Ice (lake Nokomis)

It also went to see an improv show on the ice (Lake Nokomis). It was adventurous because in order to save on parking, I parked on the other side of the lake and walked across(most of the ice is covered in hard packed snow-making it easier). It was fun to see so many people. A lot of hockey players were out on the ice because it coincided with a Hockey Championship.  

That's my week. Tell me about yours in the comments below.

ON THE BLOG

Reading

I loved this Non-fic book by Catherine Gildiner.  Specifically there was a story by the therapist (Gildiner) that talked about how her client lived in the forest for a few years as a child.  And it talked about her struggles as an adult and how she overcame her issues by seeing the therapist weekly for three years. I think many of us could benefit from seeing a therapist for years at a time.

Sunday post

 

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted  @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things  received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

LOOKING FORWARD TO JANUARY

I did some improv with Friday Delight group on zoom. Here's a picture from last week

Spent this week driving for ride share. Here are some interesting observations I made while listening to clients ...At Saint Catherine’s university they have a separate nursing award for Alzheimer’s clients.And a lot of the residents are nuns. 

current snow fall in MN

“They still pray a lot even though they have Alzheimer’s” said client who is a nursing assistant that works at St Kates.

This is the second time this week that I had to pick up a high school student while driving Uber. In Minnesota, a lot of the students take the city bus to school and during the pandemic a lot of the bus drivers are not working.I asked this student if there are a lot of shenanigans at his school because he attends Central high school, one the largest high schools in Saint Paul and he was like "oh yeah🤪"

When I went to school in North Minneapolis two guys in big wheel trucks would circle the school to get everyone’s attention. And smoking on the corner was the thing to do. 

That's my week. Tell me about yours in the comments below.

ON THE BLOG

Reading

"The View from Here" by Rachel Howzell. Synopisis: Rachel's life changes on the afternoon she receives a phone call from the harbor. During a scuba dive, her husband Truman disappears. No one—not his diving instructor, not the Coast Guard—can find him. Is he still alive? Or is grief making her believe the impossible?

I liked this one a lot and all of the secrets in this couple's marriage. Rachel's husband was sure adventureous and it mentions how he's a lawyer in a case with his neighbor (also a lawyer).  There was just so many intriguing plot threads, including Rachel's numbing process(if you get what I mean)

Sunday Post #amwritiing #amjoy

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The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted  @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things  received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

LOOKING FORWARD TO JANUARY

Taking some time this week to answer questions about myself. (I got this from secret story swap) from https://www.bakinginatornado.com/

Whats a thing people turn to you all the time?

People come to me for social work type services. How to sign up for health insurance or housing they may ask me.  They ask me how to apply for a job.  I helped a few friends get jobs at the hospital, as I used to work one for many years.  They also turn to me for events. Before the pandemic I'd attend tons of events every month and I'd often bring a friend and this was an easy way to coordinate dates with friends throughout the month.

My son Zulfi at two years old

Pics from my week

Stores are already starting their Valentine inventory, get it fast.

Upcoming Shows

Latins on Ice - Jan 29 @ 11am

Saturday, January 29, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

At Lake Nakomis-

Improv on the ICe

ON THE BLOG

Reading

Watching

The Bridgerton series on Netflix. I'm a little late on this one but I liked it a lot. I also watched "Emily and Paris" and loved that series. I was in Paris in 2011 and 2014 so I had a lot of nostalgia for these two shows.

Sunday Post

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The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted  @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things  received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

Looking forward to January

This week it snowed in Minnesota. I had a friend who had to move his that hadn't been running for the last month and he ended up having a big run around with the tow company in twenty below weather before they arrived.  

And then a pipe in the building burst and the apartment lobby flooded three inches, and the fire department came with wet vacs and pulled out all the carpet.  Huge tiles from the ceiling were removed. The elevators didn't work so some people had to walk (in some instances) ten floors to get home.

Fun fact about me: A neighbor in my building Nicknamed me "Fire" (not cuz my red hair) because I called the fire department years ago and two fire trucks showed up to investigate the gas smell in the building's kitchen.  A lot of people have this sign in their front year that says "We Watch, We call." I should have that plastered on my Forehead!

I also helped my son put together some figures from the Star Wars Lego set.

My son at the buffet

ON THE BLOG

Loved this series on Netflix called "Home for Christmas". Its based in Norway. Tired of the constant comments on her relationship status, perpetually single Johanne starts a 24-day hunt for a boyfriend to bring home for Christmas. 

I just loved the snowy setting of Norway and the acting and dramatic bits were terrific.  It made me appreciate my little snowy oasis in Minnesota a lot more.

"Meet you in the Middle"  is a modern, heartfelt and hopeful romance that hilariously explores what happens when you fall in love with your political polar opposite. I thought it was cute but I do get it when people complain about the enemies to lovers trope and how it romantizes toxic relationships.

 

Sunday blog post #amwriting #amhoy

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           LOOKING FORWARD TO January

Happy New Year's Everyone

This week I drove a bit for Uber and picked up a guy who said he gives haircuts to the

 Viking's players. 

Downtown St Paul

I house sat for my sis.  This New Years was low key. Spent this year with Miley and Pete watching the ball drop. I also made peanut butter bars for my clients. I listed the recipe below. A friend of mine took me to the Japanese buffet for running her on a few errands.

Recipe

1. Peanut Butter Bars
2. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Set aside.
3. Mix the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and confectioners’ sugar together in a medium bowl. Stir in 1 cup (250g) of peanut butter, then press evenly into prepared baking pan.
4. Melt remaining 2 Tablespoons of peanut butter with the chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stove. Stir until smooth. Spread over peanut butter layer.
5. Chill in the refrigerator until completely firm, at least 2 hours. Allow to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting. Serve chilled. Setting them out for a few hours at room temperature for serving is OK.
6. Cover leftover bars tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

• 1/2 cup (115g) salted butter, melted*
• 1 cup (85g) graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full sheet graham crackers)
• 2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup + 2 Tablespoons (280g) creamy peanut butter, divided
• 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Readers please comment below

ON THE BLOG

Sunday Post #amwriting

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           LOOKING FORWARD TO DECEMBER

Happy Holidays. Today's post will link up to The Sunday Salon and The Sunday Post

This week I spent a lot time with the family making cookies, including peanut butter bars and a "Better than Robert Redford" cake. We also watched the James Webb telescope launch into space.

And we talked about the neuralink: a device that will be surgically implanted into your brain to communicate with machines and even control them. Originally it was proposed to help with spinal issues but it may have the potential to do much more. Its nice having a brother who is a computer programmer.  He's fascinated with astronomy, (not astrology lol)

My nephew Nathan in his Holiday Sweater

 from The Nutcracker Fantasy I went to this week

I saw six of these MSP trucks  outside, I'm assuming the block had Heating issues and it's been cold in Minnesota

 

Readers please comment below

ON THE BLOG

I liked this Holiday Book.  I've read most Jane Green's books and there was something very intriguing about the heroine's misconceptions about her first love during the holidays when she brings him home to her family.

Sunday blog post #funtimes

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           LOOKING FORWARD TO DECEMBER

I had an interesting week. I drove a bit for UBER and received a ton of tips. One guy forgot his phone and when he called the number popped up as "Bride".  The guy told me him and his wife had been married for thirty years which was nice. I told him how my adoptive parents had been married for that long as well. 

I picked up a woman who said she was having a flair up on her way to an Al-anon meeting and I turned around and drove her home. 

I got some shopping 🛍 done and bought ingredients for cookies. This week my sister went with me to see "The Nutcracker Fantasy" at the State Theatre and we talked a lot during intermission. Catch my review on my blog.

fun pics

My son Zulfi (four years ago) with his uncle Uri

Here's a fun survey I took.

What is your favorite color? blue, sometimes turquoise

Number? seven,

 my golden birthday. I still remember it too, because we went to Micky Dee's and I saw Ronald for the first time and he only somewhat scared me.

Letter of the alphabet? R-

I never struggled with sounds of letters but I'm fascinated with people who do, and love the british accent in particular.

Domesticated animal? dogs-their fun. I don't have one currently but often dream of a owning a small dog that I don't have to walk everyday.

Wild animal? pandas, anything docile. I kinda dislike squirrels and rodents.And will dodge them if they cross my path.

Mountains or ocean? Oceans. I've been to both coasts and I cherish these experiences, having to live in the midwest with flatlands and people constantly dodging the cold and keeping isolated.

Long drive or long walk? I'll take a long drive. If I can rent a luxury car I find that more appealing than the vacation itself.

Readers please comment below ON THE BLOG j

Sunday Post #amwriting

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 on your blog and showcase books and things  received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

           LOOKING FORWARD TO December

It snowed like a foot in Minnesota on Friday. I was prepared for it (somewhat). I had received a message from St. Paul schools asking parents to pick up their kids early, if possible, so I did. I got some supplies and hunkered on down for the night. Snow is real in Minnesota. The next morning, I could hear the plows coming through. 

"Anastasia" (Orpheum Theatre)

Earlier in the week, I went to two shows including "Anastasia" and  "The Christmas Carol" at the Guthrie with my sister. 

This year's performance had a reveal that was unbelieveable!! And I noticed "Scrooge" walking home after the show and called out to him. Seeing him made me feel like the show was still going lol

    I spent some time working on screenplays this week. I didn't do a whole lot of improv or UBER driving. I had slight cold and drank lots of cinnamon tea. Caribou has this unbelieveable tea that I can drink for days. 

Otherwise, I also went to see the Nutcracker through a smaller ballet company and hopefully I'll go see another "Nutcracker" at the state theater this week.

 Upcoming shows

The Nutcracker Minnesota Dance Theatre’s beloved holiday tradition returns to the State Theatre with Loyce Houlton’s imaginative choreography, Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, and the thrilling dancers of the MDT company and school. Featuring the 44-piece Nutcracker Orchestra conducted by Philip Brunelle, this spectacular dream fantasy creates magical memories for generations to share. though Dec 22nd tickets @ https://hennepintheatretrust.org/

ON THE BLOG

I liked this one. The MC gets spotted by a baking show employee while she's making cinnamon rolls in a shop in New York and then the show flies her to London to be on their show. It was cute. There were moments that I thought the MC had a negative tone but maybe its all the travelling that got to her.

 Synopsis: Ready or not, Isabella Whitley is returning to her snowy hometown of Pineridge, Colorado for her sister's Christmas wedding.

This is turning out real cute. I'm not one for car trip books (maybe because I do so much driving) But was short and then were in Colorado. The Love/hate romance is cute, and the characters seem to be coming of age. I like how the MC just has to get back to her hometown in order to celebrate her traditions with family.

'Anastasia' in Minneapolis: This is a princess story with fantastic musical scores

Anastasia the musical has played to sold out crowds on Broadway and across North America and now it's being shown by Hennepin Trust at the Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis.

Stephen Flaherty’s script is inspired by the Twentieth century fox motion pictures. Anastasia was the daughter of the last Russian tsar, Nicholas II. After she and her family were executed, rumors claimed that she might have survived. Ten years later, Anastasia is suffering from amnesia and goes by the name Anya. She is persuaded by the con man Sergei Bounine to pose as the grand duchess to stake a claim to the Ramonov fortune.

In the first act, the year is 1916 and young Anastasia (Veronica Raejiao) is introduced along with her family. Anya is hoisted on the shoulders of her father as he sings and dances with her (choreography by Peggy Hickey). All the characters wear lavish 20th century suits and gowns designed by Linda Cho. The palace is digitally set ablaze in fire by the villain, Gleb (Brandon Delgado) who represents the communist regime in a post-imperial Russia. Gleb was tasked with carrying out the assassination of the entire Romanov family. This scene is quite dramatic.  Red flames engulf the backdrop and falling debris creates this display of tension and fear as the Romanov family release death hollering screams. The scene of pure evil would be shocking in a family musical forty years ago but in this day and age, kids have seen it all.

Theatre Review: ‘Little Women: The Broadway Musical’

 

Madeline Trumble (Jo) credit Amy Newton

If you enjoyed Little Women by Louisa May, you may like the musical. It is being directed by Tamara Kangas Erickson showing at Artistry Theatre in Bloomington through November 28th.   

Little Women is the story of Jo March (Madeline Trumble), a writer who rebels against 19th century conventions. Jo has three sisters; the eldest sister Meg(Camryn Buelow), along with timid Beth(Lauren Hugh), and romantic Amy(Shinah Hey).  Then there's the mother, Marmee(Kersten Rodau), and the wealthy, disapproving Aunt March(Angela Timberman) who is a source of strength and inspiration for Jo but also her nemesis.  Jo would rather travel and write adventure novels than follow customs and get married, a plan complicated when she meets the socially naïve Professor Bhaer.  Except for timid Beth, the other sisters find their suitors as well. The play travels in time between the childhood home in Massachusetts and Jo's college in New York.

In the first act, strong shouldered, straight back Aunt March brings a very comedic vibe to the play.  She looks at Jo with a serious face and says, “You should be saving yourself." and Jo responds with “I don’t need saving.”

Aunt March often chides Jo as she cuts her hair short and acts decidedly unlady-like by speaking her mind and wearing odd fashions. It’s delightful to see Aunt March’s reaction when she wins her games of manipulation, like The Little Mermaid's grand villainess, Ursula.

Meg is Jo's opposite, her femininity and damsel-in-distress roles are hilarious as she collapses on a sofa to feign a sprained ankle after dancing with her love interest, Mr. John Brooks (Matthew Hall).

A scene in which Brooks lays on the ground pinned there with a knife leaves me smiling. I want to get up on stage and sword fight with the actors or lead like Jo did; directing the choreography for fight scenes with my hands.

But what impressed me the most was Mr. Lawrence (Brian Frutiger) whose grumpy disposition was reminiscent of “Scrooge.” He entered the scenes with a strong voice. His playful piano playing was a nice juxtaposition to a musical that could have added a few more comedic beats, if the script would have allowed.

The orchestra led by director Anita Ruth did a fantastic job of being in sync with the performance, a strong feat considering how the actors improvised instruments and often sang in staccato phrases.

Little Women contains themes of femininity, love, and sacrifice. It is a musical that defines love.  As Jo says "We don't love for society, we love for what's inside us."

Come see a musical that will promise a great night out with the family.  Tickets at artistrymn.org