A Bit of Home

For Chrismas, Abby created this for me, which was one of the sweetest presents I've ever received. At Christmas, I couldn't bring it back with me as I didn't have enough space, but it was top on my list to bring back this time. On it are lyrics from the Mumford song "After the Storm" and on its side is a flower in the shape of the continent of Africa. I know Abby's heart is in East Africa and I think one day, she'll manage to tear her way back there again. In the meantime, its a good way to keep my sister near and the East of Africa in my thoughts and prayers, especially in light of the awful drought that threatens yet again to rip away any possibilty of stability or sustainability: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14060545

Variations Upon a Theme: Shakespeare Part II

When we went to the Globe, I picked up a facsimile of a first edition print of Shakespeare's Loves Labour's Lost. I've never read this play and thought I'd give this copy a try, but found this edition far too difficult to absorb at midnight on a train headed home. The folios were first published in 1623 and I found the replication of print styles intriguing. I've included the first photo to give an idea of the size of the thing: loads longer and wider than any regular book, which oddly gives the book a sort of pathos. The second photo is to demonstrate the style of the print, which is surprisingly challenging to read, and tests an ability to read 17th c. typescript.

The Globe Theater

This is in the standing area of the globe, me clutching an edition of hamlet.

Here are Dr. Simon, Professor Karen, and the ever-photogenic Fran.

Yesterday the Goodisons took Francis and myself to the Globe Theatre to see a production of Hamlet- which was one of the single best experiences of my life. [The other that ranks was when the Avett Brothers performed at UNC.] I think every theater should be shaped like the Globe. It was three stories of seated sections shaped in a semi-circle that surround the stage that jutts out of the back wall. In addition to the risers, there is also an enormous standing section where people are on just about chin level with the stage. Its also outdoors-- with an open roof-- which allowed a gentle breeze to constantly lick our faces and even twittering birds to land on the thatched roof. With so many people, especially the standing audience the atmostphere is one of energy which the actors thrive off.

The troop was amazing opening and ending the show with songs and dance which they played themselves on a violin, mandolin and guitar, all singing and dancing. The dialogue moved rather quickly which kept our attention and it was astonishingly easy to follow the plot and charachters. Hamlet himself was superb, providing a funny and lively performance and never failed to hold our attention. Rosencrantz and Gildenstern were funny, and the cast managed to bring new life to a very popular drama. As far as criticism, I found they had cut a bit of dialogue (though understandably) but in a rather important section in the "repentance" of King Claudius, which is a pivotal moment of the play. Also, the woman who played Ophelia was dynamic and loud, and I am of the opinion that the actress should approach her charachter with a sensitivity that this one failed to show. However, it was such an elating performance that I couldn't stop smiling the entire time and am so thankful for the privilege to have attended.

June 15, 2011

I have a million things to write about but here is small snapshot. Fran has come home to NC and met the family. This is us having a small fire on our second night, with Abby driving 2 hours to come see us from Boone. Fran had never had s'mores so we introduced them to him for about 10 seconds before the rain poured down. Annabelle caused entertainment as usual.

Breaking the 10 Commandments

Yesterday, Sanna came to nanny with me. Being an expert in drawing, she taught Thing 1 how to draw manga much to his delight. Back in the day, Sanna had created a short film with her and her sister of a Star Wars duel, with light sabers, where Sanna kills Sofia. (here is the facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=439126063836)

Thing 1 thought it was brilliant. Thing 2 takes me aside with a light saber, and looks all serious. He says, "You know your friend Sanna? "

"Yes..."

"Well she broke one of the 10 commandments"

"Oh really? Which one did she break?" Thinking, what on earth could Sanna have done?!

"She killed somebody"

"What?! How?"

"In that video, she killed her sister."

"Ooooh, no she didn't. I promise she's not a murderer."

"So you mean it was just a movie?"

"Yes, JUST a movie."

Thing 2 Lunges at me with a light saber and I turn to run, hoping he hasn't gotten any new ideas...

Sanna is here

Sanna is here to visit me! Sanna is inspiring. Almost everything about Sanna is inspiring. From the way she makes jokes to the way she wears her hair. Such grand love.

Sanna's outfit on our trip to Glasgow

Sanna's outfit as 18th century poet, complete with poet sleeves, stockings, and breeches. Also proud to have a A Room of One's Own, with a brand new and brightly clean duvet.

Will write more about our inspiring activities soon. Love x

NEWS

The lovely family I nanny for has extended my position so I can nanny for them next year!!!!! I have SUCH a good time with the boys, Thing 1 and Thing 2. One time we pulled out the sofa bed and took turns belting out our favorite song on the ipod and Thing 2 had an AMAZING dance move. Will see if I can post a photo later... Yesterday, the boys played soccer with their neighbors and I was kindly asked to be the commentator. I need to brush up on my players per team. Thing 1 wanted to be Liverpool and all I could think of was Kenny Dalglish and who wants to be someone that old? Anyhow excited to continue because I have still yet to see JK Rowling at their school and the statistics of probability are now on my side...