Closing Day

Well, like I said. Acting is certainly creating. Today is the final show of BLUE by Kelly Doyle, a new play receiving its world premiere at Raleigh, NC's Burning Coal Theatre Company. It has been a tremendous growing experience, requiring me to try new things as an actor and be brave ... really brave. It was a lovely experience filled me many great people. But, now is the day where I pack up all my stuff and move back home.

Working out of town was far more difficult than I expected. I actually got to see my family quite a bit and was blessed to reconnect with some long-lost friends I have here in the Raleigh area. But being away from home just isn't my bag. With what I do ... I'll likely have to do it again sometime ... but I like the idea of snuggling up at home for the foreseeable future.

I will say this ... it was in Raleigh that I was able to focus on creativity. Sometimes that is challenging with teaching, being a wife and mother, commuting, and so on. So, while I was here, I was able to completely focus on the show. I was able to think of this resolution to create on a daily basis. I had lots of time to think. So, in that way, this job was also an excellent happening.

It just so happens that Raleigh has two thrift stores with really great crafting sections. So, while here and thinking about the materials I would need to create this year, I was able to stock up on yarns, needles, and a variety of other supplies. Some of the things ... well, I don't know exactly how I'll use them ... but among my great finds at these shops have been:

- I'm going to guess about 15 skeins of yarn (many of them at 50 cents a piece!)

- 4 wallpaper sample books. I'll have to post pictures. Some really beautiful stuff. They are big ... about 2 foot square. They are from London. And they are awesome. I'm thinking I can make cards with them, use them as wrapping paper for small gifts ... I'll have to keep thinking on that one! Each book was 99 cents. I couldn't pass them up. I know there are ideas in them!

- 2 sets of alphabet stamps. I've already used them once to make closing show cards for the cast and crew of BLUE. But between myself and my son ... we are going to have a lot of fun with those!

- About 3 or 4 sweaters that I'm going to use for their wool and recycle into something new.

- 3 or 4 designer fabric swatch books. I love these things! I am collecting fabrics in purples and greens as I want to make a new coverlet/quilt/comforter for my bed. But also, I use these fabric pieces to make patchwork pillows. Fun! Each book anywhere from $1 - $2. Cheapie, cheap, cheap!

- A full alphabet, numbers and punctuation set of Sizzix die cuts which I found for $4! They are the old fashioned kind which is perfect as I found an old style Sizzix die cutter at a yard sale years ago for about $3. I scooped it up and have yet to use it ... but this'll take care of that!

- Some cute sewing patterns.

I know there is some other stuff. But, it's clear that I will be keeping busy in the coming months.

Oh! And yesterday was successful. I made a set of 6 coasters that I'm going to give to my grandmother. She is suffering from Alzheimer's and I just wanted to do something nice for her. Since she was my first introduction to crochet, I thought she might enjoy a little crocheted gift ... even if her enjoyment is only brief. I picked a varigated cotton yarn in white, yellow and green to make her coasters. I thought they were sunny and cheery. I'll post some pictures when I get home.

After making her set, I made a couple other coasters since they were pretty quick and easy. I think it will be nice to have a few sets made and ready. They could make really cute last minute hostess gifts.

Today will mostly be a show and travel day. My creativity ideas are to have a good, true and brave final show. And maybe to knock out some more coasters upon my arrival home.