IGLOO FOR CATS, EH?

WED 19 JAN 2011 12:25am
Went for a walk. It was just too nice out not to. Above freezing, snow is melting all over the place, and it's also very bright with the full moon, even though it's cloudy. Stayed on the road because the snow is quite deep and I don't have that much energy to walk through it.
 I'm tired, off to bed.

THURS 20 JAN 2011 12:22pm Woke up to a bright sunny day. It was bright last night also with the full moon giving its' all. Started dance lessons -again- and I think it's going to take this time. It's a bonus, although not for Susan, the instructor, that there are only 3 couples, so it goes much faster and we get more individual attention, which really helps. The steps are much more in my head, now I have to work on timing, which has always been a challenge for me.

Tonight it's acting classes! I feel so Bohemian.

We're both a bit wiped today. I cut some more wood yesterday. Piano playing is coming along. It really is just repetition. Maryanne is such a beautiful melody it almost brings a tear when I play it. Well, it looks like the dishes aren't going to do themselves, so I guess I'll wander over there.

FRI 21 JAN 2011  10:49am Had our first drama class. Alana, the instructor is a professional actor with lots of experience behind her. She would be between engagements now because she will be having a baby in a month or so. Claire, a musician we've met before, is the only other one for now, there might be one or two more next week.

She talked about what acting is and how the aim of the course is to make us free enough to take on other roles. We did some role playing which I always dreaded but found to be quite fun once I got into it. It was improv, actually, another thing I've always wanted to do. I think this really is what I've been looking for. The self-censor is so strong in me I have trouble talking to people. It even affects my writing. If I can get over that I know it will be life-changing.

Igloo for Cats

Denny Crane & Allan Shore

I see the cats are using the igloo I built them - a tarp and snow covering the picnic table. That's good because it was bitter last night. There's a piece of foam on the ground also. They're such good buddies these guys, we call them Denny Crane and Allan Shore, referencing the old Boston Legal series. We don't get TV but we do get some series from the library on DVD. That was one we enjoyed. 
And these guys are inseparable just like their name-sakes. They aren't fat-cats, though, just heavily furred.

1ST PIANO LESSON

TUES 11 JAN 2011 2:30PM  Had my first piano lesson from my good friend Dianne. No matter how old you get it's always good to start something new. Keeps the juices flowing. Keeps you humble too. I've been a keyboard adventurer, played on my CD, Various Mansions of the Universe, but don't know the first thing about proper form or how to read the bass cleft, things like that. I like not even knowing what there is to know. But, if you want to make any real progress you eventually have to know it. If that makes sense.
Dianne ran for public office this past year but unfortunately lost. She has been presenting Tillsonburg Music Fest on Canada Day for 7 years now with very little support from the town. It's a shame how the arts can take a back seat in some places.
While Jackie shops for groceries I sit overlooking a big field and the wind is just howling. The wind is sort of my totem. It feeds me when I need refilling. If you listen closely it will speak to you of long ago and far away. For who has done more travelling through time and space than the wind?

Got a shot of an Amish buggy and the faithful horse. He has to sit out and wait also. He's got a blanket on but must be still a bit cold. Like Gord Downie  says it's a lazy wind, it doesn't go around you, it goes right through.
My favourite part of this is being able to link to sites. It makes it so easy for someone to check out something that may pique their interest.
There are a lot of Amish farms around here which gives you a fascinating look at another culture, what was once our culture. Before cars everyone knew what to do with a horse. And people lived and died by what they could grow to eat.  And this is less than 200 years ago.