The Prop Boys

Being in theatre, it is imortant to realize that it's never just about the actors. Fortunatly, for me, I have four boys constantly reminding me of that fact every day. These four boys are the ones that I fondly call "The Prop Boys". They put a smile on my face when I give them morning hugs and then remind me again by the end of play practice that they deserve high-fives for all their hard work. They are so ridiculously charming that I often forget they're all two grades behind me, but that is half of the joy of the prop boys. They know how to make me smile, how to work hard, and defnitely know how to prove that they are important. I remember when they were nominated by a local theatre for an award for "Best Crew" and how happy they were even though they didn't win. So, in the next few months, I know that I will never get bored as long as the prop boys are around. Between the dull off moments in rehearsals and the rides home after shows, I will have entertaining memories that will last me a lifetime. So, hats off to the prop boys, thanks for all that you do!

...And a Happy Thanksgiving To You

Every Thanksgiving has been an adventure in some sort of way in my family. For years and years, we always invited people over who had nowhere else to go. It was always a strange mix of the young and the old, the young bringing a vivacious energy to the table and the old sharing stories of their long lives well lived. The past four years have been a collaberation of three close families and whoever might be attatched to those families.
Over the years, we have gained spouses and children and many others. Friends from work, roommates, and back to the beginning: the people with nowhere to go.
I love watching the group grow and become closer, yet still welcoming. But this year was bittersweet for me. As I sat at the table watching all the people and thinking of times years ago when all the boys had bowl cuts and the girls wanted to drink out of goblets to seem grown up, I realized that this was my last Thanksgiving as a high schooler. Soon, I'll be just like the others who I have watched go before me. Soon, I will be the college student who comes home only for the holidays. I'll be on my own, and it instills some fear into my heart.
Can I handle being out on my own? Can I really be going to college? I am constantly questioning myself and I can hardly believe it's true, but it is. My days of sneaking a bite of pie crust from the Thanksgiving pie before it goes in the oven are becoming shorter and shorter. Pretty soon, I'll be a grown up just like the rest of them. But I'm always comforted by the fact that I don't have to be first and that I always have wise people to follow.
That is what I am thankful for this Thanksgiving. I am thankful for the influences and relationships in my life. The people who desperately want to know what's going on in my chaotic life, those who want to share every memory with me, and even those who watch my every move. It's all a form of love and joy and without those, I am nothing. Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday and I hope that it means as much to you as it does to me, because to me, Thanksgiving is what makes the world go 'round.

A Dalmation, Some Ice Skates and a Carousel Horse

Of all the family traditions that we have, one that never gets old is decorating the Christmas tree. Unwrapping the precious ornaments from the tissue paper that keeps them safe during the eleven months they are tucked underneath the stairs and placing them on the branches of our fresh Christmas tree. What I love most about this activity is that there is a story behind every single ornament. From the rock climbing Santa to the beautiful glass ornament fondly known as the "dule", there is a reason that the particular ornament goes on the tree. For me, the most imortant ornaments are the carousel horse and the Christmas tree made out of buttons. For others, it is the birdhouse, the reindeer and the angel.

This festivity, more than any other, brings a full load of memories with it. Picking up the fragile glass bells reminds me of the note written on the box they come in: My grandma paid 35 cents a piece for them and considered it quite the holiday splurge. My dad comments on the patheticness of the one legged soldier and I explain to him the story of the steadfast tin soldier and show him the paper ballerina that goes with the soldier. My personal favorite is the cake topper: the little Scandinavian couple who are glued together and 28 years ago sat on top of my parent's wedding cake. These are the things that make me love the holiday season.

I love the holiday season not because of the hot chocolate and Christmas music, but because of all the memories associated with it. They are all such joyful memories that will always be with me and that is what this holiday season will be for me: more memories. We have Grandma with us this year and we will bake cookies and watch movies and create beautiful memories that can add to the hundreds that have already been accumulated. This is a wonderful season and I can't wait to see what comes from it.