Gotta LOVE Oh, What a Night!

   Yesterday, our meditation was about LOVE. Four little letters with a huge meaning. Love for ourselves and for those around us and the importance of never trying to expect anyone to be other than what they are. Their truest self. If you have genuine love for somone, celebrate them. In my favorite movie "Great Expectations", Estella says, "We are who we are. People don't change." I think there is always room for improvement in us all. However, we can ony do that for ourselves and lead by example. "Be the change you wish to see in the world", Ghandi said. If people see a change in you, or a life that they admire, you have already inspired them to take action. My favorite quote and how I approach the people I love the most in my life is: "Expect nothing. Accept everything." Accept and love them in every way you know how and expect nothing in return...that way, everything is of the greatest surprise.

   After meditation, we cleaned up some dance numbers before attempting our first run through!
I was blown away by the talent in the room of the "Oh, What a Night!" cast. Sonoma is going to be blown away next week. We have everything in this concert - tap dancing, pop music medleys, comic duets, heart wrenching ballads, kooky up tempos... no matter what you want to hear, it will all be there.

   A run through is always daunting the first time. There are so many blanks to fill in! As many times as I have gone through a rehearsal process in my lifetime, I still get nervous for the first run through. Actors put a lot of pressure on themselves to be perfect. Perfect doesn't exist. Amy Miller, the artistic director of Transcendence Theatre Company, always remind us "4%" - Meaning, we will improve little by little. Progress can be made each time just by a simple 4%. It really takes the pressure off.
I passed out some Artist Way cards to each member of the cast. They have one word reminders such as: Find the Magic, Support, Art is a Process... basic reminders that I thought everyone would like to take into the run through with them. I have already gushed about how fantastic the show was and we still have a week before an audience shows up! It was a fully lived day for sure! Cocktails in the square, anyone? I said yes to dinner at the Swiss Hotel. Their signature glarify (pronounced glare-if-ee) is a basic irish coffee - but their secret recipe. It was delish. Then, a glass of savvy b to go with my seared ahi tuna. A dark and rustic restaurant that makes you feel like you are in the wild west was the perfect way to relax after such a highly intense rehearsal.

   I drove back to Glen Ellen as the sun set in Sonoma. I took in all of the vineyards as I passed and was so grateful for this entire day, this experience, and feeling so fufilled watching my incredible cast share their talents. Everyone has a moment in their particular element. What I love about this compnay is that there is no star of the show. Everyone shines in their own way and at their own moment. With every number I thought, this might be my favorite...no, this might be my favorite.... well, they are all favorites. This is the concert that doesn't quit!! Get ready, Sonoma!! Here comes: "Oh, What a Night!"

xoxo
Her LadyMess

Lyrics, lyrics everywhere...

Have you ever been falling for someone and every lyric seems to jump out at you from the radio or resonate with your experience? Mph. I love that I get to sing things out loud so that even if I can't say them, in some way, I can express them. One of the beautiful things about being a performer is self-expression. Perhaps the lyrics mean different things to you, the audience, than they do for me...but you feel something in your own way that hits home. It is a different experience each time, each performance for us all depending what our day has been like. or where we are at in our life circumstances... Here was my rehearsal day and the lyrics that made me stop, think, and share a private part of myself that otherwise would have remained quiet...

Jekyll and Hyde:
But if some like you, found someone like me, then suddenly nothing would ever be the same.... my heart takes wing, and I'd feel so alive...if someone like you found me...

Whitney Houston Medley:

There's a boy I know, he's the one I'm dreaming of. 

Looks into my eyes, takes me to the clouds above. 

And I lose control can't seem to get enough.

When I wake from dreamin', tell me is it really love.

OOOOOOO

How will I know?

How will I know?

How will I know if he really loves me? I say a prayer with every heart beat.

I fall in love whenever we meet...

I'm asking you cause you know about these things.

How will I know if he's thinking of me?

I try the phone, but I'm too shy can't speak.

Falling in love is so bittersweet.

This love is strong, why do I feel weak? If he loves me?

oh, How will I know?

It was an exhausting day of putting moves to music... and then when I was able to say these things out  loud, it felt freeing. 

#Son-HOME-a

#yeswhitney

#nothingwilleverbethesame

xoxo, 

Her Ladymess

Sent from my iPad

Attention flows where attention goes...

"Energy flows where attention goes."
 This was our focus today. The day began with a 20 minute guided meditation by the lovely Shannon O'Bryan. I have done guided meditation before - usually for ten minutes... I have such an odd relationship with time and the "go go go" of New York City energy that being silent for 20 minutes seemed daunting. I cannot wait to greet this practive daily and see that shift of peace in myself.
 We circled up with the entire cast after that and greeted each other with such a present energy... I was all rehearsals began this way. What I do know is I am building a practive to take with me... if I ever leave. (Good luck with that, Sonoma! I'm staying!)
 It is impossible not to get swept up by the beauty of this place. For such a long time, I am have been in a serious relationship with NYC. I am surprising myself with what charms me about Sonoma. The lush greenery of the vineyards, the support and love of the community, the charm of everyone knowing you when you walk into the Glenn Ellen Market (my daily juice of beets, apple, lemon, parlsley, ginger...so addicted...).
 Tomorrow is the day off... I plan on hiking with a few folks at a park an hour away with the promise of seeing elk...WHAT?? Never seen that in NYC or in Kansas for that matter! Then, perhaps a picnic in the dog park, and a family style dinner collected from our gardens paired with a few bottles of vino telling tales of the week we have shared and what is to come. This place has my heart!

#corkbag

#homesweethomehoodie

Vineyard Viewing.. another day at work ;)

Vineyard viewing party!! You know it's a tough day at work when you and your co-workers just have to visit four wineries as possible venues for company events. Each one so special and glorious in their  own way. You can't even believe the history that all of these vineyards have. Why wasn't this taught as high school history?? I think I would have been a lot more interested!!

Little Cellars was first up and I couldn't get passed Rona, a sweet bog 'ol ball of love in the form of a dog. She won all of our hearts over for sure. The view was glorious and the patio will be making memories for us all summer long. I can't wait to see the lake out back. We shall return. Thanks for the tour, Joan! (And Rona!)


 Chateau St. Jean Prounounced Jean - like blue jeans. Not John. JEEEEAAAAANN. Like saying "tarjay" when it's target. Don't be fancy ;) The Chateu feels like a party at Gatsby's house. White lights hanging from the trees and steps up to the main tasting room that reek of elegance.They owner thanked us for coming and what did this ladymess do? I thanked him for their Chardonnay. I couldn't help myself! Seriously, a delight if you have never tried it. Not overtly buttery - but as crisp and elegants at the Chateu itself. Now, I'm thirsy ;)




Next, we headed to St. Anne's where the tasting room lead us to a charming backyard patio. Very intimate and shaded by big beautiful trees. Scott from St. Anne's ws sweet enough to bring us all a tasting if their Zinfandel. Juicy and earthy and a rich delicious nose. I savored every last bit as the sun and light wind were a perfect combination of making a lovely afternoon heavanly. Then, the ever so generous Scott gave us a taste of this year's rose. 100% with a spicy finish that I would have thought to be black pepper...but it was NUTMEG. NUTMEG??? IT made this Meg NUTS for sure. Knocked my socks off. Don't miss that delicious treat!






Our last stop on the tour was Muscardini. This is one of my favorite spots from last year in Sonoma. Family owned and uber friendly. While we didn't taste the wines there this particular day, I remember having the privelage to taste directly from the barrel last summer. Well, they put it in my glass. I wasn't under the barrel going to town on the aging process :) I'll be back Muscardini!

 What better way to finish the day than to pow wow at the Farmer's Market in Sonoma Square? Every Tuesday the town gathers in the square and local vendors sell their food, fruits, veggies, crafts, and creations. A band played as we set down two big blankets, popped open our vino, and took in the rest of the glorious sun as it was quickly setting. We chatted about life and it's vast possibilites. Other members of our company joined in as time went on and I just took and deep, present moment breath feeling so lucky to be here and have these people around me... and we've only just begun.
 Guess what local celebrity was also there? Peepers, Margie's bar chicken from Community Cafe! I would know that chicken anywhere and even got to give a big 'ol hug to Margie. She's a gem!

 Sonoma sun sets and I joined a friend for a nosh at the Girl and the Fig and drove home on the winding roads loving such well lived and full days. #bestdyever

Finding the Blue Bird of Happiness: My time in Sonoma

Oui! Oui! The Gaultier Exhibit!

New York, I love you. A terrible day of weather, but I can always find inspiration somewhere to brighten my mood. A quick text to a pal and a jump on the subway and we have landed at the Brooklyn Museum to view the Gaultier exhibit in it's final days. A glass of Malbec and an espresso shot at Saul's (Charming!) and then to view! (Meaning to see, not meaning "The View" where women bark to see who can get their opinion across the loudest... I prefer Kathy Lee and Hoda...but that's also because they are hilarious booze hounds!)

  So, I wanted to share this gentleman's incredible perspective on beauty, perfection, differences that make us unique and how he expressed that in his vision. This man was behind Madonna's cone boobage and there were so many stunning visuals of how he juxtaposed the pretty, the ugly, the kooky all to make a very sexy and intriguing exhibit. I don't so burrough typically, as I am Manhattan Meggie, but this was worth it:


"I respect individualities, and I like particularities. I mix and match, collect, twist, and crossbreed codes. Past, present, here, elsewhere, masculine, feminine, remarkable, humdrum- it all coexists." - John Paul Gaultier

This and many of the models and moving faces that were projected onto the faces. It made them so personable. You saw the joie de vivre of John Paul through his work as opposed to the dark and ominous personal of the McQueen exhibit. 

 This one came alive and was singing opera music. Set with that backdrop of New York City streets and it just screamed tres chic. Especially with the pleasing palates of creams, champagnes, texture, and lace... I was in lady heaven. Don't you think this should be my front room?? Hollywood glam style: 

"Our body, the way we present ourselves- it's a form of communication. Our clothing, hair, and body decoration reflect our true identity."- JPG

"Perfection is relative and beauty is subjective. I wanted to make imperfection admirable. Sometimes a different energy and bearing or an unusual type of body catches my eye and makes me want to invent something..." -JPG

Now this is what I call a cap and gown. I would have shown up to my graduation if I got to look this charming. Full lady business. I'm obsessed. 

 These are only a few of my favorites from the exhibit, but it was worth sharing his message. We all have this ideal of who we want to be when we "grow up" and putting on a face to say that all is well and good, but the beauty is in the mess, sweet friends. It is the hard lessons that teach us the most and the universe gives you the exact lessons you need for change and growth. Though change and growth are never easy, we must keep placing one foot in from of the other and greet each day as a clean slate. Commit to yourself and your well being. Show up for yourself. You are worth it. If you don't, no one else will. 

xoxo
Her LadyMess

Lessons from Disney's Frozen

A couple of nights ago I was asked on a date to go an see "Frozen". Now, you know me, I LIVE for Disney. But this wasn't just a movie. It was a sing-a-long version. GULP. It may surprise you that most singers do not enjoy activities such a karaoke or sing a longs... or being asked impromptu to sing at Grandma Eleanor's birthday party... It puts us in a spotlight we didn't choose to be in and it feel uncomfortable. Not wanting to be a lame date, I went along with it. It was actually pretty darling. A five year old was belting out tunes with her father and a group of friends in their 30's had their arms up singing and giggling. Leave it to Disney to consistently trump itself in the magic they create in this world!

My date sang a long a bit and tried to get me too. That probably wasn't going to happen... but seeing the joy in the room made me enjoy it all the more.

Also, the lyrics resonated with my and where I am at in my life. Take a gander:

Don't let them in, don't let them see.

Be the good girl you always have to be.
Conceal, don't feel, don't let them know.
Well, now they know!

Let it go, let it go!
Can't hold it back any more.
Let it go, let it go!
Turn away and slam the door.
I don't care what they're going to say.
Let the storm rage on.

The cold never bothered me anyway.

It's funny how some distance,
makes everything seem small.
And the fears that once controlled me, can't get to me at all
It's time to see what I can do,
to test the limits and break through.
No right, no wrong, no rules for me.
I'm free!

Let it go, let it go.
I am one with the wind and sky.
Let it go, let it go.
You'll never see me cry.
Here I'll stand, and here I'll stay.
Let the storm rage on.

   I haven't been able to control much about my surroundings and things happening in my life. We all have our issues to deal with and have to learn how to ride the inevitable wave. Life will take you up and down and toss you from side to side in the good, the bad, the unexpected, and you need to have a sense of self worth at your core. Not only that, but a self awareness to treat yourself well,. You can't expect other people to do it for you. That is why I keep my journal within reach, or have a book or podcast to get something positive in my ear. It is about knowing how to take care of you.

 You know what I liked most about "Frozen"? In the end, it wasn't about romantic love, it was about the bond of sisters. My five year old little friend even yelled out during "Love is an Open Door ":   He isn't even her true love!" Smart cookie... I have things to learn from that precious nugget!

We are always learning aren't we? Every moment is an opportunity to learn. It might be from a movie, it might be from a five year old... in New York, the constant dealing with people's energy can try and test you every single day. It is finding patience to let those lessons come in, resonate with you, and improve your perspective. 

Even though I didn't belt out the big number in front of my date, I still left the movie inspired. I want to "Let it Go!" As Idina Menzel so brilliantly belts, " Let it go! Let it go! That perfect girl is gone!" I don't think perfect should even be in the dictionary as it is not a real world. Perfection is an illusion. I'm not going to hide under an assumed facade. Scars and all are what make us interesting and unique. We each have our own journey and no one gets there an easier. Be kind to yourselves and to those around you. 

You know not what they may be going through.

xoxo

Her LadyMess