Holiday Update!

SO I haven't written in a while, but thought I should say that Christmas came and went without any huge homesickness. Of course I missed my family and I loved being able to skype with them, but we were working up a storm and super busy. We had shows and opening parties, christmas parties, secret santa stuff to do, and health exams to take. haha a full few days! ( oh and i decorated my hotel room! so pretty!) Now we finally have a day off and I'm so excited to explore Shanghai some more! We've also had some really good food lately. However we have come to the realization that we all love Japanese and Korean food but not actual Chinese food. However, at our Christmas party we did experience our first 'Hot Pot". You order a bunch of items vegetables, meats and then dump it into a soup substance, go pick out some awesome dipping sauces, let your food cook a little and then eat for days and days. That was very fun! So maybe more of those! (these particular place had 1,000 table and is open 24 hours. amazing!) We had our first 5 show weekend. Shanghai really digs the show.I've never been in a show in which we had to do several "encore" company bows. It doesn't always look like the audience wants them but they sure make us do them haha! It's a very fun (and easy for me) show! I'm trying to capture all these amazing moments with my Flip Video and camera! I will hopefully be able to post stuff soon! Check out my other website soon! Happy Holidays!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!! One show then Christmas Dinner and Secret Santa fun! I miss my family and friends so much! And I hope everyone has a loving and warm Christmas. "I'll be home for Christmas if only in my dreams!" much love.

SHANGHAI!

Best day in Shanghai after the longest saddest cab ride there ever! Enjoyed so much - quick recap: bought great pearls for silly cheap, ate in a revolving restaurant at the Radisson, and hung out at the Glamor Bar, the #1 hot spot in Shanghai. I can't wait for more adventurous fun! FAME opens tomorrow!

So Long Suzhou!

My Last day in Suzhou was quite eventful! Michael, Mark, Motique, and I (a name not starting with M) went to the silk factory and museum. Saw with my own eyes how they make our silk and quilts - it makes the "made in China" marking feel closer to home. I purchased some fun silk items for myself and family and wish I had the money to get more things. Lots of cute stuff and so silky smooth but NOT cheap. This was some high quality, all natural silk. After our final show, the presenter wanted to take everyone out for a "quick drink". A few of us planned a quick walk in and walk out, however we did not go to a little bar but a nice restaurant with tables prepared for us covered with food and drink. So clearly we all stayed as now this would be rude to leave. SO GLAD I stayed. What an experience. Almost every 15 minutes or less more food was brought to the table. We had everything from appetizer seaweed salads to squid, chicken, lamb, bok choy, broccoli, srhimp, soup, and many other strange and wonderful dishes with a finale of spicy potato chips. I tried more Chinese delicacies in that one sitting than I had in my first two weeks in China. It was quite an experience. Not to much mention the entertainment of watching our hosts get tanked and take a million pictures of us. They were so pleased we were there and it was one of the first times we really felt like rock stars (besides that time we ate in the hotel restaurant and signed a bunch of autographs!). Now I am in Shanghai at the Fortune Forever Hotel which resembles a nice suite Residence Inn - oh but without the HEAT. It's freezing in here! That is no fun. Hopefully it will warm up, but I just heard the heat kick off, not a good sign. We are pretty far away from downtown Shanghai (like 40 minutes) but as we are here for two weeks I know that we will be checking it out as much as possible.Let's see- went to a mall/ Walmart time place today. Got some food, since we have fridges! (no microwaves though) sinks, a non working burner, and the standard hot pot/tea kettle. Ok - time for bed. New adventures to come soon!

SUN!!!!!!!!!!

I just opened the window and... and.... and.... ITS SUNNY!!!! A cloudless sky! OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!!! China has been gross,cold, and rainy thus far and today is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! Of course I have rehearsal :( but still! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! sorry - you have no idea how exciting this is. We all thought for sure that nice weather didnt happen here!

china update

sooo i thought i should explain that yes! i finally had a delicious meal in China! We went to a hibachi type restaurant (so japanese food haha) and it was amazing and we were treated like royalty! We enjoyed several courses of delectable mixed fried rice and beef fried rice, honey chicken, steak, asparagus (sooo good), mushrooms, and broccoli. So far this is the only restaurant that I have fallen in love with here in Suzhou. The staff is amazing and adorable ( we went back on another quick visit and the restaurant was closed for an occasion but they served us next door and brought everything over to us!) - helping us with our Mandarin and laughing at our blunders. Other than that food wise has been a pretty decent dumpling house around the corner where i get their fried dumplings which aren't really fried just seared on one side and laid out longways - tasty; served with a tasty plum like sauce.I"m getting pretty good with my chopsticks! I've also had KFC and Subway - odd but not horrible. It's been tough with the tech schedule - breaking at odd hours during which most good restaurants are closed. luckily with the little local convenience stores everywhere and ! oh my goodness I almost forgot about the FANTASTIC bakery on the corner called Holiland. ridiculous. so good. and cheeeeap! Also ps - the dumpling house costs 4 rb for an order which equals about 60 cents. (7rb = $1) so thats a fun math game - and we all know i'm super awesome at math! so anyways moral of the story is I'm here - surviving not quite enjoying (YET) the sights, sounds, smells of China (the Oreos taste the same yum!). More news and adventures to come. Please check out dionysiawilliamspics@shutterfly.com for some videos and pics to come! :)

first meal

so finally went out exploring in search of an ATM and food. dark and dreary here, but walking around feeling like a celebrity with all the stares was kind of fun. However, BIG DISAPPOINTMENT for my first meal here. EVERYWHERE (including our hotel which has several restaurants) was not serving food at this time. Apparently it's tea and coffee time. Something no one mentioned from the company, ya know that it may be tricky to get food at these times. SO we finally had to walk to a KFC - YUUUUUUCK! The fries were good but everything else was eh. That's right kids my first meal in China was crappy American fast food. Not happy!! Hopefully you will hear tales of some fabulous meals to come. (ya know the ones we were promised by everyone else that has been here before us.) off to rehearsal...

china!

So it does appear that this site is blocked but I am using the awesome gmail application to write this. So China is lovely! I mean we haven't left the hotel room yet haha but it seems nice here. The bed is very hard but I wasn't that uncomfortable. Fun lighting - all censored so as you move throughout the room lights go on and off on their own. We are going to explore and get some lunch before rehearsal at 4pm today. More to come! bye fore now!

quick update

so i would love to be able to do this more graciously and with much more gusto, but i'm currently in rehearsals for the International Tour of FAME and am leaving the states in less than a week for.... CHINA! crazy! Rehearsals are coming along nicely. I'm enjoying Lambchops and am excited to see where she goes over the next few months. Also I'm really enjoying rocking out on the drums! I had no idea "jamming" could be so much fun. I'm learning lots of new things as challenges present themselves and once again find myself being forced to examine my thinking. Always a good thing I believe - positive outcomes! more to follow I'm sure.... (unless China blocks this site :( ) :)

so far...

There have been a lot of things happening in life lately. Personal things, professional things - all good growth things. I really feel that my personal growth journey has been leaping forward as of late. So many new discoveries have taken place which in turn create positive feedback in other aspects of life. Realizing my true sense of self and selflessness have helped me take me out of the picture and let the journey take its course.

I've met a lot of very wonderful people lately; and what's even cooler to me is that I've met people who share my views and lead similar lifestyles. It's so nice to have that sense of community here in the city.

"Real" person life has been going well. I got to temp the other day as a greeter for a conference. Let me clarify what that meant for me: my job was to escort people in the elevator to the correct floor and show them the conference room, then return to the lobby and do it again and again. haha - it was kind of an awesome job, but what I loved most was watching all the other business people who worked in the building come in for work. Some with bags of breakfast and cups of coffee in their hands, many with ipods, women in flip flops with their heels in their bag. It was great! So interesting to see those higher up in the company and the recent graduates just starting out. That world - that "real" person world - is a whole nother adventure. Next up catering at the after premiere party for "Where the Wild Things Are" - nifty!

And as far as professional life goes - I've had a lot of great auditions lately. Mostly things that just felt good. Solid expressions of the gifts I was given I guess. And recently I learned that one of those auditions has turned into a job! I'll be doing CATS again, but this time in a different role. The theater is in New Hampshire and the schedule is great because you get to go back and forth from the city. So I will be doing that until I head home to Ohio to get ready for the next adventure.

So I was walking home the other evening, realizing that I would be leaving soon, and it hit me - I'm going to really miss NYC. I've really grown accustomed to the lifestyle and have loved being surrounded by so many friends from so many different adventures. I love being able to walk everywhere, catch a cab or subway, take great classes, see great shows, eat great food, and learn so much. The thought of missing the city hadn't quite occurred to me until that moment. And you know, I kinda love the fact that I can say I really miss living in NYC when I'm gone. It's turned into a new kind of home.

Oh to be like the seagull... to soar high above the water and enjoy the view.
Lucky seagull - Lake Michigan I miss you already!

The "Bad" Day

So you know when you have that kind of day where it seems like nothings quite right or you feel off your game? While having that kind of day I realized that nothing can make you feel like that or keep you feeling like that. Even though "life" may get you down, in reality it can't! In reality there is nothing but good. And keeping thoughts positive and fighting the fight throughout the day is a must even though it can be hard. So - no "bad" days only days we have to fight a little harder to keep the good thoughts in and the bad thoughts out.

A Most Wonderful Day

What a great day! I was the monitor/reader at the callbacks for A Miracle on 34th Street and really enjoyed it! Its always fun to be on the other side of the table, as they say, but it was also really fun to read. I got to play so many characters - Mr. Macy, Kris Kringle, little Susan, Doris, and more! A great opportunity to work on my cold reading skills. And it turned out to be a great way to introduce myself to that theatre. It was a joy to see everyone expressing their talents; and it was so interesting to see Equity/Broadway performers audition. All you Non-Eq kids out there - they are just like us! haha! But it was such a great learning experience today and I'm so grateful for it. Another wonderful adventure to add to my journey.

safety

I am safe. You are safe. We are safe.

I AM safe. YOU are safe. We are SAFE.

All is well.

sometimes....

sometimes we are really strong in awkward situations.
sometimes we are fake strong.
sometimes we are just plain weak.
sometimes we are petty.
sometimes our memories like to replay moments over and over again at the least opportune times.
sometimes things don't go our way.
sometimes things don't make sense.
sometimes we just have to get over it.
sometimes we just have to move on.
sometimes we have to toughen up.
sometimes we have to forget.
sometimes we just have to laugh too hard and smile too big.
sometimes we need to be more gracious.
sometimes we need to be more patient.
sometimes we need to look up more.
sometimes we have to be positive.
And sometimes we have to remember the real purpose, the real reason we are here which sometimes means scratching out all those silly sometimes from before.

so much to say

I haven't been writing much and I'm not sure if its because so much happens and so much doesn't happen everyday, or because I'm rarely alone, or I simply forget I entered the world of blog. Whatever the reason I'm writing now. NYC has been "home" for two weeks now and things are going well. Auditions (though kind of few and far between) are going well even though I haven't been getting very far, classes are great (though expensive), seeing so many friends has been amazing ( old and new), temping is fun (though i've only worked one day), and my living situation is still working out well (even a blessing in disguise). Of course I wish more would happen - more work so I can make some money, more successful auditions; but it will all work out.

I can't say I've gotten lonely in the big city yet or anything. Having my roommate here for this month has given me an immediate friend and confidante. Once he's gone I wonder how things are going to go - the other two roommates aren't here very often and have busy lives of their own. Sometimes I have to remind myself I'm not here to just visit, but to live, work, and achieve things. Hopefully that will become the norm soon.

Sometimes I find myself missing my family and that oh so comfortable life, but often that happens during week 2 or 3. You get a little used to your routine, but (especially in my case) you're not busy enough to not think about your loved ones back at home. I would love for the fam to come visit me here. Without being in charge or being a part of a group of high schoolers they'd really be able to enjoy it and explore the city themselves.

After my first visit to a lovely historic church across from Central Park, the first reader said to me, "Anytime you are feeling down about this place you just step outside, look around, and realize once again how wonderful this place is. That here is where it is all happening. How could you live anywhere else?" She is an 8 Broadway show veteran and I so admired her love for this city. So many things about that church and service touched me.

So here I am, living the dream, and hoping to learn and grow so much while I'm here. And hoping to have more to say, even though it may not seem like much to me.

Living in the city...

Well I'm here! I'm in NYC. Got in last Tuesday and have been busy with appointments and friends ever since. Slowly getting a grasp on my new life here. This week has had its purposeful moments and its playful ones. I can already tell that "balance" will be my word to remember. And as always I find it extremely important to start my days with clear thinking and inspiring thoughts. There are lots of people here and lots of thoughts and ideas - which makes it that much more vital to stay focused. Stay focused - on my own journey!

I feel like I am in my right place and I'm so pleased with how well everything is going. I have a fabulous roommate (seriously we are in the same room), I've gotten to see so many of my wonderful friends, productivity has come in ways of voice lessons, dance classes, new headshots, auditioning, and this apartment is ridiculously close to everything. I fear I may be spoiled for future city apartments to come!

It's funny I have tried to post this snippet about NYC for a while and its almost like there is so much for me to write I can't write anything. So many thoughts and feelings about this transition are still trying to get organized. Perhaps I should allow myself some more quiet time to write and reflect. You do tend to get busy, chatty, and preoccupied with other things here (well anywhere i guess), so I will have to make the effort to stop and think at the end or beginning of each day. Well this day is over (the day that marked my one week anniversary in NYC haha) so as I drift off I will reflect and give thanks for all the blessings of this past week. I am so grateful...

Full of Gratitude

I am so grateful to have such a loving and supportive family. So grateful to have such a close relationship with my mom. Someone to share so much with, someone I trust and enjoy. Someone who entertains me, teaches me, listens to me, and guides me. I tend to tear up when I think about how much she means to me. How she has always been there to help me through all of life's transitions, helping me stay with my path, my journey. She's like my guardian angel and Fairy Godmother - Always there to help with guidance or dresses!

As I embark on the next steps of my journey, I am full of gratitude.
Thank you family, thanks mom.

Scenarios

Do Not Do Not Do Not go through life contemplating and scheming through all sorts of scenarios of what is going to happen next; or what will happen if you do this and this but not that and perhaps that other thing. This way of thinking will drive you batty! Having a plan is fine, but trusting that a plan will materialize is even better.

Do Do Do let yourself dream and imagine whatever you like, let yourself be free without limitations, let yourself trust in a higher power that will take care of your needs and heart's desires. Allow this sense to enter into your thought rather than chaos filled with human footsteps of how to get from A to B.

Stepping back for a moment, taking situations and self out of the picture, often offers us peace of mind.

NYC in 1 Week!!! YAY!

michigan oh michigan

The love of my life, the place I dream about during the year (winter specifically), where my childhood memories live, the place that taught me to love the sun and love to swim; this place is now cold and rainy. haha It's so sad! I know I shouldn't complain at all, I'm lucky to have a place to go like this, but I've only been able to come this summer 3 times. The first visit was a bit iffy weather wise, the second had beautiful weather but was cut short, and this visit has only given us one great beach day and its almost time to leave. Now I love our little cabin in the woods and listening to the wind in the trees and the billowing waves, but I love basking in the sun and diving in the waves even more. Mother and I are a cute duo, trying to relax and not be too sad while we drink our coffee and read, but the truth is that we are both what you may call sun worshipers and definitely beach bums.

Fall is certainly in the air here. Fall - a new school year, new colors in the air, and new beginnings. My journey is getting ready for one of its big transitions this year. I'm going to go sublet in NYC in just a little over a week! This "girl time" with mom has been so nice to get ready for this next step. As well as being in such a serene and beautiful (when its not raining ha) place before I hit the city that is wall to wall people. I'm trying to soak as much nature in as possible. I'm always excited for new beginnings and I love that soon I will be working and filling my days with purpose. Remembering to balance things will be my goal, and remembering to be open minded, trusting, and loving. This transition will be a smooth one and I honestly think that it is the right next transition for me and my journy.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all they ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

"Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."

- Proverbs 3

on the go.

Is this normal? As soon as I get a break from traveling or work I take about one or two days of absolute laziness then get super antsy to get back on the road and do something! I can try to make my "days off" feel productive with tasks like laundry, errands, and working out; but I do so enjoy a real job or sense of purpose. Don't get me wrong lazy days are nice, though I prefer to spend them with friends and not alone. I know - I can't forget about balance. So until I head towards my next destination I will just balance my days with productivity and peace.

My Lake Michigan.... my favorite place to relax, regroup, and get a great tan.

cats read books....

never stop dreaming

Recently a new friend and colleague (from CATS) booked a job on The Broadway! I was honored with play by play texts of what was happening next in the hiring process and have since heard updates of rehearsals and costume fittings. Oddly enough I do know other people/friends that have/had been on the Bway, but getting the information so perfectly second hand and in real time like that was such a thrill. I wasn't exactly surprised by my reaction, but I did get ridiculously excited! A mix of genuine happiness and excitement for the friend, plus a surge of amazement of how that must feel - to be booking a Broadway show - the dream, the goal, the highest standard of so many! Just when you can feel somewhat complacent with your career you are reminded that these dreams are still there and still attainable. Each person's journey is so interesting and full of accomplishments large and small.

another attempt at writing... about cats

So I clearly am amazing at writing a blog consistently. I always had problems finishing journals! Oh well. Let's get a quick recap on whats been going on. Did an amazing run of CATS - such a fun show to do. Pretty sure that it is one of the hardest shows I've ever done (physically). The 'ole body got a little over crawling everywhere, and I only had to do it for a week. But it was very interesting to explore the character of a cat. And scaring/messing with people in the audience was pretty fun too. Nothing will compare however to the amazing thrill every time I got to do my "specialty" number (thats right - i can do double cartwheels!) and of course the Jellicle Ball - a 13 minute dance off. Such a great workout and so exhilarating!
This was also another pleasant experience as far as cast and creative team were concerned. Everyone was so "with it" and genuine. It doesn't always happen that you click with people in your cast or that the cast as a whole gets along so well. This group or tribe as they kept saying, really bonded and stuck together as we strove to achieve the amazing feat of learning CATS in a week. The veterans were unbelievably patient and kind, and wouldn't stop "gushing" over us newbies. I believe I made some great new friendships, rekindle some lovely old ones, and feel the beginning of something on the horizon perhaps...

oh and WV worked its magic for me once again - last summer i got a call to go on the Pajama Game tour and this summer i got a similar call..... interesting so interesting...

today

Tech Day = SUCCESS! The most productive and chill tech rehearsal here in WV. We even got out an hour early. Now bed before more rehearsal tomorrow and opening night!

Producer Run Thru

Success! Great Producer run thru. Everyone seems very pleased with the show thus far. Our director even said we were perhaps her best cast yet! So exciting! Lots of Fiddler cast members were supporting us in the audience tonight which was so sweet. Even Eddie Mekka of Laverne and Shirley fame! Long day of tech ahead of us, but team CATS will survive!

Cats - Day 6: The final full rehearsal day

We did it! We learned CATS in 6 days. Amazing isn't it? We ran the whole show today and even though I still have lots of things to work on (choreography and transitions) I made huge progress during this run and didn't feel like a complete goof. Being a cat is a lot harder than one would think. You have to think about how you are moving and reacting all the time. It's so easy (especially when you feel lost) to turn into casual human you again. But you can't do it! That makes it even more obvious you have no clue! haha!

So still lots to work on as I said, but I'm so proud of this cast - proud of the newbies (like me) for digesting all of this information and proud of the veterans for all of their patience and care. They really connect with this piece and its so touching to see. You forget how amazing this music is and when you sit and listen to Memory, among others, it sends chills down your back. I've seen more than one veteran tear up while doing these highly emotional moments and that to me is so touching and one of the many reasons I love theatre. There is a sense of comradeship, artistry, and that sense that this is bigger than yourself. Bigger than the show or the people. As artists we give and share and our blessed to have these gifts to do so with. I'm so grateful to have another chance to express this joy!

Cats - Day 5

Woooo weee! We are heading to the end of the rehearsal process! I learned a bunch of Act 2 numbers today. Pretty good pretty good. Macavity is the last real dancing I have to do in the show so smiles! I'm so excited for the show and as long as I keep reviewing stuff I should be fine. I did do A Chorus Line in a week my first summer here in WV so I have faith. I also got to do my makeup today. Wow is that a process! I hope I get really good at it. I was not so good today haha. I have a bout 8 tries. I will post pics when I have a good pic. We are finishing Act 2 tomorrow then running the show!

Cats - Day 4

Today was the big day! I learned the fabulous Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer number! The number with the fabulous cartwheel thingy at the end! It was a lot of fun to learn and fits well into my body. I'm still very out of breath by the end, but no matter! The cartwheel trick was not nearly as hard as I thought it might be and after I got over my nerves and initial scaredy cat chills (haha so clever. wah wah...) I realized that I'm pretty strong and I have a really great partner. You really can't go into these things thinking the worst - this is a trick that either of us could get dropped on our heads. Lots of trust in each other and God gets it done!
So Cats is going very well. We ran Act One today and besides some forgetfulness it was rather successful. Act 2 is a breeze so say the Cat veterans so that's refreshing after the workout of Act One.
Enjoyed the hot tub and pool tonight with some cast and crew. Always a nice time - its such a great set up here in WV. So kinda at a loss of what else to talk about. I'm very tired today - lots of hard work. Such a nice sense of accomplishment. I need that in my life. I like being productive and then I feel less guilty about being lazy, which is really my nature. haha maybe not lazy just very relaxed. Oh my - the mind is wandering and needs some sleep. Today was definitely a great demonstration of God's care and love and I'm so grateful.

Cats - Day 3

Sooooo a much easier day! Only had to learn a few things - tap break in Gumbie Cat, Invitation, Rum Tug Tugger (in which i go crazy in a hot and bothered kinda way...), and music for my number. I even had a break in there! amazing. I also had a fitting today - pretty cute and very tight! I think I'm going to lose some weight doing this show. yay! Nothing major to report about this day however. oh! It was raining all day. There ya go. :)

Cats - Day 2

owwwwww! Today was a lot harder than Day 1. But that is to be expected. Still having a great time and really enjoying the process with this cast and director. We got our tails today - mine is very pretty! Still lots more to learn.... I need to review badly. Saw Fiddler on the Roof tonight with Eddie Mekka and Eric Byrd. Thats right E. Byrd gets top billing as well! It was a great show. One of the best Fiddler's I've seen. Mr. Mekka did say, "Golde, wheres the Viagra!?" at one point however when his cart handle broke. That was a liiiiitle awkward. Otherwise though a very charming and funny Tevye.
It brought back so many fond memories of my 10 weeks as Chava in Fiddler in a grand dinner theatre in Ohio... oh my.
Must get some rest now. I'll try to post a rehearsal Cats pic soon cuz we look pretty funny!

Cats - Day 1

First day as Rumpleteazer, or Rump as they call her for short (i always get the best nicknames. rump, poopsie....), and it was so fun! Our director and cast are amazing. Stephanie Lang has the best energy and is so smart in how she breaks stuff done. She's very calm, which is refreshing when you are putting on a show in a week, and she uses repetition which is also a key ingredient for week stock. The music is pretty hard to sing especially when you are running around the stage, but everything so far seems pretty manageable (and our MD Andrew is a genius)! Only down side so far are my horrible, painful knee pads and floor burns. Booo Hiss... oh well - I'm excited to learn more tomorrow!
Now as I study my script before bed lets all hope and pray that the fire alarms don't go off at 2:30am like the did last night!

the journey to West Virginia

Today's journey began with me getting up early to pack up my car and travel to Columbus to be the soloist at church. I was a little grumpy because I didn't sleep well thanks to a late night text and phone call. oh my friends... And I think I always get a little nervous when its time for a change. At church I met the sweetest elderly couple from Cleveland who are also actors. They both were/are members of Actor's Equity in addition to SAG and AFTRA and just got done performing a play this past May! I love it! These people are my new heroes! Next up was a quick lunch with my brother then time to hit the road.

Decent free freeways until - boom, ugh.... construction traffic. Now we all know how annoying stop and go traffic is on the highway, but its even more fun when you have to all work together to merge into one lane. Key words - work TOGETHER! Now I admit on occasion I try to skip to the front of the line to squeeze in but I understand what consequences could come my way. As my little white neon approached the actual merge point (i had merged long ago) I politely let a car in. Then out of sheer will the car behind that one pushed its way in front of me while.... wait for it.... talking on their CELL PHONE! I could not believe that this silly Alabama license plate had the nerve to merge and/or run me off the road. The car behind me saw my look of awe and disbelief. He raised his hands in the air as if to say " i know! these people! what are you going to do??" And at that moment, after I raised my hands in the air and shook my head in agreeance, I found it oddly comforting that there were other sane people on the road with manners. It was a strange sense of solidarity as we navigated the horrible construction traffic together.

Anyways finally made it to WV to catch some of The Wedding Singer. Moved my stuff into my "new place" (actually same apartment I was in last year with my super duper roomie E. Byrd - who is reprising his role this summer), went to dinner with lovely Staceface, and unpacked the rest of my junk. Now I sit, relaxing, trying to prepare for a whirlwind of rehearsals. Becoming a kitty should be interesting!

amazing...

isn't it amazing how music can transport you back to a certain place, time, or emotion. sometimes i wonder when certain songs will stop reminding me of hard times... immediately feeling how i felt that day as the same emotions come running back in... to the "good time" songs i say play on... "too many sad words make a sad sad song..." i still like my collection of music, but there is always room for new music memories.

Time to go learn something new!

Next up in my journey is to head back to WV to do CATS for 2 weeks! I'm playing Rumpleteazer and I'm very excited. I've never done the show and must say I got a little nervous when I saw this clip from another production on YouTube. But it's going to be great and another wonderful learning experience for yours truly!

The next step

Recently I was a bridesmaid for my dearest friend and college roomie (yes Quad Squad) and enjoyed a lovely weekend of reconnecting with old friends. Kerri is the second of the Quad Squad crew to get married and this was definitely the right step and a big step for her! Darling Kristin was married over a year or so ago and now has a little addition to add to their family. And then of course there is Meg, who is usually in a fabulous serious relationship, but this one seems like a keeper! I love these girls so much and it is always an honor to be apart of monumentous moments in their lives.
I must make just a quick note however of how interesting it is to me how each persons life paths (kinda the theme for this blog) can be so similar and so different. For instance - at this recent wedding I got to see many friends I haven't been in touch with in a while and very very close to almost all of them are now married, engaged, or in a very serious relationship. (perhaps close friends like to all be on the same life page?) This only stuck me as kind of funny because these are my college friends - the faces from the "wild" days! As I met new fiances or significant others all I could think of was - "do they know about the time when he/she totally....?" I had to constantly remind myself that my fun college friends are growing up and are in transition just like me!
But it was slightly unsettling to think that maybe I'm not in the right transition. For a few moments I would think that because I wasn't on the verge of getting engaged or "settling down" or landing that "real person" job with a "real person" salary, that I was on the wrong track. That somehow I had gotten lost or that my life wasn't quite as great as theirs.
THEN I would wake up from that dream and remember that (lets say it all together now) "everyone has their own journey in life" and I just needed to worry about mine. Some think my career and journey are quite interesting, freeing, and pretty cool, and sometimes I can tell that people think I need to "grow up" and pursue goals like theirs (and STOP dreaming?? ha no thank you!) I do enjoy the - "oh your single" pity faces. Listen, people have real issues dating a chick in my career (even those in my career which i'm still baffled by or should realize was just a fabulous excuse).
However, my theatre/nyc friends totally get it and are on a similar path. We are all working hard on our careers but are also slightly more open minded where our paths can go. Having a traveling companion would be amazing but, as I sadly have to remind myself occasionally, the time will come for one when its right because - that is apart of my journey and you can't map out all your trip tik details! wow - ANYWAYS!!! The moral of the story is I find it all very fascinating. AND I'm sooo very happy for the newly married couple whom I love. They are a perfect pair and they know that "if it ain't Boak, don't fix it!"

Remember when this was going to be just a "quick note"!? :)

Check it Out!

another really cool website: www.coolpeoplecare.org

Lil bit of info

Since this is a brand new blog perhaps a bit of background should be given. This is information that may be key for future posts when you are wondering what in the world I am talking about. First off - yes like so many others I am a performer mostly of the musical theatre variety. I had an amazing 4 years of training at Wright State University and have been blessed with decently steady work since then.
My first year out I did a life changing children's theatre tour around the grand state of Ohio for Columbus Children's Theatre. We learned about 5 shows and did them in Rep at schools/theatres around Ohio and in our own theatre in Columbus. Yes I traveled in a van , that I also occasionally drove, with all of our costumes and equipment (that we had to set up) for 9 months. Lets say that this experience really showed me how much I loved my craft and how lucky I was in future work(life changing). Next off was Morgantown, WV, the home to West Virginia Public Theatre - a fabulous Equity summer stock haven. These people have been very kind to me and have hired me back 3 summers in a row now. I heart them. I've also worked in Arizona and Florida for Prather-land. Anything Goes was a great time and I met some fantastic friends that have remained so now hmmm more than a year later!
And then of course there is the National Tour of The Pajama Game with Phoenix Entertainment. Soooo much happened on this 8 month tour. Wonderful friendships were formed, my love life had a sweetheart of a visitor, and I got to finally see so much of our great country! I'm sure little stories and tidbits will come out with these here posts. Especially as I am still close with many from the tour and still trying to piece together life after tour - the unknown, in search for a new job, heartbreak, etc.
But currently I am in transition mode which includes: relocating all of my stuff from my Columbus apartment of 3 years back into my beloved parent's home, heading back to WV to do CATS (already did a great Little Shop there this summer!), and then finally subletting a lovely apartment in mid-town in NYC. I feel as though the real adventures will begin when I arrive yet again to my wonderful city - full of wonder, excitement, possibilities, uncertainty, and people! Until I arrive I am slowly preparing myself for my latest life transitions and praying - a lot.

First post ever....

Sooo I've never "blogged" before and only recently have I been interested in reading others' blogs. I honestly don't know how long this will last, but I'm going to try and give it the good 'ole college try. Oddly it takes a bit of work to set up a blog so this must be something I'm actually interested in. It may be fun to chronicle the journey of Dionysia. What an interesting ride it has been so far! After graduating from Wright State University I have performed and traveled all around the country, made some fabulous new friends, and am constantly learning new things. Yes perhaps this will be a fun and useful outlet as I continue on through transitions. I tend to censor myself but since I don't think anyone will read this (partly cuz I'm not sure how many i will tell) I will try and actually say what I mean and mean what I say. haha brilliant. Well... this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship Mr. Blogger.