If you have been reading my blog you know I have been working on a new vegetable garden. Like so many things it has taken on a life of its own. I get a little carried away with the ‚creating ‚ aspect and something small turns into a journey, a transformation all-together. I have been of the mindset of making a spot that is overflowing with fruits, vegetables and flowers. I think I have achieved that. It looks more complicated than it really was.
Transformation complete
Gardening inspiration
As a follow up to last week’s blog I thought I would share where I get my gardening inspiration and hopefully give you some ideas in the process. One of my favorite things to do when it comes to gardening is to COPY. I’ll go to high-end stores or look on their websites and get ideas and then shop around for something similar for far less. It’s kind of fun to see how I can pull off the high end look for bargain prices – trust me, it can be done, so don’t let what you think will cost a fortune deter you from trying.
Great places to scout out some ideas are hotels. I have gone to some of my favorite hotels like, The Carnaros Inn in Napa Valley or San Yasidro Ranch (right) in Santa Barbara to get garden ideas.
Even busy “Hybrid Moms” can garden
I love vegetable gardens. I am not an expert but with a little bit of research and creativity, I continually craft different types of gardening spaces in my yard, each one unique. Aesthetically it adds so much to the landscape. For the last few years I have had my garden on the side of my front yard and it became the neighborhood destination. If I ever didn’t have my scarecrow up, the neighbors would complain. An older man once came up to me when I was out working in the garden and told me he liked to come by each year and see how she (yes my scarecrow is a woman) was dressed. So if you think that you don’t have the space for a garden, don’t be afraid of the front yard if there is a way to make it quaint and beautiful. I like to use all the spaces on my property. Even an unused side yard with good sun can be transformed into a little farm.
It’s a wrap
So tonight is my closing night with Barbra’s wedding … what a run. It was everything I wanted it to be and more. The interesting thing about the theatre and I guess acting in general, is that you become a quick and close family with the people involved. You spend a concentrated, intense time together, which in my case has always brought me closer to my compadres. It’s strange because you are so close so briefly and then often don’t see the people again. But tonight we will not say good-bye really; I have made sure of that. We will gather at my house in a couple of weeks for a little gathering and reminisce on our successes, failures and in this case laughs, during the course of the run.
Do something that scares you everyday, part 2
I thought I should follow up with my “Do Something that Scares you Every Day” blog with how the opening of my play, Barbra’s Wedding, went. We rehearsed it for six weeks and coming from my Soap Opera background, that is a LONG time. I am used to memorizing 40 pages the night before and basically doing one take and forgetting about it on the way out the door. So this has been A LOT of rehearsing, but so incredibly worth it. For the first time in my acting career I really thought I needed that much time. We pulled the material apart right and left. Being on stage for a solid hour plus, with just two people having dialogue is a bear! Not to mention we move around a lot and have to deal with food and drinks and changes in wardrobe. You’ve all heard the expression, not being able to walk and chew gum … this is a thousand times worse, especially if food gets to flying (out of our mouths or otherwise). There are a lot of mishaps that can happen.
A moment to celebrate life
My dearest friend Cynthia’s son graham passed away two weeks ago Saturday.
She has been the most amazing mother/advocate/woman I have ever known. Some of you may have read about her and her son in the last issue of Hybrid Mom but that was just a small glimpse into her world. Her strength has been unsurpassed. In light of this event, instead of my usual blog, I wanted to celebrate her son with you by sharing this article in The Boston Globe today.
My new adventure
On my never ending road to … I’m not sure what, I took a canning class last weekend. When I told my husband I was going to spend my Saturday morning doing this, I have to say he did a double take. Unusual maybe, but I am always looking for my ‘next big adventure.’ I am also dying to learn how to make fabulous ice cream. That will be upcoming I am sure but last week, canning was the new adventure!