My days are full of exactly what I want to be doing.
And I might get tired, or overwhelmed, or critical, or anxious.
But I am grateful for little moments when I can take a breath, and remember that this is all pretty dang fun.
This photo was taken at a vocal rehearsal for title of show.

Happy rainy Thursday!

xo
Alli

Read it and Weep

I must thank my friend, Marty, over at travelinoma. She held a great discussion about the  kindle. I wrote that I wanted one, and all of the comments on her blog really pushed me towards definitely getting a one. Here are a few more reasons why I want/need a Kindle.

1. The free classics collection, which includes vintage knitting books from the 1800s.

2. The ability to finish a book, and start a new one right away.

3. The portability: I can bring it anywhere, and I don't have to worry about too much weight in my backpack.
4. The colorful cover options, with a built in reading light that is powered by the kindle battery. (I can't decide between orange, blue, and red.)
5. I get the kindle app on my blackberry. I can just look at my phone, and pick up right where I left off in my book.

6. The audio books. I was a little weary of the text to speech feature, because it was pretty computer-y and monotone. But actual audio book downloads are awesome!

7. The New Yorker. I already have a subscription, but it's hard to lug around all my back issues. With it all on the Kindle, I don't have to be bummed that I left my mags at home.

8. The only problem, is that I am afraid I am going to wear it out from overuse.

9. The price. Compared to the Nook and iPad, this is definitely the most economical option.

10. The hope that I will just be able to read lots more books.



photo source

I am ordering one today, and I can't wait to tell you what I think!

xo
Alli

Sometimes I feel like a doormat.


Sometimes I let people wipe off their muddy boot complaints and sticky gum demands onto me. Sometimes I get smelly and rotten and forgotten after a cold, wet, and whiny winter. Sometimes I am so bitter cold and stubborn stiff. Sometimes I am dry and brittle from overuse, but I hold strong in harsh unsympathetic winds.

The pushy wind might get under me a little bit, but I will not move. I might get a little shaken, or gnarled, but I will hold my shape. I will. I WILL! But, over the disagreeing time, my "WELCOME" fades, my quills get dull, and my corners stiffly curl. Soon, no one even wipes their raunchy boots on me anymore. I become nearly worthless, and I am eventually laid over the railing to get my ineffectuality out of the way.

Suddenly! Relief! I sigh into the stretch and bend of this  little vacation from scrubbing, pounding, and weather. I gaze calmly at the world through this easy freedom, and gently flap with the careless breeze. But after just hanging out at all day, day after day, and I get bored. I begin to feel more and more useless.

Now what do I do? Am I even a doormat anymore? I guess I'll just wait here for someone. But where is everyone? Where are all the muddy soles? I guess I'm the only one that's muddy and grimy and worn out.

Suddenly, just when I am at the peak of helplessness, I am shaken back to life. I get walloped with bluntness. I get hosed with sustenance. I get honestly flung against the ground. It hurts to get hammered back into shape, but it feels good to be useful again.

My WELCOME might be worn, but my intent is clear again. My bristles are sharpened and ready, and I am wise with experience. I feel ready to scrape. I might get worn out, but at least I know I can always rest up and be useful again.

xo

Alli

Hello from the Dressing Room!

I call this "Big Eye. Little Eye."

In the background: Scarlett/"Miss Prism" and Patricia/"Lady Bracknell."

Gotta get on stage. Hannah just called places!

xo
Alli

Cherish

Just as I was beginning to feel bad for myself, Jeff and I got off of work together at the same time. We immediately decided to take Oscar to the beach and explore a bit of the Treadwell Ditch. It was exactly what I wanted and needed.

I feel a little bit better already.

And I know these pictures have nothing directly to do with what I'm saying, but I love them.

xo

Alli

Time

Oscar misses me.

I miss Oscar.

I let him out to go pee, and he runs to the car. Begging for an adventure at the beach.

"Oscar come back! I need to go to work!"

He says, "No way! I'm sick of you working all the time. I wanna play!"

I say, "Sorry, dude. No time. We can play in May!" 

*Sigh

I am desperate for a carefree summer.

This summer will be my first "carefree summer" in probably 8 years.

I long for flexible work hours with nights and weekends free for hikes, camping, bonfires, and movies.

Ok. Back to work.

xo
Alli

PS-Is it May yet?

15 minute walk on a sunny day

xtra tufs are on

i'm set to soak in the sun

it's still real cold, though

xo

Alli