Mary Poppins!

Tonight Peirce and I went to Mary Poppins at Storybook Theatre. It was so well done! Peirce said he wished it would never end.

SBT: Seussical the Musical

I love the Storybook Theatre organization. We have been volunteering with them for years and I love it now as much as I ever did! Last night we saw Seussical the Musical. It was fabulous. The music and action is non-stop. You have to have some serious energy to be a part of this show.

Tony was very excited to volunteer. He said he had never volunteered before. I was a little worried he wouldn't enjoy the play because he wasn't familiar with Dr Seuss. He said he really enjoyed it though. It's hard to enjoy all that action and music.

Seussical cast ready for final Dress Rehearsal!

A post shared by StoryBook Theatre (@storybookyyc) on May 19, 2017 at 2:18am PDT

Day 121 Saturday Fun

The kids and I have been volunteering at Storybook Theatre for years. We truly love it. Today we volunteered in th concession with tempting Crave Cupcakes and cookies! We sold a lot!!

The play today was Goodnight Moon. It was meant for preschool aged children and definitely thrilled their target audience. I got a real kick out of hearing the kids guffaw loudly at the silliness and the jokes. It was really great.

Tonight was our ward's Cinco De Mayo party. It is one of the best parties our ward puts on all year. Tonight didn't disappoint either.

After the party, Allen and I went to the at of C to listen to Aritha van Herk. She is the author of the book my book club is reading this month. I didn't take this picture. I borrowed it from their website: 

https://www.ucalgary.ca/utoday/issue/2016-04-14/canadian-novelist-aritha-van-herk-deliver-2016-lecture-lifetime

It was a lovely lecture! It reminded me of how stories are everywhere, waiting to be told and renewed my desire to become a better writer.

Here what the website had to say about it:

Hosted by the University of Calgary Senate, Lecture of a Lifetime showcases the talent and achievements of leading academics and celebrates outstanding service to the university, its students and the greater community.

This year’s lecturer, Aritha van Herk, is an acclaimed Canadian novelist who has enriched the lives of readers across the globe. Here’s why you should attend:

1. van Herk evaded the law to pursue her passion for literature.

Born to Dutch immigrant parents in central Alberta, van Herk was raised to believe that education is the most important aspect of your life. Her parents were adamant that all their children would have a solid educational foundation and life on the family farm led to a childhood that combined physical hard work with a respect for learning.  

Her passion for literature emerged very early, kindled by a family that valued and treasured books, and by literature teachers who encouraged her to write stories and recite poetry. van Herk could read before she could walk, and spent her childhood immersed in a world of books that transported her to all the worlds she wanted to learn more about.

Although van Herk’s parents had strong aspirations for her to pursue a more formal career path, such as law, she was determined to turn her love for literature into a flourishing career as both a writer and professor.

And she’s done just that. Alongside her work as an award-winning novelist with 13 books under her belt, van Herk also boasts an extraordinary teaching and academic career. She is credited with helping to develop the University of Calgary’s nationally and internationally renowned creative writing program, and every single one of her grad students has gone on to publish his or her own book.

2. She will captivate your attention with exceptional storytelling.

Recognized for her innovative approaches to prose and cross-genre writing, van Herk is a storyteller who is eager to share with the audience the invitation that story offers. She is often asked if her stories are made up. But to van Herk, the line between what is real and what we invent; what we perceive and what actually happened; and what a story tells us and what we get out of a story is permeable.

“Whether it’s real or made up, the power resides in the story,” says van Herk. “The stories that insist on writing themselves into our lives are also the stories that we are fascinated with.”

van Herk will explore the secrets of good storytelling and more as she delivers the 2016 Lecture of a Lifetime.

3. She has witnessed tremendous transformation in her 33 years on campus, and will no doubt have entertaining stories to share.

Since joining the University of Calgary’s Department of English in 1983, van Herk has noticed a new-found sense of confidence and pride, and a university that is growing, changing and embracing possibilities for improvement all the time.

“We don’t just follow a plan that gets imposed from above. The university engages a real sense of spirit,” she says. “From the people that work here, the students who come here, the community that surrounds and supports it, there is a very strong pride that wasn’t here 30 years ago.”

van Herk's rich experience and writing talent are two reasons she was asked to pen the University of Calgary's 50th Anniversary commemorative book. She felt it was important to communicate all the different elements that have made the university the place it is today and used her signature writing style to capture a condensed and energetic version of what has happened to the university over the past 50 years.

This commemorative book will be unveiled during the 50th Anniversary weekend, and will be available for purchase following van Herk’s lecture on April 30, along with her other works and her latest book of prose-poetry, Stampede and the Westness of West. 

4. van Herk has taught, given lectures and travelled all over the world. Her passion for travelling is contagious and you can bet she will have plenty to say about her experiences. 

Located in a quiet corner on the 11th floor of the Social Sciences building, van Herk’s office reflects her passion for travelling. Alongside hundreds of colourful books rests a figure of van Herk as a witch that a student in Germany made for her; a tiny polar bear with real seal skin from her travels in the extreme Arctic; and a number of other interesting mementos van Herk has collected from her adventures around the globe — all with a unique story signifying a special occasion, moment or stop along the way. 

Her most prized collectibles are tucked away on the very top shelf — dusty old carrying cases representing the first briefcase she ever owned along with her first typewriter case. And yes, van Herk still has a little portable typewriter that she uses every once in a while to hammer on the keys.

“There is something therapeutic about pounding away on a manual typewriter,” she says.

5. This is an opportunity to check out the new Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning.

Following the official grand opening on April 18, Lecture of a Lifetime 2016 will be the first public event held in the new Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning. This innovative building will transform how the University of Calgary engages in creating, experimenting with, and assessing the impact of teaching and learning that represent not only best practices, but also leading-edge next practices.

The Taylor Institute is an integral part of the University of Calgary’s Eyes High strategy and will contribute significantly in the university’s journey to become one of the top five research institutions in Canada. This institute will allow the University of Calgary to better adapt to the anytime and anywhere learning needs of its students, shine a light on teaching excellence and serve as a touchstone for educational improvements across the country.

Day 72 Storybook Theatre

I am still sick today. I should have stayed home, but Peirce and I were supposed to go to Storybook Theatre. That is hard to miss. I really love Storybook Theatre.

Tonight was The Paperbag Princess. Isn't this set amazing?! When kids walked in there was a gasp. It looked so dreamy! 

The costumes were amazing. They cast perfect people for the parts. It was laugh out loud funny. The music was great. 

So glad we went!

Day 44 Quiet Saturday!

Wow....today was a quiet day. After getting Jill to swimming then to work, I had it all to myself! Now that is something that hasn't happened for a LONG time! I exercised extra, cleaned a little, read a lot, did a few errands and got groceries.

I'm used to put my turkey kids in the cart. These turkeys are much less demanding :)

Peirce went on a two day scout camp this weekend and got home late this afternoon. He was soooo tired! He went straight to bed....woke up for pizza....then went back to sleep. I guess that means he had a great time!

Tonight Jill and I went and saw Lord of the Flies at Storybook Theatre. That was intense!

This is Catherne, the Front of House Manager and former student teacher at our school! We miss her!

Christmas 2015

GIn November, as a last minute pull the rabbit out of the hat and make a good RS activity night, we had a class on planning for a stress-free Christmas. Turned out to be the best thing ever. I think from now on, in November, I will be sure to take some time to think about what I really enjoy and focus on that for the Christmas season. There is so much to do that sometimes I get bogged down in to do lists and don't enjoy this season. This year I didn't do that. I enjoyed the music more. I enjoyed the social gatherings more. I enjoyed my family more.

We have a few traditions. We go to the First Presidency broadcast the first Sunday in December, then we go to our friend's, the Hawryluks. We had my work party, Allen's office party, a RS party (missed that one, although I did help organize it....it conflicted with my work party) our ward party, and we usually help serve at the other ward's Christmas party. I even went to my friend, Kim's, Christmas  concert. It was amazing music! I went alone...and that was just fine because I gave up all the expectations (it is okay to do some seasonal stuff without family!) and just did what I enjoyed. It was great! We went to Storybook Theatre's Christmas play.....loved that. We usually go to the Hudsons for a carol singing night, but this year they didn't have it. We would have missed it anyway because that was the day we celebrated Christmas with Grandma.

 

We had Christmas Eve at home. Usually, we go to the nativity pageant, but it was really cold, so we just enjoyed ourselves at home instead. I learned the joy of teenagers on Christmas morning: they slept until 8:00!! This year we didn't seem to do as many presents, but it was still great. Just perfect actually. We had The NAckroyds over for dinner the afternoon of Christmas Day. A lovely day!

I always have a long list of housework things to catch up on over breaks from school. This year I decided to just do one little thing each day to make our house a little nicer.....something I had been neglecting. It worked! Usually I have these long lists and never quite get sound to any of t because I really don't want to spend my whole time cleaning. That makes me feel a little bitter. This one little thing each day seemed to work much better. I might even continue it after school starts up again! I also did a little bit of school work - even though people like to lecture on how important it is to leave all work behind. Just a little bit now and then is what I did...and I think that will make going back to work even better. And the truth is, I don't hate the work I do. I enjoy it.....so why not?!

Peirce got a pet sitting job over the break so we have spent a lot of time driving him to the house of pets. They have a dog named Draco, two cats and a bearded dragon. I has been a good responsibility for him. Good $$ too, I would say!

Jill did a fair bit of homework and studying (still finishing up English 20!) She has some swim practices, worked a few days at Brokin Yolk, and did a lot of fun friend things. She pretty much never stops!

We tried to immerse Bobby into his first Christmas experience. He wasn't that into it. I decided I would just invite, and after that, not worry about it if he didn't participate. It was, however, very interesting to have someone who has n emotional connections to Christmas. That is a subject for a whole 'nother post!

I also spent a lot of time reading. I hoped to do a book a day (inspired by Donalyn Miller) but I got stuck in a couple books I wasn't that enthusiastic about. Didn't quite meet my goal, but I did get some great books read! I also exercised every day over the break. Every day!! It has been fabulous.

Looking back, we really did a lot. It didn't stress me the same as other years though. I think there are a few reasons. I decided to be conscious about simply enjoying the moment. I decided to not worry about expectations, especially when it comes to gift giving. I just did what felt right, not what I figured others expected me to do. I chose to not do some things that I just don't enjoy. I filled my days with things I love, rather than duties. 

I lived to feel the joy.

Really, I think that is what Christmas is all about.

A Christmas Story

We have been volunteering at Storybook Theatre for years....and truly love it.

Tonight Allen even came! The play was a Christmas story. Odd. But fun and really quite enjoyable. Lots of chuckles.

Storybook Theatre: Willy Wonka

I could go on and on about how I love Storybook Theatre. Being involved with Storybook Theatre has been a wonderful opportunity to help our kids develop a love for theatre. Peirce, especially, loves it. Tonight was Willy Wonka the musical. It was amazing!!

Storybook Theatre did something brilliant. They teamed up with Bernard Callebault (er, Papa Chocolate) and made Wonka Bars. You could buy a Wonka bar for $10. You got them at the end of the intermission when everyone was in the theatre and everyone opened them at the same time. Inside five of the bars were golden tickets. With a golden ticket you could get two tickets to another play. Marketing genius!! I couldn't believe how many they sold. It was brilliant.

Peirce'so frind, Gabe, was in the play. Here they are with Mr. Wonka himself as well as Gabe's very cute little sister.

Gabe's brother, Zachary, was Augustus Gloop. He was hilarious!! The grey haired man in the background is the Grandpa who went with Charlie to the factory. When they sneak some treats they are able to fly....it is hilarious. This shot also has a bit of Charlie himself. The actor they had was so amazing. A very cute boy!!

The Oompa Loompas were hilarious. 

Violet Beauregard was a hick from the southern states.

Mike Tevee was a spoiled California kid.

Veruca Salt was a brat extraordinaire.

It was truly an amazing job. One of Storybook Theatre's best, I'd say!!

Peter Pan

Such an interesting story! Storybook Theatre did an amazing job. I loved their interpretation. I loved the set. I loved their costumes for Peter Pan and the Lost boys. It was so true to the book!

I also decided I must read the real Peter Pan story again. It is quite a fascinating story, full of so many concepts that are relevant today.

 I "borrowed" these photos from their facebook page. I love the color and emotion in all the pictures! Peirce's friend, Gabe and his brother Zak were in the play. They were twins in the group of lost boys. It is so fun to know someone famous!

I have a confession. Mostly, I have this issue under control, but now and then it comes up again. It is that I can't go through a standing ovation without bawling. I am not sure why, except that perhaps the emotion of being deeply sucked into the story plus being so impressed with the amazing job the actors do just pulls it out of me. I have been pretty good at the plays we have been to this year - but this one melted my composure again. 

It was so cool when Peter was dancing with his shadow. His shadow did things he didn't do. Very cool Storybook!!

Good fight scenes!

Amazing sets!

Gabe and Zak are in this photo...not sure which one is which. It is hard to tell in their costumes....they are twins you know! One has the lime green shirt on and the other is just to the left of Michael (in the top hat) in this photo.

The actor who played Captain Hook doubled as Mr. Darling.....interesting pairing!

Smee, Captain Hook's assistant, was amazing. He has been in a lot of plays and the variety of characters he plays is amazing. He was delightful in this play....so much expression!

There's that Smee again. So funny!

Busy Town

Tonight Peirce and I volunteered at Storybook Theatre. They are doing Richard Scary's Busytown. It was really great: fabulous music, amazing set and great costumes. I really couldn't imagine how they were going to do the characters. They were fantastic.

Lowly the Worm was very cool.

Huckle!

It was opening night so they had a gala after. Lucky us!! It was a very busy Busytown.

Busy Saturday

We have had a busy Saturday, which isn't too unusual.

Peirce was in a scout camp. They travelled by canoe to their camping spot. Peirce said it was the best trip ever!

I love the fall colors in this photo. Fall is my favorite season of the year!

Jill and I gathered food from the routes we delivered food bank flyers. It is so fun to be part of this city-wide food drive. It is a great lesson in how just a few can make a big difference. Probably 1 in 10 houses we delivered to donated something. With that, huge amounts or food are collected. Imagine if everyone donated just one can?! It would be totally overwhelming.

Jill, in the midst of gathering up the food, said, "This is my favorite church activity of all!" When I asked her why she said it is because she loves it that everyone is sharing.

So true!!

Unloading cars full of food at the stake center. This happened at all six stake centres in Calgary.

I found this pic in a facebook. The food bank shelves are full and the rest is in the aisles. Awesome!

In the afternoon Jill and I went to storybook theatre and saw The Wizard of One. It is a play written by a Calgarian who also did all the acting. He played every part. It was quite brilliant!

It is a take off in The Wizard of Oz, only Dorothy is an old man in a rest home. Sounds weird, I know, but it works!

Tonight Jill had a trek reunion. Allen and I were back at the end of the reunion party where they showed a video with pictures from trek. It cracked my crusty heart! (I am not a big trek fan) I am really grateful for amazing youth leaders who plan things like this though, and remind them of the important things they have learned. At the end President Bester bore his testimony to them and pronounced a blessing on them that they would be strong and remember the lessons they learned on trek. It was quite powerful.

While Jill was at the trek reunion, Allen and I went out to dinner to celebrate his birthday. We went to a new trendy restaurant called The Block. It was fun to go out for dinner. Maybe we'll go somewhere else next time though. :)

Tonight Jill went to the youth dance. Peirce and I went home to get to bed early because it has been a long day. Allen toughed it out and drove Jill and her friends. Of course, it always has to end with Peters. We should buy shares in that place!

Saturday....the fun never ends!!