Sunday, June 30, 2013

We Come from the Playmill!

Last weekend I had a very special opportunity to revisit one of my favorite times of my life. In 2004 & 2005 I was an actress at the Playmill Theatre in West Yellowstone, Montana. I learned so much during my time there. At this Theatre you do more than perform onstage. You. Do. Everything. And I am so grateful.


As a drama teacher, I took so much from what I learned at the Playmill and have incorporated it into my practices as a teacher. It's all about teamwork. 
The weekend was incredible. We got into town on Friday and headed over to the Canyon Street Grill! We ate dinner and reminisced about old times and reconnected with precious friends. We then saw "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" at the Theatre. It was fantastic! Classic Playmill. 
For those who don't know, the Playmill is a 50 year old theatre right at the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It is so small and intimate and there is just something special about that place. And I am so thrilled that I am a part of the history.
After the show, we spent some time at the theatre visiting, laughing and catching up. That night we traveled to Kristi and Andrew's cabin. They were so graciou to let us stay there. They had this secret room that you had to duck under a beam to get to, so of course that's where I had to stay.
The next morning, we headed to Running Bear to celebrate Hilly's birthday!


This is a small representation of the group of us outside the restaurant. I especially love Hilly's face and awkward hand! In 2004 Hilly and her husband Tavnir met and dated while working at the Playmill. We celebrated her birthday back then at the Running Bear, so Tavnir organized it so we could do it again.
We then headed over to the Theatre for a banquet and more visiting. I was on happiness and validation overload. So many amazing people, so many amazing memories. Later we heard stories about the origin of the Playmill and watches a variety show.
Later that evening we headed back to Kristi's cabin for dinner and games. Overwhelming I was touched by my reconnection many dear friends. It is so nice to be reminded of who you are through the eyes of those who know and love you. I am so grateful for my college experience as a whole, but especially my time at the Playmill, it has helped to shape me into the woman I have become.
Also a special shout out to Brynne & Josh Foster who so graciously let me stay with them in Rexburg. And to Toffer- who accompanied me, took care of me, laughed with me and made the experience unforgettable.
So grateful.


Saturday, June 15, 2013

Thoughts at Four A.M. Or How lucky can one gal be?

Good morning, or good middle of night, however you choose to look at it. I woke up about an hour ago with some yucky pain and am waiting for the painkillers to kick in before I can go back to sleep. And in this past hour, while everything is so quiet and still- I've been thinking, and I thought, this is the perfect time to blog!
School is out for the summer! Yay! It is so nice to have a break, as much as I love the kids, it takes a lot out of me to maintain the pace that I keep throughout the school year.
Later today I will be speaking on the subject of baptism at the baptism of one of my students who just graduated. I am so honored that he asked me to speak. I love that my students allow me to be a part of their lives.
Yesterday Amy & I saw "Jersey Boys" at the Capitol Theatre. We had amazing 2nd row seats FOR FREE! (Once in a while there are some perks to being a theatre teacher!) it was such a fun show with high energy and I truly enjoyed myself. Sometimes it's nice to be reminded of the magic that live theatre can posses and why I do what I do.
Sometimes is nice to just pause and reflect on what makes life so wonderful. I am so incredibly blessed and lucky to lead the life that I do.