What Julie/Julia Taught Me

Haven’t blogged in a few weeks. I apologize for my absence. This blogging business is still new to me. Hope you enjoy this insightfully random yet not so random post. I promise it is not as long as my previous post.

I’ve just recently watched Julie and Julia. The movie, as the tagline reads, is based on two true stories of two women. Julie Powell, a New York housewife and cubical worker, starts a blog in which she cooks her way through Julia Child’s cookbook, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” 365 days, 524 recipes. The movie, simultaneously, depicts Julia Child’s journey through her cooking career, mostly in Paris, and her efforts to publish this book that started it all.

With just starting a blog my-self, it’s interesting to consider how much blogging can do and what it has done since its “birth” to the internet. With its undeniable popularity, it’s a very modern way of sharing stories, ideas, adventures, advice, and pictures to prove it. It brings people together in the ever-expanding universe that is cyberspace. If you think about it, food brings people together as well. But food, not being as modern, has always brought people together.



My father’s side of the family is as Italian as we can. Food is a big deal in our family. My grandma Mary, who celebrated her 75th this Sunday, is the proud grandparent of eight grandchildren. She is the centerpiece to all family functions. She never fails to fill her house with her warm welcoming love or the sweet aroma of food with family traveling from all corners to be there. With one whiff, the familiar scent fills your senses with anything from meat lasagna, to calamari con pomodoro, to our Christmas Eve traditional Italian Wedding Soup in which my cousins always tease me on the ridiculous amounts of Romano cheese I put in mine Ha-ha. My dad is the youngest of four, so our family is quite numerous. I have several friends who are Italian as well and it just seems that Italians simply pride ourselves on our good food. It’s always fun when we can all cook together. My earliest memories of my life were baking cookies at my grandma’s house. From when we were infants, my grandma’s house was always our halfway house when moving into new places, which we did a lot. Her house will always be like a second home for me.

(My grandma Mary and I after her 75th birthday party!)

On my mother’s side of the family, Ukrainian food is also a tradition. Borsch beat soup and pierogies is our usual New Year’s Day dish. My mother’s father, my grandfather Walter, was an immigrant from Ukraine and fluently spoke nine different languages, including French, which by the way I would love to learn. Watching those scenes portraying Paris, France in the movie made me want to go all the more. I’m quite obsessed with this extravagant city. Unfortunately both my grandfathers died before I was born so I never got that crash course in French from my Pup-pup that I might have enjoyed. My mother’s pronunciation of the language is impeccable though, so she promised once she brushes up with her French, we will learn together. Food, like language, is a distinction to one’s background and is also passed down generations. My grandma Rose is a very free spirited and gentle soul. I feel we have a lot in common and whenever she visits, I can’t stop hugging her. I remember being real little and sitting on her lap playing with her large, Native American, turquoise jewelry necklaces, earrings, and rings. She met my Poppy several years ago and so I feel I now have that grandfather figure I’ve always wished for. I remember when my grandma came to our house one day and taught my sister and I how to make klutski, a polish type of noodle. They are very simple to make and they are real doughy. Yum! My sister loves them and always makes them whenever we have enough flour or eggs in the house. I also remember when I was real little waking up to smell of my mom making platskis. Platskis are paper-thin, crape like pancakes in which we always pile tons of powdery 10x sugar on top. Ha-ha. Those were the most fun and messiest breakfasts. Just like our Italian food, our Ukrainian food is just as diverse and delicious. I tell you, they are a whole lot more difficult to pronounce. Somehow Patychky and Lapshevnik just doesn’t quite roll of your tongue like fettuccini alfredo or fontina y Portobello Panini. Panini is also a fun word to say. Hah! PANINI!


So what’s the movie about and what did I learn from it? Well it’s about changing your life through cooking, through writing, through anything that brings you happiness in life. I learned that it’s true. Blogs are quite narcissistic. At first I thought it was silly that I should even start a blog. I’m no Julie Powell, I don’t have a wedding or baby to blog about their developments, and certainly no celebrity with movie sets I’m jetting off to or fan mail to thank, but as Amy Adams said as Julie Powell in the movie, “I could write a blog…I have thoughts.” It’s a very comical yet truthful statement when you think about it. We all have thoughts and opinions whether we are truly educated in the subject matter or not, no matter what, people always have an opinion about something and are always glad to share it. Positive or negative. Something else that I have learned from the movie is that I realized that I can’t wait to have a kitchen of my own. I love cooking. It’s another form of a creative outlet and in many cases, art itself. Why else would they call it Culinary Arts? So whether it is Italiano, Ukrainian, Polish, or Native American food is universal and brings all families together. Just like my grandmothers, cooking is another way to show that you care for your loved ones.


I know what makes me happy. Everyday there are reminders of what a beautiful world we live in. I wake up each morning with the blessed feeling of living another day. Even in the face of tragedy and despair, there is a light and God is in that light. In that light is the warmth of his hope and love. It’s hard to remember that sometimes when we are wrapped up in our own sorrows. But with what we are aware of in the world today, we should remember to share that same love that we are given. Running through these memories makes me feel so thankful. It allows me to remember the blessings in my life and count them every day. My family, my friends, my music, and God, that’s what keeps me going. So whether it’s a movie that reminds us this or God in the faces around us, share the food and share the love.

OXOX
♥ ,
Katie

Hi Everyone!

This is my first blog! Horary! This is exciting. I do enjoy journaling or chronicling certain events in my life, so if anything, I write for me to remember these memories and possibly do a little literary self discovery in the process. Those who do read my posts, I hope you find somewhat of an interest in them. I hope to share life stories, opinions, good vibes, and good times on my page. I’m just a chick who loves theater, music, family, love and living each day with God in my heart. Hope you join me and enjoy!

Today seems like an appropriate day to post something interesting. It’s mostly because something really fantastic has just ended. I have been volunteering at The Barley Sheaf Players which is a local community theater where we have been working on a holiday show called The Homecoming. I was the stage manager for the first time and this has only been the second community theater show I have been involved in. Last year we did a zany holiday show called Fruitcakes. That was so much fun. Luckily, I got to work with some of my fellow fruitcakes in this show. That definitely made the audition process a lot less stressful. But anyway, closing night was this past Sunday.

(Two fellow fruitcakes and two of my dearest friends, Tony and Jo!)

The Homecoming is the play by Earl Hamner Jr. which eventually became the basic idea for the Television show The Waltons. It’s about Clay Spencer (John Walton), the father of the family, who is late arriving home from work one snowy Christmas eve. The eldest son, Clay-Boy Spencer (John Boy), goes out in the storm looking for him. Along with meeting a bunch of characters on his trip looking for his father, he learns more and more about him which later strengthens their father-son relationship. Not to ruin the ending, but Daddy does make it home. It’s joyful, emotional, and leaves you with that cozy Christmas feeling. Michael Damiani played our star, Clay-Boy. Keep an eye on this kid folks! His star is rising. He was our star in Fruitcakes and it was such a privilege to see this young talent from such a young man being our star yet again. His filmography is just as impressive as his theatrical resume. He’s only 14! Oh and by the way, you may see him on an upcoming series on HBO! He’s scored a small role on the new HBO series, Boardwalk Empire directed Martin Scorsese! We are all very proud of him.

(The Spencer Family.)

(Clay-Boy and Clay Spencer. Aw, warm fuzzy moment right here!)

What is so very surprising to me, personally, is that as worried as I was being the stage manager before-hand, during rehearsals, come opening night, I wasn’t half as nervous as I thought I’d be. I think it was finally the relaxed enjoyment I’ve been longing to feel for a theater experience rather than the nauseating nerves I did before. I feel I’m finally getting the hang of this. As crazy as tech week was, I was confident come opening night convinced that things would fall into place and they did. Only, something else fell too, and hit the stage with a loud crash. What I am speaking of is, of course, the live Christmas tree we had on stage complete with stringed lights, the children’s ornaments, and a glass star tree topper. The second act has the most set changes and they happen very fast. On one half of the stage is the Spencer’s kitchen and on the other half of the stage is the barn, outside in the snow, Ike Godsey’s pool hall, The Staple sister’s house, and even the church. During one of the set changes, I went out on stage to move a piece of furniture and to turn the bass of the tree so that one side was blank and most of the ornaments faced the kitchen side of the stage. All of a sudden I feel the weight lean above me, the wheels from the base buckle and slip, and then TIMBER. I heard gasps and “oh no’s” a split second before I realized what was happening. The pitying audience “what a shamed” as I used all the strength I didn’t even knew I had until the sheer embarrassment rushed the adrenaline into my muscles to lift the tree to its upright position. When it was up and stable I rushed behind the curtains. From my peripheral vision, I saw Sue, our production assistant, leap on stage like some wonder woman with a mop sweeping the ornaments to the side and sopping up the spilled water from the tree’s bass that was now trickling downstage. Paula caught me backstage and I don’t remember if she asked what happened or if she just guessed but all I remember is almost immediately being buried in an embracing hug as she comfortingly hushed me as I tried to steady my erratic hyperventilating breathing being on the near brink of tears. I was so embarrassed! I’m the last person off the stage to make sure everything is in its right place and so I was up there alone in the work light with a 7ft Christmas tree nearly falling on top me! As exciting as Opening Night is, unfortunately it’s a night where, depending on the show, a lot of the kinks are worked out. The next night, Carey and I found the problem and refastened and tightened the tree straighter so that it did not lean and it worked. For the rest of the run of the show, I didn’t touch the tree once it was pushed out on stage during the first act, and the children did a great job of basically decorating half or ¾ of the tree so I didn’t have to turn it. Oddly enough, with as many glass balls we have broken through the course of the show; even during the show, not a single glass ball broke during the fall. Go figure. Only the star on top got chipped just a bit and Sue splinted it and basically fixed it as good as new. I shook some of my shame off and the next night and it became an ongoing running joke that instead of breaking a leg that we should, “break a tree,” or more cleverly as Paul put it, “break a limb!” Haha. They do say that the worst things that happen on stage make the best stories later. But after curtain call that opening night, which was a bit uncomfortable after my incident, the show was over and I apologized to our extremely patient director to which she and told me, with complete conviction and not a sign of discontentment, that it happens and that it was all right.

(Me and that blasted Christmas Tree. haha. I forgave it!)

Out of everyone during this show, I’ve grown such a close bond with Rhonda. She was our Miss. Alice in Fruitcakes, but our Director this year. I made it to almost all of the rehearsals and would always close up the theater, say goodnight to Jeb (our theater ghost/mascot), and lock up leaving with Rhonda and Rick. A lot of the time Rick, our producer, was at the Forge Theater playing in 1776, acting alongside my dad in his community theater debut. So basically it was me and Rhonda closing up a lot. I remember there was about two weeks during our rehearsal schedule where two scenes were split up. It was Clay and Olivia one week and The Staple Sisters and Clay-boy the next week. During those rehearsals, we basically took a bigger bite into who the characters really are. It gave the actors an opportunity to really express what they believe are the personality traits of their character and dissect the subtle characteristics that made their character special. I remember talking with Nanciann, (Olivia) Carey, (Clay) and Rhonda and I realized a slight metaphor in one of the genitures during their scene and I got three turned heads. “Wow,” exclaimed Nanciann. She laughed, “That’s why you are here, girlfriend.” When leaving that night, Rhonda asked if I had any interest in directing. Along with the other inputs I had put in that week, I guess I might have sparked that suggestion in her mind. I admitted, incredibly flattered, that I had not given it a thought but honestly would do anything that has to do with the theater and I’m always up to trying new things. I mean I’m honored just enough for being entrusted as the Stage Manager for only my second go at this community theater acting. Who knows? I may someday venture into the directing world. I’m sure that I have to be an assistant director first. But when that day does come, I want to no other person than Rhonda by my side. I let her know that personally too. But right now, I’m doing all I can to be a part, any part, in these shows and loving it!

(Our Director, Rhonda, laughing at something Scott must have said)


(Hair fixing in the green room.)

(Before each show, Rhonda made her hug rounds to everyone. Those were the best! I loved my Rhonda hugs)

Right after our last show Sunday, we did a quick strike in which we tore down the set, put the props away, and cleaned the green room and dressing rooms in the basement. It was definitely a team effort. Our cast party immediately followed. My mom, dad, sister, Aunt Loretta, Grandma Mary, and a best girlfriend of mine, Kayla came to see the last show. When I said good-bye to my grandma, she handed me a big dish pan filled with homemade chocolate chip cookies and her famous seven layered cookies. She made it for the cast party and it was a big hit. When people were basically done eating, enough for us to have pizza grease free hands at least, awards were given out. The kids made candy cane awards where they nominated each other for certain silly titles. For example, “prettiest hair” or “best choir singer.” Taylor won a candy cane for “fastest costume changer.” This kid would rip off her costume by first inserting the hanger in her dress, while still wearing it, pull the dress over her head, and hang it on a hook in seconds flat! They were kids so that had plenty of goofy ones. Tessa seemed to win the most. For her part “Becky,” she won a candy cane for “the most angst-iest teenager.” Haha. At one point during the party, we convinced Eric to go on the now incredibly spacious stage, and perform the Staples sisters scene that he always mouths backstage always having Paula, Scott, and I stifling our snorting giggles. He did so, complete with Miss. Emma’s wig and a fedora hat to symbolize Clay-Boy’s part which he would interchangeably pop on and off between the roles. It was hilarious! Throughout the show, Eric has been such a big help for me backstage, especially since he towers above me and I was in constant need of his tall talents, especially if it had anything to do with that tree. He is a great talent as well and he was basically like a big brother to me.

(See! Eric is tall. Makes a great sight gag, right here. My sister said this was one of her favorite parts. haha!)

(Singing in Church! You can't see me. :/ I'm sitting next to Jo. )

Then it came time for the presentation of the gifts. Before the show, in the men’s dressing room, there were two very large matted pictures of the cast in two frames each engraved with Rick and Rhonda’s name, the show’s name, and the year. All around the matted photos, everyone signs their name and a tiny message if they wish. But before that was presented, I was totally shocked when Nanciann said that the first gift goes to moi?! She went on with this little speech about how helpful, professional, and sweet I had been during the show. I think she said some other things but I was so truly touched, that tears started to build in my eyes and I don’t remember the rest, just hugging her thanking everyone in a squeaky voice. “Yay, Katie Jo!” everyone cheered. Oh, by the way, Last year during Fruitcakes, we each had different names for our ensemble characters. Rick suggested Katie Jo for me and it just stuck. Plus there was another Katie in last year’s show, so when someone was trying to get my attention, it was the “Jo” that helped with the distinction. Anyway, she presented me with a gorgeous black engraved photo album with the show’s name and year. It was from Things Remembered, just like the framed photos, so it had to be expensive. It was such a wonderful unexpected gesture that deeply moved me. The large framed photos were then presented as well as a few beautiful “Christmas cactuses” to the rest of the production team. Rhonda then gave all of us each a handmade ornament of a wooden cardinal. Just Precious!

(My gifts)

During our pep talk before our last show, Jim recites a sweet poem he wrote that brought most of us to tears, even our littlest cast member, 6 yr Bridget that played our Patti-Cake. It hit her so unexpectedly hard. I wiped a tear away from her face and asked, “Angel face, are those good tears or bad tears?” “Both, I think.” She sniffled. I told her that these memories are happy ones that will make us smile when we think of the good time we had. “It’ll be alright.” I told her. She nodded and hugged my waist as she pressed her head against my stomach. I hugged her back, just as tight, as my heart broke a little. Like a little adult, she’s very wise beyond her years. Always reading and asking insightful questions about her character and always with her hand up. Haha. I’ll miss that. Really, all the children were a joy to do this show with and many of them with very special and professional talents. Rick even said that in the 29 years that he has been producing community shows with children in them, this cast of kids was the best behaved. Yes, sometimes they were a little too energetic backstage or they had to be shushed now and then, but I’ll miss each and every one of their smiling little faces and their tiny hugs.

(Little Bridget reading a book in between her scenes.)

(Our last pep talk. =( . See what I mean with Bridget, hand always up. haha. Cutie.)

(The Boards. Can ya spot me? =D )

It was so hard leaving. Hugs, hugs, hugs, and kisses all around. Jacquie I must have hugged like 6 times before she left, and I basically lost count of how many times I would hug Rhonda. We would tear up, start talking again, and then the hug-cry-talk cycle would continue. She’s such an angel and a complete blessing to be able to work with. I grew so very close to my cast and crew in such a short period of time. I love that about the theater. You gain so much with each show: experience, knowledge, friends, and life-long memories. There were personal tragedies that occurred with certain members, but it was always comforting to know that we shared grief and triumph together and that no matter what, there was always a shoulder, a hug, or a cup of warm tea. I don’t know if it’s the hopeful and joyful Christmas spirit that made this show particularly special, and hard to leave, or if this show is truly a gem, or both, but handing out my Christmas cards to each person in that room, it felt different. It was special and beyond any experience that could not have come from anything other than a Christmas show.

(Final curtain call. GOOD NIGHT CLAY-BOY!!!!)

(The stage. Closing night preformance.)

Jim couldn’t have written it better when he basically, in a nut shell, described this experience and every experience we receive in the theater and the difficulties of walking away from a show once it’s over. Tasting each moment as it disappears forever. I must end this blog with that precious poem that will always have me remembering my cast and crew from The Homecoming 2009, where each person will be held in a very special place in my heart forever.

Farewell sweet sorrow ©

Ready or not, today will be the closing of our show, The Homecoming. Your role has added much to the joy of each member of the cast and you have loved being a part of it all.
So, this last performance will highlight what has become special for you from all of your other shows and, in many ways, what has become a part of you.

So a Christmas tree may have fallen, a costume may have been torn, props may have been misplaced, no matter, for today, even the simplest of lines or the smallest of gestures will become embedded with that sweet light of memory.

Yes, you want to taste every moment as it disappears forever, but even so, you do so, and go on to that last curtain call.

The striking of the set is quick and sometimes painful. The departure of actor friends to other places happens so quickly. Memories will fade away much too soon. Sure, you may see a few again. You may even laugh with some of them once again, but, it shall never be just as it was then.

That world, that show will be gone. So you must search for another show, and then another. Eventually, you see clearly the chain you have made and the bonds that link them all together.

That is why you act. That is not just what you do, that is what you live for, that is who you are.
Farewell sweet sorrow ©

~Jim Lewis

Thanks for reading!

~Katie

oxox