Gettin' stuff done!

I'm typin' away at the computer and watching Craig Ferguson on the TV, and I'm feeling like I've accomplished a thing or two. After the matinee today, I grabbed dinner (shrimp spring rolls and chicken soup from our fab Vietnamese place) and ran a few errands before I holed myself up in my hotel room to finish up a pending illustration project (see it here after it's been presented to its intended). After completing the sketch and heading to the printer to make copies, I once again found myself back in the room with a self-imposed to-do list. I made some Christmas cards, signed and stamped them. And I sorted through the landfill my living quarters had become over the last couple of days. I now feel organized and tidy and human once again. AND I get to head to the post office tomorrow morning and mail off a completed caricature project and the last of my holiday shipping. What a great evening!

And the evening wasn't without the catching of some holiday entertainment. I was happy to find a double feature on TCM of The Bishop's Wife and Christmas In Connecticut. Ah! Warm and fuzzy holiday vibe! And I caught most of the new Stephen Colbert holiday show. Really funny. And I've got my pine candle a-burnin' and my Christmas tree a-twinklin.' A lovely holiday eve. (Note: Photo above was taken at Matilda's Mouse antique event.)

So that's it for now. Peace and love to you all. Take a moment for you this holiday season... breathe and give thanks.

Big post full of plaid holiday thoughts...

I have the evening off. After a lovely Plaid Tidings matinee and an hour of drawing caricatures before the Welk comedy magic show, I'm sitting here half-watching the latest Muppet holiday program with oodles of Christmas presents laid out on the bed ready to pack, and I'm procrastinating getting work done on shipping prep and a pending illustration job. Of course this means that I'm now going to spend an inordinate amount of time writing a big blog entry. Ha.


This holiday season is just whipping by as if driven by these blustery and drippy North San Diego wintry days. But I think the reason time is a-flyin' is that I'm having such a great time and my heart is so full. It's a joy to be playing with this fab gang at the Welk bringing Plaid Tidings to these great crowds. It really does a heart good to chat with our audience members after each show. There are those who are really moved by the heart of the show, some who've cried at the closing number which, being the classic "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," has some emotional ties to many at this time of the year. But most folks that drop by our table are just gushing over the music and our comedic shenanigans. Some even tell us about having sore abs from laughing so hard. And we get handshakes and hugs and high fives. We even had a spunky firecracker of a little Italian lady give us all enthusiastic astrological readings. It's all so amazing. How many jobs does one get so much immediate and effusive feedback? To call this experience a blessing somehow feels sorely inadequate. (The included photo is of our Plaid gang and L'il Bitty Kobe – my nephew's class project.)

The past few days have brought a couple arrivals of note. First, our fantastic Jinx, Paul, had to take a wee jaunt back to New York to take part in a recording. So, for three performances, we were joined by our amazing understudy Jeffrey. He did a really incredible job. Paul is now back with stories of wintry weather back east. Our director Larry and his fella David, both cherished friends (and Plaid royalty), drove down to catch a couple shows. AND they brought their movie projector to show some classic and blissfully obscure Christmas animated films at the hotel. Staying in a hotel at the holiday isn't the most ideal or Christmassy cozy situation (other than my little tree adorned with pics of the nieces and nephews), but it was such a holiday treat to join great friends for a special holiday viewing party. I was touched that they thought of us and made such an effort to bring the joy.



And if things weren't already happy happy, it has been wonderful to be in North San Diego County. So many friends from summers past (Moonlight Amphitheatre) are here, and it has been wonderful to visit with them... the Breners, the Beavers, the Brombachers, the Kennas, Ralph, Doug, and many others. One outing I've embarked upon with Nancy and Kathleen is a visit to Matilda's Mouse. MM is open just three days a month in the barn of the former Betty Crocker farm in Valley Center, CA. The head design diva Marla (along with her fellow designers and husband and pooches, Matilda the wire haired terrier among them) display antiques and architectural pieces and vintage toys and tchotchkes. It's a really fantastic experience... and the prices on the goods are very reasonable. With my wacky gang, fellow Plaid Johnny and I have caught a couple of their shows. (As you can see, I've included a photo of some of the amazing display work.) Take a look at their website, and if you're in the area during one of their shows, run – don't walk – to see some nifty stuff. I look forward to at least a couple more adventures with my peeps down here – and look forward to some when I return in February.

Wow! Am I blathering on and on or what?? I REALLY need to get wrapping and drawing. Take care, all! Wishes of peace and love are coming your way at this wonderful time of year. Take care!

Another week down...

As I write, we've reached the end of another week. It's really hard to believe that we have only two weeks left of Plaid Tidings. Time really flies when you're having fun. We have so much to be thankful for. We spend time in the lobby after each show, and the responses we get from our crowds are really amazing. The show really strikes a chord with certain folks, and it's really rewarding to be bringing up such happy feelings in folks. I'm so thankful!


Plaid bro Johnny and I visited Whoville this evening... that is, we saw How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego (thanks to friend Stevie Gunderson who is playing Papa Who). While I treasure being onstage at this time of the year, it was so lovely to be able to be in the audience for an hour or so. Tomorrow, I hope to finish up the Christmas shopping, get some drawing done, and spend a bit of time just chillin'. It's back to Plaidland on Tuesday. Honestly... I can't wait!