Elephant's Graveyard, Opening Night And Some History

There was a town. There was a circus. There was railroad. There was a murder...
We had our opening weekend and I do believe the play was a success. I was so mesmerized from the great performances by the actors, the sets, sound and yes, even my costumes! I love how a good play can take you away in a way that films can't.

 Most of the actors in the play are professional actors who have had long careers in stage and film. 

Santa Paula, where the theatre is located is an hour and 15 minutes from Hollywood, but a world away. 

I grew up in Hollywood myself. I went to Hollywood High School, smack on the corner of Sunset and Highland, in the heart of Hollywood. James Dean, Lana Turner, and Judy Garland went to Hollywood High school too, although several years previously! 

I was in the drama club and did a lot of extra work in films and had some miniscule bit parts on and off. I have to admit I was a terrible actress. But I loved being on film sets, especially all of the yummy free munchies at the concessions table.

My brother, myself, and my Dad, Hollywood, 1970's.

 I grew up in a typical Hollywood family. Dad was a film editor, and mom was an artsy type.  

Dad at work, Paramount Studios, 1980's

So when my husband, myself, and our four kids moved out to this very culturally isolated ( to me at least), farmhouse from very crowded, and wordly Santa Monica to live a country life, I became lonely. I was homeschooling my kids, and had a very hard time making friends here. 

Every time I made a friend they seemed to move away! This strange occurrence has happened with five different friends since I moved here 7 years ago. Maybe God is telling me something?

 I bought a horse but was a miserable failure at riding. My horse was an excellent reiner and could spin on a dime, but I was terrified of him! Then he got arthritis and my trainer adopted him. 

When I became pregnant again, 3 1/2 years ago, I started sewing to pass the time. I had attended FIDM but never really used my fashion design degree besides a brief job as a magazine stylist, another brief job as an assistant bridal designer, and a couple of film assistant costuming jobs. I never sewed much except for Halloween costumes after having my first child, who is 18. 

Sewing and blogging has brought me full circle and opened up my world for me. Including my job at the theatre. I love to sit with the actors out back, sometimes steal a cigarette from them, and hear all of the great old Hollywood and theatre stories they have to tell. It feels familiar and comforting. 

Then I get to go home, tend to my chickens, my kids, my husband, home and yard and be the country mom and wife.

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