New Worlds. . .

I adore reading and love finding new worlds to immerse myself in. After reading The Kite Runner a few months ago, I was anxious to begin A Thousand Splendid Suns by the same author. In our war torn world I think it especially necessary to learn about other cultures before making judgements and I am grateful for the insight into the middle east that this author shares. Of course, these are fictional novels, but are based in truth and the author grew up in Afghanistan before moving to the US in the 80's. It was great to be able to understand terms and names of leaders that we only hear on the news: jihad, Taliban, etc. . .A Thousand Splendid Suns tells the stories of two Afghan women whose paths cross when they are married to the same man. One of the women is my age, and though none of the events of our lives is the same, I can identify with her. It defines jealousy and all of its ugliness between the women, the husband, and the children. I especially appreciated the way and depth that Hosseini explores familial relations. This is a difficult read because of its honesty. There are unconventional heroes but no one really wins. The writing is exquisite and uses middle eastern poetry to bind thoughts. If you are wanting a great read and more insight into why we might be fighting middle eastern terrorism, I recommend this novel. Keep in mind that some subjects will leave you with the taste of bile in your mouth and a sting on your cheek, but every page is worth it! What are you reading and what do you recommend?

First Snow!

Hooray for the first snow. It was the perfect morning waking up to lightly falling snow that had blanketed the rooftops and the grass while I slept. Luckily I don't have church until afternoon, so I was able to laze around and soak in the cold, clean air. The above is a photo from my home of the lovely fall leaves and new snow. Ahh. . .seasons. I love Colorado!

Sunday Musings. . .

I love that the Sabbath is different from every other day. As I woke up today, it was raining and smelled so clean. I loved it. Luckily I finished my talk for Sacrament Meeting last night (okay, this morning at 2 a.m.) so all that I had to do was print it. I titled it "Finding Happiness and Joy in Keeping the Commandments." It was taken from the first seven chapters of Mosiah where King Benjamin delivers his final sermon and lays down the law to his people. Don't you just love King Benjamin. I also referenced Elder Bednar's talk from General Conference last week, an Elder Maxwell talk, and quotes from Joseph Smith and Elder Hales. I can't remember the last time I gave a talk, but I am always grateful for the opportunity. My testimony of repentance, the atonement, and keeping the commandments was really edified. I felt really good about how it came together and my delivery, but after the meeting the first counselor in the bishopric told me that my new career could be as a Baptist preacher. I don't know if I should take that as a compliment or not? Later though, he told me to submit to the Ensign; can you do that?

Yesterday, as I was returning from the grocery store (an errand I loathe, especially on a Saturday afternoon), I saw this cottontail bunny at my house. I have wild bunnies, birds, and foxes all over the condo property and the bunnies are definitely my favorite. I couldn't believe how close he let me approach him, but I just had to have this shot.

Before I went to the store I watched Legally Blonde the Musical, which is currently playing on Broadway, on television. I have been so excited for this broadcast because not only do I love the movie and love musicals, but my friend and former student Annaleigh Ashford made her Broadway debut in it this past April. She was a darling girl even in high school and incredibly talented. We all knew that she would make it to the "great white way," and there she was singing and dancing her heart out. She is hilarious as Margot and does a trick with Elle's dog Bruiser. She is the very first person that you see at the top of the show. Luckily this was taped when she was still in the show, during her last week actually. As of October 9th she assumed the role of Glinda in Wicked on Broadway! Woo HOO! Check your local listings for more times when LB will be aired on MTV. You won't be disappointed as it is positively pink!

Pushing Daisies - Kristin Chenoweth - Hopelessly Devoted

Pushing Daisies - Kristin Chenoweth - Hopelessly Devoted

My new favorite quote is: "Olive often imagined there was an orchestra in her heart. Music heard only by her except when her heart broke open and it spilled out into the world."

Pushing Daisies

I am totally in love with this new TV show on ABC. It is so whimsical, fresh, and witty! The plot is difficult to explain and just needs to be experienced. A bonus is darling Kristin Chenoweth of Wicked fame as Olive Snook. She even sang on this week's show! (See above video) Woo Hoo. You'll love it too!

Good Hair. . .

Good hair seems to be so rare, so I knew that I had to preserve it. I can't believe how long it is;
it hasn't been this long since high school. Why is
it that good hair equals high spirits?

More Photos of Fall. . .

Last week my mom, sister, and I drove to Estes Park, CO to celebrate my mom's birthday. We had a great day looking at houses-my mom is hoping to move there soon-, shopping, eating great Italian food, and listening to Elk bugle. I LOVE Colorado, especially when the seasons are changing. We were so close to the Elk and two even began play fighting. I got a cute new hoodie and a beautiful sterling silver ring.

The Beast

I am currently working on a production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast as the makeup/hair/wig designer. I am having a blast, but this show is definitely a beast. I have been stressing over how to transform the beast. I did internet and interview research and still couldn't find what I was looking for. Just when I thought that I would have to build a prosthetic piece myself (which I have never done), I found the perfect one on a Canadian website! Woo Hoo-it even has beastly teeth built in! Luckily, the producer of the show is willing to spend money and I can order the piece. Now all that I have to do is learn how to apply it, paint it to match the makeup design, and acclimate the actor to the piece. No problem!


I am also excited about the massive amount of wigs that I have ordered to get the show just right. I was able to order direct from the best company in NY-Lacey Wigs! They should be in sometime this week. Hooray!

Finally, I am using a new kind of makeup for the enchantress and rose. I found the coolest designs by a Canadian makeup artist, Jinny, that I am going to use as inspiration for my own designs. Check out her website at http://www.jinnymakeup.com/. It is so cool.

Fall and Fancy Free

I am in love with the weather today. It is not too hot, or too cold. I can wear layers and even a hoodie. I can also still wear flip flops. I love leaving the windows open and smelling the fresh air as it wafts in my house.

I went to visit my friend Courtney in the hospital today. She has been there for six weeks and is looking at several more. She is on bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy and although she has had to deal with some bleak prospects, she has such a great attitude. I admire that.

I am in such a bad schedule rut. I have been staying up so late and sleeping in. I get a lot accomplished late at night, but I feel that I need to get to bed earlier and rise earlier for several reasons. Any ideas, comments, or suggestions?