Honkin'.

I was in the local grocery store yesterday and a woman, approximately 50 years old, was with a young child (a son, or a grandson, it's hard to say).

As I wheeled my shopping cart past the pair, I heard the woman say to the youth, "We need that big honkin one."

I was probably as young as that child the last time I heard that term "honkin" in such a way. What does it mean? Where does the expression come from? (Bonus points, Kootch?)

Foxy.

I've been working late quite a bit in recent days, and every evening as I drive home, there is a particular stretch of road where I see at least one, and often a pair, of red fox. They have always been walking along the side of the road, but as my headlights catch them, they disappear quickly in to the brush.

I'm not sure why I enjoy this so much, but I do. I look forward to that section of road each night.

What The Bard's apprentices will do.

One of the nice things about the Great River Shakespeare Festival is their apprentice project.

GRSF is strong on education (Elderhostel's, Teacher's Workshops, High School Night, Apprentice Classes) and for their full time apprentices, the work-load can be tremendous. This year, fourteen acting apprentices take classes six days a week, understudy various roles in the two shows that run in rep, work in the various shops (scene shop, costumes, lights, props, etc) for two weeks, work the front of house concessions, and will also be performing one showing of a different Shakespeare play.

This year's play for the apprentices is Cymbeline.

I find this quite exciting as I was not otherwise familiar with Cymbeline. What a great opportunity for these young actors to expereince Shakespeare, and to perform one of his less known works as well!

And perhaps that's what I find most appealing about having a Shakespeare Festival in the immediate area -- the opportunity to hopefully experience all of The Bard's works at some point.

Bonus points for any reader who can tell me (without first looking it up on the internet [you're on your honor here]) what the term "bard" means, and why it's attributed to Shakespeare.

A busy job is a happy job.

Last year, about this time, I was making plans to leave the job that I was in. I was being micro-managed by a boss who was on a leave of absence. And still I was bored, finding plenty of time for blogging and web-searching.

This summer I have been extrememly busy, working very long days and evenings, haven't had a chance to write in this blog, nor even check out others' ... but couldn't be happier. Over-all, I love what I do.

Theatre IS where I am happiest, and when I can have a solid position in a good theatre company, I'm thrilled. As Production Manager for the Great River Shakespeare Festival (www.grsf.org), I get to sit in on rehearsals, give notes to the directors, over-see all the shops (props, sets, costumes, lights, sound), keep an eye on budgets, hang out with the actors, and today I played a quick game of chess with one of the directors.

I'm busier than I ever was at my last job, but I'm a heck of a lot happier as well. Some people like mindless jobs, and the opportunity to collect a paycheck for doing nothing. I'm not that kind of person.

Come see a show at GRSF this summer!