Well, we seem to have survived. ;)
It's interesting to me that while I know that my trials can in no way compete with the circumstances resulting from the recent natural disasters (hurricanes, wild fires, earthquakes, and more) - I have felt so completely overwhelmed that as I now sit to write just a brief update, I feel as though I can feel some empathy in addition to sympathy. Maybe it's just wishful thinking. Anyway.
The last four weeks (since I wrote about what were then the upcoming two weeks) have passed. And we made it through. Maybe not with flying colors the way I'd hoped, but by taking a lot of baby steps, a few forward & backward, and one or two jumps.
So for the interested, here is what we've accomplished:
- Daniel did indeed select new crew members and they are excellent.
- Our theatre got new lights and they are also excellent. Nay, amazing. I can tell a difference because I have had little bit of training in lights and the subtleties they provide to the theatre and it makes me swoon with delight going from two to twelve. I mean, the options and opportunities are near endless. It's thrilling.
- (insert of no real importance) I made myself read a book during the last couple weeks and it has clearly addled my writing. It was a small collection titled "Falling for a Duke" and was, hands-down, the best book I've read in months if not all year. I'll review it officially later but I am still enjoying memories of the stories. And letting it effect my writing which is ... fun.
- We lost and gained tenants in the store front we rent next to the theatre. All in twelve days. It was kind of crazy. I must admit, I wasn't too disappointed to lose the tenants. They were nice enough usually but really whiny. And I got two offers for deposits in one day. So clearly we're doing something right. We just need to keep moving that way.
- We did a complete run of our first production at the theatre for our second Season. Can you believe that? I mean, one year ago I was amazed just to have anyone show up at all for one showing. Now I'm blown out of the water at the response to the production as a whole. We sold out our last two nights and had to turn a few people away. So sad! But also, not too sad as we had warned them from the beginning to buy early and buy online. We got almost everyone in and I really did try my best. I hope this means good things for the rest of the Season.
- And, oh yeah, we moved! That was a day of greatest relief for me. Although getting there was a real feat and a miracle (no uhaul, but no one got lost, and lots of just craziness), we are moved in. We are still living out of boxes in every room, BUT we're in. I keep trying to unpack but then think about all the things that still need to be finished and so then I go to finish (paint touch ups, cleaning, other remodel stuff) and get overwhelmed by all the stuff in the way and so go back to trying to unpack... It's a never ending cycle. We'll make it out eventually. I hope. Our contractor is supposed to be finally returning to the house this week to get all of his work really and truly done, done. In the meantime, living out of boxes means the mess goes back in the boxes and there is less cleaning. Silver linings, right? ;)
So as I stumble through this life, I am still able to find things to be grateful for and I am amazed that Heavenly Father continues to bless me. I feel so undeserving, especially lately, but He keeps manifesting to me that He has interest in me and my life and my family. Those reminders keep me going, those and Hannalyn. Man. That girl is the most patient, loving, wonderful child I've ever met. What a blessing in my life.
Here we are. Baby stepping away. Thank you for your prayers & support - we felt it every day. <3
