I broke it off yesterday. I had been planning it for awhile. I had not been ‘all in’ since the summer. Originally, it seemed like the perfect arrangement. Then, it just started getting harder and harder. The things I found charming began to annoy me. The benefits weren’t very visible. And if I’m being honest, I ...
My kingdom for a spring break
Once upon a time, I believed my life would parallel Cinderella’s. I would work hard. My prince would find me. The shoe would fit. And I would live happily ever after. The reality is I have flat feet. I rarely wear heels. I’ve met many a prince charming. They are gay or with another princess. ...
“La Clemenza di Tito” (Lyric Opera): Music aficionados, listen up!
The Lyric Opera of Chicago presents a new-to-Chicago production of LA CLEMENZA DI TITO. Mozart composed a robust Roman drama. The premise has the emperor, Tito, ready to take a bride. Vitellia believes she is the rightful empress. She coerces Sesto, her love-sick suitor, to instigate a revolt. Meanwhile, Tito picks Sesto’s sister, Servilia, as his betrothed. ...
Eat, drink and be wary!
Do over! My week of mindful eating went a little awry. So, resorting to a well-known childhood protocol, I’m calling for a ‘do over.’ I’ve spent the last several weeks implementing a weekly activity from the book “How to Train a Wild Elephant.” It’s all a part of the practice to live more mindful. A life lived ...
“Seminar” (Haven Theatre): Male Focused Writing
Haven Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of SEMINAR. How do writers learn to write? Playwright Theresa Rebeck explores her profession in this tale of 4 wannabe novelists. Rebeck’s characters share their writings and desires during their weekly group. Their work and lives are scrutinized and berated by an unconventional instructor. Rebeck uses witty wordplay in this story ...
Spirituality and Donald Duck
In both my travels to Morocco and Thailand, I marveled at the locals’ commitment to their spiritual life. In Morocco, on a regular basis, people were summoned to pray. ‘The call to prayer‘ was at specific hours of the day (including before dawn). The request came from a loud speaker. The first time we heard it, ...
The deep, deep sleep of the unburdened
I had a great night sleep last night. I woke up late. I’m not refreshed. I’m sluggish. I’m still trying to shake off the slumber. My hair is all kinds of wacky bedhead. My face is creased and puffy. I had the deep, deep sleep of the unburdened. In yoga, we get a 5-10 minute shavasana ...
Review “The How and The Why” (Timeline Theatre): Fierce Female Foursome
TimeLine Theatre presents THE HOW AND THE WHY. Playwright Sara Treem masterfully intertwines the female reproductive system around a meeting of the minds. Two evolutionary biologists meet for the first time. They each have questions that only the other one knows the answers to. Treem lets the story unfold naturally. The professional banter turns personal as the ...
Review “Leveling Up” (Steppenwolf): Too Real
Steppenwolf for Young Adults series presents the Chicago premiere of LEVELING UP. Playwright Deborah Zoe Laufer tackles video game addiction. Laufer pens a cautionary tale of the real danger of virtual reality. Her twentysomething roommates spend the majority of their time competing in pretend worlds. They effectively avoid dealing with adulthood as they focus on getting to ...
The best Oscars are edible
I took home several Oscars last night. Jen makes these delicious Oscar cookies for her high holiday. And she always packs a take-home pack for me. Cate Blanchett is not eating her prize with coffee this morning. This year was a great one in film. I saw all but two movies (“The Wolf on Wall Street” ...