It Was Wicked

So, what was my latest adventure?

Can you see it?

You guessed it, I headed to the Gershwin Theatre in NYC to see the musical....

The untold story of the Witches of OZ

This wonderful musical explores how these two individuals grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch...

My love for The Wizard of OZ stems from my experience in elementary school when I played Glinda in the school play.  

Glinda from WICKED

As a child I would eagerly anticipate the airing of this movie each and every year.  I loved the magic of it all, the flying monkeys, the wizard, the witches although the very sight of the green-faced witch would bring immediate fear for she epitomized human wickedness.

Elphaba from WICKED

This is the true face of wickedness...

Margaret Hamilton from The Wizard of OZ (1939)

It is ironic that Margaret's performance of the Wicked Witch was so scary to children, because her first job was as a kindergarten teacher.  Had she been my teacher I would have refused to go to school!

Wicked did not disappoint. The cast of characters were truly talented, the costumes creative, the staging mesmerizing, the musical arrangement excellent, the orchestra impressive, the flying monkey ~ well, I don’t want to give anything away but there is flying, and the story line was surprisingly humorous.

To sum it up: Wickedly Wonderful.

Last December I toured one of the oldest museums of printing in the world,  the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, Germany.  My favorite exhibit was a collection of miniature books.  The museum gift shop offered an array of mini books, one of which is The Wizard of Oz. You can imagine my disappointment when I was told the book was sold out; I could have ordered it and I didn't.

But my DH did ~ he travels to Germany often and upon his return he handed me this...

Viola...

Yes, inside is the story in tiny print!  I placed this little beauty beside this...

Beyer Choice Doll

"DOROTHY"

During another trip to Germany my DH returned with The Wizard of OZ written in German.

I feel compelled to add just a bit of stitching to this post so let me re post this picture...

Primitive Wizard of OZ

Midsummer Night Designs

So, what is planned for my next adventure? Here is a clue:

Thanks for taking the time to stop by ~ 


Until next time...

Another Day in NYC

I participated in the HOE Snowman Exchange and was elated when I opened the package that arrived from Anne.  Inside I found this beautifully stitched and finished ornament:

2011 HOE Snowman Ornament

Designer: Little House Needleworks

Design: Frosty Flakes

Stitched by: Anne S.

As a fan of Little House Needleworks, I was so happy to receive a stitched design from their Ornament of the Month.  Thank you very much Anne, I look forward to hanging the ornament on my tree each Christmas!

This is what I stitched for my partner, Marie W.

HOE Snowman Exchange

Designer: Lorrie Birmingham

Design: Snowmen Trio

Stitched for: Marie W.

Now that I am in the Northeast, I am able to see my DS more frequently.  A few weeks ago, I headed into NYC for another day in the city with my oldest son.  He is so sweet; once again, he toured me around the city visiting Bryant Park, Central Park, the Garment district and Times Square. 

One of my favorite places is Bryant Park.  This is the perfect place to grab some lunch, relax in the park and enjoy the beautiful weather.

After a bit of a rest we headed to Central Park where we strolled through the park enjoying the sights. I especially enjoy seeing the horse and carriages parading down the streets of the city.

For me, a trip to NYC would never be complete without a visit to the Garment District.  Oh, to bask in the glory of all of this gorgeous trim...in every imaginable color!

Here is a picture of my latest trim purchase.  I feel so spoiled to have a son living in NYC affording me the opportunity to walk the streets of the garment district frequently.

As we wrapped up our day in the city, we approached Times Square and saw this friendly guy:

THE TIN MAN IN TIMES SQUARE

As much as I dislike having my picture taken, I could not pass up on this opportunity. So there you have it...I am off to see the wizard!

Thanks "G" for another wonderful day hanging out in the city with you, I am one lucky Mom. :D

As always thank you for stopping by!

Until next time...

Home From The Big Apple

It seems like just yesterday that I was climbing into my car, Lily in tow, heading out for my “one man/one dog” 1600+ mile road trip to NYC. I am home now, life is getting back to normal, and I have finally found time to update my blog.

Ride with me on a journey to NYC...

Somewhere in either Louisiana or Mississippi I stopped for gas and was very surprised to see this:

It made me a bit leery about driving through this state. How many people do you think pull up and get “one for the road” ~ CRAZY, don’t ya think?

Fortunately, Lily and I made it safely out of this state. We drove through LA, MS, AL, TN, VA, WV, PA, NJ into NY. We were very happy to see this:

NYC Skyline

I was riding with my son into the city thinking how very excited and happy HE must be to see me and to know that I was going to hang out with him for 3+ weeks.

That was until we passed this lovely billboard:

That small dose of “reality” served to interrupt my delusional thinking long enough for this “helicopter Mom” to comment, “That’s terrible” ~ and my son, well he just laughed and slowed down long enough for me to snap the picture.

We arrived at his high-rise apartment in Manhattan (doorman included) where I was given a tour. The apartment is on the 19th floor but my favorite place was up on the rooftop where they have lounge chairs, tables, and an unbelievable view of the city (especially at night).

Rooftop View

AFTER:
Helping him pack…okay, so I packed most of the boxes ~

Helping him move…okay, he carried all the heavy stuff ~

Cleaning his old apartment…no comment ~

We had a chance to spend time in the city doing the “touristy stuff”

TIMES SQUARE

FASHION DISTRICT

Can you believe all of this trim?

Rows and Rows and Rows!

NY Stock Exchange

Ground Zero

(Lily's hot and wants some of that Starbucks)

911 Memorial

My son gave up his bedroom so I could comfortably rest my weary bones.  As I lay in bed I gaze out the window at this beauty:

Woolworth Building

And I think to myself, “Did I REALLY see this in Times Square today?”

NYC Naked Cowboy

Unlike so many others I was not willing (not in a million years) to pose with this cowboy ~ but yes, I would snap a picture!

After many weeks of fun filled bliss it was time to say good-bye.  Time to leave my son in NYC without me. Really now, why would a 22 year old guy want to live here? And to live without ME? CRAZY, don't ya think?

"G" it was a blast and IL&IMY !!!

As for Lily the highlight of her trip:

A Ride On Bob The Builder's Truck!

Thanks, you were so good to come along for the ride! Next post I will get back to the “stitchy stuff”.

Until next time...