NO POLITICS IN THIS POST (but a small amount of waxing nostalgic)

I just read my hubby's diatribe, and I apologize on his behalf. He'll just have to go make his own blog where he can rant and rave about whatever he pleases, but as of now, I officially reclaim the essence of this blog, which is to rave about my gorgeous fiancee Katie, offer sage advice on women's health issues, and spread the doctrine of Scientology.

So sorry--Tom Cruise just tried to steal my computer (and blog), but I sent him packing.

Well, this is it. Our last performance of the season is tonight. There will be an extravagant closing party immediately afterwards, and then tomorrow morning we wake up, pack up, drive Mom to the airport, and head to the Windy City for a couple of days. Then it's to Stratford for 2 nights, where we'll be seeing 'As You Like It' at the famous Shakespeare Festival there Thursday night, and then home to 70 Haven Avenue sometime on Saturday. Then we'll be seeing some of you who may be reading this on Sunday in Point Lookout, Long Island. Ah, to see the ocean again! That's easily the worst thing (among many I guess) about the geography of Iowa--no beach!!!! WHAT'S SUMMER WITHOUT TRIPS TO THE BEACH?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!??!!?

It's always sad to end a run, especially when you feel a show hasn't had sufficient time to fulfill its potential. But that's just part of the theatre life. It sometimes feels like it's all beginnings and endings... but then you reflect on the process that occurred in the interim, and realize that the goodbyes, though bittersweet--after the creative collaboration, and all of the friends made; skills strengthened, or learned; weaknesses revealed, or overcome; anecdotes gathered; memories born, and tales woven under the stars--are more than worth it after the last bows are taken and you get to bring it all with you for the next beginning.