Rigor and Rest..

Even in "the most exciting city in the world", life can become quite repetitive when reduced to morning alarms, train schedules, classes, and meal times. I don't mind it so much; in fact, having routine is a nice change from past summers when each day was a complete surprise from the next. At the same time, this program is so rigorous, both physically and mentally, that I'm finding myself taking a deep breath when thinking about the coming semester after this summer.

Another train ride home at the end of a day...

As always, it's the little things that make me hopeful and bring sunshine to my life! I really adore my classmates at Stella. A reliable source says that WE are the favorite group among the teachers. I don't like the brag, but I will say that there is certainly a willingness among the group to accept, love, and work hard with each other. We're not perfect, we're all rather flawed in fact. If, however, we have learned anything this summer, it is that we should always be aware. Aware of our learning, aware of our surroundings, and aware of our mistakes. Being aware doesn't have to mean we dwell in it; in fact, our awareness is leading each of us to new-found freedom in our craft and as people.

Mrs. Clark's kitchen window

Today I informed my classmates that I would be taking pictures of everyone next thursday. You see, we mostly wear our blacks since almost every day involves a lot of movement exploration. Thursday is our one day to show off our full colors and plumage, since none of our classes require blacks on that day. We usually end up cooing and awing at each other's outfits and individual styles. So next week you can expect pictures of my lovely classmates!

All three of us were in costume for presenting our scenes that day :)
Lindsay (on the far right) was my scene partner <3

Three weeks to go. Next week we will begin screen-work in acting classes! I am excited, but have almost NO idea what that will entail, so stay posted.

-Ginny

A nice kind of adventure...

Us at Grand Central with good attitudes

So, Zerin, Mrs. Clark, and I had made some grand plans for a day-trip to Boston. Up at 5 am, out the door at 6:00, and caught the train at 6:15. Two minutes later we all looked at the rain outside, the rain predicted in Boston, and decided we changed our minds! Instead, we arrived at Grand Central, had breakfast and decided to head back.

Stealing Annie for the day!!

In the meantime, I decided to pay my wonderful friend, Annie an early morning text and see if she wanted to come back and spend the day in Scarsdale with me! So that's what we did :)

Swimming sounds like an EXCELLENT idea :)

Mrs. Clark's glorious pound cake

The Wild Turkey feather we found on the ground.

Sometimes your plans don't work out because there are wonderful surprises at the other end of the tracks! Hours of talking and good food later, I feel replenished, happy, and ready to hit the city again tomorrow :) HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

-Ginny

The Sneaky Mrs. Clark

This post is dedicated to the wonderful Mrs. Clark whose hospitality has kept me sane this summer!
She's an elderly, quirky, intelligent, sneaky, brilliant and splendid woman.

Here are some of the wonderful things I look forward to with her in my life:

1. A ride every morning to the train station. After her morning swim she comes shuffling in, still slightly dripping, and asks what time my train is. Whenever I try to dissuade her and take the bus instead, she simply feigns deafness and walks away quickly to get changed!


2. Coke Zeros. Without fail there will always be coke zeroes in the kitchen.


3. TV-tray dinners every night with her and Zerin. During this time we either watch the evening hour of news or rewatch episodes of "Downton Abbey", which I've discovered she's secretly obsessed with.

4. Homework here and there. Usually this involves her shuffling off to locate one of the hundreds of books in this house. She comes back holding a children's book and instructs both Zerin and I to read it. Usually we aren't allowed to leave whatever spot we're in until we've read it :)

5. SHE IS QUEEN ELIZABETH'S DOUBLE! For real. I'd post a picture but she's finicky about getting her picture taken. Just trust me. Everyone agrees with me here.

She's just the greatest. Between her and Zerin, I have the best housemates I could ask for this summer :) I'm so fortunate and I love them dearly!

-Ginny