The cat's out of the metaphorical bag

The fruits of my weekend labor.

So, I was trying to keep in on the QT (what does that really mean, anyway? The QT? I don't think I've ever actually known), but since preparations are now in full swing, I figure I should be honest and open about it everywhere, even on the internets.

I AM APPLYING TO GRAD SCHOOL.

Yeah yeah, I know what you are saying--that was the big secret? That's normal, especially from someone who is about to graduate from college. Yeah, well, that's not the big part of the announcement. The big part is that I'm applying to grad school....IN THE UK. Yep, that's right. ENGLAND. Crazy, right? I had always planned on considering schools in the UK for grad school and all the programs I want here in the US have already passed their application deadlines, so it just seemed to make sense. It's scary, and sort of weird to say, but I haven't been this excited about something in a long time. Seriously, I can hardly contain my joy about it. As my dear friend Camilla would say, it feels like there are champagne bubbles running through my veins.

More news to come, surely. Stay warm, it is chilly in the east.

Weekend Plans

This picture of my dear friend Annaleigh, taken in a recent stage lighting class we are in (lighting credits go to Lacrymosa Group 2). Enjoy this photo while I'm in rehearsals all weekend!

Nerd Renaissance

Yes, this is New Zealand. No, it is not fair to the rest of the world that it really looks like this.

So...I've posted one thing so far, but I'm sure somebody is wondering what in god's name started this whole renaissance thing? And I'll tell you, though I am slightly embarrassed to say it (and why should I be? After all, this feeling didn't stop me from tattooing nerdy things on my body): Peter Jackson. Ok, ok, that's sort of a cop out. What I'm really talking about is Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Yeah, yeah. I'm one of those.

No, but seriously, I have a special connection to this film and here's why-- seeing it in the movie theaters was the first time in my life that I thought about becoming a filmmaker or even a director one day. For some reason, before seeing this film, I didn't really realize that we (and by "we" I mean artists and, more importantly, humans) could tell stories like that, in that way. It amazed me and I remember saying to myself "I want to do THAT."

Obviously, because of this I instantly fell instantly in love with this film (and the series). I bought the extended cuts of all three films and watched them dozens of times. Every day for a month I would come home and put Fellowship on while I did my homework. I poured over every moment of the film, every extra feature. Certain friends of mine will tell you that we have inside jokes based on inside jokes from people in this film. Yeah...

Before this past weekend, I hadn't watched Fellowship in probably a year and a half, something that is quite strange for me. Sad to say, my true nerdy side got squashed by school and student teaching. I literally forgot about all the silly things that pique my interest and brighten my day. And so, this weekend, as I watched this film it was as though I was seeing it with new eyes. And I suddenly realized, I remembered what it is that I want to do with my life, at least one day. I began to understand the path that I need to go down now. I really do want to be an artist. I really do want to be a director. And even more importantly, I need to do those things, to be those things because otherwise, I don't really feel like I'm living. Thus...RENAISSANCE.

Woah...heavy...

WATCH ME

Yeah, I Give Up

For a long time, I've tried to avoid writing a blog. I have no idea why, it just always seemed so silly. I know, I know, it's irrational, but alas, it has kept me away from posting on the internets....until now. Oh yes, blog world, watch out. Ashleigh is here.

So...how to start this thing off...Perhaps I should explain what I mean when I say I'm having a "renaissance." In fact, I should start off by saying that I was going to call this blog something like Nerd Renaissance, but certain dear friends of mine (Roberto) mentioned that this might be a tad off-putting, especially if you don't know me that well. True that, Roberto. True that.

Merriam-Websters defines the word "renaissance" as:

"1a: The transitional movement in Europe between medieval and modern times beginning in the 14th century in Italy, lasting into the 17th century, and marked by a humanistic revival of classical influence expressed in a flowering of the arts and literature and by the beginnings of modern science. b: The period of the Renaissance. c: the neoclassic style of architecture prevailing during the Renaissance.

2: A movement or period of vigorous artistic and intellectual activity."

And while a transitional movement is certainly one way to describe this strange period in my life, I'm going to stick with the second definition : "a period of vigorous artistic and intellectual activity." I recently (as in yesterday) found myself getting excited about being an artist for the first time in a long time. I finally feel like I know what direction I want to move in as my real adult life begins. What direction is that, you ask? Wouldn't you like to know. I'll be playing this one pretty close to the chest for a few weeks, as things get figured out, but I promise, all will be revealed in time. Until then, do yourself a favor and check out http://www.notesfromtheroad.com/ The photography is amazing.