What a weekend!

Well, I can definitely feel like I had a full weekend!

It started on Friday night, when I went to Baha'i Feast, which is a Baha'i meeting that happens once a month for the community (one Baha'i month = 19 days, so it's once every 19 days). The Baha'i community here in Saint Paul is very nice here, and having people that I got to know right away when I moved here really helped, so I always enjoy going to Baha'i events.

Saturday was a Baha'i Holy day, so I was able to go to a commemoration for the 9th day of Ridvan, where I even shared a little violin music. Then last night Shelly and I went and saw the Guthrie's production of "Hamlet". I'm really glad that we got to go see it, particularly because this is the very last production that the Guthrie is doing in their old space. This summer they will be moving to their new location. The Guthrie's first production was "Hamlet" in 1963, so it seemed very fitting for it to be the last show that do in their old space. I really enjoyed the production, and this was the first play that I've seen here, so quite frankly it was just really nice seeing a play! I'm hoping that the new theater is good, because I really liked this old theater. It's a thrust stage, and there doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the house. So I'll report once I've seen something in the new space to compare :)

This morning I went to Baha'i school and helped out in the preschool class. They are so cute, so it was a lot of fun to go play with them. Afterwards I went to a Baha'i Ruhi study course, and after that we went to watch a performance of Mozart's Requiem. A friend of mine was singing in the chorus, so that's how I even heard about it. It was performed in a huge Catholic church, so the acoustics were just great. I had never heard it live, so that was great!

So now I'm home, and not looking forward to going to work tomorrow (mostly just waking up early). But I can say that I had a good weekend, that's for sure!

A beautiful wedding

Hello everyone! On my move down to Saint Paul, Colin and I were able to be in Seattle for my friend Tana's wedding. Tana and I grew up together, so it was really special for me to be there. I feel so lucky that it timed out the way it did.

Anyway, here is a link to some professional photos from the wedding. Dhabih and Tana look great. It was such a beautiful wedding, and you'll probably be able to get an inkling of that from looking at the photos.

And Tana is just the most beautiful person ever. I love you Tana!

http://photos.sijun.com/engwedding/

Third time's a charm!

Well, I have not been cast in anything yet, but I finally had a really good audition! Seriously, this is a big step for me! I was so frustrated that I couldn't show what I could do at an audition, and while I'm sure I could still do better, I actually had an audition I felt good about!

On Monday night I auditioned for a musical called "War of the Worlds" that is actually still being developed. It's a 40s, radio era show, that's all about Mars :) It's silly, it has great harmonies, and I think it would be very fun to be a part of. The first part of the audition people went in individually and did a monologue and a song. After everyone had gone through with that, certain people were asked to stay--and I was one of them! We then learned a song from the show to demonstrate our ability to harmonize and did some readings. The rehearsals would start in August, which would give me a little time. I'm supposed to hear by May 1 whether I am in it or not--but the whole point of this entry is that I had a good audition!

What a difference it makes! I truly feel that I was considered worthy to play one of the parts, but I just might not end up being the best for the part among the others that were there. All of the women called back were good, so it would be perfectly understandable to go with someone else. But there is a major distinction between being shot down immediately (which, with the previous awful auditions I can't blame them) and getting a chance to prove myself a little more and be considered at least. That feels good.

So whether I get into this show or not, I am so grateful that I had a positive theatrical experience! I really needed it at this point :)

The situation of the Baha'is in Iran

A couple weeks back I sent a letter to the members of Congress representing the area I live. The reason I did this is because the Baha'is in Iran have recently been under more systematic oppression, and I felt that I should write something to my representatives for them to be aware of what is going on. Some of you may already have known, but I thought I would share my letter, just as another way for people to be aware of the current situation.

Thanks,
Lindsay

********************************
Dear *****,

It has come to my attention, as most likely it has come to yours, that the Baha'i community in Iran, who for years has faced persecution from their government, is now under more severe attack than in recent years.

I am a member of the Baha'i Faith. Freedom of religious belief here in the United States is often something that I take for granted. The fact that I can live in a society that allows the same rights to me as to my fellow Americans of other religions and creeds is a wonderful and special right. Unfortunately, this is not the same in all parts of the world.

As you may be aware, the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Asma Jahangir, recently made public a confidential letter of the Iranian government, in which it was made clear that the Baha'i community in Iran is facing systematic persecution. There are roughly 300,000 Baha'is in Iran, making them the largest religious minority in the country. The government is collecting information about each and every individual member of the Baha'i community and has begun monitoring their activities. In Ms. Jahangir's opinion, the collection of this information could be "used as a basis for the increased persecution of, and discrimination against, members of the Baha'i Faith."

I am asking that you become aware of this horrible plight. Religious persecution cannot be taken lightly. I am asking that you speak out publicly and strongly against the activities taking place in Iran against the Baha'is and to take whatever action you deem possible as a member of Congress to protest against the Iranian government's treatment of the Baha'is in their country. I believe that Congress as a whole should call upon the Iranian government to abide by international law and protect members of their largest religious minority.

I thank you for your time and strongly urge you to take action. Too many of our leaders have missed their chances to champion the persecuted. Please do not do the same.

With respect,

Lindsay Lamar

For more information, please visit http://www.bahai.org

I'm surrounded by wonderful people!

You know, my friend Sahar recently commented on my blog that I have the best friends... and it's true! I am truly humbled by how many wonderful people I know. I think that's why I can stay so positive when so many things around me tell me I should be negative.

I'm living with an amazing person, my aunt Shelly. I could live on her laughter alone! We're both going through trials of making Saint Paul our home, and we're able to support each other in that. We hadn't really even known each other very well before living together, but I'm so grateful that we live well together (our ping-pong economics is fascinating!).

My parents are great. I don't even want to think about a time when they aren't on this planet, because although I am very independant, I am very attached to my parents. It's not like I need them for my everyday life problems, but when things get a little crazier than usual, I can call my parents and get the sound advice of my mother ("everything will be alright"), and the insane advice of my father ("everyone loves cinnamon toast")... and both blend beautifully to making me feel better.

I have friends scattered all over the world. Especially after living in Israel, where there were people at the Baha'i World Centre from all over the world. I have come to keep up with numerous blogs from friends in far corners from where I am. But I love that.

Heck, Pam, my PartyLite candle sponsor, has been so generous with her time, answering lots of questions, and helping me make all of my monthly goals (I bonused last month because of her!). She has been a strong support.

My friends in Alaska are better than words can describe. I don't think I would have any self worth if they suddenly didn't like me. I don't consider myself high maintainance, as far as material things go, but I absolutely love attention :) And my friends in Alaska give me that in bucketfulls. Just when I'm feeling low, I get a word of encouragement that brings me up. I am so lucky.

I write all this with tears welling in my eyes, because life has not been easy lately. I'm sucking at the very thing I would love to excel and thrive in, while I'm forced to "pay the rent" by doing things that are not related to theater, all the while being away from Alaska and my "comfort zone" of family and friends. But I know that if I step back, this is all part of the process. I also see how supported I am. Thank God. I hope that others find me as supportive to them as I feel. At times right now I seem to take more than I give. But I love you all (well, those of you reading that I know!... heck, I probably love those I don't know either!), and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

It's all a learning process

Hey everyone! Well, I had my audition with the Guthrie today. Can I just say how awesome it was that I got to audition for them? Here I am, this girl from Alaska, and I got to audition with the Guthrie, the most well known theater from this area. That's cool.

That being said, I didn't do so well :) At this point my weakest skill is doing monologues. I just haven't had to do them on a regular basis in Alaska, and now that I'm trying to enter the professional field, a monologue or two are always the first step for getting your foot in the door. So it's not the best thing that my first step doesn't really show how I can run with something :) But it is all a learning process, and I must say that I am enjoying the monologues that I have found. I am improving, and eventually I will hopefully have an audition where I shine.

The reality is that I'm going to have to audition a lot, and so it feels good to at least be doing what I came down here to do. I can't say I would cast me on what I showed the Guthrie at my audition, but I can always hold out hope that somewhere along the line someone will take a risk on me... and then I can prove that I won't disapoint them :)

I am exhausted at the moment. My cough came back with a vengeance the past two nights, and so I didn't really sleep for about 2 days. But last night, thank goodness, I was able to get a good night's sleep before the audition. And now, on my lazy Saturday, I'm going to take a nap!

My first 40-hour week in a while

Well, for better and for worse, I have not had a solid full-time job in quite some time. It has essentially been 3 months since I worked an 8-5 gig, so after this first week, I am certainly exhausted! I kind of laugh at myself, but it has always been a challenge to wake up early, mostly because I naturally stay up later. But I'm adjusting, so all is well.

This week was quite a busy one as well! I went to Baha'i activities Sat-Wed, then I had my first PartyLite candle party on Thursday, and a friend's party on Friday. With working during the day and doing all these activities at night, I was certainly grateful for Saturday!

And it was a great Saturday, because my Aunt Terry and Uncle Gavin stopped through Minneapolis on their way back to Alaska from traveling. They had about a 3-hour layover, so Shelly and I were able to pick them up from the airport and bring them back to the apartment to chat for a while. It was so great hugging them and getting to talk. Particularly because I was feeling a little bit homesick yesterday, so it was nice to have a little piece of home here for a bit.

The last bit of news is that I have an audition with the Guthrie! It's by total luck that I found out about the opportunity. I was calling their offices just to get an idea of what the typical rehearsal schedule is when they are working on a play (I was seeing how I could organize my availability for work), and when I talked to the guy, he told me about an opportunity that was happening that afternoon, where there was a 2.5 hour time period where non-union actors could call in and make an appointment for an audition. It was happening that day! If I had called one day later I would have totally missed it. So during my lunch hour I called over and over again, trying to get through--but it was busy for so long! I had pretty much given up hope, when after about 40 minutes I got through! I couldn't believe it. Anyway, my audition is next Saturday, at 11:30, so I would of course greatly appreciate prayers and positive thoughts. I'm so excited about the possibility of getting a smaller part and starting to earn my points towards eligibility in the union. It would be so awesome to do this at the Guthrie, so I hope I have a chance! Seriously, I would be happy to be the third spear carrier from the left if I was on the Guthrie stage :)

Bye for now,
Lindsay

Creative ways to make money

Well, since moving down to Minnesota took a chunk of change, I've been looking into various ways that I can be earning some money that don't lock me into a job that will prevent me from doing theater. So before I left Alaska, I started considering becoming a PartyLite candle consultant--that's right, ladies and gentlemen, I'm selling candles!

I'm actually really excited about it, which is great. I just received my starter kit in the mail, and it has all of these really cool products in it. The best part is that I didn't have to put any money down to start! I had a starter show, where Pam, who is my sponsor, ran a show that I watched (while I was back up in Alaska, which Megan hosted--thanks Megan!) and studied all the different things she was saying. That show allowed me to not only get the starter kit, but I was able to choose additional products to add to my kit to be able to display at shows--for free! So it was a great success, and Pam, who was the one who got me started in this business has been a lot of help.

So, I officially have my first party this week! I hope I don't fall flat on my face, but since I like the candles and holders so much, that goes a long way to help with my enthusiasm. I'm still trying to book shows here in the Twin Cities, so any of you local people wanting to host a show and get lots of free stuff, just let me know! Heck, there are some of my friends holding shows up in Alaska--they're awesome!

So that's the latest development for me. The plan is that this is something that I have the flexibility to choose when I do it, so that if (or rather, when) I get involved with a play, I'll be able to work around my schedule. I'm still doing temp jobs for now, but eventually this may end up being my main income. We'll see how it goes! At least my home smells really good :)

Weather and Music

Well, I for one don’t understand the weather in Minnesota. For the past couple of days it has been sunny and in the 50’s… and then all of a sudden we have a winter storm in effect. Whereas most of the snow was completely melted away yesterday, there’s already close to a foot fallen in Saint Paul—yeesh! Fortunately, I have my beautiful all-wheel drive car (which TODAY makes it all worthwhile). Earlier this morning, I tried to help one of my neighbors get unstuck… but being the little person that I am, and the only one that was pushing, I didn’t really end up helping (but I think he appreciated that I came out to try). So I was really grateful for the all-wheel drive when I set out to get to my work this afternoon.

Here's something wonderful: www.pandora.com. It is the coolest site ever! My friend Matt F. was the person I heard about it from (on his blog). Here’s what you do: You enter a song or artist that you like, and Pandora starts a playlist that includes that artist and a bunch of others that are similar in style. It’s a great way to expose yourself to other artists out there and hear other music that you are more than likely going to appreciate. And you can rate things, so if you don’t like a song, you just click that you don’t, and it won’t play that song again. It’s like listening to a radio station which is playing all the music that you are currently in the mood for. And the best part? It’s free J Hooray! There is a subscription-based version as well, where there is no advertising… but I just love that this exists, and I love that there are people that are such supporters of music that they have found a way for well known and lesser known artists to be heard. Awesome.

The audition experience

Hello everyone! Well, the good news is that I did not leave the theater in tears :) I actually left smiling--hooray!

The whole experience was very nice. We waiting out in the lobby and then went in groups of 5 to stand off to the side of the stage and audition. It all ran very smoothly, and the people who were running it were very nice.

Of course I was nervous beforehand! Especially because I'm still dealing with gunk in my lungs. I had some trouble falling asleep last night because I kept coughing... but I had enough adrenaline running through my body to keep me awake for the audition! Going into the audition, I was more worried about my monologue than my song, but I ended up doing very well on my monologue... and only so-so on my song. Again, because of the sickness, my voice was a little rough, so it just didn't sound as smooth as normal--but I hit all the notes and acted my way through it! I was really grateful that I didn't have a coughing fit on stage, and in reality, I don't know if they could tell that I was sick or not--they may just think I can't sing so well :) But that's okay! I still feel pretty good about the whole thing. I wanted to do the best that I could do, and while there's always room for improvement, I was very happy with what I did!

So now the wait begins. There are some callbacks for out of state companies this afternoon, but seeing as I don't really want to work out of state (I need to get established here!), I'm not going to be too bummed if I don't get called back for those. Other local companies will call me at some point, but it will be different for each company. And, actually, I'll only get called if they want to see me again. So there's a possibility of no calls.

But, putting things in perspective, there were about 300 auditioners, and I was simply one of them. Hopefully something about me stuck in some minds, but regardless, I've officially completed my first of many auditions to come! So I feel like celebrating! Well, I actually feel like taking a nap--I'm exhausted!

Bye for now!