Back to School

So, I'm back from the lovely land of Maine---blueberries, lobsters, healthier brothers, adorable nieces who raise their hands to give suggestions in an improv show, and the awesome Improv Acadia--and I am also back to reality.  Maine was a bit frustrating--I had some NASTY blisters that prevented me from hiking or running--and man, I felt the difference.  Apparently, exercise is good for your mental health.  Nice, exercise, very nice.

I've had a summer of here and there work, a little teaching, some directing and lots of bike riding---and I'm really thrilled to be back to work.

And, I open a brand new show in less then a week!

I couldn't be happier about it--it's called "That's showbiz, kid!" and features showbiz legends, Montgomery and Cooke!  I play Lorraine Montgomery---and Jamie Buell plays my husband/comedy partner, Paddie Cooke.

We have been working really hard and I hope it turns out ok.  It's a bit olde-tyme, which I LOVE, plus, I think my friend Beka is going to try to do an old-fashioned hair style for me. FUN!

We have dances, guest stars, comedy, silliness and more.

This post is turning into a show plug--whoops!  www.montgomeryandcooke.com, at LOL theatre on Thursday nights.

Anyway, that's been keeping me very busy, along with work training (did I mention I'm working at PEOPLE?) and you know, life.

Hope everyone enjoys the last bits of summer and comes out to see the show!

I loved you, but I didn't really like you when you were 13.

Oh my goodness!

It's been busy over here at Eldridge HQ.

I've taught in boot camps for the past three weeks at SC.  Boy, those challenged me.  First, a week of adults who were delightful but plentiful.  It's hard to get through all their scenes.

And then, a bunch of 13-year olds.  Man, those kids have some great ideas but I felt like all I did was try to corral them.  It's like herding cats.  I really would like to think it was them, their age, their attitude but I know part of it was me.  I just couldn't get the lesson across, no matter what the tactics.  

Thankfully, I talked to my mom, wise mother of 5, and she said "I loved you, but I didn't really like you when you were 13." I don't think I liked me back then, either.  But then I turned 14 and got a job and things turned around.

Every day, I'd just try to find the great work they were creating and work towards that.  And try not to constantly discipline, yell and ignore the chaos as much as possible.

Next year, no 13-year olds for me!  

Other then that, it's been a lot of Maddie loves Mongo (A second city training center Level 6 writing show)-- we opened last night and it was so great!

And a lot of getting ready to go back to work and a lot of Montgomery and Cooke.

I feel like I've been working all summer towards these shows...and at last, they all go up in August!

And I'm going to Bar Harbor tomorrow.  Yes, the heart of Maine in the summer---ocean, mountains, lobster, etc.  I can't WAIT to get there!

My brother Paul, who's got the prostate cancer, is coming up with his family!  It'll be great--they are staying at a little cottage just outside of town and we are going to eat the SHIT out of some lobster!

And I'm going to hike hike hike hike hike hike hike!  hike!

For now, off to coffee land and then maybe kayaking and then packing!

7am flight in the morning...wheee!!!