Farm Party Fun Time

So, one thing that's nice about working for a new theatre company is that people in the town want to throw us parties all the time! This week we were all invited to the Zephyr Community Co-Op Farm Party. What???? A farm party? Well, sure I'll go. The sign says free food and a bon fire! Sign me up! But then came the question....what does one wear to a farm party? Well, needless to say, the variety in appearance was great. But a good time was had by all...

We played some bocce ball. Notice Michael Fitzpatrick (an actor in the company). He's quite the snappy dresser. It was pretty hardcore game...we mean business.

The winning bocce ball team...Best 2 out of 3! I give the credit to the blue balls!

And what is a farm party without animals! It was the season of love for these frogs!

They got me in the mood too!

Then it was time for smores!!!!

Jeff and I made a great smore making team...

Then he ate...talk about greedy!

But all in all I must say that the farm party was a delight! It was my first and hopefully not my last. Good food, great smores, and hot frog porn!!!

In Winona

Well, I've been terribly negligent in updating my blog. I'm currently in Winona working for the Great River Shakespeare Festival. Things are going well. We open in less than a month which is a bit daunting, but we'll make it. Geoffrey Rush was right in Shakespeare in Love when he said "It all works out. I don't know how it does, but it does." The show is fun with an amazing cast, really great music (its set in post WWII Italy) and an awesome set (with a big steel bridge!). I'll be stage managing the apprentice project again which will be Twelfth Night this year. Should be interesting. As is tradition, the young acting apprentices are a bit immature and are sure to test my patience. I'm getting along great with my roommate. We're the only "plus size" girls in the acting/intern company. We think they put us together on purpose so as to not infect the skinny girls with our curves. I love her cuz the says "Hey Shannon, wanna go to Target?" "Sure Midori, we were just there 2 days ago, but why not?" Jean it really made me miss you! (Plus Target had clearance candy! I only bought one bag....I'm being healthy) And we went to Hy-Vee in our pajamas yesterday...it was a good day. Other things I love about being in Winona: going to the bar and only spending $20.00 after buying 2 cosmos, 2 Blue Moon belgians, and 2 vodka crans....$20.00!!! I love that the trains going past my apartment (tracks are less than 20 feet away) wake me up every morning at 6, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30....don't have to worry about oversleeping!

But there are certainly things I miss about the cities too. Seeing my friends, eating good ethnic food, Great Waters Brewery beers, Tony Sims....speaking of Tony Sims....here are some pics from our last night. I have emailed them to the band without any response....bastards!


Oh....Jean, its our boys together...I think the only time we've had one with all of them in it. Grrrr....Ryan is angry.

Chris!!! Always there with a Bud Light waiting for me when I get off work!

Ahh yes....the boys in the illustrious Purple Room. Notice that (though you can't see it) Tony is holding my leg. And check out Smokey's stomach!!! MMMM Smokey style! Too bad Matt is so short....and what's with Dave??? That's my boy!

Well, I suppose now that I've written this all to brief update, I should get back to work....lord knows the actors will never get on stage in costume if I don't keep up with my paperwork....hmmmm.....naked actors....might not be a bad idea for a couple of them!

Irish Pub Night Just Got Better

Well, I've been REALLY neglecting my blog lately...sorry that I haven't written since the joy of Kansas...not that i have a big following of readers!

For those of you who don't know, Matt, Rae, and I go out just about every week to an Irish pub...not hard to do when there are 30 billion of them in the Twin Cities. Well, last night Matt chose not to join us and did he ever miss out! Rachel suggested a bar that she heard about from a friend. It was called the Half Time Rec Bar...not exactly an Irish name, but we were guarenteed that it was Irish.

Well we knew it would be great as we pulled up to it. It was in a very residential area and looked like a Winona townie bar...similar to the Cozy Corner (Jean knows what i mean). The still had signs up from St. Patrick's Day. Across the street there was a sign that said DEAF CHILD AREA, but it was hanging upside down. And on the bar's sign, it said "Live Irish Music" but the H in Irish wasn't on the same line as the rest of the word...and the was a $ instead of an S. I knew I was going to love it there. Rachel and I both commented on how we wished Jean had been with us...she would have loved it.

When we got inside, there was a little old man on a bar stool sitting next to the door. We think he was their version of a bouncer. He greeted us with a tip of his hat and a "Good evening ladies". Later we found out his name was Bud...of course it was. The inside decor matched the outside appearance very well. A long wooden bar with polaroids of customers under the plexi-glass, a plethora of over-weight men and women, all sorts of people in irish hats and sweaters...actually speaking with Irish accents! There was even aman drunkenly dancing with a pool cue. We had found a true Irish pub indeed! As Rachel and I sat there drinking our Strongbow (which is actually a British cider...) we were trying totalk over the extremely loud Irish trio that was playing an odd mix of music. The announced that they had CDs for sale. Sadly, Rae and I forgot to pick one up. They also had T-Shirts for sale in case you were wondering.

After finishing our drinks we decided it was time to head out...we had enjoyed out time at the Rec (which apparently has bocce ball games in the basement), but we didn't want to over stay our welcome on our first trip. So we left, but not before Bud said, "Good night ladies, drive home safe." Thanks Bud, we will, and we'll see you again soon.

AFA 2005!!!!!!!!

Well, rather than write a big long entry about AFA 2005, I'll just do a photo blog...its more intersting that way!

Well, Jean Lance, and Shannon left from St. Paul and quickly realized they weren't going to California again this year.

But Lance kept the girls entertained with some mad guitar licks and the girls sang a horrible rendition of Heart of the Matter.

Shannon invented a great new game.

Lance and his ladies got married in Iowa

Jean and Shannon did some tricks.

Then we got to Kansas and checked in to the hotel. I've never stayed at a hotel wheere i had to go buy my own towel and toilet paper!

Did I mention the hotel had a pool? and a Barbie car?

and a tire swing?

Then it was time to judge...and we all know the goal of AFA is to be the sexy judge!.....or not boys.

But we had a lot of fun,

and made some important statements.

Then it was time to go home.

But not before we visited some important landmarks!

Gas: $85, Nasty Hotel: $135, Alcohol: $60, A good time in Kansas with WSU alum: Priceless

Another Straight for Gay Rights

I'm not gonna say I hate Kansas...that would be intolerant. And I'm not intolerant.

Who am I kidding???? Yes I am...way to go Kansas! 70% of your population is small-minded, ignorant, and discriminating! But, worry not Kansas, you're not alone. You have now joined 17 other states in taking away a basic human right from a sizeable portion of American citizens. I'm sure 70% of you are very proud.

When I heard that Kansas had voted "yes" to ban gay marriage, I can't say I was surprised. I mean when the entire K State campus was covered in "vote yes" messages, you could tell what the general consesus was. Yet somehow it felt important for us "liberals" (or, in this case, what I like to call "good human beings") to chalk out our own messages declaring our support for gay marriage, showing that not all straight people are hateful, and that gay marriage shouldn't even be an issue.

But as I mentioned before, Kansas is not alone. There are now 18 states that have legally banned homosexual couples from getting married, including Michigan, Oregon, Missouri, Georgia, and North Dakota. Unfotunately, its not like much wil change in these states. Homosexual couples weren't exactly allowed to get married in these states prior to this ban. But, nontheless, its a slap in the face to hear that you legally can't get married to someone you love.

Why are so many people afraid of gay and lesbian couples getting married? I don't understand. Why is it ok for couples to get married who have only known each other for days, but not a couple who has been together for 25 years? So many people say they vote against marriage to defend the tradition/definition of marriage. Well, isn't one tradition of marriage to stay married? Yet we allow divorces to occur on a daily basis without thought. After reading many articles about the latest Kansas vote, I've confirmed thatmany people voted to ban gay marriages to "defend marriage" But then I read this quotation, which i think more peole should try to understand:

Byron Defreese, a 65-year-old retiree, called the amendment "total foolishness."
"I don't know how this is going to defend my marriage of 43 years," he said. "I think it's a diversion from the real issues" (www.CNN.com April 6, 2005).

Now, it is not my intent to insult anyone. But I just have such a hard time understanding why this is an issue. Getting married to someone you love seems so simple and basic, yet its not. But, then again, I'm lucky. I grew up in a home free of discrimination. My parents raised me to accept all people...something which I admittedly still need to work on. But from a young age, I was around gay and lesbian couples. When I was a kid, my babysitters were lesbian couples. It seemed normal to me. And now some of my closest friends are gay. I only wish everyone had the same rights and opportunities for happiness.

Sleepy Stripper

Reason number 417 why I love the Minnesota Music Cafe: Sleepy Stripper

Yes, it was another great week with the Tony Sims Band. David and Logan from work came out for their first TSB experience and finally got to see what all the fuss is about. Though Smokey wasn't playing...he's smoking up in Jamaica with Jen...lucky bastard. And apparently Tony and Dave are spending Easter weekend at church...in Las Vegas!!! As Dave says: "we're gonna go play some high stakes at the Bellagio. We might lose, but we might not, but we probably will". Well said sir. Dave was looky mighty hot this week by the way...and he played Yesterday of course!

But the real reason that this week was so delightful was because i made a new friend. We have named him sleepy stripper...you'll soon undertand why that is his name. So, Jean and I are out shakin our asses to something (probably mustang sally) and we notice this odd man dancing in front us, girating his hips and grinding himself against the stage. My first thought is that he looks like a male dancer...a stripper...not that i have much experience with strippers....really i don't. But sure enough, he's moving his hips way more than any normal stright man would...we got quite a kick out of it. Later in the evening, he was dancing with slutzilla and some of her friends...he was obviously intoxicated, but not a horrible dancer. Oh, and i should add that he was actually kind of hot. Despite his cargo pants and baseball hat, he was hot. Well, Jean bet me $10.00 that I wouldn't dance with him. Ummm, hello, i need 10 dollars! So, during Twist and Shout Mr. Stripper happened to be shaking his ass near me and I was doing the same. Before i new it, his hands we on my hips and we were dancing. I am now the proud owner of $10.00. Well, Mr. Stripper's hands kept wandering up and when they finally reached my breasts, i removed them...that's when he asked if he could go home with me! No sir, you may not. You are a stripper.

Well, after that rejection ,he had no choice but to go sit at the rail and pass out. Thus the sleepy part of his name. He sat there, head bobbing for over an hour...through singing, screaming, guitaring (yes its a word), and even through Slutzilla's friends putting lipstick on him! Oh sleepy stripper...the crazy old woman dropped her number on your shirt and you didn't even notice. You could have had sex for money and that's hott. MMC, I love you!

It's Springtime for Shannon and Germany

Any time I hear "It's springtime" all I can think of is The Producers....anyway...

So I'm walking to the bus today after a morning matinee full of screaming children. I'm in my all too common black pants, black tank, black hoodie and black jacket...sensing a theme in my work uniform? Anyway, I'm walking downtown and realize I'm hotter than a whorehouse on payday (a line in the play i'm doing right now). I look around and there are people wearing sandals and t-shirts. Now I realize its warm out, but come on...flip flops already?

This made me think about something which I know all Minnesotans will understand. Why is it that as soon as the temp rises above 43 degrees we all think it's summer? I mean, its 45 right now and I'm considering walking out in a t-shirt and no jacket! Yet come September, when it dips down to 47 degrees, we'll all be digging out the wool sweaters and mittens. Its something that's always seemed odd to me.

So, welcome spring! I'm glad its 45 and sunny. Although its supposed to be 33 and snowy tomorrow...god i love Minnesota weather!

the 500 hats of Tony Sims

I can't believe its taken me 5 days to finish writing this, but here it is...

Well, another Thursday night has come and gone. The new slutzilla was there with her boobs hanging out of her crocheted shirt and her cowboy hat that is trying to look like Smokey's. She's such a slut; screaming and drinking and using the air microphone...but she's hot I guess, so people will do her. Even Matt crossed to the dark side and went over to talk to her! Traitor! Hey slutzilla, PS- if you're wearing ugly shoes, don't put them up on bar.

The band was in rare form. After the first set, they all came out wearing hats (minus Tony- I later found out he's just too cool to wear a hat) Dave was wearing one of Smokey's old hats, and Ryan was wearing a news boy hat. Tony was offered a fishing hat, but said "This is cute" and threw it to the floor. Apparently he's not into hats...that'd mess up his hair.

Now I'm sorry Jean, but I have to write about the best part of the night. At the end of the night, Jean went to the batroom for the 47th time and I was left sitting alone. Well, who should notice this, but Dave. Ahh Dave....take off that damn hat! I must admit, it made him look a bit chubbier and as Jean points out, "He wouldn't be so fat if he drank Bud LIGHT". Well, fat or not, at least mine came to talk to me! Anyway, Dave comes and sits next to me and we chat for a while...and by chat I mean me bringing up subjects and him answering the briefly. Man this band needs to learn how to talk to thier fans!!! Well, we talk talk about Tony and how he's too cool to wear hats...and he's definitely not a fisherman...But, when he was ready to leave, he slid he hand on my leg and said, "I'll see you next week!" That's right sir you will..and perhaps I'll follow the MMC tradition by taking off my pants! Tony, on the other hand, spent the evening talking to slutzilla at the bar...sorry Jean!

UPDATE: We went to Raggs on Friday night and Tony was there...with Slutzilla. They were actually there together. Jean, remember...I always have my Leatherman with me and it has 2 knives, a saw, and a screwdriver or two (you know, for really gory mauling), so just let me know when we should use it on slutzilla!

Why Don't We Have Boyfriends?

So I was out at Keegan's with Matt last night, listening to Dave work out some new songs, and we started the age old conversation: "Why don't we have boyfriends?" This made me think of many things I've heard over the last few days about this subject.

My mother is convinced that one reason I don't have a boyfriend is that I belch. Not alot, and not in mixed company. But at home, yes its true...I do. I blame Ryan and Jean for this habit. So last night my mom says to Matt, "I'm sure that's why she doesn't have a boyfriend" to which Matt very matter-of-factly replied, "No, that's not why." But he didn't expand on that. Well, apparently he knows the secret answer but isn't sharing.

Someone else made an interesting comment about my looks the other day. Now, I know I'm not drop dead gorgeous (also a great movie), but I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm unattractive. Well, this person I was talking to put it in an interesting way: "You're cute. You're even more cute because of your great personality (gee thanks). You're like Selma Blair. She's cute, but she's not hot. Salma Hayek, now she's hot! So, you're Selma Blair, not Salma Hayek" Well thank you for that intersting observation. I guess I should be happy I'm Selma Blair and not Selma Bouvier!

Of course another point to be made is that I'm often out with gay men. I don't know many straight guys...I mean even all the tech people at the theatre are women! So perhaps I need to find different venues...and Matt needs to stop hanging out with all the straight girls...then maybe he'll find a boyfriend too!

But I suppose I shouldn't complain. There's this great invisible man in my life. Tall, dark, and handsome...good listener...well educated...into art...very sexy. Too good to be true? Perhaps. Too cliche? Maybe. But a pretty good invisible man I must admit. If only he were here in person! I'm sure that's how everyone feels! Ok, that's enough of wallowing in my single depression...I'm sure there's some chocolate somewhere in this house!

Bongo the Rooster

Reason number 213 why I love my job: Bongo the rooster.

(A picture will soon be added)

That's correct, in my highly prestigious job (where I make $175.00 a week), I now get to take care of a rooster. In the current production of Fireball (which is actually a very beautiful show...you should come) there is a live chicken. So, we procured a chicken from the co-writer's hippie friend. Actually we have 2 chickens (apparently they're very social animals). So we have the actor chicken who has been named bongo (apparently in rehearsal, bongos were the stand in for the chicken) and we have Bongo's friend, Spot (who is actually stripped...don't ask)

Now initially Bongo was going to be Stage Left...thank god...since I'm stage right. Plus I'm already running the revolving stage, fog, and 3,000,000 costume changes in a 5'x5'' space. So have time/room for a chicken??? No. Although neither does the Stage Left ASM. Well, much to my joy last night, I found out that Bongo will indeed be living on my side of the stage, which means I'm the one who has to keep him from crowing during the show...which he likes to do. So Bongo and I sat down to have a chat:
Shannon: Listen Bongo, if we're gonna be friends, or at least co-workers, we have to compromise.
Bongo: Buck (head bob)
Shannon: If you promise to keep it down backstage, I promise not to drop your cage when I'm carrying you up the stairs.
Bongo: Buck-gock (head bob)
Shannon: Fine, I also promise to change the papers in your cage so you don't have to lie in your own poo.
Bongo: Buc-Buck-Bugock (head bob, leg kick)
Shannon: Ok, I also promise that the BBQ chicken and grill props are never in the same room as you.
Bongo: Bu-Bu-Bu Cock!!! (ruffles feathers)
Shannon: I'll take that as a deal.

So Bongo and I have come to terms with our new working relationship. He also stipulated that he wants a star on his big cage in the tech office...I'll see what I can do. Man I love my job!