The Steam Engine

For those of you who may have thought I have been missing in action; this is a little update on what I have been doing the past month (and one more weekend to go!!!) As most of you know, besides my shop on Etsy, MagdaleneJewels.etsy.com, I also have belonged to a local theater group for the past 8 years. Although I have acted in a few of their shows, I am primarily their Costume and Makeup Designer; which seems to follow a family tradition. My mother started out as their Costume Designer then went into acting during the 1950’s; my daughter joined about 9 years ago (acting, directing, stage manager), so I guess it was only natural that I follow their paths.
I must admit that this play was one of the most enjoyable, in the way of doing costumes, as I love anything Vintage and Antique. I went to Vintage Clothing Shows in Manhattan and was able to get a few things there, bought a few things online, and then sewed my little fingers off for the rest. The picture of the young girl with the dark glasses (who is blind) is actually wearing a blouse and skirt of mine from the 30’s and my driving glasses (obviously not from the 30’s!).
The play takes place in a Radio Station in 1934, during the time of the Chicago World’s Fair, whose theme was “Century of Progress”. A young inventor (the young man in the sweater) invents a steam engine which works on water, which he hopes to patent and show at the World’s Fair. Of course, Corporate Greed takes over as people attempt to steal his blue prints, or pressure him into selling his ideas. Above a just a few of the scene from our show.
The very top picture is one of our "Production Crew" (I am the one sitting on the desk!) - the other pictures show a Radio Station of 1934; and a few of the actors in their particular scenes.

Dedication to Juelez (our Kitty!)

Juelez 3 mo old

Juelez sitting inside the Christmas Tree

This morning was not one of our best here in the Baker household; we had to put out cat to sleep. Named "Juelez Santana" (a rapper), we called her "Kitty". Sadly she wasn't even 5 yrs old yet. Last year she was diagnosed with enlarged kidney's. The vet had said she would live a few years, but not the full life of a cat. Never did we expect it to be less than a year after being diagnosed. The past two weeks have been heartbreaking, as anyone who has a sick pet will know; just watching her fail day by day. The past 3 days she stopped eating and drinking, and just laid wrapped up in a blanket. I think at this point she was down to about 2 lbs. When I woke up this morning, knowing what we would evently have to do, we knew it was time. We held her with tears streaming down out faces as they gave her an injection to euthanize her. Thanks for the words of support in the threads this week. For anyone who has gone through this, you understand how these little creatures worm their way into your hearts and become one of the family. Juelez will definitely be missed, her little friend, our other kitty, who is almost 3, has been looking around for her, and is already missing her playmate. Thought I would share a few of our favorite pics of Kitty!