Wicked!

It's been a challenging few weeks. Not even going to go into that here but enough to say that on Thursday evening, a long awaited excursion downtown to see the musical Wicked (with good friend Shauna) did not come a moment too soon.

Photo thanks to Shauna's iPhone!

I rushed home from work, grabbed the babysitter for the dynamic duo and we set out for downtown TO...I haven't been on Yonge Street at Christmas time in years and both Shauna and I were like little kids looking at the lights and people. We met Janet for dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and I loved the amazing food and gazing at Yonge Dundas Square where the enormous Christmas tree made of lighted spheres was the focal point.

After a relaxing hour, we bid farewell to Janet (wished she could have joined us) and then off we went to the show. I love the Canon Theatre (previously the Pantages where Phantom of the Opera played) - it is just gorgeous.

I've read the Wicked books...love how the story was turned upside down to show a different side of the witches of Oz. However, the books did depress me...after capturing the reader's imagination and encouraging an understanding and love of Elphaba (the wicked witch), the poor woman never seemed to catch a break. That same passion and melancholy is captured in the Broadway show but the musical does deliver a slightly happier ending and so I was much more satisfied.

Shauna and I left the building 3 hours later and though it was raining, we were grinning ear to ear. A wondeful show and an evening away from our respective responsibilities -- what more could we ask! I've since downloaded a number of the musical numbers to my iPod (I believe Shauna has done the same) and even my girls are singing along and asking to see clips of the show on YouTube.

We (okay, me) are now slightly obsessed with Elphaba and her mantra to defy gravity (listen here as Idina Menzel sings). So much so that we have made the change to green!

What a great night - hope the show returns so I can take the girls one day!

picture fall - the recap

As mentioned a few weeks ago, my sister signed me up for the Picture Fall online photography workshop as part of my birthday gift...the 31 day program ended yesterday on Halloween.

I have to say that I had a wonderful time despite my hesitation when Kim first suggested it. Initially I felt overwhelmed when viewing some of the amazing photographers who took part, but in the end I enjoyed the challenge of every day's themed prompt and, with help from my talented sister, actually ended up with a few good shots. Another bonus... the supportive comments of this group was a lift to the spirit on a daily basis.

So, here is a look back...28 days of photos because I missed 3 due to crazy schedules!

Learned how to do this from Kim!

And if you are thinking of developing (hah! no pun intended!) your own photographic self, the next course starts on December 1 - check here for more details... Picture the Holidays