Where I’ve Been…
SO THERE IS NO WAY TO SAY THIS WITHOUT IT SOUNDING INCREDIBLY BLUNT…
MY mom died.
In December of last year my mother passed away. At the time I was at the museum of broadway grabbing content with zero clue anything was wrong. the hospital didn’t have my correct information and there was a delay in contacting me. While I’ll spare the full details I will ask that any woman reading today — the symptoms of a heart attack are very different than in men. Please learn the signs…
maybe ally…sees “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”.
You've got just a few weeks more to catch Sweeney Todd as it's closing once Aaron Tveit & Sutton Foster end their run. So if you've got the chance I definitely recommend going. Sometimes with some shows, I don't fully get the hype. It isn't until I see the full spectacle that I realize it. That's what happened here. I grabbed coffee after and had to absorb it.
maybe ally…sees “Monty Python’s Spamalot”.
Back in 2005, I was a freshman in college and making crazy life choices so I didn't get to see the original Broadway production. After a lot of tours and a stint on the West End later we got to the 2023 revival and I grabbed tickets thankfully just a few weeks shy before its closure (too early if you ask me! Even if it was a limited engagement!).
Varsity Reds.
You're gonna see a Stoney Clover Lane look at any time in any season. If you asked to look at my collection I'd be here for quite a while showing you every single sweatshirt, pouch, bag & even charms. I go all out. Did you see my New Orleans post! I’m a fan. So when the weather finally cooperates you create a little SCL moment.
maybe ally…sees “Little Shop of Horrors”.
It was my first time seeing the show with Darren Criss & Evan Rachel Wood. Both of them were perfectly cast but more importantly, perfectly cast — together. They made a wonderful pair and anytime you see Seymour & Audrey together it is quite magnetic.
This. Denim. Jacket.
Did you think I wouldn't grab this @bttfbway denim jacket? It was a must-purchase from the @bttfbwaystore and I'm so happy I did it. I don't think I've ever owned a denim jacket that fits like a glove & brought joy to strangers. Yet there I was walking around Harlem with a jacket that made at least 3 people smile. True story!
The Emergency Jeans Story.
See the jeans I'm wearing here? While in Philly I had to buy them at Old Navy at 10 am because I didn't bring the right thing for one night there. You would have laughed seeing me in a Dr. Who dress and a J.Crew trench coat desperate for warmth and grabbing the first size 14 I could find!
maybe ally…sees “Days of Wine & Roses”.
What a beautiful & rich show. Rich in its performances (Brian D’Arcy James & Kelli O’Hara are exceptional) but also rich in its subject matter and storytelling. As someone who's lived a very similar life (hyper-independence due to a family who weren't always taking care of themselves as they should), I found this musical to be quite the reflection on rebuilding family & quite the damnation of alcoholism.
maybe ally…sees “Girl From the North Country”.
So I didn't get the chance to see this off-broadway in 2018 and certainly didn't get to in 2020 when it made its Broadway debut but I always kept this musical in the back of my mind. So when I accidentally entered a lottery for tickets a few things happened:
I realized what I’d done and sorta kicked myself a bit.
I made a plan in case I won… and then I won.
One & a Half Days in Philly.
So what's a girl to do when she accidentally gets tickets to a show that's not in her city? She goes to Philly! With her partner in crime for not only that show but amazing art, great food, and more stories to tell in the future.
For Mom.
I welcomed the opportunity to honor my mom in my way. While it may not be a way she would love. She would understand and accept. That was always her way of thinking as I got older and tattoos would show up on my body. She called me a walking piece of art a lot. She always joked it would be easy to identify me if needed. She didn't judge. She always poured love into me.
International Women’s Day.
I want to tell anyone who identifies as a woman that it is ok to remind folks every single day that there is power within you. Remind people of your confidence. Remind people of who you are and why you're this way. It's ok to be the energy that lights up a room. It's ok to exist and be!
Travel: New Orleans
I loved the people. I loved the food. I loved the culture. I loved the spirit. New Orleans gave me the kind of respite I've been lacking since my mother passed away. A real refresh and focus on life. I got to not think about my troubles for just a little while and I got to embrace love, kindness, and beignets!
Commotion For the Dress?
The theme was Black Excellence and I like to think I showed up! I knew didn't want a traditional gown but also knew I wanted comfort if I was to survive the night. I put my own spin on the theme by adding Vampire vibes to the outfit.
Stoney Clover Lane: New Orleans.
Be still my beating heart. As soon as knew I was coming to New Orleans I knew @stoneyclover would be a stop I'd make. It was my first time visiting a shop that wasn't in New York and this location is gorgeous! It's beautiful and as you can see I had a lot of fun shopping. I picked up quite a things that I'll show you all soon.
Now Traveling…
Heading to New Orleans for a few days. It's my first time there! The catalyst is a wedding but I'm heading there a few days earlier so I get to see all the sights & sounds. Don't worry I didn't forget about the food either! It'll be fun.
maybe ally…sees “Titanique”.
You have to listen to people when they tell you to run to a show. You especially listen when it's people who don't nor ally do musical theatre but had a blast! So what did I do? I ran and saw @titaniquemusical and let me just say I didn't stop laughing for 90 minutes straight!
Affection Spell.
This spell binds two people together with the intent being an affection towards each other. A more in-depth love spell would require the second persons permission. This one is as I like to put it, to simply get noticed first.
Communication Spell.
Unfortunately for me, the person I attempted to spell with didn't speak to me. People who are avoidant are so hard to reach because they need healing of their own and it blocks your work in many ways.
In fact, I needed a cord-cutting ceremony a week later to try and help me grow out of my Infatuation.
maybe ally...Tries Everlane Jeans.
Are you seeing these jeans! Oh my goodness these jeans. You know I always get a little nervous when I'm trying out a brand I've never shopped at before but I think I struck gold with @everlane and that makes me very happy because I love being able to branch out a bit nowadays.