MY NAME

A few years before I was born, my aunt had a very good friend; according to my mom, "Everyone loved Rachel. She was a really neat lady." But as life would have it, she passed away at an age much too young. Almost 30 years ago, my mother and her sister were pregnant with me and my cousin at the same time. I was to be named Rebecca, if I were a girl, or Andrew, were I a boy. A short while before I was born, my aunt found out that my cousin David would definitely be a David - and my parents decided to change my name to Rachel, should I come out a girl. Which I'm happy to say was the case!

And I love my name. I believe it fits me. It means "little lamb or ewe". And my Chinese zodiac is the Ram which is described as one who is righteous, sincere, sympathetic, mild-mannered, artistic, creative, gentle, compassionate, understanding, mothering, determined, peaceful, generous, seeking security, wise.

This weekend, I met the son of the woman after whom I am named. He and I were connected by my aunt - and we happen to live only a few blocks from each other. We had coffee and egg sandwiches at the local diner. And we talked about living in New York, and working in the arts, and how we liked the neighborhood, and what we wanted to do with our lives, and finally - our connection to his mother. He was only 4 when she died - and so he said he appreciates any and all stories he can hear about her and how she affected people's lives.

I felt blessed to know this Rachel story - and now to know her son.

WISDOM

Life is not perfect. It never will be. You just have to make the very best of it. And you have to open your heart to what the world can show you. And sometimes it's terrifying. And sometimes it's incredibly beautiful. And I'll take both, thanks.
- Graham Nash

WISDOMBOOK.ORG

MOM & DAD

I was just typing an e-mail to my Mom & Dad. We don't often communicate via the World Wide Web... but sometimes when you want to send a funny picture with a message, it's the easiest way. I was also listening to my iTunes at the same time, Ben Folds in particular. And as I was writing the words "I love you so much" and thinking to myself that those words do not nearly express the depth of the emotion I was trying to express, this line from "The Luckiest" rang in my ears:

I love you more than I have ever found a way to say to you.

LUCKY THANKSGIVING

This is one of those memories that I think might be true, or might be imagined, but I think it's true... when I was younger, my cousin said for a while "Lucky Thanksgiving". The reason being that there was already Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas - so Thanksgiving deserved it's own word, too.

I think Lucky Thanksgiving is very fitting, for I always feel pretty lucky on that day. Yesterday was a beautiful, indulgent, long day filled with baking and cooking and old friends and new friends and wine and cider and an evening walk and movies and bad TV and too much dessert and lots to feel lucky for.

I missed being with my family on that day of giving thanks - but as the five of us held hands around our Thanksgiving table and each expressed what we were grateful for, I felt so blessed and incredibly lucky to be able to spend my Thanksgiving with my New York family.

WORK

While I was chatting with a friend tonight, I gave a very detailed response to his question "how was work today?" And as I kept offering detail after detail, I realized how amazingly complicated and rewarding my job can be...

Replacing 1/2 a design team
Setting up house seats for a director
Arranging meetings with VIPs
Negotiating with agents
Fighting for what I think is right
Cutting $100K out of a budget
Researching union benefits rules
Making contract offers to actors
Giving a seminar to college students

... and that's just one day!

GOOD BOOK

I like a good book. I like a novel that is written within some specific moment of history - and I especially like it when that history doesn't overwhelm the story, but merely enhances the personal journey you're going on with the characters.

The book I'm reading now is that kind of book. And I've been on my very comfortable couch, in very comfortable clothes, indulging in it for the past 3 hours.

There's a lot you can do in 3 hours. Watch a movie, watch 6 episodes of the Simpsons, play a football game, take a class, run a marathon (or at least a 1/2 marathon), have a rehearsal... or you can curl up with a novel that makes you laugh and talk to yourself and tear up and fall fiercely in love with it's 9-year-old narrator, and you can call it a very good book.

IT'S COMING

The time is coming...

the time for one of my absolute favorite, quiet, reflective, winter, sit-with-a-good-pen-and-a-hot-cocoa activities.

UNIVERSITY OF SARAH

I'd like to take a moment to highlight my friend Sarah Sloboda and her blog University of Sarah. You can read more about her in her bio below. And you can appreciate the instant beauty of her photography just by looking at the picture above.

She's working on a new book and is constantly feeding her soul by capturing creativity and life with her camera, her computer, her courage. I admire her. And I wish her nothing but good things and joyful days.

SARAH SLOBODA

is the premier rock-and-roll-style kids photographer, based in New York City. Publications include Disney's Wondertime magazine, The New York Times, New York Magazine, Brio and Brio & Beyond magazines. The Prix de la Photographie Paris [Px3] awarded her Top 2 Winner in the professional Portraiture category for her series, “Happiest Day in a Girl’s Life,” in 2007. She has been working as a documentary-style photographer since her time at The University of Michigan where she earned her BA in Film and Video Studies, and has since traveled the world on assignment. In addition to kids, Sarah shoots portraits, music, and photojournalist- inspired fine art work. Clients include Sephora, CW (television network), BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music), and bands such as Sputnik Sweetheart, and The Fabulous Entourage. Visit http://www.sarahsloboda.com.

ORCHID II

Another orchid lover, brightening up a window-less basement office with thoughts of spring.

NEWSPAPER SHOP

"New Yorkers are more likely to map the city according to their past relationships… You amputate whole neighborhoods as you move through relationships, because how else are you supposed to maintain your sanity? How else are you supposed to achieve the minimum distance required to get over somebody?"
- Ellen Shanman, EVERYTHING NICE

About a year and a half ago, I lived a life only a few blocks from where I live now. I tried to integrate myself into the neighborhood and stopping into the local shops was an easy way to get to know people... the bodega where I purchased overpriced Ben & Jerry's, the 99 cent store where I got cheap toilet paper that lasted for weeks, the newspaper shop where I'd pick up a coffee and a paper on my way to the subway. And there was the same, small, nice man there to greet me almost every morning. And he'd say, "Morning, beautiful". And I'd smile and ask for milk & sugar. And sometimes if I didn't have enough pocket change, he'd say "No worries".

But a few months after that, life moved me. And although my new home is only a few blocks away, almost all of the daily places I go to are different now. I have a new bodega - and they have overpriced Haggen Dazs instead. I use a Duane Reade instead of the 99 cent store - and although the TP isn't quite as cheap, they do have a much better selection. But I have yet to find a replacement for the good newspaper shop, and the Dunkin Donuts coffee isn't as sweet, and no one since has been as friendly to me as that small, nice man.

Yesterday I was craving a good crossword puzzle and a warm beverage. So I took the a-little-out-of-my-way route to the subway and the bell attached to the old newspaper shop door rang a welcome when I opened it. There was only one other person in line before me. So I grabbed my Daily News and waited. And when it was my turn, the same, small, nice man looked up and hesitated only a moment before saying, "Morning, beautiful. Haven't seen you in a long time."

And I nodded. And asked for milk & sugar. And felt some need to explain where I'd been, why I didn't come in anymore, what happened over this past year to change my path. But he didn't ask questions. And I didn't offer answers. We just smiled at each other. And I told him to keep the change. And he said to come back soon.

And I probably will.

ORCHID

Thanks to a nice friend, I recently gave this orchid a good home. She lives next to my oxalis and the pothos that I'm beginning in a glass of water by my window sill. I'm pretty sure she's a She - as you can see, she's strikingly tall and beautiful. And she braved the cold winds with me, and the long subway ride home, and the people staring and wanting to smell her (even though orchids don't have a scent really). Though I felt kinda strange carrying an orchid around the city with me...

But then today, on the subway, I saw a man with his own orchid. It was smaller, looked more delicate, and was a deep and amazing purple. It made me happy to see another soul carrying a bit of spring around this city... especially when it's about to turn into blistering, wintry weather.

CHILD OF GOD

I have an amazing friend. A beautiful, talented, dear friend. A friend who's heart is open, who's mind is seeking, who's soul is at peace. A friend who is an incredible child of God.

And he wrote some amazingly powerful, loving words that I'd like to share - because I support him with every fiber of my being, because I know he's not the only one who feels this way, because these issues of reconciling religious or "moral" beliefs with acceptance of your fellow human being have been weighing on my heart, because I know it will speak to many of you out there (no matter which side of the fence you're on), because I feel it is important...

I am gay. And I know this is going to test your faith to the nth degree, but guess what? I still consider myself a christian.

I am a good person, who (due to geographical reasons) is separated from his natural family and has surrounded himself with an extended family of good and kind and loving people with absolutely impeccable morals ---who love me and support me and who's influence I welcome into my life.

I may not be living YOUR plan for my life--but I know for a fact that I AM living God's plan for my life. I am happier than I've been in a long long long time, and I know God has rewarded me plentifully... He made me. He loves me. He and I have talked. A lot. And we're cool.

You are my mother and you will always be dear to my heart...

ROMANTIC POETRY

A bubbly friend and I (let's call her Mrs. Wilson) went to see a show tonight. Thank goodness for the one drink we had beforehand - although it wasn't nearly enough to make this show anywhere close to tolerable.

On the way out, Mrs. W and I were discussing what the title of this blog should be: "Climbing Up The Stairs (So We Can Get The Hell Outta This Theatre)"... or maybe "When Good Playwrights Make Bad Musicals"... or "I Thought The Fringe Festival Was Over Already"...

Oh - the list could go on and on, people.

But what I was really feeling for those two hours - through all the bad writing and the many genres of music and the lack of subtext - was how embarrassed I was for the actors. No - no, wait. Maybe embarrassed isn't quite the right word. It was more that I felt sorry for them. The reviews were pretty awful; the audience was laughing at them, not with them; and the applause was not even up to golf-clap standing. And they knew it. All six actors knew it. You could see it in their eyes when they thanked the audience (for making it through, perhaps?) and quickly bowed before scurrying off the stage.

The one thing I will say for this production was that I also felt a sense of pride swell in me for those actors. They were really giving their all out there. Even though their show was a not a hit, and a they played to a 1/3 less of a house after intermission, they still sang their hearts out.

And the other thing that boggles my mind is that I'm not sure I understand HOW this show failed. The man who wrote the book and lyrics also wrote this - and this - this, too. And the man who wrote the music wrote this all-time favorite of mine - and this. And the subject matter deals with the bound-to-be-funny fodder of relationships gone awry.

However, it seems that good ideas and usually reliable talent do not a good musical make. Godspeed to the company - who have to make it through another month!

STREAMERS VIDEO

Got another 5 minutes?

CLICK HERE to get a glimpse into STREAMERS and then come see this powerful play.

QUOTE ON LOVE

"Every day brilliant people, people smarter than I, wallow in safe tragedy and pessimism, shying from what really takes guts: recognizing how much courage and labor happiness demands... Love is simply this - this monumental and elementary thing - the willingness to be changed by someone."

- Rachel Kadish

2nd OPENING

STREAMERS opened Tuesday, November 11th at the Roundabout's Laura Pels Theatre. Click on the links below to read the reviews!

Newsday

NY Times

Daily News

Variety

OPENING MORNING

After a long Tuesday at work, barely able to contain my excitement for the night ahead, I finally arrived at the theatre for the opening night of my second play in less than three weeks. There were press people outside, and long lines at the box office, and a palpable buzz in the crisp evening air.

And after a powerful show, and a round of congratulations and hugging backstage, and after a brisk walk with a friend - I made it to the opening night party. And after the eating, and the drinking, and the schmoozing, and a respite of quiet in a courtyard - I made it to the after party. And upon more schmoozing, and much laughter, and a serendipitous guest appearance - I realized that it was no longer the opening night but the wee hours of a post-opening morning.

PROP 8

"You are asked now, by your country, and perhaps by your creator, to stand on one side or another. You are asked now to stand, not on a question of politics, not on a question of religion, not on a question of gay or straight.

You are asked now to stand, on a question of love. All you need do is stand, and let the tiny ember of love meet its own fate.

You don't have to help it, you don't have it applaud it, you don't have to fight for it. Just don't put it out. Just don't extinguish it. Because while it may at first look like that love is between two people you don't know and you don't understand and maybe you don't even want to know... that love is, in fact, the ember of your love, for your fellow person.

This is the only world we have. And the other guy counts too."

COME SEE THIS

Got 5 minutes?

Then CLICK HERE to watch an amazing interview with the company of THE LANGUAGE OF TREES. And then come see it!

All tickets are $20.
Roundabout Underground.

SUNDAY

Whenever I have a Sunday like today, I feel particularly blessed.

Sunday has long been my favorite day of the week. As a kid, it was going to a church where I had a lot of good friends. As a teen, it was going to rehearsal for show choir (yes, show choir - go ahead and laugh it up... but we were GOOD). As a college student, it was the day to sleep in as late as possible. And now as a New Yorker, it's the day when I most love taking a few hours to remember why I love living in this crazy city.

Sundays are reasonably quiet. Sundays are my day when I can truly enjoy the things I love to do. Taking some time to worship. Discovering a new brunch place. Being introduced to a delectable hole-in-the-wall treasure. Indulging in a sweet treat. Meeting up with old friends. And then spending a quiet night with them.

Yes. Yes, BLESSED is the right word.

MUSIC I LIKE

Without really meaning to, I can go for a few days without listening to any music - then I start to wonder why I'm getting a bit cranky, or feel like I'm missing something.

And then when I realize that it's music I'm missing, I spend hours upon end listening and purchasing and remembering music I've thoughtlessly forgotten. And it's a beautiful & powerful way for me to re-charge my soul. Especially on a raining Saturday.

So, I've added a "Music I Like" section to this blog (over there on the right... scroll down... see it?). I'm going to try to keep it to smaller, lesser known bands - indie bands, if you will. Bands that may not get enough radio play or sell millions of CDs - but bands that I feel a personal connection to, bands that make me smile.

Have any suggestions?

NEW BEGINNINGS

From a beautiful woman's blog... visit it and be inspired:

"So, the truth is - something sucks. You feel lonely, disoriented, skeptical of the people you meet, and doubting that you will ever really know another person with good intentions. At the same time, something nags you inside to notice how glorious you are - begging you to step up to the plate. The more you don't, the worse you feel.

Just as soon as I had honestly acknowledged any pain, I felt the opposite - I felt utter compassion. In knowing what life really feels like, I can be a better friend, a better sister, a better vendor, a better customer, a better person to run into on the street. Because we learn compassion from acknowledging our fears, worries, faults and misunderstandings, those things have a strong and powerful purpose.

I won't pretend to really understand what troubles anyone else - the stories people have about their life are deeply personal and they are very attached to them, for better or worse. But I do think we feel the same pain, regardless of the story line. And there is something inspiring in that."

60 DEGREES

Some days I particularly love New York.
Some days are so enjoyable it's almost surreal.

When you work hard all day and accomplish more than you thought you would. When you have lunch with an old friend. When you see the art you helped to create. When you feel loved by the people you work hard to support. When you get the rare & enjoyable almost-empty movie theatre. When you drink hot cocoa in Union Square park. When you indulge in the company of someone with whom you are enamored.

And especially when it's a crisp, perfect 60 degrees in November.

YES WE DID

President Elect Barack Obama:

"Above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you."

"I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation..."

"This victory alone is not the change we seek -
it is only the chance to make that change."

"For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow."

YES WE CAN
YES WE CAN
YES WE CAN

FUTURE

Rosa sat
So Martin could walk
So Obama could run
So our children can fly

A GRACIOUS McCAIN

McCain: "We have come to the end of a long journey. The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly."

(A few boos from the crowd.)

"Please."

(Silence.)

"His success alone commands my respect for his humanity and perseverance. This is an historic election and I recognize the special significance it has for African Americans. I have always believed that America offers opportunities for those who have the will to seize it. Let there be no reason for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on earth."

44th PRESIDENT

The 44th President of the

United States of America:
Barack H. Obama

OHIO MAKES ME PROUD

VOTE

RUNNING

I went back to the gym tonight, after a few months away from the treadmills and the free weights and the competition.

And it felt great to get back into my running shoes. And it felt good to start back up on that elliptical machine. And it was freeing to feel my heart pumping, my forehead sweating, and my mind letting go.

YOU TUBE #2

Kids' curiosity amazes me.
And young British accents make me giggle.

MARATHON

One of my goals for this year is to train & run in the 2009 NYC marathon. I've set this goal as 30th birthday "gift" to myself. And just after talking with my dad about it, I saw a special on NBC that focused on 5 different people who are planning to run their first marathon this year. It was inspiring & encouraging.

In just a few short hours, the ING New York City Marathon will begin. I know at least one fabulous woman who'll be running it along with the 100,000 other people. I raise my glass to her - to all of them. (And tomorrow, I'll put my glass down & start training!)

YOU TUBE #1

The Wii - apparently it's not only fun, it's hilarious.

FRESH

It's the 1st day of a new month.

I love the idea of a fresh chance, a new start, the turning of a leaf. The month of October was a beautiful month - birthdays, openings, discovering new friends, reconnecting with old ones. And a particularly lovely Halloween night.

So as I start this new month, I see it with fresh eyes - eyes that glisten with possibility.