In case you do not know what I am referring to when I mention: the Pageant, the Nativity, etc. the following is one of the advertisements I sent out to family and friends. It is the most difficult thing I have ever directed...because it is so varied and each detail much be followed. Each "scene" is presented in a very different way, for example: lighting--in the Marketplace is basically the cultural hall lighting, but on the Road to Bethlehem, we employ directional lights that turn on by movement. The Inn is lit by candles and lantern from inside, garden solar lights in the courtyard, and a couple [electric, disguised as not electric] torches. Add a couple strands of decorative lights in the bushes, and we're done. For the shepherd encampment [in addition to the fire pit] where and when the angels appear, we use a conglomerration of lighting trees [in regular life, volleyball poles] and a behemoth sound/lighting platform. We are adding an additional light this year to shine straight up and out of the Herald angel's costume, and a star above his head. Moving back indoors for the Holy Family in their cave, we use the lights in the foyer sparingly, with one focused on the Holy Family, and just enough other light for people to see by. Last year we used just the regular lights in the overflow for the courtyard of the temple, but I'd like to have a spot on Simeon's door. Not yet figured out! In the Temple, we have some ambient lighting from the side sconces, add a spotlight where the major action is, and light from the Menorah. And that's just the lighting!!! Every other aspect of the pageant must be similarly dealt with! I'm so tired! Two weeks to go and still so much to do! Then perhaps I can think R is for something other than rehearsal: here's my "flier"...

Nativity Enactment
"A Prophesy Unfolds"

Presented by
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints
6500 Fox Hill Dr
Canal Winchester, Ohio


FREE ADMISSION
TICKET REQUIRED due to limited group size

Call for FREE TICKETS: 614-837-8207

THURS NOV 29: 7:00, 7:30, 8:00
FRI NOV 30: 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30
SAT DEC 1: 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30

Come enjoy the LIVE NATIVITY plus the Marketplace at Bethlehem, [watch out for the Romans...] at the Inn, and later at the Temple with their Son. View with the shepherds the amazing appearance of angels.
Afterward as you explore the Marketplace, you will be offered free refreshments and the opportunity to visit the creche rooms containing a large collection of Nativity sets from around the world.
Sign Translation for the deaf throughout, Spanish and many other languages available upon request. [European, Asian, and African] If other languages required, please let us know when you order your tickets.

Of course, my smart-alec daughter [who won't be here anyway] asked for translation for...Canadian!

Q is for Quiet

Along about one of the last few days of Sept. my daughter arrived with her two little boys, aged 2 and 7 mo. to stay for a month. It was wonderful having them here--even if I spent over half the time sick. And I got sick as they recovered!

Finally everyone was well, and everyone adjusted. The last week and a half were terrific! I miss them so much!

They left 1 Nov, fairly early in the morning. Suddenly it was quiet...a quiet so loud that it screamed, "QUIET " in our house. Oh there is still noise--from outside, from TV and radio and even the refrigerator hum. But it is so QUIET! I still have not put the toy baskets away in the garage, but there are no musical toys playing.

I like the quiet at the church when I go over by myself and work on costumes [unpacking from last year, ironing, organizing]. I like the quiet as I sleep at night. I like the quiet as the colder temperatures drive us inside more and close our windows. But I miss my daughter's company. And I miss my grandsons playing, talking, and, yes, even crying. [I love cuddling and singing the baby to sleep!]

Yep, Q is for Quiet. Both bad and good.