But, in that time I've been inspired by things I'd either never heard of, never thought I'd experience or never even WANTED to experience (i.e. a dinosaur puppet show????). And yet, that's the funny thing. Inspiration can be found everywhere. You just have to look.
So where have I been? Everywhere EXCEPT New York City.
I've been in Washington DC, Sacramento, CA and Los Angeles, CA...no I'm not on the campaign trail though we are certainly in desperate need of some inspiration on that front ; O
But in my travels, I've been quite inspired by people, places and experiences
TOP PICKS OF INSPIRATION
Okay, so even though I said I haven't really been in NYC, somehow in the few days I've been home, I've found a couple of wonderfully inspiring things.
I SCREAM, WE SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR THE BEST ICE CREAM!!!
No you won't find it in a store. You won't even find it in its own store front. Instead, the best ice creams comes in a truck...a lemony yellow truck with Van Leeuwan Artisan Ice Cream painted on the side, perhaps parked in your neighborhood. And inside the truck, Pete Van Leeuwan (one of the two brothers who started the company) serving up scrumptious flavors of handmade ice cream including the best vanilla I've had ANYWHERE, a mouthwatering Hazelnut that was to die for and the succulent Currants and Cream. Artistry? Absolutely. And Pete ain't bad on the eyes either. All their flavors are made with cream from cows who are antibiotic free, pure cane sugar and farm fresh eggs...thus the great flavor. But here's the catch. They've only got two trucks at this point (the company is 1 month old) so you've gotta look for them. One is on Broadway at about 75th Street (open until 10:30 pm.) and the other in Soho. So make a run for this glorious ice cream and tell the world about it so they can have more trucks, more flavors and more fun. I'll scream for this cream anytime!I SCREAM! WE SCREAM! WE ALL SCREAM WHEN WE SEE DINOSAURS!
Not little tiny model dinosaurs. But big, full-sized, so life-like you're certain they are real. (Well except for the puppeteers legs you see running underneath the giants, but that was part of the magic too). I've been invited to some odd things in my day, but this excursion, offered up as a "dinosaur puppet show" was not ANYTHING that I expected! Let me explain. These are full sized "puppets" run by both humans and animatronics. Just the sheer engineering that went into creating these extremely life-like creatures is to be applauded. They move around, fight each other, eat the trees and defend their young. 
I was so in awe of the genius that went into this. And, BTW, it was at Madison Square Garden...so not a small venture. It's playing throughout the country in arena. So to think that someone created this, THEN got someone to produced it in HUGE places like MSG...truly inspiring. It says to me that art is everywhere. Google Search "Walking With Dinosaurs" and you'll see when it's coming to you. If there are puppetry awards...this should win hands down...it's even better than Puppetry of the Penis (remember that one?)I SCREAM! WE SCREAM! WE ALL SCREAM FOR VICKI LEWIS
Okay, I was exited enough to get cast as Tessie Tura in Gypsy at Sacramento Music Circus. But then when I heard that I was going to work with Vicki Lewis (someone I've admired from afar for a long time), I was ecstatic!! Let me just say, Vicki Lewis is hands down the best Mama Rose I've seen. She should be playing it right now on Broadway, then SHE would have won the Tony. There, I said it. This woman blew me away! Not only that, she was a great a human being than you could ever ask for to head up the incredible cast of the show. In fact, they all inspired me! Right down to the kids who gave some moving portrayals of young June and Louise. I want to see Vicki Lewis back on Broadway!! Whether it's in GYPSY in years to come or something else, the woman is a bowl full of talent with cherries on top!
And while we're on the subject of Sacramento Music Circus. Three cheers to Scott Eckern and the entire staff for running one of the most well-oiled machines around in summer theatre today. The coordination of sometimes three shows happening at the same time was amazing. And what they are able to do in a round space where audience is all around them is outstanding. And the beautiful new air-conditioned music circus tent is spectacular! If you've never worked there, I hope you get the chance to at least see something. It really is a unique and wonderful experience!I SCREAM! WE SCREAM! WE ALL SCREAM FOR THE TROOPS!
Okay, I was in DC. No matter what you're feelings are about the war, my feelings about the troops remains the same...sheer unadulterated respect, inspiration and appreciation. Being in DC and seeing Arlington Cemetary, Iwo Jima (above), Korean War Memorial, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier makes everything clear to me. The men and women who fight for our country are the bravest people I know. I'd tell them each that if I could. But for today, I'm simply saying it here. Thank you to them for all they do for us. If you haven't been to DC, take a trip there even if for a weekend. It is riveting.What's inspiring me today?
My mom, my adorable dog Zoey, Van Leeuwan Ice Cream, my friend Stacey, my computer, rollerblading along the Hudson (how lucky I am), how committing to something and sticking to it really does work, curiosity, love (NOT internet dating, but Love), free dancing on Pier 54 on Sunday nights, and much, much more!
Until next time....be inspired.
Leslie
