A letter on A Broadway Closing…

On the closing day of one of my favorites,

Even though I knew for months, seven to be exact, that you, one of my favorite shows I have ever seen, is going to close, I am still not ready for it to happen.

You where the first musical movie that I ever saw. The first Broadway show I ever took my mother to, like really bought the tickets myself kind of thing. The first Broadway show I have see more than once (FOUR times in total, secretly wishing more, don't judge me. I know I have a problem and I happily admit it!) The first show I stage doored. The first show/time I met one of my favorite Broadway performers, who is the sweetest person ever. First time rushing a show, by the way the most magical thing besides winning lotto. Most importantly, the FIRST show that made me re-fall in love with Broadway. This show had a lot of firsts for me.

I have woken up to “Matchmaker” every day since the album came out, sang loud and proudly to the whole album countless times, have your album as my #1 most played music on my IPod (much thanks to the gym and my commute every morning), seen your poster on phone screen savor every day for months, have your signed poster hanging on my wall and have taken many people to see your magical performance. Every time I see the show and listen to the album, you take me on a journey to Anatevka. A trip back in time to my ancestors leaving Russia, Europe for a better life.

Everything about you is amazing and perfect. Starting with the actual Broadway Theater. It has to be my favorite theater I have ever had the honor of walking into. The stage, so simple, so perfect. As soon as you sit down you know that you are about to take a train ride to another time and place. Once the music starts, and the actors enter the stage from the back of the stage, up stairs onto the actual stage, you are blown away by not only from their costumes but their voice and their actions. They really do take you to Anatevka.

In my mind I never want you to leave, but in my heart I know you must end.  All great things must come to an end eventually. If you stayed cast members would come and go (as they are already), and who knows how that would be. I can not picture anyone else playing Tevye and Golde than Danny Burstein and Jessica Hecht. Or the three beautiful head strong daughters, Tzeitel (Alexandra Silber), Hodel (Samantha Massell), Chava (Melanie Moore). By ending now, you go out on a high note, with the majority of the original cast still intact.

On this day 31st of December 2016, as Fiddler on the Roof 2015/2016 cast sings one last “Tradition”, you will always be part of my life. A “Tradition” in my heart and mind. Thank you for everything. I will forever miss you and always cherish the memories you gave me as a viewer and fan.

Much Love,
Ashley

December Art/Design

December's Art/Design highlight goes to a collaboration project. The smile on my face and tears running down my cheeks can not describe how happy I really am. Enjoy.
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After twelve months, my collaboration project has been completed. Well not completed as in over forever, but completed as in this piece is done and time to start a new one. What collaboration project you ask? Well I will tell you.

In January 2016, I took a magical class my senior year of college. I took this class specifically to do this collaboration project. I was the only Design/Art student in this "Art" class with one of my favorite professors. I took her class for three reasons: personal, I needed an "art history" class, and mostly I wanted to do this possible collaboration project. To my surprise I was the only one who choice to do so.

I started out drawing a very simple thing. For I had no idea what I should draw because I knew non of the possible people to collaborate with. That simple drawing of a feather and an arrow caught the eye of one very talented man. I shall call him T. T is an artist and designer, just like me. It would travel over 900 miles to Nashville many times over the course of twelve months.

Each time we would add something new and send it back. Sometimes taking weeks to figure out and put our new addition onto the paper.

At first I thought the collaboration was only going to last the semester because I was graduating. But it extended into the summer, and fall. I thought that after that one drawing we would be finished. I kept telling my professor how much I loved this project and that since working with T, he had shed a new light inside me. (Mind you I still have never met or physically talked to T. Only small notes of thank you or messages relayed from my professor.)

I was surprised when I was told that the very talented creative T. wanted to do more collaborations with me. I jumped with joy, and had to tell everyone that I was going to continue to work with him.
Working with T. has not only made me a better designer, but he also gave me a different perspective on life. He has infact changed me for the better. Since working with him, he himself has began to open up more than ever before. And I myself, have been opening up and is no longer that shy person. If only T. knew how he has touched my heart, taught me many lessons (both artistic and non) without even saying a word, and most importantly to go after my dreams.

The finished product: A collaboration started by T and I and finished with my Professor Barbra Yontz.  It was showcased at the Azarian McCullough Art Gallery located in Sparkill, NY, in the Fall of 2016, where all three of us have had work showcased throughout the years.

THOUGHT PROCESS ACTION 

Winter is Coming

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Friday morning, it's cold. 32 degrees out to be exact. I am all bundled up. I take the plunge outside, to head to work.

What do I see first? No not the cars on the street or the tree in the front. I see a little dot fall before me.

Another and another and another, so many. So small you can miss it. But I don't. I see it. I see the SNOW! Well not snow. Flurries. Very small ones. As quickly they appeared they disappeared.

Mother Nature says winter is coming. Because it really is. In a few weeks. 13 days to be exact.

She Walked Through Hell

She walked through hell, but I refused to let her walk alone in the place of darkness. 

She needed a light and I was there, shinning the way. 
We came out of that dark place hand in hand, only to take different paths, in this journey of life. 
Yet we are still connected. 
A connection that is stronger than friendship, love. 
A connection that is bound by blood. 

She walked through hell, but I refused to let her walk alone in the place of darkness.

Our journey is long, twenty-two years in the making. 
We may not be hand in hand for the rest of the journey, but we will always cross paths and join hands again. 
Picking up where we left off. 
Connected by friendship, by love, by blood.

She walked through hell, but I refused to let her walk alone in the place of darkness.

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