Shakespeare and San Clemente

We were pleasantly surprised this last weekend to find that it consisted of not just two but three days. Now when one is given three days as a opposed to just two there seems to be some added pressure to have some experience, some adventure, some story to show for oneself. Admittedly, I am also more than a little excited for any opportunities to get out of the apartment and interact with the outside world as I have been spending a lot of quality time with myself since the end of last semester.

Saturday was largely spent resting. Brandon is still recovering from our big venture back to the Midwest over Christmas break. He doesn't have the luxury of mid-day naps that I have right now nor lots of extra time to process everything that went on. So we slept in and later watched a movie in bed. How I love to cuddle with my husband! I love snuggling up to him and resting my head on his chest in that perfect space between his shoulder and neck. And ladies, contain yourselves, he might actually enjoy it even more than I do.

After getting all rested up we got all dolled up to go to see The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged at the ARK Theatre. I was a little skeptical when we showed up to the place as it was obviously a small, low budget type theatre. The place only seated about 50-60 so it was a very intimate setting which ended up being perfect for the show we were going to see. The cast was a grand total of three people doing 37 plays in 90 minutes. I know it is hard to imagine how that is even possible, but we promise you it is and it is hilarious. This troupe of three was energetic and engaging. It has been said that "all the world is a stage." It certainly felt that way during the performance as they physically interacted with the audience and used the seating space as part of the stage. Included in the dialogue of the play was a particularly amusing banter between the actors. This play is fascinating, we left there wondering how the script worked exactly. Does it require a lot of improv or does it require the crew to insert current cultural references kind of like a mad libs approach to play writing? Either way, we were entertained and recommend it to you.

Sunday was off to a lazy start. I was reading the paper and Brandon was researching for his latest painting project. I was wondering what would become of the day when we got a call from Brandon's great uncle Don and his wife Connie. We had been hoping to get together for another adventure with them and here was our opportunity. They took us to San Clemente a beautiful ocean town. We walked out on the pier as we waited for a table at the Fisherman (the restaurant on the pier). What a treat!!! It was a beautiful day. The waters were serene and the sun warmed our faces as we took our meal on the deck. It was mealsharing of the best kind. The four of us do have lively conversations of love, life, and faith and the time slips by imperceptibly. After dinner we walked about the park adjacent to the beach and from our vantage point we could see dolphins playing around what someone told us was a reef.

By this time the parking meter had gobbled up our quarters. So we hopped in the car to chase down the sunset. Sunset over the ocean is a sight to behold. And you will find as that magical moment approaches, people gather, some with picnics and friends and others going solo to quietly take in the beauty. Everyone wonders, "will this be a good one? Will I get to see the sun dip into the ocean?" And its really something when you can.

dez

ps--pictures to come!