I am happy to say that in regards to Annie getting to Utah with our baby, all has worked out amazingly well—our faith was overwhelmingly rewarded. Due in no small part to Annie’s parents, Jim and Linda. They have been a true answer to prayer. They came to assist Annie during the rehearsal process while I stayed in LA and worked (although I made bi-weekly trips out to visit). Also, in an answer to prayer, the rehearsal schedule for the most part, dovetailed perfectly with Marigolds schedule. Annie would rehearse from 3-7pm most days (which worked around Marigolds nap times), come home for dinner, nurse Marigold, then return to rehearse from 9-1am or so (which worked with Marigold’s bedtime). Granted this was challenging, as Marigold, would often wake up around 7am. Here’s how it worked usually—Annie would nurse in the morning, then whoever was there, her Mom or myself, would take her for the next few hours and let Annie sleep some more. Despite a few days when they moved the schedule around, it all went smoothly. On those days we simply brought Marigold up to nurse at the theater, which thankfully everyone (cast and producers) was incredibly supportive of. In fact Marigold has been somewhat adopted as the cast mascot…. Needless to say, Me and Annie’s fears were completely alleviated, as our prayers were answered, more than we could have hoped for.
Once the shows opened I headed out for a 5 week stint to spend some quality time with my daughter, as well as my wife, and also provider her with some much needed day to day, support during her run.
What followed, were some of the best weeks of my life yet.
THE FAMILY VACATION
Several weeks following the opening, Annie’s entire family joined us in Utah for the annual family vacation (which normally takes place in Florida). Earlier this year, when the idea of moving the family vacation came up, Annie & I were a little nervous the family may not enjoy the spoils of Utah over Florida—however, we were wrong! It seemed everyone enjoyed the switch up, and the adventurous environment Utah proved to be an epic vacation setting. Her parents wisely rented a house for the week and it became the home base for our multiple adventures. My brothers-in-law and I enjoyed a 40mi ATV tour over canyons and sand dunes,
Jim led us on a truly amazing hike over Paradise Rim, and last but certainly not least, we explored the majestic Zion National Park.
Hiking the ‘Narrows’ as they are called, became our most ambitious and memorable adventure. For those that do not know, it is a 5-6 hour hike that takes you deep into the canyon via the Virgin River (you actually hike the river itself) and it requires aqua boots, socks, a sturdy walking stick, as well as an array of snacks.
Courtesy of Shamrick Photo
While it was breathtaking (and quite frankly otherworldly), and I would do it again, it took a lot out of all of us, and we were happy to return to our lovely ‘base camp’.
When we weren’t adventuring, the home Jim and Linda found provided an amazing place to relax. With it’s amazing pool, and comfortable environs, all of us were able to unwind in our own way.
But of course, most importantly, the whole family had an opportunity to see Annie light up the stage, in both ‘Wizard of Oz’ (she plays Glinda) and ‘The Little Mermaid’ (she plays a Mer-Sister), which is the whole reason they were there to begin with. I cannot tell you how happy it made me to see everyone rally behind Annie and make this all happen. I don’t think Annie could not have felt more loved, nor I more proud.
THE WEDDING TRIP
Shortly after the family vacation, Annie, myself and Marigold headed back for a very quick trip back to LA. Their were several reasons 1) Marigold needed to have her yearly check up 2) Our friend Burnie was getting married that weekend and 3) My folks were also in town. Needless to say it was a whirlwind trip. I actually headed back several days early to pick some work, and Annie made the trip with Marigold via plane (thanks Jim) several days later. Despite the amount of things we attempted to squeeze in that weekend, and the potential for a scheduling disaster, it all went off pretty well. I am happy to say that Marigolds one year checkup, showed her doing just fine. Our friends wedding was lovely, and it was truly great to spend time with my parents as well. It was such a blessing to see them bond with Marigold. I wish we could have had more time, but Annie started rehearsal for the next show the following week and we needed to get back. We were a little delayed on starting our 6hr drive back to St. George, and it was clear we needed to stop for the night in Vegas. Despite the 4th of July weekend, Annie found a great deal on the trip out at a Hilton Grand Vacations and we checked in, somewhat beleaguered, around 3am. But I am so happy we did, it proved to be a really fun extra, mini-vacation that we didn’t plan.
THE MOTHER-FATHER
The next morning however, Annie started her day rehearsals for their next show ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’. So in the afternoons, I had the wonderful pleasure of taking care of Marigold exclusively. Admittedly the first day or two I felt a little out of my element. Getting into the routine she needed took some practice. But within a few days I had learned what to expect and was getting good at taking care of her.
We enjoyed playing, reading, swimming, and even naps in the car where upon her falling asleep I would find myself driving for an hour or so—which in Utah is not a problem since it is truly some of the most beautiful country around. I would take her to rehearsal to have Annie nurse her and she would be doted on by Annie’s amazing coworkers (all of you at Tuacahn, thank you from the bottom of my heart for welcoming Marigold, I love you all!) and she especially enjoyed watching Mommy dance with everyone.
During this whole time I have kept auditioning too. This would often happen at night after Marigold would go down—which has truly become my most cherished part of my day with her. Here’s the routine, following Marigold sleeping: the first 45 min would be cleaning the apartment, followed by the next hour or two which consisted of making my dinner and taking some time to relax, and finally the last hour or so, I would record whatever auditions I could before Annie would get home, and hopefully without waking Marigold up. Thankfully she is a pretty hard sleeper…
THE IMPRESSION GUYS
During our vacation, I was offered a guest star role, in season 2 of Soul Pancake’s The Impression Guys. I had worked a day in season 1 and they were offering me several more in this season. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it back that week to shoot (as I felt leaving the family vacation would be rude) but I was told I would be included in several pieces and would still be needed in later in the shoot. The shoot was to take place July 10, 11 back in LA, which posed a bit of a problem as I was now watching Marigold during the days. After some discussion, my amazing wife, wanting to support me too, decided we could see if we could find some babysitters to make it all work. If we didn’t I would have to let them know in enough time so as to be respectful. I wasn’t sure it was going to happen, we didn’t know many people out there and anyone we did was rehearsing with Annie…so we prayed again. I had no problem staying and watching Marigold if it came to that, she is my first priority. However, since I’m not exactly a house hold name in entertainment (aside from ours) I think it’s important, that when an opportunity comes knocking (I should say, one that could potentially move me forward) then it is important to open that door. Not simply for my silly career, no; but, for the benefit my family, and what it could mean down the line…you bet. Granted, I know as well as anyone, there are no guarantees in this business, but one thing is certain, if you don’t take chances, nothing will happen.
Thankfully, one of the costumers at Tuacahn, Crystal, was kind enough to help us during those days, though to hear Crystal tell it, she was the lucky one to spend time with Marigold. The evenings, I should also mention were thankfully covered by Annie's fellow cast member Heidi (on her off night) and her girls. So, I drove back to shoot for two days at the You Tube headquarters in Playa Vista. I should point out too that during my 6hr drives back and forth the last few weeks, I had been listening to Billy Crystal’s book, ‘Still Foolin’ ‘Em’ (it should be required reading for entertainers). As I listened, I began to realize that my time away from LA had also given me some much needed objectivity. At the shoot, I found myself freshly inspired being surrounded with such an amazing array of creative people, but also realizing, I have lapsed in the development of my potential. For many years, I felt I needed to be only known as an actor, and that once I made it, I could stretch my creativity, but as I listened to Billy’s book, I realized that the people I respected the most, were always writers, producers, and directors of their craft. After an encouraging and motivating conversation with Jim Meskimen while on set one day, I realized, it was time for me to embrace all that God had created me to be. That by not exercising my other abilities, I was like the servant in the parable of the talents that played it safe for his master holding on to the one talent, and burying the others.
Ouch. That one stings a little. But that is because it has some truth to it…
I am now returned from my 5 week stint and back in LA., and I am eager to get the ball rolling. This week I am going to lay out a creative journey for myself, that will include, writing my one man show, re-launching my YouTube channel, and—well, will just have to see what tumbles out of my head.
One last thought…as I write these reflections on the last several months, it’s amazing to see how God has used this time I set aside for supporting my wife, to change my life.
Wife Support=Life Support.
Ok, I’m done now.
1 comment:
So excited for your new endeavors! God has definitely blessed you, Jason!
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