Official Website of Christopher Showerman

Friday, December 08, 2006

Preparations

Howdy from the heartland!

The LEGENDS tour has made the final stop before our Holiday break in Kansas City, close to the geographic and population center of the United States.

I'm really looking forward to coming home next week for the holidays. This experience has allowed me some perspective to appreciate my family and friends that make up the magic that I know as home. Being on the road for the past 4 months has helped me define for myself what HOME means, and it has very little to do with where you are at geographically.

So will you be traveling for the holidays to see family or friends? And what is HOME for you?

Take Care of Each Other,

All Things Possible!
Chris

18 Comments:

At 4:02 AM, December 11, 2006 , Anonymous said...

Hey Lara!

Thanks so much for including that great description of Home - safety, happiness, and belonging. I couldn't agree more! I'm on my way home at this moment myself. It's great to leave sometimes just to be able to come back!

It's great to have the online family that I can come home to no matter where I am! Thank You!

All Things Possible!
Chris
At 6:48 AM, December 11, 2006 , Anonymous said...

Hello Family!! Is it just me or does the whole world seem a bit brighter every day we get closer to the holidays? Must be the mistletoe..

Chris, I'm glad you'll be able to spend Christmas at home..that is how it should be and I wish all the forum family friends out here the same- being together with their loved ones. Because that is what it really is about, isn't it!

A house is just a house until you make it a home. And in some cases the house itself doesn't even need to be in the definition of home-as I found out this weekend!

I had a very intense and emotional weekend and I was fortunate enough to share some wonderful experiences with my friends. With this forum topic in mind it made me realise right then and there that I was very much at home- around friends that shared with me very genuine hugs, laughs and the occasional tear. Home is where you can truly be yourself, it is about mutual respect, knowing you have friends that support you no matter what. (Interesting to add is that I actually was 'away from home' in most of this..)

I'd like to take this opportunity to give a big THANK YOU to my friends from the Flames of Chaos firespectacle..who proved that we don't even need the fire to feel the warmth..

These holidays I'll spend with family, my parents, inlaws, grandparents and aunt, and I'm very much looking forward to that. But..before that I have a birthdayparty planned and I've got lots of friends coming. It'll be fun!

Bright Blessings and lots of warmth everyone. Be Inspired!
At 3:19 PM, December 11, 2006 , Anonymous said...

As Jaschenka says home doesn't have to be in the building you reside - Thats just a structure that meets our physical needs for warmth and shelter.

Home is so much more it's wherever you're accepted for who you are by people who love you enough to forgive mistakes, and who you love as unconditionally. Its sharing hopes and dreams and giving support when needed without seeking reward. Just being in the company of those you care about.

In other words Home is LOVE.

This Yulei'll be busy getting course assignments finished before the January deadline but plan to have some time out with my family and relatives - some we don't get to see too often so it'll be great to catch up.

Chris great to hear you're going home for christmas after so long on the road. Thank you for creating this forum and making it such a special place that I'm sure those fo us here in the "Family" consider it tyo be our "home" in cyberspace.

May i wish everyone here a peaceful, restful festive season with your loved ones however you celebrate at this time of year.

Lots of love, hugs and Bright Blessings to everyone.
At 8:17 PM, December 12, 2006 , Anonymous said...

Hey everyone!
Chris I understand what you mean when you say home has nothing to do with geography. In some of my thoughtful, wishful moods where I imagine that I have just one one of those mega jackpot lotteries (the kind with hundreds of millions) and thought about what I would do with the money one thing is always consistent - I would travel but take my friends and family with me where ever we go! As you know, I enjoy traveling but I enjoy having my family and friends nearby more. Which is why I am glad that I have been able to make friends when I travel as well! Hmmm, makes me think that maybe I should actually buy a lottery ticket some day...

I admire the stamina that you've demonstrated on your "Legends" tour. I've always thought that traveling with a show might be the toughest gig in show biz - but as you've pointed out the rewards are also great. But I bet you are still happy to be back in familiar territory again though.

And, I like the picture of the windmill - it reminded me of my late grandfather's farm and many happy memories.

I hope everyone is getting ready for the upcoming holiday season where ever they are and what ever holiday they celebrate! It is a joyous time of year despite the weather isn't it? Well, except for our friends down under enjoying summer.

As the song says, I hope you may all be where "the heart is" this Christmas and New Year!

Dave
At 6:36 PM, December 13, 2006 , Anonymous said...

Season's Greetings Forum Family,

Wow, has it really been four months since you started on your "Legendary" tour, Chris? That's been quite an odyssey. And I know all of us in the forum have enjoyed traveling with you via this website and the e-newsletters. The topics and the stories from each city have been inspiring.

When Dorothy says in the Wizard of Oz, "There's no place like home," we know what she means. I thought of the Oz story as soon as I saw your windmill. Wonder if anyone else thought that too. I think Lara puts it in a nutshell... keeping your heart open to bring in and send out the most important thing that home represents....love.

I have to share a personal experience today along that line... one of those "aha" moments, when you are aware that your heart is open. And you feel "at home" with another person, as Lara indicated. I realized this today when I took my car in for a routine oil change. Our mechanic, whom we've known a long time, just happens to be one of my all-time heroes. He has seen us through a lot of travails with our vehicles. He feels like family. And I've often thought I should give him a hug sometime, just because he's always looking out for us. I knew our car needed tires...they told us that three months ago. Today, he quietly, but firmly, said, "You need new tires, now." We'd been putting it off, due to other expenses. But I got the message. I felt the compassion in that admonition, as if it were one of my family telling me. He said he could do it tomorrow. So I said, "OK." I laughed and said I knew my husband would go along with that..."Dr. Jerry's" orders! And (thanks to the influence of my forum family) I gave him a huge hug! Which he loved, by the way!

That is "home" to me...as much as family is, as Jaschenka says, where you can be yourself and feel supported and respected and taken care of.

Dorothy's "home" makes me think, in a way, of E.T. The Extra Terrestrial. " E.T. Phone Home" is a classic movie line now...and as a mom, I've used that line whenever I want one of my kids...when I'm missing them... to kind of think of that feeling of "home." That simple phrase, to me, seems to speak volumes about the meaning of home. Like unconditional love, and always forgiveness, as Angi speaks of. In the fantasy of E.T. the distance is between planets, yet the feeling of "home" and coming home, is universal.

I like what Dave says about wanting to take your friends and family with you on your travels. Guess that's why the post card tradition: "Having a great time, wish you were here!"

Thanks Chris, for taking us along on yours...and for sharing your beautiful insights and perspectives with your forum family.

Wishing everyone all things beautiful, possible..."magical, mystical, lyrical" this holiday season and always...Sue
At 10:59 AM, December 15, 2006 , Anonymous said...

Chris, thanks for the beautiful picture of American's heartland! I am sure you are excited about spending some time with the family, as I know all of us in the Forum Family are excited to do the same.

Adrian and I will travel to see his family on Christmas Eve, and then we begin our Twelve Days of Christmas celebration on December 25 (which continues through Orthodox Christmas on January 5/6. We started observing the Twelve Days about four years ago. Beginning on December 25, we each open a gift every day for twelve days. We usually do this first thing in the morning with coffee. It is a great way to spend almost two weeks! Then throughout the year we remember the meaning of exchanging gifts (whether they be material or spiritual) and we exchange them as often as we can. Even if it is only the gift of a smile or an "I love you" each day.

Home is easy for me to define. I am "home" any time I am somewhere comfortable and safe. We do have a dwelling we call home, but I also feel at home when I visit family and friends. Both Adrian and I felt very much at home with Chris and Natasha in Philadelphia. I guess "Home is Where the Heart Is" has true meaning!

During this magic season, I share with you the lyrics from my very favorite holiday song, sung by Judy Garland in 1944 to Margaret O'Brien in "Meet Me in St. Louis":

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.

Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself A merry little Christmas now."

Enjoy the holidays, my dear Family. And remember to believe in the magic that is this season! Don't ever grow up so much that you forget...

Much love from Pittsburgh,
Patrick
At 12:27 PM, December 15, 2006 , Anonymous said...

Hi dear Chris and Family!!

I'm glad to hear you're come back at your own home Chris, for a well deserved break from the tough but great "Legends" tour! Thanks very much again for allowing us to travel with you via web and for sharing your wonderful experiences with us.

About the meaning of Home, another great topic, i completely agree with all of you!
In fact true unconditionally love, support, safety, honesty, respect, harmony, peace, spiritual affinity and so joy are the essential ingredients which make and mean Home and Family to me.

Thanks Lara for adding that quote; it's so true and explains very well who are the true family members.

Sue, i appreciated you shared with us your nice personal experience; it was another good example of the amazing effects of awareness and opening of heart! Patrick, i also liked that you have shared the beautiful lyrics of your favourite holiday song.

Good luck Dave with "MacBeth" and
thanks to Angi and Jaschenka for your nice thoughts and bright blessings!

My best wishes to all of you and your families for Great, Fantastic Happy Christmas and New Year; and thank you so much as always dear Chris for warming up our hearts and lightning up our lives with your presence!

Much Love and Big Hugs!

Alex in Italy
At 7:04 PM, December 16, 2006 , Anonymous said...

Hello Patrick and Alex,

Thought I would wish you a beautiful at-home kind of Christmas, before things get really exciting here this week. I didn't want to forget to say how much I enjoyed your postings. Patrick, I love that song, too, and always have it humming in the back of my mind when we see our "our faithful friends who are dear to us" each year. That gathering was last weekend, and has become a longtime tradition. It seems to set the tone for the season. I love your 12 days of Christmas tradition. It's a beautiful way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. More of us should do that. Alex, thanks for your thoughts on my experience...perhaps it's partly the "magic" of the season that Patrick speaks of. Everyone's hearts seem to open wide at Christmastime. And I love it that the forum family looks to keep that feeling going all year long! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas in Italy! Of course, I too, send love and hugs to all.
As for me, I'm counting down the days to Dec. 21. Not only is it the day the light becomes longer each day, but the light of my family will shine especially bright, with my father-in-law arriving from Florida and our daughter and son-in-law coming home from Virginia. Take care of each other during this most beautiful season...Sue
At 8:22 PM, December 17, 2006 , Anonymous said...

Hi everyone,
Just a quick update for those who are interested - we finished casting "Macbeth" this weekend (myself along with input from the Assistant Director). I was extremely pleased with our auditons as not only did we have more than enough try out but the group was filled with strong actors! Trust me - sometimes it doesn't happen this way in community theatre. My only disappointment was that I could not find a speaking part for all the women who tried out (18 with only 7 speaking roles) but almost everyone agreed to take a non-speaking role anyway. Should be a great production in March!

Hope all are doing well - certainly sounds like it from the last few posts. Happy holidays all!

Dave
At 7:21 PM, December 18, 2006 , Anonymous said...

Me again!
Just had to share with everyone that while coming home this evening I was listening to CKLW (out of Windsor, Ontario - just across the lake from where I live in southeast Michigan) and they were taking calls on the "Hug Brigades" that we discussed here not too long ago. The calls where pretty much as to be expected with folks thinking it was a good thing to do, but they personally wouldn't like to be approached by a stranger in public for a hug because of fear.

It was interesting listening to the calls and one caller brought up something I hadn't considered and that was the potential for disease to be spread through hugs! Which got me to wondering if the lack of physical contact in our lives is actually part of our cultural evolution - back when disease, and things like lice, where much more commonplace perhaps people stopped hugging each other because those who didn't come in physical contact actually lived longer than those who did. So the lack of a necessary part of life (the touch of another human being) may have been created by another necessity.

Just something to think about!

Take care.

Dave
At 2:14 PM, December 19, 2006 , Anonymous said...

Hi everyone!

Great to hear from you again, Tom!! Welcome back!! I was worried about you because of your absence so i'm very glad to hear you're fine!! Also if i know and i'm sorry about your dad's failing health; anyway at least it's good to know that he's doing well in that home. I appreciated your thoughts because, as you already know, i took care of my two grandmothers for years until they passed away and of my mom who luckily is doing well now. Thanks for mentioning Leo Buscaglia and his lovely and inspiring books. I didn't know him but i've read a lot about him now and i have to say that you're so right to say that he was really a great man. Sadly he passed away but i'm sure he's always in everyone's hearts who knew him and his thoughts.

Sue, thanks for your always sweet thoughts and greetings and hope you and your beautiful family have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

Take care, Happy Holidays and Hugs!!

Alex from Italy
At 8:25 PM, December 19, 2006 , Anonymous said...

Counting down the days, and thank you dear forum family for your warm thoughts about my own family. Alex that's about the most special greeting I've gotten this year! Thank you for making their visits seem even more wonderful. Dave, thanks for filling us in on your MacBeth...wishing you much joy as you work your magic with your production. And Tom, it's great to hear from you again! Sounds like Alex and you and I have experienced the care-giving aspect of life with our parents. Have a wonderful Christmas with your dad (you're right, he has a beautiful outlook on "home.") Alex, I know you'll enjoy Christmas with your mom as much as we will with my father-in-law flying here in a couple of days. Dave, that was interesting about the Hugs Brigades story on CKLW. We used to listen to that station...wonder if we can get it again. Tom, I remember Leo B. too, and how effervescent he was. He was inspiring! Kind of like our Chris!! Sending everyone ATP hugs for your holidays...Sue
At 4:56 AM, December 21, 2006 , Anonymous said...

It's me again, as Dave wrote the other day! I forgot when I posted that, besides Christmas, I've been counting down the days to the Winter Solstice,too. It's here today! May your world get brighter every day, keeping the joy of the season in your hearts throughout the New Year...Light, love, and hugs to everyone...Sue
P.S Ute, you've been quiet, hope all is well in Germany this Christmas...
At 3:33 AM, December 22, 2006 , Anonymous said...

Happy Winter, everyone! Now that we are on the uphill climb to the longer days of light, may the light within each of you keep you centered and happy.

For those who celebrate Christmas, have a very merry one. And for those of you who do not, have a very merry day on December 25!

My 2007 wish for all of us is to think with clarity and to have the strength and energy to play really well the game of life. May we grow and prosper, remembering that the universe is unfolding the way it should.

My thanks to each of you for making 2006 a very special year; and especially to Chris for making one of my dreams come true this year in Philadelphia. I know 2007 will be even more fulfilling and exciting!

My love to you all!
Patrick in Pittsburgh
At 6:45 AM, December 22, 2006 , Anonymous said...

Dear Everyone,

Happy Holidays of all kinds and if you celebrate the winter solstice, happy shortest day of the year! (N. hemisphere) So great to see how everyone is preparing for the holidays and how we all embody the spirit of the holidays in our own unique way. When I got back, I found that home is also where the IRS can find you, so I have been busy sorting out tax matters for the past two weeks. Now that I'm done with it, I have something to be REALLY thankful for! Thanks everyone for checking in.

Patrick, good luck with your trip to Adrian's family. Wishing you guys a merry little Christmas too.

Alex, glad to hear your mom is doing well. I hope you'll get some time to spend with your family as well.

Tommy! Welcome back and best to your father. Thanks for mentioning Leo Beuscalia. What an inspiration!

Sue, enjoy your father in law! You have a great family and I hope you can be with all of them this Christmas.

Jaschenka! You always have such lovely inspired things to say about every topic! Home is also someplace that should feed our soul and creativity.

Thanks Angi for the Holiday wishes! Totally agree that Home is Love. How is the arm? Are you totally healed?

And finally, Dave! I'm so pleased to hear about your progress with Macbeth. Can't wait to hear more. Loved your input about the Hug Birgade! Good insight about the spreading of disease, but personally I believe that illness has a lot to do with your receptivity to it, not your exposure to it. Mother Theresa is a great example.

BTW, I took that picture above of the windmill above from the Santa Fe train depot in Atchison, Kansas. It dosen't get much more heartland than that! I love windmills so much I made one a supporting character in my latest screenplay.

Thanks all for sharing your holiday spirit. I think THAT is infectious and I'm beginning to feel a bit jollier myself!

Much Love,
All Things Possible!
Chris
At 11:21 AM, December 22, 2006 , Anonymous said...

Hello dear Forum Family and Happy Holidays to you all,

thanks to you all for a wonderful year full of your insight and inspiration and I am looking forward very much to be spending 2007 with you here!

Sue, I was down and out with a cold which kept me away from the computer for a while. A lot of people at work had the bugs and there is only so much resistance you can put up before they eventually get you. I am much better now, though, just in time for all the Christmas goodies. :)

Dave, good luck with Macbeth! We saw it in the Globe Theatre in Neuss (which is a neighbour city of where I live) in an English production a few years ago. Macbeth was played by a huge guy and Lady Macbeth was a really small little lady, but she had such power and presence it was awesome to watch. I really enjoyed it. By the way, there is an actor called Tom MacBeath whom I like a lot. He played Col. Maybourne on Stargate, if anyone ever saw that.

Chris, glad you can be home for Christmas. Since working almost 90 kilometres away I have started to appreciate my hometown a lot more; absence makes the heart grow fonder... I have lived here all my live and I find that it is true that if you stay at a place you feel at home at you really start putting down roots. I enjoy traveling, but I also enjoy coming home just as much. Though, I have several homes, all my friend's places are home to me - Jaschenka is even calling me furniture now when I come to visit, so that'll give you an idea! ;)

Like you all said before, it's where you feel accepted as you are and are with like-minded people you can share ideas and even craziness with.
And I that means all of you too. Like I said to Sue once, we can discuss subjects here on the forum that I wouldn't discuss just with anyone.

Tom, welcome back. Good to hear that your father is settling into his new home so well, I am sure having you come visit every day makes all the difference for him.

Thanks Patrick for the lyrics of that Christmas song. It's one of my favourites, just as "I'll be home for Christmas".
Lara, thanks for sharing that present from your host.
All of you have a merry blessed Christmas holiday and a wonderful 2007!
Lots of love and hugs,
Ute
At 2:58 AM, December 23, 2006 , Anonymous said...

Hello dear Forum Family!

How wonderful to read all of your whereabouts during the holiday season- so good to see most of you will be home for Christmas.

Dave, good luck with your theatre production or should I say 'toi toi'?! ;)
Tom, good to have you back and have a wonderful Christmas time with your father.
Patrick, thank you for the well wishes for the upcoming year- looking forward to your posts in 2007- and greetz to Adrian.
Alex, have a great Christmas as well of course!!
Sue, you are always able to post with such warm words it makes any winter day a bit warmer!
Angi- I am so glad you seem to have found a nice 'home' here on the forum! Yuletide blessings and till soon.
Ute- my favourite piece of furniture! Hope to catch up with you many time sin the next year and to spend some wonderful times together. Big hugs and elvish greetz.
Chris, thank you for providing us with this little corner online to share our thoughts and inspirations. Warm Christmas wishes for you as well!

For me these past days have been all about home (but then again I don't believe in coincidences) when last week totally unexpected and on short notice my husband was called away for work to China again. As you might know he spend about six months there earlier this year. Now he had to leave for only a week- still with me sitting alone under the Christmas tree it sort of left me with mixed feelings as you can imagine. However I am ever so grateful that he will be home tonight- infact he is flying somehwere over Russia as we speak so well on his way- and I am also very grateful that on the day of his departure last Sunday (which also happened to be the day I planned my birthday party) I found myself surrounded by the warmest bunch of people; family and friends, to take my mind of things and give me plenty of comforting hugs and words (not to mention some really cool presents- but as I always say 'a hug is also a gift')

It had been only two days earlier when I attended a concert of the Dutch folk band Rapalje when my mom was sitting next to me pointed out to me that 'this probably reminded me of Christopher and his board' when they announced the song 'Home is where me friends are'. I was amused my mom thought of this even before I did!

All the best for a great time with friends and family, however you may be spending the holiday season out there! Take care you all, Be Inspired!
At 6:42 AM, December 23, 2006 , Anonymous said...

Love and Seasons Greetings to all the Forum family.

Tom we haven't met yet but i'd just like to wish you and your family all the best esp with your Dad having his frist Christmas in the home and the adjustmaents you'll have to make because for this.

Chris many thanks for making this such a welcoming "cyberhome" for all of us. Also thanks for your conern over my arm. Last time i was x-rayed (last week) it showed it was healng nicely but i still have restricted movemet in it as far as lifting above shoulder height and carrying are concerned, but physio, though ainful, is helping and hopefully with time i'll refain full mobility.

Dave "break a leg" with your prduction of "The Scottish play". It's great to hear how it's going, and reading your comments brings back fond memories. Years ago i was in ameatur theatre (lighting, scenery and props) and it was always a dream to work on a Shakespear production, but nearest i got was on Rosencrantz and Guildensturn are dead. Still it was the best one i ever worked on.

Finally before i go to a family gathering with my husbands parents brothers and their families may i take a moment to wish everyone here a warm and loving Seasons Greetings, however we chose to spend it.

Since the next few days will be spent with family. friends and completing course assignments I'd like to pass on my wish that the coming year for all of us and our loved ones, family and frineds is a special one in which the bonds of love and frinedship are strengthened by the wisdom of communication and shared experiences.

Lots of love, hugs and bright blessings to you all

Angi

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Friday, December 08, 2006

Preparations

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