Cold water washed out the stains of enchilada sauce from my fingernails and I now sit comfortable and satisfied.  It might be strange to think of sharing a meal with others as something so spectacular, but this evening I certainly have happy thoughts of the last two evenings. 

We enjoyed the long awaited meal that arrived between shots after seven, or so, hours of filming.  My energy quickly spiraled downward as we prepared to shoot the final scenes of a short film.  I had been greatly amused and delighted by the young filmmakers and my young co-stars, one being the tender age of four.  As I took my break, with slice of pizza in hand, I realized that I was growing more fond of acting in films. 

Acting on stage gives me a sense of a safe distance from the audience and when the show is over, I tend to head straight to the dressing room to hide and change clothes and sneak out of the theater.  I am able to experience a different world as someone else, it is magical, then I return to myself-changed.  It seems a very personal and solitary experience.  On the other hand, what I've discovered with film is a strange comfort of the silent ones holding microphones and steering cameras as if they were holding me up in support.  It seems, strangely, more collaborative and I feel more freedom in being spontaneous with my craft; I experience a faster access to my emotion and instant return to myself when the camera stops rolling.

So today, Sunday, was my day of rest and unwinding from the past week of running about on auditions and scheduling more.  At a friends' dinner table , I presented my famous enchiladas and we enjoyed a glass of wine with dinner followed by a movie.  More than the holidays, I look forward to more meals around the table and certainly on set, hopefully.  I await the arrival of my Aunt and Uncle and the arrival of my best school friend from out of state in the next few weeks.  For now, I look forward to soft music and lots of peaceful rest.  I prepare for bed, pray and engage God this evening into loving conversation until I fall asleep.  Shalom.