I heart 99-cent stores

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WOW...yesterday was our most explosive show yet. Between 400 and 500 people packed into the auditorium and we had them by the BA--well, we had their attention. I woke up too damn early and congested; certainly not expecting to attain full focus. Yet somehow, magic happened and I felt more in the zone than ever before, hitting every line, quick change and sound cue with perfect precision. Ok, I lie. I accidently changed one CD which Sarah had actually already kindly changed for me. When the chime did not play, I stopped it and made the sound with my voice: "brrrrrrriiiiiiing!", which provoked a laugh. Hey, I'll take it! After the performance, we were flanked by smiling people, signing shirts with sharpies and receiving hugs left and right. WHO COULD EVER COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS JOB?! I am so blessed.

Today has been sunny and extremely cold. The local radio stations boast about what a relief it's climbing up to 40 degrees!!! 40 degrees my FOOT. With the windchill it was easily 32. Hard to fully enjoy a day out and about when you can't FEEL what your face is doing...but we manage :D (Dad, how right you are about not ever living in a place like this, AAAAAHHHHH).

We drove to Detroit today, and were surprised to find that most reports of the city have been spot on. A place with so much history, it is a shame to see it in ruin. Boarded up brick buildings taller than I've ever seen with beautiful colonial architecture. The land is littered with gothic churches, gargoyles, turquoise tin roofs, the whole lot. The streets, however, are far less attractive for the simple fact that they are barren of people; life. We've been told there is a faction of loyal, hopeful people who claim the city is coming back. I hope this is true, and that these citizens find their way to a newfound pride and success for this, their home.

ANYwho, enough of that. We stopped into Greektown and lunched on some deliscious cuisine...some of our best so far. The patrons around us repeatedly ordered some appetizer which the servers would light on fire (2 or 3 foot flames at least) and then shout "oooooooooPAH!". Neat stuff. Then we got in the car and crossed the bridge to Windsor, Canada! At the waterfront we braved some freezing breezes as we walked through the Odetta sculpture park...but we didn't last long. Groggy from the food and $6.50 in tolls later, we have returned to our room for a nap. Tonight we take on downtown Ann Arbor. Tomorrow we'll drive back to Jackson, MI where we'll prepare for our first performance of the third play in our repertoire, "Shakespeare: The Bard". We're very excited about this as it is very different, and slightly more soffisticated than the others. Monday is a three show day for us...I'll be one sweaty s.o.b. Sarah, poor dear, has started her period JUST in time to start a heavy week of shows and driving. Speaking of driving, we saw a random herd of running buffalo today! It was gnaaarley

Lots of love & I MISS HOME!!!!!!!!

Markuz

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