This past Saturday I piled into a car with my other MFA Costume first years as well as a few lovely BFAs and adventured to Winterthur Estate in Delaware. We were all very excited because our professor had arranged for us to tour not only part of the beautiful mansion on the estate, but also the Downton Abbey costume exhibit. That's right I was in the same room as costumes worn by Maggie Smith and Dan Stevens. Cue excited girl giggles. 

(WARNING: If you choose to continue there may be some spoilers for those who have only seen the first season. Proceed at your own risk)

As I have stated many times, I am currently in the middle of designing my first show in my MFA program. I have learned a lot in the past three weeks and have enjoyed the insight from my professors and directors. The other day when I was hiking around the shops in NYC (How did I get so lucky that this is my life!?) shopping for my show with the director, he gave me a very nice compliment and insight into how directors and producers like to be talked with during the creative process. 

(Written Sunday)
I am now two weeks into my graduate school program. Tomorrow I have a design presentation to the department head for my show that opens October 31st so I am relaxing with some lemon ginger tea and a bit of Eddie Izzard comedy. 

I believe it is very important, not only for students, but people in general, to take a few moments for themselves throughout the week. Laughing, in my opinion is a very important component in my week. I have been working on not taking my work home with me and to add a little humor into my everyday. I take myself too seriously sometimes. 

But where have I been? Like I said above I have finished my second week at graduate school and I feel like I've been here for months. I'm enjoying my classes and my professors are so full of knowledge I want to draw out of them. Being a Midwestern girl, visiting New York City has been quite the experience. I've been twice for classes and have enjoyed it immensely. All these opportunities and experiences have been so exciting and I am so thankful to have caught them when I did. 

I'll write a few posts themed on my show design and adventures into the city, but for now I am going to buckle down and get my graduate work underway. More to come soon!

Tea and Hugs - Christianne