From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2000 00:38:36 EDT
Subject: The Green Bird…Broadway Debut!
To: RPatt3362@aol.com, MamaRose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
TrichDr@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com, Marie@wwmgmt.com,
Proverbs_16@hotmail.com, william.a.patterson@bankamerica.com,
wpatters@wwmgmt.com, GRINMEX@aol.com, bettyg@wwmgmt.com,
GHindes@aol.com, carson01@interserv.com, Kmortensen@firstcoll.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, siouxsann@hotmail.com, CyberSJ@aol.com,
monarisa@mindspring.com, Missytaps@aol.com, MPasekoff@aol.com,
Elvekay@aol.com, LTotero@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, Emik16@aol.com,
Drumzopera@aol.com, ANSichNY@aol.com, Xblueboy@aol.com,
BrantWiwi@excite.com, Isettiman@netzero.net, EddienNYC@aol.com,
Hbbergman@aol.com
X-Mailer: AOL 3.0 for Windows 95 sub 76

Well I did it. I debuted on Broadway last night. I remember being 13 and sitting in my Middle School lunch room figuring out where I would be in the year 2000. I always “said” I’d be on Broadway but I never imagined I’d be in a amazing Julie Taymor play…..a PLAY of all things not even a musical! Go figure….But for those of you who have seen it you know its a play with music. And of course…I HAD to tap my little apple toes off in it. (Come see and you’ll know what I mean).

The best part was having my closest friends there with me. You know who you are…thank you for making the show and the party such a memory! I wish you all could’ve been there. Especially my family. I missed you so much. But I imagined you smiling from the first row as I knew you wished you were.

The party was at The Russian Tea Room. What a amazing place!

I have so much more to tell you about the whole night. But its 12:45am and I and wiped out!

Lots of love to each and every one of you! I hope to see you soon…

Meredith

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2000 12:19:36 EDT
Subject: GINGER
To: JBIRDCARD@aol.com, fogr@medfordnet.com, Kennedykeywest@aol.com
CC: J_Martino@stblaw.com, djwright@wwmgmt.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: AOL 3.0 for Windows 95 sub 76

To: James Cardwell
Robert Kennedy
Paul Becker

Re: GINGER

Please accept this letter as a humble apology for the contents of my bio in The Green Bird. It was wrong of me to assume that I will originate the role.
I merely put the statement in there for the good of the project. Since I have quite a featured tap solo in the show I thought it would be benefitcial in getting the show interest from the Broadway community. I realize that is not my job but yours, and from the letter you sent I need to realize that is not my concern. Again I am truely sorry and your requests will be taken very seriously.

I see that the link from the Ginger Rogers Fan Club Website to my own website has been terminated, as well as any link to me being involved in the project.
I received the Ginger Rogers Society Newsletter the other day (Thank you Paul) but read no mention of the production.

I must say I am understadably hurt by the letter but, of course, from a business point of view I understand it completly. Having been your choice for Ginger for the past 3 years has been a highlight of my life, and my dream of seeing this project to its fullest potential has been my dream as well as yours. I was devestated when I knew I couldn’t do the Ohio production. Mr.
Martino and I did everything in our power to get me out for those weeks. I am truely sorry if I let any of you down.

I wish you the best of luck with the production and know that I am still very interested in being your Ginger. But as per your request I will deny any involvement your project from now on.

Sincerley,

Meredith Patterson

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2000 18:35:29 EDT
Subject: Happy Easter!
To: RPatt3362@aol.com, MamaRose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
TrichDr@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com, Marie@wwmgmt.com,
Proverbs_16@hotmail.com, william.a.patterson@bankamerica.com,
wpatters@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: AOL 3.0 for Windows 95 sub 76

Hi everyone,

I wish I could call you. But I know that I need more than 15 minutes to truely talk to you.

First, Mom , Dad, and Rob and Jess. I arrived at the theater today to a florist shop! It was beautiful. I really didn’t mean for you to do that. I just wanted a card or a phone call. Unfortunatly I cannot enjoy the roses over the weekend. I am going away with Shonn on a mini-vacation. We are going to a bed and breakfast in Cape May, NJ. On the ocean it will be beautiful! We will take lots of pictures.

Please know that I love each of you dearly, you are my family! I am not angry or resentful. I know things happen. I’m proud of myself for expressing my feelings completly because a lot of times I don’t.

Tell Grandma….she doesn’t have e-mail….that I love her. I will call her and say Happy Birthday!

I will be at The Mainstay Inn in Cape May, NJ. The website is mainstayinn.com. Go check it out!

I’ll be home on Tuesday afternoon. I have a show Tuesday night.

Gotta go its near half-hour! Showtime!

Lots of love, and Happy Easter!

Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Tue, 25 Apr 2000 18:02:08 EDT
Subject: Shonn and Merie in Cape May
To: RPatt3362@aol.com, MamaRose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
TrichDr@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com, Marie@wwmgmt.com,
Proverbs_16@hotmail.com, william.a.patterson@bankamerica.com,
wpatters@wwmgmt.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com, Fionaghal@aol.com,
siouxsann@hotmail.com, CyberSJ@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com
X-Mailer: AOL 3.0 for Windows 95 sub 76

Hello All!

We just got back from Cape May where we spent two days and nights in a beautiful Bed and Breakfast called The Mainstay Inn (check out www.mainstayinn.com). Its a house built in the 1800’s that has been restored and turned into a B&B. We had the time of our lives! It was so relaxing to get away from the city and be among nature. Its right on the Jersey Shore. We did everything. Went on a Trolley tour, Bike Riding, bought a kite and went on the beach and flew it…and crashed it! We went to two wonderful restaurants and had GREAT seafood (…well I did. Shonn tried the lobster tail and didn’t care for it. 🙂 We looked around at this tiny quiet town and admired the tremendous architecture of the 1800’s. We learned about Victorian decor: the gingerbread, Reading, Bulls-eye, and so on. We had Breakfast at 9:00am…yes we both woke up for that! 🙂 And we had High Tea @ 4pm out on the veranda! ( ooo, la la )

It was a wonderful Easter Weekend! I hope yours was equally delightful!

Lots of love,
Merie and Shonn

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2000 09:49:11 EDT
Subject: GOOD NEWS!
To: RPatt3362@aol.com, MamaRose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
TrichDr@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com, Marie@wwmgmt.com,
Proverbs_16@hotmail.com, william.a.patterson@bankamerica.com,
wpatters@wwmgmt.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com, Fionaghal@aol.com,
siouxsann@hotmail.com, CyberSJ@aol.com, monarisa@mindspring.com,
Missytaps@aol.com, MPasekoff@aol.com, Elvekay@aol.com, LTotero@aol.com,
Tapwiley@aol.com, Emik16@aol.com, Drumzopera@aol.com, ANSichNY@aol.com,
Xblueboy@aol.com, BrantWiwi@excite.com, Isettiman@netzero.net,
EddienNYC@aol.com, Hbbergman@aol.com, Hemmytime@aol.com,
Mort@lodelink.com, GRINMEX@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
fogr@medfordnet.com, JBIRDCARD@aol.com, Kennedykeywest@aol.com
X-Mailer: AOL 3.0 for Windows 95 sub 76

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to share my excitement with you….

It was announced yesterday that The Green Bird was nominated by the Outer Critics Award for Best Play! Wish us luck!

…And keep your fingers crossed for The Tony’s

Lots of Love!

Meredith

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Wed, 3 May 2000 00:16:39 EDT
Subject: Hi Family
To: RPatt3362@aol.com, MamaRose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
TrichDr@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com, Marie@wwmgmt.com,
Proverbs_16@hotmail.com, william.a.patterson@bankamerica.com,
wpatters@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: AOL 3.0 for Windows 95 sub 76

Hi all! I just wanted to write a little note, but I started IMing Aunt Gayle and now its late! I miss you and just know that I’m thinking about you all the time. Mom and Dad thank you for the flowers…you don’t have to get me flowers for everything now. I feel bad. Hope your vacation was fun. Lainie: I sent you somethings in the mail that I thought you would want. You can give them to whoever. Rob: Can’t wait to show you around NYC! Know what I’m tawking ’bout? Marie, Michelle, Grams…I miss you guys. Someday I will call each of you and talk. Life gets you caught up doesn’t it?

I have my ticket for the Tony Awards! June 4th….

Love you,
Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 11 Jun 2000 12:46:42 EDT
Subject: Re: Ok, question about the Patterson Family Clan…..
To: MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, djwright@wwmgmt.com,
wpatters@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: AOL 5.0 for Windows sub 106

Yeah ok the kids I would love to have on there. But as far as Marie…I don’t really know first hand what’s going on but it sounds a little skeevy! Not what we should celebrate as part of our family.

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000 14:55:40 EST
Subject: 42nd Street Audition Limbo…
To: djwright@wwmgmt.com, TrichDr@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
BettyG@wwmgmt.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com, hwiley@tc3.net,
Tapwiley@aol.com, Goofymer@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com
X-Mailer: Windows AOL sub 124

Hi!

Many of you have called me wishing me luck. Thank you so much. Sorry I haven’t called back. Here’s why.

Here’s the whole story. The past 4 days have been grueling to say the least.
First, I had 2 shows on Wednesday. I had a 11am audition for Peggy the next morning. I have to get up at 7:30am to warm up and prepare. I audition at 11 and KICK A**…seriously I was so proud of myself. (Side note:The guy who played the stinky “hedgehog” in the Lion King cartoon movie was there auditioning and was cracking me up! His name is Ernie Sabella) I auditioned for about 15 people! They were all behind a table smiling and loving it. I sang Fancy Free (a Fred Astaire Song) and tapped in the middle…then read from the script. I wasn’t even nervous, which is unlike me. The feedback was a immediate callback, they loved me and thought I was absoloutly wonderful (their words). So then I had to do 2 more shows that day after the audition.
I get a call that I have to come in at 9am on Friday for my callback. So I’ve now done 4 shows in 2 days, got up at 7:30 the day before and have to get up at 6:30am on Friday to warm up and be ready for the 9am callback. I’m a little tired to say the least…but I have to suck it up!

The callback is at The New 42nd Street Studios (appropriate for the show!).
So there I am at 9am with the assitant Choreographer learning the tap combinations for the audition. There are only 2 girls expected for the call.
They show up at 9:20 and start going over the routines too. (They had learned them at the other call). So there I am having learned the combos in 20 minutes and doing very well! Then the big decision makers start to scgragle through the door. All three of us girls are tapping. And Randy says, “Are we Ready?” And we’re off! We start tapping one at a time, and guess who’s first?
I get out there and start tappin’ and I’m flying! I don’t miss a sound! And my whole body is engaged. I’m smiling, using my upper body (just like Ginger!) and funny thing…I’m not nervous. Even though I had just learned the routine. I felt so comfortable. I was performing! The window facing the table of 20 people was overlooking 42nd Street. So I’m tapping and looking out at 42nd Street. It was a highlight of my life.

So then they have the other girls tap. And then we all tap together once. All three of us are great tappers, lets face it. This is NYC. The best of the best. So I felt pretty blessed and honored to be in that room.

So then they say, “Lets sing and read'”. I was second to sing and read. So I changed into my street clothes and got ready. This audition is crucial. They are picking Peggy today and of all the girls in NYC, its the three of us.
We’re all nervous to say the least.

So its my turn! They call me in. I have now been up since 6:30, having had practically no sleep the night before from nerves! And I have been tapping straight since 9am. I’m a little tired and at a disadvantage having sung the role of Polly Baker 4 times in 2 days. I go in and the director has me sing “Steppin’ Out With My Baby”. A bright bubbly song. And I start to sing and feel great! Yeah I’m a little tired, but the room has GREAT acoustics (like singing in the bathroom) and I’m bouncing away! There was a point in the song where I could hear the “tired” in me, so that concerned me a little. But I finished and they were all smiles. Then on to the acting…piece of cake! I didn’t even have to look at my script, I knew it all by heart because I just did the show last year. I kicked butt on that. Then I was done. They smiled and said “thank you so much”…which means nothing really except, just thank you!

So I’m walking home on pins and needles! I call my agent and tell him to call me as soon as he has an offer for Peggy (I’m thinking optimistically…:) So I go home to try to sleep a little (that didn’t happen, I layed there staring at the ceiling, reliving my audition in my head. How I could’ve done better, etc.) I get a phone call! I jump at the phone! Its my agent. He says,

“They can’t make a decision. They cut the third girl, she’s out. Its between you and this other girl. They love your innocence, your dancing blew them away, your acting was supurb, they were a little concerned because you sounded tired when you sang.” I was screaming at him! “I just did 4 shows in 2 days! I’m playing Polly Baker! I’ve had 4 hours sleep….” Basically I unfortunatly had the disadvantage of bad timing when it came to these auditions. I know would’ve booked it had I been in top shape.

So now, I feel like I’m a presidential candidate! I’m Gore and this other girl is Bush and their slowly counting the votes, except not in Florida…on 42nd St! So, this is what I’ve been told. They can’t make up their mind. The other girl is currently on Broadway playing Zenita in MUSIC MAN. (Mom, Dad, Lainie, and Rob have seen her perform? We’re always against eachother for everything) She has worked with The Dodger Producers before (They are the producers of MUSIC MAN and 42ND ST) They have had her in their mind for the part since day one. But basically, the entire creative team which consists of Randy Skinner (Choreo.), Mark Bramble (Director), Jay Binder (Casting Director), the Holland Producer (big money man!), and the assistants want me to play Peggy. They don’t believe this other girl has the innocence that Peggy should possess, and doesn’t have the acting chops or tapping chops that I have. The Dodgers (one of the producers) want her. So they are taking the weekend to think it over and I get my decision on Monday or sometime next week. They might have me come in a sing again, because frankly I didn’t give the strongest singing audition. I would LOVE to do that. But who knows if I get another chance. I wish I could have them come out and see CRAZY FOR YOU.
But that isn’t going to happen.

So keep your fingers crossed for me and say many prayers! I could be starring on Broadway very soon. My prayer for this is to already thank god for what I want before I get it. That way the universe will give it to me.

So say this prayer for me this weekend…

“Thank you god for giving Meredith the starring role of Peggy Sawyer in the Broadway revival of 42nd St. Thank you for the Creative team and Producers choosing her for the role and being confident and proud in their desicion.
Thank you for giving Meredith her dream come true!”

Your job is to say that as many times as you can this weekend. Write it down and post it at your desk, on the fridge, have everyone you know say it and believe its already true when you say it…then leave it up to God.

It’s in his hands…

I love you guys…

Any words of support will be cherished! Oh and please pass this on to other family members to read. I don’t have everyone’s address with me. I’m at Shonn’s…I need him around me when I’m like this. 🙂

Peace and Love,

Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Mon, 20 Nov 2000 22:58:54 EST
Subject: 42ND ST Update
To: Hwiley@tc3net.com
CC: Tapwiley@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com, TrichDr@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
MelainePH@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Hemmytime@aol.com,
Dpessis@aol.com, NoahRacey@gateway.com
X-Mailer: Windows AOL sub 124

Hey Everyone, as you now know its between me and another girl for Peggy S. I have been told the producers are coming up to see Crazy For You. I will know before I come home for vacation! Keep your fingers crossed!

Mer

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2000 23:46:16 EST
Subject: 42nd St Update
To: MelainePH@aol.com, TrichDr@aol.com, djwright@wwmgmt.com,
wpatters@wwmgmt.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com
X-Mailer: Windows AOL sub 124

Hey everyone…so here is the latest news. It is now not between me and another girl. They have decided to illiminate her from the picture! Good news for me! I am going back in to work with the newly hired musical director on the score. I will have what they call a “work session” on Tuesday November 28th at 2pm at the casting directors office. There will be no other girls there. Just me. They are deciding if I can handle the show vocally. This is a HUGE decision for them to make being that I am a lead role and I have NEVER really been on Broadway. (If you count 7 weeks in THE GREEN BIRD…but basically I’m a no name) But I believe deep in my heart, as I have all along, that I have the part. There is no one else in the city who can play Peggy!
The role, if you don’t know, is a young blonde girl who moves to the city at 18 years old to be on Broadway. She is a tap dancer and is very innocent and green to the ways of the city. She is nervous and very hopeful with BIG dreams. (Sound like anyone you know?)

Wish me luck and lets hope the next letter you get is a congradulations “I Got It!” letter!

Lots of love,
Merie

From: goofymer@aol.com
Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2000 01:55:44 -0800 (PST)
To: wpatters@wwmgmt.com
Subject: Happy Thanksgiving

goofymer@aol.com has sent you an Egreetings.com(r) flash animation!

To view your card, simply click the following Web address any time over the next three weeks:

http://www.egreetings.com/v/fhw58Sy3uM

Need some help? See below!
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Here are instructions on how to copy and paste: a. With your mouse, highlight the *entire* Web address above b. Select the EDIT menu and choose COPY c. Go to your Web browser and *click inside* the window where you normally type a Web address to visit d. Select the EDIT menu and choose PASTE e. Now hit ENTER on your keyboard to take you to the Web address

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From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Thu, 30 Nov 2000 22:35:47 EST
Subject: 42nd St Update
To: TrichDr@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
wpatters@wwmgmt.com, djwright@wwmgmt.com, MelainePH@aol.com
X-Mailer: Windows AOL sub 124

Hey!

Ok, good news. My feedback is the musical dept is “very encouraged to work with me”. But for some reason the want to get the “ok” from voice teacher to the stars, Joan Lader. So they are paying for me to go to this woman for an hour and have her listen to my voice. There is nothing wrong with my voice they say, they just want her “imput”

Hey…I will be singing the title song of the show for pete sake! They are putting about 10 million dollars into the production. I guess its ok for them to send me to this woman.

I’m going to her on Dec 6th…the day before I leave for CA! So I probably won’t know by the time I get home if I have the freakin’ part! Agh!
But…good news. I’m still in the running…against myself? I’m the only girl they have.

Time to rest my head. I’ll update you when I know anything.

Lots of love,
Mer

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Mon, 4 Dec 2000 16:05:54 EST
Subject: The Mike Ockrent Memorial Donation
To: sophredshoes@yahoo.com, dbergolduci@yahoo.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com,
carranzav@yahoo.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com, kmgillmore@earthlink.net,
Marshall.Jones@thegarden.com, TroyMaG202@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Robbndavid@aol.com, NoahRacey@gateway.net,
JoCoRu@aol.com, JJdkras@aol.com, JenT5678@aol.com, BoyBrady@aol.com,
MWalsh1969@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com,
LeeAWilkins@aol.com
X-Mailer: Unknown sub 171

Hey cast of C4U and others!



I just wanted to write and say how much I appreciate taking part in this
donation for Mike and cancer research and treatment. I am sitting here
counting the cash and checks you gave me over the past week and I am really
overwhelmed. I don’t think proud is the right word at all, but I feel really
wonderful that we all did this.



I know there are some of you who still wanted to write a check for Mike.
Shonn is giving his to me today and I am not mailing the envelope until
tommorrow. But, if you don’t want to go out of your way to bring it to me,
you can make a seperate donation of your own. Visit the website and get all
the info. If you would like Susan to be notified you can put a little note in
the envelope, although your suppossed to have her address for them. They may
have it on file. I do have it but she asked that I not give it out to people
since it is her home. 🙂 You understand. 🙂


Click here: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center


But don’t feel shy to send it a little something on your own. Just to bring
the total up to date, we will be donating $350 dollars….:) You all are the
best!





Lots of love.

Have a great hiatus!

Meredith

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000 14:43:42 EST
Subject: 42ND ST FINAL UPDATE
To: sophredshoes@yahoo.com, JBarber825@aol.com, Barkelew@aol.com,
GRINMEX@aol.com, fogr@spydersearch.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com,
jessejames7513@yahoo.com, IeshaBusse@aol.com, carranzav@yahoo.com,
DidileeS@aol.com, CCurich13@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
NYDEN@aol.com, thedoctor@jeepjazz.com, Hemmytime@aol.com,
kmgillmore@earthlink.net, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
icgreenblatt@ucdavis.edu, laurah_15@yahoo.com,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), DCass444@aol.com,
lainie@cmiprorisk.com (Lainie Huth), Marshall.Jones@thegarden.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, BroadwayMHL@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen), CyberSJ@aol.com,
NoahRacey@gateway.net, MelainePH@aol.com, TrichDr@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, Dpessis@aol.com, Elway79004@aol.com, JoCoRu@aol.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com, HttrMad@aol.com, AndyWeems@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, LeeAWilkins@aol.com,
Johnwill@home.com
X-Mailer: 6.0 sub 171

Hi everyone….



Well I’m back in NYC and back to reality. As you may have guessed this letter
doesn’t start with CONGRADS…cause I didn’t get the part of Peggy Sawyer.
But before you get all upset for me…Let me explain the whole end of the
crazy audition process .



I was flown back to NYC by the producers in the middle of my California
vacation on Dec 13th for a Dec 15th final callback for Peggy. It was back to
deciding between this other girl and I. They needed to hear us sing the title
song, and read key scenes from the show. (I also had a NBC audition for a tv
series that day so I was pretty relaxed (yeah right 🙂  Seriously, I don’t
know why but I felt very sure and confident that I was going to get this
part. I walked in “the room of power” all smiley with Jay Binder acting as my
butler! He insisted on holding my coat and things as I walked in. It was a
great ice breaker after he announced me…I announced him as “My Butler Jay”
🙂 Everyone laughed.



So I sing the title song “42ND ST” first. And I sound wonderful. I couldn’t
believe it….I really felt the gods were in my favor! The room was ringing!
Then I read the scenes with a great reader, and I barely had to look at the
pages…having done the part 100 times. I felt very comfortable. You could
hear a pin drop in the room. All eyes were on me, and it was all smiles. I
finished my audition and left the room with Jay holding my stuff again. 🙂


I know I gave my best audition. That’s all I could’ve done. The other girl,
who is a brunette, was told to dye her hair blonde. So it was down to the
nitty gritty!



I went home and prepared to get back on a plane and go home to CA to finish
my vacation. I got a call that they couldn’t make up there mind between the
two of us. They told the both of us (she was on her way to vacation too) to
go ahead and leave town and relax. They will make their decision. So we did.
I got back on a plane to CA and partied, trying to forget my future that
holds in the balance. Its 4 days of walking on eggsshells….then my agent
calls me. And says “I didn’t want to have to make this call”. I knew…they
offered the part to her. My agent said ” The entire creative team, the
producers, everyone wanted you in the part. But Mark Bramble who is the
director and owns the rights to the book wanted her.” I couldn’t believe it.
But that is the “business” part of Show Business! They said Mark wanted “a
Peggy he was used to”, one that had “an inate icy cold quality”. Something I
don’t possess. So I guess its kind of !
a compliment?



The good part of all of this is that The Dodgers (The Producers) will be
producing many a Broadway Show in the future and the rest of the creative
team will also be working in other shows. So I’m ok….that’s a good thing
that they liked me. 🙂


Well as I always say…the ink isn’t dry on the contracts and we are not
bowing on opening night yet. So who knows what will happen. All I know is I
will be a part of the production and for that I am thankful.  I have been
offered, but not officially:  the understudy, a featured part in the
ensemble, be the first to take over the role on Broadway as well as offered
the part on the national tour. So I’m not at a loss….at all!



So don’t cry, don’t worry, I’m over it. I’ve had my 24hours of anger and hurt
and now I’m moving on. There is much more out there in this world and NYC to
hope for.



Lots of love to you all.

Thank you for all your support with this.

I’ll talk to you soon!



Happy 2001!

 

Meredith

From: goofymer@aol.com
To: wpatters@wwmgmt.com
Subject: Hi Klatt Family!
X-OriginalArrivalTime: 08 Jan 2001 20:33:42.0812 (UTC) FILETIME=[4A8ABDC0:01C079B2]
Date: 8 Jan 2001 12:33:42 -0800

I just got a email about myfamily.com and I love it! Most of you I don’t believe I’ve met before. For those of you I have met, HELLO! I MISS YOU! I’m out here in New York City about to start a new Broadway show. I’m happy and healthy and such. I’d love to hear what’s new with all of you. Wanna see what I look like now? Go to my lil’ website. Lots of love! www.meredithpatterson.com
From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2001 20:03:10 EST
Subject: I’M MOVING UPTOWN
To: Goofymer@aol.com, Yngralph@aol.com, christo@gis.net, C_ALLAN@stblaw.com,
sophredshoes@yahoo.com, JBarber825@aol.com, Barkelew@aol.com,
GRINMEX@aol.com, fogr@spydersearch.com, dbergolduci@yahoo.com,
DNBrannon@aol.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com, jessejames7513@yahoo.com,
IeshaBusse@aol.com, carranzav@yahoo.com, CCurich13@aol.com,
DidileeS@aol.com, Parwood1@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
ron@rondestefano.com, NYDEN@aol.com, Edgie212@aol.com, Emik16@aol.com,
thedoctor@jeepjazz.com, Hemmytime@aol.com, FreemanNYC@aol.com,
kmgillmore@earthlink.net, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
icgreenblatt@ucdavis.edu, laurah_15@yahoo.com, evesfolks@netzero.net,
DCass444@aol.com, nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy),
lainie@cmiprorisk.com (Lainie Huth), KJack36293@aol.com,
Marshall.Jones@thegarden.com, Mattlacey@aol.com, lainie@cmiprorisk.com,
BroadwayMHL@aol.com, TroyMaG202@aol.com, FilmBitch@yahoo.com,
Maxwelljan@aol.com, Robbndavid@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen), CyberSJ@aol.com,
NoahRacey@gateway.net, rjolden@cyberg8t.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, TrichDr@aol.com, Dpessis@aol.com, JoCoRu@aol.com,
NEWROM@aol.com, JJdkras@aol.com, Nyspanky@aol.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com, gmstorace@hotmail.com, THOR1847@aol.com,
JenT5678@aol.com, HttrMad@aol.com, BoyBrady@aol.com,
MWalsh1969@aol.com, AndyWeems@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
Tapwiley@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com, LeeAWilkins@aol.com,
nyjeff@earthlink.net, Johnwill@home.com, Brantwiwi@excite.com,
Wootyman@aol.com, wright3@2xtreme.net (Tom Wright)
X-Mailer: 6.0 sub 171

Hey All!



My new info for your lil’ black books, or dare I say…Palm Pilots is:


802 West 190th Street

Apt 3B

NYC 10040



212-923-0850



Got it! Great!

Now, I’m NOT that far away. So you can still visit. 🙂
Just take the “A” Train (like the song).



Lots of Love,

Meredith

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2001 17:02:42 EST
Subject: Hi Family
To: Wpatters@wwmgmt.com, djwright@wwmgmt.com, TrichDr@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com
X-Mailer: AOL 4.0 for Windows 95 sub 104

I just felt like writing a lil’ note to you all, telling you what’s going on with me this week.

Whew! Well as you all know I am moving. That is going to be the best thing I’ve ever done. So far the stress in my life has diminished by half! Shonn and Jeff are great to live with, and the place is huge. We just got cable yesterday and its so cool. But, we didn’t get the digital kind….that’s after we make the Broadway bucks!
Aside from moving out of “Greta Hell”, I have been finishing up the last weeks of Crazy For You. Its been fun, but I have to admit Shonn and I have been a little bored with the show at times. (Its only been a 4 month run! It makes that woman who did CATS for 17years look like a MAJOR FREAK! ) But you know after the holidays, things kinda wind down. Some of Shonn’s family (Aunt June and Uncle Bob Tracy) are coming up from Maine to see the show! That will be fun. We do have sold out houses for the rest of the run. Lets just hope they aren’t all blue hairs who sleep. 🙂

I know some of you have heard the Peggy part is still up for grabs. They had auditions again Monday morning (“ah what the heck…they aren’t going to find anyone”, I thought) And sure enough, they didn’t. I’m just letting the craziness run its course. As I thought, they have come back to me. Mark Bramble wants to meet with me privately to “get to know me better, and bond”.
He is also coming up to see the show tommorrow ,Thurs. night….FINALLY! I believe its in the bag. But the ink isn’t dry and I’m not bowing on opening night….yet. 🙂

All of this makes me a little nervous because I woke up this morning at about 6am with a horrible sinus headache. My whole right nostril was STUFFED up like a thanksgiving turkey, I couldn’t breathe. So…I’ve been cooped up all day with Shonn taking care of me. My nose finally cleared up, I’ve been taking Tylenol Cold and Sinus….Oh boy. Thank god it hasn’t effected my throat or chest. I’m not coughing. So I believe with the proper drugs 🙂 I’ll be just fine tommorrow. Plus, Mom and Dad you know me, once the adrenaline kicks in….I’m sunshine and roses!

On to some better news….did I mention I’m moving? 🙂 I LOVE it! Oh! Also, I’m getting new digital headshots from photographer Ron Rinaldi (www.ronrinaldi.com) next week. Thats’ very exciting. And I finished my second song with my producer Shane. Remember “Make A Move”? This time….its done and wonderful! I played it for Shonn and Jeff last week in the apt and they were dancing around. 🙂 I will send you a CD dad and you can put it on the website for everyone to download.

While I was writing this I got a phone call from my agent saying Mark Bramble is sick and can’t make it to the show but wants to reschedule…..I guess everyone is sick. 🙂 That’s good though. I’ll be in top form for when he comes back. Now my agent (who is paranoid) said this is not about him changing his mind about me for the role of Peggy, he is just sick and has been cancelling everything.

Well, that’s a pretty good update on what’s happening with me. I want to really try to do this every week. Shonn’s Mom Beth writes us every Sunday and I love it! I’d like to do the same.

All my love to you,

Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 11 Feb 2001 20:44:59 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: Barkelew@aol.com, fogr@spydersearch.com, GRINMEX@aol.com,
jessejames7513@yahoo.com, DidileeS@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
Emik16@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
icgreenblatt@ucdavis.edu, laurah_15@yahoo.com, kittygirl@hawaii.rr.com,
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lainie@cmiprorisk.com (Lainie Huth), KJack36293@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
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SGlamourGirl@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Tapwiley@aol.com,
Brantwiwi@excite.com, Johnwill@home.com,
wright3@2xtreme.net (Tom Wright)
X-Mailer: 6.0 sub 10501

Hi everyone,


I’m trying to send out a weekly lil’ note to you all. Since some of you I
barely get a chance to talk to, and most of you I never see. That’s what
happens when you live 3,000 miles away from family. 🙂


Well…last night I performed my last time as Polly Baker in Crazy For You
(for now anyway….) I was very sad, but relieved and ready to move on to
bigger and brighter things, Broadway!



I know some of you are sad for me that I wasn’t cast in the role of Peggy.

But honestly, I eat whatever life dishes out (weird description…sorry)  And
I may find out later why life took this turn. But, I am so excited to be
starting my first Broadway musical, and I am so proud to be cast in 2
Broadway shows in one year! That is pretty damn good. So keep your tears
bottled up, no need for them.  


So… Crazy For You is closed. The run was wonderful. I am so fortunate to
have worked opposite Shonn. What a blessing that was. And now, I start
rehearsals for 42ND ST…. tommorrow! Yes, tommorrow.  No rest for the weary.

I have a alot of work coming up but it will be worth it. I know I will be a
“niftie” in the ballet and I will be wigged blonde ….and some of the
outfits are very skimpy! Fun! Hey I’m only going to be 20 once…..oh, I
forgot, I mean 21. 🙂 Ha Ha.



So today is my only day off. Shonn starts on Thursday. There are 26 women,
and 14 men, plus the Principals in the show. Wow! It will be the biggest cast
on Broadway. If you want to go check out www.42ndstthemusical.com.



On a personal note. I am all moved in to the new apt. 802 West 190th St. Its
large and homey. I feel like I’m living and not surviving….my midtown place
was tiny and Greta was terrible.  So my things are getting situated. I need a
desk and bookshelves, but all in good time. I’m not much into “stuff” anyway.



Valentine’s Day is coming up! Shonn and I are going to a great restaurant and
having some wine and relaxing together. Since I will be rehearsing and he
will be nervous about starting rehearsal the next day, we aren’t doing much.

But its going to be our 2nd V day together. Friday was our
1yr-and-7month -versary! Wow! Who could ask for anything more? (cheesy…:)


Today I made some Sun Dried Tomato Pasta and Chicken with Garlic Bread for
Shonn and I. I felt like a little cook! Hey Mom, see there is hope for the
girl who couldn’t boil water. 🙂


I’ve been hearing from some old College Park friends lately. That’s made me
very happy and nostalgic. Next year will be my 10 year reunion. Wow how time
flies.



I have been sitting here and thinking about when I will get back to
California to visit. I hope soon. We open the show April 4th. Press opening
is May 2nd. I miss everyone so much…..



Oh! More good news. Paramount’s COMPANY MAN is due to be released Feb 23rd.

Check out the blurb in Entertainment Weekly. 🙂 I guess it will really be in
theaters this time. 🙂



Ok…gotta go. I hope I remember to do this every Sunday. I think its a good
idea.



Love you all lots!

Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 18 Feb 2001 11:36:53 EST
Subject: The Sunday Update
To: sophredshoes@yahoo.com, Barkelew@aol.com, GRINMEX@aol.com,
fogr@spydersearch.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com, icgreenblatt@ucdavis.edu,
laurah_15@yahoo.com, nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy),
lainie@cmiprorisk.com (Lainie Huth), Mamarose2000@yahoo.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen), MelainePH@aol.com,
TrichDr@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, SGlamourGirl@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, Brantwiwi@excite.com,
Johnwill@home.com, wright3@2xtreme.net (Tom Wright)
X-Mailer: 6.0 sub 10501

Hi Everyone,


Well…..this week I started rehearsals for 42nd St. Monday morning,
10am….or so I thought. Living so far uptown I have to leave a little
earlier. I got there at exactly 10…and no one was there! The stage manager
comes strolling in a few minutes later and says, “Wow your early. The call
wasn’t until 11.” So….better early than late.  


So I met some of the girls at 11. Its only the principals and
understudy’s….we meet the full company of 65 people on Monday! Wow! We will
be rehearsing at Radio City….but now we are downtown at 890 B’way.



We started learning heavy tap numbers and hoofing our little toes off first
thing. Some of the girls got blisters and spent the next 5 days in tennis
shoes. (I am proud to say I wasn’t one of those girls…:) The guys came to
rehearsals on Thursday…so it was nice to have Shonn there with me. There
are only 12 guys….and there will be 24 girls. So they have a handful. We
learned a new number for the show called “Plenty Of Money and You”. Its a
flashy tap number for Peggy. Its going to be a lot of fun to do…when I get
to do it. I did get to get up with the boys and go through it in my shoes.

And I got a lot of compliments about how fast and clean my feet are. That’s
always nice.



I have to admit I have been a little down. I am learning to let go of the
part. Its hard when your dream is staring you in the face. I don’t know if it
would be easier had I not taken the job. I have done a lot of thinking and I
am happy and proud of myself for a lot of other things….this is only one
show in a line of many. And she is leaving in late July….so I could be
starring on Broadway by the end of the year…nothing wrong with that!



I’ve been pretty consumed by life lately. I haven’t called or talked to
anyone this week. I’m really happy living uptown. Its quiet and I feel like
I’m in a “real home”. I wake up to sunshine…and not a brick wall with siren
sounds bouncing off the walls!



I’ve had my moments of missing everyone back home. I do that every so often.

But more often than not. I don’t know when I’ll get back home again. This
show is going to bind me to NYC for awhile. Opening night is May 2nd or
4th….we don’t know yet. But I would love for anyone to come out and see me
and Shonn in the show. Even if I don’t go on for Peggy. I would love for you
to see me in the show. We have a big place here, and 2 couches, and a
inflatable mattress…that Lainie has slept on and swears is comfortable
right!? 🙂 So don’t be shy if you want to take a weekend trip to NYC, see me
and a pretty good Broadway show….you are welcome.



So what else? Shonn and I went on a real “date”, last night. We haven’t done
that in awhile. He asked me out and we went for coffee and biscotti (I had
that, he had a beer!) and then went to see the movie “The Gift”. Kate
Blanchett is one of my favorite actresses. I LOVED her in this movie. Its
great. Katie Holmes was in it too, and I’ve been told when she was in theater
in Toledo, Ohio I guess she had a crush on Shonn? (Beth you can correct me on
this? I’m not sure the story.) Anyway, he thinks she’s ugly. I think he’s
saying that for me. I think she’s pretty. Well, we both agreed she was
totally miscast in this movie. She is 20 years old and is playing Greg
Kinnears fiancee. He’s gotta be pushing 40! I love him, but come on.

Hollywood makes me laugh sometimes….you would never see Susan Sarandon with
a 20 year old boy…..like Ryan Phillippe? Ha Ha! But Katie plays a
bitch….she shows her boobies too! Whoops! We both thought she looked
ridiculous acting next to Kate Blanchett. My point of all this rambling is
that you should go see this film….but only for Kate Blanchett’s
performance. If you don’t know who she is. Rent “Elizabeth” it was made a
couple years ago. She was nominated for an Oscar (and should’ve won! Gywenth
won…whatever). Then after seeing her in “Elizabeth”…go Rent “Pushing
Tin”….then go see “The Gift”.  You will not recognize this woman from
picture to picture. That’s why we love her!



Ok, Ok. Enough about that…..we had a great date. But, we had a great
Valentine’s Day. I can’t believe I’ve waited this long to tell you. (Some of
you have deleted this letter by now I’m sure!)  Shonn and I went out to a
sweet little restaurant up here after rehearsal.  We got all dressed up, and
Shonn was acting a little strange. Very jumpy. We got to the restaurant and
had some wine. He told me he was going to give me my present at dinner. So I
asked, “where is it? Give it up!” 🙂 He pulled out a small package and got
all teary eyed. So I got all teary eyed. I opened the box and inside was a
gold ring with 3 diamonds and a blue topaz in the center. He said,” Its a
promise ring for someday.” He said more than that and I put it on my right
hand ring finger (cause that’s where I decided it should go) and its been
there ever since.  I’m very much in love, but we are still very young and
both aren’y ready to rush into things. But we love eachother.



So…… one that note I will sign off. I miss my family (and my friends whom
I never see!) Take Care. Hope you have a great week. I hope to talk to you
all soon.



Lots of love,

Meredith

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 25 Feb 2001 13:14:08 EST
Subject: SUNDAY LETTER
To: sophredshoes@yahoo.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com, Barkelew@aol.com,
GRINMEX@aol.com, fogr@spydersearch.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com,
carranzav@yahoo.com, arlincary@earthlink.net, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
Margo2513@aol.com, djphish@earthlink.net, icgreenblatt@ucdavis.edu,
laurah_15@yahoo.com, kittygirl@hawaii.rr.com,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), DCass444@aol.com, Mattlacey@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
NoahRacey@gateway.net, MelainePH@aol.com, TrichDr@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, Dpessis@aol.com, SGlamourGirl@aol.com,
HttrMad@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Tapwiley@aol.com,
LeeAWilkins@aol.com, nyjeff@earthlink.net, Johnwill@home.com,
Goofymer@aol.com
X-Mailer: 6.0 sub 10501

Hey all….



Well….this week was a hard week to say the least. I started the week
meeting the entire cast of 42…and boy are there a lot of us! There are 24
girls and 12 men in the ensemble and 12 principals…as well as the stage
managers, designers, producers, director, choreographer, and all! We had our
“hello  and welcome” meeting Monday morning at 10am. They had the typicle
food spread…but come on! This is Broadway, people! It wasn’t just bagels
and coffee…it was cheese spreads, crackers, fruit (melon slices! Yum!),
juice, flavored creams…la la la! I was excpecting them to shell out the
caviar and mamosa’s…but that didn’t happen. 🙁


    After introducing eachother we all sat down and looked at a minature
diagram of the set. Its HUGE! The Ford Center is actually 2 old Broadway
theaters pushed together. So the stage is 50 feet wide and 50 feet deep.  
There is a giant staircase that is going to be tapped on in the
finale….they say it will be a spectacle (like the “chandalier” and the
“helicopter”…yuk yuk!) So we’ll see. Its all very exciting. We watched a
little of the movie STAGE DOOR (one of my favorites) to get an idea of the
style of the show. And then we sang for the remainder of the day.

    

    The rest of the week was spent over @ Radio City Music Hall. Where we
are now rehearsing. Its like a maze. Unfortunatly lots of the ensemble had
colds when they came to work….and Radio City is all recycled air…so guess
who got a cold? Me! Its terrible. Thank god I feel ok…its just sneezing and
runny nose (too much info I know….). I’ll be ok.



    So spending 5 hours a day everyday in Radio City rehearsing. I’m pretty
secluded. Thank God Shonn is in the show with me. I’d never see him
otherwise. 🙂 We are both having fun with the show. But we are both not sure
about the show’s success as of yet. But we’re keeping our spirits up that it
will be a long and successful run.



    Today is laundry, clean, and veg out day! Some of the cast and Shonn and
I went to Arriba Arriba last night to “wind down”. Gotta do that every once
in a while to relax. I’m happy living up here in Washington Heights. Its very
quiet. I get a chance to play my music on my keyboard when I get home from
work. We have it set up in what I call the “home studio corner”. Thank you
dad for making me some CD’s….I’ve got some hopefuls already.

    

    We have 3 or 4 more weeks at Radio City (I believe) and then we move
into TECH! That is always hell. This show is going to be a  technical
nightmare. So if you want to send me any books that you recommend I read….I
would appreciate it. 🙂

    Sorry….not much else to tell. My fish “Wanda” is still alive and
kicking. That’s good….I know some of you want to hear the dirt on the
understudying situation…but, I’d rather not talk about it. I am happy being
on Broadway and no matter what I am in the show, I’m damn lucky to be there.

Its hard for anyone to stand in the back. I’m not going to lie about that.

But I’m doing what I love, making great money, and working with the love of
my life….who could ask for anything more? I wish I had more “love” coming
from one in the cast but I know not everyone is going to like me….that’s
life, right?



Let me know what’s up with your life and such……I hope all is well.

Goodbye to another week in NYC…



Take Care.

Lots of Love,

Meredith

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 4 Mar 2001 16:21:23 EST
Subject: Sunday Update!
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
TrichDr@aol.com, Razorrose@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
wright3@2xtreme.net (Tom Wright), nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy)
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10501

(Mom…please print this out for Grandma B…she doesn’t have a computer!)


Hello!



Well…another week has flown by! Its crazy! Getting up at 7:30, putting on
the coffee, taking a shower, having some oatmeal and waffles (gotta eat a
lot! Energy! ) and catching the A Train with Shonn at 9:00 to get to Columbus
Circle and then transfer to the B or D Train to Radio City Music Hall. Whew!

Then…. ending the day at 6pm and jamming myself on the train with the
commuters…feeling sticky and smelly after dancing all day.

Oh! Shonn and I have a MAJOR peeve this week. We dance all day long and most
of these business men have been sitting at a desk all day. We get on the
train and there isn’t a seat to be had! We get so angry. Shonn and I ask
eachother, “Do they know we’ve been dancing all day….me in heels? Tapping
the nails out of the floor?” One day I had been in tap shoes AND Pointe shoes
(yes, I’m doing Pointe in the show) It was hard to not scream at some of the
people to get up and give me a seat! Ugh…..:)  


But aside from all that we have been having fun rehearsing the show. We are
practically done with blocking and choreographing the show. We have PRESS DAY
coming up on Wednesday. There will be 60-80 people of the Press ( from all
over the country) there. We will be doing a few numbers from the show in nice
rehearsal clothes. I don’t know when it will be televised or if it
will….but I’ll tell you when I do.



Suprisingly, I have a lot to do in the show. Aside from covering Peggy….I
have a small part in a Regency scene. Just guess who I play? A dumb blonde
with big boobs (they are padding me to be HUGE!) These are new lines that
were not in the original production. I say, “Mr. Barry? Do you think I’ll
ever be a star?” (I’m sticking my chest out) and he says, “If you can make
those sing you will be!” It should get a huge laugh.



I don’t know if I told everyone. We were all given homework our first day of
rehearsals. We were to talk to someone from our family who remembers the
depression. (The show takes place in 1933.) So I called Grammy Irene and
talked to her about what she remembered. It was really cool! I talked to her
for 15 minutes and she said, “Oh this is gonna cost a fortune. We had better
stop talking now.” I had to keep her on the phone! She is so concerned about
money all the time. I ended up talking to her for a half and hour. It was
great! I LOVE talking to her anyway. I asked her what she remembered and she
told me things I never knew about Grams. I thought it was funny, being my
Grandma and all that I didn’t know how she lived when she was growing up. I
thought I’d share what she told me. Its very enlightning.



She was born in 1918 and lived in Manamonee, Michigan in the northern region.

( I’m not sure how to spell that city). The crash in ’29 didn’t really effect
her because they were so poor already. But her Dad, my great grandfather lost
his job working for a sheet metal company. So her mother and sister and
brothers worked to pay off bills. Evie worked at the hospital along with her
mother doing laundry to pay off the medical bills. Her mother also did
housework around the neighborhood for money. Her brothers worked at the Water
Company to pay off the water bill. Grandma was about 15 in 1933 and was just
starting the 9th grade. She babysat for money. And she said she would sit for
about 6 hours and get 35 cents! Crazy! But one of the family’s she babysat
for had a father who ran the projector at a local movie house. Grandma said
that was her favorite thing to do was to go to tht emovies. And when she was
babysitting these kids, they’re father would let them all in for free. It
normally cost 10 cents….so that was very generous. She also said she didn’t
wear shoes much when she was a kid, the ones she did wear didn’t fit and her
toes were cramped. She didn’t have nice clothes and didn’t go to school
dances because she was not only very shy, but didn’t have a dress to wear.

Mom said Grandma borrowed a friends dress for her  high school
graduation….and grams said she accidentally ripped it when she got up for
her diploma! (She laughed when she recalled this memory…you know that cute
inaudible Grandma laugh she has!) For food, Grandma’s mother would can
everything. They would buy fruit, and tomatoes for cheap and can it. Her dad
would hunt deer and her mom would can the meat! The first hamburger grandma
ever had was deer. She said, “it tasted a little too wild for me.” I wouldn’t
want to know how THAT tastes. Although I’ve had bear meat…and its gross!



One thing that made me sad, I don’t know why, but Grandma said she was
working for the phone company in 1937 (that would make her about 19 years
old) Some of her collegues took her to a restaurant after work one evening.

Grandma had never been to a restaurant before! She didn’t tell anybody of
course, she just watched what they did and played along. But she said it was
the first time she had ever been inside a restaurant. It made me sit back and
think about how lucky I am.



Well….that’s my week. So much more happened. I made homemade spaghetti
sauce, and did my laundry. I paid some bills…and got another Broadway check
(so nice!). Oh! There is a HUGE winter storm approaching the East Coast so
watch for it on the news. There is suppossed to be 18 inches of snow by
Tuesday morning! Agh! Too much for this Sunshine girl…..I miss Cali. 🙁   


Take care everyone. I love you and miss you terribly.



Lots of Love

Your Munchkin,

Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2001 18:59:42 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
TrichDr@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com,
Margo2513@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
wright3@2xtreme.net (Tom Wright), nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy)
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10501

Hi everyone!



Whew…..this letter is getting out a little late for me (its almost 7pm
here) because Shonn and I drove out to New Jersey this morning to get our
taxes filed. Man! No rest for the weary. My lovely Zen clock that Michelle
got me rang its soothing tibetan chimes at 8:30am! Ugh! After a week of
pounding the floor in tap shoes with 35 other dancers and singing “Come On
Along and listen to the Lullaby of Broadway!” at the top of your
lungs…..all you wanna do on Sunday is sleep. But alas…..welsome to the
real world (I’m quoting Beth Wiley!)


So we got the taxes done by this wonderful lady who lives in the suburbs of
Jersey. It was nice to get away from the city and see green grass for a
change. She had this wonderful Greyhound dog named GINGER. (Not Rogers…:)
She rescued the dog from being killed after it lost too many races. It was
beautiful and so friendly. Not an ounce of fat on those dogs! She said its
genetic. Oh to be a greyhound……..



I have never filed my taxes by myself. Dad….I’ve always left the burden up
to you. But…I figured, I’m 25 now. I better get with it. So I went first
and she went through everything and said I did a great job keeping track of
my expenses. (GINGER agreed) The best part is the end…..when I find out how
much I will get back! I will get $4500 back from State and Federal! Fierce
huh? See its not so bad to be a actress. You can right off a lot.:)


So that was great. We left the burbs and had lunch at Applebees in Elmsford.

We took the car to SAMS CLUB to do some “bulk” shopping. See, we go into the
theater tommorrow to start Tech Rehearsal. And though its exciting and
everything. The days are going to be LONG. 🙂 We start at 2pm and go until
10:30pm. This schedule goes on for 2 weeks. Its all glamour! We have a hour
and a half for dinner which is nice.

So, basically for the next two weeks, I won’t know if the sun is out, whether
the world has ended, or if WWIII has been declared….because I will be in
The Ford Center for the Performing Arts in la la tap dance land!



But…. I’ll get paid for it……..



So Shonn and I got back from SAMS CLUB. We bought an air conditioner for the
summer months. (We don’t mess around!) And we bought a ton of food and those
great Swifters! Wet and Dry they are the best invention!



So tonight I am probably going to take a lavender salt bath….my favorite
thing. And veg out!



Hope your weeks are as “eventful” as mine has been. (not so much…..)


If anyone would like to see some new pictures from rehearsals  they are on
their website. www.42ndstreetthemusical.com


Love you!

Meredith

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 25 Mar 2001 15:33:40 EST
Subject: Its Sunday
To: RPatt3362@aol.com, TrichDr@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
wright3@2xtreme.net (Tom Wright), SGlamourGirl@aol.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10519

Hi everyone,


This week was the start of a lot of excitement and patience. We entered the
theater on Monday afternoon. It was thrilling to walk out onto the Ford
Center Theater (which is actually the old Apollo and Lyric Theater pushed
together) it spans the half the length of 42nd St. the stage door is on 43rd
and the entrance is on 42nd. The theater runs East and West along the street.

We walked to the theater from the 42nd st subway and saw our huge banner ad!

It is at least 30 feet long ! It is all the chorus girls with their hands
around there faces and it reads 42nd St “For the people who love Broadway
Musicals”. the only sad part about the ad is that they used models for the
girls…so there are no actual cast members on the billboard. See…what the
business is about is saving money. Models don’t have a union so they just get
paid a flat fee of $100 or so and sign a waiver and the company can use there
image for as long as they want! Sucks for us…and them…but not for the
producers. 🙂



Anyway….we went into the theater and started tech rehearsals. Its a very
slow process. In the first 2 days we got through 15 minutes of the show. (the
show in total is 2 hours and 15 minutes). By Saturday we had only got to the
number “We’re in the Money” which is a huge production number…in the first
Act. So we are a little behind. We open for the public in 12 days. So
everyone is a little nervous. But as they say…the show must go on. And
after spending about 12 million on the production. I guarentee it will!



As far as me. I’m very sad. Personally I am not. I am very happy, Shonn and I
are wonderful. And even though we spend 24 hrs together with the show…we
give eachother space. The reason I’m sad is because I have no one coming to
see me open the show. No family or friends from back home. I realize its far.

I know you have business to attend to. And I would never say this for pity. I
just am very sad. I always though that when I opened on Broadway my family
and friends would be cheering me on from the front row. People who were there
driving me to dance classes, and helping me every step of the way. I guess I
expect too much. It makes me sad, but I can deal with not having you all at
my Broadway opening. The part that makes me the saddest is the fact that I
know it would be true if I had won the part of Peggy. I believe it would be
true. I know its not meant to be cruel when you ask me how Kate is, but it
is. I know if I was starring as the part I would have my parents at my
opening and I would be able to show you off at the party. And you would be
proud of me. I know you are proud…but I also know you are disappointed.

Maybe not in me, but for me. And that hurts the most. Because my life is not
about that. I have accepted the fact that I will do the part later. The
business is like that. Things don’t always fall into place. But I am
extremely lucky to be on Broadway. And I am lucky to have a family who loves
me and is proud of me. But unfortunalty lately I don’t feel the latter. I am
writing these letters to get closer to you. I talk to you on the phone to
talk to you…not to talk about how Kate is…..or when I will be going on as
Peggy….or have to hear that you will come see the show when I’m the part.

I’m not saying all this to air out my dirty laundry the easy way….but I am
saying this to have you hear me. I get too emotional when I’m on the phone. I
can’t contain my crying sometimes. I guess because I miss you all so much.

And sometimes I feel very alone out here. I do have great friends and other
people who love me and care about me. But you are my family. You always will
be. No one else can be that to me.

That’s all I have to say about that. I’m sorry if I babbled.



Shonn and I are going to see “The Producers” on B’way tonight. Its Susan
Stroman’s new show with Matthew Broderick. It should be wonderful. We won’t
be able to see many shows this season after we open. We will all be on the
same schedule.



The week has been long and tedious. I am a little tired. Maybe my emotions
are heightened because the opening is approaching and its full of stress for
the whole cast. I guess the more money they spend, the more pressure.



I love you. I will talk to you soon.



Your munchkin,

Meredith

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Mon, 2 Apr 2001 11:07:59 EDT
Subject: Sunday Monday Letter
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
TrichDr@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com,
Margo2513@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
wright3@2xtreme.net (Tom Wright), nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy)
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10519

Oh my God…..I have not seen the light of day in the past week. We don’t
have a day off until after we start our Previews. So you could say I’m a
little frazzled. Hence the reason for no Sunday letter yesterday. But here’s
my week in brief:

Wake up at 10, leave at 12, be at rehearsal at 1, leave rehearsal at 11:45pm.

Get home at 12:30. Can’t sleep until 2am. Wake up the next morning and do it
all over again.



Ugh



Here’s the deal for Opening night and tickets…..Lain, the opening night
tickets to the show and party are taken care of. The tickets to Friday night
are on order. I ordered 6. They are $91.50 each. I will let you know the
details but don’t worry…..its going to work out. You will have great seats.

I have to talk to the company manager or house manager about where the seats
will be. I hope to get GREAT ones! I’m sure I will.



No worries. I have to go my hair is wet and I have no idea if I have paid my
bills! Priorites….:)





Love you all so much….

Meredith

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2001 11:24:02 EDT
Subject: First Preiview was last night!
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
TrichDr@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com,
Margo2513@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
wright3@2xtreme.net (Tom Wright), nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy)
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10519

I don’t have much time to explain it all in detail…but WOW! The curtian
went up on the opening number with all of us tapping and the audience went
wild! It was the most amazing feeling in the world. And to have Shonn right
next to me….it was all too much!



I can’t wait to have you here.



Love you

Meredith

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Apr 2001 14:53:32 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, TrichDr@aol.com,
MelainePH@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
GRINMEX@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), GHindes@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10519

Hello!


Wow…what a week of exhaustion and excitement. Truely….this week has been
the longest of my life. It started with me forgetting to do my last week
letter….due to the fact that I didn’t know what day it was!? Sunday Monday
Thursday? The days are blending together.

Every day for the past two weeks has been:
1pm be at the theater

5-7pm eat dinner

7pm call for show/or tech

11:45pm RUSH to catch the A express train up to 190th Street!

2am…finally wind down from the show and sleep.

Next day wake up at 11…. start all over again.

This is the first day off Shonn and I have had in 2 weeks. Ugh. But let me
tell you…..when we had our first audience on April 4th….it was all worth
it! The curtain went up to just show our feet from the knees down ( kinda
like “Happy Feet” when I was 3! Funny!) and the crowd went wild.
Then the cutain went all the way up and there I am, dancing in the front row
with Shonn next to me looking out at 3 tiers of 1800 people shouting,
whistling, and whooping throughout the whole opening number! What a rush!

There we were 50 tapping feet making this thunderous sound on the stage and
thousands of hands making thunderous applause! And that’s how the whole show
was!

Laughter and applause.

We have done 4 Previews so far and the word on the street is we have the Tony
for Best Revival in the bag! I hate to say this but FOLLIES (who was our Tony
competition for Best revival) opened last week and got horrible, scathing
reviews……I have friends in the show but….part of me is cheering on the
inside because of what they did to our production 3 years ago. Infact the New
York Times said, and I quote, “The luster and thrill of the Papermill
Production a few years ago has all but vanished in this new B’way revival.”
And that was a nice sentence…..



Ouch!



Anyway….Its pretty much been told to us that we get to perform on the Tony
Awards this year. So you will all get to see part of the show. Even if its
not live….Yippee!



Oh….my body is sore and tired. My voice is tired. My head is tired.

Everything is tired. Today Shonn and I went to brunch with some friends we
haven’t seen in awhile. And it was almost too much just to socialize! I feel
like the life we have revolves around the number 4 and 2…and the only shoes
my feet are used to wearing are tap shoes. But! Oh Lois! You will be so proud
of me. I’m wearing pointe shoes in the show. I am dressed as a silly poppy
while I’m dancing in them, but…. I’m using all that training you gave me to
the fullest! 🙂



So….I hear Michelle has bronchitis…..please get better sister! Rob had a
date with a nice woman Cheryl…..did everyone see the picture he sent out?

She’s pretty! Lainie has lots going on……that’s all I’ll say. AGH!!! Mom
is crocheing (spelling?) me a blanket since the other one I had was stolen
out of my laundry room! (I hope some homeless person is warm…..) Dad is
working way too hard at Medepass and busy planning the trip out here with the
whole fam! I am SO EXCITED! You guys won’t believe your tickets I got for
Friday! A111-112 and B 112,113,114,115! Its 4th and 5th row Orchrstra center
section! You are going to feel the sweat from our brows!:)


Shonn and I have been doing great. We are both tired and get a little
frustrated and have been fighting over stupid small things sometimes. But
that’s normal. We always make up and laugh about how silly we are. Why sweat
the small stuff? Or even the big stuff? I didn’t tell you guys last week, but
my wallet was stolen on the subway. Its funny, I didn’t even know it. For all
I know I could’ve lost it. (I am blonde ya know!) I went to pay for my
massage….and I didn’t have it. I cancelled all my cards, I had my ID and no
cash in the wallet. So it wasn’t bad. Nothing was charged on the cards except
$93.00 worth of Metro cards for the Subway!? Wha? I mean if you find a wallet
and are a true criminal you could charge thousands! 🙂 Thank god they weren’t
that smart. So I of course don’t have to pay for the $93.00. I got my cards
replaced and have yet to buy a new wallet. But its funny….I didn’t even
stress about it. I just had Shonn pay for everything for the next
week…..which wasn’t so bad…for me. 🙂


Well. Shonn and I are going to see the new B’way musical TOM SAWYER tonight.

I’m not thrilled about hick musicals…but its free. So I can’t complain. 🙂
I hope its good.



Lots of love to everyone. Write back as to what’s up with your lives and all.



Have a great week!   

Meredith

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 15 Apr 2001 12:44:18 EDT
Subject: Easter Sunday Letter
To: Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, SGlamourGirl@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, TrichDr@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com, GRINMEX@aol.com,
wpatters@wwmgmt.com, mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), GHindes@aol.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10519

Happy Easter everyone!

I hope everyone woke up and said  
“Thank you Easter Bunny! Bock Bock!”

I sure did!



This entire week has been in anticipation of this day. It is sunny and bright
outside today. Spring has sprung! I think I can finally go to Fort Tryon Park
up the street and see the Cloister Castles. We live so far up on the island
there are things up here no one has any idea about. Its the highest point of
the island so we have a great view of the Hudson. Back when Rockefeller lived
in one of the Cloister Castles he wanted to ensure that he always had a
pleasant view across the water so…..he bought the land on the other side of
the the Hudson in NJ (its now called the Palisades) and it has been regulated
so only homes can be built without damaging the vegetation. (Oh! To have that
much money…..Its good to be the king!)


Anyway this week had its good days and its bad. I went back to work on Monday
wondering where my day off had gone? It was so suffocated with laundry and
cleaning that I forgot it was my day of rest? So when it came my time to rest
…I had to go back to work. (Sounds like the things they should teach you in
high school to prepare you for real life!)


I had a great week actually. A lot of great things happened. Work was pretty
much the same. Although I had a scare…..Kate was dancing by these big
stairs that have little lights all over them….well she wasn’t paying
attention and she kicked and broke a light bulb. She was wearing shoes with
no socks and I thought she cut her heel! Thank god she didn’t. I’m ready to
go on, but I didn’t want the bad karma queen to say I asked for
that. She thankfully was ok and didn’t cut herself.



Whew….



Since we practically live at the theater a lot of girls in my dressing room
knit. I’ve been watching them all for the past 3 weeks knitting scarfs,
booties, hats, and sweaters….it was driving me crazy! So being the girl
that always wants to expand her horizons….I took some old yarn and picked
up my friend Mellissa’s needles and said,
“Ok, dammit! I give in! Teach me!”
I was real nice about it. Needless to say on Thursday I learned to knit. It
took me a while to get the first row done (I cast it on to tight at first)
but now……I am the knitting master! I even have the right lingo to say
things like, “I need to cast off now,” or “I think you should pearl the
second row that always looks nice!” I am in the  middle of making my first
scarf now. Shonn is impressed with this non domestic girl that I am!

Actually, everyone at the theater was like, “Meredith? You knit now? I never
would’ve thought?” I guess its really evident that I am not a housewife type.

But I’m an actress….so I’m building my character. 🙂


Oh! Remember I said I took pictures for the publicity of the show? Well, they
have started putting them in the NY Times. And guess who was in the Sunday
times this week? ME! It was my picture and my baby tap picture next to it
(with the cane) and it said “Come and meet one of the stars of 42ND ST
Meredith Patterson!” I will send a copy. Otherwise try to go out and get a
copy of the Sunday NY Times. I’m in the Arts and Leisure section.

The biggest news this week, and I believe you all will agree with me, is that
my lovely sister “Lain Bo Bain” called me with the news that she is pregnant.

I came out of my skin with excitement. I also was told to keep my mouth shut
until she told Mom and Dad. That was hard! All I wanted to do was call them
Grandma and Grandpa….and I’m now taking full advantage of that. 🙂
Lainieand Mike,  I am so happy! And now that I know how to knit…..I’ll make
‘little Huth’ some booties….ya think?



Shonn and I exchanged Easter gifts yesterday (because there was no way to
sneak them home without the other knowing) I got him a basket with lots of
chocolate, an egg filled with M&M’s, some Peanut Buddies, and kisses and a
mushy card. He got me some Feng Shui candles with all five elements, some
chocolate, and the best card!

I am really happy. No matter what craziness or disappointments I have in my
life, I find I can always go back to Shonn for love and support. He
understands and I do with his problems. He is my best friend. And I his. Its
more than wonderful.



I love you guys. I miss being in the sunshine of California. I miss being in
the sunshine of all of your smiles. And as always, I miss the hugs and kisses
that letters simply can’t replace.

Happy Easter.

Have a peaceful day and a wonderful week.



Love your niece, sister, friend and daughter,   
Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2001 12:30:32 EDT
Subject: ITS SUNDAY!
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, TrichDr@aol.com,
MelainePH@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
GRINMEX@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), GHindes@aol.com,
TSZRight@cherokeetel.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10519

Hello!



Its Sunday morning….er uh, its actually 12 noon and I just made Shonn and I
some French Toast and Turkey Bacon (better for you). We slept until our
bodies woke up….I love to do that when I can.



Today is the start of 2 days off….Yes I said 2! Its very exciting to not
have to put on makeup and wigs and TAP SHOES for 2 whole days. (Ok I just
turned around and Shonn was licking the syrup and grease off his plate and
asked me jokingly “WHEN ARE YOU GONNA DO THE LAUNDRY!” I laugh as usual and
roll my eyes…he’s such a goofball.)


This week started off with good news!

Our show has been picked to perform on the ROSIE O’DONNEL SHOW. Only a few
dancers were picked to perform, and I was one of them. Here I’m thinking its
cool and everything…but then I look at our call times in the morning! A car
is picking me up at my apt at 5:30am! Ugh! Its ok….that’s live television
for you. We will be on this Tuesday April 24th show. We will be wearing our
finale gold skirt outfits (cute) and David Elder (who is Billy Lawlor) will
be singing and then Kate (who we all know is Peggy) will be dancing in the
front with the rest of us. She’s not going to sing. Its only girls from the
ensemble who are performing so Shonn never had a chance. 🙁 Although he has
the longest eye lashes I’ve ever seen! So don’t miss the show this Tuesday
April 24th @ 10am….or sometimes 4pm? Check the TV Guide.



Another highlight of the week was having Nancy Healy, her friend Mary and her
son Phillip come out to see the Wednesday matinee. Then Nancy treated us all
to ROSA’s! That was the best!



My knitting is coming along nicely. Nancy asked to see when she came out but
I didn’t have it to show off. I have about a third of the scarf done. I’m
using size 6 needles…when I really should use size 10. But its becoming
easy and relaxing. I’m going to go down to the laundry and do a couple loads
today….and knit while I wait! We have a lot of old ladies in our building
so I’m sure I’ll fit right in. 🙂



Lainie found out her due date! I’m praying that she can hold the baby in
until the 24th of November…..then we’d have the same birthday! I am so
excited. The only thing I wish is that I could be there watching her go
through all the phases, watch her get bigger, feel it kick, etc. You have to
keep me posted Lain Bo Bain. 🙂 Also pretty soon you and Mike are going to be
coming out for the opening! That’s going to be so much fun. Although I don’t
know what I’m wearing yet. I have to go shopping tommorrow.



Speaking of opening nights! Shonn and I went over to sneak a peak at the
opening of the new Broadway show THE PRODUCERS last Thursday! We saw all
these stars get out of limos and cameras and flashbulbs galore! We saw
Michael J Fox and his wife, Sarah Jessica Parker, Barbara Walters, Harry
Connick, Jr., Mel Brooks and Ann Bancroft, Kathie Lee and Frank Gifford, Paul
Simon, Eric McCormick (‘Will’ from WILL AND GRACE), and lots of RICH people
with fur coats and face lifts. I felt like I lived in LA for a moment. They
got RAVE reviews, bumped their prices to $100 a seat,  and sold 3$ million
dollars worth of ticket sales the very next day. (Dad….I’m not sure I can
get you tickets anymore…)



Well…..that’s all the news for this week. I’m keeping my head up in the
show. I’m so bored already.  Its hard to sit back and be in the ensemble,
dance and sing your butt of without recognition. But I’m making good money
and people are noticing me so that’s what its all about…..well my happiness
is what it really should be about but….whatever, right?



Oh! Last bit of good news then I’ll let you go. I met with one of the largest
commercial agents in the biz and they want to work with me. So I’ll be going
out on those auditions soon. That’s where the $$$$ is.



Am I greedy? No….I just want money so I don’t have to do the ensemble ever
again.





Ha HA!!!



Lots of love! Have a great week!

Love,

Meredith

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 29 Apr 2001 12:37:58 EDT
Subject: Sunday!
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, TrichDr@aol.com,
MelainePH@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
GRINMEX@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), GHindes@aol.com,
TSZRight@cherokeetel.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10519

Hey All!



I just realized this is the last Sunday letter I will send before most of you
come out to NYC to see the show, meet Shonn, and visit! Its all very exciting
to now be coming to reality that we are opening the show on Wednesday. They
have layed off us a little and are not rehearsing us anymore before we open!
That’s a relief! That means the show is what we call “frozen”. No more
changes will be made and we can relax into what we are doing.

This week was crazy! It started off with 2 days off….but not really. I had
Sunday to do laundry and such, then Monday I had an audition. Tuesday morning
I got up at 4am and filmed the ROSIE show….that was a lot of fun. Even
though it was early it was great. Rosie came over and talked to us. She was
really nice. The studio is so small! That was one thing I expected to be
bigger than it was. I guess TV makes everything look bigger. Anyway…after
ROSIE I tried to sleep for a half hour before we had rehearsal from 1-5pm.

Then after that I tried to sleep to no avail….and we had a 8pm show that
night. It was hell! But I got through it. Then Wednesday we had 2
shows…Thursday I had a callback for the audition at 10am then we had
rehearsal from 1-5, then a show. Then on Friday I had another callback for
the audition at 11am, then rehearsal from 1-5, then a show. Then
Saturday….we had 2 shows and I woke up with a sore throat (gee…I wonder
why?) Needless to say I got through those shows and now am about to go down
to do one more show for the week….a 3pm show. Boy, Shonn and I are both
tired. We slept in until 11. Its hard when the job we do is so physical. If I
just worked at a desk I think I’d be ok. But its the wear and tear on my body
that only sleep will help recover….and I’ve been getting very little of
that.



But! No need to worry! I am taking very good care of myself. I’ve even tried
to give up Caffeine….unintentionally. See, I went to the store last week
and bought coffee. I was in a rush and just picked up a can of ground
Folgers. Well, I guess I didn’t look at the can….because after having
coffee every morning for the past week I began to develop a headache. I was
wondering why I had these headaches in the morning? Then, I go to brew this
coffee I bought and I look at the can…..ITS DECAF!!! Unbelievable that I
was able to get through this week on DECAF COFFEE! Ugh…..how did I get up
and tap dance at 6am? Who knew the power of the mind. I thought I was
drinking caffinated…so there for I was caffinated in my head, I guess. Mind
over matter. So….instead of deciding to get caffinated I am drinking the
decaf. But my head knows its nothing more than hot, brown, water….so its
not having any effect. I have broken down and stopped at STARBUCKS on the way
to work numerous times. So kicking the caffiene habit is going to be harder
than I thought.



Well…..to those of you who are coming out. The weather has been in the 60’s
and 70’s….80’s today. It should be beautiful opening night. Lainie, tell
Mike he can wear a nice suit. A Tux may be hard to find in his size. Shonn’s
wearing a nice suit. Herb is wearing a tux….either is good.  Its going to
be a HUGE event. They are trying to make it like the OSCARS or something.



Mom and Dad and Rob and Chel… you can wear whatever’s nice. Its not too
formal because its just a regular show night.



You can call me before you leave CA for NY to ask any last minute detail
things!



I’m so excited to have you ALL in NYC to see Shonn and I on B’way. Its really
special.



Love you. I’ll talk to you soon,

Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 6 May 2001 19:55:18 EDT
Subject: ITS SUNDAY!
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, TrichDr@aol.com,
MelainePH@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
GRINMEX@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), GHindes@aol.com,
TSZRight@cherokeetel.com, jahealy@earthlink.net, LoisGrandi@aol.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10519

Hello Everyone…



I don’t really know where to begin?

This week has been the most exciting week of my life (I know I’m dramatic and
probably say that every week, but I’m serious!) It was amazing. The hardest
part of the week was saying goodbye to Mom and Dad and the bro and sisters
yesterday and today….but before I jump to the conclusion of the
week….let’s, as they say in Sound Of Music, “start at the very
beginning….”



Monday started with Shonn and I sleeping in….I was exhausted from the week
before. I had a fitting for my “Peggy” costumes at 3pm and then we went to
the theater to prepare for the most anticipated night on Broadway this
season…the opening of 42ND ST on 42nd St. I don’t know if many of you know
the historical story of opening night with the original production of 42ND
ST. If not, here’s a brief summary. Gower Champion, the
director/choreographer died the day of the opening, David Merrick, the big
time producer, kept his death a secret from the cast and the public and
announced his death on stage during the curtian call, the leading lady
fainted, Jerry Orbach ordered the curtain to close, and history was made.

We did our 34th Preview Tuesday night in NO ANTICIPATION of such a death
announcement occuring at our historic opening the next evening (although Mr.

Bramble’s death wouldn’t have hurt our celebrating…I’m kidding!) We just
wanted a view of a lot of tuxedos and glitter from the 1800 seats that fill
the FORD CENTER. But before Shonn and I did our last preview, we had to pick
up my dates to opening night….Lainie and Micheal! Shonn had never met Mike
before….it was the start of his intruduction to almost everyone in my
family and life! He wasn’t too nervous. 🙂 Herb and Beth were at The Best
Western and met Lain Bo Bain (with “Baby Huth” in her belly) and Mike. We
were all anticipaiting the opening! Although every dinner and after show
drink this week has blurred into one….I remember with vivid flying colors
the evening to follow!     
Wednesday was a nerve racking day! It was almost like getting married (I’ve
never been married but I can imagine…) Both Shonn and I had butterflies all
day. We kept taking deep breaths and telling eachother to calm down! The sun
was shining it was wonderful weather. We came downtown with our dress and
suit and went to the theater. The show started at 6:30pm. So we went to the
theater at about 4:30. Upon entering the stage door we were sucked into choas
and mayhem! There were flowers lining the hallways to dressing rooms. People
running around handing out cards. Girls with half their makeup done crying
and laughing as they read the gifts. Our producers got us cute 42ND ST tote
bags. I got roses from Shonn, AMDA, my agents, LOTS of chocolate and foot
therapy stuff (people know what to give tap dancers!) Mom, Dad, Lain, Mike,
Michelle, Rob and Grams got me a Foot Spa, lots of Iris Flowers (pretty!),
and a relaxation system, and motion sensored butterfly from Sharper Image.

Shonn’s parent’s got both of us gorgeous jewelry that Herb designed. They are
14 carat gold, necklace with matching cufflinks and tie tack. They are shaped
like taps with 3 1/4 carat diamonds as the screws. SO COOL!  Way more than
Shonn and I expected. Everything was overwhelming and we hadn’t even started
the show yet.  



So 6:30 rolls around and the entire cast is circled up on stage holding hands
and doing the wave, saying a little something, praying…anything to keep the
anticipation in check. We were all so gittery…it was crazy!

We lined up dowstage for the opening number and the overture started. Shonn
and I stand right next to eachother to start. All I kept thinking was….I’m
in this show! I’m about to open on Broadway! I’m about to tap dance in the
front row on B’way! Then, we began tapping…..and the audience was almost to
its feet. The curtain went up on us and everyone in the cast got the wind
knocked out of them and never caught there breath until that curtian closed
at the end of the night. Every number was bigger and better than the next. I
won’t tell you how many stars were there, but ask Lain and Mike….it was a
star studded event.



When we finished the show, we got all dressed to go to the Marriot in Times
Square for the big party! I was decked out in a red velvet floor length dress
and Austrian Crystal jewelry, with red toenails and red lips to match! Shonn
was in a custom tailored black suit with a red tie. It was like the Prom! But
better! We got to the party and there was camera’s, flashing bulbs, the
works! The cast was introduced all together….somehow I ended centerstage? I
don’t know how….:).  Shonn and I went and met up with the Wiley’s and Lain
and Mike. The ballroom was filled with flowers, and had a huge big band
playing throughout the night. We danced (even though our feet were numb)
until they kicked us out. It was truely the best night of my life. To have
Lain and Mike there to share the night with made it so special for me. I love
you guys and am so glad you were there for me.

We went to sleep at about 3am….and dreamt “of parties and opening night’s.”
(that’s a line from our show).

Thursday Michelle and Robert flew into town, and Friday morning Mom and Dad
flew in! So the partying and excitment continued. Having the whole clan in
town was a first…I believe? It was amazing. My true opening on B’way was
Friday night….when everyone was sitting 4th row center. I loved having the
curtian rise and see you all sitting there beaming. It means so much to me in
my life that I got to share that with you. I loved winking at you, and making
google eyes at you throughout the show. It was a night to remember.

Every night after the show Shonn and I spent laughing and talking it up with
the families. The parents met eachother….and like eachother? That’s a big
thing. We are so relieved. 🙂

Then Saturday afternoon…I had a little bit of a scare. I thought I may be
on for the role of Peggy…but alas…she plowed through. But, the excitment
didn’t end. Because I got to dance on Broadway for the first time for Lois! I
can’t tell you what that meant to me to have you in the audience. And to have
Pointe shoes back on my feet for you to witness made it all worth it. 🙂
Thank you for being there.

This week was filled with emotion beyond belief. Dining, Dancing, partying,
and family. I thank god everyday for the people in my life. I love you so
much. I know most of you lived this week with me, and for those of you who
didn’t. I hope this letter gives you a glimpse of how wonderful it was.

Writing it gave me the experience all over again. I am truely blessed in
life. It would not have been such a week without my family.



The apt is filled with the smell of fresh flowers, and jazz today. Mom and
Dad and Shonn and I potted a plant today and bought another. We have Bamboo
growing also that the parents bought us. Its like a forest in here! 🙂 I also
have been knitting…..what is going on! I am becoming domesticated…and
honestly, I love every moment of it. Beth even brought me some recipe cards.

Ha!



I’m about to go make dinner…but before I go. I want to say that I miss
everyone of you. Life is slowing down for me….which is almost
impossible….I would love to hear from you…maybe do your own Sunday letter
(or Tuesday letter…whatever) I would love that. I love hearing all that’s
going on. Aunt Sharon…I will get those tickets for your friend this week.

I’ll write you about it.



We record the cast album tommorrow and the commercial on Tuesday. Then its on
to another week full of shows!



I LOVE YOU! Whew! I gotta go!

Your Broadway Baby,
Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 13 May 2001 13:14:20 EDT
Subject: HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! Sunday Letter
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, TrichDr@aol.com,
MelainePH@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
GRINMEX@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), GHindes@aol.com,
TSZRight@cherokeetel.com, jahealy@earthlink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10519

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

I am wishing you all a quiet peaceful reflective Mother’s Day full of
memories of the lovely children you now support and love.



This Sunday I do have a show dispite the wonderful holiday.  Its hard to be
away from you today, as it is on any day of my life out here.



This week was another fun filled week! We recorded the cast album on
Monday…it was at the same recording studio that I recorded FOLLIES in. It
was very unorgainized and chaotic (you think because its Broadway, it makes
it better) but the album will be a success and sell lots of albums. Moday
also came with the annoucements of the TONY Award Nominations. We got 9
nominations including Best Musical Revival. (But I’m sure you can read all
about that on Broadway.com)



Tuesday we filmed the television commercial. That was long and tedious
too…but a lot of fun. The crew was very professional and we were all pretty
silly that day. Who knows when it will be done and on the air, but I believe
it will be national.



Wednesday we had 2 shows. They went well as usual. There is a lot of tension
around the theater though because of the the TONY voters being there for the
next 2 weeks. Its such a popularity contest! I honestly hate it. It would be
great to win a TONY somday and I hope I will…but its so political and a lot
like High School (when you vote for Prom King and Queen)


Oh! Here’s some news…..I am almost finished knitting my scarf. I wish to
god I had a scanner so I could send some pictures a long with this letter.

(Dad? Can you help me find one?) I will finish the scarf today…then its on
to something else. Although the girl that taught me to knit found out she has
“carpel tunnel” (is that how you spell it?) anyway….she knittied about 4
sweaters on a month…so I don’t believe I will get it. 🙂 I’m not that
crazy.



Shonn and I went to MACY’s yesterday and bought a duvet cover and some
matching sheets. It was so funny! We were like newly weds in the home
improvement section. The cover we bought is a really nice cream color with
matching sheets. They were on sale for $39. And are SO SOFT. We are going to
go back and get some more.



Tonight we invited some friends over to have some of my famous gourmet pita
pizza’s and some Corona’s and lime. Sound good? Wanna come over….hop on the
next plane! There’s plenty for everyone. 🙂


There is a new guy going into our show (already? I know….) we have what we
call a “put in” for him on Thursday of next week. That’s where we run through
the show with sets and all  for him to go through like he is in the show. He
does the show for real on Thursday night. Well, during that put in Shonn and
I get to play “Peggy” and “Billy” Its going to be such fun! I’ll be sure to
let you know how that goes.



Well….Its about that time to go off and do the 3:00 show. Happy Momma’s day
once again to Mom, Sharon, Gayle, Grams P, Beth, Nancy, Sherri, Esperanza,
and soon to be LAIN BO BAIN!  I love you so much and I miss you guys.

(Hey Lain I got the keys and the pictures and the note and popsicle and all!

Thank you! I Love it!)



Gotta go! Talk to you soon!

Your lil munch,

Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 20 May 2001 11:56:57 EDT
Subject: BRIEF SUNDAY LETTER
To: Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, SGlamourGirl@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, TrichDr@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com, GRINMEX@aol.com,
wpatters@wwmgmt.com, mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), GHindes@aol.com,
TSZRight@cherokeetel.com, jahealy@earthlink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10519

Hi everyone!



Sorry this one is going to be brief….I have quite a day ahead of me.

At 1pm I have rehearsal for THE DRAMA DESK AWARDS. I am presenting some
awards tonight (I believe its televised…check your local listings) Then I
have a 3pm show, then Shonn and I are singing ‘Young and Healthy’ at SARDI’s
for a TONY party. Its a thing they do every year to give the understudies a
chance to be seen. People on the advisorary board are, Glenn Close, David
Geffen…etc. Its a pretty big deal. I’m glad we got to do it.

I sing there, then they put me in a car and fly me over to the DRAMA DESK
AWARDS and I am done at about 1am. Whew! So I have quite a day ahead of
me…and I haven’t even finished my coffee!



Well…this week was pretty crazy too…I’m waiting for a week that isn’t
crazy to come along but it hasn’t happened yet. The shows are great. I got to
do a put in run through of the show as Peggy and everyone in the cast can’t
wait for me to go on. It was a nice feeling.



In brief I’m going say hi individually….



Aunt Sharon: Norma and her friend Christine had the most wonderful time at
the show! They were in Orchestra seats row J. They said it was perfect and
thank you! I met them backstage and they are so sweet! I’m glad it worked
out.



Dad and Mom: The Bamboo is growing like wildfire! Its so cool! The plants are
doing well, Shonn is like a proud father.



Lainie: Any more ghosts? Tee Hee Hee


Herb and Beth: I have lots of pictures to send you of the party and all!



Rob: I would love to SCAN the pictures and send some via email! Love your CD
that you gave me. I was HOWLING!



Michelle: What’s up with Michael?



Sara: Where are you and what’s up with you?



Aside from everything this week… Shonn turned 24 on May 18th. That by far
was the best day of the week. I let him do whatever he wanted for the day
(mostly lay around and watch tv) I served him lunch and took him to dinner. I
decorated his dressing room spot with cheesy birthday decorations and got him
his now favorite cologne “Acqua Di Gio” by Armani. BUT the best part of the
gift…….I GAVE HIM MY HAND KNITTED SCARF THAT I FINISHED!! Its beautiful
and he loves it (I think). But I finished it and I’m on to another project.



Gosh! I have so much more to say….but I really have to go now.



When will I come out of this hermit shell and back to a real life! 🙂 Agh!



’til next week.



Love,

Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 13:07:07 EDT
Subject: TONY AWARDS
To: Brantwiwi@excite.com, Johnwill@home.com, nyjeff@earthlink.net,
AndyWeems@aol.com, HttrMad@aol.com, SGlamourGirl@aol.com,
JJdkras@aol.com, NEWROM@aol.com, JoCoRu@aol.com, Dpessis@aol.com,
NoahRacey@gateway.net, CyberSJ@aol.com, BroadwayMHL@aol.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, DCass444@aol.com, laurah_15@yahoo.com,
icgreenblatt@ucdavis.edu, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Hemmytime@aol.com,
Emik16@aol.com, ron@rondestefano.com, Parwood1@aol.com,
CCurich13@aol.com, DidileeS@aol.com, jessejames7513@yahoo.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, Barkelew@aol.com, fogr@spydersearch.com,
sophredshoes@yahoo.com, carranzav@yahoo.com, JenT5678@aol.com,
Robbndavid@aol.com, BoyBrady@aol.com, MWalsh1969@aol.com,
LeeAWilkins@aol.com, NYDEN@aol.com, kittygirl@hawaii.rr.com,
Jerbear01@aol.com, djphish@earthlink.net, RCheb1615@aol.com,
amowarner@yahoo.com, squerlin@yahoo.com, hpak@act1corp.com,
jlhall@u.washington.edu, bubsdubs@pocketmail.com, Tysmom916@aol.com,
arlincary@earthlink.net, Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, TrichDr@aol.com,
MelainePH@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
GRINMEX@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), GHindes@aol.com,
TSZRight@cherokeetel.com, jahealy@earthlink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10519

HEY All! I will be presenting the Tony award for Best Choreography this year!

I just found out today. Isn’t that cool!

42ND ST will also be performing at the awards. I don’t know all the details
yet.



I’m not sure when it airs but check the TV Guide I’m sure its in there. 🙂


Lots of love,  

Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Mon, 28 May 2001 13:47:03 EDT
Subject: Sunday/Monday Letter…:)
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, TrichDr@aol.com,
MelainePH@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
GRINMEX@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), GHindes@aol.com,
TSZRight@cherokeetel.com, jahealy@earthlink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10519

Hi Everyone!



Well…as you can see my Sunday was a little crammed this week. So is next
Sunday! So I believe the next 2 letters will be on Monday 🙂 This past week
has been a lot of preparation for the TONY Awards. Its very exciting. But let
me start at the beginning.



Last Sunday night after the show I had a crazy schedule. Shonn and I
performed at The American Theater Wing’d seconf Annual “Covers On” party. It
celebrated the understudies of Broadway. We got to perform “Young and
Healthy” for people like Blythe Danner, the excutive producer fo the Tony
Awards, the president of the American Theater Wing, and our producers The
Dodgers….to name a few! We rocked the house. And the annoucer told our
story of meeting playing the roles, and how we fell in love and all that. We
had the audience in fairy tale land. 🙂 It was great!

Then they had a car waiting for me and I was whisked off to the Drama Desk
Awards to present 4 awards…including “Best Revival of a Musical” which was
42ND STREET! It was very cool. It aired on tv here, but not nationwide.



Anyway, I don’t know if I told everyone that last week, but it was a great
Sunday!



The week following, as I said was in anticipation of the Tony’s. We will be
opening the Tony Awards this year tapping on the stairs (for those of you who
have seen the show) and running into the subway, riding to Radio City, and
then performing the Encore part of the show live at Radio City. It will be
very cool. I’m sure you will not be able to pick me out because we are all
dressed alike and have similiar wigs on, but what you will be able to see of
me is the presentation of the Tony for “Best Choreography” I will be
presenting that award and talking for the first time in front of 4 million
viewers. Agh! I’ll just ham it up like I always do in front of the camers
(remember me and mom in the garden?) Its’ll be cool. We are slated to win the
Tony for Best Revival….I think its in the bag.



Shonn and I are watching the soap opera “Days Of Our Lives” today, doing
laundry, cleaning, and going to the grocery store. Not too strenous. 🙂 I may
do my nails later….:) This is our last “veg out” day before the hell week
begins. We have to rehearse for the awards all week. Ugh. But we get paid a
good chunk o’ change for it. Can’t complain about that.



Shonn and I were going to go to Maine for the weekend but we had to cancel.

Memorial Day isn’t a big holiday in showbiz. But Shonn and I and 2 friends
went to see the movie “Pearl Harbor” on Sat. night. I told him about us
visiting the memorial site in Hawaii when I was 11, but it didn’t really have
an impact. Unfortunatly, the movie didn’t do much for the feeling of the
Pearl Harbor disaster. They tried to make it a “Titanic” type movie and add a
love story to it….but they spent too much time on the love story and not
enough on the tradegy and history. And the love story was lame. (I don’t want
to ruin the movie for you, but I hope I’m saving you $. )My favorite line in
the movie is after the attack, the world is in chaos and the girl is
explaining to Ben Affleck her feelings and she says…”then all this stuff
happened” ….All this stuff? Meaning the ATTACK OF PEARL HARBOR! She
dismisses it like it was a minor thing. It so badly written that I walked out
of there wanting to write scripts. Sorry to dissipoint. I wish to god it was
something that would make your heart ache and make you cry for the sailors
who lost their lives. I thought of Grandpa Clare. Didn’t he get transferred
from Peral Harbor right before the attack or something? Wasn’t there a close
call with him being there?



Well….I haven’t had much time for anything outside work. I did sew some
patches on my patch jeans. I have a collection of patches from all over the
country. And I have been sewing them on these old pair of jeans for 2 years
now. Eventually I want them to be entirely covered with patches! How cool!  


Shonn and I are thinking of painting the apt. We have been picking out colors
and looking at my Feng Shui book. Its funny how colors effect your mood, and
all. Its very interesting.



Well…..I am happy and healthy. Nothing much else to tell. Let me know
what’s going on with everyone!



Love you lots!

Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Tue, 5 Jun 2001 00:55:16 EDT
Subject: Monday “TONY’S” Crazy Letter!
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, TrichDr@aol.com,
MelainePH@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
GRINMEX@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), GHindes@aol.com,
TSZRight@cherokeetel.com, jahealy@earthlink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10519

Dear Everyone…



Oh my lord, what can I say? What a whirlwind of a night! It was like nothing
I have ever experienced. Wow! Performing at the Tony’s I thought would’ve
been the best…but the highlight was presenting the award for Best
Choreography to Susan Stroman. Its pretty crazy to get up and speak to 6,000
faces…along with 12 cameras in your face blinking back 2 or 3 million
faces!



Aside from the TONY’s last week was pretty non existent. I got everyone’s
calls, thank you. I have had no social life, I’m sorry I haven’t returned
anyone’s calls. 🙂 I will.



Shonn and I are painting the apt. and I bought a new aquarium. I went to get
new fish today and I am not sure they are doing too well in the new tank. I
had a little emotional breakdown when I thought they were dying. I guess I’ll
have to see in the morning.



Sorry this letter is short. I have to get to sleep.



Love you. I’ll be calling you.

Merie

Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001 07:25:54 -0700 (PDT)
From: Mama Rose
Subject: Sunday morning update……
To: Barry Bartlett , Melaine Huth ,
Bill Patterson ,
Chellie Patterson ,
Merie Patterson , Rob Patterson ,
Tom Wright

Dear All,

It is about 7:30 am.  I’m on my way to the hospital.  When I left last night Mom was slotted for early surgery today.  No surgeries are scheduled on Sundays so they couldn’t give me an exact time but most opinions agreed it would be early.  But don’t know anything definite until I get to the hospital.

Will do an update when I get back to the computer.  Don’t know how long that will be.  To reach me directly if you have any concerns or questions call 925 872-2264.  If I’m not able to answer please leave a voice or numeric message and I’ll get back to you.

Donna

Everything’s Comin’ Up Roses

Mama Rose

“Remember – Always Sing Out”

---

Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail Personal Address – Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail.

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001 20:26:05 EDT
Subject: SUNDAY LETTER
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, GRINMEX@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), jshaul@jps.net (jill shaul),
GHindes@aol.com, GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
jahealy@earthlink.net, SIRDrinkalot2375@aol.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10519

Hi everyone!


I know last week was a sad small letter…but you all understand? The TONY
awards took my breath away just a little. Dad is planning on putting the PBS
clip of me presenting the award for Best Choreography on my website with Real
Player, as well as some other stuff so you can all see.



I added some people this week to the letter. (Kirst, Larry, and Jill) So
welcome to my weekly life update. 🙂


I’m trying to stay in good spirits today. Grandma Irene was in a car accident
on Friday night. She is OK. She is in the hospital and will be going into
surgery about 4pm California time today. Her right leg is crushed and her
left ankle is broken as well. She is old, and as with any surgery, she could
not make it. So I did my crying and talking with her last night and she seems
really tired but OK. My stomach has been in knots all day. Good thing I have
Shonn with me to cry on his shoulder. This is the same Grandma (Herb and
Beth) that had the heart attack last year when we were driving to Maine.



But on a happier note. This week has been semi normal. Everyone in the show
has been getting sick because they are letting go after the Tony’s. You know
how your body will do that. You start to feel the pain when the excitement is
over.



Shonn and I are starting to paint the Apt. Now that Jeff is gone, Shonn is
going crazy! I came home one day to find the entryway a Mayan Red! Its really
beautiful. The front room we are painting tommorrow….a color called White
Coffee. Its really nice. We will be doing the rest of the Apt. real soon. Its
the new project!



On a sadder note….my fish Wanda who I had for 2 years, died this week. I
bought a new 10 gallon aquarium for her. I got cute little plants to decorate
with, I bought all the right stuff for the filter and cleaning and did all
the necessary water treatments and waiting for the tank before I put her in.

I was so excited that she had a new home when I put her in the tank! She was
swimming and looking around. I left her in there for about an hour before I
put some new fish I just bought in the tank with her. I got 4 fish, all
goldfish, an algae eater fish, and a baby frog. Well….after I put them in
Wanda and the other fish started acting weird. To make a long story short…I
woke up the next morning to Wanda laying on the floor of the tank sucking for
air, and the algae fish dead, along with 2 of the goldfish. I quickly took
Wanda out of the tank and back in her old home to try to save her……I
called Shonn who was out of the house, and as I was talking to him she took
her last breath at the bottom of the tank. I cried! Shonn was on the phone
consoling me. We took her out of the tank and had a toilet funeral for her
that night. It was a great 2 years Wanda! Thanks for the memories….and the
laughter.  After that….the remaining 2 fish kicked the bucket as
well…..now all I have in my 10 gallon tank is a baby hyper frog! I haven’t
named it yet….so if you have any suggestions? Send them along.



I have some good news. On the career front, I am going to be featured in The
Contra Costa Times very soon. I have a phone interview set up with the
feature editor. I will let you know when it will run. Its nice to be featured
in my hometown paper. 🙂



I auditioned for the WB’s series POPSTARS yesterday and made it down to the
last 100. I was interviewed on camera and all that. I didn’t get to sing for
the camera’s because all the Broadway people who were there ran out of time.

We had to leave to make our half hour call. So we got that far and couldn’t
even audition for the final round. It SUCKED! 🙁 That’s OK. I’ll be a popstar
on my own terms. 🙂



I found out that I will definitely be performing 3 shows a week as Peggy the
entire month of August. I’m going to list the dates on my website for
clarity, but its going to be great. 🙂


Nothing much else. Shonn and I are going to have some Tacos tonight, and
watch the movie TRAFFIC and pray for Grandma. I’m trying to keep my mind off
of the fact that she could not make it through the surgery. I miss you all so
much. All the deaths that our family has been through in the past 5 years has
been enough. It makes me appreciate every moment in life and never let
arguments turn into grudges. When it comes down to it…..all we have in the
end is our family and friends.



Have a wonderful coming week. I’ll talk to you soon.



Love,    

Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2001 12:01:56 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter- HAPPY PAPA DAY!
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, GRINMEX@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), jshaul@jps.net (jill shaul),
GHindes@aol.com, GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
jahealy@earthlink.net, SIRDrinkalot2375@aol.com, healy@rowan.edu
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10519

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!



Daddy! I hope you have fun today. You know everyday that goes by I think of
you, and I miss you terribly. I hope this letter makes you feel that I’m with
you today. If only in words.



Hi Everyone!



I hope your all having a great PaPa day and call your daddies, or think of
them.



This week has been good. I’ve been thinking a lot about Grandma, being in her
new home, and how her recovery is doing. I hope you are all keeping her busy
with crossword puzzles, and John Wayne movies! Grams, I will call you to
check on you tommorrow. So have lots to tell me! 🙂


Well, nothing much is happening with work. It seems repetitive talking about
the show. Because I basically do the same thing every show, 8 times a
week…give and take a few subtle craziness that occurs with live theater.

Some people have been sick so the understudies for Bert, Anytime Annie, and
Oscar went on this week. As well as some ensemble tracks. Yesterday I caught
a little cold, but I’m taking care of it. With 53 people in the cast its
kinda hard not to get what other people have! No I have not gone on yet as
Peggy….trust me, she won’t let me until she has to. I think everyone in the
cast has come to realize that, being that she has been coughing for 2 weeks
now. But I did have a GREAT understudy rehearsal on Thursday! The stage
manager and all the other actors came up to me and said, “You are a amazing
actress. You have such a great instinct.”…and “I cannot WAIT for you to go
on. Your taking over the part right?” So my agent and I are baring down on
them to give me an answer. Don’t get your plane tickets yet….



My fish tank is boring….my frog is the only living thing in there, and it
hides from me a lot. I miss Wanda. It sounds stupid but she was my lil’ pet.

Oh well….I think Shonn and I are going to try to find a “Wanda II” at the
Fish store tommorrow.



My massage therapist came to see the show last night and said, “No wonder
your muscles are so tight!” I know this show is hard…..its good to know
that I have massages covered by my insurance. Its going to be a part of my
job as well! Taking care of myself.



I bought a PM YOGA tape for me to do when I get home from work. Its only 20
minutes long and it is a cool down for my muscles and my mind. Hopefully I
can start going to sleep earlier than 2am!  


Shonn and I bought GEVALIA Cafe coffee….it came with a free coffemaker. So
I threw out the little one and now have a full fledged 10 cup maker! Yeah! I
got some hazelnut coffee and wake up to a yummy smelling house.



Lainie! How is “Baby Huth”? Is she….ehem, or he….kicking you? Lemme know.

I am making your gift as we speak. Its a surprise, but you are going to LOVE
it for the lil’ winter bundle.



I feel like this letter is pretty sparatic. Nothing exciting happened this
week. After the past 2 months how can I compare?



Oh wait!



42ND ST is going to be on the TODAY show next Thursday morning! It will be
the same number that we did on THE ROSIE O’DONNEL show, so you may not be
able to find me. But I’ll try to wave or shake when the numbers over so you
can find me. I will be smiling BIG! And playing to the camera (maybe that
will make me stand out??)



Well…I’m going to go drink some GEVALIA cafe. 🙂 And wake up for the 3pm
show.



Oh! Shonn and I finished painting the front room. The Bathroom is
next……it’ll be Blue!Yeah!



Love you! Talk to you soon!

Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jun 2001 13:58:29 EDT
Subject: SHONN WENT ON AS BILLY TONIGHT!
To: Kudo238408@aol.com, sophredshoes@yahoo.com, dbergolduci@yahoo.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, carranzav@yahoo.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
Hemmytime@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
djphish@earthlink.net, SIRDrinkalot2375@aol.com,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), jahealy@earthlink.net,
GHindes@aol.com, DCass444@aol.com, JoCoRu@aol.com,
Marshall.Jones@thegarden.com, lainie@cmiprorisk.com, Mattlacey@aol.com,
BroadwayMHL@aol.com, TroyMaG202@aol.com, Robbndavid@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
NoahRacey@gateway.net, MelainePH@aol.com, GDGMichelle@hotmail.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, MWalsh1969@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
Tapwiley@aol.com, LeeAWilkins@aol.com
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Hi everyone!


I just wanted to let you know that Shonn was a Big Broadway star tonight! He
went on as “Billy Lawlor” in our show….he sings just about every song and
tap danced on a huge dime on Broadway! I was such a proud Mama! I loved it.

He did such a great job. He did say he wanted to throw up at intermission,
but he pushed his way through. (Honestly, nobody even knew he was nervous, he
was so smooth!)



He’s in the shower right now, he says his legs are like jello and he’s
exhausted! He may be on for both shows tommorrow so give him a call in the
morning @ 212-923-0850 if you think you could make it? (not before 11am!)


YIPPEE!



Lots of love to you guys!

Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jun 2001 13:58:33 EDT
Subject: MIDWEEK LETTER! (I couldn’t help myself)
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, GRINMEX@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), jshaul@jps.net (jill shaul),
GHindes@aol.com, GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
jahealy@earthlink.net, SIRDrinkalot2375@aol.com, healy@rowan.edu
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Hi Everyone!



I just had to write to tell you all that SHONN WENT ON AS “BILLY LAWLOR” ON
TUESDAY NIGHT!! The guy who plays it was sick so he made his Broadway debut
as a leading man! It was so exciting. He thought he was going to throw up
halfway through but he made it and I am so proud of him. He sang and danced
like a dream and everyone was so impressed.



I just wanted to tell you all that!

Gotta go to sleep!

I’m going to be on THE TODAY SHOW tommorrow!





Love

Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sat, 23 Jun 2001 00:11:22 EDT
Subject: I went on as PEGGY SAWYER last night!
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, GRINMEX@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), jshaul@jps.net (jill shaul),
GHindes@aol.com, GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
jahealy@earthlink.net, SIRDrinkalot2375@aol.com, healy@rowan.edu
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Hi everyone!



I guess you can wonder why I haven’t told you earlier….I have been on a
high ever since 5pm yesterday when I found out I was going to be starring on
Broadway for the first time! 🙂 It was scary and exhausting but the most
wonderful thing that has happened to me. What was so great was the entire
ensemble, crew, and principals pulling for me and screaming for me. Everyone
was saying, “Its the real life Peggy Sawyer! Pulled straight out of the
chorus!” I was greated by some fans at the stage door telling me “your the
best Peggy I’ve ever seen!” and some telling me….”your better than that
other girl” I didn’t say anything. I was just proud of myself that I got
through it.



Listen, I have to go to bed. She was back in the show tonight, but she may be
out tommorrow….she’s really sick. 🙂


It’ll be a fun weekend letter on Sunday!!



Love you guys! I know you were all there in the front row in spirit. I felt
it.

Love,

Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sat, 23 Jun 2001 23:54:25 EDT
Subject: I AM GOING ON AS PEGGY 3PM SUNDAY!
To: adamg@actorsfcu.net, christo@gis.net, divataps@hotmail.com,
Kudo238408@aol.com, sophredshoes@yahoo.com, Barkelew@aol.com,
GRINMEX@aol.com, fogr@spydersearch.com, dbergolduci@yahoo.com,
ppb14@columbia.edu, bboyle@hdsa.org (Barbara Boyle), KBrantNYC@aol.com,
jessejames7513@yahoo.com, carranzav@yahoo.com, arlincary@earthlink.net,
Tysmom916@aol.com, RCheb1615@aol.com, DidileeS@aol.com,
Parwood1@aol.com, CCurich13@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
ron@rondestefano.com, NYDEN@aol.com, edonohue@hdsa.org,
bubsdubs@pocketmail.com, Edgie212@aol.com, Emik16@aol.com,
thedoctor@jeepjazz.com, Hemmytime@aol.com, Jerbear01@aol.com,
LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com, icgreenblatt@ucdavis.edu,
djphish@earthlink.net, laurah_15@yahoo.com, Groovytunz@aol.com,
jlhall@u.washington.edu, SIRDrinkalot2375@aol.com,
kittygirl@hawaii.rr.com, healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), DCass444@aol.com, GHindes@aol.com,
JoCoRu@aol.com, Marshall.Jones@thegarden.com, KJack36293@aol.com,
jkwong@fenwayhealth.org, Mattlacey@aol.com, BroadwayMHL@aol.com,
FilmBitch@yahoo.com, TroyMaG202@aol.com, Maxwelljan@aol.com,
Robbndavid@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen), NoahRacey@gateway.net,
rjolden@cyberg8t.com, pagepatrick@mindspring.com, hpak@act1corp.com,
MelainePH@aol.com, GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
Dpessis@aol.com, Elway79004@aol.com, RPatterson@thibault.com,
Sebroche@aol.com, NEWROM@aol.com, Cybersj@earthlink.net,
JJdkras@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net (jill shaul),
richard@richardskipper.com, Nyspanky@aol.com, SGlamourGirl@aol.com,
gmstorace@hotmail.com, IeshaBusse@aol.com, Hrmnyboy@aol.com,
THOR1847@aol.com, JenT5678@aol.com, HttrMad@aol.com, BoyBrady@aol.com,
S2XS@aol.com, MWalsh1969@aol.com, amowarner@yahoo.com,
AndyWeems@aol.com, squerlin@yahoo.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
Tapwiley@aol.com, LeeAWilkins@aol.com, nyjeff@earthlink.net,
Johnwill@home.com, Brantwiwi@excite.com, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
Wootyman@aol.com
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Hi everyone….



Ok, wow….this has been a crazy week.



I debuted as “Peggy” on Thursday night! It was the most exhilirating
experience of my whole life. Life imitates Art….truely.



Well…I went back to dancing in the chorus for Friday night, and this
afternoon’s matinee. Then I was told after the show I was on for the evening
show! So I performed my first Saturday night starring on Broadway….yeah
baby!



I’m writing you all because some of you wanted to know when I was on! I know
its short notice, but if you can come to tommorrow’s matinee at 3pm they have
plenty of single tickets avaliable (I’m sure some pairs too).



Please come and cheer me on. I would really love it.  


If not, I will be on for 3 shows a week in August.



Lots Of Love,

Meredith

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 24 Jun 2001 12:02:59 EDT
Subject: The-Week-to-Remember Sunday Letter!
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, GRINMEX@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), jshaul@jps.net (jill shaul),
GHindes@aol.com, GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
jahealy@earthlink.net, SIRDrinkalot2375@aol.com, healy@rowan.edu
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10519

Hi everyone,


As you all pretty much know. This week was the week that both Shonn and I
went on for “Billy” and “Peggy”. We also performed on the TODAY SHOW, and got
our check for doing the TONY’s. Blah blah blah….right? The week has finally
come to a close…thank god!



Shonn going on for the first time was the most exciting thing I have ever
witnessed. He was so together and smooth onstage (as I always knew he would
be) I was dancing behind him in “MONEY” when he was tapping on the big dime,
centerstage on Broadway! It was wonderful.  


When I found out I was going on it was the day I was up at 4am for the TODAY
show, I had come home and slept for 2 hours, then got up and started cleaning
my aquarium. The stage managers called me at 5pm and said, “Your on! When can
you get here.” I literally was out of the door and on the subway at 5:01. I
spent the next 2 hours talking to wardrobe, going over the red coat piano
tapping number (those of you who have seen it know what I’m talking about). I
went over the lifts with David (who plays “Billy”) and started getting ready.

It was surreal. I don’t remember most of the show. I was taking it scene by
scene and trying to just stay calm for the quick changes. The entire ensemble
was cheering me on and crying uring the whole show. It was life imitating
art. One day I’m in the back row, the next I’m starring on Broadway. It was
crazy! It went better than I thought. Everyone was impressed.



After that, Kate was back but sounded bad and said she wasn’t feeling better.

She was on Friday night and Sat afternoon. Then they said, “Your on Sat night
and Sun matinee” So I went on last night. That was so much easier and I felt
a little more relaxed.



Today I am getting nervous just writing this experience over again. I am
going to do my first matinee as “Peggy”. It’ll be fun! Tell me to “break a
leg”!





Dad- I got the scanner in the mail. Its a visioneer 4400usb scanner. 42 bit
color with 600×1200 dpi (whatever that means!) I can now send a weekly letter
AND a weekly picture! That’s going to be cool!



Shonn and I got a new filter for the aquarium. My frog is still alive…but
has no name. I was thinking either calling it “Ribbit” or ” Michigan Frog”
from Warner Bros. Although he doesn’t sing to me with a top hat and
cane…maybe I can teach him?



The painting has stopped this week ( of course). But Shonn and I are fighting
over what color green to paint the bedroom.   I like the greener green and he
likes a blue green. Whatever….there are more important things in life right?



Well….I’m getting nervous I have to get going. I wish you were all there in
the audience today.



Lots of love. Talk to you soon,

Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sat, 30 Jun 2001 00:23:04 EDT
Subject: My crazy night on Broadway…
To: Brantwiwi@excite.com, Johnwill@home.com, nyjeff@earthlink.net,
Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
AndyWeems@aol.com, HttrMad@aol.com, THOR1847@aol.com,
gmstorace@hotmail.com, SGlamourGirl@aol.com, Nyspanky@aol.com,
JJdkras@aol.com, NEWROM@aol.com, Elway79004@aol.com, Dpessis@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com, rjolden@cyberg8t.com,
NoahRacey@gateway.net, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Maxwelljan@aol.com,
TroyMaG202@aol.com, BroadwayMHL@aol.com, lainie@cmiprorisk.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, Marshall.Jones@thegarden.com, DCass444@aol.com,
laurah_15@yahoo.com, icgreenblatt@ucdavis.edu, Margo2513@aol.com,
LoisGrandi@aol.com, Hemmytime@aol.com, Emik16@aol.com,
Edgie212@aol.com, ron@rondestefano.com, Parwood1@aol.com,
CCurich13@aol.com, DidileeS@aol.com, jessejames7513@yahoo.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, GRINMEX@aol.com, Barkelew@aol.com,
thedoctor@jeepjazz.com, fogr@spydersearch.com, sophredshoes@yahoo.com,
carranzav@yahoo.com, JenT5678@aol.com, Robbndavid@aol.com,
BoyBrady@aol.com, MWalsh1969@aol.com, LeeAWilkins@aol.com,
wpatters@wwmgmt.com, mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), NYDEN@aol.com, Jerbear01@aol.com,
djphish@earthlink.net, RCheb1615@aol.com, amowarner@yahoo.com,
squerlin@yahoo.com, bubsdubs@pocketmail.com, Kudo238408@aol.com,
Tysmom916@aol.com, arlincary@earthlink.net,
jshaul@jps.net (jill shaul), GHindes@aol.com,
richard@richardskipper.com, GDGMichelle@hotmail.com,
IeshaBusse@aol.com, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com, RPatterson@thibault.com,
jahealy@earthlink.net, bboyle@hdsa.org (Barbara Boyle),
edonohue@hdsa.org, Cybersj@earthlink.net, divataps@hotmail.com,
KJack36293@aol.com, adamg@actorsfcu.net, JoCoRu@aol.com, S2XS@aol.com,
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pagepatrick@mindspring.com, Calitek@juno.com, MeredithPWebsite@aol.com
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Nothing can top this evening…..so far in my life nothing compares to what I
experienced on “The Broadway” at about 9:30pm.



I was planning on having a fun, layed back show tonight when after the first
act I hear that Kate hurt her knee, but she’s ok. Then halfway through the
second act, I get a tap on the shoulder…

its a stage manager saying…


“Your on for the rest of the show!

Go down and get changed.”


Wha!?


So ….( deep breath )Kate is out, and I go down and get into “Plenty Of
Money” the Ann Miller red, tap on the piano number.  The last words spoken on
stage are

“Your going out there a youngster but you’ve got to come back a star!” Little
did the audience know (and even our conductor) that Kate wasn’t coming back
at all….that I  was going to be in that red coat finishing the show. (The
look on the conductors face when I came out was priceless by the way!)


So I finished the show with my stomach in knots, about a thousand jitters and
pumped with adrenaline.

Everyone cheered! I took my bow. Michael Cumpsty (Jullian Marsh) came out to
bow and after he bowed put his hands up and silenced the audience and said,


“How many of you noticed? (and laughed) Sometimes life imitates art, and art
imitates life.  Our “Peggy” Kate Levering has hurt her knee and is icing it
downstairs. Meredith Patterson, the understudy was put on and played the part
for the rest of the show.”

(Or something to that effect)



The crowd went wild and lept to their feet! It was crazy! The ensemble was
crying and I stepped out of the principal line and took another bow. It was
the most amazing moment of my life.



I finished the ENCORE and the curtain fell. The blood was still racing
through me as I was hugged by the cast.



Shonn and I left out the stage door and there were people cheering and
wanting to take pictures and get my autograph. It was too much. 🙂 But I have
to say I liked it a little.:)



So that was my crazy night on Broadway. I just had to share it with you all.

But mainly to tell you I don’t know for sure but I believe I will be playing
Peggy for the rest of the weekend which is:  


Sat 2pm and 8pm
Sun 3pm


I know some of the only tickets avaliable may be $91.50. Its expensive, don’t
worry about it, believe me I’ve been there! 🙂 If you can make it and afford
the crazy money. I’d love to have you there.



Let me know…or I’ll see you at the stage door!



Lots of love,

Meredith

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 1 Jul 2001 21:03:15 EDT
Subject: My weekend starring on B’way
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, GRINMEX@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), jshaul@jps.net (jill shaul),
GHindes@aol.com (Gayle Hindes), GDGMichelle@hotmail.com,
TSZRight@cherokeetel.com, jahealy@earthlink.net,
sirdrinkalot2375@aol.com (Larry Halloren), healy@rowan.edu
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10519

Hi everyone!



Starring on Broadway wasn’t a bad way to end this week. As I told you
all….Friday night was the quintisential Broadway story.  People are talking
about it all over. I had some guy from a magazine contact me at the stage
door about it. I have a feeling there will be some buzz in August when I’m on
every week. 🙂 There is no where I belong but on stage starring on
Broadway….I decided that on my 6th show as Peggy. I just know that’s where
I’m supposed to be. Ever since I’ve moved out here that’s what I’ve wanted
and now that I am doing it (sort of) I feel at home. I want Kate’s knee to
get better….but part of me just wants to hold on to the starring role as
long as I can.



I had an interview for the Contra Costa Times on Monday. It should be a big
feature. It will run July 15th. That was pretty cool. To be recognized by the
hometown paper is a pretty big deal for me. 🙂


I am exhausted to say the least. Randy Skinner (the choreographer) came to
see the show today. I have to call him to hear what he thought. I’m proud
because I did a really great show. All the hard work is paying off.



Shonn and I went to dinner afterwards at CHEVY’S. We ordered a pitcher of
Marghrita’s. The waiter asked for our ID’s and we giggled. (I guess we’re not
old enough to be flattered) Then he brings us this watered down sweet lemon
lime tasting version of a stiff drink. It stunk! So I guess Shonn got a
little tipsy….I didn’t. And I’m the lightweight! It relaxed us at
least…until we got the bill and the pitcher was $25! That’s New York Times
Square for ya! Ugh…



So we took a taxi home and are about to watch the movie Woman Of The Year
with Spencer Tracy and Kathrine Hepburn. I’m so glad he likes old movies too.

The other night we wathed the movie musical “Seven Brides for Seven
Brothers”.  I wasn’t in the mood. Its hard to go to work and DO a musical
then come home and WATCH a musical. Its a little too much musical cheese for
me! I have to put on my MADONNA CD and chill out to just hear a different
style of music! 🙂



Well….its 9pm. Shonn and I are going to the YANKEE Game tommorrow. I’m
excited! It should be a lot of fun!



Gotta go! Lots of love!

Let me know what’s going on in your neck of the woods….



Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Jul 2001 11:37:10 EDT
Subject: Sunday!
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, GRINMEX@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), jshaul@jps.net (jill shaul),
GHindes@aol.com, GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
jahealy@earthlink.net, SIRDrinkalot2375@aol.com, healy@rowan.edu
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10519

Hi everyone,



I hope this finds you in a great mood. This Sunday is one that Shonn and I
have been looking forward to for 2 weeks…maybe longer. It is our 2 year
anniversary tomorrow (can you believe it?) Its crazy how people tell you that
time flies when you are younger….but when your young time seems to drag
along! So, we are heading out of town after the 3pm show. We are catching a
train to Springlake, NJ. There is a wonderful B&B there, beaches, bike riding
and all. Shonn has the whole weekend planned and is so excited. He won’t tell
me a thing about what we are going to do. I think he’s caught on to this
surprising me thing….I love it! I gave Shonn his gift last night. I wasn’t
sure what to get him (when am I ever at a loss for ideas?) So I racked my
brain for a time when he said he really wanted something…..I got it!



He has always wanted to have a “wet bar” in the apt for when friends are over
and such (kinda like we have in the family room Dad)! So, I creatively went
to buy the start of the wet bar. Its all Sterling Silver and includes a cute
little Ice Bucket with tongs, a bottle opener (there’s like 4 do dads I don’t
know what they do)! Then there is a Martini shaker, you know the kind you can
turn and see how to make like 10 different drinks. Then I got 2 art deco
whiskey glasses, and 8 miniature drinks (like you get on airplanes).

Anyway….Shonn opened it last night and didn’t know what to do with himself!

He hugged me and said it was the “best gift ever”. (Of course the look on his
face sort of paralleled Christmas, when he received his childhood Atari and
Nintendo Herb and Beth!)

I get my gifts when I get to Springlake. I will definitely tell you about it.



Well, work this week was fine. Same ol’ same ol’. Shonn was out 2 shows
yesterday because he hurt his thigh. You know in football when they say “he
got a stinger”…that’s kinda what happened to his thigh. Its probably deeply
bruised. He is doing the show today though.



Its raining out here this morning (which I hope won’t continue through the
weekend) but the weather has cooled off. Dad and Mom- I heard it was in the
hundreds out in Cali! God! That’s crazy. I hope you have a good air
conditioner. Shonn and I just bought another on for the living room.



I’ve been doing some long awaited projects around the house. My scrapbooks, I
just bought 2 wood filing cabinets (very cool looking) for all my “stuff”.

Shonn and I are buying things “together” so it makes for a very hard
separation if ever it comes to that (kidding!) We are very happy. I’m very
happy. I must admit, the start of this year I had one mother of a “bitter
pill” stuck sideways in my throat…after all I had plenty of reason to. But
I realized. I have it pretty good. I have a great paying job, doing what I
love (even if its not all of what I love). I have a wonderful boyfriend who
loves me. I have a family who loves me. I have a great open spacious apt (not
that “cave” I used to live in downtown). And I’m young and I have my health.

Its hard sometimes to sit back and take hold of the good things in life when
society and the world around us tends to focus on the negative. (I stopped
watching the news for that very reason).



So today…I’ve just decided….I am going to find the good in everything. I
will go through this entire day without complaining…about anything. (whew,
this may be hard)



Well…that’s it for this week. Oh Fish Update: Goldie, Rosie, Boris, (no
name), (no name) and Jolson the “Mammy” Frog…are alive and well! They eat
all the time and I’m afraid will get “huge” and take over the apt. 🙂 Or
maybe I’ll finally get Shonn to eat seafood?



On that note…lots of love to you all. Have a great week ahead!

Love,

Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2001 13:59:46 EDT
Subject: Another Week
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, GRINMEX@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), jshaul@jps.net (jill shaul),
GHindes@aol.com, GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
jahealy@earthlink.net, SIRDrinkalot2375@aol.com, healy@rowan.edu
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10519

Hi Everyone,



I apologize for being a little spaced out yesterday and forgetting about my
weekly letter (something really I look forward to doing every Sunday) I feel
that in some way I get to talk to each and every one of you individually
(even if I don’t)



Its been hard this week. A tough week but an absolutely wonderful one.



It started with Shonn and I taking a much needed vacation to Springlake, NJ
to celebrate 2 wonderful years together. Your right Mom, he is the love of my
life. I can’t imagine life without him. We had the most amazing time just
doing whatever came our way! We started by taking the train for 2 hours to
the B&B. We checked in to this gorgeous 18th Century Inn (called the Normandy
Inn in case you were wondering), and then we strolled down to the boardwalk
to walk along the beach. (It was just 5 houses away!) The smell of the sea
air was so intense. After smelling subways and midtown busses for the past 6
months I had forgotten what “nature” smelled like. But I haven’t even told
you the best part of the night….for me anyway….The Fireflies! I haven’t
seen them in so long. I don’t know what it is but I LOVE them! They make me
so happy. And they were everywhere! I caught one, but I didn’t keep it, I let
it go. Shonn wanted to smush it and write our names in the sidewalk. I
thought that was GROSS!:)

The rest of the weekend we walked around Main St., Shonn bought me a cute
pink dress, and got me a full body massage at this parlor (so relaxing!) then
we went to dinner by the sea and had red wine, Lobster and tenderloin. And
Beth! Shonn tried my Lobster and liked it!  I think I may be converting him
to seafood. We had champagne later and watched “When Harry Met Sally”, and
“Moonstruck” it was perfect.



Then on Tuesday….we had to come down off our cloud and back to reality.



The shows have been fine this week. Except, I don’t know if I told alot of
you but I have been having some pain in my left foot (just like the movie!)
and I have been told its a mile neuroma. Now, Mom and Lainie both have had
them and the podiatrist said it was common with my genetics. I have loose
joints and wide feet and I’m a dancer. But, I had a cortisone shot in it on
Thursday and missed 2 shows. I may have to get another one, but I went back
to work on Sat and sis the last 3 shows of the week. Its fine. Don’t worry
about me. With all the dance injuries this is the most common. The doctor
said I’m very smart not to let it go and its small enough that I don’t need
any surgery. It will not jeopardize my career so relax. I didn’t say anything
before because I didn’t want to freak you all out. Right now there are 3
girls in the show with dance injuries much more serious (pinched nerve in the
back, tendon and cartilage rubbing together in the knee, and hip spasms)
So…welcome to the life of a professional dancer.



Last night Shonn and I had a date. We went to dinner and went to go see “Cats
and Dogs” I LOVED IT! It was so funny. It made me laugh and cry.



Today I am getting ready for my acupuncture and massage and chiro appt. and
taking it easy.



So that’s it! I love you guys. I’m sure I missed something I wanted to tell
you, but I have to get going.



Rob…I love that you are taking up the habit of writing what’s up with you.

I miss hearing all the things that go on in your life.



Love you,

Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 16:49:54 EDT
Subject: Hey Family
To: RPatt3362@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com,
wpatters@wwmgmt.com, GDGMichelle@hotmail.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10531

Hey Mom , Dad…siblings,


I’m writing this for my own sanity. I have been having a real hard time
dealing with the limbo I have been put in regarding my job and “Peggy”.

Infact it has been since October of last year when this whole emotional saga
began for me, that I have been gulping down a lump of pain in my throat from
having to sit back and watch someone else live my dream 3 feet away from me 8
times a week. Every month adds a new layer. When I finally got my chance to
go on and be the part, hearing from the entire cast and getting wonderful
emails from fans telling me “you were amazing”, “it should’ve been you” and
“they made a mistake” is all grand….but just hammers in the pain a little
more.

To top this all off, I have a girl I am understudying who doesn’t care for me
too much, and I don’t care for her.

August is coming up. A month and time I have dreaded and longed for the whole
year. It is going to be very hard for me to not let my entire world revolve
around this show and my part in it. I need you to be here for me. I need you
to not talk to me about Kate, what is the latest news on whether I’m getting
the part, how her voice is, her knee….or ask me how my foot is. I am very
fragile about this. I always have been. And for the conversation with you to
be soley about my career makes it harder for me to deal with the rejection
(if it comes). I am trying to think positive and let my job be something I go
to for 3 hours every night. Its bad enough I have the cast asking me what’s
going on. I just need my family to just be my family.

I just filmed a screentest today for a 3 year contract role on the soap opera
Guiding Light. I will find out within 10 business days whether I got it. Do
not ask me about it. I will tell you if I got it. I know I am usually more
open about all this, but as I said, its been very hard for me this year. I
have worked very hard and left Pleasant Hill and all I know to do this very
thing. And I feel it happening. Its all very exciting and very scary…and
very sad, when I know in my heart I should’ve been “Peggy”, and I should’ve
got nominated (and no I cannot be nominated even if I take over the
role….its a one shot deal).

I know you all are curious. But I need you to find out the little questions
or comments you want to make from other people right now. (No, I don’t get to
record a cast album, that was also a one shot deal).



Lain, I love you. I don’t want to hear about Mr. Levering. I should’ve told
you on the phone. But I thought I was going to cry. You realize it could be
any girl. Its not her. Its just the fact that I am in the back.





Thank you for listening to me ramble. I haven’t had much sleep today so I am
a little emotional (I guess I get that from you Mom. 🙂


I love you guys.



Lainie….I love hearing about your baby. I wish I could be there to feel it
kick. Mom, I love your blanket. It makes me think of home. I think of you
sitting there crocheing it for me, and I smile. Dad, thank you for all the
work you have done with my site. I want to know more what is going on in your
life (not with my website). Rob, I can’t tell you how great it was to talk to
you on the phone. You make me laugh with just the sound of your voice.



And, Michelle I don’t know what to say. Your family is within arms
reach….don’t push them away.



Again, I love you



Merie

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2001 11:40:15 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
SGlamourGirl@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, GRINMEX@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), jshaul@jps.net (jill shaul),
GHindes@aol.com, GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
jahealy@earthlink.net, SIRDrinkalot2375@aol.com, healy@rowan.edu
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10531

Good Morning Sunday Readers!



It has been one of those weeks that has sludged by….but finally ended. 🙂
It is beautiful outside and Shonn and I have a date tonight down in the
village to see a friend of mine sing. So there is much to look forward to
with this day.



I also just checked my mail and saw BABY HUTH! My sisters sonogram of her
first baby. It was so exciting. What an amazing thing….to have omeone
growing inside you. wOw!



So what’s up for this week? The most exciting thing was Shonn starred on
Broadway as Billy yesterday. That was SO COOL. I was a proud Mama again…and
wasn’t so nervous for him. He was so together and brilliant in the role (as I
knew he would be). Wish you all could’ve been there to see him shine.

Also there’s this thing we do at work where someone from the cast gets on the
“God Mic” as we call it to announce the half hour call and such…..well, on
Saturday night we do a fun little announcement ala “Saturday Night Live”.

Someone says, “What’s tonight?” and another person screams, “Its Saturday
night on Broadway!” Its cute and fun….Well, earlier in the week I had asked
Jonathon Freeman if he would do the announcement as JAFAR from Aladin (since
he was the voice for that character) and he said yes! So last night he said
“Its Saturday Night On Broadway!” as Jafar and did that villianous laugh
afterwards. The entire backstage was up in arms and laughing and clapping. It
was SO COOL! ( If you don’t know who Jafar is….go over to Mom’s house and
borrow the movie)



On Thursday, Shonn plays Softball for The Broadway Show Softball League. I am
the cheerleader for it. (I know Mom you were a Softball Champ!) Everyone asks
me why I wasn’t on the team. I didn’t want to hurt myself. I’m not that
tough. So I sit in the bleachers with 48 sunblock and yell “Go 42!” Its fun.

They lost to THE FULL MONTY on Thursday. But they are in the playoffs. So
they are pretty good! Shonn played first base this week and kicked butt!



So aside from paying my bills, cleaning my apt, going to work, and sleeping.

There isn’t much else to tell. My foot is doing much better ( I have a small
neuroma in my left foot). I am going to another doctor to get it shot with a
sonogram to be sure its in the right place. I’ll let you know how that goes.

That should zap it!



Also…I had understudy rehearsal on Friday and was given all my Peggy shoes
(thousands of dollars worth!) Custom made! They were so great to tap in. It
was fun. I also got my $3,000 hand stiched real hair wig for Peggy! That is
also cool. Of course they have to go back and make it bigger to fit my huge
German noggin! With a mic pack in there its pretty tight!



But as they say….big heads are GREAT for TV.



Love you guys. I’m going to go now. Got to get downtown!



Lots of love,

Merie

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 5 Aug 2001 13:02:40 EDT
Subject: SUNDAY LETTER
To: GHindes@aol.com
CC: GRINMEX@aol.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com, SIRDrinkalot2375@aol.com,
healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, MelainePH@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com,
mort@lodelink.com, GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
Tapwiley@aol.com, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com, Johnwill@home.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10531

Wow!



I can’t believe its taken me all week to tell you “Officially” that I will be
starring on Broadway as Miss Peggy Sawyer permanently starting August 14th!

THANK GOD! It has been a trip and a lot of hard work and biting of my lip to
get here. (You wouldn’t believe the politics and hoops people have to go
through in this business) Well…you’ve heard about most of them. Let me
start at the beginning about how and when they finally offered me the
part……for real.



I knew they had auditions for “The New Peggy” last Monday and Tuesday. They
combed the city to find someone….either to replace me as the first cover or
take over the role. I wasn’t worried, but I kinda was. I was telling myself
(Who cares! Forget about it! You’ve lost it once already….what’s twice?) So
I was keeping it cool and knitting every chance I got to keep my mind off it
( I think I knitted a whole afghan in 1 hour!) 🙂 Well….the audition was a
disaster…not completly….but the dance Captain told me there was “no one
in your league”. So I felt pretty confident. BUT! They had yet to give me the
stamp of approval…Wait, let me rephrase that….MARK BRAMBLE had yet to
give me the stamp of approval (Jeez!) So….On Tuesday night before the show
Stage Management comes up to me and says, “Um, we will be swinging Kate out
and putting you on for tomorrow’s matinee so Mark can see you and make the
decision about moving up in this company.” I said, “So basically, I’m
auditioning tomorrow for the director during the show…playing the
part….seeing if I can do it….for real?” She laughed and
said…”Basically…yes.” So I laughed it off. Everyone else had seen me do
it and was satisfied…the Producers, the musical director, the
choreographer…(just like in the initial audition) everyone gave me
approval….but Mark. So…I went into the matinee the next day with a fuck
you Mark attitude. (Grandma please excuse my language I can’t express it any
other way 🙂  And I did the best show as her I have ever done! It was
magical! I felt so comfortable and confident. The cast said…”You wailed on
the title song! Wow! You sang incredibly!” Oh…what a little confidence will
do. 🙂

But the best part of the whole show was the audience. I had
agreed to meet with some kids from a theater camp before the matinee months
ago…about 40 of them. Not knowing before that I would be playing Peggy. I
told the kids all about my auditioning for the part at the show. I asked them
to “scream for me like I was Britney Spears!” They loved that! So I knew I
had them in my corner. Well…on top of that there were 100 kids from a camp
called DANCE CAVISE. And it turns out they saw Shonn and I play the parts on
Westchester 2 years ago. So they were screaming anyway! So I came out onstage
for the first scene…my entrance…and the place went up! Screams and
clapping….like I was indeed Britney Spears! It was so perfect. It couldn’t
have been better had I came out with my fingers flipping Mark the bird! It
was a slap in the face to Mark…because in all the times Kate did the part
there was never that reaction from the audience. (It felt good). And so went
the entire show. I came out in the red coat and the audience screamed, I
tapped for the first time and they screamed, it was incredible.



Anyway….so the show ends and I walk outside and sign 140 autographs! It was
great and I signed and took a picture with every little girl and boy! You
bet….I was one of them long ago!

Then I went inside, got my cell phone and was going to get some food when my
voicemail rang. It was my agent, saying “Call me ASAP!”
I knew. I knew just then I had it. I called him back and he said, “Mark
called Jay Binder (the casting agent) and said you were amazing and wonderful
and we want to offer you the part.”


A
    A

         A
              G
                   G  
                        G
                             G
                                 H
                                      H
                                           H
                                                H
                                                    H
                                                         H!!                 
       
its about time……  

So I immediately called Dad and Mom and all to tell them. Then I was just so
tired that I went to sleep! I went back to the chorus that night and the
entire ensemble was gleaming for me.



I haven’t even told you the best part. how could I miss this little detail?

Kate was in the audience watching the show. Watching me do the part. We all
know she hates me. She has made that very clear. (Remember Debbie Gibson? Its
the same)

She gets on the “God Mic” backstage after the show and gives this pushed and
grinning through her teeth speech about how “proud she is of everyone and all
their hard work. Its a spectacular show and I love you all…” Gag Gag Puke.

Wax figure FAKE! So here I think she’s coming to say something to me. Maybe
something nice? She never did. I passed her in the hallway and she wouldn’t
even look at me. I passed her on the street and smiled and she glared at me.

Its the worst case of insecurity and hate I have ever felt. She is rotted
inside and its very sad. Anyway…..Mark didn’t say a word to me either. Not
two words. Its very strange. Everyone thinks its very strange.



So that’s the story. Wow! Long and arduous. I am in negotiations right now
and we are hoping to get it settled within 2 weeks. My agent is rubbing his
hands together and giggling because he knows everything they offered Kate and
is for damn sure going to get me the same if not more. We’re in a good strong
position. 🙂



I just read through the letter…..I hope I don’t sound evil. Its just been
such an emotional journey for me. They have put me through the ringer and
back. Judgmental and scathing. But it has been a learning experience. I am
proud to have started in the chorus. I feel like a real life Peggy Sawyer
sometimes. Coming out of the chorus of this show is an eye opener. Taking the
path in life I have taken has made me a stronger more compassionate person.



Everything happens for a reason.



I love you guys. Thanks for listening to my crazy week. Talk to you soon.



Call me if you want 212-923-0850


Your Munchkin,

Merie

From: “Bill & Sharon Mortensen”
To: “Bill Patterson”
Subject: Re: SUNDAY LETTER
Date: Sun, 5 Aug 2001 17:05:49 -0700
X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.00.2314.1300

Hey Brother Bill,

 

How proud you must be………..wish I had the money and the time to go see her…….maybe this fall…..who knows what little “nest-egg” will arrive in the mail???  Take care and we love you, /S

—– Original Message —–

From:
Bill
Patterson

To: MerieNYC@aol.com

Cc: GRINMEX@aol.com ; KBrantNYC@aol.com ; jshaul@jps.net ; LoisGrandi@aol.com ; Margo2513@aol.com
; SIRDrinkalot2375@aol.com ; healy@rowan.edu ; jahealy@earthlink.net ; nsbhealy@yahoo.com ; hwiley@tc3net.com
; MelainePH@aol.com ; Mamarose2000@yahoo.com ; mort@lodelink.com
; GDGMichelle@hotmail.com ; RPatt3362@aol.com
; Tapwiley@aol.com ; TSZRight@cherokeetel.com ; Johnwill@home.com

Sent: Sunday, August 05, 2001 1:04
PM

Subject: Re: SUNDAY LETTER

All I can say is that I’m proud to be your
father!! The way you have handled yourself through this whole thing is
unbelievable.  I know from the music business, many years ago, that I
would have told them to put it where the sun doesn’t shine way back last
year.  You WILL be recognized for this in the future.  You already
have a reputation for getting along and being a great person. 
Love
it kid…..every damn minute of it!!!!  And they think “She was an
overnight success!”  ha ha !!!!

Luv you THEDAD

At 01:02 PM
8/5/2001 -0400, MerieNYC@aol.com
wrote:

Wow!

I can’t believe its
taken me all week to tell you “Officially” that I will be
starring on
Broadway as Miss Peggy Sawyer permanently starting August 14th!
THANK
GOD! It has been a trip and a lot of hard work and biting of my lip to

get here. (You wouldn’t believe the politics and hoops people have to go

through in this business) Well…you’ve heard about most of them. Let me

start at the beginning about how and when they finally offered me the

part……for real.

I knew they had auditions for “The New
Peggy” last Monday and Tuesday. They
combed the city to find
someone….either to replace me as the first cover or
take over the
role. I wasn’t worried, but I kinda was. I was telling myself
(Who
cares! Forget about it! You’ve lost it once already….what’s twice?) So

I was keeping it cool and knitting every chance I got to keep my mind
off it
( I think I knitted a whole afghan in 1 hour!) 🙂 Well….the
audition was a
disaster…not completly….but the dance Captain told me
there was “no one
in your league”. So I felt pretty confident. BUT! They
had yet to give me the
stamp of approval…Wait, let me rephrase
that….MARK BRAMBLE had yet to
give me the stamp of approval (Jeez!)
So….On Tuesday night before the show
Stage Management comes up to me
and says, “Um, we will be swinging Kate out
and putting you on for
tomorrow’s matinee so Mark can see you and make the
decision about
moving up in this company.” I said, “So basically, I’m
auditioning
tomorrow for the director during the show…playing the
part….seeing
if I can do it….for real?” She laughed and
said…”Basically…yes.”
So I laughed it off. Everyone else had seen me do
it and was
satisfied…the Producers, the musical director, the

choreographer…(just like in the initial audition) everyone gave me

approval….but Mark. So…I went into the matinee the next day with a
fuck
you Mark attitude. (Grandma please excuse my language
I can’t express it any
other way 🙂  And I did the best show as her
I have ever done! It was
magical! I felt so comfortable and confident.
The cast said…”You wailed on
the title song! Wow! You sang
incredibly!” Oh…what a little confidence will
do. 🙂
But the best
part of the whole show was the audience. I had
agreed to meet with some
kids from a theater camp before the matinee months
ago…about 40 of
them. Not knowing before that I would be playing Peggy. I
told the kids
all about my auditioning for the part at the show. I asked them
to
“scream for me like I was Britney Spears!” They loved that! So I knew I

had them in my corner. Well…on top of that there were 100 kids from a
camp
called DANCE CAVISE. And it turns out they saw Shonn and I play the
parts on
Westchester 2 years ago. So they were screaming anyway! So I
came out onstage
for the first scene…my entrance…and the place went
up! Screams and
clapping….like I was indeed Britney Spears! It was so
perfect. It couldn’t
have been better had I came out with my fingers
flipping Mark the bird! It
was a slap in the face to Mark…because in
all the times Kate did the part
there was never that reaction from the
audience. (It felt good). And so went
the entire show. I came out in the
red coat and the audience screamed, I
tapped for the first time and they
screamed, it was incredible.

Anyway….so the show ends and I walk
outside and sign 140 autographs! It was
great and I signed and took a
picture with every little girl and boy! You
bet….I was one of them
long ago!
Then I went inside, got my cell phone and was going to get
some food when my
voicemail rang. It was my agent, saying “Call me
ASAP!”
I knew. I knew just then I had it. I called him back and he said,
“Mark
called Jay Binder (the casting agent) and said you were amazing
and wonderful
and we want to offer you the part.”

A

    A

         A

             
G

                  
G  

                       
G

                            
G

                                
H

                                     
H

                                          
H

                                               
H

                                                   
H

                                                        
H!!                 

       
its about
time……  

So I immediately called Dad and
Mom and all to tell them. Then I was just so
tired that I went to sleep!
I went back to the chorus that night and the
entire ensemble was
gleaming for me.

I haven’t even told you the best part. how could I
miss this little detail?
Kate was in the audience watching the show.
Watching me do the part. We all
know she hates me. She has made that
very clear. (Remember Debbie Gibson? Its
the same)
She gets on the
“God Mic” backstage after the show and gives this pushed and
grinning
through her teeth speech about how “proud she is of everyone and all

their hard work. Its a spectacular show and I love you all…” Gag Gag
Puke.
Wax figure FAKE! So here I think she’s coming to say something to
me. Maybe
something nice? She never did. I passed her in the hallway and
she wouldn’t
even look at me. I passed her on the street and smiled and
she glared at me.
Its the worst case of insecurity and hate I have ever
felt. She is rotted
inside and its very sad. Anyway…..Mark didn’t say
a word to me either. Not
two words. Its very strange. Everyone thinks
its very strange.

So that’s the story. Wow! Long and arduous. I am
in negotiations right now
and we are hoping to get it settled within 2
weeks. My agent is rubbing his
hands together and giggling because he
knows everything they offered Kate and
is for damn sure going to get me
the same if not more. We’re in a good strong
position. 🙂

I just
read through the letter…..I hope I don’t sound evil. Its just been

such an emotional journey for me. They have put me through the ringer
and
back. Judgmental and scathing. But it has been a learning
experience. I am
proud to have started in the chorus. I feel like a real
life Peggy Sawyer
sometimes. Coming out of the chorus of this show is an
eye opener. Taking the
path in life I have taken has made me a stronger
more compassionate person.

Everything happens for a reason.


I love you guys. Thanks for listening to my crazy week. Talk to you
soon.

Call me if you want 212-923-0850

Your Munchkin,

Merie

William (Bill) Patterson
Wright Way
Management
www.wwmgmt.com
Network Manager/Webmaster
(800)
940-6317

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2001 17:10:40 EDT
Subject: Re: SUNDAY LETTER
To: wpatters@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10531

No I will do something else to announce it on the web as soon as the deal is
clinched. Love you!



Merie

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2001 17:11:19 EDT
Subject: Re: SUNDAY LETTER
To: wpatters@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10531

Larry Halloren…Kyrah Wiley’s boyfriend


Merie

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 19 Aug 2001 19:55:58 EDT
Subject: The Starring-on-Broadway Sunday Letter
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
GRINMEX@aol.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
Margo2513@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10535

Hello All!



Last night I went to bed a chorus girl and woke up a Broadway Star. how does
this happen you ask? 7 years of hard work pounding the pavement of New York
City, and 23 years of training and dance classes before that. Whew…..but
when its all said and done…..it nice to have a sigh of relief that all that
hard work and patience has paid off.



And let me tell you….PATIENCE is what I have learned from this whole
ordeal. Patience is a virtue…and tenacity is golden. I should have that
framed and on my dressing room wall. Which by the way is now MY DRESSING
ROOM! 🙂 I must tell you…starting from the very beginning…my trip from
last night to today.



As I dressed in my yellow tap shoes and stood on line with the rest of the
ensemble I thought, “This is the last time I will ever do this opening
number. ” And the curtain rose to smiling faces, as it usually does…but
this time no one smile out there could outshine mine because I knew this was
my last time. I was filled with joy and sadness the entire show. I felt like
“This is that last time you are going to be in the ensemble.” Because once
you are a Broadway Star…you are a lead forever. Its a strange thing to
grasp. No more ensemble. The same thoughts kept going through my head as I
finished each number. No more Gold Bikini in MONEY, No more Buxom Chorine Big
Tits, and especially no more Pointe shoes with Poppy heads! I think from
performing in a basement of the Bourse Building in Philadelphia with
cockroaches to starring on Broadway, I have PAID MY DUES and then some. But I
must say….when I write a biography of my life….my true life….it will be
a bestseller! 🙂



So the curtain fell. Kate was no longer Peggy and I secretly smiled and left
the stage. The negativity in my life slowly melted away as she packed up her
stuff and left the building. Did ya hear that people? Kate Levering has left
the building. No more cold shoulders, no more evil eyes, no more bad blood. I
thought a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. It was heaven. I went to
her going away party and had 1 big pink Cosmopolitians (my drink of choice)
in a large martini glass with a lime, sat at a table and drank. The cast
toasted me a congrads. I didn’t speak a word to Ms. L and Shonn and I had a
great time.



The best part of the night was when we got home. (Don’t get any gross ideas
now) I started talking about the night and then it hit me…..I’m starring on
Broadway. I really am going to be starring on broadway. And I started crying
tears of joy and relief all at the same time. Drunk and crying and laughing
all in one deep cleansing breath. Its amazing what a relief it was.



Waking up this morning with a little hangover made going to the theater a
drag. But I went. I knitted on the subway thinking to myself. “Do any of
these people in this car know I’m going to be starring on Broadway today?” It
made me giggle inside.



I got to the theater and still had my things in the girls ensemble room. I
get there and there is Sara Brians (one of the girls that sits next to me)
with her name already on my mirror and her stuff in a little pile waiting to
claim my spot! It was so funny. I wasn’t expecting to move everything at
once….but in a few small trips I did. I got to my new dressing room and
looked at the door and there it was….

“Ms. Patterson”

My name was on the door!  All my costumes had tags in them saying “Miss
Patterson- Peggy Sawyer.  

Not Understudy!



It was really cool.





So I did the show. It wasn’t one of my best shows. Probably because I was a
little drained from last night. But I sang really well. ( Which is a lot for
me to say because I never think I do) And I finished the show. Shonn and I
came home and made dinner and are going to chill out and watch a couple
movies.



Life’s good.



Tommorrow I get to go to have a full day of beauty! Shonn’s 2 year
anniversary gift was to have a facial, manicure and pedicure at a Spa called
BLISS here in the city. So I’m going to that!



Well….that’s enough to tell you for one day. I hope you all had a great
weekend and a relaxing Sunday.



Talk to you soon



Oh! Dad don’t you dare put this letter on my website. 🙂 Thanks


Lots of love,      
Merie

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 16 Sep 2001 12:22:38 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter…to come
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10535

Hi everyone,


In the wake of all this I haven’t thought about writing my Sunday letter until just now. I have so much I want to say but I am going downtown early to the 48th Street Fire Dept to pay my respects to the 15 firefighters who were lost. When I lived on 49th and 8th I used to love to walk by the firehouse and have them wink and smile at me. Its a sad day.



I will write more later.



Merie

From: Goofymer@aol.com
Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2001 01:34:55 EDT
Subject: Sunday-Monday Letter
To: Shonnwiley@aol.com, Tapwiley@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
MelainePH@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
LoisGrandi@aol.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
mort@lodelink.com (Bill & Sharon Mortensen),
nsbhealy@yahoo.com (Nancy Healy), jshaul@jps.net (jill shaul),
GHindes@aol.com, GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
jahealy@earthlink.net, healy@rowan.edu
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10535

Hi everyone,


We are all trying to get back to some level of normality, but I feel I will never be the same again, neither will this city.



I want to start out by saying how wonderful last Snday and Monday were….just hours before the attack I was sitting on Aunt Jean’s deck watching the sunrise over Lake Thompson in MAINE. That Monday was filled with sunshine, canoe riding, swimming, cracking open Maine Lobster (about 3 of them I ate on my own!), and chatting with The Wiley Family…and finally getting to meet Ky’s boyfriend Larry who is an absolute doll, very funny and loves Ky a lot (which is the most important part).

After riding in the car for a few hours, we were awakened by Beth saying “A plane went into the World Trade Center.” We were all confused? Shonn and I have had dinner at Windows on The World on the 107th Floor….that building is huge there was no way a plane would hit it….unless it was intentional. then the news continued. We were in the car driving back to NYC from Maine and witnessed the horror through the radio. We hadn’t seen an actual picture of it all until 7 hours later. We checked into a Comfort Inn because NYC was closed. And that’s when we saw the TV. Unreal. I know I told you that when we did get back into the city we went downtown to see the sky…I myself needed to see if it was really gone. It was. The smoke was all we saw.

We went back to work on Thursday night. I was angry. It was too soon to be performing and tapping? Who would want to come see us? How dare we go back to work when a few blocks away people were working to clear rubble. But once we performed…I realized this was my job. I was there to take people away from this…if even for a moment.  And we did. It was hard. I cried throughout the show. But we did it. We continued through the rest of the weekend and the audience got better, loosened up, as did we. The best part of doing the shows is at the end I wave a American Flag at the curtain call. The patrionism I feel from the audience when they cheer and shout when I hold that flag up is unlike anything I’ve experienced in my lifetime. Its not Fourth of July….its bigger. And I love America for that. It makes me proud to live here. Not only in America, but New York City.



Shonn and I have been through a lot together. I feel like this tragedy has really put a lot of things into perspective. They always do. I’m so fortunate to not only have someone I love more that anything in my life, but to have had him by my side throughout all of this.



I am looking forward to having my family close to me in a few weeks. I know you are scared and not sure of the future of anything. I am too. I would rather have you close to me/ I need you here. And if your worried about the city. Its closer and more loving than I have ever felt it be. there are flags on every apt building, on people’s lapels, pride has swept over this city and everyone is strong. I know you have to show up at the airport 4 hours early. Don’t thank that a part of me isn’t fearful….but I always am when I fly. A lot of things are going to happen in the coming week. I don’t want you to worry about the trip. Please try not to.



I am off to clean and go shopping, try to go and see a show tonight. Get back to normal. That’s the goal.





Lots of love. I miss you,

Merie


ps. I just realized I sent this from Goofymer….she’s suppossed to be gone. MerieNYC is my screenname 🙂

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2001 01:21:35 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10535

Hi Everyone,



Sorry I didn’t write this week. Shonn and I went out with some friends I haven’t seen in awhile tonight, and this morning I slept until the last possible minute! Yippee!



I went to 2 parties this week. That’s more than this homebody every does! It was fun. I am really looking forward to having everyone out next week. This coming Thursday! I can’t tell you how excited I am.



Things here are grim but looking up. I have been trying not to watch the news and concentrate on my friends and family more than the tragedy. It has comsumed me for 12 days, and will for a long time after. Its hard when its in your own city to block it out. But it is definitly time to heal. A healing process that will take a long time.



I hope you are all well and happy.



Lots of love, Its 2am I have to sleep! 🙂


Love u

Merie

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2001 01:28:34 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10535

After a few weeks of absence I am back with a bulk size Sunday letter. I feel like I am living in a bubble, even my friends here in NYC haven’t seen or heard much of me. Its good that the publicity department has been using me to promote the show, and I have been doing some extra curricular activities to help as well, but, it is surely taking away from contact with family and friends.



I don’t know if any of you have gone to The Latest News page on my site but it is full of all the things I am doing or about to be doing so I won’t bore you with the details of the biz. Just know its a lot. The problem is I love every minute of it. I just wish there were 2 of me! 🙂


I feel as though I haven’t even touched on the trip that the family took out here and how much it meant to me. Its like a hard shell of “New Yorker” style is peeled away when I see your faces. I just become 18 again and start crying. To see Lainie’s belly with the first grandchild of the family, and see Grandma… wearing that cute yankee cap, and Mom and Dad and Rob, and Mike just made me cry when I enterted the hotel room that first night. Then to have you at the show! Oh It was an absoloute dream come true for me. The only thing missing was Michelle and Grandma Pat. How I longed to have you both out there. Maybe Michelle, you could make a trip on your own some weekend?



Well. Then you all left and I quickly got a cold. I missed 2 shows last week and my understudy (who is a great friend of mine) went on. She was wonderful! I got her roses and a card thanking her. Something I think every lead should do for their covers. Its a hard job, I know.



Then Shonn and I went out to Michigan for one glorious day to sing at Todd and Timea’s wedding. Todd is an old friend of Shonn’s, he became a Barnum and Bailey circus clown and met a gorgeous Hungarian acrobat named Timea. They had a wonderful wedding, and Shonn and I sang “One Hand, One Heart” from the musical West Side Story. It was lovely. We flew back Tuesday afternoon and got in around 4pm. This week has been hard but I’ve been getting my sleep. It seems like ages ago that you all were out here. 🙁 I hate when the feeling doesn’t last….



Oh! On the way home Shonn and I found a copy of the famous Harry Potter book in the airport and he bought me a copy. I don’t have much time to read anything but wouldn’t ya know it I read that book in 3 days. All 320 pages. It was a wonderful exciting book. Very light reading. I can’t wait for the movie to come out now. Whew!



I had ordered the Ann Miller Biography weeks ago along with Shirley Maclaine’s and all 10 Ginger and Fred movies. Well….they came in the mail yesterday and Shonn and I just finished watching the Ann Miller one. I cried of course. I’m in it! They show a little of FOLLIES and I’m there. But I sat back and watched it and couldn’t believe that I know this person. I know Ann Miller. She is the most amazing woman. I recommend seeing or buying it. I have yet to crack open the Shirley M one, being that I’m writing this to you at 1:30am. The nice thing about Ann is that she said she stay’s up until 4am and sleeps ’til noon. It made me feel like I didn’t have some sleeping disorder…I guess all showbiz people keep those hours. I just wish there was no such thing as matinee’s. 🙂


Well, I love you all. Please write back and tell me how life is.



Lots of love,

Merie

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 4 Nov 2001 12:42:45 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10535

Every week that passes feels faster than the other. I guess that’s because this week I was moving at a pace that had me shift into high gear! I was pulling double duty, working at the show and rehearsing a new musical ROCKWELL playing Mary Rockwell, Norman Rockwell’s wife. It has been a great creative escape to work on something so different from 42nd St. Not that I don’t love doing 42, its just the same show day after day can get stagnent. The music of this new musical has some great potential. Its very Sondheim at times. And I love Sondheim’s music.



I’ve been rehearsing for a week and we do 3 showings of the reading to potential Broadway producers tommorrow and Tuesday. Then I have a callback for a national commercial for CREST toothpaste! I’m very excited about that. I told you Mom and Dad that if or when I book this commercial I’m paying you back for the braces! 🙂 So wish me luck. 🙂 Truely everytime I smile on stage I thank you for them…I don’t think I would be where I am without a great straight smile! 🙂


Anyway…so that’s the news on the career front. Shonn is doing a workshop of a new musical called NEVER GONNA DANCE. The difference between a “reading” and a “workshop” is that a reading is just actors singing and “reading” the script from chairs. A workshop is actors and dancers up on their feet with blocking and dancing. Basically doing the show in rehearsal clothes. Its the next step after a reading. Its great to be at the ground level of new shows because when and if they make it to Broadway you sort of feel like you’ve been there from its infancy….even if it takes 12 years….which it sometimes does. So blah blah blah…



I’ve been feeling pretty good. Trying not to burn the candle at both ends. I have a strange ear ache that I think is connected to my sinuses. I’m going to a physician next week. Its no big deal so don’t panic. 🙂 I just have a swollen gland on my right side, my right ear ache’s, and the right side of my throat is a little raw. But other than that I’m gargling with salt water, taking LOADS of vitamins (as always) and drinking 2 liters of water a day…or something like that.



I’ve been a little sad lately. I guess cause Lainie is about to have her baby boy and I can’t be there. Its amazing to think that my sister, who I shared a room with, bath’s with, my life with….is going to have a child of her own. Its very emotional for me. I never thought it would be this emotional. But I get that from Mom. I can’t wait until February so I can hold him. See what he looks like, feels like. Its going to be the most precious moment of my life. And I can’t stop thinking about how it must feel to you Lainie. In your belly. Something growing all these months, and kicking you! I can’t get over that! I felt the baby move inside you. What a crazy thing. 🙂 Any week now you are going to have him. And my birthday is soon…didn’t I say he was going to be born on my birthday. I’m still sticking to that theory. Nov 24th! That’s my guess.



Oh! I forgot to tell you. I’m going to be performing in the Thanksgiving Day Parade! I don’t know what I’m doing yet, but I’m going to be out there. On 34th street in front of MACY’S. 🙂 Shonn and I both are. I’ll let you know the details.



Well…I’m sure I’ve missed a ton of things I wanted to tell you. I gotta go to the matinee. Love you. Write soon. I love your reply letters. I feel like I’m there with you.



Talk to you soon,      
Merie

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2001 12:08:20 EST
Subject: Two Week Sunday Letter
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10535

Hello!



I don’t know if anyone noticed but I didn’t write a letter last week. No excuses needed. I just ran out of time. Its funny I have no recollection of why I didn’t…I just turned around and the week was over and I didn’t write the letter.



Yesterday was unreal. The cast and I performed to open the largest TOYS R US in the world in the middle of Times Square. Our call time in the morning was 7:30AM!! We had to get into full wiga and costume and performed at 9:30am. Now for those of you who know me….I don’t even wake up til 10am. The best part of the morning was the fact that David (the guy who plays Billy) refused to do the performance so Shonn got to do it. There he is starting the whole song “Lullaby of Broadway” in front of a hundred press people and just shining in the middle of Times Square. Its where he should be…in the spotlight. He sang “Come on along and listen to The Lullaby of Broadway!” It was wonderful. I was ,and am, so proud.



Then after the event. I went back to the theater and threw off all my makeup and costumes and pulled out my couch and slept. From 10am-12pm I slept and had nightmares. Horrible nightmares that Mom and Dad and I were taking bicycles on a frozen lake and the ice cracked…and Dad fell through. Mom and I couldn’t get to you, no matter how hard we tried. It was horrible. So I woke up for the matinee in a stunned state of mind. Dad! Don’t ever ride a bike on a frozen lake ok?



So Shonn and I did the matinee. The entire cast was exhausted. Then we slept inbetween. (no nightmares). And did the evening show. I was beyond tired! No questions. We finished the show and realized we had been at the theater for 16 hours! We went home ordered our usual pizza, I took a mineral bath and PASSED OUT!



Whew. And that was just yesterday…



I want to tell you about last Monday. When the American Airlines Flight went down in Far Rockaway. I was awake and preparing for an audition when I saw the news. The broadcaster almost started to burst into tears it seemed. When he announced “All we know is that a plane has crashed in the Rockaways….” and they showed the picture of the thick black smoke. Looking much like the Twin Towers smoke. I was hysterical. I immediatly woke up Shonn and told him, then I left for my audition. I had to go on with what I was doing…but I really couldn’t. I called Dad to tell him I was alright. The last thing I should’ve done was go in the subway. People were panicked. They were trying to stay calm, but the looks everyone had was of fear. You don’t see that look on New Yorkers. Its always of pure confidence and the “get out of my way” fast paced look. We were all talking to eachother.  Trying to get the most recent explainations. But all we knew is a plane went down. Needless to say I had a crummy audition. I spent the rest of the day cleaning and listen to the radio talk about the houses that were crushed and the 260 people that had perished. How could it be just an accident? Oh my heart still hurts…



Then on Tuesday I began coughing….I went to the doctor to nip it in the bud, and he said it was the beginning of bronchitis. He gave me antibiotics… and an inhaler. I was a little worried, knowing Lainie’s history with Asthma. But the doctor said it was just to open the bronchial tubes and clear it out. Which it has. I feel better, but I still have a slight cough.



I’ve also decided to really go full force with my music. I know I will be in 42ND ST until August 19, 2002…so I was feeling at a career standstill in terms of moving on. But I realized this gives me a chance to work on my music, and get signed. I have aste up a profile on a online music website called TONOS.com. Go there and look and listen to my stuff. (If you haven’t already) Dad helped me set it up.



Anyway…Shonn is running around cleaning this morning and I’m a big slug here on the computer! Gotta go help and go to the Matinee.



Oh! Britney Live From Las Vegas is on tonight. When she was asked who thought of wearing the Elvis jumpsuit for the ads she said, “I didn’t even know it was Elvis’s?” Tee hee hee. I said she’s only last for five years….its been 4.        


Merie

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 25 Nov 2001 12:12:55 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter 11/25/01
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@Hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com,
bobjen@megalink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10535

Hi Everyone!



Its official. I’m now 26 years old. My birthday (yesterday) was wonderful. It started with a phone call from our stage manager telling Shonn that he would be playing Billy Lawlor in the afternoon show! So we got ready and went down to the theater to let Shonn practice in his new “Billy” costumes. (I took pictures Beth, don’t worry) I walked into my dressing room and got a heartattack when 26 ballons came shooting out at me!! My dresser and wig man had covered my room with streamers, Happty Birthday signs, flowers, and a ballon tower of 26 Mylar ballons. It was crazy! they got me a red scrapbook (for 42ND ST) and a Madonna Biography (cause they know she’s my idol). They also got me Godiva Truffles and Vueve Champagne with gold and crystal glasses. Do you think they went all out? I do! Wow. What a way to enter my dressing room. 🙂


I forgot to say, the night before, at 12midnight, I opened my gifts from Shonn. 3 DVD’s: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, “The Apartment (with Shirley Maclaine)”, “The Muppet Movie”! And he got me a BEAUTIFUL Silver Citizen Watch. It even fits my tiny wrist perfectly. I haven’t gone a day without it since. 🙂


So the day went on, Shonn did the matinee and was brilliant! He went on to do the evening show as well and was even more brilliant. 🙂 Both shows were completely sold out so unfortuantly Shonn couldn’t invite anyone to see us. Oh Well, next time.



The cast sang to me in the green room at intermission of the second show. I don’t know that I’ve ever had Happy Birthday sang to me in such a way! To have a Broadway company sing it to you is amazing. They were singing in 3 part harmony! I had ice cream cake (you bet I had a piece before Act II!) and lots of people gave me presents and cards. We are all celebrating (for real) tonight at a club called IGUANA. Lots of my friends, and cast members will be there. Its going to be so much fun.



So my birthday was a success. The funniest part was Mom and Dad sent me a beautiful  bouquet of flowers and a ballon…but they were delivered to THE LION KING. 🙂 ????Nobody knows why? The address clearly read THE FORD CENTER it was funny. So the stage manager of THE LION KING called me and said “Are you Meredith? Happy Birthday! Come get your flowers they are accross the street.” It was funny….they are lovely flowers Mom and Dad. Thank you.



I got messages on the home machine from Lainie,and Grandma B! Lain! Thank you for playing the baby crying… I LOVED IT! I got your card Michelle…thank you.



It was a great day.



The rest of the week was busy and crazy. It seems like I we had Thanksgivivng 3 weeks ago!? 🙂 Shonn and I spent Thanksgiving (as most of you know) waking up at 5am for a 6am call at the theater to perform in the MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE. It was really great. I thought it would be colder than it was but it wasn’t too bad. We didn’t get to meet Katie Couric or MAtt though….that was a bummer. 🙂  We came home at about 11am and watched the rest of the parade, ate breakfast and passed out for a couple hours. Then we got ready to go to Jim and Jacque’s in Dobbs Ferry. It was wonderful to be at a real house in the suberbs. Dobbs’ Ferry is a beautiful town upstate. Anyway, our friends Brooke and Jason, her sister, grandma and grandpa were all at dinner. Jason is a cook here in Manhattan, so we lucked out! He spent all day cooking and boy was it worth it! We started off with Roasted Chestnut Soup! It was like a bisque. SO GOOD. I couldn’t had just the soup and been satisfied….but I didn’t. 🙂 I had turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce and a roll! We also had red wine, sometype of cognac, coffee, and of course pie! I had pumpkin cheesecake and ice cream.



Whew! After that I wasn’t sure I’d fit into my costumes of Friday for 2 shows. But I did….but they were a little snug around the waist.    


I hope you don’t think I forgot the most important event of the week? The happening that surpasses Thanksgiving, The Parade, my birthday, and even the coming of the millenium! I BECAME AN AUNT!! Lainie had her Baby Boy Michael Robert Huth on November 20th at 1:53am. He was 7 lbs 11 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long. He had lips like Mick Jaggar and a cry that could chip the paint off the walls! No, really…he was gorgeous, and I am so proud of you Lainie. You accomplished every woman’s dream. You created a life! Its amazing and I still can’t get over it. I have to wait 3 months to hold the baby. But it’ll be worth the wait. I love you both, all three of you very much! I hope you are getting some sleep. 🙂


Well….that was the most eventful week of my life. No wonder I’m ready to party!



I miss you all. I hope this letter didn’t put you to sleep. Have a great Sunday! I’ll talk to you soon. 🙂


Lots of love,
Auntie Merie

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2001 22:56:38 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter! Happy Holidays!
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com,
bobjen@megalink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10555

Hi Everyone,


Shonn and I are in the Christmas spirit this Sunday because we are preparing for our first annual Christmas Party! Its going to be so much fun. We are expecting about 35 people! 🙂 We are making homemade meatballs, Lainie’s famous Spinach dip, Cheese and Olive Spread, Hot Cider, Egg Nog with Jamacian Rum, and people are bringing wonderful goodies and music. Whoohoo!



We just came back from THE DODGERS (our producers/and bosses) Christmas Party. It was at this fancy dancy restaurant called LAURA BELLE’s on the east side of Broadway. We had so much fun. Free food and liquor! We had turkey, stuffing, roast beef, ham, potatoes, Cosmopolitians, and Whiskey! It was wonderful.  


This week was a little hard for the both of us. David was out for almost the entire week and Shonn got to go on for “Billy” 3 times. Politics came into play and the 2nd cover went on 4 times…clearly not capable of handling the role. It was unnerving for the entire cast. Then to top off the week the sewage system overflowed backstage during the intermission of today’s show causing the entire theater to smell like girl scout porta potties! It was disgusting! Ever tried singing with a gag reflex? Its not easy. You think because you are on Broadway things like this don’t happen….not true.



So Shonn and I both have some steam to blow off and some partying to do.



Thank you guys for the wonderful Christmas cards we’ve recieved. Ours are going in the mail next week. You will love them, they are cute.



Beth! Thank you for all the ornaments and little Christmas things you sent Shonn and I. It makes our place feel more like home. I especially like the musical Christmas Tree! Cute!



Aside from being a little exhausted…I’m great. I am going to the doctor for a complete physical this coming week. I haven’t felt like myself since I got bronchitis.



Lots of love, I hope your holiday’s are full of joy!

Merie & Shonn

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2002 19:19:10 EST
Subject: Two week Sunday letter!
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com,
bobjen@megalink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 118

My oh my oh my…where do I begin? Its been 2 weeks since I’ve written a Sunday letter (being that its Monday night I guess its really 2 weeks and a day!) The holidays were hectic to say the least. We had many extra shows due to the holidays….even one on Christmas Night! I thought getting away from A Christmas Carol would allow me that day free…but no such luck. When your in the entertainment business the holidays are the busy time of year. Things are slowing down now and getting back to normal. Although we have packed houses because a lot of shows closed after the holidays. We were the highest selling show for the last week of the year! Needless to say I think my job is pretty secure in these uncertain times.


Shonn and I flew to Michigan for Christmas Eve and left on Christmas morning. It was a quick trip with the Wiley’s but a wonderful one. Every year Herb and Beth have a huge bash for Beth’s birthday and Christmas Eve (they happen to be the same day)! and there were I believe 55 people in the house! Then when the people left we did “Christmas morning” at about 2:30am…so we wouldn’t be rushed to catch the flight in the morning.  There were tons of presents, Shonn and I got a shower radio, I got loaf pans to bake with, Calgon lotion and spray, The entire Harry Potter book collection (all four so far)!, photo albums, gift certificates to Pier One and Bed Bath and Beyond…among other gifts. Shonn and I got a new sleigh bed frame and mattress too (don’t let your imaginations run too wild. 🙂 It was a great Christmas.


Shonn and I flew home. Did the show (The wardrobe Dept. let me wear a Santa Hat in the Encore…it was silly) then we came home and exchanged our gifts from under the tree. I gave Shonn the Alfred Hitchcock DVD collection (he’s really into his movies) some collector movie posters, Christmas light up houses (like his dad collects) and he got me the best gift ever… a Thumper massager! Boy when my muscles are a wreck it comes in handy. I also got wooden spoons (domestication is upon me:) a tea kettle…and warm fuzzy slippers. It was wonderful.


The upcoming week was fun and busy! Mom and Dad and Paige arrived bright and early (10am) to greet us the next morning. We did lots of sight seeing while they were hear.  Something I never do unless visitors are in town 🙂 We went to the RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SHOW and walked to Rockefeller Center to see the tree, we window shopped on 5th Ave at Saks and saw the ice skaters.  We went to Central Park and went on the Merry Go Round that was over 100 yrs old. We walked into Tiffany’s (and gawked at the jewelry and used the bathroom!) Then we went and got our nails done (not Dad…he went shopping) We went to the top of the Empire State Building and saw the view…although its not how I remembered it.  The last time I was up there was when the towers were standing.


One of the things we all did that I didn’t think I was prepared for was visit Ground Zero.  Most New Yorkers (which I consider myself to be) don’t go down there. I find it to be too soon to go gawk and look at the devastation as a tourist attraction.  Its unfortunate that some go there to “say they’ve been there” and pose for photos like its Mount Rushmore or something. There are viewing platforms that have been made to accommodate the tourists. And Policemen are standing to guard and ask questions (almost like a tour guide). Seeing the four hour wait to get to the viewing platform was unreal. For me, I didn’t need to see right inside the guts of the destruction. Just being down there made me angry, shaky, crushed and gutted. I just burst into uncontrollable tears and shakes at the sight of the American Flag on the remaining masked building. The fence lined with wreaths, cards, and candles. I took Paige and tried to explain to her what happened, how tall the Twin Towers were, everything. She was still. She may be too young to really know, but I know it impacted her.  Dad took a little video, but respectfully. You could feel the people of that day screaming, crying, their presence was overwhelming. I know people say when someone dies tragically, they hang around. Well, there were about 10,000 “people” hanging around. You feel it. I felt it. It was too much to bear, so we got on the subway and headed home.  No matter what we talked about on the way home I cried. The flood gates were open. Mom and Dad were crying. Paige was very quiet.


We had dinner, Mom made pork chops and after…I decided we were all going to do mud masks.  Dad had gone to a store and saw his face in a magnified mirror and was horrified. So I got our some mud Mom bought at The Body Shop and we all did masks. (Its all on video tape!) It was a nice way to end the day.


New Years was fun. Shonn and Kirsten and I went party hopping downtown while Mom, Dad and Paige stayed home. We got back to the apt about 2:30am.


One of the things I was so excited to have on their trip was Paige in the audience of 42ND ST. She knows I moved away to live in NYC for some reason. Well, she got to see the reason, and she was having so much fun! It was great to take her backstage and show her what I do for a job. 🙂


They all left on Jan 3rd and Shonn and I got back to the swing of things. We did 8 shows this week.  Nothing eventful. After all the hustle and bustle it was nice to have just the two of us vegging out in front of the TV.


We are planning our two week vacation that’s coming up at the end of Feb. We have decided to take a week for ourselves and go to Hawaii on a 7 day cruise. Just like when I was 11. Shonn’s never been on one, and I haven’t taken a vacation for myself since I moved out to NYC. We are excited to get away from it all.  We will be in Cali Feb 25-March 3. We will stay with Lainie and go sight seeing around the Bay. I hope Mom and Dad will have a little get together for the family some night. We’ll figure something out.


Its been snowing lightly today. The first snow of the season. It seems hard to believe we haven’t had any snow until now. It was fun walking around and letting the snow drop on my tongue! I never got to do that as a kid. 🙂


Tonight I may bake some sugar cookies, and just lounge around with Mr. Wiley.  He’s watching football…and I baking. So domestic! Like a 1950s couple. 🙂


Wishing you all a Happy and healthy New Year! I promise next weeks letter won’t be SO LOOOONG.


Lots of love, 

Merie

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 20 Jan 2002 12:49:11 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter – Jan 20th
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com,
bobjen@megalink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 118

Happy 2 months Baby Huth!



Today Baby Michael is 2 months. I’ve attached a photo. My favorite one so far, of him at 8 weeks. He looks so much like Lainie! It makes me happy.


This week was very hard. Shonn left last Monday to fly home to be there for his Mom’s surgery. I was nervous and all alone here in NY to worry about both of them. But the surgery went off without a hitch! She’s back home and feeling good. On Wednesday, the day of the surgery, I wore my Unity Pin Beth gave me. I felt connected to her and was able to hold the pin when I needed to give her a hug. Beth I hope you felt the love that day and everyday. You ae very special to all of us.


The rest of the week was fine. Shonn got home on Thursday and had rehearsal to add some things to the show. Our choreographer likes to constantly “tweek” the show and add some things. So when you are comfortable and dancing out of habit, he throws a new step in there and makes you think! Its fun to have something different. But its hard when the first time your doing the step is in front of an audience!


Shonn and I have decided to do a new thing this year. Monthly “dates”. Each month we switch off and one of us plans a “real date”. We have to get all dressed up, put on perfume and cologne and go out somewhere we’ve never been and maybe do something in the city we’ve never done. It can be a daylight date or a evening date. Its fun because its new! There’s a lot of stuff in the city I have never done, like go see the Statue of Liberty up close…or Shonn’s never gone to the Central Park Zoo! We live in such a huge and exciting city and we kinda live in a bubble. Its going to be good to get out and do stuff more often. (Maybe we’ll change the rules to twice a month!)


Well…its almost 1pm. And I have to go get ready for work.  I’ll be glad when this week is over! 🙂


Hope all is well with everyone.



Talk to you soon!



Love

Merie

Attachment Converted: “d:\progra~1\qualcomm\eudora\attach\Babyat8weeks#12.jpg”
From: “The Wiley’s”
To: “Todd Zimmerman” ,
“Timmea Zimmerman” , “Alaina Yohe” ,
“Dottie Zimmerman” ,
“Shonn Wiley” , “Kyrah Wiley” ,
“Shantelle Whitehead” ,
“Robert and June Tracy” ,
“Robert Soller” ,
“Ron and Marge Statile” ,
“Tom Reid” , “Anne Reid” ,
“Diane Pribis” ,
“Shirley Potter” ,
“Mary Poll” ,
“Donna Patterson” ,
“Bill Patterson” ,
“Meredith Patterson” ,
“pat myers work” ,
“Dill Murrell” ,
“Stu and Lori McDonald” ,
“Roxanne Meeks” ,
“Bob and Jean McAllister” ,
“Matt Lacey” , “Jacque Jennett” ,
“Brooke Jennett” ,
“Julie Iveson” ,
“Maureen Ingle” ,
“Terry and Jean Hissong” ,
“Carol Helzer” ,
“Jay and Steve Hillard” ,
“Kathy Hakes” , “Chris Gould” ,
“Lisa and Bart Frost” ,
“Anne Gehoski” , “Sharon Fritz” ,
“Marv and Kay Farnsel” ,
“Valen Faes” ,
“Barb DeSChenes” ,
“Mark DePietro” ,
“Deb Deline” ,
“Angie Deline” ,
“Katie Chambers” ,
“The Chambers” ,
“Candy and Steve” ,
“Kathy Betzoldt” ,
“Grandma Betty” ,
“Jason Berthold” ,
“Sarah Berthold” ,
“Mellissa Austin”
Subject: Sunday letter 1/20
Date: Sun, 20 Jan 2002 17:49:26 -0500
X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.50.4522.1200

Hello,

I am home, yea, it is so good to to be alive and know that I have so many friends and family who care about me and said so many prayers. I am a little sore and don’t move too fast but I am doing ok, I am so grateful for the friends who are bring in meals. the cards and flowers and well wishes. and e mails.  Shonn went back Friday and Kyrah goes tomorrow. It was heaven sent that they were here. Amazing how good our kids turned out despite us, but thanks to many of you. So my cyber friends keep in touch and I will do the same. I will accept visits any time I might fall asleep in the middle of our visit but you will understand.  I will be the happiest when I see the pathology report for sure.

Take care and thanks again. Beth and Herb

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 3 Feb 2002 11:40:38 EST
Subject: SUPERBOWL SUNDAY Letter
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@Hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com,
bobjen@megalink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 118

Hi Everyone!


Well today’s the day Superbowl Sunday. Shonn’s a little sad the Steelers didn’t make it into the “bowl” But I guess the RAMS are the favored team. What do I know? I’m talking like I know something about sports. 🙂 Today’s game is just a nother chance to party. Our friends Gail and Scott are having a gathering. So Shonn and I will go over there after the matinee.


Yesterday was fun. Shonn went on as Billy for the matinee. It had been awhile since he was last on, but you wouldn’t know it. He was so cute in the first scene…I had flashbacks of when we first met. It was the greatest part of my day!


FISH UPDATE : Sadly, last night, we lost another one of the “crew”. Shonn and I walked in and saw our sucker fish BORIS upside down under a plant. I felt like such an awful parent. Shonn “fished” him out and we had a tiny brief burial (He shouted from the bathroom, “Bye Boris!” and flushed…)
So now all that’s left of the Rat Pack is: Bud, Rosie, Goldie, and Jolson the “Mammy” Frog.
Shonn and I fear that “Mammy” Frog is killing the fish. He’s getting big and has tiny claws on his back legs. We’re not sure. But he’s on surveilance. We were thinking of changing his name to GREMLIN…maybe not.


This week has been a little exhausting. There is a flu bug going around the cast.  I fear I may have a touch of it since I have a sore throat this morning. I think I will not be going to any party tonight. Better yet, stay home and have some tea with lemon and gargle salt water…


Vacation is coming up very soon! I am so excited to get out of the same ol’ routine. Plus I just need a vacation. Its hard to imagine not getting more than a day off a week (and on that day you are unsually doing laundry, cleaning, or god forbid auditioning for your next job). No holiday’s off. Performing on Christmas, the whole nine yards. 2 weeks vacation a year is precious!


Shonn and I will be in California for about a week. I hope we get to see as much and visit as much as possible.  Its going to be very special to me to have him in my hometown. I’ve been to his several times and love it. I know he’s love good ol’ P Hill.


Well. Hi Ho, Hi Ho, its off to work we go!  Talk to you all later.


Love,

Merie

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 22:44:55 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com,
bobjen@megalink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 118

Hey Everyone,


Sorry this didn’t get written until the late Sunday evening hours. I have my tax appt. tommorrow afternoon. I’m trying to get everything taken care of before I leave for Cali. Its hard when things pile up. 🙂 Today has been hectic to say the least.


I got new photo’s last month or “headshots” as we in “the biz” call them.  Here are the photos I cut and pasted in this letter. Cool huh?



My friends say I look like Madonna in this shot. Its a little “model” looking.


Here’s the other one,





Cute huh? Shonn doesn’t like the arms, but I think its a good shot. The one that I am actually using I don’t have scanned as of yet. Anyway…thought you’d like to see my “business card”.


Life here is hectic as I said. Shonn and I are preparing to take vacation. A long awaited one. Doing our taxes today made us both realize how crazy this business is, and how we haven’t stopped working since Fall of 2000! Its nuts! No wonder my body wants to fall apart and I never want to do anything but eat and sleep. 🙂 Shonn and I had some friends over last night and it was just what the doctor ordered. We all let our hair down and had fun. Remember those Billy Bob teeth that Jeff M would wear? Well our friends have about 5 pairs of them and Shonn had a pair on, I kept laughing so mine didn’t stick, and our friend Kai had his in (which looked particulary real for some stramge reason). We were also playing with this Ninja Hamster we named “Danielson” that sings “Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting” and has a numchuck that he swings around. Its a toy this friend gave me who works for a toy company.  ( I guess I have strange friends).


I baked some Banana bread tonight. The house smells SO GOOD. Lainie called and said she and Mike were driving to Tahoe til Wednesday. That sounds so nice.  (Sorry Lain if I was a little short on the phone, I was in a huge Tax/Receipts pile and couldn’t breathe!:)


Speaking of Lainie. I can’t wait to see the little guy. The anticipation is killing me! 🙂 Don’t be surprised if I cry the entire trip. I’m so emotional. (I get that from Mommy).


Shonn and I had a great Valentine’s Day. It was more like a “white trash” Valentine’s. We slept in and spent the day cleaning, then we had hot dogs and Macaroni and Cheese before the show. (gross huh! It was SO GOOD). We did the show ( as only the Broadway couple can!) and then went home, lit the apartment with tealight candles, put on some jazz and had wine and homemade pasta! Yummy! We are definitly old-souled-twentysomething-year-olds. 🙂





Well…next week is the last Sunday letter before I come to Cali, then off the the Carribean. I hope this week goes by quickly!


Talk to you all later! Lots of love,  
Merie 

Embedded Content: Sunday Letter.jpg: 00000001,4b20354e,00000000,00000000 Embedded Content: Sunday Letter1.jpg: 00000001,4b203af2,00000000,00000000 Embedded Content: Sunday Letter2.jpg: 00000001,4b204096,00000000,00000000
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2002 01:15:11 EST
Subject: Last Sunday Letter before VACATION!
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com,
bobjen@megalink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 118

Hey Everyone!



Some of you I will be seeing very soon. I cannot tell you how excited I am not only to see you all and see the new Baby…but to show Shonn my hometown finally after 2 1/2 years. Its going to be a great trip.


This week has been hard. The show has 3 people on vacation (2 principals) Jullian Marsh and Oscar. Its been hard doing the show with the Jullian Marsh understudy. No need to get into the reasons why. Its just exhausting. Since he propells a lot of the show….we all just have to go along for the ride.


I had a few auditions this week. Nothing crazy. I met with some English high School students at CAMP BROADWAY Thursday morning at MSG. It was cool to go back to where I had my first “big gig” and give advice on how to make it in the biz. I also had a group of AMDA students at the show last night who were screaming and cheering like I was Britney Spears. I felt like I was holding court at he stage door. That can be a really weird thing. 


Aside from taking care of massive errands, cleaning the apt, preparing to get on a plane….I’ve been trying to relax. Of course when you plan a vacation is when everyone wants to come see the show, there are 5 auditions you should go on, or someone’s suddenly in town whom you haven’t seen in 6 years for one day only  and its the day you leave. All these things can stress me out. But when I get out to Cali and I get on that Cruise ship email, cell phones don’t exist. I will have my cell phone in Cali only for emergencies. But on the boat. I will not call a soul for 7 days. Its going to be great to get away from the electronic age for a moment. (Just my luck I bet they’ll have email avaliable on the boat in some under the sea .com cafe!)


Well…Gotta get ready for the show. One more then I get 16 shows off! Wow! Can’t wait to see you (those I will see). I love you!


Goodbye for now!

Merie

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sat, 2 Mar 2002 23:25:44 EST
Subject: Sunday letter
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com,
bobjen@megalink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 118

Hi Everyone…..



Most of you are wondering how I’m writing thios because I’m on vacation. Well Shonn and I leave tommorrow morning (Sunday) to go on our cruise. It was so unbelievably beautiful in California and seeing everyone including the new addition to the family….baby Huth…was the most wonderful part of the trip. I will tell you in detail next week. But I just wanted to say from bith Shonn and I how much we love you all, family is the most important thing in my life and choosing not to be at the Christening was yet another sacrifice I made that has hurt my heart, but I hope you all understand. I know how much I need this vacation out on the sea, away from the world. Spending time with the little guy was so precious. Shonn and I ached when we left. I think I burst into tears about 5 times.


We are planning to come out for his first birthday, my birthday and Thanksgiving. That’s what we hope for.


Love you all! I will write you next week when I’m tan and Carribean!


Merie

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 21:42:23 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com,
bobjen@megalink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 118

Welcome to my first week back to reality.


I can’t tell you how long this week has been. Its surreal how last week I was in St. Thomas and now I’m finishing up yet another week of shows. It just blows my mind.


Anyway. Monday was “get back to NY mode” day. And “catch up on life” day.  Then Tuesday it was back to work. I can’t tell you how nervous and scared I was to do the show! I thought for sure I forgot it. I was for the first time in 8 months going over my lines before I made my entrance to see if I knew them. I did the entire show with rubber legs and a nervous stomach. But I dove in. It felt like I had been gone 2 months…not 2 weeks.


The best part about coming back was that Shonn was on as Billy for 5 shows straight! David had a really bad sinus infection again and was out. He came back for Sat. matinee and sounded tired and felt weak.  Saturday matinee was the wake up call from hell for me. You won’t believe what happened to me. I should make T-shirts that say “I got stepped on on Broadway” or  “A Tony Award winner stepped on me”….


What happened? Let me explain.



There I was trying to get through the week. A little more tired than usual on a Saturday matinee. (I think I said 2 words to my dresser that morning) I was looking forward to “coasting” through the show. (For those of you who have see the show you’ll know the scene I’m talking about for those who haven’t let me paint a picture.)  In the show I do this number where I’m trying to catch up with everyone and I trip over people, am always in the wrong place and at the end of the number cause chaos onstage. The character Dorothy says “Who is that person” and a few lines later I faint and Dorothy steps over me on her way out (which is a funny bit and gets a laugh). She’s done this for 8 months straight and honestly I have always been a little scared that one day she might misjudge and step on me. (After all she tripped and stepped on Kate’s stomach once bruising her ribs and almost caused her to projectile vomit onstage in the beginning of the run.) 
So there I am, I just fainted and am lying onstage eyes closed, hands at my sides, playing that I’m unconcious.  She steps over me and her heel slams down on my right pinkie finger, slides off the bone and pinches the living daylights out of my flesh!! (Try this at home: look at the outer most part of your pinkie and imagine all that flesh and skin pinched with one hundred and something pounds of Christine Ebersole!)


I just layed there for what seemed like an eternity and was lifted into the next scene. I looked down at my hand and it was black and red and swelling up like a basketball. I thought for sure I had broke it. Being the “professional” I sucked it up and sat there in the scene biting my lip. I get off stage and burst into tears!!


To make a long story short I kept performing the show and iced it everytime I was off stage (which isn’t often). It reminded me of all the times I had performed under diress (shingles, Kindney infection, broken heel) I thought, “This is my pinkie finger! Its nothing.” Well word quickly spread that my hand was hurt. Christine didn’t even know she did it. She profusely apologized and felt horrible the rest of the show.  I assured her I knew it was an accident and told her that was a nasty way to wake me up on a Sat. morning! 🙂 We laughed.  I went to the Physical Therapist in between shows and had my finger examined ( I was going to go to get it X-Rayed but it was The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in NYC and I knew the emergency rooms were going to be packed with drunken casualties.) So feeling better. The swelling had gone down. I was pumped with Advil. I did the second show. 
Well, I said I could do the show only if everyone knew NOT to squeeze my hand during the show. That was VERY painful. (I never realized how many times people touched my right hand in the show until yesterday. )  Well… at about 6:30 I found out that David was out again for that night.   Stage management wanted to be “fair” and put the 2nd cover for Billy on….not Shonn. Well, doing the show with an injury was enough but doing the show with Todd was an extra element I was not comfortable with. 
So thinking, “I’m the star of the show, right? I am injured. If I request that Shonn go on because I had just been on with him for 5 shows and was comfortable, they would listen to me right?” Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha HA HA HA HA Ha Wrong.
So totally disregarding the fact that Todd was a little “spastic” onstage, that I was uncomfortable (and also that her can’t sing on pitch) they had him go on.


I said whatever, that’s politics, it stinks.


So, the first scene “Young and Healthy” at one point he is supposed to grab my hand and try to kiss it……Well, I had just told him “remember do not sqeeze my hand”….what does he do? In is spastic nervousness he squeezed my hand, oh, about 3 times in the first scene alone. The rest of the show was similiar. So I woke up this morning in “extra” pain and called stage managment and said “I will not be at the show today”.  I breifly told them after the show about Todd sqeezing my hand (and practically dropping me out of a lift) but…it didn’t phase them.


My quote for the week is “No matter what level your on there’s always bullshit”


(Sigh)



So! Long story. A little venting. Needless to say. I am fine. My hand is bruised and beat up but ok. I am going to have it checked out tommorrow but its nothing major. I’m a tough cookie. But…I don’t recommend the full weight of anyone in 4 inch heels on your pinkie finger anytime soon.


Shonn and I received baby pictures of Michael yesterday and I framed them today. I am so in love with him I can’t wait until Thanksgiving and his 1st birthday!


Oh! Shonn and I are thinking of getting a cat…probably 2 so they can play together. I’m not sure if we can handle it….but our fish and plants seem to be living. We have to talk about it.


Anyway…hope all is well in your neck of the woods.


Love u,  
Merie

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 25 Mar 2002 13:25:40 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter to be continued…
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com,
bobjen@megalink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 118

Hi All!


I have to get going to the show, rehearsal and then the OSCAR PARTY tonight. So I won’t be able to write a full letter until tommorrow (I’m a little crazed today!) But Shonn and I got back some photos from vacation and I wanted to share those with you! 

Love you lots,

Auntie Merie   

Embedded Content: Sunday Letter to be continued..jpg: 00000001,5f87c929,00000000,00000000
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 31 Mar 2002 12:31:19 EST
Subject: HAPPY EASTER SUNDAY LETTER
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@Hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com,
bobjen@megalink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 118

I just realized that I really didn’t write last week. I guess I have been a little busier than usual. My time to write I have been catching up on my sleep. I have been asked by Broadway.com to perform one night at the Ars Nova Theater on 54ht Street. And I have been doing 42nd 8 times a week then rehearsing for the April 8th show. That’s Grandma B’s Birthday! I’m going to talk about her in the show. She’ll be 84! Go Grams!


The weather has finally shown some signes of Spring. I know California has been in the 80’s. It was really hard to come back from vacation to 40 degree weather.  There are flowers blooming a little outside our window. We actually need rain. There has been a drought warning for the state. I feel like I’m back in California! Its the worst its been in a long time.


Well…we didn’t so much this morning for Easter. We slept in (first time all week) and Shonn is making me Breakfast. He made me dinner last night….I think I kinda like thia treatment. I feel like a Princess! 🙂 Course I had to do the dishes…that’s always the trade off. I don’t like doing dishes. I miss the days of having a dishwasher.


Tonight I have rehearsal for the show then I have planned a “Girls Night” at a friend’s apt. Some of my girlfriends and I are going to have drinks, watch movies, do our nails, be girlie and giggle about boys. To counter that Shonn is having “Poker Night” with the boys at our apt.  He’s going to drink beer, have pizza, play poker and talk about Sports. Its a perfect trade off! 🙂


Other than that life is grand grand grand. The show is going well. Marsha (one of Lainie’s friend’s) is coming into town with her family this coming Thursday so that will be fun.  Lainie has called me and put the baby’s laugh on my answering machine. I LOVE it. I have plastered his photo all over my dressing room and the entire company is in love with him too. He’s a special boy. He’s got that glint of joy about him. I miss him everyday.  I said to Lainie, “Tommorrow is my day off, I would love to come over and visit!” But alas, you can’t do Broadway in Pleasant Hill…and it has always made me a little sad to live so far away.


Oh! Good news. For those of you who don’t know. At Christmas time I was asked by the Huntington’s Disease Society to head up their GIFT OF HOPE Campaign. Well, I have been asked again. We raised only $18,000 and I didn’t do more than lend my name to the campaign as a Broadway performer. This time I am meeting with the head of the NY Chapter on Tuesday and am actively digging my hands in and raising money. I will tell you all more about it. But I am very excited. Last year I attended the Annual Guthrie Dinner for HDSA. When I walked in the “celebrity room” I was greeted by Judy Collins, Hank Aaron, Harry Belafonte and the newly honored Sidney Poiteay (I’m ashamed I’m not sure how to spell his last name).  I think he is amazing. So I thought you would want to know that our family battle is being fought by some celebrities…and me. Awareness = a cure.


Well…now that I went on a tangent! I have to go get ready for the show. I miss you! I hope you are all having a Happy Easter Sunday! Write or call soon.


Lots of love, 


Merie Patterson
MerieNYC@aol.com
212-923-0850 (home)

917-673-4988 (cell)



From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 7 Apr 2002 12:23:03 EDT
Subject: Spring Forward Sunday Letter
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com,
bobjen@megalink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 118

Good Morning!


Did everyone remember to change their clocks and  “spring forward” today? Its always great to sleep one hour less when you are finishing up a week of 8 shows! But…I ‘m not complaining.


It is bright and sunny outside and yesterday there were snow flurries! In April? The world is coming to an end, or the weather. It was so weird. 


This week has been the usual…but a little more crazy! I am preparing to performing my first “cabaret style” show tommorrow night. I am singing 1 hour worth of material and dancing a little at this new theater. (I think I told you about it last week) anyway its down to the wire and I’m a little nervous. But I’m sure I’ll be fine.


Here is a Dance Shoe Ad I (I’m the second one from the right) I was asked to pose for. We are called the “Best Of Broadway” Dancers…so I felt very priviledged to be considered one of them. It is displayed I guess all over the city and in La Duca Shoes store on 9th Avenue! Cool huh? I just got a copy in the mail yesterday so I thought I’d share.


I was sick from the show on Wednesday and Shonn hasn’t been feeling very well.  So we are both trying to get over some little bug. We’ll be fine.


Mom and Dad are in Death Valley (I got your scratchy phone message!) I am not sure when you are coming back but I want to hear all about it. I have talked to Lainine on the phone a lot. Listening to the baby’s new belly laugh! Love that! Michelle and Rob, sorry I haven’t really talked to you in the past week. Hopefully things will be a little less busy next week.


All I seem to do is sleep, eat, and do the show. It is starting to wear on me. My body is tired. We were taped for Lincoln Center Archives a couple weeks ago ( I don’t know if I told you). That means that the show is forever in the history archives at Lincoln Center…and no matter what happens in the future. When I’m 85 I can take my grandkids to see the tape and say…”look what Grandma used to do!”


Speaking of Grandma! Happy early Birthday! Tommorrow is Grandma Irene’s 84th Birthday! I am going to celebrate in my show tommorrow night. Love you Grams. Wish I could be there to give you a huge kiss!


Oh! Shonn and I got new office furniture! We got a new computer desk that is very spacious and MUCH better than the writing desk we had. We also got some shelves and more filing cabinets. We are REALLY orgainized now. Its gross. But it makes life so much easier!


We are off to do the show. Shonn is making me breakfast/lunch. What a nice boyfriend! He cooks. I clean. That’s the deal.


I am letting you all know now that I have decided to leave the 42ND in August definitly. If they decide to re-sign me with a 4 week out then I MAY resign for a couple months. But I want to take the holiday’s off this year and come home for about 2 weeks. Shonn is looking to do another show in the summer so he will be leaving. And I think in 5 months I will be more than ready to move on. I love the part and I know will miss it…and there’s always the fear that I may never work again, but I haven’t had trouble up ’til now so I am going to take that gamble. ( I know I’m a pretty good coat check girl!) Anyway…my reason for saying this is if you are planning to come to NYC and want to see me in the show I won’t be there after August 19th. (Michelle, I would love to have you see me. Let’s talk.)
   
Ok, that’s it. I love you! Write back anytime.
Love,

Merie
MerieNYC@aol.com
212-923-0850 (home)

917-673-4988 (cell)

Embedded Content: Spring Forward Sunday Letter.jpg: 00000001,4f5ef4f6,00000000,00000000
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 00:46:40 EDT
Subject: Re: your sunday letter
To: wpatters@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 118

Hi Dad how are you? I guess your back from Death Valley. I love opening mail that gives me orders about how to send a picture. Did you like the picture? Do you care? 


By the way I saved the file as jpeg. If I call you it would be to talk to my Dad on the phone not a consultant. 


Merie
MerieNYC@aol.com
212-923-0850 (home)

917-673-4988 (cell)



From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 10:21:59 EDT
Subject: Re: your sunday letter
To: wpatters@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 118

Sorry Dad. I am a little on edge. I do hate getting a letter that is strictly orders. I haven’t been able to talk to you guys about anything in a week. and I miss you. I am glad to hear you like the photo. I think it looks good too. 🙂 Its a ad for LaDuca Shoes. Us babes don’t come with the shoes.


Gotta go to rehearsal for the show! Hapy birthday Grandma!


Merie
MerieNYC@aol.com
212-923-0850 (home)

917-673-4988 (cell)



From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 16:27:17 EDT
Subject: Re: your sunday letter
To: wpatters@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 118

Sorry I couldn’t talk today….I’m intense today! You’re right! Shonn is taping it. No worries


Merie
MerieNYC@aol.com
212-923-0850 (home)

917-673-4988 (cell)



From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 12:26:13 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter-April 21st
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@Hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, wpatters@wwmgmt.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com,
bobjen@megalink.net, djwright@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10500

Another week has past by so quickly.  This week was a good one. I was the proud Aunt yesterday telling everyone that baby Michael was 5 months old! Showing off all my numerous pictures in the dressing room. Lainie and Mike I meant to call you….it slipped my mind.  I always thought to call at the most inopportune times (like when I was dancing onstage!)


The beginning of the week started with Spring cleaning on Monday and baking for the 42nd St Bake Sale on Tuesday. I was very domesticated! I bakes 2 loaves of Banana Bread and a batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies. Both the loaves sold really fast and the people who bought them said they were bakes to perfection! I guess I’ve grown out of the “I can’t even boil water” stage ! 🙂 It feels good. Baking is like therapy for me. I made cookies at 2am last night. 🙂


I had a long overdure full physical this week. I get the results on Monday. My blood pressure is great, no strange moles anywhere, but I had a  minor panic attack when they told me how much I weigh. The results goes to show ya that weight means nothing, its how you feel and look. Those of you who have seen me recently would think I weighed 118. I have no body fat left. Well, I weigh 135. Its unreal. I am the perfect example of muscle weighing more than fat. So just know if (I don’t recommend it) you weigh yourself. Its not how you look, its how you feel. Weight is deceiving. 


I also fainted when they took my blood. I am such a baby. I can’t stand seeing needles and blood. Now I know if this whole performing thing doesn’t work out I can cancel trying to be a nurse! 🙂


Oh! Monday night I also went to go see THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE a new Broadway show that opened Thursday. It was great! The lead girl is going to be nominated for a TONY, if not win. Remember her name and mark my words…and the Tony goes to Sutton Foster. Its a pretty unusual name so I’m sure you’ll remember it. I got to meet her afterwards and she was so nice and gracious. I hope I get to present the award to her. It would be so cool!  This coming Monday we get to go see INTO THE WOODS which is starring Vanessa Williams. Its a Stephen Sondheim revival. I’m excited because I’ve never seen it before! I’ll let you know how it is.


The shows were good this week. Kurt Douglas was at the show yesterday. But better yet, my friend Kerri Jill was there(who played Lina Lamont on the National Tour of Singin’ In The Rain I did!). She was really happy to see me up there. It was cool.


Shonn and I have been starting to discuss getting a Golden Retreiver puppy. Don’t worry we are just TALKING. We know its a HUGE responsibility. One that I feel I may not be able t handle right now. Dogs in cities can be pretty hard. You have to scoop up their poop off the street, walk ’em at least 4 times a day. They are like having a baby. I think with our lifestyle its a little crazy right now. But…we are going to the American Kennel Club tommorow morning to hold some pure bred puppies. They are going to be SO CUTE!


Well, Shonn made me breakfast! Yummy! Its time to go eat! Love you! Talk to you soon.


Merie
MerieNYC@aol.com
212-923-0850 (home)

917-673-4988 (cell)



From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2002 10:08:43 EDT
Subject: Re: Sunday Letter-April 21st
To: wpatters@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10500

Mom’s got you putting play equiptment up? Dad. Hire someone to do it. Or don’t do it at all. You can hurt yourself permently. Especially when you don’t do hard labor. Be careful! I guess Mom is never planing on giving up Daycare huh? I guess coming home to visit and actually staying in the house with you guys is a pipe dream (no pun intended).


Shonn and I are NOT getting a pet. We talked long and hard about it. He never had one growing up. We of course had a small farm…I told him everythig you just said. I think he gets it. Although when we do get a dog we are going t get a full bred Lab. Did you know they can be trained depending on your lifestyle. Isn’t that crazy? Cats…our friend in dealthy allergic so we will not get a cat.


The people below our apt. are having their wall’s scraped. they started at 8am. We went down and complained and the super said, “Too bad, Work call starts at 8am on a normal business day.” That mother fucker doesn’t realize that not everyone in the free world works 9-5! I am so angry right now I want to go downstairs and kick the shit out of him. (deep breath) I’ll be fine. I’m just going to vacum tonight at 1am because that’s my normal working hour. I’m sure they’ll understand. 🙂 


Love you! Talk to you later,

Merie
MerieNYC@aol.com
212-923-0850 (home)

917-673-4988 (cell)



From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 12 May 2002 13:20:01 EDT
Subject: Happy Mother’s Day-Sunday Letter
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@Hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com,
LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com,
MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
Jsjdesign@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com, bobjen@megalink.net,
djwright@wwmgmt.com, bill1229@wwmgmt.com, Butchjordan@aol.com
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10500

Hi everyone!


I hope you are having a wonderful Mother’s Day.  I unfortunatly have been sick since Thursday and have been out of the show. I came down with a cold a couple a weeks ago and I was trying to fight it while doing the show…and, well… it caught up with me, as most cold’s do, and knocked me on my butt! So I’ve been house bound for a few days. Watching mindless TV and knitting an Afghan. Even when I’m sick I have to be productive! 🙂


I have some sad news, more of the infamous fish died this week. I don’t know what happened. ROSIE died and BUD or LOU (we never figured out which was which) died. So on Friday we went to get more. We got some snails, a new sucker fish (who is very small), a black goldfish, a little gold and black one,and some guppies to feed Jolson the Mammy Frog. I wasn’t sure he’d eat them or not, but he’s getting big enough that the guy at the fish store said he’s ready to start eating guppies. We had ten and now we have five. So I guess he’s eating them! 🙂


So, we haven’t named all of the new ones yet except the big black one, we named it SHAQ, cause he likes it when I sing that commercial to him “Who is the man…la la la la …over any man…SHAQ!” I know it was originally SHAFT, but we like SHAQ. Even though Shonn’s not a fan of The Lakers. 


I have some really GREAT news. I have been asked to be on ROSIE O’DONNELL’s Farewell Show. She’s doing a big Farewell to Broadway. I’m going to be there with 9 ensemble girls. I’m not sure what we’re doing just yet. A parody on 42ND ST that Rosie is going to write then I’m going to be there live in the studio that morning to sing a parody of “Everything’s Coming Up Rosie” with Nathan Lane and Christine Ebersole, and a bunch of B’way people. Blah Blah Blah….Just watch the final show! Its going to be fun!


So, I know Mom and Lainie and all are going on The Hornblower Yaught today. I have to tell you my suprise plan that fell through. I asked weeks ago if I could get a personal day for May 12th so I could fly home and suprise you on the dock of The Hornblower Yaught this morning. It was going to be such a thrill to see your faces and to be with Lainie on her first Mother’s Day. Sadly, my personal Day wasn’t approved….but its funny. I’m sick today so I’m not even in the show. Go figure.


I hope you had a wonderful time. I would love to know how it went and all.


Oh! Did I tell you I fell in the show Wednesday afternoon. You know the part where I’m showing Jullian Marsh how well I can tap? “I can do any tap step ever invented!” Wings!….My foot hit a groove in the floor when I started to do that step and I fell backwards right on my butt. It was kinda funny. The audience kinda went, “Oh!” then laughed at me as I shot up and continued the other steps. I guess I can say I fell on my ass on Broadway! They clapped and cheered when I finished. And I laughed at myself. but boy was I pissed the floor was uneven. I didn’t throw a diva fit at all. But the stage managers did. I guess I felt important because they took care of it right away. If I was in the ensemble they probably wouldn’t even have asked if I was alright. Typical.


Well…all is well aside from the show. I’m writing music again. I’ve been tinkling the piano keys a little lately. Its been awhile. It feels good to play again.


I have to go eat something and take my vitamins and cold medicine. I’m getting better. Just coughing a lot.


Love you!



Talk to you soon.





Merie
MerieNYC@aol.com
212-923-0850 (home)

917-673-4988 (cell)



From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 13 May 2002 15:22:26 EDT
Subject: Re: Happy Mother’s Day-Sunday Letter
To: bill1229@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10500

I’m so sad I missed it!


What a great picture of everyone! I love that Baby Huth is reaching for Grams!
I’m really happy to hear that Michelle and Grandma P behaved themselves and there wasn’t a catastrophy. You could digitally enhance my photo into the shot? So it would be complete. 🙂


Love you



Merie
MerieNYC@aol.com
212-923-0850 (home)

917-673-4988 (cell)



From: GHindes@aol.com
Date: Mon, 13 May 2002 21:20:33 EDT
Subject: Re: Happy Mother’s Day-Sunday Letter
To: bill1229@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10568

HI BILLY


I REALLY ENJOYED SEEING THE PICTURE.  LOOKS LIKE IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL DAY.  WE HAD BEAUTIFUL WEATHER HERE TOO – A VERY WELCOME, SOFT RAIN AFTER SOME WARM  DAYS.  SUPPOSED TO BE THE WORST DROUGHT IN 50 YEARS, AAAKKKK.  BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT.



YOU ALL LOOKED GOOD AND LIKE YOU WERE HAVING A GREAT TIME.  I MISS YOU ALL BUT IT WOULD TAKE A LOT FOR ME TO MOVE BACK.  THE BABY DOES LOOK LIKE A HONKER.  DID (I SAY DID) THE BABY CLOTHS I SENT FIT FOR ANY TIME AT ALL?



WHATS WITH THE WHITE BEARD ON YOU?  MAKING UP FOR LOST HAIR ON TOP.  WHATS ROB DOING NOW?  AND MOM SAYS MICHELLE IS EXPECTING.  WHEN IS SHE DUE AND HOW IS SHE FEELING?  I HOPE SHES ALRIGHT.



I HAD A QUIET MOTHERS DAY.  CHURCH, A GOOD TIMES HAMBURGER, AND READ THE REST OF MY GOOD NOVEL.  I COULD HAVE GONE TO DAVE AND KELLY’S BUT THE WEATHER WAS BAD ON THE PASSES.  DAVE OPENS HIS BUSINESS JUNE 1ST AND ALREADY HAS ACCOUNTS LINED UP.  HE ISGOING INTO BUSINESS FOR HIMSELF IN CRESTED BUTTE.  ALTITUDE AUTO IS THE NAME AND HE FIXES CARS, SELLS TIRES, ETC.  HE HAS A GOOD REPUTATION AND SEEMS TO HAVE THE WORK LINED UP AS WELL A SEVERAL GUYS WANTING TO WORK FOR HIM.  WISH HIM LUCK. !!!1


I AM PAINTING A  LOT (WATERCOLOR) AND REALLY ENJOYING IT.  I’VE GOTTEN INTO MAKING MY OWN MATS AND BUYING FRAMES FROM A CATOLOGUE, GLASS IN LAFAYETTE AND FRAMING MY OWN STUFF.  I HUNG SOME OF IT IN DR. RUMMEL’S OFFICE.  SLOWELY I MOVE FORWARD.



I’M COMING OUT IN AUGUST TO GO CAMPING WITH DOUG’S FAMILY SO I SURE HOPE WE CAN GET TOGETHER THEN.  AROUND THE 15TH.



LOVE YOU,  GAYLE

Date: Tue, 14 May 2002 16:51:23 -0700 (PDT)
From: Nancy Healy
Subject: Re: Happy Mother’s Day-Sunday Letter
To: Bill Patterson

B and D – loved the picture at the steamboat or whatever it is. Is it on the Delta somewhere? Looks like you all were up for a good time.

We spent the day cleaning the yard, because Brendan graduates day after tomorrow and I have to get things ready for Massachusetts-type Healy relatives coming in for the weekend.

When are you coming East again?

Nancy
— Bill Patterson wrote:
> Here is a picture of us all but the Munch 🙂 🙁 We
> miss you and have some
> video and more pics from the day coming.
>
> THEDAD
>
> At 01:20 PM 5/12/2002 -0400, MerieNYC@aol.com wrote:
> >Hi everyone!
> >
> >I hope you are having a wonderful Mother’s Day. I
> unfortunatly have been
> >sick since Thursday and have been out of the show.
> I came down with a cold
> >a couple a weeks ago and I was trying to fight it
> while doing the
> >show…and, well… it caught up with me, as most
> cold’s do, and knocked
> >me on my butt! So I’ve been house bound for a few
> days. Watching mindless
> >TV and knitting an Afghan. Even when I’m sick I
> have to be productive! 🙂
> >
> >I have some sad news, more of the infamous fish
> died this week. I don’t
> >know what happened. ROSIE died and BUD or LOU (we
> never figured out which
> >was which) died. So on Friday we went to get more.
> We got some snails, a
> >new sucker fish (who is very small), a black
> goldfish, a little gold and
> >black one,and some guppies to feed Jolson the Mammy
> Frog. I wasn’t sure
> >he’d eat them or not, but he’s getting big enough
> that the guy at the fish
> >store said he’s ready to start eating guppies. We
> had ten and now we have
> >five. So I guess he’s eating them! 🙂
> >
> >So, we haven’t named all of the new ones yet except
> the big black one, we
> >named it SHAQ, cause he likes it when I sing that
> commercial to him “Who
> >is the man…la la la la …over any man…SHAQ!” I
> know it was originally
> >SHAFT, but we like SHAQ. Even though Shonn’s not a
> fan of The Lakers.
> >
> >I have some really GREAT news. I have been asked to
> be on ROSIE
> >O’DONNELL’s Farewell Show. She’s doing a big
> Farewell to Broadway. I’m
> >going to be there with 9 ensemble girls. I’m not
> sure what we’re doing
> >just yet. A parody on 42ND ST that Rosie is going
> to write then I’m going
> >to be there live in the studio that morning to sing
> a parody of
> >”Everything’s Coming Up Rosie” with Nathan Lane and
> Christine Ebersole,
> >and a bunch of B’way people. Blah Blah Blah….Just
> watch the final show!
> >Its going to be fun!
> >
> >So, I know Mom and Lainie and all are going on The
> Hornblower Yaught
> >today. I have to tell you my suprise plan that fell
> through. I asked weeks
> >ago if I could get a personal day for May 12th so I
> could fly home and
> >suprise you on the dock of The Hornblower Yaught
> this morning. It was
> >going to be such a thrill to see your faces and to
> be with Lainie on her
> >first Mother’s Day. Sadly, my personal Day wasn’t
> approved….but its
> >funny. I’m sick today so I’m not even in the show.
> Go figure.
> >
> >I hope you had a wonderful time. I would love to
> know how it went and all.
> >
> >Oh! Did I tell you I fell in the show Wednesday
> afternoon. You know the
> >part where I’m showing Jullian Marsh how well I can
> tap? “I can do any tap
> >step ever invented!” Wings!….My foot hit a groove
> in the floor when I
> >started to do that step and I fell backwards right
> on my butt. It was
> >kinda funny. The audience kinda went, “Oh!” then
> laughed at me as I shot
> >up and continued the other steps. I guess I can say
> I fell on my ass on
> >Broadway! They clapped and cheered when I finished.
> And I laughed at
> >myself. but boy was I pissed the floor was uneven.
> I didn’t throw a diva
> >fit at all. But the stage managers did. I guess I
> felt important because
> >they took care of it right away. If I was in the
> ensemble they probably
> >wouldn’t even have asked if I was alright. Typical.
> >
> >Well…all is well aside from the show. I’m writing
> music again. I’ve been
> >tinkling the piano keys a little lately. Its been
> awhile. It feels good to
> >play again.
> >
> >I have to go eat something and take my vitamins and
> cold medicine. I’m
> >getting better. Just coughing a lot.
> >
> >Love you!
> >
> >Talk to you soon.
> >
> >
> >Merie
> >MerieNYC@aol.com
> >212-923-0850 (home)
> >917-673-4988 (cell)
>
> William (Bill) Patterson
> Wright Way Management
> www.wwmgmt.com
> Network Manager/Webmaster
> (800) 940-6317

> ATTACHMENT part 2 image/jpeg
name=MothersDay2002.jpg; x-mac-type=4A504547; x-mac-creator=4A565752

__________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!?
LAUNCH – Your Yahoo! Music Experience
http://launch.yahoo.com

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 2 Jun 2002 12:17:33 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@Hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com,
LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com,
MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
Jsjdesign@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com, bobjen@megalink.net,
djwright@wwmgmt.com, bill1229@wwmgmt.com, Butchjordan@aol.com
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10509

Happy June Everyone!



Its been a couple weeks since I’ve written my Sunday letter. Last week The Wiley’s were in town and we had lunches, dinners, went to the park, they saw the show, and visited. It was wonderful to have you all here! The house seemed so empty when you left.


I’ll try to get you up to date. Last week was a changing point for the show. Michael Cumpsty who played Jullian Marsh left the show and has been replaced temporarily by the understudy. As a domino effect the show is changing quite a bit. So its good and bad. I miss Mr. Cumpsty alot.


I have been having some hamstring problems this week. I have a envasive “tapper’s” massage scheduled tonight after the show. Its my left leg. My hip felxor, hamstring, and top of my butt muscle all are overworked and tense. Its undertstandable because this is the leg I use the most in the show….but its painful.


Shonn came down with a cold last week but is doing better. Not completly better…he’s still coughing a little. He’s doing a Frank Sinatra Revue up at Westchester Theater on June 10th and 11th. I’ve been hearing a lot of Frank’s songs sung around the house, “Come fly with me lets fly lets fly away!”


The TONY’s are tonight. Here’s the deal. I was asked to present but it was revoked because I’m not a “name”. Its sad that even the TONY’s are subject to OSCAR and EMMY and even GRAMMY people presenting. Us theater people who are actually what the award is all about are told we are not known enough to present our own awards. So have fun watching Vanessa Willimas, John Lithgow, and even Alicia Silverstone present the TONY’s this year. Alot of people are pissed its going so commercial. I’m going to watch it with a few friends in my jeans and t-shirt on the couch. Cross your fingers that Sutton Foster wins!


The weather here has been muggy and hot. I’ve been sweating up a storm in the show. The audiences have been great. Shonn’s cousin Katie came to see the show yesterday. Also, Deborah Gibson came to see the show. I got her tickets and we went out for Beer and Nachos after. She was very impressed with me and was actually nice to hang out with. It was cool.


Shonn put in his notice that he’s leaving the show in 4 weeks. In a way I feel like I wish I was going with him. I love this part, but there has been some drama and my body is just tired. If I could take a couple weeks off just recoup I may be alright. But dancing on Steel with compressed wood is hideous to be dancing on…and for a year and a half. I’m just complaining when I shouldn’t be. I’m very happy to be where I am. I’m just popping Advil like candy lately.


Lainie and Carolyn and Baby Huth are coming to see the show in August. I can’t wait to get that CD you sent me Dad of him at daycare. He is SO HUGE I can’t believe it!


Ann Miller called me and said she’s coming back into town in June and wants to see the show. So that’s cool.


I’m just babbling now. I don’t have much else to say. I have to go roll out my legs again. Its my life lately.


My Kirsten I am so sorry I missed your Brunch this morning. Like I said I am in a lot of pain with my leg, I woke up at 9 in pain then slept ’til 11, and have been getting my body warmed up for the show ever since. I have no life anymore! 🙁 


Love you guys! Talk to you all soon. I am home Monday night after 6pm my time, if you want to call.


Merie
MerieNYC@aol.com
212-923-0850 (home)

917-673-4988 (cell)



From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 2 Jun 2002 23:39:05 EDT
Subject: Re: Sunday Letter
To: bill1229@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10509

Love you Dad. Did you see the awards tonight? Alicia Silverstone DID present an award. And SUTTON WON! YEah! She is so talented!


Shonn and I hope to be there next year


Merie
MerieNYC@aol.com
212-923-0850 (home)

917-673-4988 (cell)



From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 9 Jun 2002 13:07:16 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com,
GDGMichelle@Hotmail.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com,
LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com, Mamarose2000@yahoo.com,
MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
Jsjdesign@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com, bobjen@megalink.net,
djwright@wwmgmt.com, bill1229@wwmgmt.com, Butchjordan@aol.com
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10509

Hi There!


I hope this finds you in great spirits. Its a beautiful Sunday here in NYC. Its bright, no clouds, and no humidity. It almost feels like California.


Guess what? I’m not doing the show today.Yesterday in the matinee I hurt something in the right side of my back. My muscle started spasming. I went to the Physical Therapist and she said either the muscle pulled the rib out of place or the rib is out of place and the muscle is spasming around it. I’m ok. I’ll be fine. I’m just out of the show today and going to therapy. It just hurts a lot to sit, lay down, and especially twist my body. But I have Shonn taking good care of me.


I will write more later. I am off to physical therapy!


Merie
MerieNYC@aol.com
212-923-0850 (home)

917-673-4988 (cell)



From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 23 Jun 2002 12:37:01 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com,
GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com,
bobjen@megalink.net, djwright@wwmgmt.com, bill1229@wwmgmt.com,
Butchjordan@aol.com
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10509

Well…this week was long…I went back to work after the injury. The time off was well spent. I have had any pain. (Love that!) On Thursday we had a rehearsal with our new Jullian Marsh… Mr. Tom Wopat. He’s been in theater forever…you guys probably know him from THE DUKES OF HAZZARD. He was the brunette who slid over the car. Anyway…he’s a nice guy. We had a “Put in” for him on Friday and then he debuted in the role that night. It was great. He can sing like a dream. Although he kisses me and has a scratchy mustache. Its a little gross. I much prefer Shonn!


Tom did 3 shows and then is coming back July 9th. Right when Shonn is leaving for Denver. Shonn has been out of the show for the weekend. His knee hurts, and calf, and achillis tendon. HE needs to take care of himself 🙁 Yesterday, David was out for the matinee and they out Todd on because Shonn was out. They would’ve put Shonn on because it may have been his last time. I was bummed.


This week has been exhausting. I haven’t talked to anyone. Just ate, slept, and did the show! I have one more to do today and unfortunatly I started writing this a little late in the morning (I slept in! Not surprising! ) So I’m going to have to cut it short.


I love you! Oh One more thing. I realized yesterday that June 21st was my anniversary of going on as Peggy Sawyer for the first time! What a year it has been since then! 


Also Baby Huthinator was 7 months on the 20th! Yipee!


Love you

Merie
MerieNYC@aol.com
212-923-0850 (home)

917-673-4988 (cell)



From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 30 Jun 2002 12:04:02 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter- Shonn’s Farewell to 42
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com,
GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com,
bobjen@megalink.net, djwright@wwmgmt.com, bill1229@wwmgmt.com,
Butchjordan@aol.com
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10509

Hi Everyone,


I’m a little hungover from the party we had last night for Shonn and Luke at a place called Marlowe’s. (Luke is another guy who is leaving the show) Today is Shonn’s last show on Broadway.


I’m very sad.



I’m also very happy he’s moving on to such a great show. He’s doing      I LOVE A PIANO In Colorado@ The Denver Center. ITs going to be very hard to have him away, but absence makes the heart grow fonder right?


We are getting ready to go down to the theater together for the last time. 🙁 Shonn has written each person in the cast a little note and he and Luke ordered Subway for the whole cast this morning! (They don’t know it yet) He has to leave now to go get the food.


Everything else is good. (I’m not as talkative today). I’m tired. Doing the show this week has been hard. I need a massage badly.


I finished knitting my scarf. I didn’t tell but I started knitting a scarf for myself on the train in the checker board pattern (a new one I learned) and it looks really cool!


Well…I have to get going. Its a big day!


Lots of love,



Merie
MerieNYC@aol.com
212-923-0850 (home)

917-673-4988 (cell)



From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 28 Jul 2002 12:08:34 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter-Happy Birthday Michelle!
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com,
GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
Mamarose2000@yahoo.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, Shonnwiley@aol.com,
bobjen@megalink.net, djwright@wwmgmt.com, bill1229@wwmgmt.com,
Butchjordan@aol.com, Kyrahleigh@aol.com, jmorte@us.ibm.com,
jgrexton@carsonmktg.com
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10516

Ok, ok….its Sunday! (and I’ve added a few new emails addresses to this list. Cousin John and Jenny…why I didn’t have you guys on the list before I don’t know? 🙂 What can I say? Blonde….


Anyway, I am actually back on track! Sorry I missed 2 weeks. I had some AOL trauma. But boy, it has been an interesting week, lets just start with that.


Actually lets start with Happy Birthday big sister Michelle! I hope you got my email. I hope you are doing something fun today. I will be calling you as soon as I get offline….:)


Ok, this week has been crazy. I went in to do 42ND ST after a grueling weekend of doing THE TODAY SHOW (Aunt Gayle I’m SO happy you saw it!). I woke up at 4am and then had to do a matinee show and an evening show. I can’t believe I got through it. Then the next day I had one show. Which was rough as well. Not just because I was tired but because I started feeling a pain in my left foot. Now I don’t know if I told you guys, but last year that I was diagnosed with a neuroma in my left foot. Its common among us dancer folk.  Anyway, last year I had to have it shot with Cortisone to shrink it. Well, it worked and it was fine…for a year. But now, I was in a lot of pain… but I did the Sunday show anyway. I went to the doctor on Monday and he said, “We should shoot this up again.” Well, I have been having some issues with resigning my contract and they have been complaining about my excessive absences. I easily have the hardest role on Broadway (at least that’s what everyone tells me) and boy…I believe them. So a few absences (38 in a years time) is understandable. Who wants to pay money to see a sick and injured Peggy anyway? So….my point is this  neuroma could not have come back at a better time (insert sarcasm here). So, foolishly I told the doctor, “No, I don’t want to inject it just yet.” And I went and did the show on Tuesday night. Very bad idea. I could’ve really hurt myself. It was painful (if you ever had a neuroma you know the pain I’m talking about). So I finished the show and I said, “I’m out tomorrow have to go to the doctor and get this shot.” So, feeling like I was proving the managers point by being out of the show, I went to the doctor. They shot it with cortisone using a sonogram. Its a medium sized neuroma, not a huge one. But it felt huge. I had the procedure done at the Hospital for Special Surgery (which is the best in the country, so I felt like I was in good hands). Dad got all squirmy on the phone when I told him this but … what they do is take your foot in a flexed position, target the neuroma (which is really scar tissue built up around the nerve between the digits) using a sonogram to pin point it they stick a long needle down my foot to the exact spot (using a tiny bit of Novocain). And that does the trick. Ugh, it was brutal. But! The best part was, when I’m sitting there, writhing in pain on the table, the doctor starts asking me about the show. “So you having fun in the show?” All I feel like saying as I death grip the table, channeling Satan’s voice was, “Yeah! Shut up! I’m having fun with this freakin’ needle in my foot too! How’s that Doc?” But I didn’t….I said, “Yeah, its really fun (insert sweet voice here) I realized she was trying to distract me from the pain, but they have to know that never works…


So I have been out of the show the whole week. I did one show on Tuesday and have been out for 6 shows. I feel management’s anger breathing down my neck but I have to take care of myself. I hate it as well. I hate missing shows. Before this production I had never missed a show, I had never been injured, Doesn’t that tell you something about that steel stage? Ugh.


So that’s my gruesome story for the week….


Hey! Mom and Dad are in San Francisco celebrating their 35th Wedding Anniversary and having a great time! I really think its admirable to have parents who have stayed together through the thick and thin. Its very rare, and I am very proud.
I think they need to write a Sunday letter telling us about all the cool shows they saw and stuff!


Lainie, Mike and Baby Huth are doing great! I am so excited about having him out here to NYC! I’m working on “baby proofing” the house. Cause Lainie said I won’t believe him when I see him. He gets into everything. I just can’t wait to see how big he is! I haven’t seen him since March (not in person anyway). I’m also very excited to see my sister and Carolyn. I know the baby always gets the attention. But why not? He’s the Huthinator!


Robert I’m waiting to hear how Friday night went? (wink wink)


Aunt Gayle I’m not sure I will make it out to Denver. I’m bummed, I really want to see you. Nevertheless, I would love for you to see Shonn in the show. He actually has some free tickets for previews and opening night. If you want to have a night on the town? His email is shonnwiley@aol.com. (And Shonn, Gayle’s email is  GHindes@aol.com) You should converse. 🙂


Nancy and Janet…Lainie will be in town August 8th. We want to have dinner sometime with you guys. Let’s figure it out.


Lois, your houseseats for you and Margie are booked! I can’t wait! We’ll have to go out after he show.


Jenny how’s Anna? I would love to see some pictures. Aunt Sharon tells me she’s getting so big! I haven’t talked to you in a long time!


John, Its been a long time since I’ve talked to you as well. (too long) I know its very belated but congradulations on your marriage to Kat. She sounds lovely.


Kyrah! I read the review for George M! Go girl! You can design clothes AND choreograph! 🙂 The Wiley talent never ceases to amaze me.               


Ok, ok, I have to get going. Its time to ice my foot. I’m not doing the show today. I said I was going to try, but I got nervous. I don’t want to hurt myself.


Lots of love! Have a great Sunday!
Love,

Merie
212-923-0850 (home)
917-673-4988 (cell)

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 5 Aug 2002 00:44:41 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter! The Huthinators coming!
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com,
GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com,
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Hi everyone,


I know this is late. I had to sleep in this morning. Sometimes Sunday’s are good for that.


Well, its been a month without Shonn here and the place is a wreck! (I’m just kidding.) It is hard to keep clean and orderly without him. Its always nice to have his help. I can’t reach all the linens and I can’t change a lightbulb, everything is too high! Seriously though, I really miss him. I have been missing him from the moment he left.


I have some exciting news. Two weeks from today I will be giving my last performance as Peggy in 42! (Unless something gives with my producers) My last day is August 18th. And I’m so excited that Lainie, Carolyn, and baby Huthy are flying in on Thursday! 🙂 I am getting ready by baby proofing the apt and claening all the floors like crazy! I have a million pictures of him all over the theater. I can’t wait to show him off to my dresser and wig gal!


Danny Devito came back to see the show on Sat night. That’s his second time. He was very nice to me. You know aside from being a amazing actor, he is a pretty big film producer. So its great that he likes my work right?


I had some important people at the show Wednesday night. It took me 6 months of begging, but I finally got the A&R of SONY Records to see the show. We went out for drinks afterwards and talked for 2 hours. She is in charge of signing new artists. She was so complimentary of me and called me “multi media” like a white Jennifer Lopez, can act sing and dance. This is all great for what I want to do. It’s all very exciting. I’m calling her on Monday. She wants me to do a showcase of some of my ,usic at a place called The Cutting Room downtown. 6 songs, some original, some covers, she is going to give me some songs she has. (She works with my dream producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis). Anyway, blah blah blah. I’m very excited. We’ll see what happens.


Anyway, my foot is doing very well. I haven’t had any troubles. I have been taking anti inflammatory and rolling it out and I had Physical therapy on it Wed afternoon. I believe the coritsone got into the neuroma and shrunk it, just like last year.


I did a photo shoot for W Magazine and Women’s Wear Daily on Fri afternoon. We were on a rooftop in Chelsea in 100 degree weather. It was me and 3 other girls from the show. We drank so much water I felt like a camel! It was for legwear. They wanted dancers. 🙂 Which is a nice change from the usual stick model they hire. We actually have some meat on our bones. 🙂 (That’s what the makeup artist said)


So…that was my week. I’m preparing to have the clan out on Thurs. I can’t wait!


Call me if you get a moment.



Love you all!



Merie
212-923-0850 (home)
917-673-4988 (cell)

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 18 Aug 2002 12:17:43 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com,
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Hi Everyone..


This is a very weird week for me. Not only is today my final show in 42ND ST on Broadway…but its a closing of a HUGE chapter in my life. The cast threw me a little party last night and it still didn’t hit me that I’m leaving. I have been clering out my dressing room all week long, til its bare…and it still hasn’t hit me. I don’t think when I bow tonight for the final time, it will hit me. Its strange. But eventually was bound to happen. Whether it was now or in the fall, the end would’ve come sooner or later.


My apt is trashed. I haven’t had a moment to clean up anything (I figured I’d have plenty of time later!) I received the most beautiful flowers from Shonn and Carolyn yesterday…thank you so much!


Speaking of Carolyn, I have to fill you all in on the most amazing weekend I had with Carolyn, Lainie and The Huthinator! We toted that little one all over NYC and he even sat to watch Auntie Merie in the show. I know we told you most of this, but I’m repeating myself! I had the BEST time with them. I took lots of video and was watching it the other night. Oh, I am in love with Baby Michael.


Carolyn left on Monday and Lainie left Tuesday. I said goodbye at 5am and I sobbed for about a half hour. I was so sad to see them go! It was crazy! But understandable.


My last week of shows have been pretty normal. Except Tom Wopat tearing up in the final scene. He said he “has a hug crush on me and doesn’t want to see me go.”  He’s very sweet.


Thursday night Lois came to see me star on Broadway! That was quite possibly the biggest night of my life. Such full circle! I felt like I did the best show I’ve ever done. At leats the best dance technique I’ve ever done in that show! I was doing my best portabra I could! 🙂 She was there with her friend Margie Beddow who’s book Bob Fosse’s Broadway I had read. We all went to Jow Allen’s afterwards. It was wonderful!


As the week dwindled down, I still didn’t believe it was my last. I still don’t believe it. Yesterday I broguth my video camera to the show and I went around and taped what I call the 42ND ST documentary. I’m sure Robert could make it into a mini movie. I got all the cast saying good bye to me on tape and I taped some of the theater, stage, and lobby. It was surreal. And yet, I still didn’t believe it was my final week.


My best friend Kirsen said to me she wanted to come and see the show Sat night. She asked for a balcony seat. I decided to buy her a single seat in the orchestra. The best in the house! It felt so good to have her out there. Thanks for coming Kirst. I love ya!


Oh! I have to tell you! Wednesday night the conductor and muscial director Todd Ellison comes to my dressing room at intermission and says, “I’m here to say goodbye.” He said he wasn’t going to be in the rest of the weekend. His sub will be conducting. “Its been a pleasure.” I said as I smiled. “Well, since its you’re last night. Maybe I should sing 42ND ST the way I’ve always wanted to?” He smiled. You see, in the beginning of my run as Peggy. Todd used to tell me that I sang it “a little too jazzy”. He said, “a white girl from Allentown wouldn’t sing so soulful”. So from then on, I toned it down.


But not tonight.



I warned him, but I didn’t say that I would actually do it. I got out there for the number and I sang it normal until the chorus, “Little nifties from the fifties…” I started riffing! I was jazzing it up as best I could. The whole cast was making little nioses of delight, and I looked down at Todd in the pit and he was just laughing! It was GREAT!


So many people backstage and from the pit came up to me and said, “I LOVED that rendition of 42!” So I did it again last night. And I think today’s matinee will be the jazziest of them all! 🙂


Well…I think that about covers it. I have a slew of things to do tommorrow. Clean the apt is high on the priority list! 🙂


I am going to go to Denver (Aunt Gayle I have to call you! Hope you’re back from Cali!) August 28th – Sept 2nd. I’m going to see the show I LOVE A PIANO that Shonn’s in, and hang out! Its been far too long since I’ve seen him.


Then I plan on going to Florida with Lainie, Carolyn, and the Huthy in Sept!


I hope all is well with all of you. Wish me luck today. My last bow on Broadway. (But, only for awhile…)


PLEASE forward this to Cuz Carolyn’s email. I don’t have it. Can someone update me? 🙂


Lots of love,  

Merie
212-923-0850 (home)
917-673-4988 (cell)

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 15 Sep 2002 12:59:08 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter “It’s time for lift off”
To: jonisha_2000@yahoo.com, healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net,
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Ok, ok….today is the day.


I shot out of bed at 8am and immediatly started tasking away at my final “to do” list for Moscow. Usually I’m a little lazy in the morning, but today I shifted into high gear.


Shonn has been a little stressed to say the least. I keep telling him to take a deep breath. It’ll all be fine. I think he’ll be ok, once everything that could possibly go wrong has passed…he’ll be able to breathe.


Our car comes to pick us up at 2pm. We have 3 bags each. Some are awfully heavy. I hope we can manage it.


This week has been about parties, going to dinners with friends, and packing. I spent most of the week packing and shopping. I got a really nice opening night dress for Moscow at MACY’s…no more borrowing dresses, I have to start buying my own. 🙂


Thank you to everyone who came to Raussian Samovar for our lil’ Bon Voyage Gathering. It was small, but perfect. I tried Borsche Soup for the first time, and had some Mushroom pastry thing. The falvored vodka was the best. Cranberry, Rasberry, Lemon, Apple Cinnamon (liquid evil), and Horseradish…which I didn’t try. But people said it was the best!?
Kirsten thinks I’m gonna come back really drunk and from the look of the Russian food variety…very skinny!


We found a sublet. His name is Eddie. He is a friend of John Boy’s. A very nice guy. So if you call the home number and some guy answers the phone. Don’t worry. 🙂 It’s Eddie.


A bunch of friends (10 of us) went to the Yankees Game on Sept 11th. I was the perfect way to end that day. There were numerous ceremonies at the stadium and four Fighter Jets flew overhead and gave me the biggest patriotic chill of my lifetime! But, all in all, the day was hard to deal with. Shonn and I got up at 8:15am and watched all the ceremonies on TV, cried, and realized that it seems like just yesterday. But then again, I have never really faced the fact that it happened. I try to stay in that make believe place. Since I don’t see the towers everyday, I can just pretend they are still there. Until I go downtown, or (like I’m about to do) fly over the skyline. I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like for the families. My old boss who worked at Windows on The World wasn’t in the towers. He had been transferred 2 weeks before to the Russian Tea Room. I ran into him on the street of all things about 2 months ago. I tried to forget that he may have perished. I didn’t want to find out. When I saw him, I immediatly burst into tears and we hugged for about 5 minutes. We hadn’t seen eachother in 3 years, but we both knew I needed to see him and hug him. Last time I saw him was when Shonn and I had dinner on top of the World Trade Center. It’s amazing what has happened to life in this city and the world.


Well, I have to shift into a higher gear now. Its about an hour away from “lift off”. I will email to let you all know we got into Moscow ok. My cell phone is not going to work in Russia.


Blah blah blah….I hope you are all well! I will talk to you via email real soon. 🙂


Love,

Shonn & Meredith
# in Moscow:  011-7-095-935-8500
The Official Web Site of Meredith Patterson

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 23 Sep 2002 13:44:39 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter- Russian!
To: jonisha_2000@yahoo.com, healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net,
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Hello everyone!


It is about 8pm Moscow time and I just got home from finishing my first week in rehearsals…and my first week in Russia!


I cannot begin to explain the difference between America and here. It’s bizarre.
But it is wonderful….



ok, ok let’s start from the beginning.


Shonn and I get off the plane and are immediatly swept away to the VIP section to have a press conference. We meet our Company Manager Ray, my translator Irena, and the Russian producer Boris all in a matter of 5 minutes. There are about 5 different Russian Camera’s (from Russian channels) with lights on us and mics in our faces spewing out Russian (so fast it could’ve been Japanese for all I knew!) We hadn’t slept on the plane…or at least I hadn’t. I was too excited. The anticipation alone was overwhelming. And all this press. God, you would think we were Britney and Justin! It was ridiculous.


So we start interviews. I’m given a bunch of roses and people are speaking to me in Russian and Irena is translating to me. I don’t know whether to look at the interviewer (who’s name was Olga) or Irena.


To make a long story short we finish our interviews and get sped away to a silver Mercedes (the camera’s are following us) and we drive away to our hotel that awaits us.


While we are in the car, Boris the Russian producer, is spewing off in a thick accent aout how excited everyone is and how he saw me on Broadway 6 times. He speaks English but it is a little broken, and he speaks very fast. Every five minutes he is turning around (don’t worry there was a driver) and answering his cell phone saying “Hello. Da.” Which means, “Hello. Yes.” Then he proceeds to yell at whomever is on the phone. Boris is a very passionate and heated Russian.


We are driving into Moscow from the airport and the traffic is bad. The license plates are European, but people drive with the steering wheel on the left side, like America. We immediatly see huge billboards for 42ND ST “Broadway in Moscow”. And Boris proceeds to tell me, “There will be huge poster with your name over title. Very big.” He was so proud. To them I’m a Broadway star. I felt so surprised at the treatment and the twinkle in everyone’s eyes. I don’t have the heart to tell them, I’m just a girl who happen to star on Broadway. I think to myself, “I’m just gonna play along.”


We get to the center of Moscow and it looks much like any other city except everything is in Cyrillic and the cars are a little different. We get to the hotel and it is ritzy galore! Like the St. Regis on Madison and 55th. A fancy doorman opens my door and says “Welcome to Moscow” and the camera’s (who sped ahead of us) are capturing the whole arrival on tape. Shonn and I walk into the lobby and the entire guest services staff and conceierge are waiting to greet us. We walk in and get on the gold and shiny elevator to the 7th floor and go to our Suite. We walk in and there are camera’s, and what seemed like 12 people crowding in our room. We were in such a whirlwind, I don’t even remember how our bags got to our room but they were there. We didn’t even have to go through a normal customs and passport check…we were VIP’d through from what I was told.


By this time its about 3pm on Monday and we feel like a Mack truck just hit us. Boris told us, “Don’t sleep. Meet me in the lobby at 6pm for dinner”  So we started unpacking in a daze. Our suite consists of 3 rooms and a bathroom, But 5 star to America and 5 star to Russia is very different, But believe me, it’s all very nice.


As we are unpacking someone knocks on the door. I open it and its Champagne, more flowers and 3 little Russian maids with vases. We are blown away. It was like Annie came home from the Orphanage and Boris was Daddy Warbucks.


We couldn’t help ourselves and crashed for an hour. We woke up and I was doing everything I could to stay awake. It’s good when you have such a dramatic time difference to try to immediatly get on “their” time….otherwise you will be jet lagged for a week!


We meet Boris and go to dinner. His driver picks us up in the same Silver Mercedes and drives us to The Savoy Hotel. An amazing ornate upper class hotel. And we sit down for dinner. Boris says, “I order Russian cuisine for you!” Now, Russia LOVES Caviar and Salt Fish. Two things you really can’t swallow when you are sleep deprived and nauseaus. But, you cannot be rude. So I tried everything. Shonn declined the fish. It was ok. As long as one of us ate some. Too bad I had to be the brave one. Normally, I love fish. But I too was a little overwhelmed and had no appetite.


The entree’s consisted of, Raw Herring, Salmon, Onions, Potatoes, Boiled Eggs, and Tomato. Then I had Borcsh. Which is a Hot Beet soup with Sour Cream.  Then we moved on to Caviar. Now, in America the Caviar I am used to (not that I have it alot) is black and small. This was red and huge. Boris proceed to put some on a Blini (which is a small pancake thing) and hove it in my face, “Try! You like Caviar yes?” I looked at Shonn in fear and swiftly put it in my mouth, I bit down and immediatly the caviar started bursting one (by salty one) in my mouth. I started thinking about what Caviar actually was…… and I almost couldn’t swallow it. (Oh, the tricks your mind can play!) But I did.


Boris had us wash down everything with a toast! What were we toasting with? Shots of vodka of course! Everytime I would winc down a shot, the waiter would refill. I didn’t understand what the toasts were, mostly in Russian, followed by a big, “Yah!” We toasted to 42nd ST, to Shonn and I, to Boris, to Boris’ friend, to the fish, to the caviar. We toasted to anything that moved as long as it meant another swig!


We got home at 10 or 11pm. I don’t remember if I was drunk or not. I took a shower. And was noticing all the different things in the hotel. (The toilet for one is different). I got in to bed and 2 minutes later I fell asleep.


We had rehearsal the next morning at 10am. I woke up at 6, then at 7 and got up. We were ok. I was excited to meet the cast and see everything, We met our driver Vladymir in the lobby and he drove us to reheasal.


The place we are rehearsing in is on the other side of town. In the poor part. The drastic change from rich to poor is so apparent in Russia. It’s amazing. We learned how to say good morning in Russian which is “Dolbreutro” (phonicticly spelled)  and arrived at the hall. We started the day learning the 42ND ST Ballet. Then the cast arrived at 12. A cast of 53 with a chorus between the ages of 17-25. They were all anticipating our arrival and were starry eyed. It’s so weird to me. Shonn and I are from the Broadway Revival. Many of them had seen it. And were impressed. They are all American…mostly Canadian. And the sweetest people you could ever meet.


This whole past week Shonn and I have been trying to catch up on the bond that the cast has made in the two weeks they have been here. The weather was a little smoky and dank those first days. And the only food in that area we could eat for lunch was Chicken and Rice or Borsch. I think I’ve already lost weight….


Basically this whole week Shonn and I have been at the hotel, rehearsing, eating and sleeping. We have seen some of the sights from the car but nothing up close. We will save that discription for when we sight see. (From the car…the arcitecture is amazing!)


We are learning Russian. It is a very musical language. I have been told I hear it and can pronounce it very well. So maybe I will learn that way. So far this week I have been interviewed for Cosmopolitian, Elle, Vogue, (All European version’s of course) I have been on 15 TV channels and our faces have been in 12 local newspapers. It’s crazy. As soon as I can I will get copies. I have a photo shoot for Cosmo next Monday! 🙂


We went to the theater and it is amazing! Huge! 2,000 seats. It’s being renovated and smells new. The floor is sprung with some kind of foam. It’s good.


One of the producers is Tatiana (can’t pronounce her last name). She was a principal dancer with The Bolshoi Ballet (the best ballet company in the world) she retired 4 years ago. She is only 37. She looks amazing! She is going to give the cast a complimentary ballet class as soon as we open. I cannot WAIT! She saw me do Peggy on Broadway 4 times, and thinks I am a wonderful dancer. I wanted to cry! For her to say that meant so much to me. She was one of 5 people picked to be in the Bolshoi Ballet from a total of 60 dancers who trained at the Bolshoi Ballet School. She is the top of the top!


Anyway….blah blah blah. 🙂



It is Monday now. It took me so long to write this all. It’s funny because I am starting to break up my English so Russians can understand. And I can’t talk normal anymore! It’s only been a week. It feels like longer. It’s an amazing country. The people are so welcoming and loving. I love it here.


I have so much more I could say but I have to go eat dinner.


Lots of love.



Write soon and tell me what’s up with all of you.


“Doblenoche”



Meredith & Shonn
Moscow 011-7-096-937-0000

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Tue, 15 Oct 2002 01:01:43 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter is coming soon…
To: jonisha_2000@yahoo.com, healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net,
TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com,
LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Newsojo@aol.com,
Caesarum1992@aol.com, Ytamakinyc@aol.com, BStritch@aol.com,
JenStet@aol.com, Meeegan@aol.com, TamlynBS@aol.com, WRosoff@aol.com,
BMarcum72@aol.com, EGORME@aol.com, Melraemahon@aol.com,
Missytaps@aol.com, AmyDolan@aol.com, Rbobish@aol.com,
Misskellinyc@aol.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, kristin_l_braun@yahoo.com,
Crysbert@aol.com, Hemmytime@aol.com, Razorrose@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
BroadwayMHL@aol.com, Mattlacey@aol.com, DCass444@aol.com,
NYDEN@aol.com, DidileeS@aol.com, carranzav@yahoo.com,
johnwill@attbi.com, jspire@nyc.rr.com, spacewaif@hotmail.com,
Kyrahleigh@aol.com, daphnerv@att.net, Rsnid1052@aol.com,
claydalzell@hereigo.net, JeffMazz@aol.com, Dpessis@aol.com,
AJSULSHARI@aol.com, KSchmoll@nyc.rr.com, flutterkeir@mac.com,
tl07307@aol.com, kdeutsch@sh-k-boom.com, bill1229@wwmgmt.com,
Butchjordan@aol.com, BriansSara@aol.com, Erindoggy@aol.com,
TimBLD@aol.com, ivan.menchell@verizon.net, jmorte@us.ibm.com,
jgrexton@carsonmktg.com, TMagino@msn.com, JJdkras@aol.com,
tanline@earthlink.net, Lainie@cmiprorisk.com,
DeutschScott@mindspring.com, XTAbaby@aol.com,
bkashman@copierbrothers.com, Paperboy60@aol.com, Mriedeler1@aol.com,
Elvekay@aol.com, bergenstreet@yahoo.com, RPShore@aol.com,
VINNYEE@aol.com, jasonbringsthefunk@hotmail.com, PSwigmastr@aol.com,
NBenRace@earthlink.net, mama_bear_y2k@hotmail.com, Jeffdee@aol.com,
DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com, CFBartlett@peoplepc.com,
Schmayle@aol.com, ericmbergeron@yahoo.com, BBoopK@aol.com,
chrisbclay@aol.com, Debbiedamp@msn.com
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10634

Hi All!



I know you are all waiting with bated breath for my weekly update. (Being that we opened last week!) But, alas, you will have to wait one more day.


The “parental units” have been in town since Thursday and I haven’t had a moment to sit down and write. (We are going to the Kremlin today…it’s 9am right now!)


They are great! Herb and Beth leave today and my parents leave tommorrow. But…I will write more later. 🙂


So much to tell!



Love,

Meredith

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 27 Oct 2002 17:04:43 EST
Subject: Sunday letter/Happy B’day Mom!
To: healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com,
GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com,
KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com,
Newsojo@aol.com, Caesarum1992@aol.com, Ytamakinyc@aol.com,
BStritch@aol.com, JenStet@aol.com, Meeegan@aol.com, TamlynBS@aol.com,
WRosoff@aol.com, BMarcum72@aol.com, EGORME@aol.com,
Melraemahon@aol.com, Missytaps@aol.com, AmyDolan@aol.com,
Rbobish@aol.com, Misskellinyc@aol.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
kristin_l_braun@yahoo.com, Crysbert@aol.com, Hemmytime@aol.com,
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brukj@yahoo.com, BroadwayMHL@aol.com, Mattlacey@aol.com,
DCass444@aol.com, NYDEN@aol.com, DidileeS@aol.com, carranzav@yahoo.com,
johnwill@attbi.com, jspire@nyc.rr.com, spacewaif@hotmail.com,
Kyrahleigh@aol.com, daphnerv@att.net, Rsnid1052@aol.com,
claydalzell@hereigo.net, JeffMazz@aol.com, Dpessis@aol.com,
AJSULSHARI@aol.com, KSchmoll@nyc.rr.com, flutterkeir@mac.com,
tl07307@aol.com, kdeutsch@sh-k-boom.com, bill1229@wwmgmt.com,
Butchjordan@aol.com, BriansSara@aol.com, Erindoggy@aol.com,
TimBLD@aol.com, ivan.menchell@verizon.net, jmorte@us.ibm.com,
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DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com, CFBartlett@peoplepc.com,
Schmayle@aol.com, ericmbergeron@yahoo.com, BBoopK@aol.com,
chrisbclay@aol.com, Debbiedamp@msn.com, VBStacy@aol.com,
EKatzen@insight.com
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10634

Greetings from Moscow.


What can I say about this week? Nobody would believe it if it wasn’t true! Where do I begin? Where I met President Yeltsin, where the Chechnians took over a Moscow musical, or where Shonn and I sang “New York, NY” at a Russian Birthday party!?
It is truly bizarre every week here. Things you could not comprehend have happened. Car bombs, assassinations, National crisis…you name it. Today we went to a Japanese Restaurant, had sushi, and our waitress who was in a Geisha outfit spoke only Russian! Unbelievable! 


Before I get into anything I have to say Mom…Happy Birthday! Remember you are not getting older but wiser. Birthday’s are celebrations of life. So celebrate today! I am!


Ok, the week started fine. Sunday night Boris took us out to the Georgian restaurant “for 10 minutes.” Yeah right. (Yes, its the same restaurant with the fish head, the pig, and the dumplings that tasted like feet. ) But thankfully, we didn’t eat. We drank. I feel like I’m repeating myself (you know how weeks can just blend together sometimes) But anyway…it was a birthday party and Russians elite artists were there. Well, after a few drinks they asked us to sing. (Everyone was singing…in Russian of course) So Shonn and I bravely got up and decided on a whim to sing “New York, NY.” It was hysterical. The alcohol made it easier to sing without a care. Its ok, they couldn’t understand us anyway. Just 20 drunk Russians singing along in broken English!


Then on Tuesday we started our week of shows. Nothing special on Tues. Same ol’ same ol’.


Then Wed night show we get to the theater and we hear that Former President Boris Yeltsin is in the audience, there is extra security and there will be an arrangement to meet him at intermission!


Cool!



Shonn and I were so excited! We were about to perform for the first president of the new Russian democracy! (The Russian “George Washington” if you will)  We couldn’t have been on a bigger high!


So at intermission all the principals go upstairs to a VIP room to meet Mr. Yeltsin. One of the girls brought her video camera (she promised me a copy). In we walk to meet Mr. Yeltsin. He’s quite tall and of course a lot older from what I remember of him in pictures. He doesn’t speak a lick of English, but shook my hand and Irena translated that he said, “You are an excellent dancer” I must’ve blushed! What a handshake! Wow! He’s strong. Gotta be in his 70’s. He went on to tell us how proud he was to have Americans bringing their art form to Russia. How proud he felt that he was the reason we now are bridging the gap between our two great nations and our two cultures.” He spoke and filled our hearts with pride that we were here in Moscow, tapping our little hearts out. I never thought 42ND ST would be described as “bridging the gap between two cultures.” Mark Bramble may take credit for that one. 🙂


So we finished the show Wed night. Still so excited and elated to have met and performed for the former President. We also found out some of the guest from the Russian birthday party were in the audience. Very famous Russian composer Alexandra Pakhmutova and a famous Russian pop star (whose name I can’t recall). They were so sweet and complimentary! 🙂 Alexandra gave Shonn and I one of her CD compilations performed by Francis Goya.


We left the theater Wed night about a half hour after the curtain went down. We got in the car and went to McDonald’s for a hamburger and a shake (very American, Vladimir says)! And that’s when Vladimir got a call telling us the news. He gasped as he was on the phone and his voice lowered, “NORD-OST theater has been terrorized. 30 men or so with rifles stormed the theater taking the cast and the audience as hostages.”


All of our hearts sank with fear.



What was happening? It was unreal. I began to think, about the time we were happy and elated, meeting Pres. Yeltsin…their theater was being terrorized. Immediately the face of the lead of NORD-OST, Maria came into my head! Were they ok? How could this happen? We raced home, scampering for information, calling the rest of our cast and our families letting everyone know we were ok.


And this was the start of the longest and most stressful week of our lives it seems. Shonn and I stayed up until 3am that night. Glued to the TV. Hoping it would all end. Finally we succumb to the inevitable, sleep. Maybe in the morning it will be done. Hopefully peacefully.


I know most of you read CNN, and heard it on the news. The situation lasted 68 hours. Until Saturday morning when Russian forces stormed the theater at about 6am with narcotic gas, which has now claimed the lives of 117 people. The gas has been proven toxic. The Russian people are beside themselves with grief.


Despite the terror, we continued to do shows. Thursday night was the scariest night of my life. I stepped out on that stage for my first entrance thinking “there are Chechnians planted in the audience, they are going to storm the theater. I’m going to die.” It sounds dramatic, but that’s exactly how I felt. I don’t know how I did the show. I was on autopilot.


Shonn and I did a lot of press on Thursday. A lot of the questions were comparisons to 9-11. They thought it was ironic that a month after I took over the role on B’way, 9-11 terrorized the city. And a month after we open in Moscow, Chechnians Rebels terrorize the city. I laughed and thought “I will never perform Peggy again!”  But I didn’t say that. 🙂 I believe performing after 9-11 was completely different. It was very difficult to perform during this crisis here, but 9-11 was unbearable. As we all know.


So Saturday morning was a huge weight off our shoulders. Even though there were reportedly 97 victims, Putin declared it a “victory.” The war in Chechnia still lives and has been aggravated even more now. I know more about Chechnia now than I ever thought I would. (I had ever even heard of it before this week.) So life among the Muscovites isn’t peaceful. But it is known that Moscow is now practically the safest city in the world, because security is on high alert and everyone is watching.


A lot of the cast gave their notices to leave the show. (Anyone wanna come to  Moscow?) Speaking of, Shonn gave his 4 week notice today. I LOVE A PIANO is going to be done in Florida. Shonn has signed on to reprise the role he played in Denver this summer. They hope to legitimize the project and hopefully get a buzz for B’way. That would be nice huh? So Shonn’s last day is my birthday, Nov 24th. Then I leave a month later. Dec 23rd to be exact. 8 weeks from today.


I am exhausted after hashing through the horrible events of this week again. (I’m sure you are all exhausted from reading this long letter!)


On another note, I LOVE the Halloween pictures of Baby Michael on Family.com. And the ones with his teeth and scrunched up nose! Can’t WAIT until Christmas! 🙂 Michelle, can’t wait for the sonogram. I just know its a girl 🙂


Anyway, time to sign off! Love to you all. I’m safe and sound. Let us all pray that the GIANTS win the World Series! They have to…its Mom’s birthday present!


Lots of love…Dasvadanya!


Meredith & Shonn
Moscow 011-7-095-937-0000

Mer’s cell 095-728-3501

Shonn’s cell 095-728-3511

Attachment Converted: “d:\program files\qualcomm\eudora\attach\Baby11.JPG”
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Wed, 6 Nov 2002 07:55:25 EST
Subject: Sunday letters
To: bill1229@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10634

Dad,


I know you save all your emails. For some reason my filing cabinet didn’t save someof my emails.


Can you forward me all my Sunday Letters since I’ve been in MOSCOW. Including some of the mid week updates? I need them.


Thank you



Meredith & Shonn
Moscow 011-7-095-937-0000

Mer’s cell 095-728-3501

Shonn’s cell 095-728-3511

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 11 Nov 2002 14:59:48 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter – There’s Russian Snow!
To: jonisha_2000@yahoo.com, healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net,
TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com,
LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Newsojo@aol.com,
Caesarum1992@aol.com, Ytamakinyc@aol.com, BStritch@aol.com,
JenStet@aol.com, Meeegan@aol.com, TamlynBS@aol.com, WRosoff@aol.com,
BMarcum72@aol.com, EGORME@aol.com, Melraemahon@aol.com,
Missytaps@aol.com, AmyDolan@aol.com, Rbobish@aol.com,
Misskellinyc@aol.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, kristin_l_braun@yahoo.com,
Crysbert@aol.com, Hemmytime@aol.com, Razorrose@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
BroadwayMHL@aol.com, Mattlacey@aol.com, DCass444@aol.com,
NYDEN@aol.com, DidileeS@aol.com, carranzav@yahoo.com,
johnwill@attbi.com, jspire@nyc.rr.com, spacewaif@hotmail.com,
Kyrahleigh@aol.com, daphnerv@att.net, Rsnid1052@aol.com,
claydalzell@hereigo.net, JeffMazz@aol.com, Dpessis@aol.com,
AJSULSHARI@aol.com, KSchmoll@nyc.rr.com, flutterkeir@mac.com,
tl07307@aol.com, kdeutsch@sh-k-boom.com, bill1229@wwmgmt.com,
Butchjordan@aol.com, BriansSara@aol.com, Erindoggy@aol.com,
TimBLD@aol.com, ivan.menchell@verizon.net, jmorte@us.ibm.com,
jgrexton@carsonmktg.com, TMagino@msn.com, JJdkras@aol.com,
tanline@earthlink.net, Lainie@cmiprorisk.com,
DeutschScott@mindspring.com, XTAbaby@aol.com,
bkashman@copierbrothers.com, Paperboy60@aol.com, Mriedeler1@aol.com,
Elvekay@aol.com, bergenstreet@yahoo.com, RPShore@aol.com,
VINNYEE@aol.com, jasonbringsthefunk@hotmail.com, PSwigmastr@aol.com,
NBenRace@earthlink.net, mama_bear_y2k@hotmail.com, Jeffdee@aol.com,
DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com, CFBartlett@peoplepc.com,
Schmayle@aol.com, ericmbergeron@yahoo.com, BBoopK@aol.com,
chrisbclay@aol.com, Debbiedamp@msn.com, VBStacy@aol.com,
EKatzen@insight.com, upar70@earthlink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10634

Yes!
Yesterday (Saturday) was the first day of snow. Real fluffy, white, and beautiful snow. It was a nice change from the dirty streets of Moscow. It made me excited to be approaching the holiday’s.


Meredith & Shonn
Moscow 011-7-095-937-0000

Mer’s cell 095-728-3501

Shonn’s cell 095-728-3511

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 11 Nov 2002 15:05:09 EST
Subject: Disregard that last Sunday Letter…
To: jonisha_2000@yahoo.com, healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net,
TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com,
LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Newsojo@aol.com,
Caesarum1992@aol.com, Ytamakinyc@aol.com, BStritch@aol.com,
JenStet@aol.com, Meeegan@aol.com, TamlynBS@aol.com, WRosoff@aol.com,
BMarcum72@aol.com, EGORME@aol.com, Melraemahon@aol.com,
Missytaps@aol.com, AmyDolan@aol.com, Rbobish@aol.com,
Misskellinyc@aol.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, kristin_l_braun@yahoo.com,
Crysbert@aol.com, Hemmytime@aol.com, Razorrose@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
BroadwayMHL@aol.com, Mattlacey@aol.com, DCass444@aol.com,
NYDEN@aol.com, DidileeS@aol.com, carranzav@yahoo.com,
johnwill@attbi.com, jspire@nyc.rr.com, spacewaif@hotmail.com,
Kyrahleigh@aol.com, daphnerv@att.net, Rsnid1052@aol.com,
claydalzell@hereigo.net, JeffMazz@aol.com, Dpessis@aol.com,
AJSULSHARI@aol.com, KSchmoll@nyc.rr.com, flutterkeir@mac.com,
tl07307@aol.com, kdeutsch@sh-k-boom.com, bill1229@wwmgmt.com,
Butchjordan@aol.com, BriansSara@aol.com, Erindoggy@aol.com,
TimBLD@aol.com, ivan.menchell@verizon.net, jmorte@us.ibm.com,
jgrexton@carsonmktg.com, TMagino@msn.com, JJdkras@aol.com,
tanline@earthlink.net, Lainie@cmiprorisk.com,
DeutschScott@mindspring.com, XTAbaby@aol.com,
bkashman@copierbrothers.com, Paperboy60@aol.com, Mriedeler1@aol.com,
Elvekay@aol.com, bergenstreet@yahoo.com, RPShore@aol.com,
VINNYEE@aol.com, jasonbringsthefunk@hotmail.com, PSwigmastr@aol.com,
NBenRace@earthlink.net, mama_bear_y2k@hotmail.com, Jeffdee@aol.com,
DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com, CFBartlett@peoplepc.com,
Schmayle@aol.com, ericmbergeron@yahoo.com, BBoopK@aol.com,
chrisbclay@aol.com, Debbiedamp@msn.com, VBStacy@aol.com,
EKatzen@insight.com, upar70@earthlink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10634

I accidentally sent it out of my “Mail waiting to be sent” folder. It wasn’t ready…as you could tell…I wasnt’ done.


I’ll write another tonight. I was out until 5am on Sunday…hanging out with the cast…so I didn’t get to writing. 🙂 You understand. 🙂


The real letter is on its way!



Meredith & Shonn
Moscow 011-7-095-937-0000

Mer’s cell 095-728-3501

Shonn’s cell 095-728-3511

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2002 05:04:45 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter #2 – There’s Russian Snow!
To: jonisha_2000@yahoo.com, healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net,
TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com,
LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Newsojo@aol.com,
Caesarum1992@aol.com, Ytamakinyc@aol.com, BStritch@aol.com,
JenStet@aol.com, Meeegan@aol.com, TamlynBS@aol.com, WRosoff@aol.com,
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Yes!
Yesterday (Saturday) was the first day of snow. Real fluffy, white, and beautiful snow. It was a nice change from the dirty streets of Moscow. It made me excited to be approaching the holiday’s.


Believe it or not this week has been pretty calm. Thank God for that. I feel like we had the first stress free week of performances. Of course the cast hasn’t received their tap shoes yet, the sound keeps cutting out, and the audiences have been very small, but other than that we are actually having fun on stage together. Not in fear for our lives.


The best thing that happened, that I didn’t mention in the last weekly letter, was the search and discovery of a Mexican restaurant in Moscow. I know it isn’t pivotal, but when you have only been eating Borsch and Salt Fish….it is a huge feat to find Mexican. Not just any kind, but really GOOD Mexican. Now, I’m from California so my comparison is against the best in the world…but this wasn’t bad at all. Its a place called “Santa Fe” but the sign is spelled “Ca#ta @e” (I don’t have a Cyrillic keyboard so its impossible to show). Anyway, we walked in and all of a sudden we could’ve been in Mexico! (One thing the Russian’s know how to do is design their restaurants to take you away to another world.) Shonn and I have been craving Mexican for weeks. We sat down and were immediately serenaded by a Mariotchy band (sp?). Not Russian’s trying to sing Spanish, but real Spanish speaking musicians. They sang one of my favorite songs “Besame Mucho.” I thought I was going to cry I was so happy. Then they brought out our Margarita’s. Shonn and I ordered what was called “The Big One” (or in Russian “Bolshoi a dien”). They are one liter of pure joy! In this huge glass, with salt on the rim and spawning two long straws. It looked like a bug! Well, after we finished that off, the chips, salsa, and guacamole came out. And this is when I believe I shed a tear! It was so wonderful. It tasted like the best chips, salsa, and guac I’ve ever had! 🙂 We proceeded to order another “Big One” and eat our Burrito (complete with rice and beans)! It was pure heaven.


I’m glad I filled you in on the Santa Fe experience. I have to start talking about more positive things that are happening out here or you might all think I’m a martyr or something. Trying to do this show through bomb threats and Chechen Rebels! 🙂


One thing we did last week that was wonderful was go to an outdoor market called “Izmaylovo Market.” Where you can buy and bargain for Matroska dolls, Lacquered boxes, Painted wooden Eggs, Shawls, Samovars, etc. I bought a few things for Christmas gifts. But I need to know what you want from Russia. Send me your wish list and I’ll try to be “Santa Claus” as best I can.


We also went to a black market CD and DVD store. Its nothing illegal don’t worry. Its just a place where you can get CD’s for like $3 American. Its ridiculous. I bought 7 CD’s. Madonna’s new single from the James Bond Movie “Die Another Day” is not out in the US yet (or wasn’t last week) I got it for $3! I was so excited! We all know I love Madonna. I also got the new Christina Aguleria CD (not so much…when did it stop being about the music)? I got Craig David’s new CD (amazing!), vintage Elton John, Dirty Dancing soundtrack 🙂 , Diana Krall : Live in Paris (Dad you HAVE to burn a copy of this!) a compilation CD of 2 famous European DJ’s mixes (they are so huge into Techno Dance music), Sheryl Crow’s new album (love her), and that’s it. But boy was that an exciting trip to buy all those CD’s for under $40.


I’m gonna go back to the snowing. Saturday we went to the show in the afternoon and there wasn’t a bit of snow on the ground. We had a photo shoot scheduled for Women’s Health Magazine in between shows. They took us outside and it was like a Winter Wonderland! Everything was so clean and white! They got shots of Shonn and I throwing snowballs at each other (that was funny…Cali girl and Michigan boy! No competition!) We also made a snowman and took a picture by it. Pretty good snowman.


Then inside they proceeded to “Rock Star” my hair and makeup and make my dressing room look like a studio (complete with standing lights and filters). I put on my finale blue dress and started posing for the cover shot. I felt like Britney Spears. 🙂 (OK, a little classier I hope.) It was so much fun! I was on a high! I’m such a ham and I totally admit it. Mom and Dad, now I know why my 5th birthday party tape is me flirting with the camera. It all started early on.


On Sunday night Shonn and some of the cast and I went to a “Sports Bar.” “They play football there!” Shonn cried out to me. So of course we have to go! Shonn has been longing for a real football game with beer and nachos for months! It was so much fun. We walked in and had to go through a metal detector. I had to check my CD player into a safe. Weird. Major security. Probably because its an American populated place. They all have beefed up security. Anyway, we got in and sat down in front of this gigantic big screen TV showing…you guessed it…American Football! Now in another part of the bar they were playing “football” or in our case, “soccer.” Which garners quite a crowd! They are big fans of “football” here. Its brutal!


We ordered some Russian beer and nachos and started watching the game. I didn’t, I started hanging out with the cast. they are a bunch of crazy wonderful people. So full of humor about our experiences here, and so full of life! I love them. We all got pretty drunk that night. In fact, we left the bar at 4:30am! I passed out when I got back to the hotel and when I woke up suddenly at 11am…I was still drunk. Monday was a long day of recovery. 🙂


Actually Monday Shonn and I went to the 5pm movie at the American Cinema! We saw “Road to Perdition.” Shonn and I agree, those type of movies make us want to be an actor. What a great film.


So…to conclude a long week…Dasvadanya!


Ps. Michelle you better call me and tell me what the sonogram revealed! M or F!? I can’t wait! 🙂 Love you.


Meredith & Shonn
Moscow 011-7-095-937-0000

Mer’s cell 095-728-3501

Shonn’s cell 095-728-3511

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 17 Nov 2002 15:08:21 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter!
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Hello again from Moscow, Russia.


Yes, I’m still here. Its been about 3 months and It feels like a year. (In a good and bad way).


All the snow from last week has since melted. What’s left of the snow is dirty and piled up on the sides of the streets. But the good part is, the weather’s warmer. It’s nice not to have your face freeze when you walk down the street. 🙂


Shonn and I are surviving. Although doing 42ND ST is starting to wear on us. I’m convinced I could perform Peggy Sawyer in my sleep. I’ve done this role too many times. I believe I’m approaching the 600 mark. How people perform roles for 17 years is beyond me. 🙂 But for all my friends who are waitressing. Don’t worry, I’m not complaining I have a job. 🙂 It’s a great one. I just want to hear a different overture… and not have to be a sweet girl from Allentown anymore! 🙂


This week started with a huge hangover. I believe I already told you about the Sports Bar last Sunday night? Yes, so….lets start from Tuesday.


I wanted to go shopping along Tverskya and see if I could buy some lined boots. So after going to the hair salon (big bore!) Shonn and I went to our favorite place to eat (Canadian Bagel), had a sandwich, and went shopping. We walked into a shoes store and were so excited! The one thing Russians know how to do is keep warm! They have the most fashionable winter clothing in the world. So I see a few pairs of boots I like…of course I have the biggest and widest feet in the world (91/2 wide or 40 in European sizes) so of course the shoes I LOVED didn’t have my size. Then I spotted these suede and leather boots that came just below the knee. So cute! Although the sales person didn’t understand a WORD of English (or “Angleskay” in Russian), she got my size! They had it, thank god! So to make a long story short I bought the boots for about $250 US ($8,000 Rubles) The most I’ve ever spent for shoes. I’m a cheapo. I walked out of the store wearing them. They are hot! So cute and so comfortable.


Anyway…so I went shopping…I’m trying to think of something more monumental! OH! How could I have forgotten? On Wednesday…THE TAP SHOES finally arrived for the rest of the cast. Unbelieveable. Here we are doing a tap show…and the tap shoes arrive a MONTH after we open! Pashalusta! (Which means “Please” in Russian). The sounds are better, but we still don’t havw tap mics, so we are pounding our feet into the floor to be heard. Which, by Sunday night, hurts like a mother!


Then on Thursday and Friday Shonn was photographed for a Russian Magazine called “YES” (not “Da” but YES.:) He and a few “cute” male ensemble members were picked for the shoot. Its the Russian version of “Bop” or “Teen Beat”. Very cute!


The audiences have been very low for the show. We have been at about %40 of the house. Its sad, but we still do our show, as best we can.


I already had mentioned this, but I found out this week my big sister is having a baby girl. I’m so proud. I spoke with Michelle a little this week. It was nice to hear her voice. I miss everyone so much.


Then today I found out Eddie Bracken had passed away. He was a actor from Old Hollywood. I did the show FOLLIES with him. He was such a dear man! If you knew him, or want to do something in his memory. His favorite charity was SAVE THE CHILDREN. He said he had about 30 of those ties you can buy! Make a donation to SAVE THE CHILDREN. That’s what I’m going to do, instead of sending flowers. His wife of many years, Connie, is the cutest thing. They still held hands after being married over 40 years. I love that. I cried for him today, and thought of many wonderful memories from FOLLIES. I called Ann Miller to say hello. Eddie’s the first of our cast to pass away.


On to cheerier subjects. The shows this weekend were fine. We can tell when Americans are in the audience. They are very verbal and laugh a lot. The Russians don’t understand completely. I miss American audiences for that reason.


Shonn is off at the sports bar again. I had to decline. I’m spent! Too tired.


My birthday is a week from today! Can’t wait! I’ve decided to take the cast to Santa Fe for Mexican! 🙂


Hope you all had a great week.



Lots of love, 








Meredith & Shonn
Moscow 011-7-095-937-0000

Mer’s cell 095-728-3501

Shonn’s cell 095-728-3511

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 08:24:11 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter – Ballet, Bombs and Birthday’s
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Oh yes my friends….this is the most interesting Sunday letter by far (well, who knows. Things are crazy in Russia!) I’m sure you can tell just by the lovely title of this letter that a lot has happened this week. So let’s get down to it shall we? 🙂


Monday was normal (as normal can be). It actually was a gorgeous day. Shonn and I planned to go see the ballet (not the Bolshoi unfortunately…they don’t dance on Mondays.) But…before I put a damper in the experience…we went to the Ballet. We read that Swan Lake was playing at the Kremlin Palace. I assumed it was near or around the Kremlin. Well, we got directions and found out it was INSIDE the Kremlin walls! So cool! So we got tickets (front row center for about $40 US…what a steal)! And walked in the drizzling cold rain to the Kremlin (don’t worry Mom I dressed warm! I wore those new lined Russian boots! 🙂 We got to the Kremlin and got in line for the security/passport check. And were cleared to walk through. The Kremlin Palace is the first building inside the Kremlin. So we weren’t exactly able to roam the Kremlin at night. 🙂 We walked in, checked our coats, and went into the theater. It was huge! It had to have a capacity of 2500 seats. We walked down to our seats, and we were dead center first row. Now, first row in Russia isn’t first row in the US. The seats are farther back. The orchestra isn’t in a pit under the stage, they are in a pit extended from the stage, so the first row is really about the 8th row. So it was perfect. No obstructions, no distractions. I told Shonn I wanted be so close that I could see “the veins on their legs.” And I did! The dancers looked like greyhound dogs….you know with the long wiry muscles. So strong and graceful! (And Lois, you couldn’t hear the Pointe shoes when they did Allegro! That’s a good sign of strong technique! 🙂 Shonn told me before the show started (as he was squirming with excitement) “This is my first ballet!” Really? God! I have known him for over 3 years and I never knew that. I am going to have to take him to ABT, NYC Ballet, San Francisco Ballet…etc..


So, the ballet begins and the dancers are amazing. The Jester was jumping higher than the set pieces, and when the Swan came out she took my breath away (and yes I counted 32 fuetay’s as the black swan. She did ’em!) Although I have seen Swan Lake before (with ABT’s Susan Jaffe) and I have to admit, this production paled in comparison. But it was Shonn’s first ballet. I wasn’t about to be over critical. You know when you’ve seen the best, why they are the best. I cannot WAIT to see the Bolshoi.


Speaking of, our schedule is changing to Tuesday nights off in a week or so. Shonn and I are booking tickets to the Bolshoi’s production of The Nutcracker! Agh! I cannot wait! 🙂 (Jason, I’m gonna cry I’m so excited! 🙂 tee hee hee.


So that was Monday. The Ballet. Now its on to the next phase. The Bomb. (Don’t stress now, you know I’m in Russia.)


We started shows Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and everything was going smoothly. The audiences again have been very “malyenki” (small in Russian). I decided that every spare moment I had off stage I was going to spend knitting for Michelle’s baby girl (wait ’til you see what I’m making!) So I was generally having a great show week.


On Thursday we went to the Tretyakov Gallery with Vladimyr and saw amazing paintings. Famous Russian Artists like Kramskoy, Perov, Ivanov, and Serov to name a few as well as sculpture and religious artifacts lined 50 different rooms. It was amazing and took all day. That night we decided to go the next afternoon to University Hill (the highest point in Moscow), The Monastery, and Victory Park.


Friday morning the sun was out and we were so excited for our day of sightseeing. (Don’t worry I’m getting to the Bomb part of the story) Shonn brought his camera and Vladimyr picked us up around noon and we took off for our day in Moscow! We got to the top of University Hill and saw all of Moscow. It was “ochen holadna” (very cold) outside but very sunny. The view was amazing!  Shonn got lots of pictures, and there were Russian brides taking pictures on top of the hill. Vladimyr told us that was “tradition” He and Nina (his wife) did that. Very cute.


We went on to the Monastery next and this was an amazing site to see. It was built in the 1600, and looks like a castle straight out of a fairy tale. The sun was just right, and Shonn and I ran around taking pictures and Vladimyr was explaining to us what each building was, who was buried where. We went to the church inside and apparently missed the graveyard around the corner that has Chekov, Stanislavsky, and Pushkin buried there. (We are going back for sure!)


Then we went to Victory Park. Hungry and a cold, we got soup from the little “Cton Ton” (Stop Top) and sat in the car eating. Shonn got out and got some great pictures. We cannot wait to develop them.


By now its about 3pm. Vladimyr decided we drive to the little “gingerbread” church (that’s what Shonn and I call it) that is near the theater and look inside and take pictures. We drive over there and get there around 3:30. I’m getting out of the car and I get a phone call on my cell.


“Hi Meredith, its Katherine.” Then she said, “Don’t freak out but…” now that’s never something you should say after all we’ve dealt with.
“We had another bomb threat called in about a half hour ago.”
“Oh my God.” By this time Shonn is asking “What!?” profusely.
I said, “Another bomb threat!” “Oh great!” he said.


Of course thankfully we are standing in front of a church so at least we can pray asap. Katherine went on to say, “Apparently a drunk guy called the local Police station and said he was going to blow our theater up.”


I’m thinking “Great!”



She goes on to say,” The theater and building has been evacuated and the sniffing dogs are back and they are combing the building checking everything. Don’t worry and don’t go to the theater. We will call you as soon as we know anything.”


Great. What are the chances of another bomb threat happening almost a month after NORD-OST? (Has it only been a month! Ugh…) In Russia? It seems the chances are pretty good. So I went on to tell Shonn and we both were confused. How did they know the guy was drunk? Why haven’t they just canceled the show? And its almost 4pm now, why are we not booking a flight to America tonight?


The next few hours were spent driving by the theater, seeing the exact same situation as before, driving to the Marriott, deciding not to do the show, getting a call from Troika assuring us they talked to the Embassy and everything was completely safe. So….at 5:30pm we decided to go to the theater and do the show.


Everyone was completely shaken when the show started. We had a little company meeting before the show which just furthered angered me and a few people. But we did the show anyway. It was the fastest show I’ve ever done, and I will never put myself in that position again. I do not want to die playing “Peggy Sawyer.” Please…


So…on to the latter part of the letter. BIRTHDAYS! It may have seemed like I passed up Baby Michael’s first birthday…but I was just saving it for the end. 🙂 Michael Huth turned 1 on Wednesday, November 20th! I tried to talked to him on the phone and sing to him but he was taking a bath (and not interested in the phone), then at his party on Sunday…he fell asleep. 🙂 But he turned 1! I got some great pictures sent to me (thank you Dad!) of his party at Pixie Playland in California. 🙂 Wish I could’ve been there.


And for the last (but not least) part of the letter. MY BIRTHDAY WAS SUNDAY! Yippee! I woke up to full room service @ 10am (not too early for me)! I had eggs, bacon, potatoes, peppers stuffed with cheese, coffee, toast with jam, and fresh orange juice! It was the best way to start the day. Well, from then on it just got better. Vladimyr picked us up at the front of the hotel (like he always does) at 11:15, but this time in the front seat were a bunch of roses! HE had a huge smile on his face and said, “For you.” I was so surprised! “Happy Birstday!” I gave him a huge hug and kiss on the cheek and we drove to the theater.


Like every Sunday there was no traffic. It was great. We zipped to the theater in 15 minutes and Shonn swiftly departed the car and said, “I’ll be inside in a minute.” I had a feeling something else was planned. I walked inside with the flowers and everyone was wishing me “Happy Birstday” (Russian style). Which means you get kissed on the cheeks 3 times for happiness and good health.


I signed in and went to my room, filled up my only vase and put Vladimyr’s roses in them. Then before I knew it there was a knock at the door and all I saw were what seemed like a thousand roses entering the room, “Happy Birthday Baby!” Shonn went out and got me 23 long stem roses! They were gorgeous!  (He got me 23 and not 24 because in Russia an even number of flowers means a funeral, and an odd number means a celebration. ) Although some people can see birthday’s as funerals….I don’t. 🙂


Shonn went and got a bucket, filled it with water and put the flowers in. I started to get ready for the show and every 5 minutes my door was filled with flowers, or cards, or balloons, or candy and chocolate. It went that way all day long. I didn’t expect so much!


Boris and Tatiana, who haven’t really been talking to me lately, came into the room with amazing gifts. Tatiana gave me a bouquet of flowers, and a priceless antique Russian Ballerina porcelain doll. I almost cried. (Jason..) Boris then handed me 5 long stem roses, some Japanese healing patches, and a crystal glass slipper bottle filled with Cognac! (Wow! Drink up!) The cast was so sweet all day long. Since we had 2 shows, they had plenty of opportunities to sneak a little “It’s your birthday, get busy,” shout out’s on stage. It was so fun!


Shonn had a flyer up on the callboard about the party at Santa Fe after the shows. Margarita’s, guacamole, chips and salsa…the works! We all couldn’t wait. But what he didn’t tell me about was the huge surprise at the end of the second show.


So, there we are, bowing after the finale encore, and all of a sudden the orchestra stops and it gets quiet. Then Boris comes on stage with a bouquet of white roses and a microphone telling the entire audience (in Russian) that today is my birthday. And the audience leapt to their feet and the orchestra started playing “Happy Birthday,” Boris handed me the roses, and the whole cast and audience start to sing to me! There were press taking pictures of me as my eyes started to well up with tears. (I have a reason to cry now Jason! 🙂 Never in my life of doing theater have I ever had an entire cast, crew, orchestra, and audience sing to me. Yet alone in Russian and English! I wish you could’ve been there to see it. It was the most amazing gift.


The curtain came down, and we had cake offstage for everyone. The press took more photo’s of me and asked if they could come to Santa Fe to cover the party festivities. I said, “Sure! Why not?” So after a while I went to my dressing room (that smelled like a flower shop)! and got ready for the party. I decided to wear my “Madonna” tank top and black pants with knee high boots.


I found out later it was Shonn, Leo, Deven, and Josh who planned the singing to me onstage after the show was over. Boris had the idea of having the “press” there. (Typical) 🙂 It was amazing.


But it doesn’t end there…..



I asked Vladimyr if he would come to the party and bring his wife Nina (who I hadn’t met yet) along with him. He was delighted and brought Nina to the show (her second time seeing it) and I finally met her on the way to the party. She doesn’t speak any English, but was the cutest most endearing woman ever. They are the sweetest couple. I believe he said they have been married about 16-17 years. Its adorable.


So we get to Santa Fe and have a huge room for the cast and crew. People start arriving in packs. It was amazing how many people showed up. It was celebrating my birthday, and a friend in the cast Abram (who’s birthday was Saturday) and the farewell of our conductor Stephen who’s last show was that night.


We proceeded to all get “The Big One” Margarita’s that each equal 1 liter, and Taquitos, chimichanga’s, chips, salsa, guac, the works! We had some Russian/Spanish music playing (don’t ask)…and once the liquor hit…boy! We started a conga line….lets put it that way. I was in the front wearing a sombrero leading the line around the restaurant. The Russian customers probably thought “those silly Americans are at it again!” I admit we can’t handle our liquor like them. 🙂


We got home at about 1am and I was planning to call Lainie at Michael’s birthday party (which was just getting underway in California…11 hours earlier). I called at 2am and spoke to everyone briefly (and started crying with Grandma and Michelle) I miss you guys so much! It was great to hear you having so much fun!


And with all that said….I will continue with more next Sunday. (I haven’t even told you about Monday. Shonn planned more for me…I’m the luckiest girl in the world.)


What a long letter! Whew! What a week.


ps. Attached is a picture of Baby Michael and Mike the Dad!


Talk to you all later,



Meredith & Shonn
Moscow 011-7-095-937-0000

Mer’s cell 095-728-3501

Shonn’s cell 095-728-3511

Attachment Converted: “d:\program files\qualcomm\eudora\attach\MikeandBaby21.jpg”
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 2 Dec 2002 07:39:38 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter – 20 days left
To: jonisha_2000@yahoo.com, healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net,
TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com,
LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Newsojo@aol.com,
Caesarum1992@aol.com, Ytamakinyc@aol.com, BStritch@aol.com,
JenStet@aol.com, Meeegan@aol.com, TamlynBS@aol.com, WRosoff@aol.com,
BMarcum72@aol.com, EGORME@aol.com, Melraemahon@aol.com,
Missytaps@aol.com, AmyDolan@aol.com, Rbobish@aol.com,
Misskellinyc@aol.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, kristin_l_braun@yahoo.com,
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NYDEN@aol.com, DidileeS@aol.com, carranzav@yahoo.com,
johnwill@attbi.com, jspire@nyc.rr.com, spacewaif@hotmail.com,
Kyrahleigh@aol.com, daphnerv@att.net, Rsnid1052@aol.com,
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ivan.menchell@verizon.net, jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com,
TMagino@msn.com, JJdkras@aol.com, tanline@earthlink.net,
Lainie@cmiprorisk.com, DeutschScott@mindspring.com, XTAbaby@aol.com,
bkashman@copierbrothers.com, Paperboy60@aol.com, Mriedeler1@aol.com,
Elvekay@aol.com, bergenstreet@yahoo.com, RPShore@aol.com,
VINNYEE@aol.com, jasonbringsthefunk@hotmail.com, PSwigmastr@aol.com,
NBenRace@earthlink.net, mama_bear_y2k@hotmail.com, Jeffdee@aol.com,
DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com, CFBartlett@peoplepc.com,
Schmayle@aol.com, ericmbergeron@yahoo.com, BBoopK@aol.com,
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EKatzen@insight.com, upar70@earthlink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10634

As you can see I am counting the days until take off! 🙂


But, I have to admit. Before I go off on another tangent…I want to make one thing clear. I wouldn’t have resigned my contract on Broadway and missed coming here for the world. I know I shower all of you with the incredible horrifying news of the week each time I sit down and write…but I want to let you know there have been many great things that have happened here. And the experience of being in Moscow Russia (of all places) I will take with me forever. That is something no one could take away from me. The people I’ve met here have enriched my life and taught me so much (in some cases…how not to be) but nevertheless, I have experienced an amazing country. I am very grateful for that.


And its nice to have made a wad of money as well. 🙂 But that is the bonus of doing something you love and getting paid for it…the money comes along with the wonderful adventure and passion for what you do. I wish that on everyone in this world.


Although, this show I cannot ever do again. I’ve lost my passion for it. I only have spurts of excitement, instead of a whole show full of it. I don’t know that I’m cut out to do a show for longer than 6 months. I crave change. I love being on stage in front of an audience, but the crowds here in Russia don’t respond nearly as much as in America. I don’t get that rush of energy from them. I miss it. Like a drug I guess. 🙂 You know what I mean.


Ok, with all that said, let’s get down to it. This week included Thanksgiving, but you all know what happened that night. I pretty much covered it. After the bomb threat, we went to the TUNNEL (a restaurant here) and had a dinner that Troika paid for. Well, it wasn’t Thanksgiving Dinner, but I expected that. It was cafeteria style. We waited in line and self served runny and under seasoned mashed potatoes, Turkey that tasted like Salisbury steak sitting in salty gravy, green beans, corn in water, and some mixed chopped salad looking thing. Let’s just say I didn’t go away having to loosen my belt from the overstuffed comfy feeling. There were rolls that were hard and some Apple Strudel bars I didn’t dare attempt. We had an open bar (free of charge) I took advantage of that. All that food cannot be masked by any amount of alcohol…but I tried. 🙂 I ended the night asking for an Ice Cream Sundae. I figured that would make me happy. I discreetly asked for one and got it. Then all of sudden I felt the backlash…..I started hearing “I want ice cream! Why does Meredith have ice cream?” Some of the cast started asking for ice cream. I got brain freeze from trying to eat the evidence fast! I decided after that I wanted to leave. The place was smoky (like all of Russia) and hot and I was disappointed. I wasn’t ungrateful at all, I just knew what Shonn and I were missing out on. You see, the Marriott was serving a Thanksgiving Dinner with all the trimmings for $40 US. The menu was honey baked ham, hand carved turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, and dessert (that I’m sure included Apple pie or pumpkin pie)! And Shonn and I decided to take a chance and be with the cast and have dinner at the TUNNEL. I had a bad feeling about it, but I agreed. I wish to God we would’ve stayed at The Marriott. But…it’s fine. I’ve had worse Thanksgiving’s. 🙂 Maybe next year, for the first time since high school, I can have Thanksgiving with family. 🙂


Aside from doing the show, Shonn and I tried to get some more sightseeing in. So we went to Izmaylovo Market again and did some Christmas shopping. It was FREEZING so we hurried up and got back in the car and went to The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts! That was so cool! We walked in and started looking at the sculptures (plaster casts of the famous sculptures like Michaelangelo’s “David”) It was amazing to see, but all I wanted to do was get to the room of the French Impressionists: Monet, Degas, Manet, Van Gogh. Believe it or not, I studied French Impressionism in 5th grade(what was I 10)? I had the greatest teachers, Mrs. Loften and Mrs. Green.  I remember what they taught me like it was yesterday. Although I can’t remember anything I was taught in high school, I remember French Impressionism from 5th grade. 🙂 We look at the map and I see we are close to the room. Before that we saw amazing Bonnard paintings and of course caught the Picasso’s…one called something like “Young boy and a Jew.” He could’ve come up with something better than that title. 🙂 A lot of paintings were amazing to see but made me laugh at the simplicity in the “title department.”


We finally came to the French Impressionist room and with childlike glee I rushed over to see the first painting. It was Cezanne, and Signac (not one’s I remembered heavily) although Cezanne’s “Pierrot and Harlequinn” painting I do remember seeing in pictures…and there it was in front of me. Then there was Van Gogh. Yes! It was that thick and swirling paint I so adored. You could just see he was crazy. 🙂 “The Red Vineyards at Arles” 1888 is what we saw and one called something like “A Ship at Sea” it was so thick. It must’ve taken 6 months for the paint to dry. 🙂


Then I saw ahead of me MONET, DEGAS and RENOIR! Agh! I squealed and tried to keep quiet. I told Shonn I couldn’t wait and I quickly walked ahead. My sneakers were squeaking on the marble floor. 🙂 Then there they were. I first saw Degas “Blue Dancers” Pastel. You could just see the pastel chalkiness bleeding into the lines of the dancers. It was breathtaking. Then I moved onto Renoir. He is an impressionist, but the way he details the woman’s faces was astonishing. He even painted her eyelashes. It was as if she was winking right at me. Then the wall to my left was entirely devoted to Monet. What an amazing wall of pictures. The use of light and shadows within the impressionism…ugh! I couldn’t stop looking at them. There was a huge one called “Lunch in the Woods” or something (I wish I remembered) and when you got very close you could see the long brushed strokes that looked like nothing more than just paint…it could be anything. And then you step back, and it becomes a woman’s hair, or the shadow of a tree. It thrilled my imagination.


We spent 3 hours in Pushkin Museum, and I probably spent a half hour in that room alone. I am obsessed. I have to take Shonn to the Museum’s in NYC. He’s never been. I went a few years ago, and I have to go back and re-experience it with him.


So…aside from that excitement of the week we basically just took it easy. Thanksgiving night I fell asleep at 1am exhausted! I usually can’t sleep until 2 or 3. Bomb threats make me tired. 🙂


Well, I have nothing else to share except, a lot of cast members, our company manager, and a stage manager are leaving this month. I can’t imagine the show surviving after all this. It’s sad. I hope the next english speaking musical that comes to Russia has a better time. 🙂


Well gotta go to Canadian bagel and have some lunch! Love ya!


Until the next letter. Keep counting the days! 🙂




Meredith & Shonn
Moscow 011-7-095-937-0000

Mer’s cell 095-728-3501

Shonn’s cell 095-728-3511

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 05:12:15 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter – 13 Days Left (15 Shows)
To: jonisha_2000@yahoo.com, healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net,
TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, mort@lodelink.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com,
LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Newsojo@aol.com,
Caesarum1992@aol.com, Ytamakinyc@aol.com, BStritch@aol.com,
JenStet@aol.com, Meeegan@aol.com, TamlynBS@aol.com, WRosoff@aol.com,
BMarcum72@aol.com, EGORME@aol.com, Melraemahon@aol.com,
Missytaps@aol.com, AmyDolan@aol.com, Rbobish@aol.com,
Misskellinyc@aol.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, kristin_l_braun@yahoo.com,
Crysbert@aol.com, Hemmytime@aol.com, Razorrose@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
BroadwayMHL@aol.com, Mattlacey@aol.com, DCass444@aol.com,
NYDEN@aol.com, DidileeS@aol.com, carranzav@yahoo.com,
johnwill@attbi.com, jspire@nyc.rr.com, spacewaif@hotmail.com,
Kyrahleigh@aol.com, daphnerv@att.net, Rsnid1052@aol.com,
claydalzell@hereigo.net, JeffMazz@aol.com, Dpessis@aol.com,
AJSULSHARI@aol.com, KSchmoll@nyc.rr.com, flutterkeir@mac.com,
tl07307@aol.com, kdeutsch@sh-k-boom.com, bill1229@wwmgmt.com,
BriansSara@aol.com, Erindoggy@aol.com, TimBLD@aol.com,
ivan.menchell@verizon.net, jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com,
TMagino@msn.com, JJdkras@aol.com, tanline@earthlink.net,
Lainie@cmiprorisk.com, DeutschScott@mindspring.com, XTAbaby@aol.com,
bkashman@copierbrothers.com, Paperboy60@aol.com, Mriedeler1@aol.com,
Elvekay@aol.com, bergenstreet@yahoo.com, RPShore@aol.com,
VINNYEE@aol.com, jasonbringsthefunk@hotmail.com, PSwigmastr@aol.com,
NBenRace@earthlink.net, mama_bear_y2k@hotmail.com, Jeffdee@aol.com,
DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com, CFBartlett@peoplepc.com,
Schmayle@aol.com, ericmbergeron@yahoo.com, BBoopK@aol.com,
chrisbclay@aol.com, Debbiedamp@msn.com, VBStacy@aol.com,
EKatzen@insight.com, upar70@earthlink.net
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10634

But I’m not counting or anything 🙂


This week was full of preparations for another cast member to leave and rehearsals to finally add the stairs (ala Broadway) to the show. It was also a week full of keeping warm and avoiding the unbelievable cold spell that hit Moscow. Aside from that, we didn’t do any sight seeing, or shopping for that upcoming and fast approaching day, Christmas!


For my Jewish friends, I know Hannakah (not sure how to spell it) started and you would be proud to know in the front of Red Square there is a huge Minora (also not sure how to spell) that has to be at least 15 feet high. When we drive home from the theater at night its lit up with real fire (not lights) and it looks amazing. The Kremlin is in the background and it just blows me away! I never thought in my life I would see a 15 foot Minora lit in front of the Kremlin in Russia. 🙂


Christmas in Russia isn’t celebrated until Jan 7th, the Epiphany. But the city is going through a change. Christmas trees and lights line the streets. Outside McDonald’s on Tverskya there is a huge tree, decorated in Russian style. Not necessarily my taste, its quite gawdy, but nevertheless its huge and decorated in excess. 🙂 The hotel here has been decorated very tastfully and lovely. It makes Shonn and I happy with anticipation to leave Russia and celebrate in America! We can’t wait! (Hence the counting of the days)


Like I mentioned, we are still going thorough changes with the show and the cast. This month we are losing (or have lost) our Andy Lee (now we have the second cover playing the role with no understudy), 2 of the girl ensemble members, both our stage managers leave on the 16th, our company manager leaves tommorrow, our Bert Barry leaves on Friday, we leave on the 23rd, and so far we’ve seen no replacements for cast members or crew (suppossedly on their way). The show is full of holes (meaning we have no swings for the missing people) and a lot of the cast is sick and have come down with their “winter colds”.


Also this week, what was suppossed to happen before we opened, happened. The stairs were added. If you’ve seen the B’way show or pictures you know that there are stairs that Peggy, Billy, and the entire ensemble dance on towards the end of the show. Due to bad designing of the stairs and tech problems, we haven’t been able to add them to the show. We’ve just been dancing on the floor. Well…this week…after months of trying to secure the stairs and fix them technically…they decided to add them to the show. Which meant…every day we had free was spent rehearsing the changes! It was very angering for a lot of the cast (especially the ones who are leaving so soon and have few days left to sight see and shop). But nevertheless, we rehearsed them and added them in.


The first show with the stairs was disaster. The stairs wouldn’t come out, so we did what our stage managers call “Abort Stairs”. It was funny and ridiculous. The next show was a Sat. matinee and the stairs came out. Everyone was a little nervous with anticipation, and some were excited. Shonn and I were very dissapointed, having been on the “real” stairs in NY so many times. In comparison, this version was just pathetic. But we danced on them. They weren’t properly secured, and we felt moved around a little too much. The rest of the cast doesn’t know the difference, and seemed ok with it. Well at the end of the show, Shonn said, “I feel a twinge in my knee. It hurts.”  Apparently he wasn’t as aprehensive on the stairs as he should of been, and hurt himself. Feeling stupid (because out of everyone he has danced on stairs for 2 years and should be used to it) he decided to not do the evening show and go to the EMC (Emergency Medical Center) to just have it checked out. There was no damage, just a little strain to the tendon, but he is fine. He missed the evening show and the Sunday Matinee and came back for the Sunday night show. Which meant….I went on with his understudy! It was so much fun!


When an understudy is on for the first time it sends a wave of excitement through the cast and gets everyone’s energy level up a few notches. The cast knows they have to be on their toes, and are extra attentive. Its always great on a 2 show day, when its hard to get your energy up for the second show, to have an understudy on. I was excited. Not that Shonn was out of course, but Leo (his understudy) is a friend of mine here. He is a doll and had mentioned to me that he hoped he got to go on with me before we left. Shonn joked with him everyday that he would let him go on if he wanted. Unfortuantely Shonn got injured, but nevertheless Shonn was excited to have Leo on, and felt like a proud father. 🙂 Shonn sat in the audience for the first Act. Leo was proud to perform for him. Shonn was a senior at Carnegie Mellon when Leo was a freshman, so Leo looks up to Shonn. While in Russia, Shonn and Leo and myself have become great friends. So to have him in the audience, for Leo, was very exciting. I was helping Leo with everything he needed before the show. He was overwhelmed with endorphins, and when we started the show I thought he was going to come out of his skin! He said he felt like he was “in a cloud” that he “felt like he was a robot, doing the show and not knowing what was happening until it was done” It reminded me so much of the first time I went on in NY. That rush, the nerves! I told him to breathe whenever I saw him and take it all in. There’s nothing like the first time!


He did a great job, and at the end of the show the entire cast hugged him and kissed him with joy! I told him how proud I was (and so did Shonn) and I said, “Write this down tonight. Write in your journal how you felt, everything that happened from the time you got the call you were going on. You will love reading it a year from now! Trust me.” He said “Absoloutly, what a great idea.” The next day he was on again and he told me he wrote the experience all down, and thanked me for the advice. I still go back time to time and read my journal after I went on the first time. It is something I am so glad I took the time to do, because it amazes me every time I read it! 🙂


One of our friends, Deven, performed her last show on Sunday night. We were sad, she is a sweetheart. So we had a little pool party here at the Marriott with a small group. Also, unfortunatly, another friend Josh had to fly home for a week because his grandfather passed away. So there was some heartache this week. It made me think about my grandma’s. I wish I could see them more often.


I don’t want to end this on a sad note! 🙂 So I’ll leave you with the excitement of Shonn and I going to see the Bolshoi Ballet tonight! We are seeing “La Syfite” (I do not know how to spell that at all). We are having dinner at Uncle Guilly’s (Where we took Mom and Dad and the Wiley’s) then we are off to the Bolshoi! I love it!


I hope everyone is in good health and happy. Christmas approaches and I cannot wait to see all of you!


Love, 

Meredith & Shonn
Moscow 011-7-095-937-0000

Mer’s cell 095-728-3501

Shonn’s cell 095-728-3511

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 14:39:46 EST
Subject: Re: Sunday Letter – 13 Days Left (15 Shows)
To: bill1229@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10634

Dad,


Thanks for writing back. I am really excited about the trip to Michigan too. Beth and Herb are the best ever!


I am sorry to bring this up, but Robert told me you bought him the drum set for his birthday and it cost $3,000. I’m confused and a little hurt. I never have asked for anything from you guys since I moved out on my own. I don’t expect anything for my birthday or Christmas. It hurts me when I hear about you buying things for the rest of the family, Paige, etc. And I am put in a position of feeling guilty about not paying for a $700 plane ticket for you to NYC. Its really hurtful and I don’t think you know how much. I know you wouldn’t intentionally hurt me, but everytime you ask me to pay for you (computer, plane tickets) and I hear about gifts and things for the rest of the family I feel horrible and left out. I offered to pay for the plane tickets for you because I wanted you out to Moscow. I didn’t really have the money. I am an actress, who knows when I’ll be unemployed. And the computer I didn’t realize it wasn’t a gift and didn’t have the money. I’m not living with you, or living off you, and I don’t feel like you owe me anything, I just feel like I’m not treated the same because I live out of state and on my own. I don’t have the luxury of doing laundry at home, or living free (practically) like Robert. I’m sorry Dad if this is news to you, or a complete shock. I am not one to indulge in confrontation. This is something that bothers me everytime I hear that someone (one of my siblings) was given a gift or what not. You and Mom are very giving people. I just hate to see you being taken advantage of. I also hate to be treated differently because I may be successful at what I do. I still need you to notice me and treat me as if I was next door. Am I making any sense? I hope so. Sorry to rattle on and on.


I am coming down with a slight cold. I have to sleep. Love you. Call me if you can.


Meredith & Shonn
Moscow 011-7-095-937-0000

Mer’s cell 095-728-3501

Shonn’s cell 095-728-3511

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Wed, 18 Dec 2002 04:02:16 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter – One week left! 7 more shows!
To: jonisha_2000@yahoo.com, healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net,
TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
Margo2513@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Newsojo@aol.com, Caesarum1992@aol.com,
Ytamakinyc@aol.com, BStritch@aol.com, JenStet@aol.com, Meeegan@aol.com,
TamlynBS@aol.com, WRosoff@aol.com, BMarcum72@aol.com, EGORME@aol.com,
Melraemahon@aol.com, Missytaps@aol.com, AmyDolan@aol.com,
Rbobish@aol.com, Misskellinyc@aol.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
kristin_l_braun@yahoo.com, Crysbert@aol.com, Hemmytime@aol.com,
Razorrose@aol.com, RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com,
brukj@yahoo.com, BroadwayMHL@aol.com, Mattlacey@aol.com,
DCass444@aol.com, NYDEN@aol.com, DidileeS@aol.com, carranzav@yahoo.com,
johnwill@attbi.com, jspire@nyc.rr.com, spacewaif@hotmail.com,
Kyrahleigh@aol.com, daphnerv@att.net, Rsnid1052@aol.com,
claydalzell@hereigo.net, JeffMazz@aol.com, Dpessis@aol.com,
AJSULSHARI@aol.com, KSchmoll@nyc.rr.com, flutterkeir@mac.com,
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Priviet All!


This letter is coming a little late because I have had my hands full preparing to leave. Shonn and I just started packing up our presents, some clothes and things we have accumulated since being here. There’s a lot! 🙂


It’s strange. I feel like I’ve been here a year and its only been a few months. I feel like time has flown by, and yet at the same time its been dragging its feet.  🙂 And above all, I never thought the time of departure would come! I am surprised that I have mixed emotions about leaving.  A few months ago I was crying in agony longing to go home. Now it seems things are on the upswing at the show, and the moral of the cast is getting much better. There are 10 new cast members who have arrived who are very sweet, a new stage manager, and a new company manager. Lots of changes going on with the show.


The sun has been shining a lot more in Moscow, and the snow is making everything seem fresh and new. Shonn and I were talking about how we were here during all the craziness (bomb threats, hostage situation) and now we are leaving when its just getting good. (Of course, we could just think its getting good because we’re leaving. The grass is always greener.) But nevertheless, we are glad we are outta Moscow! And cannot wait to see you and America really soon!


I don’t know a week here that is not chock full of adventure (or fear). This week started out on a high note. Finally after a lifetime of studying classical ballet, and dreaming of attending the infamous Bolshoy Theater, on Monday night at 7pm my dream came true. Shonn and I and some friends went to Uncle Guilly’s (where we took you Mom and Dad, and Herb and Beth) and had a wonderful dinner. Then we walked a few blocks in the freshly fallen Russian snow to the Bolshoy Theater! Its amazing! Bolshoy means “Big” in Russian, so it is truly called The Big Theater. Next door to the Bolshoi is The Malyy Theater (pronounced “Mali”) which means “small.” So, in a sense, The Big Theater is next to The Small Theater. 🙂 I think that’s funny. 🙂 Anyway, the ballet we saw was “La Syphide”. (I didn’t really know much about the ballet’s plot. It was a typical triangle of love and despair.) We walked into the Bolshoy Theater and were blown away by the architecture and the ornate moldings and chandeliers. The room was completely covered with gold and red velvet! I’ve never seen anything like it! The house curtain was deep velvet and had the hammer and sickle symbol of Communism patterned all through it. Kinda chilling to see. There was a huge box seat in the back of the house that was draped with gold and red velvet. It was the VIP Box. Where Stalin, Lenin, and today Putin sit when they come to the ballet. (It was empty that night. 🙂 The house was small. It reminded me a little of Goodspeed. (no comparison though). Shonn and I sat in the orchestra section in the first seats of the raised section. Great view! We got the little binoculars and were giggling like little kids! The ballet began and my jaw dropped. The sets and lighting were amazing! The corps was strong. Then the lead girl came out “Syphide” the fairy. And she started dancing. Now, I was told from the time I started taking Pointe, the number one rule when you dance is to not hear your shoes when you land. The sign of bad technique is to hear “clump” and “thud” when you leap and land with Pointe shoes on. Now I know they are hard, but that was the magic of ballerina’s. They made it look so easy so effortless. Well, the minute Syphide started leaping and dancing fast…I heard “clump” and “thud” so loudly that my jaw dropped again! I’m watching a principle dancer for the Bolshoy! Then they went to the forest and all the rest of the fairies joined Syphide and it was like a truck load of horses stampeding onto the stage. Here they are, graceful and gorgeous from the ankles up…and clomping and thudding with their feet. I asked one of my girl friends at intermission and she was equally appalled but tried to make an excuse, “The stage must be very old and wooden and its impossible to keep their feet quiet.” Yeah that must be it, because we are watching the Bolshoi! The best in the world. I can’t say I wasn’t disappointed. I watched the rest and every so often after I had put the “thud” out of my mind. Syphide would jump beautifully and land “Clunk!” It was distracting to say t
I haven’t told you how funny Russian audiences are. You’ll get a kick out of this one. First before the show starts, they will spontaneously start clapping. Its the weirdest thing. Its like they are impatient and want to tell the performers its time to get started. You’ll here it in the back of the house. Someone will suddenly start clapping very fast and people will join. Then it will die down. Then 2 minutes later it will happen again. Until the show starts. Every theater, including our show, has the same occurrence. Then at the end of the show, when everyone claps, Russian audiences clap in unison. Its weird. They will all pick a rhythm and clap together. And of course there is the frequent yelling of “Bravo” or “Brava” in a very thick accent and sounding like they sneezed or coughed. They say it very quickly. Like as if to say “Hello,” except its “Bravo.” Weird.


Well, after the Bolshoy, I tried not to be disappointed. I bought a Bolshoy Coffee mug and a Russian pocket mirror with a ballerina on it. Very pretty! The night ended well and I was happy I saw The Bolshoy Ballet. Even though now I believe ABT is the best in the world. 🙂 No one will beat the memories I have of Susan Jaffe as Giselle. 🙂


That was Tuesday night. The rest of the week was uneventful. We did shows, the houses haven’t been packed, but they haven’t been full either. The new cast arrived and as I said, seem very happy and enthusiastic to be here. A lot of them are 17 or 18 years old. They have watched the show about 3 times now, and are being put into the show on Friday. I hope it is an upswing for the cast and the production. It seems as though it is. We have a new company manager, stage manager, and a lot of people are leaving this month. Some people are still unhappy and may give their notice. Its very mixed emotions.


Shonn and I are finding it easy to leave the show, the work, and of course the problems and frustrations. But there are some people we will miss terribly. Among the Russians, our driver Vladimyr tops the list. We get teary eyed just thinking about that drive to the airport. We have got great memories of him to take with us, and will miss him so much. After we leave he is going to work for an “American Company” (not sure which) here in Russia. He said, “After you leave. No working for Boris.” He didn’t like having to deal with “bad business.” Shonn and I agree. We are buying him a great going away present and cannot wait to see the look on his face when we give it to him! 🙂


Speaking of presents, Shonn and I took one last trip to Izmaylovo Market (This time with the video camera) to buy the remaining gifts for Christmas! What a day! Vladimyr picked us up and it was snowing pretty heavily. But it was light and fluffy snow. We arrived at Izmaylovo and it was gorgeous. They were cooking meat and chicken shishkabobs, and there were Russian women dressed up in traditional clothing singing Russian folk songs. We got them on video! Shonn and I both bought ourselves authentic Russian mink hats and got fists full of bags with presents for all! We cannot WAIT to get home and give them out! 🙂 We got back to the hotel and packed 2 duffel bags full of the presents.


Rick (our assistant choreographer/director) is back in town and we decided to take him to the infamous Santa Fe! So one night after the show. All 8 of us packed into Vladimyr’s car and went to have great food and drinks. We had a great time! The Mexican band serenaded us with “Besame Mucho” just like last time. It was perfect. We all had tons of guacamole and Margarita’s and got sloshed! 🙂


Today, Shonn and I were asked to meet with 40 kids for the Russian Federation of Step Dancing. So we are on our way to talk and critic the kids. Its going to be interesting to see the difference in our hoofing and Russian hoofing. I’ll be sure to fill you in on that. 🙂


Last night, our last night off in Moscow, Shonn and I decided we wanted to see a Russian play. We were lucky enough to get free 4th row center tickets to Russian Commedia Del Arte. We do not know the name (we can’t pronounce it) and we do not know what it is about because it was entirely in Russian, but we do know that it took our breath away! The sets and scene changes alone were breathtaking. But the acting and the way they used their bodies was so electric. They had so much passion. Everyone in the cast was exceptional. The ranges in which they used their voices, the body language. The direction of the play was exceptional. We are both so glad we went to see a real Russian play before we left. It makes us want to do good theater like that.


Well, its about time for us to leave for the theater. I have to go get ready. Next week will be the last letter. I may have to write it on the plane! 🙂 We plan on staying up all night on Sunday and sleeping on the plane home Monday morning so we can get back on schedule. Its going to be hard, but the excitement of seeing all of you will get us through the tremendous jet lag! 🙂


Have a great week. Talk to you later! Think of us on Sunday night when we are performing our last show as Peggy and Billy….ever. Its an amazing closing to our 3 year book of 42ND ST.


Take care!



Love,

Meredith & Shonn
Moscow 011-7-095-937-0000

Mer’s cell 095-728-3501

Shonn’s cell 095-728-3511

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 2002 11:11:22 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter – In America
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Hello all!


I’m sure this week you are full of so much information. 2 letters at once is a lot to take in. I just couldn’t believe all that has happened in the past week. I planned on sending the last Moscow letter on Monday when I flew in to America, but everything happened so fast! I don’t think I could’ve crammed anything else into this week. Let me tell you what I mean. 🙂


Shonn and I flew in on Monday, unpacked from Moscow (ugh)! and repacked for Michigan. Mom and Dad Patterson flew into Michigan and spent the night in a hotel then met us at the airport when we flew into Detroit on Tuesday afternoon. We had the “big plan” to surprise Beth for her 50th Birthday, she had no idea we were coming. So, we met Shonn’s sister Kyrah at McDonald’s and switched cars. (Beth thought Kyrah was picking up Shonn at the airport) so they both drove ahead of us, as Mom, Dad and I followed. We got close to the house and parked behind a big pine tree! Then Shonn and Kyrah went in the house to greet Beth like everything was normal. Then 2 minutes later I came up to the door and knocked. Beth answered, surprised to see me, but I could tell she might have suspected I was coming because of Shonn’s nervous nature. (She said later she wasn’t too surprised to see me, but she was surprised.) Not as surprised as she was when 5 minutes later, Mom and Dad knocked on the door carrying mixers for “White Russians” (their drink of choice with The Wiley’s in Moscow) and said, “We heard someone was craving White Russians!” Beth answered the door and almost came out of her skin! She shouted “Oh my god!” and kept saying it over and over. I don’t think she ever got over the shock of having us all surprise her! Herb came home about an hour later, we decided to let him come in the house like everything was normal. Mom, Dad, and I were planted in the living room downstairs. Herb came into the room like normal and we were all sitting there drinking our White Russians and he came out of his skin too! They both kept saying “Oh my God!” it was the most exciting surprise I’ve ever been a part of. And we got it all on video tape. 🙂


That night we had the Annual Wiley Birthday and Christmas Eve party and drank and laughed. Mom and Dad were introduced to the neighborhood and we ate ’til our belly’s were full. (It was such a dream to eat REAL AMERICAN FOOD!) 🙂 That night we were surprised to see that it started to snow! The first snow on Christmas Eve since 1985. Mom said its because she is the “weather witch” and wished for a white Christmas. She got one! 🙂 It was beautiful!


Christmas morning was spent opening presents, having coffee and cakes, Mom going out and snowblowing the yard like a little kid, and the rest of us laughing and talking, and helping Beth cook all afternoon. (I helped make a custard pie that thankfully turned out yummy! ) Then we all took showers and got ready for dinner.


Dinner at the Wiley’s always consists of Beth’s traditional side dishes and such. This year, Beth made a ham! Because I missed ham for Thanksgiving, and she knew how much we like ham! Yum! We’re all sitting at dinner, eating, laughing ’til our belly’s are gonna burst. Shonn was acting kinda funny all night. He didn’t eat much, and that’s not like him. Then all of a sudden, Shonn quiets the table and says, “I have one more present for you Merie.” And I knew…..I didn’t want to get too excited, but I knew.
Shonn pulls out a wrapped package and I started opening it. There was this box, silver, looking like a little treasure chest, I opened the box and out shone this platinum and 3 diamond engagement ring! Glorious and sparking! I immediately burst into tears as did everyone at the table. Shonn turned to my Mom and Dad and said, “I’d like to ask your permission…” and he got choked up. My Dad, who was choked up too, put his hand on Shonn’s shoulder and nodded. Then Shonn got down on his knee, right in front of the Christmas tree (it was so perfect) and looked up at me, this weepy sobbing girl, and said simply, “Will you marry me?” and I took a minute to answer. I was crying so hard I couldn’t speak! Then of course I said, “Yes!”


YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!



We hugged, took pictures, I showed everyone the ring, and proceeded to call Lainie, who thought something bad happened because I was crying so hard on the phone I couldn’t speak. (I’m so emotional!) I think I was shaking the rest of the night. My stomach was full of butterflies, and I had the puffiest eyes on the planet! I couldn’t stop looking at the ring and gleaming. Beth said I had a permenent smile. 🙂 (Imagine that!)


The weekend ended the next day when Mom, Dad, and I got on a plane to San Francisco. We arrived at the house, put our stuff down, and got ready to go out and have dinner with the family. Michelle had called us at the airport and said, “I’m having contractions!” I was ecstatic! I said to Michelle (who’s due date was the 17th…then the 21st) to hold the baby in until I got there! (ha ha) I guess she did and she was ready to have her the day we got into town. Michelle said that the contractions were far apart and she was ok to go to dinner. We decided to go to the restaurant right across from Kaiser, just in case. 🙂


So we’re sitting there having dinner and Michelle says, “There getting closer together.” We scarfed down our dinner, and took Michelle to the hospital. That was around 7pm. At 12:30 she was only dialated 3 centimeters (needs to be 10 for birth), so Dad and I, who were sleeping in the waiting room, went home to sleep. We went to bed at 1am, and got up at 5:30am, hearing that Michelle may have the baby in an hour! Still dark outside, we drive to Kaiser, so excited! We get there and Michelle, who got an epidermal at 2:30am, was lying in bed still having contractions. It went on for hours. We played her music, told her jokes, and helped her keep her strength. She was in pain and so exhausted. The night nurse said, “You all won’t be able to stay in here.” Which of course disappointed us…I came from Russia to see this! Then shifts changed and the day nurse came in. Lainie and I recognized her and she us. She went to high school with us! She was so cool and let us all stay! It was Mom, Lainie, Marie, Michael (the father), Gloria (Michael’s mom), and me. Dad and Baby Huth were in the waiting room sleeping. It was perfect. Michelle was so happy we were all there. She needed us. She was so tired.


At about 9am, she started pushing. All the sisters got up, held her legs and helped her with the breathing. Michelle was having a really rough time. Finally Lainie got up and helped her breath right and push (Michelle was arching her back and not getting enough air) and after almost 3 hours of pushing and coaching. Michelle had the baby at 11:54am! (Just in time for lunch. 🙂 She was beautiful. We saw the whole thing. I have never in my life seen something so amazing. Michelle was so emotional (understandably)! and was crying. So happy that everyone was there to see her through this.


Baby Miranda Noelle was 8lbs and 15ounces and 21 1/4 inches long! Wow! No wonder Michelle had so much trouble getting her out. She was almost 9lbs! 🙂 She was so beautiful. No cone shaped head, I swear she didn’t look like a newborn. She was perfect. They laid her on the table and wiped her off and took her temp, she had a little fever. So did Michelle. When Miranda was on the table she looked at me and smiled. I couldn’t believe it! Dad came over and she smiled at him too. She was precious.


After all that, we all came home and slept. The next day, Saturday, we had the belated Christmas party planned. It was a rush to get everything together. We were crazed! But Aunt Gayle came over with Grandma P, and we watched some DVD’s of Russia and had wine. Then the clan of family and friends arrived. It was great! We ate Molino’s Ravioli’s (our family tradition) and I thought I was gonna cry with happiness! Then I had Pumpkin Pie later…and I was in heaven. Russia had none of this. There’s no place like home. 🙂


Today is Sunday. Dad’s birthday. We are going to the airport to get Shonn and having a little gathering for Papa. There was a storm last night…lots of rain…and today its sunny and gorgeous. I am so happy to be home and with family! 🙂


Hope you all are well. Michelle will be coming home today and bringing the baby to the house for Dad’s birthday. (The best birthday present ever!)


Love you!

Meredith & Shonn (the fiancee’!)


From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 2002 11:12:21 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter – Dasvadanya! Goodbye to Moscow
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Hello Everyone,


This is sadly the last edition of our adventure here in Moscow. I never thought this day would come. It amazes me how time has flown by this month. It’s probably due to the fact that there have been no bomb threats, or major crisis’s to speak of. The city has been decorated with Christmas and fresh snowfall. It looks “Ochen Cresiva” (very beautiful) and festive. I never thought I would say this but I think I will miss Moscow.


This being our last week here. Shonn and I went over in our minds the things we haven’t done and wanted to do before we left. We have done a ton of sight seeing and shopping while we’ve been here, but there were some little things lingering that we hadn’t done. So with that list in mind we planned our week.


The first thing we did was see a Russian play, which I told you about in the last letter. It still gives me goosebumps to think that we saw a real Russian Commedia Del Arte play! How amazing. On Wednesday Shonn and I were asked by Boris to hold a Master Class for The Russian Federation of Step Dancing. The studio Vortex (where we rehearsed) had their students, professors and teachers be present at the class and show us routines they rehearsed, some choreographed especially for us! The class was held on stage at the theater. They brought the stairs out on stage for the kids to sit on, and we sat in chairs downstage. We were given mics and had a translator. After Boris introduced us, we were asked to talk about how we started in dance, our teachers, our experience on B’way, talk about the difficulties of singing and dancing, and we were asked to show American Tap Dancing steps (ex: Shim Sham, Time Step, Shuffles, etc). We did all that, and then the students (who’s faces were gleaming, and were very nervous) started doing their dance routines (one class at a time, the youngest class being 5 years old). Shonn and I were amazed! The technique and feeling they have for tap was so apparent. (They said they have seen many Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire movies, and love them!) It made us proud to know that Russian children were watching the same movies we watched when we were their age. We were also surprised by the music they chose. We thought it would be Russian Folk Music. But no, the first song they used was the big band classic “Sing! Sing! Sing!” with Buddy Rich drumming! Then they used “I Wanna Be Like You” from the animated feature Jungle Book. It was so cute! They really have great feet. Then after showing us their numbers, Shonn and I asked if we could “trade 8’s” So some of the older hoofers and Russian gypsy step dancers got together in a circle, I asked our piano player Nathan to play “A Train” and counted off…..a dien, duva, tree, chitire. (1,2,3,4 in Russian). We all started jamming and suddenly there was no language barrier. It was amazing. We ended the class after an hour and a half and were showered with children asking for our autographs and pictures with us. What a thrill! 


Thursday we made plans with Vladimyr to go to Victory Park. We told him to pick us up at 11:30 and we would drive a short distance to the monument. Victory Park sits on a hill over looking Moscow. Its a monument and museum dedicated to Russia’s involvement in World War II. (Vladimyr is very knowledgeable about the war. He went to a Russian Military school when he was 18, as all men in Russia do. He is adamant about his son Sasha going to Military school when he is 18. Sasha isn’t so sure about that. 🙂


Like I said, we started the day around 11:30. And before we took the quick drive to Victory Park, we stopped at McDonald’s for some breakfast (the picture of health)! Shonn just ran in to get the food. And before I knew it he ran outside and was knocking on the window! I rolled it down and he said, “Hurry get the camera, there’s a three piece jazz band in McDonald’s!”


Wha?



Sure enough I took the camera into McDonald’s and saw a trio of jazz musicians playing “Girl from Impanima” dressed in full tuxedo’s.  It was the most bizarre thing I’ve ever seen in a fast food restaurant! 🙂 I got it all on video. Wow!


Then we headed to Victory Park and went sightseeing. As I was in the museum I was looking around amazed at how unified Americans were with Russians in defeating what they call “The Patriotic War”. I asked Vladimyr, “How come the US and Russia were allies in WWII and then such enemies during the following years?” He got this look of puzzlement on his face and said, “I don’t know. It was political.” It was so odd to me. I remember as a little kid, being almost programmed to hate Russians and the people. Watching Rocky and seeing the fight between Balboa and the Russian and beating them was ingrained in me. Its strange know to see that they are just like us. They are people who care about their families and have the same wants and needs as anyone. The only difference is geography.


So we left Victory Park and ventured over to see the grave’s of Stanislavsky and Chechov (another small thing we didn’t get to before). It was freezing….no, I mean FREEZING outside. We found the graves, took pictures, and left quickly. I’ve never been so cold in my life. After that brief visit we went to eat before the show at a pizza place over looking the Church of Christ our Savior. I remember thinking. “This time next week I will be home.” The time to leave Russia was finally approaching.


The next day Shonn and I decided to dedicate to Stanislavsky! We have wanted to go visit the famous house where he lived and died (located right off Tverskya) from the moment we got to Moscow and the day has finally arrived! We walked about 10 minutes to the house in the early afternoon. It was down Tverskya and on a small side street. It was a brisk walk but the excitement of getting closer to the house kept us warm. We finally arrived to it and found we were the only tourists there! The house is a warm light yellow and has the entrance through this little driveway in the back. We walked through the door and were greeted by these cute little old ladies who run the house. We checked our coats, paid 50 rubles and walked into the hallway to start the tour. Shonn paid an extra 20 rubles to take photographs. No video was allowed. When we got into the hallway, this little old lady who was running the tour for us, had us put these rubber covers over our shoes so we wouldn’t track any dirt or snow in the house. (Good idea right?) It was like we were preparing for the visit to the “church for the actor.” My heart was thumping! We climbed up the wooden stairs to the first room, The Blue Room. It was a deep royal blue and acted more like a foyer. This was where when Stanislavsky was teaching, the actors would wait for class. It was sort of a sitting room. It was also used as a lobby where the audiences would wait when they had performances at the house. Then we moved on to the Onegin Room, named after an opera that debuted in the house. It looked like a small ballroom filled with chairs and a grand piano. The stage was at the end of the room, very small but framed with pillars. Shonn and I stood on the stage! It was very cool. We moved on to the Red Room, what the actors used as a dressing/makeup room. Full of the original furniture and carpets. We went on to his bedroom and study and his wife Lillina’s bedroom and make up table (that still had little lipsticks and powder’s on it) Walking through the house really brought him and his personality to life. He wasn’t just an old Russian man who created an acting method, founded the Moscow Arts Theater. He was a man with a life and a house full of art and joy! Shonn and I walked out of the house filled with renewed energy about what we do, our profession. And we were dying to do some real meaty plays…42ND ST was feeling fluffy.


But thankfully, we only had a few shows left. 5 to be exact. We went to the theater that night and did another show.


Saturday was D Day. I have been telling Shonn how much I have wanted to see Lenin’s Body in Red Square ever since we arrived in Moscow. I don’t know what my obsession was. Probably because I read about it in my tourist book. Vladimyr Lenin, the former leader of the Solviet Union, dies in 1924. When he died, or soon thereafter, they built a mausoleum in Red Square and preserved his body in a glass case to forever be displayed there. It sounded a little gross. There are rumors that he may be buried at the end of the year, or that he was really wax and not actually Lenin at all. And the extra kicker of knowledge is that to preserve his body, apparently they take him out of the mausoleum every month or so to “work” on him. Sounds gross huh? But with all that in mind I just HAD to see him. My trip to Russia wouldn’t be complete without it!


So we woke up and made it a point set out at 10am to see Lenin. We have 2 shows on Saturday so we had to sight see before, then get to the theater by 12. Vladimyr picked us up and drove us down to Red Square. We learned that Vladimyr had seen Lenin’s body over a dozen times, and of course he would be the perfect tour guide and interpreter. (When hasn’t he been!? 🙂 So we park and walk to Red Square. Now, I have been to Red Square, I remember it vividly, but I do not remember it being closed off and guarded with military. Then I remembered that Lenin’s mausoleum is only open for viewing from 10-1pm and during that time no one is allowed in Red Square without going through security. Thankfully, our luck panned out and there were no lines at all to see Lenin. We were 3 of about 12 people. So we went through security and walked towards the center of the Square. I have to mention the weather. It was the most beautiful picturesque Russian snowfall I have ever seen. Light fluffy dry snow and no wind. Shonn and I said to each other as we looked up and around at the Kremlin and St. Basil’s. “We couldn’t have picked a better day! It’s perfect!” Then we walked to the Mausoleum, this dark black slab of granite and marble with Lenin’s name etched in Cyrillic on the front. We walked inside, I talked and a guard shushed me. We walked down stairs, then down another set of stairs. There were church bells ringing from St. Basil’s that got faint as we descended. It was so serene and erie. Guards lined every corner. The walls were black and cold marble. Not lit, just dark. Then we finally turned the corner and there, eliminated in the middle of the room was Lenin. He was in a small glass case, kind of like Snow White. He was a small man, maybe 5’6. We walked around him, not too close, being watched from all sides. I must admit, he looked wax. Or that a lot of work had been done on him. We walked around him and then up another set of stairs and out into the snow. Shonn and I both looked at each other after a moment of silence and said, “Oh my god how amazing was that?” It was strange. You would’ve thought he died last year. I mean the attention and security was intense. In America, you would have to pay $20 to see something like that, but Russians just have him there. Its an amazing show of respect for Lenin, a creepy one, but amazing.


After that we went to the little cemetery behind the mausoleum and saw Stalin’s grave and the graves of many leaders and military of Russia. They were buried right in the Kremlin wall. It was so intense.


Then we made our way to the theater. Awake and ready to do our last few shows. We got to the theater and knew there was a company meeting called at 12:15. I thought it was just something quick and no big deal. Everything was on the upswing. We had new cast members, the show was looking better than it ever had. The cast moral was up and happy. Then I hear over the loud speaker, “Ladies and gentleman the company meeting will be delayed to a little before curtain. We will let you know.” I asked the stage manager why the meeting was delayed and he said they were waiting for Boris to show up. Then I knew….I knew we were getting some bad news.


Boris showed up and the entire cast was called to the hallway outside the dressing rooms. Boris began speaking, in that raspy thick Russian accent, and he was beating around the bush, telling all of us how wonderful the show is, how the audiences love it. Then he started making excuses why the audiences were so low capacity. I could see in everyone’s eyes the anticipation of the news, “Get to the point Boris!” I thought. Then he did.


“We are closing. I have a contactual obligation to post this closing notice from Troika, but I believe the show will go on! We will stay open!”


Everyone was crying. No one believed Boris. They couldn’t believe he would say such a thing. All the new cast members were stunned. They haven’t been through every moment of this crazy run. I felt sorry for them. I especially felt sorry for Shannon and Leo who were to take over our roles once we left. They only had a week to perform the roles. Shannon never went on for me, she won’t even have a chance to get her feet wet. I hugged her and she sobbed. I told her, “There will be many opportunities for you to play this role…in a better place, under better circumstances.” She smiled and thanked me.


Shonn and I did the two shows that day, and the atmosphere was weary and low. The moral of the cast was shot back down to the bottom. Shonn and I asked if we could swing out a show and let Shannon and Leo go on together and we could watch the show…Boris had the final say and said no. Oh well.


So we did the next 4 shows, and made each moment on stage count. We were both ready to leave the roles and move on. The last show was great. Everyone circled up before the show to say good-bye to us. Just like B’way I cried my way through the performance. Although there was a lot of drama and crisis with this run in Moscow, it was wonderful to be a part of it.


Of course our final show was full of bloopers and practical jokes. But I had some surprises myself. I was crazy and surprised the cast and the audience by saying 3 lines in Russian. I will spell them phonetically. When Annie says “Hey kid you’re good!” I usually say “I know.” Well, in Russian you say “Yaz Nighyou” so when that point came up in the show, I blurted out “Yaz Nighyou” and the audience went crazy and clapped! It was the first time they reacted like that to any line. 🙂 It was fun. The girls and Maggie on stage were funny. They didn’t expect it. Then when I say   “Thank you Mr. Marsh” at the end of the scene, I said “Sbasiba Mr. Marsh.” Tim, who plays Julian, laughed at that one. Then I calmed down. I decided, no more Russian. It was just fun for that scene. But I had learned the translation for another line, for fun, weeks before and I thought about saying it, then I said no…I should just do the show. Then in the second act, Lullaby of B’way, I couldn’t help myself. The entire cast leans my way and I’m supposed to say “I’ll do it,” and I got ready to say it and thought “what Peggy is ever going to get to say this line in Russian!” and I blurted out “Ya za glassna” (translated “I agree” or “I’ll do it!”) The whole cast laughed and the audience went crazy again. I told the cast I wouldn’t say anything else in Russian, so I shocked ’em. It was fun.  


After the show, after the crying, Boris threw Shonn and I a huge party at The Crystal Room. The place was decked out in black light and had a full spread of food, wine, champagne, and of course free flowing vodka!
We danced and drank and reminisced. Boris got up and said, “The show will go on!” and we all groaned. The cast knew it was winding down to the closing. It was a party for everyone.


We stayed up all night and left for the airport home at 10am. The hardest thing was saying good-bye to Vladimyr. He drove us there and was fine… until we got to customs and had to say good-bye. His eyes welled up with tears and so did ours. We hugged and he said, “You write me.” He knows we will. The fondest memories I have of Moscow are the times we spent with him.


We were headed back to the great US of A, something we had longed for many times during our stay. The day was finally here. And whoever told me I would kiss the ground when I arrived was right….I missed home. I’m glad we’re back safe and semi-sound. 🙂


We’ll be having a big party soon! Can’t wait to see you all! 🙂


Love, 



Meredith & Shonn
Moscow 011-7-095-937-0000

Mer’s cell 095-728-3501

Shonn’s cell 095-728-3511

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 5 Jan 2003 13:10:21 EST
Subject: It’s Sunday – Jan 5th
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
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JOHNOFALLTRADES@aol.com, Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10626

Hello!


Shonn’s back in NYC, I’m still in California. It’s back to work, or back to the grind as they say.


This past week was a little slower than the one before. But not much. 🙂 Of course we had New Year’s Eve. Which was nothing less than spectacular. There was about 16 of us, Me, Shonn, Mom, Dad, Lainie, Michael, Robert, Cousin Carolyn, and 3 couples of our friends that all made reservations for The Hornblower Yaught that cruises around SF Bay celebrating! It was so cool. It sailed at about 9pm, serving an amazing dinner (Salmon, Roast beef, the works!) and a full bar included. There was dancing on the upper and lower decks. Shonn and I got dressed up in full gown and suit and tore up the floor dancing. Goofy and tipsy, but dancing! I think we entertained ourselves more than the on lookers. 🙂 The night was clear and warm (for SF Bay) at the countdown we all went out on the deck of the ship and at midnight saw the most amazing fireworks display from a huge barge in the middle of the bay. We had silly hats, blowers, cranks and all the noisemakers that go along with New Year’s. It was wonderful.


Then the next day, recovering from a hangover, we all got out of bed around noon. Mom and Dad and Shonn and I had planned to drive up to Mariposa, stay the night, then drive into Yosemite National Park the next day and see the sights! 🙂 My favorite place to go as a child! I couldn’t WAIT to share it with Shonn. So, at about 3pm, we packed up the jeep and headed out with the ‘rents for Mariposa. It was about a 2-3 hour drive. I was like a little kid, full of anticipation. Just for fun, Shonn and I would say things from the back seat like, “Are we there yet?”, or “I have to go to the bathroom.” It was fun to torture the ‘rents with memories. We played jazz and the best album ever written, Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key Of Life Album! 🙂 We were rockin’ out and having a great time.


We arrived at Mariposa lodge around 6pm, checked in, and went to have dinner at a little restaurant down the street. We had wine, steak, lobster, and garlic bread. We talked and ate for hours (I love those kinds of dinners). We went back to the hotel and fell asleep around 11. (Mom was up watching the musical Oklahoma singing all the songs).


We got up bright and early the next day at around 6am. We planned to leave at 7am. Shonn got a new digital camera for Christmas (from yours truly) and took some amazing shots of the sunrise. Oh! While driving to Mariposa, we stopped on the side of the road and Dad (who has the same camera) and Shonn took pictures of the sunset the night before. It was gorgeous! So, at 7am, we got in the jeep and headed to the park! We arrived at the gates at about 8:30am. And before we got to the valley, we spotted something ahead. It was a deer! With huge antlers! Right on the road in front of us. We were going about 5 miles and hour and Shonn rolled down the window and took some pictures. We were right there! I could’ve touched it. How cool!
Then we turned the corner and there it was El Captain. The biggest of the granite mountains. We stopped and took photos. We stopped at about every turn into the valley and took pictures. With the sun just hitting the mountains, it was perfect.


We went on into the park and showed Shonn Half Dome, Yosemite Falls (that we hiked near, just to the bridge) and although it is winter…the falls were pretty full cause the weather was so warm and clear. (It’s cause we had Mom, the “weather witch” giving us good weather!) The day couldn’t have been better. We went to my favorite hotel, The Awanee, and had lunch. This is the infamous place that I said (when I was 12 or 13) that I would get married at. It is a hotel built 75 years ago, in the valley of Yosemite, surrounded by mountains of granite and green forests. Course Shonn couldn’t see it the way I remember it ’cause it was winter and snow was everywhere, but it still was gorgeous. And took our breath away.


Now, we haven’t made any decision’s just yet about where, or more important, when we are getting married. We have to talk when we get back in the city together. We plan on making the decision very soon (the end of the month or so). But we both agree…we LOVE the Awanee.


We left Yosemite and drove home late afternoon and got to Pleasant Hill around 9pm.  It was a wonderful trip!


The next night Mom threw Shonn and I a simple Engagement Party at the house.  It was very nice. We had a big turn out too! Mom planned it so quick and called people so quick…but it was so nice to have almost everyone there. People I haven’t seen in a long time! I was very excited to introduce Shonn to the neighborhood and my friends from childhood….it was very special.


Then yesterday, Saturday, Michelle came over with baby Miranda (we call her Peaches ’cause she’s so soft) , and Lainie came over with baby Michael and we had so much fun playing with them and visiting. We sang to them, and danced…it was wonderful. Then Shonn had to pack up and get ready to catch his 10:20pm flight to NYC. Dad and I drove Shonn to the airport and said goodbye. 🙁 It was a perfect trip.


This morning in California is sunny, crisp, and beautiful. I love NYC, but sometimes I just need to see the mountains, nature, and beauty of Northern Cali. Nothing like it.


I leave for LA Tuesday night and will be staying with cousin Carolyn in Thousand Oaks. I come back to the Bay Area Sat morning the 11th. Then I leave for NYC the 13th. 🙂 Whew! Jet setting!


Hope you all had a great week. Keep in touch.


Lots of love,



Merie

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 12 Jan 2003 15:28:39 -0500
To: bill1229@wwmgmt.com
Subject: Sunday Letter
X-Mailer: Atlas Mailer 2.0

(Dad..can you forward this to the Sunday letter list? Thank you)

I hope your Sunday is going well. The 49ers are losing terribly and Dad is distraught. I wanted at least the Steelers, Atlanta, or the 49ers to be in the Super Bowl and it seems like none of them are going to make it. Bummer.

This past week was full of trying to get back to “normal”  (whatever that is!) I flew down to Los Angeles and had some general meetings with networks and casting directors and had great responses. So good that I have to catch a plane home to NYC tommorrow and then fly back to LA on the 20th for the start of Pilot Season (a huge hectic audition period for TV series consisting of auditioning for “Pilot” episodes…the first episode of a series…and hopefully booking it and having it picked up by a network.) I have been told in my meetings that I could be auditioning for 11 pilots a week in the busiest time. So it may be hectic to say the least.

I stayed with cousin Carolyn my 3 days sown there, and am planning to stay with her when I come back down on the 20th. I am renting a car for the 6-8 weeks. This is very typical. Pilot season is all about getting a series that could get picked up….its a time when actors scramble to LA (if they are in NYC). Its big money and big exposure time. And since this is my first pilot season…its very exciting. 🙂

I am back in SF for the day then I fly home tomorrow morning (Monday). Shonn has been watching endless football and having “the guys” over to the apt. It will be nice to get back home and be able to spend some time together as an “engaged” couple. Since the engagement we really haven’t had any time. We are planning on going on a date. Our first date as fiancee’s. (Gag!)And we have lots to talk about in terms of the wedding. (Pick a date, where, all that fun stuff!)

So, other than that, everything’s fine. The family is good. Baby Miranda is a little collicky (sp?). Michelle is doing good though. Baby Michael is a dollface and I have been having fun playing peek-a-boo with him (his favorite!)

I’m glad to be writing things that seem “normal” in these Sunday letters, as opposed to bomb threats…and craziness. 🙂

It’s nice to have things subside. (For the moment at least)

Hope you are all having a great Sunday!

Lots of love,

Meredith

X-Sender: bill1229@wwmgmt.com
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Date: Sun, 12 Jan 2003 15:24:39 -0800
To: jonisha_2000@yahoo.com, healy@rowan.edu, jahealy@earthlink.net,
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From: Bill Patterson
Subject: Fwd: Sunday Letter

>From: MerieNYC@aol.com
>Date: Sun, 12 Jan 2003 15:28:39 -0500
>To: bill1229@wwmgmt.com
>Subject: Sunday Letter
>X-Mailer: Atlas Mailer 2.0
>
>I hope your Sunday is going well. The 49ers are losing terribly and Dad is
>distraught. I wanted at least the Steelers, Atlanta, or the 49ers to be in
>the Super Bowl and it seems like none of them are going to make it. Bummer.
>
>This past week was full of trying to get back to “normal” (whatever that
>is!) I flew down to Los Angeles and had some general meetings with
>networks and casting directors and had great responses. So good that I
>have to catch a plane home to NYC tommorrow and then fly back to LA on the
>20th for the start of Pilot Season (a huge hectic audition period for TV
>series consisting of auditioning for “Pilot” episodes…the first episode
>of a series…and hopefully booking it and having it picked up by a
>network.) I have been told in my meetings that I could be auditioning for
>11 pilots a week in the busiest time. So it may be hectic to say the least.
>
>I stayed with cousin Carolyn my 3 days sown there, and am planning to stay
>with her when I come back down on the 20th. I am renting a car for the 6-8
>weeks. This is very typical. Pilot season is all about getting a series
>that could get picked up….its a time when actors scramble to LA (if they
>are in NYC). Its big money and big exposure time. And since this is my
>first pilot season…its very exciting. 🙂
>
>I am back in SF for the day then I fly home tomorrow morning (Monday).
>Shonn has been watching endless football and having “the guys” over to the
>apt. It will be nice to get back home and be able to spend some time
>together as an “engaged” couple. Since the engagement we really haven’t
>had any time. We are planning on going on a date. Our first date as
>fiancee’s. (Gag!)And we have lots to talk about in terms of the wedding.
>(Pick a date, where, all that fun stuff!)
>
>So, other than that, everything’s fine. The family is good. Baby Miranda
>is a little collicky (sp?). Michelle is doing good though. Baby Michael is
>a dollface and I have been having fun playing peek-a-boo with him (his
>favorite!)
>
>I’m glad to be writing things that seem “normal” in these Sunday letters,
>as opposed to bomb threats…and craziness. 🙂
>
>It’s nice to have things subside. (For the moment at least)
>
>
>Hope you are all having a great Sunday!
>
>Lots of love,
>
>Meredith

William (Bill) Patterson
Wright Way Management
www.wwmgmt.com
Network Manager/Webmaster
(800) 940-6317

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 19 Jan 2003 12:12:33 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
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X-Mailer: AOL 8.0 for Windows US sub 234

Hello all,


Nothing much happened this week. I came back to NYC and was happy to be in my own apt, with my fiancee’ (can’t get over saying that) Shonn! 🙂 Now sadly I am packing for LA to go there for 10 weeks.


I had some auditions this week, nothing major, I spent most of the time catching up on my mail and catching up with friends.


I thought you would be interested in reading the NY Times article on Russia today. Apparently there is a picture of Shonn in the actual newspaper…we haven’t seen it yet.


Click here: Broadway Comes to Moscow, and Takes on the Risks


That’s all for now! Talk to you all soon. Hope you have a great week!
Love,
Meredith

The Official Web Site of Meredith Patterson


From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 26 Jan 2003 22:47:51 EST
Subject: Sunny Sunday Letter
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
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Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org, RoxanneGambill@yahoo.com
X-Mailer: AOL 7.0 for Windows US sub 10634

Yes, this weekend was in the 80’s here in Los Angeles….I know all the east coasters are cursing my name for even mentioning that. But I have to admit that afetr Russia? It was amazing to be walking on the beach in January. 🙂


I’m staying with Cousin Carolyn in Thousand Oaks and am having a wonderful time. I got here Monday and had a few meetings, and audition for The Martha Stewart Story (To play “young Martha” A laugh riot!) but nothing is really hectic just yet. I’ve been enjoying the weather and enjoying driving. Its something I’ve missed in the 9 years I’ve been in NYC. I have a little “beater” car that I rented, but it runs great and gets me where I need to go.


Because the weather was so good, Carolyn and I decided on Saturday to take a drive to Santa Barbara and have lunch on the pier. It was amazing! We arrived and took our shoes off and walked in the sand. It felt like summer. (Sorry, rubbing it in again I know). We called Shonn on the cell phone to rub it in a little more. I was playing in the water and picking up shells like I did when I was a kid! 🙂


We had seafood at a restaurant on the pier and walked down State Street. It was a great day. Then today, Sunday, we took a drive down highway 1 to Santa Monica and had lunch. The shore was gorgeous. It was very relaxing to be by the water. I guess I’m a California girl after all. 🙂


Now that I’ve gotten pass all the good talk, I’ll tell you a little about the scare our family had this weekend. Michelle had to go back to the hospital yesterday because she had been bleeding way beyond normal post pregnancy. Infact when Mom and Michelle got to the hospital they foudn out she had almost half of the blood in her body that she should’ve. She was white as a ghost and had to have a blood transfusion. She got out of surgery last night and was fine, thank god. Although none of us slept very well last night. I called her this morning and she is better. They gave her some medicine to slow down the bleeding, and I’m not sure if its helped yet. They found out she has a fibroid tumor about the size of an apple in her uterus, and that may be the cause of the bleeding. Last I heard was that if the bleeding doesn’t stop, there going to go back in and try to remove the tumor. And if that fails, then the last resort is a hysterectomy.


Michelle is in good spirits about the whole thing. She said she’d “rather be alive with beautiful baby Miranda than dead with a healthy uterus.” That’s Michelle! She’s so funny. Anyway, keep her in your prayers and we’ll keep you posted on what’s happening.


I’m off to read some scripts and maybe take a bath. I went to the gym today. I’ve officially been dormant from dancing for a month. It feels weird. After 3 years of straight tapping to…nothing. Its nice. 🙂 My legs are happy. 🙂


ps. I did meet Rod Steward on Rodeo Drive on Thursday. I forgot to mention. That’s Beverly Hills for ya!


Love,



Meredith

From: GHindes@aol.com
Date: Tue, 28 Jan 2003 09:54:49 EST
Subject: Re: Sunny Sunday Letter
To: bill1229@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10578

Hi Bill and Donna


I’m so glad Michelle is better.  You must have all been scared.  Give her my love and how is baby Miranda?  Hope I’ve spelled her name right.



Merie sounds like things are popp’in.  We are having almost the same weather without the beach.  No snow and none in the immediate forcast.  You wouldn’t know that as the ski resorts don’t want the world to know.  I’m sure they’re making snow like crazy.  I’m going to Gunnison the weekend of the 7th and I expect it will be pretty dry and no snow in town.



I have reservations to come out Feb 20 and stay untill Monday, Feb. 24.  Rose and I are working with the Baptist Church  to have a little reception for Mom’s 90th  birthday after church.  I believe Sharon is looking into finding a restaurant with a back room where we (family) could have an early afternoon dinner and celebration of the event.  We can haave a cake, balloons, whatever.  Rose has talked to Lanie and John Mortensen’s wife Kat and says they are enthusiastic.  


Please let me know what you two think about a party and how you would be able to help.  


Love, Gayle

From: GHindes@aol.com
Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 17:01:27 EST
Subject: Re: Sunny Sunday Letter
To: bill1229@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10578

Thanks for the reply Bill.  I’m really sorry you guys will be away but I hope some or all of your kids will come.  Not everyone gets to turn 90 – I sure hope I don’t.  I KNOW I’ll be senile as Hell and probably smell bad even without a dog.  I have CRS disease now.



Well, it might be good that you don’t have to see Sharon tho the rest of her family is a treat.  I know Jill can’t come as they are going to be on vacation in San Diego, I believe.  I think it would be good if you could do something quiet with Mom on her actual birthday.  Thanks.  Tomorrow is the big day when she takes her driver’s test again.  Stay tuned!



Love, Gayle

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 2 Feb 2003 13:56:16 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
Margo2513@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, Razorrose@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, johnwill@attbi.com, Kyrahleigh@aol.com,
bill1229@wwmgmt.com, jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com,
mama_bear_y2k@hotmail.com, DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com,
JOHNOFALLTRADES@aol.com, Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org,
RoxanneGambill@yahoo.com
X-Mailer: AOL 8.0 for Windows US sub 230

Happy Sunday everyone!


This is the end of my second week in Sunny Southern Cali and things are going great. I think I’ve read about 7-10 scripts so far and have auditioned for 7-10 roles. I’ve had general meetings with networks (ABC, NBC, CBS) and they are going extremly well. So I’m happy.


I don’t want to jinx anything but I wanted to let you know that I was offered a test deal for a new pilot. My agents and manager are very impressed that in a weeks time I already have a screen test with a network. It’s tommorrow, so keep your fingers crossed. But this is one of a hundred auditions I am going to go through this pilot season, so…its good to already have a “callback” so to speak.


The weather out here has been unbelievable (east coasters….close your ears). The temps have been from the high 70’s to the low 90’s! I mean its been summertime in January. It’s unreal. 🙂 I had the air conditioner on at 8pm one night when I was driving. I started laughing.


So that’s the good news of the week. I’m keeping busy, the weather’s good, Carolyn and I are having fun being “roomies”. What’s been a little stressful this week is hearing how Michelle has been. I’ve been trying not to worry, but its hard. At least I’m on the same coast. The past week I called every day to talk to either Mom, Lainie, or Michelle and ask what was happening. Things are much better now. Michelle went back into surgery yesterday and had the Fibriod tumors (they actually found 2 more…so there was 3 total) removed to the best ability. She is staying in the hospital  for a few days I believe. I don’t know if any of you checked out the family website, but Dad put together the cutest collage of Miranda’s facial expressions! It made me cry! She is just the sweetest little peach face ever created. Before Michelle went into surgery (I believe the first time) Mom had printed out the collage and showed it to Michelle. She started crying. Michelle is the strongest person I know. After all she’s been through in the past 2 months, she’s still strong as ever. I told Mom, “Its the German Stock! Strong women!” It’s true. 🙂 Good thing. 🙂


So anyway…I’m off to run errands. Oh! Good news, Shonn has decided to come out and visit me for Valentine’s Day. Thank God! It would’ve been our first V-Day apart, and I didn’t want to deal with it. Our first one apart, AND our first one as Fiancee’s. (I know we’re just gross and mushy!)


The wedding planning is coming along nicely. Shonn and I are setting up our Wedding Webpage, and I’m cutting out pictures and gathering info. The world of Wedding stuff is so fun!


At every meeting people ask me if I’m newly engaged, I say, “Yes. How can you tell?” They say, “The glow…and the way you play with your ring.”


You can’t hide happiness. 🙂 (I know..Mush…Mush…Mushy!)


Gotta go. Love you! Hope your all having a great weekend.


Meredith

Date: Wed, 5 Feb 2003 18:25:06 -0800 (PST)
From: Nancy Healy
Subject: Re: Sunday Letter
To: Bill Patterson

Bill and Donna – Pics of Miranda are gorgeous. I’ll try to forward some of Adam to you.

Nancy
— Bill Patterson wrote:
> Here is the collage Merie spoke of…..see
> attachment.
>
>
> At 01:56 PM 2/2/2003 -0500, MerieNYC@aol.com wrote:
> >Happy Sunday everyone!
> >
> >This is the end of my second week in Sunny Southern
> Cali and things are
> >going great. I think I’ve read about 7-10 scripts
> so far and have
> >auditioned for 7-10 roles. I’ve had general
> meetings with networks (ABC,
> >NBC, CBS) and they are going extremly well. So I’m
> happy.
> >
> >I don’t want to jinx anything but I wanted to let
> you know that I was
> >offered a test deal for a new pilot. My agents and
> manager are very
> >impressed that in a weeks time I already have a
> screen test with a
> >network. It’s tommorrow, so keep your fingers
> crossed. But this is one of
> >a hundred auditions I am going to go through this
> pilot season, so…its
> >good to already have a “callback” so to speak.
> >
> >The weather out here has been unbelievable (east
> coasters….close your
> >ears). The temps have been from the high 70’s to
> the low 90’s! I mean its
> >been summertime in January. It’s unreal. 🙂 I had
> the air conditioner on
> >at 8pm one night when I was driving. I started
> laughing.
> >
> >So that’s the good news of the week. I’m keeping
> busy, the weather’s good,
> >Carolyn and I are having fun being “roomies”.
> What’s been a little
> >stressful this week is hearing how Michelle has
> been. I’ve been trying not
> >to worry, but its hard. At least I’m on the same
> coast. The past week I
> >called every day to talk to either Mom, Lainie, or
> Michelle and ask what
> >was happening. Things are much better now. Michelle
> went back into surgery
> >yesterday and had the Fibriod tumors (they actually
> found 2 more…so
> >there was 3 total) removed to the best ability. She
> is staying in the
> >hospital for a few days I believe. I don’t know if
> any of you checked out
> >the family website, but Dad put together the cutest
> collage of Miranda’s
> >facial expressions! It made me cry! She is just the
> sweetest little peach
> >face ever created. Before Michelle went into
> surgery (I believe the first
> >time) Mom had printed out the collage and showed it
> to Michelle. She
> >started crying. Michelle is the strongest person I
> know. After all she’s
> >been through in the past 2 months, she’s still
> strong as ever. I told Mom,
> >”Its the German Stock! Strong women!” It’s true. 🙂
> Good thing. 🙂
> >
> >So anyway…I’m off to run errands. Oh! Good news,
> Shonn has decided to
> >come out and visit me for Valentine’s Day. Thank
> God! It would’ve been our
> >first V-Day apart, and I didn’t want to deal with
> it. Our first one apart,
> >AND our first one as Fiancee’s. (I know we’re just
> gross and mushy!)
> >
> >The wedding planning is coming along nicely. Shonn
> and I are setting up
> >our Wedding Webpage, and I’m cutting out pictures
> and gathering info. The
> >world of Wedding stuff is so fun!
> >
> >At every meeting people ask me if I’m newly
> engaged, I say, “Yes. How can
> >you tell?” They say, “The glow…and the way you
> play with your ring.”
> >
> >You can’t hide happiness. 🙂 (I
> know..Mush…Mush…Mushy!)
> >
> >Gotta go. Love you! Hope your all having a great
> weekend.
> >
> >Meredith
>
> William (Bill) Patterson
> Wright Way Management
> www.wwmgmt.com
> Network Manager/Webmaster
> (800) 940-6317

> ATTACHMENT part 2 image/jpeg name=Miranda collage.jpg; x-mac-type=4A504547;
x-mac-creator=4A565752

__________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!?
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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 9 Feb 2003 12:34:37 EST
Subject: Sunday La La Land Letter
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
Margo2513@aol.com, MelainePH@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, Razorrose@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, johnwill@attbi.com, Kyrahleigh@aol.com,
bill1229@wwmgmt.com, jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com,
mama_bear_y2k@hotmail.com, DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com,
JOHNOFALLTRADES@aol.com, Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org,
RoxanneGambill@yahoo.com
X-Mailer: AOL 8.0 for Windows US sub 230

Good Morning.


I’m here in Sunny California. Where the heat wave has ceased…and it’s actually a little cold. (Ok, its in the 60’s…but that’s cold for the La La people). 🙂 I heard NYC got about 4 inches of snow. Just about the time you want to go to Central Park and go ice skating! 🙂


But…even though the weather’s changed a bit, everything here is still the same. I’m auditioning like a mad woman. I had a screen test (whole hair and make-up on the set) for a ABC one hour drama that apparently only got that far. We haven’t officially heard yeah or neah…but I’m assuming it’s neah. But…no big deal cause I have 4 auditions for Monday alone. Ugh! Now you see why I haven’t been calling some of you back. I’m pooped!


Aside from business land…things are good. Carolyn and I are on opposite schedules so I don’t see her too often, but when we do I cook her dinner and we rent movies. It’s fun!


Shonn has decided to fly out to see me next weekend! Our first Valentine’s Day as “fiancee’s”. He arrives Friday morning…and stays through Sunday. 🙂 Can’t wait!


Miranda and Michelle are home from the hosipital! YEAH! Michelle said she’s feeling much better. But I’m sure she’s going stir crazy wanting to do something. (If I know my sister). Well, listen big sister. Relax! 🙂 Enjoy your time off. Get that blood count up. Can’t wait to see you and the “peach face” real soon.


Lainie said baby Micheal is getting an attitude. He knows the word “no” really well. And he’s walking really well! I cannot WAIT to see Doodle Bug walking around. Lainie, I hope you are feeling better and get your voice back. 🙂


Mom I know you said you had a nasty cold too. 🙁 I thank god haven’t gotten a cold yet. (Knock on my laptop). I’m keeping up with my multi vitamins…and sleeping a lot. I go to bed at 10-ish and wake up at 7. I feel like I’m back in high school. 🙂


Well…as I said. The weather may have changed but everything else is still the same. Reading lots of scripts and memorizing lots of lines. It’s funny, everything this season in Television is about lawyers, criminologists, investigators, one script I read called COME TO PAPA is about a married couple. It’ll be interesting to see what actually makes it to the tube?


Ok, ok off to my fun filled Sunday!


Have a great week!



Lots of love,



Meredith

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Wed, 26 Feb 2003 00:36:25 EST
Subject: Late Late Sunday Letter
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com, Razorrose@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, johnwill@attbi.com, Kyrahleigh@aol.com,
bill1229@wwmgmt.com, jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com,
mama_bear_y2k@hotmail.com, DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com,
JOHNOFALLTRADES@aol.com, Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org, RoxanneGambill@yahoo.com,
Bartrisbtr@aol.com, melaineph@sbcglobal.net
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 230

HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY GRANDMA PATTERSON!!!!

I can’t believe Grandma P is 90 years old today. The party, which I unfortunately missed, was this past weekend. I heard from Michelle it was lots of fun. I have yet to talk to Grandma now that she’s reached a new decade…she’s out having a birthday dinner with Mom and Dad and Rob. It seems like yesterday that we were all out for her birthday last year and she was saying, “I’m gonna be 90 next year!” And here it is! Wow! I hope I reach 90 and am in such good health. 🙂


This past week was hectic city! I had about three auditions a day. I think I went through 3 tanks of gas last week. (Never had to worry about gas prices living in NYC) Ugh…it’s crazy. Carolyn and I drove to DISNEYLAND for the weekend, met up with the ‘rents, Paige and her Dad John. Paige had her REBELS Cheerleading Competition in the park. It was “Auntie Merie’s” first time seeing Paige cheerlead, and I was SO PROUD! The team got 2nd place and did a wonderful job. A lot of teams messed up and dropped stunts and the REBELS didn’t! They were the best!


DISNEYLAND made me cry upon entering the park. I didn’t want to seem like a lame-o so I choked back the tears a lot of the time, but entering the park with my parents took me back to when I was 3 years old and I met Mickey, Chip and Dale, and Donald Duck. (I’m so emotional). I hadn’t been to DISNEYLAND in about 5 years. So there was a lot to see. Some rides were different, but the nostalgia was all there. I have to admit it chokes me up even now. I LOVE being there. Nothing makes me feel more like a little kid. And trust me, I was acting like one. Skipping around, eating junk food, giggling, whooping and hollering on rides. It was wonderful! I remember thinking, “It’s nice to be entertained for once…not having to entertain.” I know it sounds dumb, but little things like that make me appreciate life so much.


The weather was a little sunny, a little chilly. But the time spent in DISNEYLAND will last for months. I went to CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE for the first time. And I have to say….it’s great! But, aside from A BUG’S LIFE (which is a MUST see) and the SOARING OVER CALIFORNIA ride (Also a MUST) there is no comparison to DISNEYLAND park. I could live there. My only disappointment was not being able to go on my favorite ride….PETER PAN. The line was tremendously long. Even at 11:30pm. But, I think a hundred times of going on that ride will last me a lifetime. 🙂


So, what else…Baby Michael is “a door bell”…he is belly laughing on the phone for me, and he’s walking everywhere, loves to say the word “NO”. I cannot WAIT to see him walk. Baby Miranda is laughing too. I haven’t heard it yet but Michelle said she opens her mouth really wide and sucks in air and makes this funny sound when she laughs. Michelle, Michael, and Miranda “Peaches” are coming to LA this weekend. I CAN’T WAIT!!


As far as I know, I am planning to stay here in LA until April. Things are going really well. Getting a TV Series is like playing the lottery. It’s a lot harder than Musicals and Stage. It’s very rare that someone gets a screen test deal there first Pilot Season (and I already did that) so I’m in good with the people here. They are proud of me, and hey…I’m pretty proud of myself. It’s a rat race and SO competitive. But I love it. I love being so close to family, and I hope to get something soon so I can stay awhile. 🙂 We’ll see. It took Jennifer Garner 3 Pilot Seasons before she got ALIAS, and Deborah Messing screen tested for 8 pilots before she landed WILL & GRACE. So….you see how crazy it is? Ugh…all I can do is the work, and hope for the best. 🙂 Sometimes I wish my passion was plumbing or dental hygiene…then I think I’d be “normal”. 🙂


Shonn is in NYC plugging away at auditions too. We miss each other terribly, but talk everyday, twice a day…our cell phone bill is going to be the death of us. 🙂 We are constantly talking about wedding stuff. It seems so far away…but so close. I can’t wait! I just wanna be Mrs. Shonn Eric Wiley already. 🙂


Well…I’m sure I’m forgetting to say something about this week. I’m having lots of fun with Carolyn. We laugh a lot and watch cheesy things on TV (like  the Bachelorette and Joe Millionaire…or as Dad called it “Joe Bachelor”…oh Dad!)


Its kinda cloudy and rainy here…so the weather hasn’t been an “upper”. OH! I knew I was forgetting something. Carolyn cleaned my teeth for the first time last week. (“Look ma, no cavities!”) She said I have very good, clean, strong, teeth. We also made Custom Whitening Trays so I can be just like all the other LA people…have Day Glow White Teeth! I’ll really be like the Chesher Cat Mom!


So that’s it….long letter. Love to you all. I miss you.


Take care of yourselves, and again…Happy B-day Grams!

Meredith

From: RhythmPrincess@aol.com
Date: Wed, 26 Feb 2003 19:28:41 EST
Subject: Re: Sunday Letter
To: bill1229@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 230

YES< Miranda is so fucking cute!!!!’
   Thanks for your concern.
I am glad to know that everyone was thinking of me. I guess I never realized how strong I really am. Most people could Not go through what I went through and still breastfeed.
I am glad to be me!





Michelle
home  925-935-1060
cell   805-340-9020

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 9 Mar 2003 15:51:21 EST
Subject: Sunny Sunday
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, johnwill@attbi.com, Kyrahleigh@aol.com,
bill1229@wwmgmt.com, jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com,
mama_bear_y2k@hotmail.com, DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com,
JOHNOFALLTRADES@aol.com, Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org, RoxanneGambill@yahoo.com,
melaineph@sbcglobal.net
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 230

Hi All!


This weekend was 70 degrees with clear skies. It was gorgeous. To celebrate the good weather, Jonisha (my friend from AMDA) and I drove to Santa Barbara yesterday and sat on the beach, talked, laughed, had lunch on the pier, and walked along State Street to get ice cream. It was a wonderful day. Then this morning I slept in, and Carolyn got up and made coffee and cinnamon buns and we started watching the AMC channel that was playing the movie “Three Faces Of Eve.” It was crazy. I’ve always been interested in multiple personality people. Its fascinating. But most of the time Carolyn and I laughed, cause its such a stylized movie. 🙂


That was the weekend, now the week was full of more auditions and more auditions after that. Its hard to go week in and week out auditioning, doing well, and not getting cast. I went in for 2 movies this week and lost them both to a “name” actress. One of these days someone will decide to take a chance on a new face. Hopefully it will be mine. But I’m keeping my head up in the meantime. Being here in great weather, surrounded by flowers and green hills, makes it easier to deal with. The cold concrete snow covered NYC would be difficult now. Although I’d have Shonn there…that always brightens my day.


Next weekend I’m driving up to the Bay Area to go to Yosemite and check out the Awahnee again. Its “wedding weekend,” that’s what I’m calling it. I’m excited to drive up the coast. Never done that before. 🙂 Don’t worry (those of you who do) about me driving by myself. I’m a big girl. I can handle it. 🙂


The plan is that I stay in LA through March. Everyone has a “feeling” that I’ll book something before I leave. I don’t know if I will or not. Regardless I’ll be fine. 🙂


Shonn has an audition for the National Tour of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” on Monday. He’s really excited, as am I. Wish him luck! Cross your fingers. 🙂


Well, that was a quick and painless Sunday letter. 🙂 Hope all of you are well. Talk to you later.


Love,



Meredith

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2003 15:48:26 EST
Subject: My last Sunday in Sunny Cali – GO OSCARS!
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, johnwill@attbi.com, Kyrahleigh@aol.com,
bill1229@wwmgmt.com, jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com,
mama_bear_y2k@hotmail.com, DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com,
JOHNOFALLTRADES@aol.com, Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org, RoxanneGambill@yahoo.com,
melaineph@sbcglobal.net
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6011

Yes…


I booked my flight for Saturday morning the 28th to fly back to NYC. This week has been yet another amazingly close call to me relocating to Southern Cali, but alas…close but no cigar. The role was that of a “dumb blonde.” I screen tested for the Studio (FOX) and went on to Network (20th Century) on Fri. It was a piece of cake role to play. I think playing a “dumb blonde” is something I can do in my sleep. Don’t get any ideas…they say it takes a very smart person to play dumb. 🙂 I wasn’t even nervous. It was between 3 of us. All of us looking different. I believe when it gets down to that point. It has nothing to do with your ability. Its type, height, chemistry with the other actors, etc. We all read with 2 other girls who had been hired to play the other roles. I had the room laughing, it felt great. I did a great job. Who knows why I didn’t get picked. All I know is in this Pilot Season, when everyone warned me “you may not test at all. Its very rare to get tested your first time out.” And now nearing the end, I’ve tested and made it to Network for an ABC hour drama, and a FOX 1/2 hour comedy (one of each basically). I have beat the odds, and am very proud of myself. Its a freakin’ rat race out here. And if I didn’t love this? I would’ve given up a long time ago. 🙂 But I can’t…I love it too much. Just being able to make stuffy studio executives laugh out loud was enough adrenaline to get me through the next hurdle. It was such a rush! 🙂


So I have another audition set up for Tuesday. And like I’ve said…we’ll see. But if I pack up my things and head back to NYC unemployed…that’s ok too. I have had offers from NYC that I am looking to follow up on.


What am I trying to say? DON’T WORRY ABOUT ME.:) I know some of you are. Shonn and I both are going to keep trudging along and keep taking those baby steps to our “big break.” Now you know what actors go through. It’s not all glamour and glitz. 🙂


Aside from the “biz” I am having a great time here. Carolyn and I have been hanging out, cooking, enjoying the weather. I’ve been going to the gym out here, and gawking at all the beautiful people. Lots of “eye candy.” I can still look, just can’t touch. 🙂 Southern Cali is the land of the gorgeous people. Some brainless…but as long as they just don’t speak, their fine 🙂


Tonight, Carolyn and I are going to make some Bagel Pizza bites, Pot stickers, Taquitos, and more yummy finger foods and sit down to watch the OSCARS! It’s exciting. I want CHICAGO to sweep so there could be more movie musicals. 🙂 I think  they need it.


I purposely didn’t start this letter talking about the events that have taken place this week with Iraq, and the country going to war because I know all of our minds have been flooded with emotion this week. I don’t know how to feel about it all. I mean I’m sure all of us have our opinions. I just keep remembering the Twin Towers falling. And how I felt that day, and how I still feel. Sadness. Anger. Hopelessness in this world. I think of baby Michael and Miranda…and how the world is going to be when they are older? It is scary. I think about Russia, and the shock of how it felt to be there and the hostages. I wonder when its all going to end and when we will have peace. Not just America, but the world? I watched the Barbara Walter’s interviews with Iraq women who escaped Saddam’s rule 11 years ago. And how they were, and are tortured. Barbarically. It amazes me the ignorance I have that this kind of torture goes on in the world. I love to just hide away in America and pretend that everyone lives such a privileged life. But after being in the face of danger in Moscow, it has really opened my eyes to reality. I think I was just in denial. I, like so many other people, just want everyone in the world to be at peace. I don’t know if war is the answer…killing never is. But sitting back and letting terrorism continue isn’t the answer either.


Ok, I’ll get off my soap box now. I just wanted to tell you all that I love you. Family means more to me than ever these past few years. You never know when tragedy will strike nowadays. And holding the ones you love near and dear to your hearts is so important right now. And always.


All my love to you.

Talk to you soon.  



Meredith

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2003 19:19:20 EST
Subject: Truely my last Sunday in LA
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, johnwill@attbi.com, Kyrahleigh@aol.com,
bill1229@wwmgmt.com, jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com,
mama_bear_y2k@hotmail.com, DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com,
JOHNOFALLTRADES@aol.com, Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org, RoxanneGambill@yahoo.com,
melaineph@sbcglobal.net
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6011

Yes it is….


I extended my flight to leave on April 5th, and that’s as far as I am willing to extend. 🙂 So the job that awaits better bring its cute little self to a head in the next week. 🙂


Even if I don’t get a job, I’ll be fine. I’ve made some wonderful impressions out here and I feel good about the “work” I’ve done. It was funny, I was auditioning last week and I turned to the girl next to me in the waiting room and said, “Wasn’t this script funny? It’s such a great story.” And she said, “Oh wow, I don’t read the script until I get the part…even then sometimes I don’t!” And she giggled. Like that’s funny. I was thinking….”Is everyone here a model who wants to be an actor?” Obviously I was in the abnormal section of the audition cause I…uh…did my job and read the script. Weird. But being the optimistic person that I am I’m hoping she was the abnormal actress and that people here actually do care about the work and craft of acting. But I’m not holding my breath. From the looks of the cars and the smell of “green” coming from the Hollywood Hills, I’d say the motivation for any audition is “money, money, money, money,…..$$money$$!”


I’m sure the weather has had something to do with all the happy faces in LA, as well as mine. I am LOVING the weather, the green hills when I drive into the city, and the sun on my face and hair. I feel like I’ve come home…..well, that’s cause I have. So to speak. I missed driving up north the Pleasant Hill one more time before flying home. I was going to thid weekend, but I had a Saturday audition. Who’s ever heard of that? Its very common in Pilot Season. They are workaholic’s. Or let me rephrase that…”money, money, money, money,…..$$money$$!”


Michelle sent me the cutest message of Miranda and her giggling. Michelle was singing a melody to Miranda and she was gurgling and giggling, it was the cutest message. I saved it for Shonn to hear. Then I heard from Lainie that Michael was being a little terror this past week. He had to go on a time out. He’s not even at the “terrible two” stage! 🙂 Oh, he’s strong willed and independant. I can’t help but think its cute when I hear him say “No!” on the phone.


Carolyn and I have had a little bit of a cold the past week. But we’re ok. I can’t believe  I’ve been here for 2 months! The time has flown by. Although at times its been rough, busy, stressful, I’ve been really happy to have this time to spend with my big cousin. We’ve had pizza night, girlie movie night (Lifetime Movie Marathon), took a trip to Santa Barbara, shopping at the outlets, cooking Beth’s Apple Brownies for the church (they all want the recipe…I said its a family secret!), bought things off QVC, and so much more. Its been fun. She and I have laughed and cried together. Talked about family, her dad, her mom, Grandpa Clare, Grandpa Frank, and how we missed them. All except her mom….kidding. 🙂 Its been great.


So….I leave in a week. My flight leaves next Saturday afternoon out of Long Beach on Jet Blue at 1:55pm. I arrive in JFK airport at 10pm. Flight # 222.


I hope you all have a wonderful week full of happiess and health!


Talk to you soon,



Meredith

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 6 Apr 2003 17:49:12 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter! NY, NY!
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, johnwill@attbi.com, Kyrahleigh@aol.com,
bill1229@wwmgmt.com, jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com,
mama_bear_y2k@hotmail.com, DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com,
JOHNOFALLTRADES@aol.com, Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org, RoxanneGambill@yahoo.com,
melaineph@sbcglobal.net
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6014

Dear Everyone!


I am back in NYC and couldn’t be happier. And a huge part of that happinedd is being home with Shonn.


I got the earlier flight yesterday so I got home at about 8pm instead of 10. It was wonderful to come home, have dinner with Shonn and say our hello’s.


The apartment looks wonderful. I missed it. It’s bizarre, I haven’t really been home since Sept. before Russia. All the things that have happened since then blow my mind.


Leaving LA was hard. It was hard to say goodbye to Carolyn. The day before that Michelle, Michael and baby Miranda came to visit. We spent the whole day together. I’m so in love with that baby. And Michelle just glows that “new mother” glow. She’s radiant! We had so much fun playing with the baby and I sang to her. Which made me cry! I’m so sentimental! 🙂


This past week was busy. I got really close to more roles on TV, but no cigar. I’m actually waiting to hear about one more thing. A reaccuring role on a new TV series called “Rubbing Charlie”. I’d play Scott Wolf’s girlfriend. Its a 1/2 hour comedy. Really funny.


Now that I’m back in NYC I’m really excited to see where life takes me. And…after 2 years of not writing…I’m going to dive into writing music again. I called up a couple friends and a label that was interested in setting up with a writer and setting me up with a showcase at the Cutting Room. I think after that falling out with my producer/weirdo (sorry) Mr. Martino. I lost my interest in writing. I’ve found over the past 3 months I’ve been jotting down lyrics and humming melodies again. Music is such a part of my life I can’t imagine being without it. And I miss it. I miss the creativity. I’m planning to start recording again, some songs I’ve written years ago and never recorded. With or without a label, I’m going to make an album this year. That’s the plan.


I am also going to be auditioning like hell. I’ll keep you posted on what’s happening. Like all of you know, its an unpredictable lifestyle.


Shonn and I looked through some wedding stuff last night.   I have never been so excited to marry him! And Shonn showed me his new glasses! So cute! I love it. I’ll have to take a picture and put it on the family site.


By the way, i’ve been having so much fun updating the family tree on myfamily.com. I need help from the older and wiser….I don’t know most of the families birth cities and all. So when you are feeling like vegging in front of the TV, get online and do some history writing! 🙂 I got the Wiley Family on their too. I know Herb’s cousin (I think) did the family tree already back to the 1600’s. So cool! 🙂


Let’s see, what else…Shonn and I are having dinner tonight at a friends across the street. One of our groomsmen Kai Schmoll. I can’t wait to see everyone! Its been forever.


I can’t think of much else. Next week is Martin Wiley’s 90th birthday! Shonn and I are taking the train up to Maine on Friday and celebrating! Its going to be amazing.


Oh, Mom…I guess I inheirited the family “Weather Witch” genes! It’s going to snow here tommorrow…3-4 inches. Shonn blames me…:) Weather Witch Jr. 🙂


Love you all! Hope this finds you well.


Lots of love,
Meredith & Shonn


From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sat, 19 Apr 2003 15:22:32 EDT
Subject: Easter Sunday!
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, johnwill@attbi.com, Kyrahleigh@aol.com,
bill1229@wwmgmt.com, jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com,
mamabear@mama-bears-den.com, DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com,
JOHNOFALLTRADES@aol.com, Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org, RoxanneGambill@yahoo.com,
rktracy@gwi.net, rsoller@cass.net, bobjen@megalink.net,
melaineph@sbcglobal.net
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HAPPY EASTER!

I can’t believe it is already Easter 2003! Time flies! Shonn and I had a great week. The weather was beautiful, coming home from Maine was wonderful and sad. We love being up there, seeing family, and taking in the gorgeous landscape! It always puts our minds at ease.


Since we got back the weather has been a little screwy! It was in the high 70’s one day, tne the next day it was in the 40’s! Ugh…I didn’t know what to wear. 🙂


Well, first…before anything… I want to pray for Uncle Barry, and Aunt Betty. Yesterday I got a call from Lainie saying that Barry suffered a massive stroke and is in the hospital. His speech and movement are suffering. I wanted to jump on a plane and come home! When I get phone calls like that I realize nothing in the world matters more than family. Aunt Betty is in the hospital for her Emphezema. I guess she can’t survive without oxygen now. Her number for the hospital is 925-296-9853. She’s in room 346. I wasn’t able to get through, but I’m going to try again today.  I don’t know the information for Uncle Barry. If anyone does, please pass it along to me so I can call. I tried to call cousin Bobby, but couldn’t get through either. I hope everyone is ok.


It’s great to be home with friends and of course, Shonn. Being in LA was a wonderful opportunity, but with the start of the war and all the uncertainty that is going on with the world…I realize its just a job, its just an audition. Like I said, “I can survive through Moscow. I can survive through anything.” I just wish I could be closer to family. Soon I will be…


Michelle just sent Shonn and I the CUTEST picture of Baby M! 🙂 Oh, she is a dollface. I learned some of her nicknames from Michelle too. I’ll share them with you.


Nana calls her Suger Plum (cause she was born at Christmas time!) or when she acts up she’s called “Suger Buger”…”Shuggie Buggie” or “Buger Baby”! I LOVE it! then of course Lainie calls her “Peaches”, “Peach Face” or our favorite…”She’s so F-ing cute!” No swearing…:) I guess I call her all of the above, but more “Dollface” than anything.  Then there’s “Cinnabun Belly” cause her bellybutton is in the shape of a cinnamon swirl! 🙂 “Girlie Boo” or “Cutie Patootie”


But I love to hear Michelle say, “Miranda…Mommy’s Baby” in her little girl voice! Its adorable! 🙂 Michelle taped her laughing on her voicemail and I got to hear the whole thing. She belly laughs now! Happy First Easter Miranda! 🙂


Baby Michael is growing up SO fast! Lainie called Shonn and I and put him on the phone laughing! He has this amazingly contagious laugh! And he loves it when Lainie growls at him. Its so funny. He loves to say “No”…which he’s been doing for awhile. But I just learned he can say “Mommy”…and he kisses over the phone. He kissed Shonn and I. All we hear is a “Mmmmah!” It is so cute! Shonn has yet to see him walking and running. He cannot WAIT until Sept when Mike, Lainie and the Huthinator come to NYC for their friends wedding. 🙂 We get to babysit! YEAH!


I have some good news, I got an industrial. I have been asked to perform in Washington D.C. …not sure where…for The American Cancer Society fundraiser benefit. I don’t know all the details but it will be the first part of June. I’m very happy its for charity. Also I have been asked to be the host of the Huntington’s Disease Society’s Women of Distinction Dinner in the Fall. I’m in meetings with the society about the dates. It will be in San Fran…so I’ll get to be home! 🙂


As far as theater auditions…its a little slow to say the least. Not much B’way going on. It makes me think I should’ve taken the offer to play “Sandy” in GREASE at Papermill. But…I’m not worried. I’m very happy and have money I’ve saved to live off. Although…it won’t last forever living in NYC! 🙂 Next week I’m auditioning for a movie to play a singer/songwriter and I have been playing the guitar (brushing up on my already sad playing technique!) And I’ve become a decent player. I can accompany myself. And I even wrote a new song in the meantime. I haven’t really had any creative juices flowing in the past 2 years. Doing “corporate theater” and frankly the same show 900 times can make your creativity a little stale. 🙂 So its nice to be able to sit at the piano and guitar and play! 🙂 I’m meeting a piano player who I used to work with at the St. Regis. He’s brilliant. We’re going to start writing together tomorrow. I can’t WAIT!


When Shonn and I were in Maine last weekend Muriel, Granpa Martin’s girlfriend, gave us a piece of her geranum plant so we could grow our own. We put it in a pot with fresh soil on Monday and its rooted! Its so pretty. The leaves are fuzzy! 🙂 So we have a new plant to play with. I woke up one morning to the sun and I saw that all the leaves were turned towards the sunlight. It was cute! (I know, I’m getting all excited about a plant for God sake! 🙂 I also bought some seeds for spring flowers. We planted them. They said it would take 10 days to germinate…but the little flower stems are coming out! Shonn and I were so excited. They are white and blue flowers. Like the wedding colors. 🙂


Speaking of the Wedding. Mom, Shonn and I picked the date and the alternative ones. So, we’ll talk. No stress. 🙂


Well, this is a long letter. 🙂 I feel like I’m in Moscow.


This weekend Shonn and I and pretty much our Wedding Party. (Our closest friends: Kirsten, AJ, Shari, Kai, Kerri and Eric) are going out to see the new Christopher Guest Movie “A Might Wind”…then on Easter we are having Ham, Carrots, Snow Peas, Twice Baked Potatoes, Rolls, Wine and laughter! 🙂 It’ll be great.


So I’m sending this letter early this weekend. Cause its really Saturday! Gotta go shopping.


Hope you have a wonderful weekend.


Love you!



Merie & Uncle Shonn 

Embedded Content: Ricepaper3.jpg: 00000001,717cdade,00000000,00000000
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2003 13:12:43 EDT
Subject: Late Sunday letter
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, johnwill@attbi.com, Kyrahleigh@aol.com,
bill1229@wwmgmt.com, jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com,
mamabear@mama-bears-den.com, DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com,
Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org, RoxanneGambill@yahoo.com, rktracy@gwi.net,
rsoller@cass.net, bobjen@megalink.net, melaineph@sbcglobal.net
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6014

Hey


I didn’t have a chance to get online yesterday, Monday or Sunday. Something was wrong with the DSL connection. Then I realized this morning it was because I was cleaning and accidentally unplugged the phone jack! He he he. 🙂


Well, I hope your week was great. Mine was…hard to remember. Everyday seems to blend together. Haven’t had much luck in the auditions department. but I’m sure things will pick up. When its rains it pours…but when there’s a drought….ugh.


Shonn and I bought a new addition to the family. Well, since we got back from Russia, our fish died. So the tank is once again empty. All except…the survivor…Jolson “The Mammy” Frog. Throughout all the vacancies in that tank, that frog has lived on! He’s getting bigger too. It’s very exciting. So, with Mammy in there all by himself, we decided to buy some frogs and possibly a turtle. (Yes, bordom had set in)


So while doing many other errands Shonn and I ventured down to the 14th street Petland Discounts to shop for our new pets. We get there and I asked the clerk “Where might I find the baby turtles and baby frogs?” He snapped at me and said, “Baby Turtles are illegal!” I swear you could hear a pin drop! “Oh, sorry I didn’t know that.” Then after he calmed down he said, “The baby frogs are right here. Brown or Albino?” Ew…the Albino ones eat your fish and they have yellow eyes! Nyet on the Albinos….I said, “I take two brown ones.” then as he was bagging up my frogs I tenatively asked ” Um, why are baby turtles illegal? I never heard that before.” He looked up at me and said, “They carry Salminilla and can only be sold once they pass a certain length.” Oh….I guess then they have no more Salminnilla? Weird. So instead of pressing the issue. I took my frogs, got some tank filters and food and left. As I was leaving a guy whispered to me, as if he was selling drugs or something, ” I know where you can get baby turtles” I looked at him questioning why he was telling me this. He went on to say, ” They sell them in Chinatown. But be careful. Always wash your hands.” Then he looked around to see if anyone heard him and left the store. It was so funny to me! Like a freakin’ Seinfeld episode!


Since the frogs are babies we couldn’t put them in the big tank yet, so we got a “Nursery” for the two babies. they are cute. Really small compared to Mammy. They said if we put them in the tank with Mammy too soon, he’ll eat them. So we’re gonna wait a few months until they are bigger.


Since this letter is so late, I’m going to fill you in on Shonn’s Dad’s surgery he had yesterday. He’s fine. I spoke with him this morning, and aside from the fact that he’s high on painkillers…he’s great. He’s starting to get a little tingling in his arm which is a good sign. I am SO glad the surgery went well and its over. The Wiley men aren’t easy to deal with when they are scared and nervous. 🙂 But I love ’em!


Shonn’s been in Mighigan all weekend, so I was able to go crazy cleaning, scrapbooking, and orgainizing the house! Its all done, and I love the Feng Shui Feeling! 🙂


Nothing else to tell really. I’ve been writing some songs again. I haven’t had the need to do that in about 2 years. I felt like I lost my creativity. Now I have the time to be creative. It’s a good feeling.


Lots of love all around! I hope all is well!


Merie

Embedded Content: Ricepaper6.jpg: 00000001,2a4801fc,00000000,00000000
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 4 May 2003 14:18:19 EDT
Subject: Good Day Sunday!
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, johnwill@attbi.com, Kyrahleigh@aol.com,
bill1229@wwmgmt.com, jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com,
mamabear@mama-bears-den.com, DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com,
Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org, RoxanneGambill@yahoo.com, rktracy@gwi.net,
rsoller@cass.net, bobjen@megalink.net, melaineph@sbcglobal.net
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6014

Hello Everyone!


I hope you are enjoying this wonderful Sunday!


Shonn and I slept in and woke up to sunshine peeking through our curtains. 🙂 That’s always a great sign that the day will be wonderful. 🙂


We have had some Granny Smith Apples sitting in a bowl in the kitchen, patiently waiting to be eaten for 2 weeks. Being very ripe and very yummy, I decided on a whim this morning to bake them into the Infamous Apple Brownies! I started chopping and peeling the apples and Shonn leapt in the kitchen and said with wide eyes, “You gonna make Apple Brownies?! YUM!” And with that he went to the front room and switched on the basketball game. 🙂 


I put the brownies in the oven for 40 minutes and sat down next to Shonn. There had been this program on the History Channel that we had been wanting to see that Shonn switched the channel to. It’s called “Reign of Terror.” It is a series of the most feared rulers in the world. This episode was the one we wanted to see. Tzars of Russia: Ivan the Terrible! So cool! While we were in Russia we saw a lot of paintings and statues of Ivan and heard stories of his horrible reign. As we started watching, we realized how gruesome of a ruler he was. He tortured people in ways you wouldn’t even dream of. And we learned he thought up most of his tortures while attending Sunday mass. Kinda sacrilegious huh? One of the tortures that struck me was boiling people in hot oil. Not just putting them in a bath of oil, but pouring the hot oil in their throat and letting their insides boil. YUCK!


Ok, ok, I don’t want you to think we thrive on seeing programs like this, Shonn and I actually wanted to watch it to see the landscape of Russia. I realized as I was watching it, I miss Russia. It was an amazing city to live in. I am still amazed that I was there. Looking at the TV and saying, “Hey I know where that is. I’ve been there.” It was nostalgic and made me wonder how Vladymir and his family are doing. I miss him.


This past week has been tough. No auditions. Not much of anything exciting. Things are really slow right now. I’ve been biding my time with working out at the gym and doing research and planning for the wedding. Which is great and a lot of fun. Basically all last week was waiting for the next audition, or wondering when or if I have to get a day job? That’s the life. Starring on Broadway one minute….unemployed actor the next. 🙂


I read a really great book this week called The Four Agreements. I’ve actually beed trying to finish it for a month and I just did. Its an amazing book. Very enlightening.


I worried about Mom this week. She had surgery on her esophagus on Wednesday. She’s fine now. But they are waiting for the biopsy results. I think she has a hernia in her throat, but she seems to be on the upswing.


Herb had surgery on his spine, to remove bone spurs and relieve pressure on a nerve that runs down his left arm, on Monday. He’s recovering and doing well except for the pain. He is getting feeling back in his left arm. During the surgery the clamp on his head slipped and gave him 6 stitches. That wasn’t fun. I think it was staples not stitches. Ugh….the thought of it make me nauseous.


Pray for speedy recoveries for Mom and Herb.


As for this week coming up, I have a movie audition. That should be fun. Its an independent film. There may be a theater audition for me. My first one all year! Crazy! I’ll let you know how it goes.


Don’t forget….Next week in Mother’s Day!
And Shonn’s birthday is 2 weeks from today! 🙂 


Lots of love!

Have a great week!



Merie

Embedded Content: Ricepaper11.jpg: 00000001,660a55f0,00000000,00000000
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Fri, 16 May 2003 17:44:57 EDT
Subject: Good News!
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, johnwill@attbi.com, Kyrahleigh@aol.com,
bill1229@wwmgmt.com, jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com,
mamabear@mama-bears-den.com, DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com,
Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org, RoxanneGambill@yahoo.com, rktracy@gwi.net,
rsoller@cass.net, bobjen@megalink.net, melaineph@sbcglobal.net
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6014

I know I missed last Sunday’s letter…I was in California. But I PROMISE this week will be chock full of things to tell.


First, this can’t wait until Sunday.
It’s official today (even thought some of you have already heard)
I was offered the starring role of “Polly” in THE BOYFRIEND at The Bay Street Theatre under the direction of Julie Andrews! She will be making her directorial debut. And I will be playing the role she starred in on Broadway almost 50 years ago. Crazy huh? (Lois can you believe it!) 


I sang for Miss Andrews on Tuesday and she was so lovely. I am so excited to work with her. So far I have heard that the cast includes Leslie Ann Warren, and Tony Roberts (who I worked with in Follies and haven’t seen since) I’m so excited! (I know I’ve said that already.)


The run of the show is really short, so if you want to come out to the Hamptons and see me I would love it. I think it’s due for a Broadway revival! 🙂


Lots of love.

Talk to you Sunday!



Merie



ps. Being cast in this show means I’m unable to attend my 10 year High School Reunion. Oh, bummer. 🙂 Can’t see Amy. 🙁


Info on the theatre:

Click here: Bay Street Theatre – 2003 Season

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 18 May 2003 14:51:17 EDT
Subject: Sunday Birthday Letter!
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, johnwill@attbi.com, Kyrahleigh@aol.com,
bill1229@wwmgmt.com, jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com,
mamabear@mama-bears-den.com, DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com,
Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org, RoxanneGambill@yahoo.com, rktracy@gwi.net,
rsoller@cass.net, bobjen@megalink.net, melaineph@sbcglobal.net,
McAllister+Sunrise@hotmail.com
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Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday Shonn Wiley!

Happy Birthday to you!

Yes, oh yes. This Sunday is a wonderful one. At 1:01pm Mr. Shonn Wiley turned 26! Yipee! We slept in and I made him butter pecan coffee, homemade hash browns (the real stuff, not frozen), eggs, turkey bacon, all smothered with Louisiana hot sauce. Just like he likes it! 🙂 And …I even did the dishes afterwards. 🙂 I’m a wife in training. 🙂


Last night our friends got together and saw THE MATRIX Reloaded! 🙂 Oh My God….it was so cool! You have to see it. Shonn and I were loving every minute of it. What a great movie. The fight scenes are unreal. I won’t spoil it, just go see it. 🙂 Then afterwards we went to our favortie mexican place in NYC. “Arriba, Arriba!”. We had Papa Margharita’s and California Burritos! Yummy! It was a great night.


In our drunken stooper we decided to name our new baby frogs “Neo” and “Trinity”. The characters in THE MATRIX! And since Mammy Frog has grown so much, and doesn’t really show his “mammy hands” anymore. He just jumps and lands on things (a la THE MATRIX) we decided this morning to change his name to “Morpheus”. Like Laurence Fishburne’s character. (We’re so weird like that).


Well, as I wrote this past week I got a job offer. So excited about Julie Andrews. That’s going to be so fun! Shonn will be going off to Conneticut around the same time to do “Camille Claudel” a new musical, then hopefully onto Broadway with “Never Gonna Dance” …in the chorus. Damn… someday he’ll get his big break and everyone will wonder “Where’d this guy come from?” No one ever realizes you’ve been there all along….


I’ve been doing a lot of Wedding planing this week. Getting ready to send in the application for The Awhanee Hotel in Yosemite, and going over my lists of to do’s. While I was in California. My mom, sister and I found the center pieces for the tables. That was easy! 🙂 It’s so funny that’s the first thing we’ve purchases for the wedding. 🙂 They are going to be stunning. I’m not telling what they are…surprise, surprise. 🙂


I went to the dermatologist this week and had a little mole removed off my nose. It HURT! They shaved it off, but before they even shaved it…they stuck a novicaine needle in my nose. That’s what hurt! Isn’t it ironic that to numb you, they hurt you…and badly! My eyes teared up and I wanted to sneeze. Ugh. So…anyway…I’m walking around with a little bandage on my nose…it feels like a huge piece of scotch tape. I have to keep it there for about a week so it will heal. (Lainie, it was the same kind of mole you have on your nose. Remember I told you I was getting rid of it? IT HURT!)


So…I’ve been slacking off on going to the gym, I’ve been spending lots of time orgainizing, spring cleaning, cooking, baking, sewing, and hanging with the Wiley man. 🙂 Life’s good.


I hope all is well with you. (I feel like I’m forgetting something, but no. I just like to blab about everything. 🙂


Talk to you later!



Love,



Merie

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 26 May 2003 12:25:12 EDT
Subject: Memorial Day Letter
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, johnwill@attbi.com, Kyrahleigh@aol.com,
bill1229@wwmgmt.com, jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com,
mamabear@mama-bears-den.com, DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com,
Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org, RoxanneGambill@yahoo.com, rktracy@gwi.net,
rsoller@cass.net, bobjen@megalink.net, melaineph@sbcglobal.net
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Happy Memorial Day

I  hope this letter finds you reflecting on happy thoughts of soldiers who you are remembering. It is the happy times that I’m sure they’d like you to remember. 🙂 I woke up today thinking of my Grandpa Clare. I know he didn’t die in a war, but he loved the Navy and I always associate him with the military. And my friend Jason who was a Marine and loved  it. I believe Memorial Day should be a day to remember all armed forces men, not just the ones who dies  in battle, but the ones who loved being a part of the Military and loved serving our country.


The meaning of Memorial Day


Memorial Day, also called Decoration Day, is a patriotic holiday in the United States. It is a day to honor Americans who gave their lives for their country. Originally, Memorial Day honored military personnel who died in the Civil War (1861-1865). The holiday now also honors those who died in any war while serving the United States.


And it should honor all of those who chose to become a member of the United States Military. Ok, ok…I’ll get off my soap box now. 🙂


It was hard to wake up this morning! Not because of Memorial Day but because its so gray and rainy outside! Its almost June and the weather this past week has been in the 50’s and gray! It’s sad. But, Shonn and I are catching up on our old movie musicals. We ordered some yummy Chinese Food and watched THREE LITTLE WORDS with Fred Astaire and Red Skelton. If you haven’t seen it, its one to rent! So cute!


That was last night. Today we just got up and opened the drapes and sighed, a little dissapointed that we couldn’t go to South Street Seaport and enjoy Memorial Day Celebrations. And the museams are closed. And there really aren’t any movies we’d like to go see. So…I think we are going to do a little wedding planning today. 🙂 Put together the guest list…since we are anxiously waiting to hear if we get the date June 26th 2004. Mom sent in the application and we are all holding our breath!  Ugh…



I think I told you last week that we changed the name of Mammy Frog to “Morpheus” because he is so HUGE (and we love the Matrix). The baby frogs, who are in their own little nursery container, we named “Neo” and “Trinity” (also from the Matrix). They have been with us for a little over a month now and have doubled in size. Its GREAT! But…we are not ready to mix them together. Morpheus will eat them for sure. But…I think one is a female! Eeek! Cause one of the babies is brown and one is gray (The gray one we named “Trinity”) we think she is a girl. I hope we aren’t breeding baby water frogs anytime soon!? I’ll let you know. 🙂


I attached a Mother’s Day 2003 photo of me and Baby Manda! I LOVE it! She is so frekin’ cute. 🙂 Peach Face! I miss her, and Baby Scootle Bug.


BUT



GOOD NEWS!



It’s Official! Shonn and I are flying to California for a whole week! June 23rd-June 30th! We will be mostly doing wedding stuff…but we booked the tickets (Jet Blue) and are flying out! 🙂 The 27th, 28th and 29th we will be in YOSEMITE. But the rest of the week we will be hanging out with the FAM and THE ‘RENTS! Love it! Excited!


Ok, ok…I know it’s been a long letter. Nothing more to tell you. I start rehearsals with Miss Julie A on July 7th. I’m writing music (yes, I dusted off the old piano) and collaborating for the first time in about 2 years! I am planning a show this Fall. I’m gonna just jump right in and give music a real shot. I’m also working with a film score composer on my instrumental album. He’s arranging it. I hope to produce it and have it out by next year. That will be a HUGE accomplishment. I’ve been dying to get that done for 3 years. 🙂


You know I could go on forever. 🙂 But I won’t.
I love to hear about all of you and what you’re up to.
Let me know.

Write if you have a spare moment.



All my love!

Have a great week!

Merie (and Shonn subconciously)

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2003 12:42:51 EDT
Subject: Sunday/Monday letter
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, johnwill@attbi.com, Kyrahleigh@aol.com,
bill1229@wwmgmt.com, jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com,
mamabear@mama-bears-den.com, DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com,
Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org, RoxanneGambill@yahoo.com, rktracy@gwi.net,
rsoller@cass.net, bobjen@megalink.net, melaineph@sbcglobal.net,
mort@lodelink.com
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Hey Everyone!


I hope this past weekend was wonderful for everyone! The weather in NYC left us wet and drabby. 🙂 (is that a word?)


I started this Sunday letter…yesterday (which was Sunday) and I didn’t save the letter and it was all lost! 🙁 So here’s a quick recap…..


-I have a callback for a commercial today…yeah! Wish me luck.
-Shonn is going in for yet another soap opera! 🙂 Wish him luck. I’ve always  known he was soap opera gorgeous…now its time for the rest of the world to know.
-Mike Huth got an award! Check www.myfamily.com
-Baby Michael is cutting molars! He’s not a baby anymore. I cannot WAIT to see him and Miranda the end of the month.
-Its June…thank god

-I’m writing music with a studio musician named Glenn. He is a wonderful musician. After a 2-3 year dry spell. I’m going to try to revive my writing and record some music again. Possibly do a fall show in NYC.
-Planning the wedding! Waiting 24 more days ’til we find out if we got the date for Yosemite!


That’s about it. Sorry its such a short brief letter…next time I’ll remember to “save” my letter. 🙂


Love ya!

Merie

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 22 Jun 2003 13:27:48 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, johnwill@attbi.com, Kyrahleigh@aol.com,
bill1229@wwmgmt.com, jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com,
mamabear@mama-bears-den.com, DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com,
Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org, RoxanneGambill@yahoo.com, rktracy@gwi.net,
rsoller@cass.net, bobjen@megalink.net, melaineph@sbcglobal.net,
mort@lodelink.com
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I’m going back to Cali, Cali Cali!


Shonn and I leave bright and early tomorrow! We have a flight at 7:10am to Oakland. We get in at 10am. Funny how we are chasing the clock! Love that!


Shonn’s at a callback right now for the role of “Rocky Dennis” in the musical version of the Cher movie “The Mask”. Remember that movie? Shonn and I own it. I love it! Brilliant. I just hope the show does it justice. 🙂


We’re packing today, making sure we have everything for our fun filled week! We can’t wait! Shonn is so excited to see the babies again. He’s never seen Baby Michael walk, and hasn’t seen Miranda since she was 3 days old. He’s in for a surprise! Miranda has doubled her weight since birth, Michelle told me. Little peach is porkin’! 🙂


I was scanning some photos in the computer this morning. I’m going to put some on www.myfamily.com . Here’s one of my favorites
I know Beth is smiling right now. 🙂 These are her babies! Shonn and Kyrah in 1983. I always tell Shonn that Kyrah was cuter. 🙂 Look at her little face! 🙂 You know, it still really hurts Shonn that he wasn’t there for Kyrah’s graduation. He’s learned not to let the possibility of an audition determine what’s important in life. I agree. I got a call on Friday that I had an audition for a TV Series on Monday. Without hesitation I said, “Sorry I’m with my family that day.” I make sure my agent knows when I’m out of town, and whatever comes up, comes up. It wasn’t meant to be for me. I don’t want to sacrifice what’s important in life anymore. Family is important. We both have always known that. We just wish to god we lived closer. Someday we will. We’ll have the house in California, the lodge in Maine, and the apartment in NYC. And all three residences will always be in the family. That’s the way it should be. Passed down to the next generation.
Lainie and Mike are selling their condo. They made a really smart investment in that place. Since they’ve got another baby on the way (I hope that was ok for me to announce. 🙂 They are going to try to find a house. If I had a million I would buy you one guys! In a heartbeat. You need a big lawn to throw a ball with baby michael. 🙂 It’s so exciting to hear that your having a baby Lainie! I think of it often, and I pray its a little girl. But I know you said it doesn’t matter. Michael’s got Miranda, who is like a sister right? Plus to have another little Huthy running around! Oh! I LOVE it!


Well, Not much else is happening in the world of Shonn and Merie. 🙂 We’re just rearing up to fly to Cali. I want to see Grandma B’s red scooter, and give her a big kiss! I bet baby Michael loves to ride on that thing too huh?


Oh, Shonn and I have decided to start running together. Now I’m not much of a runner. I have never been into it. But Shonn and I are there to motivate eachother. I don’t mind the gym, but I don’t like running and staring at a wall. It doesn’t seem natural. So, we’re going to do some running when we’re in Cali. I told Shonn we could just run around the park, or on the canal road. Shonn has been really good about running this past week. Me….not so much.


Well, nothing else is on my mind but going home. 🙂 I have been waiting for this week since thr last time I was home. I LOVED surprising you Mom. I still think about that look on your face when you said, “You look like my daughter, but my daughter’s in New York!”  So freakin’ cute!


Ok, ok…I’m off! See you all on Monday. And for those of you I won’t see, I wish I could.


Have a great week!



Merie and Shonn

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 6 Jul 2003 12:31:34 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, johnwill@attbi.com, Kyrahleigh@aol.com,
bill1229@wwmgmt.com, jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com,
mamabear@mama-bears-den.com, DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com,
Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org, RoxanneGambill@yahoo.com, rktracy@gwi.net,
rsoller@cass.net, bobjen@megalink.net, melaineph@sbcglobal.net,
mort@lodelink.com
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Well!


Hello all!



I am safe and back in the stinky, sweaty, humid NYC! 🙂 Lovely huh? When I left 2 weeks ago it was lightening, thunder, and 50 degrees at times…I got off the plane yesterday and felt like I was trapped in a very small bathroom after a steaming hot shower! 🙂 Nice huh?


Aside from the weather…it was great to see Shonn! We made marinated steaks on our grill last night, and macaroni salad. It was very “5th of July BBQ Party” here at the apt.


Last week was chock full of wedding mania! It started with meeting with a wonderful husband and wife photography team (who will be doing the wedding)! Then moving to looking at flowers and having a bridal gown fitting.  Which resulted in me finding the dress! I have it! I know it’s so soon, but I found the one! 🙂 It was easier to find the perfect wedding dress than the perfect husband. Where had you been all my life Shonn!? 🙂


I don’t want to bore you with all the details…those of you who have already gone through the wedding planning know that it’s a lot more than you think. But it’s also a lot of fun. We have booked our videographer and photographer, the reception and ceremony site, and I got the dress. I say the Major things are covered! 🙂 Thank God. Now I can start rehearsals (this Tuesday) and rest easy, knowing there isn’t much to stress about.


This past week, aside from the wedding I id a lot of wonderful things. I went swimming with Grandma B, Michelle and Miranda. That was so fun! 🙂 I saw Baby Michael get his first haircut! He’s not a little baby anymore, he’s a real boy! 🙂 We all went to a BBQ for the 4th of July at The Greenblatt’s, I LOVED that! Then we all saw Fireworks coming from College Park. Baby Michael and Miranda saw their first fireworks. Michael would say, “ooo” and point, then clap. Miranda just looked towards the light. She saw them. Next year they are both going to be so cute! Last but certainly not least, my bro Rob took me on a date last week! We went and saw “Finding Nemo” at the theater’s in Pleasant Hill. It was so adorable! I love that movie, I’m going to go see it again with Shonn.


Well, I’m just taking care of some mail, bills, housework today. Nothing big.  I hope you are all enjoying your Sunday!


Lots of love,



Merie

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2003 08:46:33 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter….
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com, Margo2513@aol.com,
RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com,
Mattlacey@aol.com, johnwill@attbi.com, Kyrahleigh@aol.com,
bill1229@wwmgmt.com, jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com,
mamabear@mama-bears-den.com, DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com,
Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org, RoxanneGambill@yahoo.com, rktracy@gwi.net,
rsoller@cass.net, bobjen@megalink.net, melaineph@sbcglobal.net,
mort@lodelink.com
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…..for the past two weeks has yet to be written….:)


I know, I know I have left you hanging! This weekend has been quite a rush of adrenaline (and I need it because I haven’t slept much!) But I swear I am going to keep up this tradition and write very soon. 🙂


Shonn leaves on Monday for Goodspeed to start the show “Camille Claudel” so…when he’s gone and I have too much time on my hands…I will come in and fill you in on all the details of life here in the Big A.


Until then, it’s 8:45 here. I have to slap some make-up on my face and get ready for rehearsals. Last night Shonn and I watched the DVD of “Mary Poppins”….Oh that movie, and Julie is amazing! But, God! Why did we do that! Now I’m nervous to go to work. 🙂


So good bye for now…to be continued! 🙂


Love,

Meredith Patterson

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sat, 26 Jul 2003 11:06:13 EDT
Subject: Finally a Sunday Letter!
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, Swileynyc@aol.com, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com,
GHindes@aol.com, jshaul@jps.net, nsbhealy@yahoo.com, LoisGrandi@aol.com,
Margo2513@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, hwiley@tc3net.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
RhythmPrincess@aol.com, brukj@yahoo.com, Mattlacey@aol.com,
johnwill@attbi.com, Kyrahleigh@aol.com, bill1229@wwmgmt.com,
jmorte@us.ibm.com, jgrexton@carsonmktg.com, mamabear@mama-bears-den.com,
DHindes@aga-ca.com, Grenhouse@gunnison.com, Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org,
RoxanneGambill@yahoo.com, rktracy@gwi.net, rsoller@cass.net,
bobjen@megalink.net, melaineph@sbcglobal.net, mort@lodelink.com,
rigo@lendingcorner.com
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Hello everyone!

I cannot believe how off track I’ve been with my weekly letters.
And at a time when all of you are on pins and needles to find out what is going on with The Boy Friend! 🙂 

 

Well, first off, for those of you living under a rock, here is a quick review of what Julie Andrews is all about. (I found this little website and its wonderful!)
Click here: Julie Andrews

We started rehearsals about 2 weeks ago at the Manhattan Theater Club on 43rd Street. The very same room that I auditioned for the show in. I was so nervous with anticipation I didn’t know what to do! I soon realized upon entering the building that the entire rest of the cast was feeling the exact same way! It was like the first day of school….with Julie Andrews as your teacher. 🙂 I honestly think all of us were working ourselves into a frenzy ever since we got cast in this show.
Wondering what it would be like to work with Ms. Andrews. (Just to be in the same room with her for a 10 minute audition was nerve racking!)

 

Now, she never made any of us at the audition fear anything. She was warm and open and smiling at everything and everyone. She is an absolutely sunny, bright and charming woman. It was all of us that were whipping ourselves up into a frenzy thinking, “We have to sing for “Maria!”, “Mary Poppins!” You know… all those thoughts were rumbling around in our heads.

 

So…on the first day of rehearsal it was nice to know I wasn’t the only one who was nervous.

We all entered the room, saying hello, introducing ourselves, and I must say the room was filled with a lot of people! It looked like a Broadway show was starting. Not a regional Bay Street production. Tony Walton..the very famous set designer who is working on the show (and also Julie’s ex husband) came right up to me with this huge smile saying, “Hello Meredith, do you remember me fro A Christmas Carol?” I almost laughed at his humble nature..he’s a Tony award winner for god sake!  I said, “Remember you!?
I was the one dancing inside an Orange!” For those of you who don’t know I did A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden for 3 Christmas seasons and Tony did the sets. I was just a chorus girl dancing in…like I said, an Orange.
(Oh, its a long story).

 

We were all mingling and introducing ourselves. We were told it was time to all sit down to begin our “read through” of the play. (Which is basically exactly how it sounds, we sit down and read through the show playing our characters.) We sat down at a long table that looked like we were about to have a “business meeting”. We sat at random. Somehow I ended up sitting at one end of the table (it could either be called the head or the foot!)

 

Then at exactly 10am…in walked Ms. Andrews!

 

Full of energy and vitality! She said, “Good morning everyone! Hello!” You would’ve thought she was 25 years old the way she was up and chipper. I immediatly started singing in my head. “Oh, it’s a jolly holiday with Mary. Mary makes your heart so light!”

 

I coudln’t help but smile from ear to ear. There she was. Mary Poppins, Iliza Doolittle, Maria Von Trapp…I never thought when I was a kid that someday I would be working with Ms. Julie Andrews. I never even thought I would have the pleasure of even meeting her. And now here I am, about to start working in the same room with her. Having her guide my every move on stage. It was a very special moment of realization. I know it sound cheesy…but it was yet another dream come true.  And as I looked around I saw that we were all feeling the same way.

 

Julie started out the morning with a wonderful speech of her excitement for this new project. How she, at age 19, debuted on Broadway in this very show and now she (almost 50 years later…she couldn’t believe) is making her directorial debut. I could tell she was overcome with emotion. The room was full of electricity. We all knew this was something very special to her…and to all of us. I could already tell this was a woman who didn’t take things lightly and never took things for granted. She realizes her fortunate life and it made us all love her even more (if that was possible). 

 

We were all a little scared that we were going to have to sing through our songs on this first read through. Being that none of us knew them (expect for listening to the album) my palms were sweating at the thought.
Before we began Julie said, “Now if you really want to sing your songs I will let you, although If I was in your shoes I know I’d be mortified to have to sing without any rehearsal. So…with that said, let’s just have Larry (our musical director) sing through the songs alright?” We all applauded Julie and gave a sigh of relief! Oh, it’s so nice to have a director who knows what it’s like to be in our shoes!

 

We read through the play and I laughed at how amazing everyone already was just sitting in a chair. I knew this was going to be a very special experience for me no matter what.

 

When we finished our read through Julie and everyone in the room clapped! Julie said how pleased she was. And we were to go start learning some of the music.
Before that Julie said, “I would love for everyone to write out your character’s bio. Think about where they came from, how they got to this little town of Nice, France (where the show takes place) what are there needs and wants in this story.” It was so refreshing to hear an actors point of view immediatly in the process.

 

The next day we brought in our chracterazations and read them to Julie. she was delighted and laughing at our inventions! Here is my characterazation if you’d like to read it:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

POLLY BROWNE

 

Polly Browne was born Polly Anne Browne to Pascal and Percival Browne in London, England in the winter of 1908.
Polly’s mother was a striking French beauty born and raised middle class family and Percival is a handsome British upper class man had inherited tremendous wealth from his father’s shipping business. They were very much in love with each other and with their only daughter, Polly.
Polly’s father loves her, but has been away on business most of her childhood. There is still a genuine love and connection through letters of correspondence over the years, and they both wish there were more time to spend together. Polly grew up with her Mother always by her side. Her mother was her best friend. Polly’s fondest memories of her childhood were her Mother and Father together, laughing, and loving life. At the age of 10, Polly’s mother suddenly took ill with diphtheria and died shortly thereafter. Months later, he sent Polly off to Boarding school. It was at this time in Polly’s life that she began to develop fantasies about what she wanted, around the age of 14 they developed to be mostly about boys and love. Finishing school in Nice was always what her mother had wanted for her, to be brought up a perfect young lady.
For a birthday present one year Polly’s mother gave her a 17th century painting by Jean Antoine Walteau depicting two loving clowns made famous by Italian Commedia Del Arte, Pierrot and Pierrette. Her mother then told the story of how her and Percival attended a Carnival Ball in Paris dressed as Pierrot and Pierrette, where they fell madly in love. Since then, Polly has always wanted to go to her first Carnival Ball dressed as Pierette and to find her Pierrot and too fall in love.
Polly has always been very shy in her demeanor, but quite capable of pulling off a good lie. Although she is quite a loner, she does love the company of her friends, especially Maisie and Dulcie. Love and romance is something Polly’s read about in stories and dreamt about numerous times…but has never felt. Her father is very protective of her with young men, so she has been quite sheltered, and has hardly dated…if at all. Beiing the only child, Polly will inherit everything, a tremendous amount of wealth, and because of this her father fears she will be taken advantage of with her naïve nature. And she is desperate to find someone who will love her for her…and not her money. She is very artistic, loves writing, singing and learning dance steps from Fay (who teaches Polly some tap steps from time to time). In her cooking class at finishing school, Polly has recently received very high marks for her perfect baked plum duff and a hearty beef stew.
Since her Mother’s death Madame Dubonnet has been her shoulder to cry on, her confidante, and her Mother figure. Madame Dubonnet reminds Polly of her mother in the way’s of her grace, poise and loving manner…and of course familiar French accent..

Hortense is also a true confidante…but more like the older sisteer Polly never had.

Overall, Polly’s true goal in life is to find true love, be a good loving wife and have a family of her own someday. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The week went on and we learned practically the whole show! At the end of that week we did a little review of the music. We didn’t know we were going to be singing it for Julie. Oh…I was scared out of my wits! But afterwards, Julie came up to me and said, “My Love you are wonderful.” Boy! That was all I needed to hear. Although I had a hard time believing it. It’s hard to hold my standards so high. I mean I have Julie Andrews to live up to. 🙂 But she from that moment on just enveloped me in her confidence and every morning giving me a hug and that winning smile she has. Oh, it just strikes me sometimes that I am actually in the room working with her (your going to hear me say that alot!)

 

Week two we started staging most of the dances, although to my surprise, I’m not really dancing at all in this show. Infact, I don’t even break a sweat. Coming from 42ND ST, where I lost a pint of sweat per show, this was a nice change! I’m going to save money on face powder alone! 🙂 I am tapping in the show. Just a little. I’m also suppossed to whistle (since Julie did in the original and is a phenomenal whistler!) I have been trying to whistle and keep it in tune. But most of the time I just blow out air and nothing comes of it. Julie laughed at me one day and I said, “I’m sorry.” She said, “No, it’s adorable to see you at the attempt my dear.You don’t need to whistle.
They just put it in the show because it was something I did very well.” She continued, “My dear you sing, dance, act, are beautiful…Boy, there has to be something you can’t do. :)” I smiled. It’s just comments like that that are so genuine and I know she is going out of her way to keep everyone’s confidence up. It’s not only me, it’s everyone. She will give you a note then couple it with a compliment. I tell you, going from negative schmo Mark Bramble to heaven sent Julie Andrews is a LIFE SAVER! 🙂

 

I guess I should touch on the “Jules” subject. Only two days into rehearsal Julie tells everyone to call her “Jules”. She smiled, “Everyone who knows me call me Jules, and I want you to do the same.” Well, we all looked at eachother thinking, “We can’t call her Jules, She’s Ms. Andrews if anything!” She won’t allow Ms. Andrews. So everyone calls her Julie. Except a few daring people. And when they say, “Jules? I was wondering.” It’s almost like everyone stops to see how she reacts. Again, it’s US intimidating ourselves. She is absoloutly fine with it. It reminds me of when I worked with Ann Miller. I called her Ms. Miller for the longest time and she finally said (she’s a little more brassy than Julie), “Dear Meredith, call me Annie! Ms. Miller is my mother.” So from then on I called her Annie. More in fear that she would yell at me if I didn’t. 🙂 I guess it’s a respect thing, I’m just used to calling people I respect Ms or Mr. until I feel I know them or they tell me to call them something else. 🙂

 

I attached a small video I found online that is about Mary Poppins. Tony Walton (our designer) who designed Mary Poppins as well is in the video. You can get an idea of what everyone looks like. “Jules” is talking on there as well. 🙂

 

So….this week we started running through the show. It is such a darling little show. So innocent. Something that is missing from society nowadays. It just makes me feel like the world has gone back in time to an era that I so wish was still alive. An era of innocense and true love. (Ok, I’m a big cheese ball but I love that romantic stuff!)

 

I do get to kiss my leading man in this show. He’s dreamy.
Sometimes being an actress has it’s benefits. 🙂 (Kidding Shonn, you know I loves ya!) Besides…leading men in theater aren’t usually interested in anything but acting a kiss. It’s the straight ones you have to worry about (look what happened to us Shonn-mon! 🙂

 

Well…believe it or not. It’s Saturday and I’m off to rehearsal. I don’t know if you all can handle it but I’m going to write another Sunday letter tomorrow. Now that I’m all caught up. I have so much to tell you and so much that I’ve left out…I wish you guys could be a fly on the wall for this process. It’s magical.

 

Lots of love!

 

ps. The frogs are getting bigger…it’s almost time to move them out of the nursery and into the big tank with Morpheus-Mammy Frog (he’s massive! I  still think he’ll eat them!) The weather is sunny, a little humid, but nice clear skies) The geranium that we clipped from Grandpa Wiley’s plant in Maine has beautiful pink flowers blooming! I love it.
Aside from all that…the apartment is a dusty dirty mess. I have to clean it soon. 🙂

 

  

 

 

Meredith Patterson

Attachment Converted: “d:\program files\qualcomm\eudora\attach\Julie Andrews.ram”
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 24 Aug 2003 12:13:55 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter from the Hamptons
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Hello! Long time no talk everyone!


I’ve been bad about keeping you all informed as to what’s going on here. But….all my attention has been drawn to the Atlantic Ocean and the soft sand beaches of the glorious Long Island Sound! 🙂 It’s been more like a vacation than work out here in the Hamptons…but I don’t want to start this letter off with you all hating me for having a cushy job. 🙂 It hasn’t been all play and no work.


Since we’ve opened August 9th, the pressure has been on. A lot of important/celebrity people have been coming to see this little show. The most important was Sandy Wilson, the 83 year old writer of the musical, who flew over from England for the first time since 1963 to see the show! And….we all got pictures with him…and best of all….he LOVED the show and wants to see it move on to B’way. (Being that he holds the rights to it, that’s a great thing.) Some of the other important people who have seen the show were Nathan Lane, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Burton, Billy Joel, Marge Champion, Scott Ellis, Scott Wise, Peter Howard….the guys from Jaws movie….with the tan…I never remember his name. (Not Richard Dreyfuss.) We might as well be on B’way because so many people have seen us! It’s wonderful. Even if it doesn’t move anywhere….a lot of people have seen us perform and that’s the best audition you could ever hope for.


On a personal level… Shonn came out to see the show and spend a day at the beach with me. We grilled fresh corn and chicken and had a Bon Fire on the beach with S’Mores. It was gorgeous! Then Mom, Robert, and Nancy came out to see the show and we spent the day together. It was so wonderful! They saw the evening show on Wednesday and then Thursday we went to breakfast and then walked through East Hampton, bought some stuff and went to the beach! I gathered some sand, shells, and sea water for Robert to take home with him in a bottle. It was just like we were kids! 🙂 I had a great time.


The cast and I have been having fun in our little cabins we’re staying in out in the woods. We’ve been drinking a lot……what else is there to do in the woods? 🙂 We play drinking games….”Quarters”, “I Never”….etc. It’s been bonding time. 🙂


But seriously…the time here has been wonderful and it’s almost over. We have one week left. I’m sad, but I’m ready to come home to NYC and back to work. I’m on the lookout for my next job. 🙂 Ah…the life of an actress. 🙂


I have two shows today…so I can’t elaborate more on the happenings of the Hamptons…but I will update you next week. 🙂


Hope everyone is doing well. And please pray for Aunt Gayle. Dad said she is has been able to give a hug and she has now been trying to talk. But she’s not out of the woods. I just have a feeling she will be ok, she is so strong willed (like all the Patterson’s) and she still has that sparkle in her eye. I love you Aunt Gayle and I’m thinking of you everyday.


Take care of yourselves everyone. Talk to you later,


Meredith

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2003 18:21:57 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, GHindes@aol.com,
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 Hello Everyone!

 

Sorry the letter is a little late. I was out in New Jersey hanging out with the Huth family yesterday. Lainie, Mike and the “Doodle Bug” were out here for the week and it was heaven! Shonn and I had so much fun baby-sitting and hanging out with the three of them in the park (I hope you saw the pictures on www.myfamily.com) 

 

They came out for their friends wedding, stayed in our place and we baby sat Michael when they went to the wedding. Also…Lainie turned the BIG 30 on Saturday. So we took her out for dinner earlier in the week to celebrate. She said “I don’t feel any different”. 🙂 I’m the only Patterson who is still in her 20’s….scary. 🙂

 

Good news!   Update on Aunt Gayle. She was moved out to John Muir Hospital in California so she could be with family.   Doug (her son) and Laurie (his wife) will be taking her in to live with them when is done doing rehab at John Muir.  If you wish to visit contact Doug and Laurie Hindes at 925-210-1633.

 

So much happened this week with the Doodle Bug….I wish you could’ve seen him. He talks gibberish…but he is really engaged in what he’s saying. You have to just nod your head and say things like “I know” or “Yeah? Really?”. He is a crack up! We taught him how to say “no dice” and he said, “Aw man” or something that sounded kinda like it. The three Huth’s left at 7am this morning and of course…I cried like a baby. Shonn and I went back to sleep and I was sad. I miss you guys already.

 

But good news, I’ll be coming out to California (Southern) in October to do some LA Auditions. I believe I will be there for Halloween! I’m thinking of driving up that weekend. Or flying depending on if I use Lainie’s car.

 

Other than all that….(and there’s so much more to tell, but I’m forgetting right now)….everything’s great. Shonn and I are auditioning like crazy. Cousin Carolyn is flying out the end of the month to see the Fall Colors in Maine! We can’t WAIT! It’s going to be gorgeous. I’ll be sure to take some great photos.

 

Oh! Speaking of photos. Here’s one of my favorite from the past week.

 

 

PS.  Shonn and I bought baby Michael a Toddler sized Yankee Cap! Can’t believe I forgot to mention that! 🙂 He’s a true New Yorker now!

 

Love,

Meredith Patterson

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 10:11:54 EDT
Subject: Tuesday Letter
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Hello everyone!

 

I hope you all are well.

 

I missed Sunday to actually write my “Sunday letter.” But that’s ok, I have a great excuse.

 

Shonn and I woke up bright and early Sunday morning and went jogging in the park. Little did we know there was a Medieval Festival about to begin. So… we’re jogging through Fort Tryon and there are people dressed in jousting outfits with horses! It was crazy and fun.

Then, because the weather was so unbelievably gorgeous, my friend Kirsten and I took advantage of that glorious Sunday and went downtown to the Broadway Flea Market. It’s a huge Flea Market on 44th and 45th Street right in front of all the B’way houses. It was really crowded there so we decided to go to Central Park’s Sheep’s Meadow to sit and read the NY Times, and gawk at men. (I can look, I just can’t touch) You see when the weather’s nice men in Central Park tend to take their shirts off and play catch with a football, or a Frisbee, or whatever. Now, for every 1 guy that should take it shirt off…there were about 3 who shouldn’t have. 🙂 There was one guy who was so hairy and flabby we almost couldn’t look away…even though we tried! 🙂  Then there was some guy wearing a florescent pink tiny Speedo! Oh…you gotta love NYC in times like this.

 

We stayed there basking in the sun for about 3 hours. Then went to a delicious Italian restaurant on 46th Street (not my usual place, Pietrasanta) and we had Rigatoni a la Vodka! It was heaven! We had a coffee to finish off the meal and during twilight hours we met a couple of our friends to hang out and catch up on life. Then around 9pm we took the A train home and talked “girl talk.” It was so great to hang out with my best friend Kirst. We haven’t seen much of each other lately. I’ve known Kirsten for 8 years. She’s in the wedding party. And she is by far, the funniest woman I know. She and I both agreed it was “a perfect NY day.”

 

Where was Shonn during this glorious day? Shonn and his guy friends did the usual “guy thing.” They watched Football all day long. How they stayed inside on the most glorious day I’ll never know. But….Shonn said it was a great day for him. 🙂

 

I say this as I’m looking out at the pouring rain and gray skies. It looks like Isabel has a not so windy daughter who’s following her up the coast. Either that…. or I have to face the facts that Fall is actually here. The only thing good about Fall being here is that I have two new sweaters I bought at the J Crew Outlet that I’m dying to wear. 🙂 But….who am I kidding? I’m going to Los Angeles Oct 6th-31st to audition and get my “face back in those casting directors faces” as my manager says. So I’ll be in 75 degree weather again! I love it! The summer that never ends. That’s the life for this California girl.

 

Speaking of weather. Isabel did pass through the East Coast last week. We didn’t feel too much of it….except for the 55 mph winds. It’s funny. Wind has usually been the worst weather for me. But now that I have short hair….it’s no big thing. It was kinda fun actually! But…sleeping with howling wind wasn’t so fun. I didn’t sleep much that night. Our doors were rattling and quite frankly….the wind was really loud.

 

Last week I had about 4 commercial auditions. One of which I was put “on hold” for. That means I am close to getting the job…but no cigar yet. I’m still “on hold” for it. It’s a national Tylenol commercial. It’s like playing the lottery with those auditions. It’s so much about “the look”. So many things go into the decision making. I could be too cute, too ugly, too short, too skinny, too pale, too fat….seriuosly. It’s crazy. But I love it. The more auditions I go on the better my chances of getting one. Last week was Barilla Pasta, Tylenol, Burger King, Aveeno (voice over), and Aflac…you know the one with the duck. All National Spots! That’s pretty good to get in for all that.  

 

Theater auditions haven’t been abundant. I am going in for a new B’way show next week, a movie today, another movie tommorrow….then I’m off to LA. I’m really trying to break into the TV and FILM side of the business now. The lead role in Wonderful Town, that new B’way show, I was up for the role…and I just learned that they gave it to a TV and FILM girl. God seems to be telling me something. If I get a role, even a mediocre one, in TV and FILM….I could come back to NYC and star on Broadway. It’s a sad realization…..they’re no such thing as a Broadway Star anymore. There are exceptions to that saying of course, but generally….they don’t make stars….they bring them in from LA.

 

Well…I say if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em! 🙂 I think it would be really fun to get a TV or FILM role that is a lawyer or a teacher or a mom….then surprise everyone by going and starring on Broadway. They’d say, “You can dance? Sing?”

 

Or maybe I’ll come back in March 2004, when Julie says “The Boy Friend” is going to start rehearsals for Broadway and it will be a huge success!

 

The business is flaky and funny. And if I didn’t love it more than anything in the world….I’d be a kindergarten teacher. A singing kindergarten teacher….but a teacher nevertheless. 🙂 They are the most noble careers around.

 

Wow…this has become a long Sunday/Tuesday Letter. 🙂 And I haven’t even talked about MAINE.

 

Cousin Carolyn, and Herb and Beth are coming out to NYC for a visit this weekend. Then we are driving up north to Otisfield, MAINE to see the fall colors. I’ve never really seen them, and Carolyn hasn’t either. It’s going to be amazing. And I love to be in MAINE among the Wiley family, and the wilderness. 🙂 We are up there Sunday through Thursday. So if I miss a Sunday letter next week, that’s why. 🙂

 

Well….Lainie will probably kill me for saying this but…..she found out the sex of her new baby to be! I’m not going to steal her thunder by saying what it is! But….I’m starting to knit booties and a hat for this little sweet thing. She said in the sonogram “it” has a little turned up nose. How cute! Oh…I’m sure Lainie won’t mind me telling you they moved into their new home. Just in case you didn’t get the address and number:

 

Mike and Melaine

2349 Riverview Drive

Concord, CA 94520

New Home # 925-825-9677

 

Well…that’s it for now. I know I’ve left out a ton of things. But this letter is long enough as it is!

 

Lots of love to all of you! Have a great week.

 

Meredith Patterson

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2003 10:45:24 EDT
Subject: Rainy Sunday Letter
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Hello All!

I hope this letter finds you enjoying your Sunday!

Well… today didn’t pan out the way I wanted it to. Cousin Carolyn flew into New York yesterday and we planned to go to the Bronx Zoo today. But, it’s rainy and drizzly out. The weather report says it will possibly get worse as the day progress…what a bummer. ut that’s the great thing about NYC…there’s always something else to do. Maybe we’ll go to a museum?

Carolyn’s still sleeping in the front room, Shonn’s still asleep too. I don’t know why I didn’t sleep in? Whenever I have company my “Mother Instinct” takes over. I wonder if they are all right, if they have Breakfast, if they slept well….etc. I’m funny like that sometimes.

So…Carolyn flew here last night. We have been planning this trip since the beginning of the year. She’s never seen the Fall Colors. And I told her she could come out and we’d make a trip to see them. Well, it turns out Herb and Beth are driving out to spend some time with relatives in MAINE and need to drive Grandpa Wiley’s car up to him. So we are all driving up together and spending 4 days in MAINE. Shonn and I were there in April for Grandpa Wiley’s 90th Birthday party. That was a great party. I hope to live to be 90. That would be amazing. Course, by the time I’m 90 people will be living to be 120…so it’ll be no biggy. 🙂

Yesterday was funny. Shonn’s mentor Mr. Bob Soller from Adrian, MI just flew in from a 91 day trip overseas. (He was last in Madrid I believe) He’s an avid world traveler. The places he’s been would make your head spin! Anyway, he called yesterday at about 12noon saying, “I just flew in from Madrid, I’m in NYC for the day, and I wanted to know if we could have lunch or something?” So I said, “Sure! Come on over!” So we got some sandwiches and sat at our dining table and heard all his stories of The Nile, Sacred Tombs, Temple’s and the like. I mean this isn’t the first trip he’s taken. Ask him where he’s been and be prepared to hear an impressive list.

So we’re having lunch and the hours are ticking by. Then I get a call that Carolyn has arrived at the airport and was in a taxi! YEAH! My big cousin is here! I thought she’d be jet lagged and want to stay in. No sir….she asked if we could go see a movie, “Under The Tuscan Sun.” Given the European “theme” of the day I thought it was the best choice. And I LOVE the actress Diane Lane. I asked Bob if he wanted to join us and he promptly said, “Of course!”

So Carolyn arrives, we set her bag down and 5 minutes later whisk out the door to Lincoln Center Theaters to catch the 6:20 showing. We got our popcorn and drinks and settled into our seats. There is something about going to the movies that I love. I could live at the movies. I love sitting in the dark and getting caught up in the story and scenery. And this was the perfect movie to get caught up in. Diane Lane spend 3 months in Tuscany filming this movie. What a wonderful job that is! 🙂

Well, I have to say, GO GO GO see this film. It was delightful, romantic and it made me want to jump on a plane to Tuscany and buy a house. 🙂

When the movie finished we all decided to take a stroll down Columbus Avenue to a close Sushi place. We talked about the movie and heard more of Bob’s stories and had GREAT sushi. We got home at about 11pm and called it a night.

What a great day.

So you can see my disappointment with today being so rainy and drizzly. Going to the Zoo is one of my favorite things. And I haven’t been to The Bronx Zoo since I moved to NYC almost 10 years ago. Can you believe it’s been that long?
I can. It feels like 20. 🙂 The amount of growing up and learning about life I have done living in this city has amazed me. I laugh when I think of that sheltered little 18 year old girl who moved here thinking she could rule the world. (Don’t worry I still plan to….the showbiz world that is) Ha ha ha. It’s a great feeling to see how far I’ve come. Not in the business, but in my know how. I wouldn’t go back unless I knew what I know now. (Doesn’t everyone say that?)

Well…the week before yesterday was pretty boring. So I’ll leave you with the great memories of yesterday.

Update on “The Wedding Planner” (that’s me). I’ve been researching and dog-earing pages of magazines, and spending hours on the internet looking at flowers, dresses, ideas. It’s fun! I just wish I had someone to do it with. It’s hard being so far away from my mother and Maid Of Honor. Although Shonn and I did go look at Invitations and Save The Date Cards last week. I thought he was going to pass out from boredom. So…that’s the last time I take him on planning trips. I bought Martha Steward WEDDINGS Magazine yesterday. I hope I don’t seem like Bride-zilla with all this early planning. I know we have 10 months. I just have ALOT of free time on my hands. 🙂 Who knows when that will happen again.

This time next week I’ll be packing for my trip to Los Angeles. I’ll be there for a month. Auditioning and “pounding the pavement.” Let’s hope they love me enough to book me in something this time out. I have to show everyone my new haircut. I hope they don’t cry like Mom did. 🙂 (Love you Mom)

Talk to you all sooner than later!

Lots of love,
Meredith Patterson

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sat, 4 Oct 2003 17:33:58 EDT
Subject: “Oh my God, look what we saw in Maine”
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Can you believe how friggin’ BIG this Moose is? Look at the car in comparison…and they aren’t far away. I couldn’t keep this picture to myself any longer.

Details to come in the “Oh my God, look what we saw in Maine” Sunday Letter…..

 

Love,

Meredith Patterson

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 5 Oct 2003 13:42:39 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter
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As you could see from the picture I sent you, we had quite a week! 🙂

 

Monday we left for Maine….a little later than we planned. We smelled something funny in our building right before we were scheduled to take off in the car. Our neighbor Jane said it smelled “like when you boil eggs and you left them on too long and the water has evaporated and the eggs are burning with the dry pot.” Whew…too much of a detailed explanation for me…. I said it just smelled “like burnt toast.” Anyway… after checking our apartment and knocking on neighbors doors, we finally left. Never quite knowing if we would come back to a burnt down apt building. (Oh, the drama.) But….being that I’m here typing this all to you…you know it was nothing and we are fine.

 

So we took off to Maine. Herb, Beth and Carolyn in one car and Shonn and I in Grandpa’s Buick. Now I have to say, it takes about 5-6 hours (depending on how many stops you take) to drive to Maine. There was some traffic, and we were (or I was) hungry. So needlesstosay the trip in our car was a little rocky. I was cranky, and Shonn was worried the apt would burn down. And on top of that, he had an audition on Friday that he didn’t plan on worrying about. “Don’t worry, be happy” Should’ve been tattooed on our foreheads for that car trip. 🙂 But we survived. 🙂

 

Carolyn was funny. Herb and Beth told me she was baffled at the fact that you could travel to 5 different states on one road trip. Being a Californian, I did the same thing when I first traveled to Maine. It’s crazy how close together everything is.

 

We were all very excited to get to Maine and see the Fall Colors. When we got closer, it was already after dark, so we didn’t get the full effect on the ride out. We arrived at Aunt June and Uncle Bob’s at about 11pm. Way past bed time for Otisfield, ME. But they had stayed up, and we visited for a little bit. Then went to sleep.

 

Jean and Bob went to their usual early morning Golf games (7:30 am on the course)! We slept in, although I woke up like I was in a Folger’s commercial. I literally was awakened by the smell of fresh brewed coffee. It made me laugh. Then I looked at the clock… and the humor was gone. I quickly went back to sleep. 🙂

 

We got up around 9:30 am, took showers and got ready for our day. It was going to be Girl’s Day and Boy’s Day. Shonn, Herb, and Grandpa Wiley were off visiting and doing whatever they wanted to do. And the Girl’s took a road trip to see Fall Colors! We were on the road at about 11am. Beth was driving and everyone thought she would get lost. We had a map and knew the route. I was riding shotgun, had the map, and we were ready to roll! It was so fun being in the car without any boys. 🙂 We stopped at a cute little gift shop and saw a fake moose, took pictures. Carolyn bought Pumpkin Spice coffee, some stuffed Moose beanie babies, I bought recipe cards, and Beth bought us some yummy homemade Boysenberry jam. We continued on…..

 

We saw a sign for a covered bridge. Having never seen one before, we all drove to it and took pictures. It was built in 1864 I believe. You couldn’t cross it in the car it was off to the side. We stood on it. It was cool!

 

then we drove a little farther and stopped for lunch. We had pizza, and Carolyn had homemade Mac and Cheese and a hot dog. It was so yummy!

 

We next drove to Screw Auger Falls. Which I just called “Screw Falls.” What a funny name huh? We got out and took pictures.

 

Then we pull out of the falls and some crazy guy is driving 70 miles an hour down a 45mph road. We quickly pull out and he skids and honks his horn. What a nut! Then, we’re driving the opposite direction, and I see him in the rear view mirror quickly flip around and start driving towards our car. He gets up right on our tail and is honking and yelling out the window. Meanwhile, his dormant wife is sitting shotgun, doing nothing.

I told Beth, “Don’t speed up. Don’t honk. Just ignore him.” We were all really scared. Finally about 2 minutes later he quickly skidding around and drove back the other way. We all took a huge breath and started bitching. What a crazy jerk! I’ve driven in Los Angeles and New York City and I’ve never seen someone so full of anger. He’s obviously married to the right woman cause his wife just sat there. I’d be hitting some sense into him if I was her. Watch out for those backwoods crazies. That’s the moral of that story.

 

So as we are recovering from Jerkville, and heading toward New Hampshire border. We turn the next corner and what do we see…a live Moose on the side of the road. “OH MY GOD” Beth and I both said simultaneously. And she pulled over. My heart jumped in my throat. It’s very rare to actually see a Moose. And this time of year they are “horny” as we were told, and are unpredictable. They could charge the car, or you. So we stop, and Carolyn fly’s open the car door, I’m saying to her, “Don’t get out! He could charge you.” But the Moose was so dormant, and calm. Other cars stopped too and were taking pictures. So I snapped a few. And 2 minutes later the Moose walked back into the woods. If we had been any later…or earlier we would’ve either hit the Moose, or missed the sighting altogether. How amazing.

 

That feeling lingered through the entire day. We saw some beautiful Fall Colors, but were a little early in the season to really see them full bloom. It’s hard to predict when the first freeze of fall will be. It was a late summer this year.

 

We drove through New Hampshire, stopping to take pictures, and drove back so we could make it in time for Aunt Jean’s Beef Stew Dinner at 6pm. Whew….we had some stories to tell at the dinner table! The boys didn’t have nearly as exciting of a day as we did. 🙂 And we didn’t even get lost!

 

the next day we all piled into Grandpa’s Buick and drove up the Coast to see the Atlantic Shore, Lighthouses, and best of all have fresh Maine Lobster! We stopped at a little place along the shore, and Carolyn and I each had a fresh Lobster, and the rest had Lobster Rolls. We had place mats that taught us how to crack open a Lobster. I’d done it before, but still needed the coaching. 🙂 Carolyn and I had fun squirting everyone with the Lobster juice.: And boy…was it heaven to eat!

 

We drove home and had dinner at Aunt June and Uncle Bob’s house across the way. Aunt Bette came over and we all chatted about everything under the sun. They all love Carolyn, as I knew they would.

 

Thursday was the day we had to leave to drive back to NYC. We spent the morning with Grandpa, and then went on over to visit with Aunt Bette. She gave me some treasured Wiley Family Recipe’s which I jotted down on my new Recipe cards. We looked at the property on the hill and we all dreamed of building a beautiful vacation Lodge up there someday.

 

We left at around 4pm and had a smooth ride to NYC. Shonn and I were in much better moods, we sang along to the radio and on our own almost all the way home. I helped him with his audition material and we talked. It was great.

 

We got into NYC at about 11pm. And we unloaded all our luggage, and some fresh apples Grandpa sent us home with. We had parked the car with our blinkers on for about 5 minutes…and the boys came outside to a NYC Traffic Cop writing both cars $50 tickets. Now….we’ve seen cars sitting there for 30 min that never get tickets. The cars were parked for literally 5 minutes. Shonn tried to reason with the cop, but they didn’t care. I guess NYC doesn’t get enough with City tax…they have to ticket poor actors too. 🙂

 

Anyway that was our welcome home. Thanks New York.

 

We all crashed and spent the rest of the week hanging out in the neighborhood. Herb and Beth left Saturday morning, and Carolyn flew out that night.

 

I knew this was going to be a long letter! I hope you all survived it. Aunt Jean and Uncle Bob. Thank you for making us feel at home in your house and for being such gracious hosts. This was a trip Carolyn and I won’t forget!

 

I’m off to pack. I leave for LA tomorrow morning. I will be there for the whole month. I fly up to SF for Robert’s birthday next weekend. It will be so fun to see him and everyone! I miss you all so much.

 

Talk to you soon.

 

Until next week,

      

Meredith

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 7 Dec 2003 14:10:33 EST
Subject: Sunday letter…I know, its been a while
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Hello there everyone.

 

I am writing you in the midst of the East Coast blizzard…well, actually the storm is over now. Today the sun is out, the snow is melting, and huge chunks of snow are falling off of building ledges. Kinda dangerous for an unsuspecting pedestrian. I actually saw a melted snow bank beam a poor guy right accross the street. He was ok, just embarassed. Thankfully, no one was hurt! 🙂

 

Yes, its great to be back in NYC! And although its quite a temperature change from LA. Friday morning was like Christmas when we saw the first sign of falling snow. Shonn and I both were like little kids! That night we decided to take a little walk in the snow together. I brought along my new digital camera (thank you Dad!) and I was taking pictures and throwing the powdery snow at Shonn….and I admit it, I did sing “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” and we both started singing “Snow” from the movie White Christmas (until we couldn’t remember the words.  It was fun!

Now….its dirty and driven on. You know, brown city snow. Not so powdery anymore! But it was good while it lasted.

 

Well, I have some bad news. When Shonn and I returned to our apt after flying in from CA…we went over to look at our fish tank and…the infamous Mammy Frog is MIA (Missing In Action). Gone. Like he was kidnapped. It is so weird. We had put a week long feeder in the tank so we knew he was well fed. We’ve left him before and everything’s been fine. But he is much bigger than last time and Shonn said he liked to swim to the top of the tank near the filter and hop up. Like he was trying to get out. The tank has a great lid to it, but near the filter there is a little opening. It’s the only way he could’ve escaped. We still can’t figure out what happened? We’ve been pondering it for a week now, and even said how ridiculous it seems. Our frog jumped out of the tank, hopped on the floor and is now somewhere in our apt? We checked every nook and cranny of the front room and the rest of the apt. Nothing. We have yet to check the closets. But there aren’t cracks big enough for him to get in the closets? And he’s a water frog, so he’s for sure dead by now. We can’t have a proper funeral flushing until we find the body. Poor Mammy Frog. Shonn says, “He’s just a frog.” But I miss him. He was our pet. Here’s a picture. You can’t really see his hands but he looks like he’s doing Al Jolson (without being on his knees)….you know “Mammy, how I love ya, how I love ya?” Hence the name Mammy Frog. Anyway….goodbye Mammy, I’ll miss ya. 🙁 I’ll let you know if we find him…but I gotta warn ya, it ain’t gonna be pretty.

 

Ok, I know… I’m a dork.

 

Tonight Shonn and I are off to see B’way’s “Little Shop Of Horrors”. Our friend Darren is the understudy to the “Dentist” (ever see the movie? It’s Steve Martin’s role…very funny) Anyway, he’s going on in the part tonight, so we’re there to support him! And of course enjoy the show. Go check out www.littleshopofhorrors.com

 

Last Thursday, Shonn and I went to the Opening of A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden. It’s the tenth and final year. Pretty nostalgic for me. I couldn’t believe all the people that were there. I saw everyone. And watching the show was pretty weird for me. I did the show for 3 years and I never once sat out in the audience and saw it. I cried, sang along, and wished I was up there…then I remembered the 15 times a week thing…and I didn’t miss it all that much. The after party was SO FUN! Shonn and I stayed up ’til 3am! 🙂 The new Broadway show “Never Gonna Dance” opened on Thursday night as well. My friend Noah Racey is the star of it. I have yet to see the show, but I heard the opening was grand, grand, grand. The reviews were not so grand, but everyone has their opinion. Unfortuantly when its New York City and Broadway, not getting good reviews can mean the show may not run very long. I hope that’s not the case because when I get back from LA that’s my first show I plan to go see! Keep your fingers crossed.  

 

Well, I’m going downtown to get tickets for Little Shop, and I’m going to have some lunch while I’m at it! 🙂

 

Hope everyone is well! Oh! I leave for LA Thursday the 11th. I start filming The Princess Diaries II  Dec 15th! I can’t wait. That weekly letter will be a good one I’m sure. 🙂 I’m sure I’m forgetting a million things I wanted to tell you…that’s the way it goes huh? 🙂

 

Lots of love,

 

Merie

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Date: Sun, 14 Dec 2003 14:02:48 EST
Subject: Sunny LA Sunday letter
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Hey everyone!

 

Well, I’m here in Los Angeles getting ready to start filming tomorrow! I’m a little nervous because I don’t know what to expect. It’s all so new for me. But the nervous feeling is coupled with excitement!!! I can’t wait. I start at 6am Monday. Whew. It’s early. 🙂 But I’ve stayed on NYC time so I’ll be ok. 🙂 I am scheduled to shoot for 3 days, possibly 4 this week then I am all set to come up north to see everyone!

 

I was thinking the other day, I think I’ve been home for more visits this year than I have in all the years I’ve been away from home…combined. It’s a nice thing to realize. I am looking forward to being able to make the frequent visits more of a habit. Lainie told me on the phone yesterday that baby Michael said, “Auntie, Shonn Shonn, come home.” I almost started crying.( I was in the supermarket here in LA when she told me) I called Shonn and told him what Michael said and he got teary eyed. We both miss the babies. And now that Miranda is getting bigger and the new baby huth is on her way…we know that being away from everyone is going to be even harder. So…we’re making it a plan to come home more often. 🙂 Now that we are going to be Mr. and Mrs. 🙂

 

Speaking of, the wedding plans are going well. We are going to mail out the Save the Date cards by the end of December (hopefully). 🙂 I’m looking forward to getting past all the booking, signing contracts, and “business” stuff and get to the meat of the wedding…you know music selections, vows, sentimental stuff. All the mushy stuff I love. 🙂 Shonn and I are working out how we are going to do the rest of the planning while apart from eachother. Shonn starts rehearsals in February for FOOTLOOSE, and it runs through May. As of now, I plan to be out in LA until the end of March. If…or when…I book something it could be filming in April. So who knows….that’s the life I lead. Who knows what’s next? It keeps life exciting. 🙂

 

Last Tuesday we finally had our New York Engagement Party! We gathered some friends at a local bar/restaurant called Zanzibar on 45th and 9th avenue. It was fun. People came who we haven’t seen in years. We got to visit with most of them for a few hours, had some drinks and little appetizers, and had some great laughs. It was wonderful.

 

10 days in New York wasn’t enough. Just as I was getting comfortable being home, with Shonn, with all my friends…I had to leave. 🙁 But..I know I’m out here on a mission. I’m carving a new path in my life. And I’m truly excited. 🙂

 

Ok. ok…I have to get the day started. 🙂 Wish me luck tomorrow. 🙂

 

Lots of love,

Mer

 

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 25 Jan 2004 16:52:09 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter – 2 weeks worth
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Hi there everyone,



The past two weeks have been full of wonderful and painful discoveries.


Hearing of my dear Annie Miller’s passing last week was heartbreaking. I knew it was coming. She had been in pain for awhile. But knowing she is now resting (and running the tap show upstairs) makes me smile. Annie always said, “You gotta keep smiling!” And that’s what I’ve been doing this week. Thinking of all the wonderful memories I had with her over the past 7 years of being her friend makes me so grateful. I am so thankful for her friendship.


The last visit I had with her was by far the best evening and talk we had ever had. Most of our conversations over the years had been on the phone. And the first few years after working together in FOLLIES I was too scared to call her. Just completly star struck (she always laughed at me when I told her that).


Being in Los Angeles for the last few months of her life was such a blessing. In December, Annie and I had been playing phone tag trying to set up a time to have dinner and visit. She had been going to the doctors almost everyday. She never really wanted to talk to me extensively about why, but I knew she was battling lung cancer. She never wanted anyone to know that so I never said it to anyone (except Shonn in private). For a woman who never smoked, it was hard to grasp. She always said she was diagnosed with Osteoperosis. Which she was. For a dancer (or anybody) it was devestating to her. More so than the cancer. She was a prisoner in her own body. She often said, “I still feel 18, but my body is my 80 year old prison.” Even her knee injury after performing in “Sugar Babies” in the 1970’s frustrated her to no end. She always had this sharp wit and humor and never slowed down. Never. She had perfect hearing and the greatest personality of anyone I ever knew.


So…it was late afternoon in December and I was driving back from my agents when I decided to drive down Alta Drive in Beverly Hills (The street Annie lived on). I had called her once before and told her I drove passed her house and she said, “Oh honey you should’ve knocked on the door and said hello.” Being respectful, I didn’t think it was right to just show up un announced. But she said, “Next time you drive by, just come up and knock.” So…as I approached her house I thought, “Should I?” Well, I decided to take a chance and I parked. I walked up her sweet little walkway and rang the bell. Then I see Annie’s little raven haired head poke through the privacy window in the door and ask, “Who is it?” I said, “It’s Meredith, I’ve come to say hello.” She burst into that excited laugh I loved so much and opened the door. She looked so frail, and for the first time I saw her osteoperosis effects. But….she was divine! She was dresed to the nine’s. In a red suit with black slacks. Full make-up and those darling spit curls by each ear. We hugged and she said, “Oh honey look at this hump on my back.” The osteoperosis had shrunk her to about 5 feet tall and she had a painful hump on her back. She seemed frustrated at times that she couldn’t get around quicker. She did seem like an 18 year old trapped in an 80 year old.


She had been watching the movie GIGI on the AMC channel. Just sitting in her front room. She was so happy to see me and I was so happy I took a chance and knocked on her door.


She took me through the house. I saw her “playroom” where she had all her awards and pictures. She showed me her paintings, head dresses from Thailand, and walked me through the grand tour. We didn’t go upstairs, in fact Annie was talking about selling the house because she couldn’t climb stairs anymore. She bought that house for her mother in the early 1940’s. It had a lot of memories and meaning to her. My heart sank at the idea of her having to sell the place. We sat in the front room and talked. Her housekeeper Emily got us some Perrier and Annie gave me some candies from her candy dish. She always said she wanted kids, and grandkids, and most of all love, something she never found. So she would always treat me as if I was her grandchild. Tell me she loved me, hug me, give me candies. It was wonderful.


The last memory I have with Annie was her and I laughing at this 4 ft tall Santa Claus that someone had given her. It was in her front room and she just thought it was the funniest silliest thing! She said, “Honey go turn that on, there’s a switch at the bottom, it’s hysterical!” So I got up and turned on the Santa. It started singing Jungle Bells and swinging his hips and arms back and forth. She and I just giggled. It was like we were 5 years old. That’s what I loved about Annie. She was a child inside. Always delighting in the simplest things.


As I left her house, after cuddling with her dogs “Angel” and “Suger Pie”, and talking to her about life, dancing, spirituality, and my upcoming marriage, she said, “I love you honey, and I’m so proud of you.” we hugged and I said “I love you Annie” I got in my car and I cried as I drove back home. I cried because I knew she was in pain, I knew she was trapped in that body and was frustrated, and I cried because I was so lucky to be able to sit in the house of one of my childhood idols and be her friend, her grandchild, and be a part of her life. I am still so grateful.


Her services are on Wednesday and I will be there. I wore red the day after she died. Red was her “signature color”, her favorite color. I tried to smile that day and every day since, because she always said when things got rough, “You gotta keep smiling!”




Earlier in the week I found out some wonderful news. I have been cast as the lead role in the Steve Martin play THE UNDERPANTS at The Geffen Playhouse here in LA. www.geffenplayhouse.com . I am thrilled to be starring in a play directed by Broadway director John Rando. I don’t have a lot of details about it except for what’s on the website. I start rehearsals Feb 9th or 10th. It’s great.


I am finishing up filming on Princess Diaries II. I am having a ball and cannot wait ’til it’s released. Tenative date of release is August 11th. That’s what I hear.


I’ve been making new friends out here and connecting with old friends who have moved to LA. My friends Melissa and Ryan just recently got engaged. We went out to celebrate and had a drink and saw a movie at what has become my favorite place in LA, The Grove www.thegrovela.com I love going there and just browsing. It’s got the coolest movie theater in the city. Very old fashioned!


Anyway, I am enjoying myself here. I miss Shonn terribly. He is starting rehearsals in NYC for FOOTLOOSE. I know he’s going to be wonderful! And I hope to drive up north to see the family as soon as I can.


Hope all is well on your end.



Lots of love,

Meredith Patterson

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 1 Feb 2004 13:42:43 EST
Subject: Super Bowl Sunday Letter
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
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Hello there…


Hooray for the Super Bowl!! Another chance/excuse to party!!! 🙂 I don’t even know who’s playing? How sad am I? But…I’ve been invited to a party at Julie’s manager’s house and I’ll do what I usually do….route for the underdog. Although I may have to skip the party altogether because I got a callback for a ABC 1 hour drama called “Secret Service” that I have to read for tommorrow morning at 9:30am…and I have 17 pages of script to memorize. It’s VERY wordy…technical stuff and detailed. It’s a little crazy but exciting. So we’ll see if I can swing both.


I hope you are all well! I have had a busy and productive week. Nothing monumental has happened. The weather here is gorgeous. I haven’t really experienced winter since I was in Moscow. I’m pretty lucky. Although the winter in Russia will last me the rest of my life. No need to ever experience winter again after that!


Sorry this letter is so short. Like I said, I have to study. Things are great. I miss Shonn as always. I miss my friends in NYC and I miss my family.


Oh! Lainie is really close to having the baby girl. Can’t WAIT. 🙂


Love you, Talk to you soon



Meredith Patterson

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 29 Feb 2004 12:15:10 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter…finally back on track. 🙂
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
Newsojo@aol.com, Missytaps@aol.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
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I haven’t been writing my Sunday Letter’s lately, and it’s due to the crazy schedule I’ve had.

Aside from rehearsing the play, I’ve been auditioning for new TV series Pilots and Film. And in my spare time, planning the wedding. Things have been a little hectic, but that’s good. Better to be busy than not. 🙂

 

The past few weeks of rehearsal have been great. I love our director John Rando. He makes the rehearsal process so trusting and open. I feel like I can try something new with the material, and it may work or I may land flat on my face, and it’s ok. The cast is wonderfully talented and so funny. We got on the set yesterday for the first time. I love the first day on the set. Exploring everything. It’s like being a kid on a jungle gym. Today we are doing are first run through on the set. There’s lots of props for me, including real sausages, whipped cream and mashed potatoes…it’s fun. Don’t worry…it’s clean cut fun. 🙂

 

The OSCARS are today! I’ve got my money on Charlize Theron (who I’ve loved since the movie Devil’s Advocate years ago) and I’d like for Johnny Depp to win (my favorite actor) and he’s also brilliant. In “Pirates” (which I just finally saw last night!) he is so lovably funny. Oh…pleeease let him win! I’d love for SeaBiscuit to win best picture…but I didn’t see Lord Of The Rings. That may take it. Naomi Watts for Best Supporting…she’s great too. I don’t know….I love Oscar night! The whole city is going crazy. The traffic around Hollywood Blvd is maddening. I drove past the red carpet and there are already fans camping out there! It’s insane.

 

Last but not least….I met Steve Martin this week. How freakin cool was that! It was weird because he got the days mixed up and we thought we were going to meet him on Thursday…but in he walked on Friday. He didn’t realize he had the days mixed up. I swear my heart lept in my throat when I saw him! He came over and shook everyone’s hand. Then we had to get back to reheasal! Everyone in the cast was amped up a few notches! We were so nervous to try to be funny in front of one of the world’s funniest men! But.. Mr. Martin was very generous, laughing at us. He took some notes, gave us some suggestions. He stayed for 2 hours. Watched us do a run through. I was a wreck. Since I’m on stage all the time. I had to just let go of the fact that I was performing for Steve freakin Martin and just do my job. He came up to us after the run and said, “Great work guys.” Which was such a relief. He’s a very quiet guy. Very calm. Not at all what you see on screen. Which I guess is true for a lot of comedian’s. Mike Myers was the same way when I met him. Very introverted.

 

Anyway….Shonn is coming into town tomorrow!!! Just for one day. It’s crazy but I’m going to be so happy to see him. It’s been very hard to be away from eachother for our engagement, and just in general. It’s hard to have to plan all by myself. It’s not as much fun to go to an invitations store alone. But we picked our invitations! So things are coming along. 🙂 June 19th isn’t too far away. 🙂

 

OH GREAT NEWS!!! My sweet little neice “The Peach Face”, “Manda Panda”…or her real name “Miranda Noelle” took her first steps on Feb 27th! When she was exactly 14 months old! YEAH! I had a dream that I saw Manda walk to me and say “Hi Auntie”. Oh, it just melts the heart. Shonn and I both can’t WAIT to see her walking. And of course see “Baby Madelyn” for the first time. And as always play with our favorite little nephew Michael! 🙂 Love those little guys.  

 

Ok, gotta go get ready for rehearsal. Lots of love to all of you.

Have a great week! 

 

Meredith Patterson
www.meredithpatterson.com

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2004 13:31:42 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
Newsojo@aol.com, Missytaps@aol.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
kristin_l_braun@yahoo.com, Chelliepatterson@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com,
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johnwill@attbi.com, luvjas800@attbi.com, spacewaif@hotmail.com,
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Debbiedamp@msn.com, Joshscheer@aol.com, Beth.Wiley@ProMedica.org,
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Hello All!

 

This will be a quick update. I have been in Tech Rehearsal all week. That means, tedious hours of setting lighting and sound cues for the show, rehearsing for the first time in wigs and costumes. And tonight….we have our first audience. It’s an invited dress rehearsal, but it’s still our first audience. And I think Steve Martin will pop his head in to see the run through. So…it’s a big day. 🙂

 

Michelle and Michael are coming to see the show on Tuesday! Our first Preview show! Then Mom, Dad, Grandma B, and Brotha Rob are coming the following week. I can’t wait!

 

I’m off to rehearsal. Life other than the play is at a standstill it seems. Shonn and I ordered our wedding invitations! 🙂 They are so beautiful. My little apt here is covered in laundry and mail that I need to go through. I’m hoping to catch up on life once we open. But doing the show and auditioning for Pilots is crazy.

 

Love you! Miss you guys. Have a great week.

Meredith Patterson
www.meredithpatterson.com

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sat, 10 Apr 2004 15:05:03 EDT
Subject: “Where have I been?” Sunday letter!
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
Newsojo@aol.com, Missytaps@aol.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
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Hey Everyone!

 

I have been the worst Sunday Letter writer lately….where have I been? 🙂 I’m in LA mode, kicking back and enjoying the sunshine. 🙂

 

Over the past…three or four weeks…a lot has happened. We opened “The Underpants” at the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood and have had wonderful audiences. Sold out for most every performance. There have been people lining up outside for rush tickets and last minute cancellations. It’s like we’re rock stars. 🙂 The cast is amazing. So funny, and I’m absorbing their comedic timing and ability like a sponge. Grandma B, Mom and Dad, Robert, Michelle and Michael O’Hearn have all come down to see the show. It meant the world to me to have them there! A lot of friends have come to see me and the support has been tremendous. We have extended 2 weeks past our original April 18th closing date, but will close May 2nd.

 

I’m glad we’ve been extended because Shonn has been giving an extra day off from the theater to fly to CA to spend a long weekend with me! I cannot WAIT! He’s flying Jet Blue into Long Beach on Sunday night, then Monday I’m taking him to Disneyland (his first time there!) and then Tuesday night he’s seeing the show. Then he leaves back to NYC Wednesday afternoon. It’s breif but it will be wonderful. (Oh! ha ha…no pun intended…get it? Breif….underpants….nevermind.:)

 

Steve Martin is off in NYC and Paris filming the movie “The Pink Panther”, but when he was here he was taking us out for drinks and saying how proud he was of this play. It’s just amazing to be in the same room with him. Sometimes I have to pinch myself in moments like that.

 

Last night was a real treat, Tony Shaloub (of the show MONK) came to see the show with his wife Brooke Adams. I was graciously invited to drinks with him and Patrick and Amy (Who he’s friends with). What a cool guy!

 

Aside from the play I have been immersed in pilot season, or what’s left of it. I have had some wonderful meetings and auditions. David E Kelley came to see the show and took a meeting with me the next week for a role on “The Practice”. It turned out I wasn’t right for the part, but he said he likes me. That’s gotta count for something. 🙂 

 

Ah ha….now we can get to the real substantial stuff. Past all the fluff and business….and onward to June 19th! The wedding is approaching so rapidly. Time is definitly flying. I have been looking forward to this day for years. 🙂 And it’s coming. I can’t wait to see you all, and have fun in Yosemite. Just kick back, go hiking, and get married. 🙂 I have to admit, it’s been hard planning the wedding here in LA alone. Without Shonn by my side, and even having my friends/wedding party to hang with is difficult. ButI’m plugging away with the planning. We have most everything done. Shonn and I are concentrating on the ceremony music, the ceremony contents, the DJ playlist, Menu and Drink selections.

 

I had my first bridal fitting last week. I flew up north just for a day and had the fitting. It was wonderful. To be in the dress with the veil and everything….I felt like a princess. I didn’t want to take it off! 🙂

 

I also met my new neice Madelyn Clare. Oh my god those eyes, that soft skin, boy I’m in love!! Just when I think I can’t love my neice’s and nephew’s any more….oh, she’s a little peanut! Here’s a picture from the trip:

 

LOVE HER!!!

 

I also gave her my present I had been working on for 3 months. I cross stiched a blanket for her with little hearts, and a bunny and a bear on it. I took a picture of it. This isn’t a very good picture but

 

I had so much fun stiching it while I was watching TV. I felt like a grandma. It was a HUGE undertaking and I have to say….I probably won’t cross stitch something this big until I am a grandma. 🙂

 

Well, I hope I caught you up on what’s been going on. Oh! I’m living in Toluca Lake, (North Hollywood) in an apt of a friend who I did 42nd St with. Funny how life works out. He was going out of town and needed someone to sublet, and wanted to sublet to someone he knew. He came to see “The Underpants” and we talked and it worked out perfectly. It’s a great 1 bedroom. And….I live right above Nancy Aniston…..Jennifer’s mother. Met her, that was kinda cool. She has young pictures of Jennifer all over her apt. 🙂

 

Well, enough blabbing. I’m off. I hope your weeks have been great and that you have a Happy Easter!

 

Thinking of you all.

 

Lots of love,

 

  

Meredith Patterson
www.meredithpatterson.com

Embedded Content: ygp9ED7.jpg: 00000001,727504de,00000000,00000000 Embedded Content: ygp9EDA.jpg: 00000001,0279bdf7,00000000,00000000
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2004 04:11:01 EDT
Subject: Fwd: Hi Julie!
To: mamabear@mamabearsden.org, bill1229@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: 9.0 for Windows sub 5102

Julie and Blake won’t be able to make the wedding. They will be in London. But this email she sent tonight lets me know she wishes she could be there.

 

Still can’t believe I know her.

 

Love you,

 

Meredith Patterson
www.meredithpatterson.com

Return-path:
From: Bigjools123@aol.com
Full-name: Bigjools123
Message-ID: <32.472c2482.2dc1cdca@aol.com> Date: Wed, 28 Apr 2004 23:17:30 EDT
Subject: Re: Hi Julie!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary=”part2_d1.b3b2520.2dc1cdca_boundary” X-Mailer: Thunderbird – Mac OS X sub 208

Hallo Meredith….. How lovely it was to recieve your e.mail… I think of you often also and can well
  imagine how excited you are getting now that the wedding is so close. GREAT news that you and
   Shonn are going to make L.A. your base… I am SOOOOOO sorry that I will not be able to attend the
   big event….. I hope you know how much I would love to be with you on such a special day. I’ll want to see all photos, of course and hear all the delicious details….. I chanced to see Garry M. at a big
  “do” the other evening.. and you’re right… her IS very busy. I think he’s at the Tribecca film
   festival this weekend, and premiering “Raising Helen”… He told me that” P.D.2 “is coming together
  really well.. better than expected for a first cut…
    Well, my dear.. I’m off to Chicago and Cannes and New York in just over a week for the “Shrek”
  people…. I’ll be away for a couple of weeks on this first leg of my travels this Summer. Blake
  MIGHT join me in N.Y.  I hope so.. for I worry too much when I’m away from him for anything more than a week and even then I don’t like it.
    I do hope your show comes to a happy conclusion… and please keep in touch via your newsletter
  etc.    for I love hearing from you. Hugs to you and much love, from, Jools XXXXXX

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 19:30:44 EDT
Subject: Update
To: mamabear@mamabearsden.org, bill1229@wwmgmt.com
CC: Swileynyc@aol.com, hbwiley@comcast.net, melaineph@sbcglobal.net,
Chelliepatterson@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com, kyrahleigh2000@yahoo.com
X-Mailer: 9.0 for Windows sub 5108

Hello everyone,

 

I know I haven’t been writing my Sunday letters lately. I’ve been bad at keeping that up. I got nails for the wedding and I don’t type as well. 🙂

 

I just wanted to let you know that Shonn got DRACULA on Broadway. He will be starring in an original Broadway contemporary musical as the character “Jack Seward”. Based on Bram Stoker’s book DRACULA. Its very exciting and I am so proud of him. He starts rehearsals May 27th, it previews Mid July and Opens the first week of August.

 

This is wonderful news, but unfortunatly has put a wrench in the wedding plans. I just wanted to let you know that Shonn is negotiating 3 days off for the wedding. Friday June 18th, Saturday June 19th and Sunday June 20th. We will know in a couple of days when the negotiating has ceased. Of course this is a very stressful time for both Shonn and I, we have cancelled our plans for a Honeymoon in Hawaii, and are trying to work out living arrangements. I still plan to live and work in LA and Shonn will most likely sign a year contract on Broadway. This is the business we are in. It’s not normal.

 

As far as the housing situation in Yosemite. We spoke to the wedding party from NY and most of them won’t be out to the park until Thursday. Can we change the house reserved for 16 to Thursday night – Saturday night? They shouldn’t have to pay for nights they aren’t there. Shonn will not be staying in the house at all. I will only be there one night (Thursday). As far as the Bridal Suite. Shonn cannot afford $800 + for the night. So we would like to cancel that room and get a less expensive room at The Ahwahnee. If you can email Shonn a number to call he will take care of the reservation. Unfortunatly we are both unemployed, and the Broadway contract isn’t paying a lot.

 

Sorry to be emailing all of this, we just wanted to get the information to everyone asap. Shonn flys back to NYC after his birthday May 18th and I plan to drive up north May 19th for the Bridal Shower. Shonn and I are figuring out a way to get our marriage license taken care of while we’re both here.

 

Things are a little crazy right now.

 

Hope all is well with you. Heard you had a great Mother’s Day Brunch.

Wish I could’ve been there.

 

Lots of love always,

 

Merie

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Tue, 25 May 2004 19:41:36 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter/May 23rd, 2004
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, jshaul@jps.net,
nsbhealy@yahoo.com, KBrantNYC@aol.com, RPatt3362@aol.com,
Newsojo@aol.com, Missytaps@aol.com, Jsjdesign@aol.com,
kristin_l_braun@yahoo.com, Chelliepatterson@aol.com, Swileynyc@aol.com,
brukj@yahoo.com, Mattlacey@aol.com, DCass444@aol.com,
johnwill@attbi.com, luvjas800@attbi.com, spacewaif@hotmail.com,
Kyrahleigh@aol.com, Dpessis@aol.com, AJSULSHARI@aol.com,
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Dear Family and Friends,

 

I have been so far behind on my Sunday letters! I am so sorry. Once you get out of the weekly habit its hard to get back in. Kind of like going to the gym. 🙂

 

Life has been exciting, stressful, wonderful, and sad all at the same time. The excitement is the upcoming wedding! A girl waits her whole life for her wedding day and I cannot believe its approaching. I am a sentimental romantic…and I don’t let a day like this go by without feeling the enormity of it. I cannot wait…and although I know this is one of the most important days of my life I am letting go of the fact that there will be small problems that will happen (every bride has told me) and I need to let go of it now and just enjoy myself. And there is no doubt I will. I am not stressed about it at all. I just want to get in my dress, walk down the aisle, and marry Shonn. 🙂 There has been a lot of family turmoil and stress over the wedding planning and decision making and I’m hoping it will all be water under the bridge once the big day happens.

 

I have some wonderful news to share with you! Shonn has been cast as “Jack Seward” in the upcoming Broadway musical DRACULA. He is fulfilling a long time dream of originating a role on Broadway. I was in tears of joy when I found out!! I am so proud of him, and so happy someone has finally seen what I’ve known for 5 years….Shonn is an unbelievable talent who should star on Broadway! He starts rehearsals May 27th, and got 3 days off for the wedding. Our plans to both move out to Los Angeles have changed. After the wedding, Shonn will be in NYC and I will come back to LA to persue Film and TV work. I know it seems crazy, but we both have agreed to not spend more than 3 weeks apart. And if nothing sticks for me out in LA, I have the option of going to NYC. Although my plan was to settle down in LA, life can turn on a dime. We all know that to be true, right?

 

I have been in LA since the closing of the play “The Underpants” on May 2nd. Working with the cast and creative team was a dream and a wonderful experience. I am so glad to have been a part of it. Now I’m awaiting what is on the other side. Career wise things are pretty slow right now… but that’s the biz. Princess Diaries II: A Royal Engagement is opening in theaters August 11th (last I heard). I cannot wait to be at the LA Premiere. I’ve never been to a movie premiere….and I’m nervous to see what is on screen. Apparently we (the cast) gets to see a advanced screening of the movie. I will let you know how that goes. I’m afraid everything I’ve ever disliked about my face will be up on the screen for all to see. 🙂 Once I get over the shock…I think I will be fine. I talked to Julie and she said I look “lovely” on camera. I trust her judgement. 🙂 But I’m still crossing my fingers.

 

In other life news….I had my Bridal Shower last Saturday afternoon. My sisters Michelle and Lainie and my cousin Carolyn hosted it. It was wonderful! They went all out and had decorations, games, mimosa’s and finger cakes. I had a wondeful time with one game. My sister had previously asked Shonn 23 questions about himself that I had to answer them. If I got a question wrong I had to chew a piece of gum. Now my sister set a basket of “Hubba Bubba” gum in front of me. Those pieces are not easy to chew and not small! The guests at the party had to guess how many I would get wrong. Well….I’ve been with Shonn for so long I thought I’d be home free! Well….I ended up getting 10 wrong out of 23!!! I had a wad of gum in my mouth so big I was drooling and my jaw was cramping! It was hilarious! Some of the questions I got wrong were : “What’s Shonn’s favorite color?” or “What is Shonn’s fav song?” I guess I don’t know him as well as I thought. 🙂 Of course one of the guests replied….”I’ve been married to my husband for 26 years and I don’t even know that!” So I guess there’s hope for us. 🙂

 

Here’s a picture of Lainie, Michelle, baby Madelyn and me (with my ribbon bouquet) from the shower.

 

 

 My friend Roxanne made the bouquet for the rehearsal out of the ribbon and bows from the gifts I received. Its a cool tradition and she did a great job!

 

Here’s another picture of these bear’s my sister had at the shower that were dressed like Bride and Groom. They are my mom’s and she has outfits for them for Christmas (Santa and Mrs. Claus), and Thanksgiving (Pilgrim’s), etc. They are adorable!

 

 

 

Last but not least…they cutest picture of Madelyn. She is getting so big! Only 4 months…but so full of personality. 🙂 Love her! She loved stickin’ her tongue out! 🙂 So funny.

 

 

Well….this week I’m waiting to hear about a movie role. I fly back to NYC to see Shonn this weekend and am going to a wedding of a good friend of ours. Then I’ll be back in California for the big day!

 

Can’t wait to see you all!

 

I’ll be back on track with the Sunday letters from now on. 🙂 It’s a good tradition.

 

Lots of love,

Meredith Patterson
www.meredithpatterson.com

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 6 Jun 2004 13:15:49 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter…2 week countdown!
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Dear everyone!

 

Hello from Northern Cali! I hope this letter finds you all well.

 

I drove up from LA on Friday and….I am staying until the wedding (a.k.a. “hitched”, “a Mrs.”, “ball and chained”, “rollin’ with the married folk”). YEAH!!

 

I got in my little white Audi (that I got about a month ago) and drove 6 hours to Pleasant Hill. Where it all began….:) Friday night my sister/maid of honor Michelle planned my bacholerette party! We had so much fun. My sister/matron of honor Lainie, my friends Roxanne, Sara, and cousin Carolyn all met at Bennihana for dinner. Michelle had bought me some fun “Bacholorette accesories” to wear. The “clean” accesories were a glitter tiara that said “Bacholorette” and a huge gel wedding ring that lit up. Lainie got me some hysterical wedding underwear that when you put it on has a veil to cover your behind. We all decided to where the underwear on my head and tucked in the front part so it looked like I was wearing a veil (but truly I was wearing underwear on my head! 🙂 So funny. Sara bought us a round of drinks and the night began! That’s all I will reveal……it was SO MUCH FUN. We got home around 2am and I crashed at Lainie’s. Waking up with a hangover wasn’t fun….but as always they are memorable. 🙂

 

Saturday I went with Lainie to Pleasant Hill Park for Cody Phalen’s 1st birthday. Jenny Phalen was there…who I haven’t seen in 7 years. And my old junior high friend Ali Montgomery was there. I haven’t seen her in over 10 years. She is married and has 2 kids. One 5 years old and one 4 months. Crazy to think we are the same age. It was good to see them both. Lorriane and Mike Phalen were there of course. They look the same as they did when I was a kid. I ran around with little Michael, playing on the slide and hiding behind trees (his favorite game of the day). Madelyn was dressed in a little ladybug outfit and was precious. No fuss baby. We had hotdogs and hamburgers and cake! How can I eat like this and fit into a wedding dress in two weeks. 🙂 ha ha….

 

Today is Madelyn’s christening at 1:00 @ Christ the King church. Lainie bought her a cute dress and has a frame mat for everyone to sign. She got a caterer and there’s a party at the church after. Then, after that party is…THE MADONNA CONCERT: Re-invention Tour!! This is kind of an extention of the Bacholorette Party. We rented a limo that’s going to pick us up at 6pm at Lainie’s house and off we go to San Jose to see MADONNA! All these years of loving her and I finally get to see in in concert. The limo has complimentary champagne and we mentioned to the driver that we are a “loud bunch of girls” and he said, “Cool! I’ll take care of you!” Lainie, Michelle, cuz Carolyn, Jenny Phalen, and Lainie’s college friend Marsha are all going. CAN’T WAIT!!

 

Whew….all that…and its just in the past two days. Last week was a little slow in LA. I went to NYC to see Shonn for memorial day weekend, and for our friend Jeff and Gina’s wedding. Jeff and Gina met the same time Shonn and I did. In the same westchester production of 42nd St. It was so cool to be at a wedding so close to our own. It made us even more excited with anticipation of our own day. I think its the first wedding I cried at. They just looked so happy and I got goose bumps seeing Gina walk down the isle (of course because she was stunning and glowing…but I thought, “That will be me soon! YEAH!”) I was living through both of them the whole day and feeding off their glow and happiness (as was everyone). We danced our butts off at the reception. It was wonderful.

 

Shonn has been in rehearsals for DRACULA since last Thursday. I haven’t seen him this excited for years. He’s like a little kid! I love hearing about everything. I bought him Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel and he’s been reading it on the subway and before he goes to sleep. He has been practicing his english accent (everyone has one for the show) and working with a dialect coach. I told him I had the best dialect coach for The BoyFriend and PDII! 🙂 Who could be better than Julie? 🙂 Shonn is having a wonderful time….and a little busy…who knew he’d be preparing for a wedding AND a B’way show all at the same time. Crazy timing.

 

Well….the wedding is approaching in 13 days! Little details are coming together. I’m just trying to lay back and soak it all up and take it all in. No stress, life’s too short. 🙂

 

So much is going on I couldn’t mention it all. 🙂 Gotta get going! Lots of love to everyone. Let me know how life is for you. 🙂

 

Love,

 

Mer

 

Meredith Patterson
www.meredithpatterson.com

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 13 Jun 2004 15:33:10 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter…This time next week…
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I’ll be a married woman!

 

How cool!

 

This is going to be a quick Sunday letter because so much has to still be done before the big day! 🙂 Most importantly….relaxing and taking it all in.

 

Shonn and I have talked every day 3 times a day. He’s having a wonderful time rehearsing. Getting into the “meat” of rehearsal. Meanwhile trying to get ready to be a Groom all the way across the country. Crazy timing…but its going to be glorious.

 

The people at the Ahwahnee have told us the weather is gorgeuos, the waterfalls are full, and it is looking like it will be a near perfect day. (Having you all there beside Shonn and I will take care of that).

 

I’m on my way to Lainie’s to work on the favors, Just finished typing out the Wedding Day Timeline…getting my pedicure…blah blah blah. All that pampering stuff. I’m picking up my dress on Tuesday and Wednesday morning we meet Herb and Beth and we drive up to Yosemite! I can’t believe its actually here after all this planning and preparation. Whew. Getting married is a chore….:) I say its like putting on a B’way show. WIth opening night and closing night all in the same day (hey some actual B’way shows have done that. 🙂

 

Anyway…like I said…this is a short letter. This past week has been a little hectic but nice. Its been good to be up here with family and friends. OH! I went to see MADONNA in concert last Sunday and we all rented a limo! It was amazing. The minute the show started all I wanted to do was jump on stage and BE Madonna. (That’s what I’ve wanted since I was in 4th grade…what’s new?) She is such a contriversial but extremely intelligent woman. I feel sorry for this generation having Ms. Spears to look to. (No offense John Boy, I know you love her) but I saw her Live in Miami Tour on HBO….nothing compares to Madonna. Man alive…Madonna was amazing! She even sang her songs….no lip syncing….imagine that? 🙂 tee hee hee.

 

Ok…enough babble! Off to be married! Next time I write I’ll be Mrs. Wiley! HOW COOL!!! 🙂

 

Love,

 

Meredith Patterson
http://www.meredithpatterson.com/

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 27 Jun 2004 15:29:08 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter – We’re Married!!!…and much more!!
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HI EVERYONE!
WE DID IT!!!

We are now Mr. & Mrs. Shonn Eric Wiley.
How crazy is that?!

Most of you were there to witness the big day! Thank you so much for taking the trip out to Yosemite. It was a dream come true for both Shonn and I. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect!


God….there is so much to tell I don’t even know where to begin. The first thought that comes to mind is walking towards Shonn on the wedding day and my Dad whispering to me “Is this everything you ever dreamed of?” and I looked up and saw Yosemite Falls, The Ahwahnee and gorgeous nature all around me…I began to well up and whispered “Its more than I ever dreamed.”  And it was.


The ceremony was perfect. I’m speechless as to how to describe it. All I remember seeing was Shonn. The minute I turned down the isle of white chairs I immediately locked eyes with Shonn. I know people where there but they were a blur. He was totally in focus. It was bizarre and wonderful. Then I saw him crying and I lost it. Course I was already weepy. Thank god I had my blusher veil on so I could try to collect myself. But that didn’t last very long. My dad lifted my blusher and kissed my cheek and my Mom kissed my cheek, my Dad shook Shonn’s hand and I stepped next to him and I think I giggled? So funny. I guess that’s just me…a giggler. I wasn’t nervous at all. I was in a cloud. I couldn’t believe it was happening. I heard every word of the ceremony, every reading our dear friends came up and read. It was wonderful. 


Someone said they have never seen so much crying at a wedding. 🙂 Well the bridal party, Shonn and I are actors…emotional and all that. But the guests were crying too. 🙂 All in all, it was a gorgeous day!  Here are some long awaited pictures for you guys. These were taken by my dear friends AJ and Shari. They are just a sample.




 







That’s us saying “TA DA!” It was a brilliant moment, at the end of the ceremony after our officiant announced us as “Mr. and Mrs. Shonn Eric Wiley” the entire Bridal party posed (like above) and said, “TA DA!” Shonn and I were completely surprised and laughed out loud! It was wonderful! 🙂 So as part of our formal portraits we took this picture. 🙂


Shonn and I have been married for a week and a day, and we both agree, it doesn’t feel that different. Unfortunately we couldn’t take our honeymoon to Hawaii so it was back to normal right away. We are looking forward to taking that honeymoon in the winter when we will NEED to get away. 🙂 But until then, we are enjoying eachother’s company here in NYC.


We both want to take this chance to thank each and every one of you who were so generous with your gift giving. After having a destination wedding Shonn and I were not expecting as many wonderful gifts as we received. So thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts. (I just finished the thank you cards…they are in the mail. 🙂 We came home on Sunday, June 20th to a door with 7 boxes stacked in front of it. And we had about 10 more in the apt. We spent the next two nights opening them and feeling like little kids at Christmas. It was wonderful. 🙂


So things are back to normal. No more checking the weddingchannel.com everyday, no more scheduling dress fittings, planning the day….its all done! Whew! Now its time to get on with life and start looking forward to the future.


I have some great news….I have been offered the role of “Judy” (Vera Ellen’s part in the movie version) in a new production of White Christmas directed by Walter Bobbie and choreographed by my old buddy Randy Skinner! Better yet…it will play at The Curran Theater in San Francisco this holiday season! 🙂 YEAH! We rehearse in New York for 3 weeks in September then we are set to open November 2nd I believe. Check out www.bestofbroadway-sf.com for info and how to get tickets. 🙂


I also went in to do some ADR (additional dialogue recording) for Princess Diaries II on Friday. I didn’t even know they did such a thing. The engineer who ran the session said, “Oh yeah they do this with every movie. Nearly 50% of the movies dialogue is done with ADR.” Who knew? The best part was seeing the scenes on the big screen! The movie looks beautiful…and for once I didn’t cringe at the site of myself on screen. The trailer is great, I’ve seen it in the theaters. Check out www.princessdiaries2.com .  I’m excited for the premiere August 11th!


Speaking of movies, Shonn and I went to see Michael Moore’s controversial film Fahrenheit 9/11 Friday night. I’m not going to say much about it because one of the things I’ve learned to avoid emailing about is politics but…..GO SEE IT. Please go. I can’t stress that enough. It is phenomenal, heartbreaking, and infuriating all at the same time.


Shonn has been rehearsing non stop all week for DRACULA. He is having the time of his life with this cast of people. I met them all for lunch one day on 42nd st and I fell in love with them as well. The show is going to be wonderful! Check out the new website…it has a music clip and its very cool! www.draculaonbroadway.com


Keep your fingers crossed for me….I’m going back in for NBC’s FRIENDS spin off JOEY. As most of you know I went in for the pilot and got all the way to Network (which means it was between me and 4 other girls) I got to read with Matt LeBlanc( that in itself was cool!). Well, they fired the poor girl who got the role and are re-casting it. They’ve actually changed the role a little. I go on tape here in NYC for the producers on Tuesday morning. 🙂 Agh! We’ll see what happens….


Oh funny story….The first night Shonn and I were back from the wedding I decided to go shopping at the store and make him something out of our new “Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook”. I know….(gag reflex)….but I live for that stuff. So cheesy and mushy and sweet. Speaking of….I made him homemade stovetop Macaroni and Cheese with crusted seasoned bread crumbs on top, with a tossed baby green salad, and some Sam Adams Beer to drink…..HA! What a horrible high carb meal! We didn’t care. We loved it! It actually turned out really good! Don’t worry we’ve been eating better than that lately….but that was our first homemade meal as hubby and wife!  

Other than all that news…Shonn and I have been having a great week. I know I’m forgetting to mention something that has happened over the past 2 weeks…but forgive me. I did mention the BIG THING that happened. WE’RE MARRIED. 🙂 Still bizarre to realize. I guess we have to become grown-ups now? Or do we? Can I be a little girl my whole life? How about just look at life through the eyes of a little girl. Things just seem easier that way.


Well….here’s to many more weekly update letters from me to you….or from a married me to you….or from the new Mrs. Wiley to you! 🙂


Love you guys! And again…it was GREAT to see you all at the wedding!

Talk to you soon,

Meredith Patterson Wiley

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 2004 18:46:00 EDT
Subject: Sunny Sunday Letter
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, jshaul@jps.net,
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Hey there,


Its beautiful, 80 degrees, and sunny out here in So Cal. I just took a dip in the pool here at the apartment…its so quiet here…the wind is blowing the palm trees…and that’s about it for noise. Very peaceful.


Last week was my first week back in LA. It was semi busy. But one thing I’ve learned…especially from seeing some recognizable actors at auditions I’m going on….that it never ends. There will always be weeks of auditions. So I will spare you from any details of them and just let you know I have had some very exciting ones. And more coming up this week. Let’s hope if they don’t end in a job, they end with a good impression.


Shonn had most of the week off from DRACULA. Why? They started their long arduous, grueling TECH schedule. Since Shonn isn’t in the first part of the musical he wasn’t called. And they have been having some technical difficulty already…it seems more previews have been cancelled. But for those of us who know the theater biz…this doesn’t mean catastrophy…it just means they’re human. Some of the best shows didn’t even get a run through before the first preview (42nd ST is one of them!) 
But Shonn’s doing well. Its a bummer that he didn’t have more time off when I was in NYC. But I guess that’s what they call “Murphy’s Law”. He’s been hanging out with his friend’s Darren and Jeff…and Larry came into town last night and they hung out. I won’t tell you how late they stayed up….but it was an all nighter! 🙂


For those of you who didn’t know…my grandma Irene was recently in the hospital. She’s alright. She fell watering her plants and slightly fractured a lower vertebrae. When I was home for Fourth of July, Lainie and I went to visit her in the hospital. She looked great, wasn’t in pain. But the hospital was horrible. She didn’t want to be there. Who would? It was depressing. Everyone was screaming for help, or in pain. God, you never think about those places until your in them. I just wanted to take each and every old man and old woman and ask them what I could do to help them. This woman who was rooming with grandma kept yelling, “Help..help.” We called the nurse so many times and the nurse said, “She yells all day.” I guess she has chronic pain. Grandma just wanted us to take her out of there. I couldn’t blame her. We brought her “Boston Market” take out for lunch and sat out in the patio area with the babies. Michael was running around making grandma laugh. Madelyn was looking cute in her red, white and blue outfit. Grams loved seeing them. So did the other patients. Seeing young people, especially children, is so theraputic for elderly people. I believe it takes them away from the knowledge that their bodies are old. You know? My grandma may be 86…but she’s got the soul of a toddler. Mischievous and silly…just like Michael. I love to see it come out of her. It makes me giggle.


Then after awhile we left to go see the fireworks. Lainie and I got teary eyed because grandma wanted to go so badly. She wheeled herself out to the waiting room after us to say goodbye…and also to brag a little to the nurses. She said “These are my grandkids and great grandkids!” She’s so cute!


Good news, Mom picked her up from the hospital the other day and she’s now staying with Mom and Dad in the spare room at the house. Grandma realizes she can’t live alone anymore, and they are looking to get her into assisted living. Mom has worked so hard looking after grandma and helped her so much over the years. I know it gives her a sense of ease knowing she’s home with her. She doesn’t have to rush over to the Manor or call her 5 times a day to make sure she’s ok. Its peace of mind for both grandma, Mom and Dad. Thank god Grams is out of that hospital too. I couldn’t bear thinking of here in there. It’s good. Her back is ok. Don’t know how long until it completly heals.


I am planning on being in LA until Princess Diaries Premeire August 11th. I lose my sublet August 5th…but I’m looking for a place to stay until the 11th or I will be staying on a friends couch. 🙂 Ah, the life of an actor! 🙂 Then on August 12th I will drive up to Northern Cali, park the car, fly out of Oakland to NYC for Shonn’s opening night on B’way August 16th. Then I will be in NYC to stay. At least for awhile. And although the ink isn’t dry on the contract I have been offered to star in WHITE CHRISTMAS @ The Curran in San Francisco for the Winter. 🙂 I will let you know more details next week. Just think family….you won’t have to fly to NYC to see me perform! I will be finally in my hometown….:) And for the holidays! What could be better than that! 🙂 Mom & Dad…we really should see about having a Christmas party for the cast and crew? Since they will all be away from home. 🙂  Just a thought.


I’ve been invited to the 2004 Mercedes Benz Tennis Tournament this Tuesday @ UCLA. Harry Abrams the head of Abrams Artists Agency, gave me two tickets, I’m not really sure why he gave them to me, but…he did. So, I will bring my big hat, some water and sunscreen (you know how burnt I got on Fourth of July!) and…I have yet to see what So Cal based friend could come with me. Anyone? Whomever calls or emails me first gets the ticket! 🙂 Should be lots of fun watching a fuzzy ball bounce back and forth. We will be sure to stretch our neck muscles! 🙂


What else is new? Something not business oriented. Oh….this is funny, I’ve been TIVOing movies I haven’t seen before and watching them. 🙂 Really exciting. 🙂 So far I’ve seen.. Blow, Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas (both…you guessed it…Johnny Depp movies…Yummy!), Postcards From the Edge (why I’d never seen it I don’t know…wonderful!) and Victor/Victoria (Of course I loved this movie for obvious reasons! Don’t know why I never seen it either) I have yet to watch American History X, Nick of Time (yes..Johnny Depp), Alex & Emma, and Easy Rider. I know…totally random and eclectic…but I’ve sworn off mindless TV. I love TIVO for that reason alone. I can save a movie and watch it when I have free time. 🙂 Course I have a lot of free time being away from Shonn and most of my friends. So…if your in LA…give me a call. We can go swimming, hang out, do anything that doesn’t cost money. 🙂


I have to get back to memorizing my lines for tommorrow’s audition. I’ll give you a hint. Its for a series regular….wish me luck! 🙂


Love you guys.



Give me the low down as to what you’re up to?


Miss you.



Love,






    Meredith Patterson Wiley

Embedded Content: Untitled014.jpg: 00000001,720d53f6,00000000,00000000
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 25 Jul 2004 14:41:05 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6029

Hey everyone!


I don’t remember if I wrote a letter last week. That shows you how scattered my schedule has been. I cannot believe July is almost over. It seems like yesterday I was waiting for June 19th to roll around. 🙂 Now its almost August.


When I was a kid I never understood why adults would say, “Time flies”. Because when your a teenager a month is like a year! But now I get it….time is truely flying. I can’t believe my neice Aiko just turned 6 years old last week! (For those of you at the wedding she was the sweet dark haired flower girl). I remember seeing her at 4 months old. Seems like yesterday. Now I’m really sounding like an “adult”. 🙂 It cracks me up sometimes. I still feel 16 years old sometimes, then I realize…I’m a Wife, an Aunt…I’m almost 30! 🙂 I remember turning 20 and thinking it was the coolest thing….I’m not so sure about 30. Of course its not right around the corner…but close. Of course people in my business shouldn’t know my age…its such a crutch. God forbid you get older. 🙂 Its such a silly fear. I think its wonderful. I wouldn’t go back to being 20. I love all that I’ve learned. Of course…there’s the cliche “If I knew then what I know now.” But who does?


Ok, I’m getting deep and phylosophical. 🙂 I just watched the movie “The Ring” with Naomi Watts. The first time I saw it I was alone….not a good idea. I couldn’t fall asleep. I can never watch horror films alone. My imagination is too vivid. I know its fake, but still my mind spins. Anyway, speaking of my business, getting older, etc….the actress Naomi Watts is now in her mid-late thirties, starred in this movie. She didn’t get a big break until she was about 32 years old. She was being interviewed on TV the other day and she said she was contemplating quitting acting when she turned 30. Because she hadn’t gotten her big break and was sick of the struggling actress lifestyle. I can definitly relate. But its inspiring to know that even at the age of 32 (way over the hill for the youth obsessed Hollywood) she still was considered a fresh new face. Ann Miller worked with Naomi in her first big movie role “Mouhulland Drive” which turned out to be Annie’s last movie. Ann said she was a sweet, humble, and hard working actress. I find that true of actors who are made to struggle. They appreciate it more when they get their break. They never take it for granted.


This all brings me back to last pilot season when I had a casting director flatter me by saying I was a “young Naomi Watts type”. I’d be honored to have her career.


I’m going off on tangents. 🙂 I guess that’s my mind set today. I have been out here in LA for about 3 weeks now. I’ve been on almost an audition a day and haven’t gotten many callbacks. I’ve gotten feedback like “not the right type”, “too girl next door”, “not exotic enough”, and two of my favorite comments “she just didn’t pop out at me”, and the all time favorite, “we have no further interest”. Yes, rejection is part of the territory. But when you audition for stage at least you get criticism that you can learn from. You know you have to dance better, sing better, hit the note or the step with more precision. With these auditions it comes down to something like “your nose being too big”. There’s nothing you can do about it. Its almost laughable…but most of the time its frustrating. All you can do is roll with the punches…move on to the next audition….and hope this is the one that fits you perfectly. 🙂


Ok, ok, moving on. Good news! Grandma B is out of the hospital. She is doing much better now. I don’t know why, but I had a feeling she would pull out of all this. I just knew it wasn’t her time yet. I can’t wait to give her a BIG HUG!


GREAT NEWS! My big sister Michelle is ENGAGED! I can’t believe I waited this long to mention it! Micheal O’Hearn asked her to marry him in the exact same spot they first met. It is a sweet story, and I am so happy for the both of them. I’m helping Michelle with some of the planning….since I just went through it! 🙂 No date has been set yet, but I already can’t wait!


Well…I know there is more to say but I have to get going. 🙂


Love you all. Miss you. I will be in NYC August 14th-October 23rd. Then I come to San Francisco for White Christmas! I’ll let you know how to get tickets and everything real soon!


Have a great week!



Lots of love,


  Meredith Patterson Wiley

Embedded Content: Untitled017.jpg: 00000001,0903b740,00000000,00000000
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 26 Jul 2004 14:40:43 EDT
Subject: Re: Sunday Letter
To: bill1229@wwmgmt.com
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6029

Hey Dad,


Sutton Foster isn not doing Little Shop Of Horrors. It was starring her brother Hunter Foster, but he has left the show. Most of the original cast has left the show, but I’m sure its still a good show.


Shonn has a friend in DRACULA who used to be in that show. I’ll see what he can do. Shonn’s really swamped with TECH rehearsal. His first performance is Wednesday night! If you want to send flowers go to the website for the address. www.draculaonbroadway.com



  Meredith Patterson Wiley

Embedded Content: Untitled0111.jpg: 00000001,63ef9e32,00000000,00000000
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 1 Aug 2004 12:52:04 EDT
Subject: Last Sunday Letter in July!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6029

Dear Family and Friends,


I am writing you from my friend Amy and Drew’s “Japo-Swiss Empire”…that’s what they call it. 🙂 I like saying it….”Japo-Swiss Empire!” 🙂 Its really a Japo-Swiss style House…but to me it feels like an empire. Its nice to be in a real house! I’m house/pet sitting for them while they are on vacation for the next couple of weeks. I moved in last night. I was in a nice one bedroom condo in Toluca Lake with a pool! That was a major upgrade from the place I was subletting on Palm Avenue. That was a sparcely furnished dirty little studio….and to move from that to Toluca Lake was heaven…now to be in a real live house…things are lookin’ up. 🙂


Their cat Jack has diabetes and has to get shots twice a day. Its not as bad as it sounds, Drew and Amy showed me how to do it…and I even gave Jack his shot once when they were home. No big deal. 🙂 Well, last night when I came into the house Jack was refusing to come inside and hissed at me for an hour. I finally resorted to calling the neighbor Mary to come help me (she knows the cat, and vice versa). Well, he still wouldn’t come inside. Then when Mary left, Jack came strolling in the pet door. Animals are funny. 🙂 The dog Lucy is with a neighbor for the weekend. But he’s so fluffy and cute. Amy showed me some tricks Lucy does, she bows, rolls over, even jumps through a hoola hoop! I can’t wait to try them out. 🙂 There’s a dog park up the street (near Drew Barrymore’s House!) that I will be taking Lucy to. Its fun.


Last week was busy! Its weird because July is suppossed to be pretty slow for auditions but I had almost one every day. I had 2 national commercial auditions as well. I got a callback for a “dog biscuit” one…and during the audition the lights went out. There I was in a room with 3 producers, a casting director, and the director. The camera is running, the guy in the shot with me said his line, I start to say my line and the lights go out. It was actually really funny. The director said something like, “It must your chemistry!” ha ha ha….I didn’t get the commercial. So….:) But the other commercial audition was for “Old Navy”. That one was hysterical. The commercial starts with a guy saying, “You know what I love? Air.” and I suddenly jump up and says, “YES! I love air! Breathing it? Are you kidding me! What a rush! And its free! Don’t even get me started on that!….” and just going crazy! The casting director was taping the whole audition. And there I was dancing around saying “I love air”. Who gets these tapes once the commercial is cast? God, one of these days these audition tapes are going to get in the wrong hands. Its ok….it could be worse. So someone see’s me making a fool of myself. What’s new? 🙂 ha ha


I had a few more auditions that I won’t bore you with. NYPD Blue, The West Wing…all I can do is make a good impression. Its hard to get past that “we want star names” stigma. 🙂 But like I always say….all I can do is keep pluggin’ away. 🙂 I have a callback for the lead in a feature film on Monday. The character is really great, so I’m crossing my fingers. Wish me luck.


I got my invitations to the Princess Diaries II premeire and screening this week! It came in a envelope that looked like it was a wedding invite. 🙂 The front is the movie poster, and it says on the inside, “Queen Clarisse and Princess Mia invite you….” Its very sweet! The premeire is at Disneyland’s California Adventure…in the Hollywood section. Mom and Dad get to walk on the red carpet with me. I can’t wait!! 🙂 Then we’re going to Julie’s private screening on the Disney lot on Sunday. Then on August 10th there is a cast and crew screening at El Capitan theater on Hollywood Blvd. Next weekend will be a great one! I don’t know if I’ll have time to write a Sunday letter. 🙂 But you’ll all know why…..:)


My sister Michelle and her fiance’ (yeah!) Michael have picked a date for the wedding April 30th 2004 in Oakland, CA. They have only been engaged a week or so and they are moving along with the plans pretty quickly. Its so exciting. I can’t WAIT to see my big sister all dressed in white! Ok…I might get teary eyed. 🙂 Also Michelle celebrated her birthday on July 28th! I don’t know what she did cause I haven’t talked to her. But I hope you got my silly singing message on your machine? 🙂 You know me, I always have to sing to you on your birthday Chellie! 🙂


My other sis Lainie and the babies went to see Thomas the Train this weekend in Santa Cruz. Its a outing where they have real steam engine’s and dress them up to look like Thomas the Train, Percy, Henry…the whole gang. (If you have kids you know what I’m talking about). Lainie got the kids special hats and personalized shirts. I heard Michael on the phone yelling”Yeah Thomas!” So cute! I wish I could’ve been there to see his little face! Mom and Dad went and are taking lots of pictures.


Speaking of Mom and Dad! They celebrated their 37th Anniversary on July 29th! Dad took Mom to the new renovated Zio Fraedo’s down the street in Pleasant Hill (a restaurant I used to sing at in this top 40 band when I was 15yrs old). Anyway…they said its so nice and quiet and romantic. They had a two hour dinner and at the end Dad had a dozen rose sent to the table. Mom cried. (I would too!) I hope I am as lucky as my parents are to have 37 wonderful loving years with Shonn. I can’t wait to see what we’re like in 37 years. God, I haven’t even lived that long yet! 🙂 ha ha…just a little humor. 🙂 


Well, I don’t know if I’ve mentioned that I’ve been working on recording my music while I’m here in LA. Those of you that know me well know I’ve been composing for about 10 years now. My friend Ryan Shore, who is a film score composer, is helping me with my instrumental album that I’m calling “Without Words”. Its 14 piano instrumentals…much like the artist Jim Brickman (or at least I hope it to be!). I cannot wait to finish the album and give it to all of you. It will be just so wonderful to have it completed and out of my head. Its strange, my music has been on the back burner of my career for while but I can’t ever seem to get the songs out of my head. Until I have them completed. I guess that’s the “artist” in me. Anyway…Ryan and I have been trying to meld our schedule’s together for the past 2 years…but he’s busy and I’m all over the place. But we’re hoping to complete it by next year.


Also my music that is more “pop” oriented I have been recording with a wonderful producer named Jim J here in LA. We’ve completed one song called “Mistake” (you can hear it on my website) and tommorrow I go in to do the final mix of “Foolish Heart”. Then in the next two weeks I hopefully will record a third song. I’m hoping to have about 6 before I make a CD. Again, it will be nice to finally have my music recorded and in album form. We plan to submit them to TV and FILM, and sell the CD on the website. My music has been a passion of mine for so long that I haven’t been able to indulge in. I’m so fortunate to be able to now. Its wonderful.


Last but certainly not least….Shonn performed his first preview of DRACULA on Broadway last night! He was SO EXCITED on the phone! I wish I was there with him to celebrate. He thinks the show is going to be a hit. The audience LOVED it, and I cannot wait to see him shine on stage! Opening night is August 19th. 🙂


Oh…one more thing. I am getting the proofs of the wedding photos soon, and I will be sending you all the group shot we took! I can’t WAIT to see that one. Also….SHONN AND I GOT OUR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE!!! It came in the mail the beginnning of the week! Yee haw!!! 🙂


Ok, this letter has gone on long enough. I hope you all are well. I think of you often, even though we don’t get to speak on the phone. I wish you all the best. Write or call whenever you can.


Lots of love,




  Meredith Patterson Wiley

Embedded Content: Untitled0118.jpg: 00000001,786ef87a,00000000,00000000
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 1 Aug 2004 12:55:31 EDT
Subject: Last Sunday Letter in July!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6029

Dear Family and Friends,


I am writing you from my friend Amy and Drew’s “Japo-Swiss Empire”…that’s what they call it. 🙂 I like saying it….”Japo-Swiss Empire!” 🙂 Its really a Japo-Swiss style House…but to me it feels like an empire. Its nice to be in a real house! I’m house/pet sitting for them while they are on vacation for the next couple of weeks. I moved in last night. I was in a nice one bedroom condo in Toluca Lake with a pool! That was a major upgrade from the place I was subletting on Palm Avenue. That was a sparcely furnished dirty little studio….and to move from that to Toluca Lake was heaven…now to be in a real live house…things are lookin’ up. 🙂


Their cat Jack has diabetes and has to get shots twice a day. Its not as bad as it sounds, Drew and Amy showed me how to do it…and I even gave Jack his shot once when they were home. No big deal. 🙂 Well, last night when I came into the house Jack was refusing to come inside and hissed at me for an hour. I finally resorted to calling the neighbor Mary to come help me (she knows the cat, and vice versa). Well, he still wouldn’t come inside. Then when Mary left, Jack came strolling in the pet door. Animals are funny. 🙂 The dog Lucy is with a neighbor for the weekend. But he’s so fluffy and cute. Amy showed me some tricks Lucy does, she bows, rolls over, even jumps through a hoola hoop! I can’t wait to try them out. 🙂 There’s a dog park up the street (near Drew Barrymore’s House!) that I will be taking Lucy to. Its fun.


Last week was busy! Its weird because July is suppossed to be pretty slow for auditions but I had almost one every day. I had 2 national commercial auditions as well. I got a callback for a “dog biscuit” one…and during the audition the lights went out. There I was in a room with 3 producers, a casting director, and the director. The camera is running, the guy in the shot with me said his line, I start to say my line and the lights go out. It was actually really funny. The director said something like, “It must your chemistry!” ha ha ha….I didn’t get the commercial. So….:) But the other commercial audition was for “Old Navy”. That one was hysterical. The commercial starts with a guy saying, “You know what I love? Air.” and I suddenly jump up and says, “YES! I love air! Breathing it? Are you kidding me! What a rush! And its free! Don’t even get me started on that!….” and just going crazy! The casting director was taping the whole audition. And there I was dancing around saying “I love air”. Who gets these tapes once the commercial is cast? God, one of these days these audition tapes are going to get in the wrong hands. Its ok….it could be worse. So someone see’s me making a fool of myself. What’s new? 🙂 ha ha


I had a few more auditions that I won’t bore you with. NYPD Blue, The West Wing…all I can do is make a good impression. Its hard to get past that “we want star names” stigma. 🙂 But like I always say….all I can do is keep pluggin’ away. 🙂 I have a callback for the lead in a feature film on Monday. The character is really great, so I’m crossing my fingers. Wish me luck.


I got my invitations to the Princess Diaries II premeire and screening this week! It came in a envelope that looked like it was a wedding invite. 🙂 The front is the movie poster, and it says on the inside, “Queen Clarisse and Princess Mia invite you….” Its very sweet! The premeire is at Disneyland’s California Adventure…in the Hollywood section. Mom and Dad get to walk on the red carpet with me. I can’t wait!! 🙂 Then we’re going to Julie’s private screening on the Disney lot on Sunday. Then on August 10th there is a cast and crew screening at El Capitan theater on Hollywood Blvd. Next weekend will be a great one! I don’t know if I’ll have time to write a Sunday letter. 🙂 But you’ll all know why…..:)


My sister Michelle and her fiance’ (yeah!) Michael have picked a date for the wedding April 30th 2004 in Oakland, CA. They have only been engaged a week or so and they are moving along with the plans pretty quickly. Its so exciting. I can’t WAIT to see my big sister all dressed in white! Ok…I might get teary eyed. 🙂 Also Michelle celebrated her birthday on July 28th! I don’t know what she did cause I haven’t talked to her. But I hope you got my silly singing message on your machine? 🙂 You know me, I always have to sing to you on your birthday Chellie! 🙂


My other sis Lainie and the babies went to see Thomas the Train this weekend in Santa Cruz. Its a outing where they have real steam engine’s and dress them up to look like Thomas the Train, Percy, Henry…the whole gang. (If you have kids you know what I’m talking about). Lainie got the kids special hats and personalized shirts. I heard Michael on the phone yelling”Yeah Thomas!” So cute! I wish I could’ve been there to see his little face! Mom and Dad went and are taking lots of pictures.


Speaking of Mom and Dad! They celebrated their 37th Anniversary on July 29th! Dad took Mom to the new renovated Zio Fraedo’s down the street in Pleasant Hill (a restaurant I used to sing at in this top 40 band when I was 15yrs old). Anyway…they said its so nice and quiet and romantic. They had a two hour dinner and at the end Dad had a dozen rose sent to the table. Mom cried. (I would too!) I hope I am as lucky as my parents are to have 37 wonderful loving years with Shonn. I can’t wait to see what we’re like in 37 years. God, I haven’t even lived that long yet! 🙂 ha ha…just a little humor. 🙂 


Well, I don’t know if I’ve mentioned that I’ve been working on recording my music while I’m here in LA. Those of you that know me well know I’ve been composing for about 10 years now. I have been recording with a wonderful producer named Jim J here in LA. We’ve completed one song called “Mistake” (you can hear it on my website) and tommorrow I go in to do the final mix of “Foolish Heart”. Then in the next two weeks we may be recording a third song. I’m hoping to have about 6 before I make a CD. Again, it will be nice to finally have my music recorded and in album form. We plan to submit them to TV and FILM, and sell the CD on the website. My music has been a passion of mine for so long that I haven’t been able to indulge in. I’m so fortunate to be able to now. Its wonderful.


Last but certainly not least….Shonn performed his first preview of DRACULA on Broadway last night! He was SO EXCITED on the phone! I wish I was there with him to celebrate. He thinks the show is going to be a hit. The audience LOVED it, and I cannot wait to see him shine on stage! Opening night is August 19th. 🙂


Oh…one more thing. I am getting the proofs of the wedding photos soon, and I will be sending you all the group shot we took! I can’t WAIT to see that one. Also….SHONN AND I GOT OUR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE!!! It came in the mail the beginnning of the week! Yee haw!!! 🙂


Ok, this letter has gone on long enough. I hope you all are well. I think of you often, even though we don’t get to speak on the phone. I wish you all the best. Write or call whenever you can.


Lots of love,




  Meredith Patterson Wiley

Embedded Content: Untitled0119.jpg: 00000001,03b71a65,00000000,00000000
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Thu, 12 Aug 2004 14:32:17 EDT
Subject: A “Princess” Sunday/Monday Letter!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6029

Hello everyone!


What a amazing week this was….ending with an event that had me floating on a cloud. The Princess Diaries II World Premiere at Disneyland! I still can’t believe I was walking down the red carpet, I was at a world premiere…and, oh yeah, I’m in the movie! It was surreal and wonderful all at the same time. …but more details on the big day later. 🙂 


On top of the PDII premiere….I had a pretty good week. Audition-wise it was pretty full. I had three (3) National Network commerical auditions back to back. Now, for those of you who don’t know what a National Network commercial is, well, to explain it quickly….its basically the commercial you want to get! Its the “lottery” of commercials. It pays a whole lot, and its on…(you guessed it)…nationally. It was for OLD NAVY, CIRCUIT CITY and JEEP. One of them I just had to look at the camera, say nothing, and look “pretty and wholesome”. It was funny. So that one is based soley on opinion. 🙂 The other two I had lots of fun acting silly (Old Navy) and like a concerned consumer (Circuit City). My friend Debbie just got cast in a Mr. Clean commercial. So if you see a cute brunette in that commercial…chances are its her! 🙂 Anyway….I don’t know if they’ve completly passed on me for all three. I’ll find out this week. But…there’s always a better chance at booking a National Commercial if you audition for one right? So I’m just glad I got to audition 🙂


I also had loads of fun house/pet sitting for my friends Amy and Drew here in Hollywood. I took the dogs to the dog park up the street, went jogging with them, and did tricks. It makes me want to get a dog…but not yet. I wouldn’t subject a dog to the NYC lifestyle. And picking up the “poop” off the street in the middle of winter would not be a joyful event. 🙂


Well…by now you realize I’m not sending this on Sunday. Its taken me all week to write this. So much has been going on. 🙂


Shonn’s show opens a week from today! Can’t wait! Herb, Beth, Mom and Dad are all coming out to New York the week after. 🙂


I better send this off before its Sunday all over again. But I have to tell you the World Premeire was the most exciting event I’ve been to! I could compare it with a Broadway opening….but its intensified. There were 50 paparazzi camera’s taking pictures of me and yelling “Meredith over here, look left, look right!” It was insane! Its only a fraction of what I’m sure celebrities have to deal with on a daily basis.


I got to see a lot of celebrities. Kelly Clarkson, Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, Lainie Kazan….it was wonderful!


Ok, ok….sorry I’m not more descriptive! I hope you see the movie. 🙂


Lots of love. Write when you can!


MPW

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2004 17:49:21 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter! Woohoo!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
X-Mailer: 9.0 for Windows sub 5000

Hey everyone!

 

Thank you for all your emails and calls about PDII. I think its a cute movie. 🙂 And apparently so does most of America! I just checked the Box Office records and, PDII made

 

$8.5 million on Wednesday (opening day)

$5.7 million on Thursday

$23 million on Friday

 

Total: $37 million! (not including Saturday or Sunday earnings)!

 

Also PDII was number one at the box office on Wednesday and Thursday (then Alien vs. Predator opened and became #1) but its still #2 at the Box Office! I read that the original Princess Diaries, made over $100 million, but was never actually #1 at the box office. It was sort of a “sleeper.” It made $23 million its first weekend…which is already way under PDII earnings! YEAH!!! This is great for Disney, the producers, and all. Woohoo!
SO thank you all for going to see it this weekend!!

 

Well, I’d love to say I’m writing this email from my apartment in New York…but I had a change of plans. I had an audition for a big show (I won’t name it to jinx it) on Monday and I have been called back for the head honcho’s/producers tomorrow morning. If I get this job it would be life changing in a matter of one episode. Kind of crazy to think about….so I’m not. I’m just going to go in and do my best. 🙂 Next week I will let you know all about it.
(Or before then if I book it….I’ll probably be freaking out!:) Naturally….

 

This past week Amy and Drew were kind enough to let me stay in their guest room for another week. And although I’m living here we didn’t see very much of each other. But they are so great. I actually just found out that Drew…last name McCoy,is a direct descendant of the famous Hatfield-McCoy Feud. I didn’t know anything about this famous feud but I looked it up.
Apparently it started in the 1800’s over a sort of “Romeo and Juliet” situation. But in June of 2000 they had a BBQ for both families and made up. 🙂

 

Anyway…I did a lot of sight seeing this week. Went to the movies, saw Open Water (um…not that scary…save your money) and The Manchurian Candidate….which has some amazing actors…Meryl Streep, Denzel….but there was a whole “Cup O’Noodles” thing going on I couldn’t help but laugh at. They ate Cup O’ Noodles all the time…never explained….it just was. And Jonathan Demme likes to direct with a “in-your-face” close up shots that made me uncomfortable. But maybe that’s what he was going for. Or maybe I was sitting too close in the theater? 🙂 ha ha But anyway….of the two I’d recommend “Manchurian” …but if you’ve seen the original….there’s no need.

 

My little niece Miranda got her first haircut last week! I have yet to see it but I cannot WAIT! Lainie and Michelle are taking her to Chuck E. Cheese today. She has quite possibly the most contagious laugh I’ve ever heard. She us such a happy, giggly baby. I love it. And Michelle puts her laugh on her cellphone voice mail….which is a treat!

 

My flight home is scheduled for Wednesday at 3:30pm. So I’ll be driving up north on Tuesday…which may all change if I book this audition tomorrow. But as plans stand….I will be flying back for Shonn’s opening on Thursday! I’m going shopping for a dress tomorrow and I cannot WAIT to see the show. Well, honestly I cannot wait to see Shonn. Being married and being apart is unfortunately a part of the business we’ve chosen….but we have to remember in the long run its temporary. That’s what’s crazy about our lives. They can turn on a dime. As long as there is love, trust, and communication at the core, everything else will work itself out as we climb up this crazy career ladder.:)  It must’ve been easier back in the day when one person worked and the other stayed home. I guess our society has progressed and ambition has severely taken over. Everybody wants a career, money, marriage, children…and somehow hopeful that it will all work out in the end. Of course that’s a generalization…but as far as society now….women want both career and family. Which is why a lot of mother’s are older now. They have the career first, then children. So….I guess our children’s children won’t have grandparents? They will all be too old by then.
Ok…sad thought. Moving on….

 

That’s basically my week in a nutshell. I’ve been memorizing my sides. I saw PDII about 5 times last week and the weekend before. I’ve been auditioning a little….but basically gearing up for this big one tomorrow.

 

Oh, good news. I’m sure some of you who follow the trades read that Julie is going to do another production of The Boy Friend at Goodspeed Opera House in Conneticut and then go on a Pre-Broadway tour. She has asked me to return to the role of “Polly Browne” and I couldn’t be happier! I’d LOVE to come back to B’way in that role. How wonderful. But…can’t get too excited…there’s a lot that goes into getting it on the Great White Way…. we’ll take it one step at a time. If you want to read the article. Go to www.playbill.com.

 

I have a reading of White Christmas scheduled in New York on the 26th. I’m going to go to a few dance classes to start getting myself back in shape. After 25 years of tap dancing I hope it doesn’t take more than a class or two to get back into the “groove.” Also….I’ve been asked to sing at a benefit cabaret in NYC on October 8th, I may do something from The Boy Friend. And I’m looking forward to being back in my apartment, with my husband, looking over our wedding photos and video….and cooking from our new cookbooks (thank you Kirsten) and just hanging out and seeing my friends! (I miss you guys!)

 

Much love to you all. Write and let me know how you are doing. Or call, I’d love to hear your voice. 🙂

 

Lots of love,

Meredith

X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Version 6.1.2.0
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2004 21:30:09 -0700
To: Bill Patterson
From: Mama Bear
Subject: Fwd: RNC Sunday!

Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2004 13:30:38 -0700
To: Bill Patterson <bill1229@wwmgmt.com>
From: Mama Bear <mamabear@mamabearsden.org>
Subject: Fwd: RNC Sunday!

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2004 15:20:17 EDT
Subject: RNC Sunday!
To: Meredith@meredithpatterson.com
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6032

Hey everyone!

Politics are sweeping the streets here in NYC! The RNC is causing all sorts of craziness among New Yorkers. Cab drivers are taking the week off, many Businesses have closed in and around Madison Square Garden, and NYPD is in full force on practically every street corner. Tourists have fled and the B’way audiences are 1/4 full…and the morale seems to be of fear, a little anger and uncertainty of our safety. Basically it feels like we have a big red target on our city for the next week. Like we don’t have enough heightened security…

But putting the RNC aside….this past week has been wonderful! The ‘Rents came into town (for those of you who don’t know…that’s The Parents, Mom, Dad, Herb and Beth. 🙂 We had so much fun! Monday night Shonn and I made my Mom and Dad Apricot Glazed Pork Chops and Olive Buttered Green Beans (from our new cookbooks! Thank you!). We got out our wedding table cloth, lit our wedding candles in our wedding candlesticks…had wine out of our new wine glasses and had a great four hour dinner! It was fun to entertain! 🙂 Since I haven’t been home for awhile it felt good to finally be able to cook, and be with my husband.
🙂

Herb and Beth arrived on Tuesday and the fun began. The ‘rents love spending time being goofy together (who knew in-laws could be friends?).
They saw DRACULA and LOVED it! They were telling all of New York to see the show for the rest of the week. 🙂 We went to see "Wonderful Town" and LOVED that! We saw a bunch of the "Boy Friend" cast members from the production in the Hamptons (Joyce, Mark, etc) it was great to catch up!

I had my first reading and meet and greet with the cast of WHITE CHRISTMAS on Thursday night. I am very excited to start rehearsals in a few weeks. The cast has such great chemistry, and I’m itching to start dancing to the music!

All in all it was a great week! I have to cut this letter short I have a million-and-one- things to dobefore tommorrow.

I hope your week was wonderful!

Talk to you all soon!

Love,

Meredith Patterson Wiley
New email as of October 1st
Meredith@meredithpatterson.com

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 6 Sep 2004 00:32:54 EDT
Subject: Sunday in September
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6032

Hello there!


Aw…last week was chock full of many wonderful things!


First and foremost Kyrah Wiley (Shonn’s sister) and her longtime boyfriend Larry are now officially ENGAGED! It happened at The Wiley house in Michigan (where Shonn asked me!). Kyrah called and was just beaming! She said, “It happened! I have a fiance.” It was so wonderful and we couldn’t be happier. Now I have my sister Michelle and my sister in law to help plan their weddings! Ask me anything girls…you know its fresh in my mind 🙂 My best advice is to relax and enjoy the planning process. Take it one step at a time. 🙂


I went to see DRACULA again! I was in the orchestra this time. It was so much fun. I have to calm my excitement when Shonn hits the stage because its not a time to cheer….but I can’t help it. I just want to! He has these “mutton chops” he wears on his face. I was closer so I could really see them. He’s got a little facial hair on his chin…he’s DYING to shave off…but its in his contract! Oh well. But the show has been doing much better now that the RNC is out of town. They are about to start a big marketing campaign, commericals etc. Its exciting.


I don’t start rehearsals for White Christmas until September 20th so I’ve been enjoying my time off. Taking some dance classes, going on commercial auditions, cleaning and orgainizing the apt, looking at wedding picture proofs (they are gorgeous), and catching up on TV shows I’ve missed. Shonn and I have DVR (like TIVO but a little different). Uh, its great. No more mindless TV. I can’t watch what I want, when I want it. (I sound like a commercial).


I know I’m forgetting a million things to tell you all…..


Thank god the RNC is finally over! 🙂 (Sorry to offend any Bush supporters). Everyone is allowed their differences right? 🙂 It got a little crazy here in NYC. I’m sure you heard about all the protesting.


I watched each evening of the RNC. And I have to tell you, I was angry that the entire opening “act” of the convention was about 9/11. I felt it was praying on people’s emotions, rekindling the feelings of courage and honor, mourning the victims, and remembering the heroic acts of the NYC law enforcement, firefighters, etc. And don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against that. I think that should be done. But I thought it was so inappropriate and manipulating. The reason I feel that way is not that they did the tribute, and remembrance. I think it was absolutely beautiful and no one should forget the stories, the feeling of unity the country had, the terrible tragedy. I just felt that in the arena of a political convention the Republican’s were using that tragic event to fuel the fire of emotion toward justifying this war, and boast President Bush’s image of courage and leadership. Not to be crude, but it was like an infomercial using 9/11 as a selling point. Sorry… I went on a tangent. I just don’t like to see a devastating tragedy spun towards a politician’s election benefit. Maybe that’s not what they were doing…but they could’ve fooled me. As a New Yorker who was in this city when it happened. I don’t think it was appropriate. I even think they went as far as to have the convention in NYC because of 9/11 and the image it would project.  


Anyway…religion/politics….bad bad bad things to put in a Sunday letter! 🙂 I’m just asking for conflict and controversy. But with only 60 days or so left until the election I can’t help it. I am so excited I can’t tell you! John Kerry and John Edwards are so vibrant and full of life with  tremendously intelligent realistic policies and ideas for this countries future. I hope they get us out of this enormous deficit and I hope to god its a clean sweep in November! That would be a GREAT birthday present!



www.JohnKerry.com Go visit the site! There is information about his policies, video’s of speeches….etc. 


Well…I’m going to get going. This ended up being a very political letter! 🙂 That’s what’s great about America…we are just one big melting pot of ideas and beliefs. 🙂


Lots of love to everyone! I hpe to talk to you soon.


Love,

Meredith Patterson Wiley

New email as of October 1st
Meredith@meredithpatterson.com

Embedded Content: Untitled011.jpg: 00000001,6c67041e,00000000,00000000
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 19 Sep 2004 13:44:38 EDT
Subject: 2 Weeks Sunday Letter
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6032

Hello!


I’ve been a little crazed these past two weeks. But it’s been good. Its that kind of adrenaline rushed exhaustion I’m sure you’ve all experienced. Where you are tired from doing so many things you love to do. 🙂


So much has happened I hope I remember everything.


Shonn and I finally got our wedding announcement in our hometown papers (We haven’t got the Adrain paper done yet). For those of you in the Bay Area it was in The Contra Costa Times yesterday. Apparently they made a mistake and said Meredith Patterson weds Eric Wiley! That’s Shonn’s middle name. So weird? So they are going to reprint it correctly and give us some of our money back. At least they better.


Shonn and I went to the US OPEN on the 6th of September. I don’t know if I told you last letter? We saw Andre Agassi play and Venus Williams. We were 12th row courtside. So amazing! I’ve never seen a live tennis match. It was intense. Those tennis balls fly at 90 miles an hour! And the players grunt a lot. It was a great day.


Then Shonn and I finally went out to Pottery Barn, Bed Bath and Beyond , WIlliams Sonoma (we are so yuppy!) and used our gift certificates from the wedding. It was so fun! Thank you for our gift certificates and all. It was fun to shop with Shonn.


I finally went to the social security office to officially change my name! It was quick and painless. 🙂 I went early so I didn’t even have to stand in line. I filled out the paperwork and showed them my passport, ID and they said, “You’ll receive your new card in 2 weeks” I came home and was so excited to get my card. Well, it arrive yesterday……and it says “Meredith Pettersen Wileu”. What? They must’ve typed it in wrong! So…I have to go back down there and do the whole thing over again. Bummer city! But I think I’m going to save the bad one just for my wedding scrapbook…I’m silly.:)


Last Monday Shonn and I went to the New York Music Theater Festival VIP Gala at The China Room on 47th Street. It was so much fun. I think there’s a picture of us on www.broadway.com. Shonn sang “GOLD” from Frank Wildhorn’s new musical Camille Claudel. It was wonderful! I was so proud!


I can’t believe I didn’t say anything last week. Infact I heard about it from my Mother in Law…:) She wanted to know why I didn’t tell everyone! I was cast to play opposite Bill Murray in the movie “The Untitled Jim Jarmusch Project”. Don’t get too excited. I’m just playing opposite him in one scene. It’s a pretty great scene though. We filmed it at JFK Airport. I’m playing a stewardess, who’s got her feet rested on her roll away suitcase and is doing a crossword puzzle. Bill’s character is sitting near me, and looking at my legs. Kinda checking me out. 🙂 Then I lean over and ask him a question, “What’s a four letter word for sexual passion? Its not love though.” He says a little flustered, “No its not, try lust”…then I say, “Oh of course, lust! I feel so stupid. Thank you”. Short but sweet. It was amazing to hang out with Bill Murray all day. He was so nice to me, and hysterical. He is exactly like he is in the movies. Its crazy, Steve Martin and Bill Murray are two of my top favorite all time comedic actors…and I’ve been fortunate enough to work with both of them in one year. I have to pinch myself. All I need is to work with Billy Crystal and I’m set! 🙂 Anyway….the day was wonderful. I was so exhausted at the end of the day from the adrenaline…but it was the best exhaustion I’ve had in a long time. I guess that means I’m doing the right thing for a living. I definitly love it like nothing else.


I hear Little Michael (cause he’s not a baby anymore) started pre-school! I want to hear all about it Lainie! My sister Michelle sent me a DVD of my neice Miranda called “Manda Vision” Its clips of Miranda walking for the first time, first bath, first haircut….oh its the best! Shonn and I watched it together. She is such a gorgeous, happy child.
I can’t wait to see everyone when I come to SF. I leave on October 23rd. Almost a month away.


I start rehearsal for “White Christmas” tomorrow. I cannot wait to begin. The anticipation has been killing me. 🙂 In a good way. Things are about to get really busy. Shonn works at night. I rehearse during the day. We are going to be like two passing ships in the night. But we are going to try to spend as much time as we can together. He is flying out for opening night in SF. But we may not get to spend any of the holidays together. He doesn’t get time off for Thanksgiving and Christmas. At least not enough to fly out to California. So our first Christmas married will be apart. But….there are worse things in the world right? We’ll survive. That’s the biz we’ve signed up for. 🙂


I hope the end of your summer/beginning of fall is shaping up nicely. I love to hear what’s going on in all your lives. (By the way, my Floridians…are you all ok?)


Well, talk to you all soon!



Have a great week!



Love,
Meredith Patterson Wiley


From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Wed, 6 Oct 2004 22:37:41 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6032

Hi everyone,


Boy oh boy these past two weeks have been tough. Wonderful but tough and exhausting. 🙂


I haven’t even had time to write anything that has been happening. All I have to say is those of you who are coming to see “White Christmas” in San Francisco are in for a treat! It is going to be a GREAT show! We are dancing up a storm and the music is thrilling.


I have to send off a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Julie Andrews! October 1st! YEAH! And there are a lot more birthday’s coming up. My bro Robert will be celebrating a B-Day on October 12th! Cousin Carolyn on October 13th, “Mama” Patterson on October 27th….its a busy month.


I will be leaving for SF on October 23rd. I think I will be stsying at The Grovsner on Pine Street. I can’t believe I’m going to be leaving again. Shonn and I are making as much time for eachother as we can. It’s hard. Our schedules are completly opposite. My day off is Sunday his is Monday. I get up at 7:30am, he doesn’t get home until 11:30pm. But we had “date night” the other night. We went to a great asian restaurant called RAIN. Shonn got me a rose. It was wonderful! The courting never stops….that’s our motto. 🙂


DRACULA is doing better in ticket sales. The commercial is on TV now and they are pumping the city with more posters and ads. Shonn is having a great time and that’s what counts. 🙂 He has some wonderful compliments from people all the time. That always feels good. 🙂


Well, I hope al is well in your lives. I know there is a lot more I should be saying, but I’m on overdrive. 🙂


Michelle and Kyrah: how’s wedding planning? Michelle I LOVE all the pictures of the dresses you’ve sent. Kyrah…Shonn says you are kicking butt at the gym! Buff Bride’s here you come! Michael and Larry….hang in there. The wedding is just the beginning! No stress, just love.


Lainie, send a long the pic of Michael at pre-school. I still didn’t get it. 🙁  Tell Michael he has to say hi to Auntie on the phone. I miss him! And Maddy Boo can make all the noises she wants on the phone. 🙂 Say hi to Mike! Shonn and I hope he’s not working too hard!


Rob, how’s the new job going? Playing any gigs while I’m in town? What are you doing for your day of birth?


Mom and Dad, is the house renovations coming along? Mom, I hope your foot feels better. Stay off it! Be good! 🙂 I miss you guys. We have to talk on the phone more! 🙂


And everyone else, give me a call or email if you have time and let me know how life is going. Even if it takes me until the end of the year to get back to you….ha ha kidding 🙂 I love to hear how you are doing. I miss you. I love you.


Time to go soak my feet and work on my lines. 🙂


Oh! For those of you who asked, tickets are now on sale www.bestofbroadway-sf.com. Chances are we will be extending through New Years. 🙂


Love,   



Meredith Patterson Wiley


From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 17 Oct 2004 16:15:54 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter – My last week in NYC….
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6032

Hey Everyone!


Yes, this time next week I will be in San Francisco about to start Tech rehearsal for “White Christmas”. We leave Saturday the 23rd, Sunday we have a costume parade for the designers, and then Monday I have off. Then the week of Tech begins. 10 out of 12hours everyday I will be in The Curran Theater. All the sets are loaded in, the automation is working, and the tickets are selling like hot cakes! I can’t believe its happening. I remember waiting with bated breath for rehearsals to start, and now we are going to SF! Its going to be an amazing show, I hope you can all see it. We did a full run through of the show at 890 Studios on Saturday and it was great. They have been changing a lot of things, and tightening the plot, and dances, but overall we are in GREAT shape. We will have some invited run through’s at 890 Studios nest week for Producers, possible backers, and some press (I believe). The photos we have taken for press should be in the papers very soon (out in the Bay Area). I hope I don’t look like a goof. What they had me wearing in the photos was so funny. the musical is set in 1954…so I have a poodle skirt looking dress on….very funny.  


Shonn and I went to a wedding last night at The Hudson Theater, our friends Kerri and Eric got married! It was gorgeous! So much fun. I have never been to a Jewish ceremony. I love the tradition (and being lifted on the chairs at the reception looked like so much fun!) They were so happy. I’ve never seen Kerri Jill so ecstatic!


Today Shonn and I are going out to dinner with some friends. We are trying to spend as much time together as we can. We don’t even have time to clean our apt. We had to have our laundry sent out last week because we haven’t had a moment to do it ourselves! 🙂 I miss having a washer and dryer, and dishwasher in our house. It’s something you should definitly do not take for granted (if you have one). 🙂


I had a great audition and meeting with the head of casting for Carsey Werner Rick Pagano last week (they cast the show “24”, among hundreds of others). He was very nice, put me on tape for a pilot, and are looking forward to seeing me out in LA in January for what I’m calling Pilot Season Round 3! 🙂 I can’t wait. Its going to be a good year. I’m planning to be there mid January – through April. Unless I get this B’way play I’m auditioning for this week. Keep your fingers crossed! 🙂


Nothing else exciting to report, I’m rehearsing, packing, sleeping, eating…that’s about it. 🙂


Robert – I hope you got my B-day card and message? Did you have a good day? Carolyn’s B-day was the 13th! I made a fool of myself and sang to her on her voicemail. 🙂


I saw some pictures from Michelle and Lainie of Michael, Miranda, and Madelyn in the Pumpkin Patch! So cute! I’m so sorry I’m going to miss Halloween. Take lots of video please.


All the best to everyone. I hope you had a great week. You are staying warm. (Its been brisk here…but I love it)


Talk to you all soon!



Love,


Meredith Patterson Wiley


Date: Sun, 24 Oct 2004 13:41:09 -0400
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, jshaul@jps.net,
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Subject: Sunday in San Francisco
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Hello everyone!

I am here in San Francisco! It was a long flight yesterday but fun to have the entire cast on the flight. 🙂 We got in early yesterday, got into our housing and went to dinner at Uncle Vito’s on Powell! 🙂 Then we went down to Union Square and looked around, and found the Theater! We saw the marquee outside and our pictures and got so excited. We went inside and were like kids in a candy store. The sets are gorgeous, and the theater itself looks like its been dipped in bronze. Its quite beautiful.

This letter will be short and sweet due to little time to write. I’m at the computer in the lobby of our housing because I have to configure my laptop to AOL SF numbers. Lots to do in the new city! but I love love LOVE being home. I plan on taking BART train out to Pleasant Hill tommorrow morning, seeing Michael in his soccer practice, and going to the Pumpkin Patch with the babies! 🙂 I hope we can all have dinner tommorrow night? Its my last day off until November 8th.

Be sure to check out www.broadway.com. It says “Christmas in October” Photo Op. Its us in rehearsals for the show. 🙂

Robert have fun at The Lion King tonight!

I’m off to have brunch with my friends Shari and AJ at Roxanne’s Cafe on Powell.

9 Days until Kerry is elected President. :)Whooo Hoo!

Love you. Talk to you soon!

Meredith

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2004 14:40:52 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter – but its Monday
To: jahealy@earthlink.net, TSZRight@Cherokeetel.com, jshaul@jps.net,
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Hi everyone!

 

This past week has been a blurr…of course, those of you who have been in Tech Rehearsals before know its like the Twilight Zone. But things are very good out here in SF. The weather is gorgeous, the theater looks wonderful. We had our sitz probe with the orchestra last week and I almost cried. It was perfect. The orchestrations are unbelievable. I cannot WAIT until we start rehearsing with them….which happens today. 🙂 We did a run through last night and it went pretty well, I didn’t make a lot of my quick changes, but that will all smooth out over time. I have to get going! This is the shortest letter in the history of me writing them….but when you see the show you’ll understand.

 

Love you. I hope everything is great! Talk to you soon.

 

Meredith

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 14 Nov 2004 14:08:49 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
X-Mailer: 9.0 for Windows sub 5000

 

Hi Everyone!

 

I didn’t write last week, but now that things have lightened up a bit in my schedule I am going to fill you in. 🙂

 

“White Christmas” opened November 9th to wonderful standing ovations and rave reviews. It was a wonderful night! Shonn flew in for the opening performance and we spent two days together. We visited the family in Pleasant Hill. Lainie had a BBQ at her house, we played with the babies and enjoyed everyone’s company. It was very relaxing.

 

The show has been called a holiday hit! It is wonderful to perform every night and the cast is amazing. Check out www.whitechristmasthemusical.com for the full info.

 

There have been so many people who have come to see the show so far. First the whole family came on Opening Night. It was great to have you all there. Aunt Sharon and Uncle Bill came with thier friends to the first performance November 3rd. It was so wonderful to see them again. I look forward to everyone else who plans to come.

 

San Francisco has been fun. I haven’t been able to go sight seeing at all but tommorrow’s my day off and I plan to take my car out and go sightseeing with some of the cast.

 

So much has happened the past two weeks its hard to know where to begin. I flew down to LA on Thursday during the day to audition for a show on B’way. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I’ll let you know what happens.

 

Sorry this is such a brief letter. I have to get going to the show.

 

Lots of love to everyone!

 

Talk to you soon,

 

Meredith

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2004 16:09:22 EST
Subject: Update
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
X-Mailer: 9.0 for Windows sub 5000

Hello everyone!

 

Since my weekly updates to you all doesn’t really happen on Sunday anymore…I should just call them updates. 🙂 Things have been a little busy to say the least. 🙂

 

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I sure did. I had a strange show schedule last week. But I had 2 days off for the holiday, including my birthday on Wednesday. 🙂 I flew down early that morning to meet Mom, Dad, Lainie, Mike, and the babies at Disneyland. It was wonderful! Then we had the Thanksgiving Feast at the Disneyland Hotel. Nothing beats all you can eat Thanksgiving! We all ate for hours and then piled in the car to drive back home.
🙂

 

This past weekend I had 6 shows (2 Friday, 2 Sat, 2 Sunday) It was rough, but fun. It was great to see The Williamson’s and The Warren Families at the show. I took them backstage and showed them around. 🙂 After the Sunday night show I went home and slept! Then yesterday I drove into Pleasant Hill for some much needed R&R. I did my laundry at Mom and Dad’s and got a massage at Kelly Ann’s Day Spa in P Hill. (I highly recommend it!)

 

Well, I mentioned a while back that I was up for a Broadway Play…well, due to my schedule last week I wasn’t able to fly back for the callback audition in NYC and I found out today that they cast the role. Oh well, ce la vie.
So…that means I will be coming to Los Angeles mid January. I’m still hoping Shonn will be coming with me. If DRACULA closes at the end of the year (which he thinks may happen) then we will be in LA together. YEAH!

 

Speaking of the show, Shonn went on as the role of “Jonothon” yesterday!!
He will be on most of this week as well. Darren Richie who plays the role has throat problems. I only wish I could be there to see Shonn go on.
I know he’s singing the ba-jesus out of the role. Anyway….if you are in NYC go get a ticket and see Shonn! You won’t regret it. 🙂

 

As you know, I’m hosting a benefit here in SF on December 12th for HDSA research and a cure. I still need auction items if you have any. (Michelle! Thank you for the salon gift certificate!) Anything you can give would be greatly appreciated. I’m trying to raise at least $10,000. That’s my goal. Its possible, just far reached being that this is my first benefit. We are rehearsing today for the show part of the evening. We are singing songs like, “Santa Baby”, “Winter Wonderland” “Baby Its Cold Outside” and of course, “White Christmas”. I hope you can make it if you are in the area. If you would like to send an auction item, or donation please send it to:

 

Penny Riley

Attn: December 12th Benefit

HDSA

3940 Industrial Boulevard, Suite 100-D
West Sacramento, CA.
95691

Well, I’m off! I hope you are all well. Have a great week! Can you believe its December already?

 

Love,

Meredith

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2005 14:19:42 EST
Subject: Update…long overdue….:)
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6036

Hello everyone!


I bet you all thought I forgot about writing my little email updates on life, and such. No such thing. I’ve been writing these letters almost every week for about 3 years now. (Crazy huh?) The truth is, the holiday bustle and show schedule was a little hard to deal with and I had a little breakdown with my laptop, and I have a horrible cold…its a long story. 🙂


A lot has happened since I last wrote so we have some major catching up to do!


First and foremost, “White Christmas” has closed in San Francisco and I am back home in NYC with my hubby! I arrived Monday night and am so happy to be here! Shonn had left the christmas tree and decorations up for me so we could exchange our gifts to eachother. It was very sweet! He had also cooked me dinner….boy, am I lucky! 🙂 I came home to a wonderful smell of pork chops and rice and some nice wine. 🙂  What a treat! We ate food, and opened our gifts. (Thank you Beth for the angel ornament!! And the 2004 Bride and Groom ornament! Its perfect.) My in-laws got us this gorgeous Lenox procelin Bride and Groom ornament. The Bride and Groom even have blonde hair. So funny! 🙂 Kyrah…thank you for the watch! So cool! And Shonn got us tickets to the John Mayer benefit concert for Broadway on Monday the 10th. I LOVE him and I can’t wait to see him live!


Ok, ok, lets back track a little. “White Christmas” was a huge sucess. Check out the website if you havent’ already its really put together well. www.whitechristmasthemusical.com .  I had the time of my life. Thank you to everyone who came out to SF to see the show. It was finally easy for my family to see the show. Just over the bay! I had a great time being close to home. I loved getting to know San Francisco as an adult and spending my day off with my family.


My neice Miranda turned 2 years old! She had a sweet little party at “The Jungle” in Concord, CA. I’m so glad I was able to be there. She’s talking so much now, and just the sweetest thing!


Right now, I’m rehearsing for Hooray for Hollywood: A Fred & Ginger Tribute Concert. We will be performing 2 concerts in February. I’m learning about 9 numbers for this concert. Its overwhelming but fun! I’m dancing again with my friend and WC co-star Jeffry Denman. 🙂 We’re going to have a lot of fun.


I’m planning on leaving for Los Angeles for Pilot Season (yes its that time again) on February 1st. I will be flying in to Oakland and driving down to LA. I will be staying in Toluca Lake subletting from my friend. I will be recording my album in LA while auditioning. I’m very encited about that. It will be avaliable in June! Lots of new songs and a polished sound. I can’t wait to share it all with you.


I know I am missing so many details that happened over the past few weeks, but you know how it is. The holidays become a blurr! 🙂 Time to start a new, in the new year! I can’t believe its 2005 already. Time certainly flies.


Here’s to a new beginning, and a prosperous a new year.


Lots of love to you all, 


Meredith Patterson Wiley


From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 12:45:01 EST
Subject: Blizzard Sunday!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6036

Wow!
Hello there everyone.

And ***Happy Blizzard Sunday ***for those of you on the East Coast!


Yesterday was so much fun. 🙂 I’m writing you in the midst of watching this poor fellow outside my window shovel his car out of about 4 feet of snow! He’s not making progress….he just seems to be digging. The snow is still coming down, (lightly compared to yesterday). And the sun is out to help it melt a little. But not much. Its still really cold. Course I didn’t leave the house all day yesterday so I wouldn’t really know (don’t you just love to do that every once in a while)? Shonn and I started the day watching the Rocky Marathon on TNT. It started with the original Rocky at around 10am, then Rocky II, and Rocky III….When Rocky III started the snow was really coming down and we knew we were pretty much in for the day so we turned off the TV, took out the Swiffer, the Pledge and started cleaning our place like madmen! And we got it done! Its nice to wake up to a clean apartment. 🙂 We finished around dinner time and we made some food and sat down to a nice dinner. It was a fun-filled-keep-ya-inside-cause-there’s-a-blizzard-day!


Last week was pretty busy for me. I had an audition everyday, sometimes 2 a day. Pilot Season has pretty much begun, although the real hefty auditioning will be in Los Angeles. Oh, good news, I went in for an OLD NAVY national commercial where I would be dancing on the beach in a bikini….and I’m on hold for that. Which means, I’m very close to booking it. Close but no cigar. To be on National TV in a Bikini doesn’t excite me, but the money does.:)


Its been really nice to be home. I think I said that in my last letter, but it really is nice to be home. Our friend Kai just officially sold his apt here in NY, and moved to Los Angeles. I’m going to be staying with him once I get out there. But he actually took “the plunge” and moved to a new city. What we do in this business is kinda crazy at times. Its a complete act of faith in yourself, and taking the ultimate risks in your life over and over again. A “No fear career” is what this career should be called. I moved to NYC completely out of faith at 18. Sometimes I think about that and I wonder, “What were you thinking? Are you crazy!?” And the answer is, yes….I had no fear….well, it was more like extreme naivety and youth…but close. 🙂


Well, I booked my flight and I’m officially leaving for LA February 5th. I fly into Oakland @ about 8pm, then I get my car at my parents house, and drive down Sunday afternoon. I’m really looking forward to it. Having done Pilot Season twice before, I know now the routine and what it can be like. the first year was total ignorance, the second I was trying to juggle auditions with doing the play, now I’m totally prepared, and free as a bird to book something! I’m hoping I do, but even if I don’t I’m going to give it my all and most importantly have fun. Because booking a TV show is like playing the lottery with many levels. First you have to book a pilot, then shoot it, then wait to see if people like it enough for it to make it to the air (which 80% don’t ever make it) then you wait and hope that you aren’t replaced with another actress (cause that happens all the time), then you get to air and you could be canceled at any time. Fun huh? But….its the same with theater right. You never know your on Broadway until you are bowing opening night….and even then you could close. I’m just rambling, trying to give you an idea of my work life. 🙂 Those of you who are in this crazy business don’t need a reminder, I’m sure. 🙂 But if we didn’t love it, and crave it, and have it wake us up in the middle of the night because we need it…then we’d be doing something else. At least I would. 🙂 I can’t do anything else because my heart tells me this is what I was born to do. So let the insanity ensue.


Kirsten had a dinner party in Thursday night and it was wonderful. Her apartment is gorgeous, and so is she! I haven’t been able to just hang out with some of my friends in so long. Shari was there! She is off tour for a little while to rehearse the Producers Movie. Michael Goddard and Andre were there, Gail and Scott, Ann Cooley, Rob, and Walsh and Annie. And Walsh got engaged! We toasted the two of them. Annie is a great girl and we are all so happy for them. We went around the table (each having had some wine) and the couples told our stories of how we all got engaged. It was a wonderful night. 🙂


Those of you who saw “White Christmas” remember the little girl in the show, Raquel? I spoke to her on the phone yesterday. Her and her Mom Kathy. She lives in Long Island. Her Mom emailed me and told me they are going to Japan for the premiere of the movie “Jersey Girl” that she starred in. I was so excited for her, and she was so cute! Talking about how she wants to buy a little silk Kimono dress to wear. And about school, her friends,  and she’s now taking tap class! It was so cute to talk to her. She’s a doll. 🙂


Update for the ‘Rents. The Wedding Pictures are coming. I got a message from the photographer and the completed album and 8×10’s are on its way. Its taken forever I know, and I’m sorry. 🙂 I’ve been trying to keep on them about it, but I’ve been all over the country in the last 6 months as you know. 🙂 I’m looking forward to finally being able to hang them in our apt! 🙂


Oh…oh…today is FOOTBALL day! I know I’m suppossed to be routing for The Steelers and Atlanta. So I’m hoping they play eachother in the Super Bowl! Course I won’t be watching the Superbowl, I will be driving down to LA, but that’s ok, I think I’ll be alright. Shonn is going to have a little gathering here at the apt complete with chips dip and beer. I’m sorry I’ll miss it, I actually like Football parties. 🙂


I know I’m missing talking about a ton of stuff, but this email is growing very long. 🙂 I hope to talk to you all soon. Have a wonderful rest of the weekend and week! I miss you, I’ll see some of you soon.


Lots of love,

Meredith Patterson Wiley


From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 17:25:11 EST
Subject: My Last Sunday in NYC for awhile….
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6036

Hey everyone!


As I wrote the subject line above I got a little sad….I am going to miss being home with Shonn and my friends.


Last night Shonn and I went to Dan and Jody’s housewarming party, they bought a great apartment on Overlook and 187th street. Shonn and I had a nice dinner with Kirsten beforehand and caught up on everything that’s been going on with her. She makes me laugh. I love Kirst! This past week I saw Debbie (who I haven’t spent enough time with as well) and I keep missing spending time with my friend Erica, amoung many others. But one dinner or lunch here and there is not enough….I feel like I just want to soak up ever bit of my friends and every moment I have with Shonn because I’m off again for 3 more months. I keep telling myself this is just temporary. I am just pounding the pavement on both coasts trying to push my way through the next barrier of this crazy business. But….the flip side is I get to see a lot of my friends in LA who I haven’t seen in awhile and hang out with them. So there is some what of a balance.


I did talk to Kai this morning and I am very excited to be staying with him out in LA. I told him its going to be like a 3 month slumber party! Its going to be so much fun to inspire eachother. He said he’s been very motivated out there. I know what he means. Maybe its all the sunshine? I love to work myself to the bone when I’m in LA. Auditioning twice a day and recording my music (which I will be doing a lot of this time around). And on our days off we can go to the beach or Santa Monica. It will be a great time.


Oh! I have a funny story, Shonn has been teaching me to play cards (Gin, Spades, Poker, etc). I know, I know, I’m sure a lot of people know how to play cards….but I was a board game girl growing up, so I never learned how to really play. Well, my brother taught me how to play War, and 52 Card Pick Up (Ha ha)….but that doesn’t count. So….Shonn taught me how to play Gin Rummy and Spades. We got home at about midnight last night and started playing. It was fun! I was winning! I’m actually really good at Spades. I don’t really understand why, but I deal really good hands and play them strategically and win. Who knew? Shonn was laughing at me in frustration. He created a Spades monster. It was fun. 🙂


I hope everyone knows…Shonn is planning a Super Bowl Party here at the apartment. It will be lots of fun. He’s making his Famous Wiley Chili. So, wooo watch out. 🙂  I will be in California driving down south unfortunatly. I’m not a big sports guru anyway…so its really just fine. Less traffic for me, everyone will be inside watching the game.:)


This past week was pretty busy. Lots of great auditions. Pilot Season has already started, I’ve been auditioning for a lot of great 1 hour drama’s. The scripts are good this year. Shonn and I are up for this OLD NAVY National Commercial. Its huge! 3 spots, with major dancing. We would get to spend 11 days in Miami filming it. I would have to be in a bikini and shorts. So I’m not too thrilled with that, but its a national spot so who cares right? We were laughing at the callback because we are the whitest people there. I said, “We may have to go get a Mystic Fake Spray Tan if we get this.” We should find out on Monday if we booked it. It would be a nice paid vacation. 🙂


Its been pretty cold here. I’m not loving it. I told Shonn today that I miss being able to see my family once every two weeks. Well, as frequently as I saw everyone over the holidays was wonderful. I was looking at some pictures of the babies and I miss them. I also miss just being able to hang out with everyone. I can’t wait until Michelle’s wedding in April! We got the Save the Date Card! Its up on our Memo Board in the entryway. You guys look so sweet! Miranda is a perfect blend of you two. 🙂 I hope you are having fun planning. 🙂


Shonn has a callback for a show at Goodspeed, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” He is also working on his cabaret show with Rick. He’s picking some really wonderful songs to sing. I can’t wait until he gets it all together. I will be there no matter when it is. I have to be there. I will be bursting with pride. 🙂


Basically that’s all…I am getting ready to fly out on Saturday. Its crazy how fast this month flew by. I must be getting older, because I remember being a kid and everything was so slow. 4 years was like 40 years. Now, its like a year will pass by and I will say, “Wha? Its 2005 already?” Crazy….pretty soon it will be Christmas again.:)


Love to you all. I hope all is well on your side of the world wide web. 🙂


Love,

Meredith Patterson Wiley


From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sat, 5 Feb 2005 13:11:38 EST
Subject: Off to California…..
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6036

Hello everyone!


This letter is coming a day early, because I will be unable to write while driving to LA tommorrow :), and I’m sure all of you will be watching the Super Bowl anyway!
Go whomever! (I don’t even know who’s playing…so sad huh?)


This past week was pretty busy. Shonn and I both had a lot of auditions. We found out we didn’t get the Old Navy National Commercial. Oh well, it would’ve been nice. I think its because we don’t have a tan. 🙂 Such discrimination. 🙂 ha ha


I’m all packed a ready to go to Cali. I’m sorry to all of you who I didn’t get to hang out with while I was here. It was just too quick. For those of you I breifly saw…it was good to see you. I miss being home. I don’t like all this traveling. I love to travel, but not alone. Its going to be a hard trip, but I’m going to work really hard on all my auditions and my music. And it will be great to be staying with my friend Kai. 🙂 We will go to the beach on our time off, make dinner for eachother, it will be fun! 🙂 And he said the weather is 70 degrees out there. I can’t wait.


Shonn was asked to sing alongside Gavin Creel at Birdland this afternoon, then he’s coming home and taking me to the airport. I always hate going to the airport alone, so its nice that he’s going along for the ride. Then tommorrow he will be hosting a Super Bowl Party! I baked a Butterscotch Bundt Cake for the party. I hope it turned out. That’s my contribution. Wish I could be there, but the Bundt will have to do. 🙂 Have fun everyone! Like I said, I hope “whomever” wins. 🙂


While I’m out in Cali, I will be hosting a Bridal Shower for Michelle with Lainie, my cousin, and Michelle’s friend Bebe (who’s a bridesmaid). It will be fun, and I’m glad that I will be out there for it. Also baby Madelyn (madaly-boo!) will be celebrating her first birthday! I can’t wait! Seems like time’s flying way too fast. 🙂 My parents have been working really hard on redoing the front of the house. I can’t ebleieve it. My childhood home looks so different. But wonderful. Its been a long time coming that they have wanted to do this so I am so happy its happening. I haven’t seen the latest developments, but I will tonight! Its crazy that I will be having dinner with my parents tonight. 🙂 So fun.


Well, I’m sorry I don’t have more interesting banter to say, but this past week has basically all been auditions, packing, watching movies (you must see the indie “Maria Full of Grace”) hanging out with Shonn….oh! We played cards again last night and Shonn whooped my butt! I guess last week’s Spades game was just a flook. I lost my touch. 🙂 I want to learn how to play Poker….Texas hold-em style. 🙂 That will have to be for later.


All the best to you!

Love you, and I hope to see you soon.


Love,

Meredith Patterson Wiley


From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2005 15:19:04 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
X-Mailer: 9.0 Security Edition for Windows sub 1200
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Well thankfully the rain has stopped and the storm has moved on..to the east coast I believe. Sorry…..I didn’t mean for that to happen. 🙂 I just wanted it to stop raining here.  I heard New York got about 6-8 inches of snow.

 

Well, last week was a busy one as well. It was nice to have Monday off, but everyday after that was chock full of auditions and such.

 

I went in for my big audition on Tuesday. It was for a new 1/2 hour pilot called “Fillmore Middle”, takes place in a middle school. It was a wonderful script. I tested for studio executives about 2 weeks ago and they passed me to go to Network. But they were having trouble casting the guy role (the lead part). So they needed to do some recasting and then bring us in with new guys so we could be paired up. So there were 3 of us girls and 3 guys that went to Network on Tuesday evening at NBC. It was cool, but nerve racking. We got up and read our scene in front of all these executives in a office (its really weird).
And they pick who they like, usually that’s the final stage and you have a job.
We signed our contracts and everything (you do that before you audition…weird) Well, they started pairing us up and then they just stopped and let us all go home, so we didn’t know what to think. Apparently the news was that they didn’t like any of the guys again, and they are going back to square one. I was told I’ve been released from that project, but there is a possibility of it coming back to me. So onward and upward.

 

I had at least one audition a day (sometimes 3) last week, so they’ve got me back pounding the pavement. Its good, I’ve read so many scripts in one week my head is spinning. But its good, its all good.

 

 

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 6 Mar 2005 16:00:25 EST
Subject: Sunday Happy Sunday
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Hi everyone,

 

Well, the rains have brought ants to our little apartment here in LA. I have to say….its much better than cockroaches. California has ants, NY has cockroaches. Anything’s better than the latter right? Its not too bad really, just some in the shower with us, and some by the windowpane (sunbathing apparently). 🙂 In NYC the bugs have spiked collars and pick fights with you.
These LA ants are layed back, granola fed insects. But…they too must go.
Does salt do something? I don’t want to poison the poor things. Isn’t there something about a line of salt they won’t cross? I don’t know…

 

This week was great. I had a great time up north with the family last weekend and flew back Monday morning. I actually had a whole day where I didn’t have to do anything. So I picked up my dry cleaning, chilled out in front of the TV, did my laundry, made dinner with a nice glass of white wine. 🙂 It was cool.
Then Tuesday hit like a ton of bricks. I had three auditions scheduled for Wednesday. It was crazy. My last audition was at Warner Brothers for a guest spot on The Gilmore Girls. Their offices are old TV sets from the past and they are in a house that I swear looks like The Cleavers house from “Leave it to Beaver”. So while I’m strolling along this fake street to this fake house and the sun is setting I find myself whistling the tune of the famous tv series. It made me laugh…because I can’t whistle very well (we know that, right Julie? 🙂 and it was so “Hollywood”. I really do love LA for all the history. I love that I have somehow walked on the same lots that all my idols of the past have walked on. Its surreal.

 

I launched my newly designed site this week, I know you all got an email.
Its fun! Thanks for signing my little guestbook. Its cute.

 

Oh, I’ve been asked to be a guest in the Pleasant Hill Star Quest talent show that’s coming up in April. I performed in it when I was 17, and haven’t been back since. I’m excited to be a part of it! I hope those of you who are around the bay area can come? I’ll be singing 2 of my songs and tap dancing a little. Its going to be a fun night. Go to www.pleasanthillrotary.org and you can get info. Also that same weekend we are throwing Michelle a bacholorette party, and having a Easter Egg hunt at Lainie’s house with the babies! I can’t WAIT! Its going to be a fun filled busy weekend! 🙂

 

Shonn is coming into town next Saturday! We have a lot planned. My friend Dan Castelleneta has arranged for me, Shonn, Kai and my friend Ryan to go to The Simpsons and watch a table read and taping and meet the cast! We are thrilled out of our skin! It will be so much fun, I think I may cry. 🙂 This Thursday I’m also going to see Dan’s Improv Group on Melrose Avenue. I’ve never seen live Improv, and Dan’s a member of Second City in Chicago. That’s how he got started, how he got The Tracy Ullman Show, and then The Simpsons. He’s pretty amazing.

 

I’m going into the studio tonight to record “Nevermind”. I can’t believe I wrote it in 1995. Its pretty crazy. Jim has done some beautiful things with the arrangement. I can’t wait for you all to hear it when the album is completed. Jim had some trouble with the rain flooding his studio. But its all under control now and we can charge ahead. We have a lot to record to get the album done by June. It will be, I have faith. And I can finally have something to give to people. 🙂

 

Well, I have to get going. Its a gorgeous day here and I should get outside while the rain is gone! 

 

Hope all is well (NYC is freezing I hear! Keep warm! )

 

Lots of love,

Meredith

xoxo 

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 13 Mar 2005 13:53:00 EST
Subject: The Best Sunday Ever…
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Hey everyone!

 

SHONN’S HERE!

 

He flew in last night and life is pretty darn good right now! He just made me his famous breakfast burrito (In a skillet…hashbrowns,onion, green pepper, turkey bacon, eggs, and red hot…all rolled into a tortilla….yummy!) Ok…we can’t eat like that all week or I may ballon up! 🙂 Kai is off this weekend filming a teaser for a movie called “Nine”. I think it is a pitching tool for major studios to pick the movie up. I read the teaser script and its pretty scary! Kai plays a hostage in the movie and spends the whole day of filming being chained to a pole. Crazy! 🙂

 

Well, last week I had some auditions here and there. Nothing that came to fruition. Mostly it was about counting down the days until Shonn got here.

 

I did go to see my friend Dan and Deb’s Improv group “Totally Looped” at Second City on Melrose on Thursday night. It was hilarious! I can’t believe what they do and how quickly their minds work. We all hung out afterwards and it was great to see everyone from “The Underpants” play again! I can’t believe it was a year ago. Time flies.

 

Well…this week we are doing a lot, going to see The Simpsons table read rehearsal (all the actors sit around a table and read the episode) How cool is that going to be! 🙂 We are going to the LA Fashion Week Premiere tomorrow night…getting “duded” up. We are also going to see “The Ring 2” horror movie that opens on Friday! YEAH! I’m going to be scared out of my wits. I don’t know if anyone saw “The Ring”? I couldn’t sleep for a week without seeing that girl crawling out of the well, the TV, ugh. But I love it.

 

Shonn and I finally planned our honeymoon! We thought…we better take a honeymoon before our first year anniversary…so we finally planned it and we can’t wait. 🙂 After Michelle’s wedding April 30th, we are driving down the coast of California to Monterey to spend 5 nights @ The Old Monterey Inn Bed and Breakfast. We are going to go to Pebble Beach and go horseback riding, see the Monterey Bay Aquarium, go wine tasting, and just be…..Check it out www.oldmontereyinn.com its gorgeous.

 

Well…Shonn’s watching march madness College basketball…and I’m going to go join him! I hope all of you are well. And I hope to talk to you soon.

 

Lots of love,

 

Merie

xoxoxo

 

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 19:28:16 EST
Subject: Sunday letter…2 days late..2$ short…
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Hey everyone,

 

You all know why I didn’t have time to write my Sunday letter.
🙂 I was soaking up my time with Shonn! He was here in LA from Saturday-Sunday night. It was great to have him here. It was a wonderful work of the “audition gods” as well, because I had a very light week. Just 1 audition.
It was perfect.

 

We did so much I don’t know where to begin. We went into the studio and recorded the lead vocal for my new song “On My Own” (nothing to do whatsoever with Les Miserables). 🙂 Shonn actually wrote some harmonies for it before he left. 🙂 Recording is going really well. We have recorded “Tenacity”, “Nevermind”, “On My Own” and tracked “Nobody’s Perfect” today. All in about a month! Its crazy. Its been had to fit the time in between auditions and reading scripts..but we’re doing it. I hope it all pays off. I’m sure it will. I never know if other people will like my songs. Its really personal. I’m nervous about it. But I’ve always said, whatever scares me…it something I should try to do.
The release date is still scheduled for July. But I may have it done by June.
Its the post production (pictures/duplication/mastering) that takes time (and $$$). Can you say, “recoup”! I’m praying! 🙂

 

We stopped by my agents office last week and she said I had auditioned for over 45 projects since I’ve been here (Feb 4-March 22).
Unbelievable….how is that possible? Also…you would think I would have a job by now right? If anyone went on that many job interviews without getting a job would think something was wrong, right? I guess that goes to show you that the business is tough. Tougher than tough. Its hard to believe that I’m making progress out here. People this pilot season actually know me. Want to call me in. Its just a matter of being out here, being available, being willing to kind of start over. I have a lot of people on my side, which is what is holding me up. I have a great team (agent, manager, husband, family, friends) My life is like a drama, or a thriller…there’s always excitement and cliff hangers. What will happen next? The suspense is killing me. 🙂

 

Shonn and I schmoozed beyond any schmoozing I’ve ever done before. We went by Garry Marshall’s office and visited with him for awhile. Got invited to the “Happy Days” new musical workshop showing on Wednesday. It was a good show. I was offered the role of “Pinkie” back in the fall of last year but had to turn it down because I was doing “White Christmas”…so it was interesting to see the show. Our friends Celina, Anna and Paul were great in it!
We met Henry Winkler there, and saw Hector Elizando again. There were a lot of PDII people there. It was nice to introduce them to Shonn and see them again.

 

On Thursday we went to THE SIMPSONS table read on the FOX lot.
It was the highlight of the week (my year for that matter)!! Shonn, Kai and I sat in a production trailer and watched as the table of “characters” acted out an episode of the show. Dan was so nice to get us tickets. We met Matt Groening and the cast and got our scripts autographed. It was great! Then one of the producers asked us if we wanted to stay and watch Kelsey Grammer record some ADR for his character “Sideshow Bob”… of course we said YES!! So we got to see Kelsey record his voice. It was amazing. I think my cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing the whole day. It was so strange to see the actors read and see “Bart” or “Lisa” in your head. I swear… they all have the coolest job in the universe.

 

I cooked Shonn, Kai and my friend Stephanie a seasoned chicken and roasted vegetable dinner Friday night and we watched movies.
Our friend Stephanie’s on the SAG nominating committee so she has a rather large movie collection. We ended up watching “Kinsey” and sipped on some “two buck chuck” from Trader Joe’s (Wine that costs $2 each called Charles Shaw). I haven’t seen “Aviator” or “Million Dollar Baby”…but Steph had seen them so I will have to wait to see them some other time. But Kinsey was great. I was singing “According to the Kinsey report, every average man you know…” all night. It was so fun! Oh…we topped the night off with some Mint Chocolate and Rocky Road Ice Cream! Yum!

 

Shonn and I also hiked Runyon Canyon and looked at the tremendous view. LA looks so peaceful from way up there. Almost like the mountains of Hawaii (a little less green, a little more polluted). But nonetheless…it was lovely.

 

The time spent in LA was so good, Shonn and I have decided to try it for about 7 months. We are planning on apartment swapping with a friend from May-December. Its a little scary, but it will be wonderful. Best news of all is we will be only 1 hour plane ride from Pleasant Hill!

 

Anyway…I know I’m forgetting a bunch of things, but I have to run! Its raining here again…and I think I just felt a little earthquake….the canyons are going to fall apart. I’ve never seen this much rain in Los Angeles..nobody knows what to do.

 

I hope all is well! Talk to you all very soon!

 

Lots of love,

 

Meredith

xoxo

 

 

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
To: merie@mail.com
Subject: *****SPAM***** Sunday Letter, Spring Forward!
Date: Sun, 3 Apr 2005 15:20:16 EDT
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Content preview: –part1_87.24d78f2d.2f819bf0_rel_boundary
–87.24d78f2d_alt_bound Happy April everyone! I hope you all set your
clocks forward. 🙂 Its a new month, lots of good news to share! This
past week, I booked my first commercial ever! It all happened so fast.
I auditioned for it on Tuesday, got a phone call Wednesday night at
about 6pm, and Thursday morning my call time was 8am in Norwalk! This
is the coolest part…its for BURGER KING to promote The New Star Wars
Movie! Its a National Spot. And I will be a Hollogram, just like
Princess Lea (no I did have the buns on my head….they thought about
it though). Its such a cool spot, I can’t wait for you guys to see it.
🙂 C3PO and R2D2 were at the shoot, and the day before Chewbacca and
Darth Vader were there. It was like a little kids dream! C3PO and R2D2
were always my favorites as a kid….so being a “hollogram” with them
is the coolest thing. Oh, I also had to do part of it in French (for it
to run Internationally). They will actually have an overdub, they just
taught it to me phonectically because they wanted my mouth to look like
I was speaking French. It was fun! Here’s the only picture I got (its
from my makeup artist). Not terribly exciting….but I loved that top!
It was baby blue (my favorite color!) I bought it off them for 1/2
price. 🙂 We were shooting from 8am-5pm @ an actual Burger King
Restaurant that they closed for the shoot. Then 6pm-11:30pm we moved to
The Green Screen Studio in Long Beach. I think I was standing in heels
for about 4 hours. But I was so full of adrenaline I didn’t care! Oh! I
had to look up at this mark and speak my lines, and I realized the next
day that my neck muscle was sore. So sad. 🙂 I was so exhausted the
next day. I’d have to pace myself if I was doing a movie. 🙂 Anyway…I
won’t go on and on anymore. It was a great day! More good news! Shonn
booked two jobs last week and is deciding between the two. One is the
lead in an Off Broadway musical called THRILL ME, and the other is
RAGTIME @ Papermill to play “Younger Brother”. We’ […]

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Happy April everyone!

 

I hope you all set your clocks forward. 🙂

Its a new month, lots of good news to share!

 

This past week, I booked my first commercial ever! It all happened so fast. I auditioned for it on Tuesday, got a phone call Wednesday night at about 6pm, and Thursday morning my call time was 8am in Norwalk! This is the coolest part…its for BURGER KING to promote The New Star Wars Movie!
Its a National Spot. And I will be a Hollogram, just like Princess Lea (no I did have the buns on my head….they thought about it though). Its such a cool spot, I can’t wait for you guys to see it. 🙂 C3PO and R2D2 were at the shoot, and the day before Chewbacca and Darth Vader were there. It was like a little kids dream! C3PO and R2D2 were always my favorites as a kid….so being a “hollogram” with them is the coolest thing. Oh, I also had to do part of it in French (for it to run Internationally). They will actually have an overdub, they just taught it to me phonectically because they wanted my mouth to look like I was speaking French. It was fun!

Here’s the only picture I got (its from my makeup artist). Not terribly exciting….but I loved that top! It was baby blue (my favorite color!) I bought it off them for 1/2 price. 🙂 We were shooting from 8am-5pm @ an actual Burger King Restaurant that they closed for the shoot. Then 6pm-11:30pm we moved to The Green Screen Studio in Long Beach. I think I was standing in heels for about 4 hours. But I was so full of adrenaline I didn’t care!

 

 

 

 

Oh! I had to look up at this mark and speak my lines, and I realized the next day that my neck muscle was sore. So sad. 🙂 I was so exhausted the next day. I’d have to pace myself if I was doing a movie. 🙂 Anyway…I won’t go on and on anymore. It was a great day!

 

More good news! Shonn booked two jobs last week and is deciding between the two. One is the lead in an Off Broadway musical called THRILL ME, and the other is RAGTIME @ Papermill to play “Younger Brother”. We’ll see which one he picks. Its really not an easy decision to make. When it rains it pours. His rehearsals wouldn’t start until May so he will definitely be out for Michelle’s wedding! 🙂

 

Speaking of my sis Michelle…she just got hired to play the drums in a local Bay Area band! I just found out so I don’t know a lot of details, but she’s gonna be drummin’! Drumming in a Bridal Gown? Um, I wouldn’t put it past her to sit in at her own wedding. Infact, I expect she will! 🙂

 

I heard my big bro Robert has an audition to be the drummer of a band today @ 1pm! GO BRO! I know you’ll get it! You guys should be drumming on my album. Sorry to say…its tracked. But its real drums, just recorded drums….someday I’ll have the money to bring you guys into the studio and play. Dad, Michelle, and Robert! 🙂

 

Well, speaking of, I have to go off and start coming up with some stuff for tonight. I’m going into the studio to record background vocals and tweaking some stuff for the past 4 songs I’ve tracked. Trying to get them finished. We have 2 more to record after this….then the album is done. Well, then its on to mixing and post production work. But basically done! I can’t believe its already April. I have to get moving on this. 🙂 June is when I plan on releasing it. (Uh…my stomach does flip flops when I say that)

 

Also…the never ending plight of an actor. A supplemental job. 🙂

I have been looking into all different jobs to supplement my income (now that I’m making the difficult choice of being available for TV and FILM work) Well, as most actors do, I’m finding nothing is flexible enough. I looked into waitressing…well, I thought about it…and after that 6 week stint of being a waitress in New York at Jimmy Armstrong’s and dropping food on people…I decided…clumsy and waitress don’t go together.
I’ve also looked into retail, even cleaning houses part time (something called “Merry Maids” but I think it may be dirty…as in French Maid costume. Ok, TMI)

 

On top of that I have been looking into some alternative dental coverage (because regular dental insurance is just outrageously expensive…and the deductible alone is like one months rent.)And since Actor’s Equity doesn’t cover Dental anymore…that’s a whole ‘nother story. I could spend a whole hour going into the state of health insurance in this country…but I’m sure you all know good and well about that! Basically, actors have to have 20 weeks of AEA work a year just to be covered. So I need to find something to supplement that this year.

 

So, long story short (too late), I came across this company called AmeriPlan. I immediately called my mother-in-law Beth (who is a nurse and works in hospital administration) and asked her about it. She said it was reputable, there were just some things to look into.
(She’s just as skeptical as I am.) So…anyway, I started looking into it and got really excited about it. And I’m now looking into training to becoming a broker part time (since you can work from home). I get free healthcare if I work with the company. Nice perk! Anyway…let me know what you think? Prices and such, I need some opinions. Maybe you’ve heard of it? I’m still deciding….anyway check this out www.ameriplanusa.com.  

 

Anyway…I can always wait and see what this national commercial residuals will do? When you least expect it….something comes your way. 🙂

 

Wow…this is the longest Sunday letter in awhile. 🙂 Hope you enjoyed it. I will leave you with this…my “roomie” Kai was so sweet when I booked my commercial (he’s the commercial king!) He got me flowers and drew me this cartoon I’ve attached. 🙂 Its hysterical! Thanks Kai! You’re the best!

 

Lots of love everyone!

Hope you have a great week!

 

Love,

Mer

xoxo 

 

 

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com

Happy April everyone!
 
I hope you all set your clocks forward. 🙂
Its a new month, lots of good news to share!
 
This past week, I booked my first commercial ever! It all happened so fast. I auditioned for it on Tuesday, got a phone call Wednesday night at about 6pm, and Thursday morning my call time was 8am in Norwalk! This is the coolest part…its for BURGER KING to promote The New Star Wars Movie! Its a National Spot. And I will be a Hollogram, just like Princess Lea (no I did have the buns on my head….they thought about it though). Its such a cool spot, I can’t wait for you guys to see it. 🙂 C3PO and R2D2 were at the shoot, and the day before Chewbacca and Darth Vader were there. It was like a little kids dream! C3PO and R2D2 were always my favorites as a kid….so being a "hollogram" with them is the coolest thing. Oh, I also had to do part of it in French (for it to run Internationally). They will actually have an overdub, they just taught it to me phonectically because they wanted my mouth to look like I was speaking French. It was fun!

Here’s the only picture I got (its from my makeup artist). Not terribly exciting….but I loved that top! It was baby blue (my favorite color!) I bought it off them for 1/2 price. 🙂 We were shooting from 8am-5pm @ an actual Burger King Restaurant that they closed for the shoot. Then 6pm-11:30pm we moved to The Green Screen Studio in Long Beach. I think I was standing in heels for about 4 hours. But I was so full of adrenaline I didn’t care!
 
 
 
 
 
Oh! I had to look up at this mark and speak my lines, and I realized the next day that my neck muscle was sore.
So sad. 🙂 I was so exhausted the next day. I’d have to pace myself if I was doing a movie. 🙂 Anyway…I won’t go on and on anymore. It was a great day!
 
More good news! Shonn booked two jobs last week and is deciding between the two. One is the lead in an Off Broadway musical called THRILL ME, and the other is RAGTIME @ Papermill to play "Younger Brother". We’ll see which one he picks. Its really not an easy decision to make. When it rains it pours.
His rehearsals wouldn’t start until May so he will definitely be out for Michelle’s wedding! 🙂
 
Speaking of my sis Michelle…she just got hired to play the drums in a local Bay Area band! I just found out so I don’t know a lot of details, but she’s gonna be drummin’! Drumming in a Bridal Gown? Um, I wouldn’t put it past her to sit in at her own wedding.
Infact, I expect she will! 🙂
 
I heard my big bro Robert has an audition to be the drummer of a band today @ 1pm! GO BRO! I know you’ll get it! You guys should be drumming on my album. Sorry to say…its tracked. But its real drums, just recorded drums….someday I’ll have the money to bring you guys into the studio and play. Dad, Michelle, and Robert! 🙂
 
Well, speaking of, I have to go off and start coming up with some stuff for tonight. I’m going into the studio to record background vocals and tweaking some stuff for the past 4 songs I’ve tracked. Trying to get them finished. We have 2 more to record after this….then the album is done. Well, then its on to mixing and post production work. But basically done! I can’t believe its already April. I have to get moving on this. 🙂 June is when I plan on releasing it. (Uh…my stomach does flip flops when I say that)
 
Also…the never ending plight of an actor. A supplemental job. 🙂
I have been looking into all different jobs to supplement my income (now that I’m making the difficult choice of being available for TV and FILM work) Well, as most actors do, I’m finding nothing is flexible enough. I looked into waitressing…well, I thought about it…and after that 6 week stint of being a waitress in New York at Jimmy Armstrong’s and dropping food on people…I decided…clumsy and waitress don’t go together. I’ve also looked into retail, even cleaning houses part time (something called "Merry Maids" but I think it may be dirty…as in French Maid costume. Ok, TMI)
 
On top of that I have been looking into some alternative dental coverage (because regular dental insurance is just outrageously expensive…and the deductible alone is like one months rent.)And since Actor’s Equity doesn’t cover Dental anymore…that’s a whole ‘nother story. I could spend a whole hour going into the state of health insurance in this country…but I’m sure you all know good and well about that! Basically, actors have to have 20 weeks of AEA work a year just to be covered. So I need to find something to supplement that this year.
 
So, long story short (too late), I came across this company called AmeriPlan. I immediately called my mother-in-law Beth (who is a nurse and works in hospital administration) and asked her about it. She said it was reputable, there were just some things to look into. (She’s just as skeptical as I am.) So…anyway, I started looking into it and got really excited about it. And I’m now looking into training to becoming a broker part time (since you can work from home). I get free healthcare if I work with the company. Nice perk!
Anyway…let me know what you think? Prices and such, I need some opinions. Maybe you’ve heard of it? I’m still deciding….anyway check this out
www.ameriplanusa.com. 
 
Anyway…I can always wait and see what this national commercial residuals will do? When you least expect it….something comes your way. 🙂
 
Wow…this is the longest Sunday letter in awhile. 🙂 Hope you enjoyed it. I will leave you with this…my "roomie" Kai was so sweet when I booked my commercial (he’s the commercial king!) He got me flowers and drew me this cartoon I’ve attached. 🙂 Its hysterical! Thanks Kai! You’re the best!
 
Lots of love everyone!
Hope you have a great week!
 
Love,
Mer
xoxo
 
 

William Patterson
Web Developer
California Medical Association
(925) 944-6317 or cell at (925) 408-6278
webmaster@cmanet.org
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Boy this week flew by….I feel like April just started and now we are 10 days into the month. When they say “time flies”, they really speak the truth.

 

This past week was great. I have had more commercial auditions since the BK booking than ever! I auditioned for HUMMER, ZEROX, and something else…I can’t remember. But at least one every day. 🙂 Since its all a numbers game, I’m glad I’m really in it to win it! 🙂

 

I started out the week looking at the coolant gage blinking on my little Audi. I knew what it was….the car’s water pump has been leaking slightly for awhile now. Well, I just keep putting coolant in it…and it leaks….and I put more in…you know the cycle. I knew I needed to take care of it, but I couldn’t afford to replace it. I kept debating whether it could last a little longer….’til I started getting $$ off the BK commercial. But…then I saw the gage blinking “HELP ME MEREDITH” and I thought….ok, my little Audi…I’ll take care of you. 🙂 So…I took it to my AAA Mechanic on Ventura Blvd named “Monty”. He was great. He told me to come back in a few hours and it would be done. He offered to have one of the mechanics drive me home, but I said, “No, I’ll walk. Its not far.” His eyes bugged out. I said, “I’m from New York.” He said, “Oh, uh huh.” So I walked (in comparison it was only about 3 avenues) and I was the only one walking on Ventura (its really true…nobody walks in LA). Well, I got home and a few hours later “Monty” calls me and says he wouldn’t be done until the morning. No problem.  

 

So the next morning, Kai drives me over to the shop and “Monty” greets me. He said, “We’re not done.” Monty and all the mechanics in the shop looked at me after they opened the hood and said, “It looks like someone tried to work on the engine themselves and put a part in backwards. Has your check engine light been coming on periodically?” I said “Yeah…but I thought it had to do with the coolant.” He said…”You didn’t put this part in backwards?” I laughed out loud…I said, “Um, no..I don’t do engine work.” The mechanics got a good laugh out of that. Anyway…I had to go to an audition so Monty gave me a loaner car for the day. I thought, “Oh…ok, they’ll give me a old beater car to drive.” Well, out comes this 1999 black BMW. I thought….this is really LA when a loaner car is a BMW. I tried to act all casual,and said “Thanks guys! Take your time!” And drove off in the BMW. Boy that puppy drives great!

 

Long story short…I got my Audi back at the end of the day and it purred like a little kitten. 🙂 I could’ve sworn my car had a big ol’ smile on her face. I had a bit of a frown thought when I saw the bill ($400), but its nothing compared to what I paid for the car. 🙂 And even after driving the BMW, I still like my Audi better. Its a sentimental thing. 🙂

 

In other weekly news, I finished tracking my song “Tenacity” in the studio. So now, I’ve finished tracking “Nevermind”, “Tenacity”, and today we are finishing tracking “On My Own” (has nothing to do with Les Mis 🙂 Then on Tuesday we do harmonies for ‘Nobody’s Perfect (what I called the true version). Once all the tracking is done for those songs, Jim will start to do post production and mix them. Whew…after that I have about 4 songs left to do. Then the total songs for the CD will be 10. Now that things have slowed down with pilot season, I’m able to go into the studio more than twice a week so I think it will be a piece of cake to finish the album in time. Also…Kyrah is going to graphically design the album! She is so talented. For those of you at the wedding…she did our wonderful programs. I’m really excited about her ideas and seeing what she comes up with. I think the release date of the album will be June 18th (FYI that’s Kristin Braun’s due date! 🙂 Diskmakers is going to make the CD’s and the turn over in production is pretty quick. I’m going to start some Pre-orders with my website’s online store June 1st, I have a list of people who want to buy the CD already that’s pretty substantial. Its all good.

 

Next Saturday night I’m performing “Nevermind” and “On My Own” @ StarQuest in Pleasant Hill. I’m kinda nervous. I’ve never really performed my music live before. Its exhilarating and scary all at the same time. And to have you guys in the audience is going to mean so much! I can’t wait to have Grandma hear my music. I don’t know that she ever has? Bring your hearing aid grams. 🙂 We will video tape it and have a clip on the website for ya’ll to see. That’s only if I don’t make a fool of myself. 🙂

 

Oh….overall….its been a very good week. I’ve been able to talk to a lot of my friends and family. I think I talked to Mom and my sisters once every day this week. It makes me happy to connect with you guys voice to voice. It can get lonely out here. I talk to Shonn 5 times a day at least. I’m on the phone a lot. Thank god for free nights and weekends!

 

The broker biz is great. One of the side effects of doing my broker job with AmeriPlan is that I am connecting with people I haven’t talked to in a long time. I know everyone gets stuck in their “bubble of being busy” but its nice to just pick up the phone and connect with you guys. I’m looking forward to being back in NYC and hanging out with friends.

 

Just a little update….I sold 3 AmeriPlan benefit packages this weekend. I made almost $300 in residual income. Pretty easy! 🙂 That almost pays for my water pump. 🙂 If I get the $500 bonus on April 20th then it will definitly pay for it. Also, Shonn is now an official broker too! 🙂

FYI www.deliveringonthepromise.com/40216665

 

Well, I have to go memorize my sides for this movie audition on Monday. Its a great script. Its called “Winter of Frozen Dreams” its a true story about a woman who seduces her boyfriends, becomes there fiance, takes out large life insurance policies on them, then kills them with cyanide in her cooking. Nice huh? I read the script and I can’t believe its a true story. (I guess you can’t make up stuff like that). Anyway…she is supposed to be very sweet and no one ever suspects she’s the killer until the very end. Its a great part. Its an independent feature, and its the lead. So wish me luck. I’m going in for the director and the producers.

 

Ok….whew…I can’t leave out this hugely important weekly fact!
Happy Birthday Grandma B! (She turned 87 on Friday!) She had a hard time hearing me on the phone on Friday. Grandma: I can’t wait to see you next weekend. I love you very much. I’m glad to went to Burger King for dinner but no I don’t get any money from that.  

 

My favorite story of the week was hearing my Grandma wanting to go to Burger King for dinner. She thought I would somehow benefit from her eating there. 🙂 So cute! So Mom, Dad and Grandma had BK for dinner last night. 🙂

 

Well….hope you got through this long letter!  

Have a great week!
Talk to you guys soon I hope!

 

Lots of love as always,

 

Mer

xoxo

 

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 16:29:41 EDT
Subject: Weekly letter from me to you…:)
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Hello everyone!

 

I just got back from the airport this morning. I was in Pleasant Hill for the weekend and it was wonderful. Jam packed full of activities, visiting, performing, etc. Whew! I’m exhausted, but in that good way. 🙂

 

I loved seeing everyone, seeing how the babies have grown (Michael is feisty, fun and all boy! Miranda is gorgeous and talking up a storm! Madelyn is stunning and hilarious!) Everyone has so much going on and it is great. Michelle did my hair on Friday and she has a hundred clients calling her, clamoring for her services. She’s taking 2 weeks off for the wedding so she’s trying to get all her appts in before then. She’s in demand! She joined a band as the drummer and they dropped off a CD of 20 songs for her to learn. She’s got a lot on her plate! 🙂 Planning the wedding…..and a 2 year old running around making her laugh all the time. 🙂 Go Michelle. 🙂 Robert has been auditioning as well, trying to get with a band that fits his musical style (I agree Rob, Heavy Metal isn’t your bag baby) I didn’t get to see a lot of Robert when I was home, but next trip we will hang dude! 🙂 Lainie is teaching part time and being the party planner for The Bachelorette Party, and the (belated) Easter Egg hunt/Grandma’s B-day party we had this weekend…as well as hosting at her house. 🙂 Thanks Lain! You should be a professional party planner. 🙂

 

Well, I flew in Friday morning, went to the salon to see Michelle then went to DVC Performing Arts Center to rehearse my songs for StarQuest. I hadn’t been back in that theater since I was 17 years old. Memories came flashing back. I remember it being bigger….I guess everything seems big until you play an 1800 seat house like The Ford Center huh? After rehearsal, I went to Michelle’s Bachelorette Party! Whoo Hoo! It was so much fun. It was at Jamie Perkins house. She made a wonderful spread of food and alcohol. 🙂 Lainie (she’s the EBay queen) got some great…um, shall I say festive….um, fallac decorations (straws, a blow up “ahem” hanging from the ceiling, “ahem” stir sticks, even lollipops shaped like “ahem”)! Go Lainie! Apparently you can get anything on EBay. Once we poured a few drinks and started playing “Pin The Fire hose on the Fireman” it was crazy. Hysterical! And….yes, there’s video of all of it….(Is Hard Copy still a show? I’m scared). Anyway….after we played the “I Never” game (those of you who’ve played it know what I’m talking about, those of you who haven’t… should) we walked down the street to some dive bars in Martinez. At this point we were sucking on the special “lollipops”, laughing, and watching Michelle proceed to play her scavenger hunt game (ask strangers for lots of random things)…one of them was telling her proposal story to a cute guy. Well…..she told it to a pack of Hell’s Angel’s. I have a picture of that! So funny! She’s fearless (who isn’t with a few tequila shots in them!) It was wild, fun, and hysterical. Michelle lost her voice from laughing and “whoo-hoo-ing” all night.
That’s the best way to lose your voice right? We got to sleep about 3 o’clock in the morning. Let’s just say…it was hangover central Saturday morning. 🙂

 

All in all…a night of a thousand memories. 🙂

 

Saturday was a little more of a lounging day. I spent the morning with Michelle and “The Peach Face” Miranda. Who is just become such a little princess! She is so sweet. Michele made us pancakes, I got to dress her for the day, play in her room. She was showing me all her toys. It was so cute. She’s our “brown eyed girl”.:)  I went over to Mom and Dad’s in the afternoon and hung out with Grandma for a little bit. She’s doing well. She looked so cute in her peach top with her flowered scarf. 🙂 She was all ready for the StarQuest show. Mom and Dad have been working on getting the house done. The Remodeling is taking some time, but it is going to look so great when its completed. 🙂

 

Dad dropped me off at The Performing Arts Center around 6:00 for a 7:00 show. It was a full house of parents, and friends of the kids performing. I think I was the oldest performer there….average age was about 12. I went backstage and all the kids swarmed me. They asked, “Were you in Princess Diaries II? What was it like? You were Lady Alyssa huh?” “Do you live in New York?” I think one kid asked me about Broadway…Its so funny to know that 2 scenes in a Disney movie make more of an impact than 8 years working in theater in New York. 🙂 Funny huh? They were nervous around me, and I just couldn’t get over the fact that I was just like them 12 years ago….I am still like them in many ways. The kids were so talented, it was a very eclectic show, singing, gymnastics, even Irish Step Dancing. I got to watch the first act and then I went backstage to wait for my turn. I finally got out on that stage to sing my music to close the whole show. And I was so nervous! You would think by now I wouldn’t get nervous. But it was my hometown. (Even my preschool teacher was out there!) and I was performing my own music for the first time. (Like reading your journal set to music for about 100 people you grew up with…kinda like my Sunday Letters right?) And these songs I had never sang live. I kept thinking, “God, I hope they clap.” Also, Jim Nunes, the MC, is so proud to have me there he read my entire bio to the audience before I came on stage. I felt too pumped up (if that makes any sense). The audience was probably thinking, ‘Well, isn’t she the big shot now.” But no….I stood behind that curtain holding the mic waiting to enter and I felt 17 again. I felt exactly like I did back then, just wanting approval. Thank god I got out on stage and the audience was smiling, clapping. I finished singing my song “Nevermind”…and they clapped. I even think I heard a “whoo-hoo”…although that was probably my family. That still counts though. 🙂 I sang 3 songs total and the audience was great. I don’t think I ever relaxed into it though. I was nervous the whole time. When I was done I was glad it was over…but I actually wanted to do it over again. Pretty normal feeling for a performer I think.

 

After the show the kids swarmed me again, asking when the album was coming out, taking pictures with me, and asking for my autograph. It felt great. One kid came up to me asking about my song “Nobody’s Perfect” that I sang. He had tears in his eyes. He seemed kinda awkward, geeky, and very shy. He said he loved my song and wanted a copy of it. It describes exactly how he feels every day in high school.
He was so sweet, couldn’t look me in the eye. I started welling up a little and I gave him a hug. I told him, “High School isn’t the beginning or the end, and even though it feels like forever…its just 4 short years of your life.  And when its over, it feels great to be out on your own.” I went on to tell him not to let those kids picking on him define who he is. I went through the same thing. It just makes you stronger.

 

Its kids like that who make this all worth while. If one of my songs lifts someone up, its all worth it. I wanted to give him a copy of my song right then and there, but I didn’t have one. I told him to write me and I’ll sign a copy of the CD for him. That was the sweetest part of the whole evening for me.

 

Mom, Dad, Grandma and I went to Carrows and had some late night food after the performance. Just like we used to do when I was a kid. It was fun. I slept like a baby that night. I was very tired.

 

Miranda woke me up in the morning with her sweet little face. And her and I got ready to go over to Lainie’s for the Belated Easter Egg Hunt/Grandma B’s Birthday Celebration. 🙂 I took Miranda early and gave Michelle some time to get ready. We were singing in the car, and she was laughing at me! She’s a silly girl. We got to The Huth House and I started making the Deviled Eggs (which came out good!). Around 12:30 the family started showing up. Mom, Dad, Michelle, Robert, Cousin Carolyn, and the babies. We ate, played on the swings outside, started coloring eggs, then did the egg hunt. The kids were so cute!
Then we had cupcakes with candles for Grandma’s Birthday. We sang to her, and devored the cupcakes. So good! We visited until about 8:00pm. It was the 7 hour party….we all had a great time.

 

In the morning I got up @ 6:30am to get ready to go to the airport. Dad drove me, and it took about 45 minutes to get to Oakland. Not too bad for commute traffic. Not at all like Los Angeles. Whew! I said goodbye to Dad and checked in. I’m going to be back in Pleasant Hill in about a week and a half! Michelle’s wedding is creeping up on us! I can’t believe my big sis is getting married!

 

I bought a TIME Magazine at the airport and started reading it. I decided maybe its time to gravitate from all the celebrity/gossip sensationalism magazine’s to something beneficial. 🙂 I guess that means I’m a “real adult” now? I don’t know….I just wanted to read something substantial. So, I picked up TIME and read it cover to cover. Did you know the Pope originally had ambitions to be an actor?
Actually my sister Michelle had told me that and I didn’t believe it, but its true. He had originally wanted to be an actor and in a round about way became the Pope. Life takes funny turns huh? You just don’t end up where you plan to sometimes. 🙂 Also….did you know Michael Moore (who made the movie Fareinheit 911) is working on a new movie called Sicko? Its an expose about the healthcare industry. It made me think about AmeriPlan and how great it is to be a part of it.

 

Speaking of, (then I’ll wrap this long letter up) I got my first few checks from being a broker with AmeriPlan. Thank you to everyone who has signed up to be members. I’ve already made over $600.
Shonn and I are putting it into our honeymoon fund for Tahoe in 3 weeks! 🙂 Thank you, Thank you..:)

 

Well, I will let you all get back to your lives. I’m sorry this is so long. It was a busy weekend. I didn’t even get to the week part. But it was the same ol’, same ol’. I’m recording a lot this coming week. Hoping to get the album done so we can start mixing it. I have 4 songs left. Agh! 🙂 Its a great thing, I cannot WAIT until its done. I’ve been waiting a long time for this. 🙂

 

Shonn will be in LA with me April 26th. I cannot WAIT to see him. We keep holding true to the fact that this is only temporary. We will soon get more time together.

 

Lots of love to everyone! Drop me an email or call sometime. 🙂

 

As always, have a great week!

 

Love,

Meredith Patterson Wiley
MerieNYC@aol.com
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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 29 May 2005 15:41:56 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter – the past 2 weeks
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Hey everyone,

 

I seem to have been out of my weekly tradition of writing. 🙂 I wish I had a better reason, I have just been off my usual schedule.

 

After coming back from being on vacation/honeymoon, I’ve been staying at a friends house here in Burbank. I’ve been a little bit out of my element. But truly, I’m really starting to miss being home in NYC, and sleeping my own bed.

 

 I’ve also been saturating myself in my music, trying to finish the recording aspect of the album (which will be all done by Tuesday).
Next we master it in NYC, which is just the final process (to make the levels, production, etc. up to radio quality) and then I will play it for some key people in my life who have requested I give it to them before I mass produce it.
I’ve been writing the liner notes, and making sure all the information is copyrighted, etc. Its a big task…but I’m having a great time doing it. Aside from the moments of panic where I’m wondering if anyone will like what I’ve put together, I am loving the creativity of it. 🙂 I really started recording my music for my own documentation. And to finally have something I was proud to play for people. But I have to say…its tough to put yourself out there. And to do it without the support of a major label or major producer. The lack of musical training I have is what really makes me nervous, but…I believe I am going to bear down and take some music theory and piano lessons for the next venture. 🙂 It can only help.

 

I finally saw STAR WARS! I know…I waited until the dust settled. It was truly amazing. I won’t give anything away for those of you who haven’t seen it. I loved it, and I’m not even a Star Wars geek. I kept thinking how crazed all those manic fans must’ve been the night it opened. All dressed up! lol…to each his own.

 

I had a friend email me something I’d like to share with all of you. I don’t know what you will think, but I was laughing so hard! Visit www.http://www.jonandal.com/SilenceMain.shtml to hear SILENCE! Silence Of The Lambs: The Musical. It is hilarious!

 

I watched the American Idol Finale this past week and loved it….I also finally saw my commercial. It was on during the finale! Lainie called me and we were laughing. It looks really good. Mom and Dad, I hope you’ve been able to see it. If not, the rep from Lucas digital is giving me a copy as soon as he can. 🙂

 

Good news! “Broken Flowers” won at The Cannes Film Festival! I don’t know what this means for me, but its good huh? I still haven’t seen it, but it may be playing in the US or available on DVD. not sure the fate of the movie yet, but I’ll let you know.

 

As for now, this is the last Sunday letter I will be writing in LA for a while! I am driving up north to P Hill on Thursday, hang out with the family, then fly home to NYC on Saturday! I will be home with Shonn in my own apt for a whole month! I won’t know what to do with myself. 🙂 No, I know exactly what I’ll do. Enjoy every moment, and cook! I can’t wait to get back to cook for Shonn! 🙂 We will also be celebrating our 1 year anniversary on June 19th! Can you believe it! We are so excited!

 

Well, that’s all for now….talk to you all soon…..

 

Lots of love,

 

Mer

xoxo

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 12 Jun 2005 12:56:18 EDT
Subject: Sunday!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Hi everyone!

 

I hope you all had a wonderful week!

 

I’ve been auditioning, cleaning, unpacking, doing my taxes, post production, lots of fun exciting things this past week. 🙂 I’m sorry I haven’t talked to a lot of you. I will call you back I swear. 🙂

 

Shonn has been in tech rehearsal so ironically I haven’t seen him. But today all that changes!  Shonn opens as ‘Younger Brother’ in RAGTIME tonight at Papermill Playhouse. the cast is wonderful, and he is so happy. I am so excited to be able to sit back and soak in his accomplishment with this show. I am so proud of him!! Check out the production photos (when they are posted)@  www.papermill.org

 

For those of you who I told about my “Wedding Singer” audition for B’way.
Its not going any further. I was told, “I’m just not the right fit”. But the director John wrote me a very sweet wonderful email after the audition.
Sometimes its just not the right part, but he wants to work with me sometime in the future. That’s all I need to know. 🙂 Oh…also the “Tarzan” audition….ha ha….it was very funny. I didn’t have to swing on ropes this time, but I don’t think that one is going further either. That’s the biz! See Robert….I can’t even count how many times I lose a potential job in a week. 🙂 You should hang out with actors and see how much rejection we get. Its just another part of the life. 🙂 One door closes, another opens.  

 

Good news! BROKEN FLOWERS opens in theaters August 6th. It won Grand Prix at The Cannes Film Festival this year and is getting a lot of attention. I haven’t seen a snippet of the movie….so I don’t know what will end up in the film. The website is up but not complete. Visit www.brokenflowersmovie.com

 

I’m mastering my album next week. The final mix should arrive from my producer in LA on Wednesday! I’m very happy to get it completed. Its been 6 months plus ten years of anticipation!
🙂  I can’t wait for you all to hear the final product.

 

Our 1 year anniversary is in 7 days! June 19th! Can you believe it? In a way it feels like we’ve always been married…but then again it feels like we were at The Ahwahnee yesterday. I flew home with the cake top my parents had in the freezer in Pleasant Hill. 🙂 That was funny. Its in the fridge….and Shonn and I will be taking it out and eating it! I remember eating some cake at the wedding…but not a lot. 🙂 Shonn has 2 shows that day so, we will have to celebrate when he gets home (@ midnight). We’re probably going to go to Harry’s Burrito’s and a Movie (what we did on our first date 6 years ago) on Monday.
We’ll just be celebrating the whole week.

 

Well…I know there’s a lot more to tell you but I have to get going. I have sides to memorize for Monday. I have been auditioning for new ABC and Lifetime series. One of them films in Vancouver….I’d have to move to Canada!

 

This life is crazy…:)

 

Love you all. I hope things are well in your world.

 

Love,

Mer

xoxo

 

 

 

 

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 19 Jun 2005 17:56:09 EDT
Subject: Happy Father’s Day! Happy 1st Anniversary!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Hi everyone!

 

I’m wishing all you Dad’s out there a Happy Father’s Day! 🙂 Hope you are having a great day.

 

Its Our First Anniversary today! YEAH! Shonn came home at about 11:45 last night so we cut the cake top at exactly midnight. It actually looked pretty tasty when we were cutting it. I was wondering how it would taste….ugh….it was dry and yet soggy in parts…and the wonderful butter cream icing was so stale. But that’s what was fun about it. I tried, but I couldn’t eat more than a bite. Shonn was eating big chunks and saying, “Mmm! Its not that bad!” Ha ha….it made me laugh.

 

We had a great breakfast this morning..then Shonn had to leave around 12:30 for a 2 show day out at Paper mill. Its ok, I’m having to memorize lines for 3 auditions next week (for a new series regular on the new CBS show NUMB3RS and a lead role in a wonderful new David Mamet TV series called THE UNIT, and THE GREAT TRAILER PARK MUSICAL Off Broadway) So I’ve been busy all day…..we are really celebrating tomorrow. We plan to go to Harry’s Burrito’s (where we had our first date back in July 1999) and we’re going to the movies (also what we did on our date) We are going to see “Mr and Mrs Smith”. Its appropriate for the occasion. 🙂 Then on Tuesday we are going to see the ballet at Lincoln Center. It will be a fun couple days!

 

More good news, I’m done with my album. Its mastered and ready to be played for the “powers that be” in my life. Then I will get all the graphic design together with Kyrah and send it to the manufacturing. It should be done mid July. But I can’t be sure. 🙂 I can’t wait for you guys to hear it. I’m really proud.

 

I can’t write long…sorry. I hope you are all having a great Father’s Day/Sunday!

 

Love,

Mer

xoxo

 

 

 

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2005 13:37:15 EDT
Subject: Update from Kansas City
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Hello everyone!

 

I can’t really call this my “Sunday Letter” cause its been awhile since I’ve wrote it on an actual Sunday. 🙂

 

I just wanted to say hello, I’m in Kansas City finishing up the show (we have 3 performances left). Its wonderful here. No humidity, I’m much happier dancing in 75 degree weather than 100 degree weather. 🙂 We are in the Hyatt right near Union Station. They have a wonderful museum I went to yesterday. It has a Sept 11th Bearing Witness to History Exhibit on tour from the Smithsonian.
Its amazing and I still feel the memories are very fresh in my mind…it was hard to walk through but I felt I needed to hear everything, read every story. They even had a piece of the Trade Center that you could touch. I couldn’t bring myself to touch it, it was too much. The room itself was filled with artifacts from that day…it was an energy full of sadness, anger, and heartache.  Visit http://www.americanhistory.si.edu/september11/ to read about where it will be touring next. And you can also contribute your 9/11 story to the digital archive through the website.

 

I saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory….and for those of you who love the original…don’t go see this one. I am a huge fan of Johnny Depp so I had to see what he did with the character. I would have to say I liked parts of it, but it seemed affected. I forgive Johnny for it…cause he’s so darn talented (and handsome). 🙂

 

Big news! Shonn got cast in THRILL ME Off Broadway! He opens Monday. He’s only had a week to learn the show (its only a 2 person musical). He’s going to be great! I can’t wait to see it.

 

As soon as I get back to NYC I am putting a plan forward with my album.
(I’ve been waiting on my manager to play it for everyone he knows, its taken about a month) I’m also not sure Shonn and I are going to LA for 2 months. With this new show he got, another possible project in the works, and a reading I’ve been offered, we may just stay in NYC until White Christmas rehearsals begin in October.

 

BROKEN FLOWERS comes out in theaters August 6th. I’m not sure how much of it I am actually in anymore, but go see it and find out. 🙂 Its good to support the movie…its supposed to be wonderful.

 

Well, that’s all for now. I have to get going! I’m going to the White Tiger exhibit at The Kansas City Zoo! 🙂

 

Mer

xoxo

 

 

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 14 Aug 2005 23:15:12 EDT
Subject: Hello!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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I’m sure you’ve all lost faith in my Sunday letters actually ever being on Sunday again. 🙂 Or even being written. Yes, slap my hand, I’ve been slackin’.
🙂 I didn’t know anyone read them so religiously? 🙂 Thank for the love. 🙂 Well, here’s my attempt to get back on track.

 

I am actually going to have to make this short cause I have a early audition tomorrow. But things are wonderful I’m home in NYC with Shonn, the only thing horrible is the weather. Its so hot, humid, and now there are thunderstorms. 🙂 But its great to have air conditioning. Thank GOD for that invention!

 

We saw BROKEN FLOWERS tonight. Its a wonderful film. Very witty and funny. So weird to see my little scene with Bill Murray on screen. Its a very small part of the film and the dialogue was cut, but I’m hoping to get the unedited version from Jim as soon as he can. I also saw HUSTLE & FLOW this weekend. You must go see it. The son of my high school drama teacher wrote and directed it, Craig Brewer. (Remember Mrs. Brewer? ) He also directed my senior musical PIPPIN back in the day. He was always a funny guy. I recently got in touch with him via email and we’re looking forward to catching up on the phone. The movie has a wonderful message about never giving up on your dreams.
Its like the movie 8 Mile.

 

Anyway….what else is going on? Auditions, preparing to duplicate my CD. I have a page on myspace.com if you want to go check it out. Its fun.

 

http://www.myspace.com/mpfans 

 

There is so much more to tell you, but I have to get to sleep. I have an early audition. Keep on keeping on right?

 

Call me, let’s hang out if you are in NYC, I’d love to know what everyone is up to. Keep in touch.

 

Love,

 

Mer

xoxo

 

 

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 21 Aug 2005 10:20:17 EDT
Subject: Sunday…Sunday
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Hey everyone!

 

I just wrote a whole letter, was about to send it, and AOL lost connection….I didn’t save the letter….(wah!)… so I’m starting over….(so bummed).

 

The women of the family are off in Florida having fun @ Disney World. “Dames Do Disney” is what they’ve called the trip. I was invited, but alas, I have to audition, and money doesn’t grow on trees….:( Little Michael is the designated male…he’s allowed. He’s only 3. 🙂

 

Shonn and I just got our wedding picture (11×14) matted and framed! It looks so wonderful. We hung it in our hallway.
I’ve been having so much fun being home. I made dinner last night. Steamed asparagus & baby carrots…organic pasta and Barilla cream sauce. It was rich, but cheap. 🙂 ha ha. We then ordered “House Of Flying Daggers” on Pay Per View. It was GORGEOUS! I highly recommend it. Amazing cinematography, story, etc.  

 

I’ve already had a 4 hour costume fitting for WHITE CHRISTMAS last week. Its crazy that we are starting that up again. Seems like we just finished. They are making tremendous improvements, getting me 2 wigs, new LaDuca shoes. I love the costume designer Carrie, and Paul Huntley who designs my wigs. We had fun catching up, laughing. It didn’t feel like work.
 

 

I’m back to making the rent $$ being a broker for Ameriplan. I just sold benefits to my friend Anthony. He said, “You should talk to Equity about this plan being alternative Dental benefits, a group provider”. So I called Equity to see if they were interested. It seems they have a exclusive contract with CIGNA Dental and cannot endorse anything else. Its crazy…CIGNA is almost $400 every 3 months…just for Dental. Who can afford that? Even if you aren’t an unemployed actor. So anyway…I feel good about being able to help spread the word and make some $$ while doing it. My friend said he would start telling every actor he knows to come to me if they need Dental. Its inexpensive, and better than having nothing.

 

Check out the new AmeriPlan website, its fancy with flash and everything 

 

www.everyonebenefits.com/mwiley

 

I hope life is treating you well, wherever you are in the world.  

My thoughts are with you.

Write or call whenever you have a moment.

 

Mer

xoxo

http://www.myspace.com/mpfans

 

 

 

 

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Date: Sun, 09 Oct 2005 13:11:18 -0400
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From: Meredith Patterson
Subject: Hello!
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Dear Friends and Family,

Boy, its been awhile since I’ve written my habitual weekly letters. But never fear….I’m back. :-*
New email address, new week, new month. I can’t really call them Sunday Letters anymore, cause they haven’t been on Sunday in awhile but…here we go. Startin’ a new. 😎

First things first, I wanted to let you know that MerieNYC@aol.com has officially been cancelled.
I was on the phone with AOL yesterday afternoon officially cancelling it.
They said, "You’ve been with us for 6 years. Why are you leaving?" I felt like I was breaking up with them. Then they tried to tell me all the things I’d be missing out on. It was really amusing….but I didn’t fold to the pressure. I said, "Its not you, its me…" and broke it off. Or, you know, cancelled my account.

I am however still MerieNYC on Instant Messenger. So I’m glad I still get that screen name.

Speaking of MerieNYC, my album is currently being duplicated at Oasis CD Manufacturer’s. The projected release date is November 1st. The reason it has taken so long (since I finished recording/mastering it in June) is that my manager had me wait while he gave it to a powerful recording connection in the business. Well, July passes, then August, and I said, "What’s going on? Does he like it or not?" And my manager said, "I don’t think he’s had time to listen to it." So I said with a chuckle, "Its ok. Tell him thank you, but I’m going ahead with my plan and duplicating it." Finding out later, that my manager hadn’t even listened to the album either. Then on his trip to Thailand last month, I gave my manager a package. My liner notes, graphic design, and another copy of my CD (just in case he lost it) and asked him to take the time to listen to it. Well he returns from his trip with all these plans for my album…..to change everything.
Change my clothes in the cover shot, my hair, change the liner notes, take out all the "gimmicks" in between the songs that he said, "takes away from my music". But he did have one nice thing to say…."your music is beautiful, sweet, I’m almost too jaded for it.
Its like you believe in love and hope." I took that as a compliment.
He said he has "some musical notes" for me, and I have yet to hear them. I told him I disagree with his comments and am going ahead with the duplication. He strongly disagreed and said it "wouldn’t serve my career well." But I’ve stood my ground. I believe the album is good. So, I’m taking a chance and hoping everyone else with think so as well.

Over 400 people on myspace.com seem to think its great. So, we’ll see how the sales go. I’m proud of it. I wouldn’t change a thing (except if Clive Davis offered to re-record/produce it of course) but in the real world…I’ve waited a long time for this. And I want to finish it, move on to the next thing.

Ah….now you know the back story.

There is so much I have to catch everyone up on….I will try to summarize.

Shonn’s show THE VIEW FROM HERE was a wonderful, proud, and fulfilling experience for both of us. I associate produced the piece (wearing the producer’s hat for the first time) and Shonn did his first one man musical. Visit
www.timothyhuangarts.com/tvfh its the author’s website. It has audio clips. The music is gorgeous and Shonn was truly amazing. In fact, I’ve recently been asked to executive produce the concept album….which we are doing right now and over the next 2 weeks. 

And if that doesn’t keep me busy enough….I’m about to start rehearsals for WHITE CHRISTMAS. Its so strange, I feel like I was just doing it.
Time flies. I’ll be down in LA this time, at The Pantages Theater.
I’ve wanted to perform there since 1993 when I saw Harry Connick, Jr.
film his Christmas Special there. (I was in the HCJ Fan Club for awhile there. <:-|) It will be wonderful.

I’m about to go out to the kitchen and make Beth’s Apple Brownies. I haven’t baked them in probably a year or more. Shonn asked so sweetly yesterday if I would bake them. I said "of course!"
I welcome the scent of cinnamon, spice, and apple that will rest in our apartment today. Yummy.

Shonn and I were up until 3:30am last night. We invited a friend over for some food and drink, then we were invited to West 4th Street to a birthday party. The weather has been horrendous, and as we were visiting…the rain just starts coming down in sheets! Flooding the sidewalk and creating a river down the hill. We looked outside and all said, "Uh…do we want to weather this storm?" And being a California girl, I was the first to say, "No." :-X. Then I was met with…"yeah, I agree". And after calling our friend, feeling guilty. We sat on the couch with some music and just talked….talked for 5 hours. It was amazing.

With that said….its 12 noon and I’m just waking up with some coffee.
|-O Sunday’s are good for that.

I hope this finds you all happy and healthy. Many of you I haven’t talked to in a long time. This letter is in no way a substitute for friendship, or keeping in touch. I love to hear what’s going on in your world. I will try to be better at letting you know what’s going on in mine.
:-*

With a lot of love,

Meredith Patterson
www.meredithpatterson.com
Check out
www.myspace.com/meredithp

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Date: Sun, 11 Dec 2005 16:10:48 -0800
To: “Merie’s Weekly Letter”:;
From: Meredith Patterson
Subject: Sunday letters…have slipped away from me
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Hey everyone!

It has been many weeks since I’ve been able to sit down and write my usual weekly letter. I have wanted to keep in touch with all of you, but found myself either in the car, at the theater, or sleeping. Out of my usual morning habit of writing and having a cup o’ joe. 🙂 So here’s a very brief update on what’s been going on.

"White Christmas" opened here in Los Angeles and its been wonderful. I’ve had many LA friends, and business people come see the show who don’t know me as a dancer, its nice to see the surprised look on their face when they come backstage. 🙂 I’m having a great time dancing opposite my good friend Jeffry again, and enjoying the LA weather.

I have to say it doesn’t feel like the Holidays here in LA. Last year, San Francisco was cool. But here…its weird to be wearing short sleeved shirts, and flip flops in December. But I’m trying to make my dressing room look a little festive.
I warm up to Christmas music before the show. 🙂

Shonn was out here in LA with me for 10 days last month and is due for another trip Dec 20th through New Year’s. He’s been going on a lot of auditions and meetings in New York, and the decision has been made that he will be staying in New York for the upcoming Pilot Season. And I will be in Los Angeles. It will be yet another difficult adjustment. 🙂 But we are keeping a positive outlook on the separation.
Its only temporary, and its all for the greater good.
Pound the pavement now, make a name for yourself, then you can have some security in the future right?

My album sales are slow but steady. The Pantages is selling the CD in the lobby. I haven’t checked to see how its selling. I’m just proud I have something to share, and a completed album. The people who have bought it have been very complimentary. Even people I don’t know personally. Its nice.

I sent along a Karma email to you all.  I’ve been feeling a lot of good Karma lately. I feel like this year will be a very good year. I’ve been thinking a lot about you Mom and Dad. I know that things will turn around for the better in the New Year. I know we all don’t have a lot of money, but we are rich with family. And that’s all I want for Christmas.
My family to be happy and healthy. I was thinking about free presents we can give each other this year. With Grandma B gone, I thought about what I miss most about her. Her stories she would tell me. Just about random early memories. Being a telephone operator, living in the old shed with Grandpa Clare, etc. So, I thought…why don’t we all write a favorite memory of the person and give that as a gift? I think its a wonderful idea, and something I know I will cherish. I have many favorite memories of Michelle, Robert, Lainie, Dad, Mom…and Grandma. I think its a wonderful way to share with eachother this holiday and not be so comsumed with spending money we don’t have. What do you think?

I’ve been getting over a little cold…but tomorrow is my day off and I look forward to calling you guys, catching up on you and what the babies are up to. Miss you. I’m sad I won’t be able to come home for Christmas or New Year’s. But I’ll be tapping on stage, making people smile….so that’s a good thing right?

Lots of love
Talk to you all soon,
xoxo

Meredith Patterson
www.meredithpatterson.com
Check out
www.myspace.com/meredithp

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 23:52:55 EST
Subject: Hey, Hey its Sunday…
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Ok, ok…your probably asking yourself…”why is Mer writing me from AOL? I thought she got rid of that email account?”

 

I did…and yet I have been lured back….

 

Long story short, I had some major computer issues over the weekend. (Back up your files everyone, back them up!) Traveling as much as I do, and using different internet servers, wireless connections, etc. I found my website email not as easy to use because I never know what connection I was getting. (I did say long story short right?:)

 

So….AOL has me back in its clutches, and I have to say I’m very happy. Or as my Dad said, “If you find something that works don’t mess with it.” 🙂

 

So, in short, my website email does work, but you can just email me here.
Sorry, again, for the confusion. 🙂

 

UPDATE! There’s some new Latest News on my website giving information on the recent DVD release of the movie BROKEN FLOWERS, the Boston Legal show dates, and a little reminder to check out my new Philanthropy Page.
If anyone does a lot of online shopping please look into using IGive.com through my site. Its very secure, and it will help me reach my goal of donating up to $25,000 this year to HDSA.

 

This past week I had a lot of auditions. Pilot Season is up and running.
But I am flying back to NYC for a week (YEAH!) on Tuesday. I have a callback for the revival of CHORUS LINE on Broadway. The final callbacks are Jan 23rd, so I am staying through then (just in case). I have never done the show in my life (strange for a dancer to say). But I hear that’s to my advantage. I just want to do well.

 

I’m looking forward to being home (not for the cold weather) and of course being with Shonn. I haven’t been home since November. I am starting to have more things in LA than I am in NYC. My sublet here is real nice. Shonn is scheduling a trip to LA February 10th for about a week. We’re doing the bi-coastal thing and making it work. As we keep chanting….its only temporary.

 

Michelle is scheduled for her C-Section on January 27th! I fly up to Pleasant Hill the next day to see my new little nephew. 🙂 I cannot wait.
Michelle and Michael have mentioned they may name him Joshua…but its not definite. I just can’t WAIT to see his little face. I miss Michael, Miranda, Madelyn so much. I miss everyone. 2 days won’t be nearly enough.

 

Well, I have to get to bed early. I’m trying to get on East Coast time for my audition. 10 am (is 7am out here…not fun). So…nighty night (its only 8:45)

 

Lots of love to everyone.

Its always good to hear what your all up to. It always makes me smile.
🙂

 

Love,

Mer

xoxo 

 

 

Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2006 21:05:59 -0000
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Subject: Discovery Channel Premiere this Sunday: The First Emperor
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Watch the Premiere of The First Emperor this Sunday! Dear WILLIAM, As a fan of the Discovery Channel Store, we want you to know about the exciting world premiere of The First Emperor: The Man Who Made China. Ruthless tyrant, obsessive madman, courageous visionary. This extraordinary ruler was once the most powerful man on earth, with secrets that have remained hidden for 2,000 years. Will science reveal them? Watch this Sunday at 9.p.m. ET. Your Friends at The Discovery Channel Store

This Week’s Features: Genghis Khan: Rise of the Conqueror DVD Follow the rise to glory of Genghis Kahn, the 13th century Mongol leader whose empire covered four times the area conquered by Alexander the Great. Rameses: Wrath of God or Man? DVD Join a team of international scientists and forensic archaeologists as they try to unravel the mystery that links Pharaoh Rameses the Great, a skull, and the most pivotal moment of the Bible’s Old Testament. Pompeii: The Last Day DVD On August 24, AD 79, Mount Vesuvius erupted with horrifying force, showering Pompeii with ash, smoke and rock. Experience the eruption, relive the tragedy!

Share the gift of Discovery. Send this Email to a friend! At Discovery, we value your privacy. If you would like to be removed from Discovery Shopper emails like this, please click here to our subscription center, where you can manage your account. Become a Passport Rewards member and earn points for every dollar you spend with the Discovery Channel Store. Once you earn 150 points, we will send you a Passport Rewards certificate good for $10 towards Discovery Channel Store merchandise. Please visit our Passport Rewards site for more information and to register at https://passport.discovery.com/faq.jsp. Discovery Communications Attn: Consumer Products One Discovery Place Silver Spring, MD 20910 Copyright 2005 Discovery Communications Incorporated.

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2006 17:44:46 EST
Subject: Super Bowl Sunday!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Wow…everywhere I turn its Super Bowl this and that…I’m so bummed. I won’t be watching the game today. Had to turn down Mike Huth’s invitation to hang out with him and some cop friends down in Oxnard. He’s down here for Swat Team Training, I believe.

 

I have a huge audition tomorrow morning for ABC producers. For a show where the characters last name is Patterson and she’s a newlywed. Huh….a shoe in? Ya think? Hope so.

 

But regardless of whether I watch the Super Bowl or not…..GO STEELERS!!
Sorry Seattle fans….

 

Shonn is hosting a little Super Bowl shin-dig at the apt. This is what’s killing me the most. The Steelers are his all time favorite team, and they haven’t been to the Super Bowl for 10 years. Now they are playing, and I can’t stand not being there with him. I love watching him get in his Steelers Jersey, clap really loud, yell at the TV, smile bigger than ever!! That’s my favorite part of watching sports with him. I’ll just have to imagine it….

 

Well, this past week was full force Pilot Season. I’m getting the pile of scripts started in the corner of my bedroom. Its not too high yet, but its started. I believe I had 5 auditions last week. A little crazy, but I’m thankful.

 

Shonn comes into LA on Wednesday and is staying for a week. The weekend of Madelyn’s 2nd B-Day we are going to try to drive up to see the babies. He hasn’t seen them since last year, I believe.

 

 

My album is now available on campus @ AMDA in New York and LA, on CDBaby.com, and soon on ITunes. I will let you know. We are working on selling it at Colours Hair Salon on Contra Costa in Pleasant Hill. I will let you know when its. It will save you on shipping costs. 🙂

 

Well, I have to get going. Laundry, cleaning, learning my sides. Praying the Steelers win!

 

Hope this finds you all well!

 

Love,

Mer

xoxo

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 12 Feb 2006 22:22:16 EST
Subject: Sunday: The good, bad, and the really good!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Well this past week was chock full of everything! The good, bad, and the really good!

 

First and foremost, Shonn flew into Los Angeles on Wednesday (YEAH!) After lots of coffee to subside the jet lag we went to the opening night of David Mamets play BOSTON MARRIAGE at The Geffen Playhouse in Westwood www.geffenplayhouse.com. The play didn’t turn out to be amazing, unfortunately, but the actors were great! There were lots of celebrities at the opening, and at the after party Shonn and I got to meet and chat with Charlotte Rae (Mrs. Garrett on TV’s FACTS OF LIFE), Sharon Lawrence, Diane Lane & Josh Brolin, Ted Danson & Mary Steenbergen. We saw William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman, Christine Lahti, Larry David, and David Mamet himself. 🙂 It was cool. Shonn and I just kinds observed everyone. Its funny. There just people like all of us.
Infact it made us laugh because there was a ton of paparazzi outside the theater. Shonn and I were just trying to get to our car so we kinda of snuck around the photographers. One photographer kinda ran in front of us and was snapping pictures like crazy. We laughed and kept walking fast. I guess that photographer might’ve thought we were “somebody” (as they say). It made us laugh. We did have to watch the celebrities get attacked by flashbulbs and fans.
Trying to be gracious, but really just wanting to move on. Its definitly something to get used to doing. Diane Lane said at the end of the night, “Well, tomorrow morning its back to carpool!” She was so cool, and such a nice person.
We talked for awhile. She grew up in New York. Her dad was a cab driver! 🙂

 

Then on Thursday and Friday I had some auditions for more TV shows. 🙂 It all becomes a blurr after awhile. I have a script pile started and its about a foot high…and its only February. One was for a character named “Jennifer Patterson” who is a newlywed…um, can you say me? 🙂

 

Thursday night I baked lasagna for the first time! Shonn and I went to the store and got all the ingredients…and I told Shonn I didn’t’ want any help. I wanted to try it all by myself. So he sat at the laptop looking at his fantasy sports, reading me the latest stats on The Pistons or something…and I boiled the noodles, mixed the Ricotta cheese, sauteed the mushrooms, green peppers, onions, and ground turkey with tomato sauce, put in a little oregano and basil…layered it all together…stuck it in the oven..and voila! We’ve been eating Lasagna leftovers ever since. Shonn LOVED it! When I pulled it out of the oven I said, “Ta Da!” You know you are in show business when you do that after cooking a meal! 🙂

 

Then on Friday night we went to Blockbuster and rented some movies…one of which was “Mary Poppins”! 🙂 YEAH! We wanted to have popcorn too but the apartment I’m staying in doesn’t have a microwave (I know..imagine…how do I survive?) I actually love it. I hate micro waved food…I think there’s something unnatural about it. So anyway…I went to the store and after scouring the popcorn section I finally found popcorn kernels in a bag…to be made on the stove or open flame (very caveman) and I bought them!
Then when I got home I turned on the stove, pulled out the corn oil, put it in the bottom of a saucepan, put a layer of kernels on the bottom of it, covered it…and suddenly…its was poppin’! I opened the lid and the whole saucepan was full of popcorn. I did feel a little like a kid when I opened the lid. Shonn and I were laughing…its the little things in life, right?

 

So then…to make things even more cheery…we sat down and watched MARY POPPINS. 🙂 Neither of us have seen that movie since we were kids. It is as wonderful now as it was back then. We were laughing! I actually have been called in to audition for the title role in the upcoming Broadway production. The script and songs I received at the beginning of the month. I believe I’m going to be auditioned here in LA. I don’t know what my chances actually are, but I’m thrilled to be seen for the role of a lifetime. Who wouldn’t want to be “practically perfect in every way?”

 

On Saturday, Madelyn Clare Huth turned 2 years old!! Shonn and I called the house and sang to her on the phone. She said hi to us, and said our names. We were in baby heaven! Lainie planned a party the next day at the house, we were so sad to miss it. Lainie told us she blew out the candles on her birthday cake!! YEAH MADALLY BOO!!

 

 

 

 

e went and got our headshots taken with a wonderful photographer here in LA called Lee Cherry. www.leecherry.com. Then my friend Jason and his partner Xorin (pronounced Zor-in) had a huge party at their mansion.
Seriously, there was valet parking, coat check, caterers, and a fire dancer.
This house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s son in the 1920’s. There’s a famous murder story that goes along with the house as well….The Black Dahlia apparently was murdered at the house. That’s the legend anyway….Shonn and I were told that as we were standing in the courtyard of the house. Pretty amazing. The Black Dahlia is one of the most famous Los Angeles murder stories.
Its worth a “google” search.

 

Not to end the letter on a low note…but the last bit of news Shonn and I heard yesterday was that my sister Michelle hasn’t been feeling good. She has been running a very high fever and was admitted to Kaiser hospital last night in Walnut Creek. She just had a C-Section 2 weeks ago and may have a slight infection. She is in good hands, and they are keeping her at the hospital until she is feeling better. Send any well wishes to MichelleOHearn@aol.com. Don’t worry.
She’ll be fine. She has to slow down and take it easy.

 

Well…this has been a long letter. I hope you all got through it. 🙂 We both send lots of love, have a wonderful Valentine’s Day and upcoming week.

 

Love,

Mer

xoxo

Embedded Content: Madelyn%20Clare%20is%20turning%202.jpg: 00000001,089d896d,00000000,00000000
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 13 Feb 2006 12:20:56 EST
Subject: Re: Sunday: The good, bad, and the really good!
To: bill1229@wwmgmt.com
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Hey Dad!

 

The TKS Website looks great! the only thing I’d say is the red font color on the buttons should be white to match everything. Otherwise I like the color, set up, flash, everything. YEAH DAD! 🙂

 

I’m still trying to get AMDA and a few friends who need websites to contact you. Its just a matter of bugging people. 🙂

 

Cool about the Frank Lloyd Wright thing huh? I’m gonna check that out.

 

Mer

xoxo

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2006 00:20:02 EST
Subject: Sunday/Monday Letter
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Hey everyone,

 

Where has all the time gone? I didn’t write yesterday…time slipped by me.

Its almost March and I feel like I just celebrated New Years…whew.

 

For those of you who read that my sister Michelle was sick in last weeks letter, here’s a little update. This past week was a really scary, and stressful week for all of us. Michelle spent 8 days in the hospital. Mom, Dad, and my sister Lainie, really pitched in and took care of the babies, helped out Michael. Visited Michelle everyday. I was on the phone with everyone at least twice a day, trying to keep Michelle’s spirits up. I felt so helpless being far away, but I know she was in good hands. She’s home now, and we are all thankful she is getting better. She had a 103/104 degree fever for days and wasn’t responding to any antibiotics. Finally the hospital did a CAT scan and found an abcess full of bacterial fluid on the outside of her uterus caused by her C-Section. It is rare, only 2% of woman who get C-Sections have this happen. She is home, with an IV for the next three weeks. She’s being closely monitored, but she’s getting her sense of humor back. And is just glad to be home and out of the hospital.

 

I hear Baby Josh has gained a whole pound. I hear him sqeak and squak when I’m on the phone with Michelle. Please send new pictures of him my way. I’d love to see them.

 

Shonn was here the beginning of last week. He left on Wednesday back to New York. It hasn’t even been a week and I miss him terribly. We had a wonderful time while he was here. Valentine’s Day he made me dinner, had our favorite wine. It was very romantic.

 

As you know…tomorrow is the big day. BOSTON LEGAL. I’ve decided to have some friends together. My friend Gary invited me to have a little gathering at his house, so I will be there watching. I’m in TV Guide Magazine this week. A huge picture. So funny. I look goofy. 🙂

 

Here’s the info…if you haven’t been saturated with it already!

 

BOSTON LEGAL

Tuesday, Feb 21st @ 10pm on ABC

Official Fan Site: www.boston-legal.org

Some pictures and info on the episode.

 

Sorry this is such a short letter this week. Been really busy. Gotta go to sleep!

Please keep in touch.

Stay happy and healthy 

 

Lots of love,

Mer

xoxo

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 26 Feb 2006 20:12:21 EST
Subject: A very quick Sunday Letter….
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Hello family and friends!

 

This week’s Sunday letter may be more like a Monday letter….I do not have the ample time right now to write down everything that happened this week. (Lots of good stuff)

I just wanted to let you all know..

 

 

SHONN IS HERE IN LA WITH ME!! He surprised me on Tuesday night at the Boston Legal party. I will tell the whole story, in full, when I can write more and…. 

 

I was asked back to film another episode of Boston Legal!! I will be filming the first 2 weeks of March. The name of the episode, as of now, is called “Ivan the Incorrigible”. I will let you know more info when I can. Log on to www.boston-legal.org (which is the fan site) and you can see info on what people thought of the “Live Big” episode and see clips, photos, and etc.

 

I will write more tomorrow!! 🙂

 

Love,

Mer

xoxo

 

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 5 Mar 2006 13:35:09 EST
Subject: Oscar Sunday!! Whoo woo!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Happy Oscar Sunday everyone!   Its been a couple of weeks since I’ve had ample time to write. So get ready for a long letter…   I hope this finds you all happy and healthy. I send that out to my sister Michelle most of all. As most of you know, she has been ruthlessly battling a bacterial infection for the past month and finally is on the road to recovery. She has been in and out of the hospital this past month, everyone in the family has been stressed, frustrated, and worried. Not knowing why the bacteria hadn’t reacted to the antibiotic. The good news is, now, the antibiotic is working. Michelle’s fever is gone. I’m so happy she’s able to go home and start to get back to her normal life. Health is something we can take for granted…I honestly wake up sometimes and just thank god for the air in my lungs, the legs that I stand on, my eyes, my skin….you name it. I know it may sound silly, but whenever I think about it. There are people who wake up everyday and don’t have the privilege of taking a deep breath. Simple things like that. So…I’m thankful Michelle is doing better. And I can’t wait to see her and give her a big hug!   These past two weeks have been great. I didn’t know I was coming back to Boston Legal when I was done filming the “Live Big” episode. But apparently…when I got on the set…everyone said, “I knew you’d be back!”. My first day back was nerve racking, and welcoming. I was called @ 6 am to the studios. Which are located in Manhattan Beach. So Shonn, who needed the car for the day, woke up at 4 am with me and drove me to the set. It was practice for when he does his first TV or FILM job. That’s the schedule. 6 am start of the day. I arrived and went right to the make-up and hair trailer. Everyone greeted me with a big smile and a hug! I saw Candace Bergen with her NY Times and coffee, and she put her things down and gave me a nice big hug and a smile. “I’m so happy your back. Missy has a little twist at the end of this episode!” she said. And I do…..I won’t tell you anything. But I have a feeling this character could go anywhere.   My first day I filmed 2 scenes with just Candace and I in her office. Some of them pretty serious for Missy. I don’t laugh/snort as much in this episode (but I do…no worries…I do). However, my name now is, “Mrs. Missy Tiggs”. I have a huge ring on my finger and they still have me in fabulous clothes. I don’t know if I ever told you but the costume department has me wearing $1500 Ralph Lauren suits, $400 Charles David shoes (that you never even see), and this one skirt I’m wearing in an office scene is $800! I couldn’t believe it. I’m walking in clothes that exceed my bank account. Ha ha…Loree, the costume designer said jokingly, “Oh! Now that you know the price you have to buy it.” Ha ha ha….I went white as a ghost. 🙂 She costumed all of David E. Kelley shows for the past 9 years. She worked on Ally McBeal….and, she told me, was responsible for the skirts on that show being so short. Ah ha…:)   Anyway….the next shoot day was Friday. That’s when I filmed the scene with Tom Selleck, Candace, and Rene Auberjonois (who plays Lewiston on the show). I was so happy to meet him. He’s a big Broadway actor! This is the scene where Tom and I sing….its a song from “Pajama Game”. Being that the show just opened last month on Broadway. I thought it was wonderful to be singing from it. And…its kinda fun, because at the time they were auditioning that show for Bway, I was told I wasn’t “on the list” for people they were bringing in for the role of “Babe”. So being denied a chance to audition, and now singing it on television with Tom Selleck…its a nice feeling.   Shonn came to the set that day! He was so cute. They brought him in and he sat in my chair next to the director, they gave him headphones to listen and he watched the monitor. In between set ups we ran around the whole set! We went into Denny Crane’s office, Alan Shore’s and…we even went out and stood on the famous balcony where the film all the last scenes. We were like little kids! It was so fun. Shonn got to meet Tom, Candace, and Rene. I swear we almost had to pinch ourselves. Candace was explaining all the TV shots, “the lingo”. Shonn and I know nothing! There’s the Master shot, coverage, overs (which is over your shoulder shots), dirty overs (my favorite), and 3 shots ( 3 people in the shot). She was laughing, I loved it! Candace Bergen giving us a lesson in TV language. She kept telling me how adorable Shonn was. Asking if he had done any TV before? I of course, told her he’s a catch and should be on a show. This is his first pilot season out here and I could see the wheels turning behind her eyes. Shonn was invited back to the set when I go back to film on Friday. Some of the people in the crew offered to introduce Shonn to Boston Legal casting, as well as some of the producers for The OC, which is also filmed on the lot. 🙂 YEAH!   Its been wonderful having Shonn here in town. We are like two peas in a pod again. (That sounds very Forrest Gump, “Me and Jenny was like peas and carrots again”) Ha ha. Seriously we are! We go for walks around the block here. (Nobody walks in LA except NY transplants) Its very residential between Moorpark and Ventura. We walk and look at houses. Talk about everything. Soak up the sun. We’ve even gone jogging together, but my left knee started to hurt. I guess all that tap dancing is starting to catch up with me. Its not that bad, not to worry. I’ve never had knee problems. Its just jogging is hard on your knees, and if I feel the slightest twinge…I stop. I’m sticking to Pilates for now. Of course, by the time I’m 60 I’ll have knee and hip replacements made of titanium. I’ll be the bionic woman. Ha ha!   Good news! I’ve sold a lot of CD’s since Boston Legal aired. People have been emailing the web site, and posting little comments on myspace, and the Boston Legal fan site www.boston-legal.org Its great. Oh! I forgot! I got to meet William Shatner, and Mark Valley on the set this week. William Shatner was very nice. He shook my hand.:) Mark Valley (who plays Brad Chase) has the dressing room next door and said, “Hey! I heard you singing in there. Sounds great!” He shook my hand and said it was good to see me back for another episode. Cool. Also, I forgot….here’s some new pictures I got:       Cute huh?   Switching gears, I’ve been meaning to mention that I’ve been putting on my “producer hat” again with Shonn’s one man musical “The View From Here”. A lot of you saw the New York Music Theater Festival show, well now, the author, myself, and another partner are producing the official NYMF cast album. We have completed the recording, the mastering and it is going into duplication this month. The projected release date is May 2006. So I will keep you posted. For those of you who don’t know anything about it. Shonn sings the whole show. Its just 3 instruments; Vocal, Piano, and Trumpet. Its not your typical theater cast album, it has a jazz feel to it (which I love), and the music is phenomenal. It will be available through my web site store as well as CDBaby.com and other venues. I’ll keep you posted.   Well, I told you this was going to be a long letter. 🙂 I’ll leave you with my Oscar predictions. I hope most of you have seen the movies that are nominated? I haven’t seen them all. Shonn and I finally saw CAPOTE last week, and were floored by Phillip Seymour Hoffman. He’s always been a favorite of mine,(like Gary Oldman) I’m so glad he’s finally getting recognition. Ok, ok….here we go.   Best Picture: Brokeback Mountain or Crash (I’m torn) Best Actor: Phillip Seymour Hoffman Best Actress: Felicity Huffman Best Supporting Actor: Paul Giamatti Best Supporting Actress: Rachel Weisz Best Director:Ang Lee Best Original Screenplay: Crash Best Adapted Screenplay: Brokeback Mountain Best Original Song: ”It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp,” from Hustle & Flow   I don’t have all the predictions, cause I didn’t see everything. But I really hope the movie Hustle & Flow brings home something. I believe I mentioned the director and writer of that movie Craig Brewer, directed my high school senior musical PIPPIN back in ’93. (Small world huh?) I reconnected with him after seeing Hustle & Flow. His mother was my drama teacher, Mrs. Brewer. I was so happy to see him be so successful. We have talked on the phone and emailed since and he’s working on a lot of movies now. Someone from the Bay Area has broken through. Its a good feeling.   Anyway…I’m off! Thanks for reading the long letter. 🙂 I hope everyone has a wonderful week, and a glamorous Oscar night! (Or as I call it, Prom night for the entertainment industry). Happy March.     Lots of love to everyone, Mer xoxo

Embedded Content: Ivan%20and%20Missy.jpg: 00000001,0c0885b4,00000000,00000000 Embedded Content: Missy-Ivan-reception.jpg: 00000001,1c0d3eba,00000000,00000000
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 5 Mar 2006 13:49:21 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter: Happy Oscar Sunday Everyone!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Happy Oscar Sunday everyone!

 

Its been a couple of weeks since I’ve had ample time to write. So get ready for a long letter…

 

I hope this finds you all happy and healthy. I send that out to my sister Michelle most of all. As most of you know, she has been ruthlessly battling a bacterial infection for the past month and finally is on the road to recovery. She has been in and out of the hospital this past month, everyone in the family has been stressed, frustrated, and worried.
Not knowing why the bacteria hadn’t reacted to the antibiotic. The good news is, now, the antibiotic is working. Michelle’s fever is gone. I’m so happy she’s able to go home and start to get back to her normal life. Health is something we can take for granted…I honestly wake up sometimes and just thank god for the air in my lungs, the legs that I stand on, my eyes, my skin….you name it. I know it may sound silly, but whenever I think about it. There are people who wake up everyday and don’t have the privilege of taking a deep breath. Simple things like that. So…I’m thankful Michelle is doing better. And I can’t wait to see her and give her a big hug!

 

These past two weeks have been great. I didn’t know I was coming back to Boston Legal when I was done filming the “Live Big” episode. But apparently…when I got on the set…everyone said, “I knew you’d be back!”. My first day back was nerve racking, and welcoming. I was called @ 6 am to the studios. Which are located in Manhattan Beach. So Shonn, who needed the car for the day, woke up at 4 am with me and drove me to the set.
It was practice for when he does his first TV or FILM job. That’s the schedule.
6 am start of the day. I arrived and went right to the make-up and hair trailer.
Everyone greeted me with a big smile and a hug! I saw Candace Bergen with her NY Times and coffee, and she put her things down and gave me a nice big hug and a smile. “I’m so happy your back. Missy has a little twist at the end of this episode!” she said. And I do…..I won’t tell you anything. But I have a feeling this character could go anywhere.

 

My first day I filmed 2 scenes with just Candace and I in her office. Some of them pretty serious for Missy. I don’t laugh/snort as much in this episode (but I do…no worries…I do). However, my name now is, “Mrs. Missy Tiggs”. I have a huge ring on my finger and they still have me in fabulous clothes. I don’t know if I ever told you but the costume department has me wearing $1500 Ralph Lauren suits, $400 Charles David shoes (that you never even see), and this one skirt I’m wearing in an office scene is $800! I couldn’t believe it. I’m walking in clothes that exceed my bank account.
Ha ha…Loree, the costume designer said jokingly, “Oh! Now that you know the price you have to buy it.” Ha ha ha….I went white as a ghost.
🙂 She costumed all of David E. Kelley shows for the past 9 years. She worked on Ally McBeal….and, she told me, was responsible for the skirts on that show being so short. Ah ha…:)

 

Anyway….the next shoot day was Friday. That’s when I filmed the scene with Tom Selleck, Candace, and Rene Auberjonois (who plays Lewiston on the show). I was so happy to meet him.
He’s a big Broadway actor! This is the scene where Tom and I sing….its a song from “Pajama Game”. Being that the show just opened last month on Broadway. I thought it was wonderful to be singing from it. And…its kinda fun, because at the time they were auditioning that show for Bway, I was told I wasn’t “on the list” for people they were bringing in for the role of “Babe”. So being denied a chance to audition, and now singing it on television with Tom Selleck…its a nice feeling.

 

Shonn came to the set that day! He was so cute. They brought him in and he sat in my chair next to the director, they gave him headphones to listen and he watched the monitor. In between set ups we ran around the whole set! We went into Denny Crane’s office, Alan Shore’s and…we even went out and stood on the famous balcony where the film all the last scenes. We were like little kids! It was so fun. Shonn got to meet Tom, Candace, and Rene. I swear we almost had to pinch ourselves. Candace was explaining all the TV shots, “the lingo”. Shonn and I know nothing! There’s the Master shot, coverage, overs (which is over your shoulder shots), dirty overs (my favorite), and 3 shots ( 3 people in the shot). She was laughing, I loved it! Candace Bergen giving us a lesson in TV language. She kept telling me how adorable Shonn was. Asking if he had done any TV before? I of course, told her he’s a catch and should be on a show. This is his first pilot season out here and I could see the wheels turning behind her eyes. Shonn was invited back to the set when I go back to film on Friday. Some of the people in the crew offered to introduce Shonn to Boston Legal casting, as well as some of the producers for The OC, which is also filmed on the lot. 🙂 YEAH!

 

Its been wonderful having Shonn here in town. We are like two peas in a pod again. (That sounds very Forrest Gump, “Me and Jenny was like peas and carrots again”) Ha ha. Seriously we are! We go for walks around the block here. (Nobody walks in LA except NY transplants) Its very residential between Moorpark and Ventura. We walk and look at houses. Talk about everything. Soak up the sun. We’ve even gone jogging together, but my left knee started to hurt. I guess all that tap dancing is starting to catch up with me. Its not that bad, not to worry. I’ve never had knee problems. Its just jogging is hard on your knees, and if I feel the slightest twinge…I stop. I’m sticking to Pilates for now. Of course, by the time I’m 60 I’ll have knee and hip replacements made of titanium. I’ll be the bionic woman. Ha ha!

 

Good news! I’ve sold a lot of CD’s since Boston Legal aired. People have been emailing the web site, and posting little comments on myspace, and the Boston Legal fan site www.boston-legal.org Its great. Oh! I forgot! I got to meet William Shatner, and Mark Valley on the set this week.
William Shatner was very nice. He shook my hand.:) Mark Valley (who plays Brad Chase) has the dressing room next door and said, “Hey! I heard you singing in there. Sounds great!” He shook my hand and said it was good to see me back for another episode. Cool.

Also, I forgot….here’s some new pictures I got:

 

 

 

Cute huh?

 

Switching gears, I’ve been meaning to mention that I’ve been putting on my “producer hat” again with Shonn’s one man musical “The View From Here”. A lot of you saw the New York Music Theater Festival show, well now, the author, myself, and another partner are producing the official NYMF cast album. We have completed the recording, the mastering and it is going into duplication this month. The projected release date is May 2006.
So I will keep you posted. For those of you who don’t know anything about it.
Shonn sings the whole show. Its just 3 instruments; Vocal, Piano, and Trumpet.
Its not your typical theater cast album, it has a jazz feel to it (which I love), and the music is phenomenal. It will be available through my web site store as well as CDBaby.com and other venues. I’ll keep you posted.

 

Well, I told you this was going to be a long letter. 🙂 I’ll leave you with my Oscar predictions. I hope most of you have seen the movies that are nominated? I haven’t seen them all. Shonn and I finally saw CAPOTE last week, and were floored by Phillip Seymour Hoffman. He’s always been a favorite of mine,(like Gary Oldman) I’m so glad he’s finally getting recognition. Ok, ok….here we go.

 

Best Picture: Brokeback Mountain or Crash (I’m torn)

Best Actor: Phillip Seymour Hoffman

Best Actress: Felicity Huffman

Best Supporting Actor: Paul Giamatti

Best Supporting Actress: Rachel Weisz

Best Director:Ang Lee

Best Original Screenplay: Crash

Best Adapted Screenplay: Brokeback Mountain

Best Original Song: ”It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp,” from Hustle & Flow

 

I don’t have all the predictions, cause I didn’t see everything. But I really hope the movie Hustle & Flow brings home something. I believe I mentioned the director and writer of that movie Craig Brewer, directed my high school senior musical PIPPIN back in ’93. (Small world huh?) I reconnected with him after seeing Hustle & Flow. His mother was my drama teacher, Mrs. Brewer. I was so happy to see him be so successful. Someone from the Bay Area has broken through! Its a good feeling.

 

Anyway…I’m off! Thanks for reading the long letter. 🙂 I hope everyone has a wonderful week, and a glamorous Oscar night! (Or as I call it, Prom night for the entertainment industry). Happy March.  

 

Lots of love to everyone,

Mer

xoxo

 

 

**Everyone on this weekly email list are friends and family. If you have no idea who I am, or why I would email you. Please just reply with “I don’t like this, stop emailing me”  in the subject line. And I’ll remove you. (Please read with a thick layer of sarcasm, and wit) 🙂

Embedded Content: Ivan%20and%20Missy1.jpg: 00000001,24dcc029,00000000,00000000 Embedded Content: Missy-Ivan-reception1.jpg: 00000001,34e1792f,00000000,00000000
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 5 Mar 2006 13:49:21 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter: Happy Oscar Sunday Everyone!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Happy Oscar Sunday everyone!

 

Its been a couple of weeks since I’ve had ample time to write. So get ready for a long letter…

 

I hope this finds you all happy and healthy. I send that out to my sister Michelle most of all. As most of you know, she has been ruthlessly battling a bacterial infection for the past month and finally is on the road to recovery. She has been in and out of the hospital this past month, everyone in the family has been stressed, frustrated, and worried.
Not knowing why the bacteria hadn’t reacted to the antibiotic. The good news is, now, the antibiotic is working. Michelle’s fever is gone. I’m so happy she’s able to go home and start to get back to her normal life. Health is something we can take for granted…I honestly wake up sometimes and just thank god for the air in my lungs, the legs that I stand on, my eyes, my skin….you name it. I know it may sound silly, but whenever I think about it. There are people who wake up everyday and don’t have the privilege of taking a deep breath. Simple things like that. So…I’m thankful Michelle is doing better. And I can’t wait to see her and give her a big hug!

 

These past two weeks have been great. I didn’t know I was coming back to Boston Legal when I was done filming the “Live Big” episode. But apparently…when I got on the set…everyone said, “I knew you’d be back!”. My first day back was nerve racking, and welcoming. I was called @ 6 am to the studios. Which are located in Manhattan Beach. So Shonn, who needed the car for the day, woke up at 4 am with me and drove me to the set.
It was practice for when he does his first TV or FILM job. That’s the schedule.
6 am start of the day. I arrived and went right to the make-up and hair trailer.
Everyone greeted me with a big smile and a hug! I saw Candace Bergen with her NY Times and coffee, and she put her things down and gave me a nice big hug and a smile. “I’m so happy your back. Missy has a little twist at the end of this episode!” she said. And I do…..I won’t tell you anything. But I have a feeling this character could go anywhere.

 

My first day I filmed 2 scenes with just Candace and I in her office. Some of them pretty serious for Missy. I don’t laugh/snort as much in this episode (but I do…no worries…I do). However, my name now is, “Mrs. Missy Tiggs”. I have a huge ring on my finger and they still have me in fabulous clothes. I don’t know if I ever told you but the costume department has me wearing $1500 Ralph Lauren suits, $400 Charles David shoes (that you never even see), and this one skirt I’m wearing in an office scene is $800! I couldn’t believe it. I’m walking in clothes that exceed my bank account.
Ha ha…Loree, the costume designer said jokingly, “Oh! Now that you know the price you have to buy it.” Ha ha ha….I went white as a ghost.
🙂 She costumed all of David E. Kelley shows for the past 9 years. She worked on Ally McBeal….and, she told me, was responsible for the skirts on that show being so short. Ah ha…:)

 

Anyway….the next shoot day was Friday. That’s when I filmed the scene with Tom Selleck, Candace, and Rene Auberjonois (who plays Lewiston on the show). I was so happy to meet him.
He’s a big Broadway actor! This is the scene where Tom and I sing….its a song from “Pajama Game”. Being that the show just opened last month on Broadway. I thought it was wonderful to be singing from it. And…its kinda fun, because at the time they were auditioning that show for Bway, I was told I wasn’t “on the list” for people they were bringing in for the role of “Babe”. So being denied a chance to audition, and now singing it on television with Tom Selleck…its a nice feeling.

 

Shonn came to the set that day! He was so cute. They brought him in and he sat in my chair next to the director, they gave him headphones to listen and he watched the monitor. In between set ups we ran around the whole set! We went into Denny Crane’s office, Alan Shore’s and…we even went out and stood on the famous balcony where the film all the last scenes. We were like little kids! It was so fun. Shonn got to meet Tom, Candace, and Rene. I swear we almost had to pinch ourselves. Candace was explaining all the TV shots, “the lingo”. Shonn and I know nothing! There’s the Master shot, coverage, overs (which is over your shoulder shots), dirty overs (my favorite), and 3 shots ( 3 people in the shot). She was laughing, I loved it! Candace Bergen giving us a lesson in TV language. She kept telling me how adorable Shonn was. Asking if he had done any TV before? I of course, told her he’s a catch and should be on a show. This is his first pilot season out here and I could see the wheels turning behind her eyes. Shonn was invited back to the set when I go back to film on Friday. Some of the people in the crew offered to introduce Shonn to Boston Legal casting, as well as some of the producers for The OC, which is also filmed on the lot. 🙂 YEAH!

 

Its been wonderful having Shonn here in town. We are like two peas in a pod again. (That sounds very Forrest Gump, “Me and Jenny was like peas and carrots again”) Ha ha. Seriously we are! We go for walks around the block here. (Nobody walks in LA except NY transplants) Its very residential between Moorpark and Ventura. We walk and look at houses. Talk about everything. Soak up the sun. We’ve even gone jogging together, but my left knee started to hurt. I guess all that tap dancing is starting to catch up with me. Its not that bad, not to worry. I’ve never had knee problems. Its just jogging is hard on your knees, and if I feel the slightest twinge…I stop. I’m sticking to Pilates for now. Of course, by the time I’m 60 I’ll have knee and hip replacements made of titanium. I’ll be the bionic woman. Ha ha!

 

Good news! I’ve sold a lot of CD’s since Boston Legal aired. People have been emailing the web site, and posting little comments on myspace, and the Boston Legal fan site www.boston-legal.org Its great. Oh! I forgot! I got to meet William Shatner, and Mark Valley on the set this week.
William Shatner was very nice. He shook my hand.:) Mark Valley (who plays Brad Chase) has the dressing room next door and said, “Hey! I heard you singing in there. Sounds great!” He shook my hand and said it was good to see me back for another episode. Cool.

Also, I forgot….here’s some new pictures I got:

 

 

 

Cute huh?

 

Switching gears, I’ve been meaning to mention that I’ve been putting on my “producer hat” again with Shonn’s one man musical “The View From Here”. A lot of you saw the New York Music Theater Festival show, well now, the author, myself, and another partner are producing the official NYMF cast album. We have completed the recording, the mastering and it is going into duplication this month. The projected release date is May 2006.
So I will keep you posted. For those of you who don’t know anything about it.
Shonn sings the whole show. Its just 3 instruments; Vocal, Piano, and Trumpet.
Its not your typical theater cast album, it has a jazz feel to it (which I love), and the music is phenomenal. It will be available through my web site store as well as CDBaby.com and other venues. I’ll keep you posted.

 

Well, I told you this was going to be a long letter. 🙂 I’ll leave you with my Oscar predictions. I hope most of you have seen the movies that are nominated? I haven’t seen them all. Shonn and I finally saw CAPOTE last week, and were floored by Phillip Seymour Hoffman. He’s always been a favorite of mine,(like Gary Oldman) I’m so glad he’s finally getting recognition. Ok, ok….here we go.

 

Best Picture: Brokeback Mountain or Crash (I’m torn)

Best Actor: Phillip Seymour Hoffman

Best Actress: Felicity Huffman

Best Supporting Actor: Paul Giamatti

Best Supporting Actress: Rachel Weisz

Best Director:Ang Lee

Best Original Screenplay: Crash

Best Adapted Screenplay: Brokeback Mountain

Best Original Song: ”It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp,” from Hustle & Flow

 

I don’t have all the predictions, cause I didn’t see everything. But I really hope the movie Hustle & Flow brings home something. I believe I mentioned the director and writer of that movie Craig Brewer, directed my high school senior musical PIPPIN back in ’93. (Small world huh?) I reconnected with him after seeing Hustle & Flow. His mother was my drama teacher, Mrs. Brewer. I was so happy to see him be so successful. Someone from the Bay Area has broken through! Its a good feeling.

 

Anyway…I’m off! Thanks for reading the long letter. 🙂 I hope everyone has a wonderful week, and a glamorous Oscar night! (Or as I call it, Prom night for the entertainment industry). Happy March.  

 

Lots of love to everyone,

Mer

xoxo

 

 

**Everyone on this weekly email list are friends and family. If you have no idea who I am, or why I would email you. Please just reply with “I don’t like this, stop emailing me”  in the subject line. And I’ll remove you. (Please read with a thick layer of sarcasm, and wit) 🙂

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sat, 11 Mar 2006 14:46:07 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter: Ivan The Incorrigable and other news….
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Hello friends and family!   I hope this finds you well! Do you like the St. Patrick’s flair I’ve added? Its coming up! Whew…as I always say….time flies. I also upped the font size…(for some of you who couldn’t read the small font) 🙂   I’ve added some new people to this little weekly letter group. I recently had a friend (Chris C) who emailed me and said, “I used to get little updates from you every week. What happened?” Sorry Clay! Sometimes I wonder if anyone even reads these silly letters. But then I realized there were a lot of people I didn’t have on this list. And now you are. Of course if you don’t want to get updates from me…just reply to this saying’ “Leave me alone”. Or something like that. Ha ha. 🙂   I just realized I have been writing weekly letters for almost 4 years now. Can you believe it? Correct me if I’m wrong but I believe it all started when I went to Russia…and email was the only real way I could communicate what was happening. Of course, that was almost all bombs threats, and hostage news. For those of you who remember, that was not an easy time. But….writing weekly letters to you all has become such a great habit. Something I really love doing. I know it pales in comparison to actually talking, or seeing all of you. But even though we all have good intentions to keep in touch, the truth is…time whizzes by and we get so caught up with life. I am the youngest in a family of 6 and even we have a hard time keeping in touch every week. Life moves too fast, agreed? Some of you I haven’t seen in years. Some I see more frequently. But since I’ve been working in Los Angeles…I feel the need now more than ever, of saying hello to my friends in New York whom I miss so much…and all of you, wherever you may be roaming these days.   Thank you to everyone who took care of my sister Michelle while she was in the hospital! My Mom, Dad, and my sister Lainie especially, juggling emotions, kids, work, and still finding time to be there for Michelle. She is on the road to recovery. the only ting that is scary is she on a very heavy antibiotic now. I’m worried what that will do to her immune system. Bacteria infections are a scary thing. My family has been on edge…but we are all looking up now. Michelle is back to her old self. She’s cracking jokes on the phone with me and so glad to be back home with Michael, Miranda, and my new little nephew baby Joshua.  I believe he’s 7 weeks old now (correct me Michelle, if I’m wrong). He’s gained weight, looking a little plump, and all I ever hear on the phone is squeaking and squawking. “Squeaker Peanut” is what Michelle calls him. So cute! Shonn and I are hoping to drive up next weekend to visit!   Life here, now that Shonn is with me, has been wonderful. We are juggling auditions back and forth. Trying to negotiate the car. You can’t survive out here without a car. And we have one car between us. Sometimes Shonn will have an audition in Manhattan Beach and I have one in Burbank. So, we have a good cab company we just started using this week. Its not too bad. But Monday, I have an audition in downtown LA, and Shonn has to go back to Manhattan Beach. Agh! 🙂 I’m renting a car for the day. Its less expensive to do that, then a cab. Ah….someday we will laugh at all this right? Tell these stories to Letterman or Leno.   I finished filming the latest episode of Boston Legal last night. Its called “Ivan the Incorrigible” and I found out it will air Tuesday April 18th, @ 10pm!   I have to tell you, I feel like I am floating on air when I am filming. Its confirmation that I know I am doing what I absolutely love to do with my life. It doesn’t feel like work at all. Auditioning, hoping, driving all over the place, the anxiety of not knowing what your next job is….that feels like work. But acting….it is such a high for me. I read once that, if you are doing what you are truly meant to do in your life, what your passion is, you feel this way. And I do. Am I making any sense? 🙂 Days like yesterday, and all the times I’ve been filming or performing on stage… makes all the struggling worth it. I just wish it could be like this every week of the year. Its truly like a drug, you get a taste of it and you don’t want to leave it. I thought I was going to cry last night. It sounds silly, but Tom Selleck and I got up for filming a scene where we are at dinner…and our director said, “That’s a wrap for Tom Selleck and Meredith Patterson” and everyone clapped, Tom and I hugged and I swear I could’ve started crying right there. I just wanted to keep acting. Playing. Some people could say I was about to cry because now I don’t have a paycheck…ha ha ha…but seriously, it was really hard to leave. I don’t know if I’ll be coming back, but I hope I do. Or move on to another show. Its all up in the air!   As I was leaving the set, Tom said to me, jokingly “I hope your next leading man is younger.” And I said, “I am so lucky to have had you be my first leading man on TV. It will be very hard for anyone to live up to you.” He hugged me. Honestly he was nothing but wonderful to me, teaching me every step of the way. Candace and Tom both knew I was green and didn’t know anything about being on a TV set. So any chance they got they would tell me stories, or say, “Ok, now they are doing the master shot or coverage” or Candace taught me what a “dirty over” is. It made us laugh. A “Dirty Over” is when the camera is shooting over another actors shoulder and part of there shoulder is in the shot out of focus, the focus is on another actor. Uh….I didn’t explain that very well. But next time you watch TV, look for a “dirty over”. 🙂     I found out I officially have my apartment sublet out here until June 1st. I know, don’t be mad (Kirsten, Erica, Debbie). Depending on what my reps and I agree on, I may be out here, I may be back in NYC. Pilot Season has been going well, but I also have been auditioning for some B’way stuff. One of the pilots, that is scheduled to film in New York, it doesn’t look like I’m going to book. But I’ve got the rest of this month and a little of April to see if anything will land for me. 🙂   My album has been selling well, ever since BL aired, I’ve had people say they “googled me” I never thought I’d be googled! 🙂  Its funny. I think everyone knows how to purchase it…but in case you don’t. Here’s the options:   www.cdbaby.com/meredithp: You can hear samples from the whole album, read my music bio, write a review   www.meredithpatterson.com : Go to MP Store. This is the only place you can get a autographed CD, and a portion of the proceeds go towards HDSA research for a cure!   And of course my online fan page is www.myspace.com/meredithp. Its free and its fun.     Ok, enough of that. 🙂   Tonight Shonn and I are going to see our friend Stefanie sing in a cabaret here in LA. We are so looking forward to it! YEAH STEF!  🙂   And the reason I’m writing this a day early, is because Shonn and I are going to see our friends Kristin and Joe in a musical called “Jesus’ Kid Brother” tomorrow afternoon at The Long Beach Performing Arts Center. We can’t wait! YEAH! I know, finally….right?   As always, I love hearing what you all are up to! I love seeing pictures of you and some of your new babies (Sarah Jane! John & Rachel C! Jenny H!) and the bellies that are about to pop (My sis Lainie and Danette! April 25th Grrrrl) Keep ’em coming.   Miss you. Love you. Sending the best to all of you this coming week.   Mer xoxo

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 19 Mar 2006 19:09:42 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter: Is March almost over already? Wow!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Hi there friends & family!   I cannot believe it….I just looked at the calendar and saw that March is now almost over. Where is the time going? I know where its going for me…its being buried in scripts, endless memorizing, and hoping for the next big job to come along so I can pay my bills. 🙂   You may be wondering why my letter is coming to your “in box” so late in the day? Well, at 7 am this morning Shonn was online doing his Baseball Fantasy Draft. From 7 am-10 am. Boy, it was intense. 3 whole hours of picking his team. I’d explain it to you but….I don’t understand a bit of it. I am honestly just not that into sports. (Sorry to all you die hard’s out there). Don’t get me wrong. I’m not a hater. I love to watch a game or two. But the whole Fantasy thing…the whole 4 games a day thing. Nope. Not for me. I now know what March Madness is all about, but…. I’m still not “mad” about it. I think its fun to get out, go to Yankee Stadium and see a great baseball game. But…I’m sorry to say it….I just think its a waste of time to sit and watch it all weekend.  I guess it goes back to my school days and the knowledge that more money is always committed to Sports Departments than it is to Drama & Music Departments. I thought back then, and I still think, there is something very wrong with that.  I guess its just a matter of taste. They are both entertainment. Music, Theater, Sports. Ok, ok..I’ll get off my soapbox now. 🙂   This past week Shonn and I worked our first “night/survival job”. It was an event in itself. We worked for a company called Bread and Butter Catering www.breadandbuttercatering.com. Its a high end catering service based in Beverly Hills. Its a great company. Shonn and I were hired for the west coast premiere of the movie “Thank You For Not Smoking” at The Directors Guild. We were in charge of carrying trays of appetizers, bus tables, re-stock the buffet tables, and serve drinks. Out of no coaxing of my own, I somehow got assigned to the VIP section. I was assigned to Rob Lowe, William H Macy & Felacity Huffman’s table. To attend to whatever they needed, make sure they are comfortable, get them drinks. Basically be their becken call girl. I did get to serve Rob Lowe a drink. He asked for a Perrier with a little cranberry and a splash of lime. William H. Macy was the only person who asked my name and shook my hand. What a gentlemen. I served Felicity Huffman a cosmopolitan. She thanked me. They all tipped me very well, and I just had a great time observing them. They are just people. Just like all of us. Just people. Shonn and I got home around 1 am, our feet swollen, but we got some free wine and beer from the bar. All the waiters and bartenders are struggling actors. I swear its a tv series waiting to happen.   Tomorrow I’m going back in for ABC producers for a pilot called The Untitled Patricia Heaton Project. The last time I went in, they said I wasn’t old enough. First time I’ve ever heard that! The role I’m going in for now is for a 35-40 year old. Ha ha…still too young, but I’ll try! Its a great character. I’ll just have to do my best. Its funny. Last year I was trying to play 23, this year I’m trying to play 40! I think its wonderful to finally have rich, funny, dynamic characters for woman over 30. In Los Angeles, being “older” (anyone over 25) is supposed to be hazardous to your career. Apparently things are changing. I love it! Anyway…even though me in this role may be like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole…I’m going to get to meet and act for Patricia Heaton again. That can’t be a bad thing.   Oh…Mary Poppins update. I haven’t been given an audition yet. Honestly, I might not get a chance. I hear they have offered it to Laura Benanti, but she’s not available (because of “Wedding Singer”). They aren’t having auditions in NYC until April. But I may not get in, I still don’t know. What will be, will be. All I know is who wouldn’t love to be Mary Poppins? I just hope it goes to the right girl, and not a star (just for the sake of having a star). It just reminds me of what Ann Miller told me, “I don’t know how you kids do it these days. Its just so hard to even get an audition! We used to be just offered theater jobs after you knew a director or choreographer. Now its a battle just to get past the casting director. I’m telling ya, its sad to say, the golden age is gone”. And she’s right. I can’t seem to get arrested on B’way. And I’ve got a starring role on my resume. Imagine the actors who don’t. Its really an uphill battle. I know those of you who are in the biz understand me.   With all that said…I still miss New York, I miss my friends. I love LA, but the energy is just not the same. I’ve got some possible summer theater work. So does Shonn. We’re seeing what happens for June and July. I don’t know what the future brings? Where we’ll be living. I was offered to play “Peggy Sawyer” again in 42nd ST this summer…but, I think my yellow scarf, suitcase, and shuffling days are over. 1,000 times playing that role is enough, don’t cha think? I’ll proudly pass the torch to some young hoofer. I am up for GYPSY and SWEET CHARITY. I think I will move on to the not so innocent roles….they are more fun anyway! 🙂   My sister Michelle and I are planning my sister Lainie’s Baby Shower in April. Her third, and I think, last baby! We don’t know if its a girl or a boy, and I’m SO EXCITED! Its been baby fever! My friend Danette is about to have her first baby…my friend Caroline’s baby is now 8 months old…Sarah Jane’s little girl is almost a year? (correct me if I’m wrong!). My sister Michelle’s baby, my baby nephew Josh is 3 months on the 27th. Wow! Here’s some recent pictures of him she sent me: Sly Smile Cutie Patootie!   Shonn and I are going up north next weekend to see the family. Shonn has yet to meet little Josh. We both can’t wait!   Well, I’ve got to get back to the day. I hope all is well with each and everyone. Have a great week!   Peace & Love, Mer xoxo

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 3 Apr 2006 16:35:21 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter – Two weeks worth! Mary Poppins, CBS, & Pleasant Hill
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Hello everyone!

 

Where do I begin? 🙂

 

So much has happened these past two weeks that it is now the end of the month (I mean, the beginning of the month) and I haven’t written all of you. To start, I spent last weekend up north in Pleasant Hill with the family! It was amazing, exhausting, and exhilarating all at the same time. This past weekend Shonn and I spent in Palm Desert golfing and BBQ…but I’ll get to that later.

 

First things first….I know a lot of you wanted to hear…Last week was my long awaited Mary Poppins Broadway audition!  I wore wonderful knee high boots, a knee length skirt, a nice blouse, and even had rosy cheeks (no warts). 🙂 They had requested I do 2 scenes and sing the song ‘Practically Perfect” (a new song written for the show). I had my information for a long while, so I was very prepared, and felt good about everything. The role requires a mezzo soprano, which I am. And I had definitely prepared the past weekend when I “played games, all sorts” with the neices and nephews. 🙂 Ha ha. So, I was waiting there for my turn. Then a brunette girl arrived who was dressed in a full Mary Poppins costume. I’m not kidding. It looked like a bit much, but it made me wonder if I should’ve dressed in a full costume. But nevertheless, I felt good. People do all kinds of things at auditions. Well, we were going by time, so when the guy cam out to call the next person it was the girl in the costume. Not me. I’m always early. (Lois you taught me well). So she goes in….and is in there for awhile. I’m trying not to get nervous….Mary Poppins isn’t a character you can play when you are nervous.
She is far from it. But no worries, I felt really good. The audition was at The Debbie Reynolds Studio in LA, I had never been there before. Its a wonderful studio. While I was waiting, I went down the hall and looked at all the posters. Debbie Reynolds in the movies, her friends (Ginger Rogers, Ann Miller).
It relaxed me. Then I saw a poster for Mary Poppins. Ironically. Julie looked so perfect. 🙂 Then I saw the girl leave the room. Its my turn! Then the director said to the girl, “Wait one minute, we’d like to have you come back in. In just a minute.” Then the door closed. Wow, they must’ve really liked her. I smiled at her. She didn’t smile back. Like I said, people do all sorts of things at auditions. Anyway, then a guy comes out of the room and says, “Meredith? Come on in.” So I got up, and walked in with all my material. I walked in the room and there was Richard Sherman, the composer of all the songs you know and love from the movie not to mention Bed Nob’s and Broomsticks, etc. I was so excited he was there! I shook his hand, he was all smiles. The director said, “We’ll just be doing the scene into the song and just half of the song.” I was a little surprised because the song ended on a high note, that I thought they would want to hear. But nevertheless, I did the scene, and sang half of the song. They were all smiles, I shook everyone’s hand and that was it. Very very quick. Much quicker than I expected. I have no idea what that means. Richard Sherman told me I had a lovely voice, and the director said, “Nice accent”. So I have Julie to thank for that. But I walked out the room and they called the “costume girl” back in the room. As I was walking to the car I wondered if I should’ve worn a costume and a brown wig? Oh well, you never know with these things. I feel like they took one look at me (blonde hair) and decided I wasn’t right. I called Tony Walton on the phone afterwards to say I had met Mr. Sherman. Tony asked if I mentioned I knew him and Julie, “No, I didn’t want to be one of those people that drop names at an audition. It seems very egotistical.” Tony said “You should’ve mentioned it. He’s a good friend of mine.” Oh well,  so….I guess I should’ve said something. Maybe if they read my resume they’ll see.
Maybe if I somehow get a callback, I will. I can’t imagine who wouldn’t be fighting to play this role. I am so glad to get in the room. Whether I’m their choice…who knows. What will be will be.

 

The last two weekend’s were amazing. Like I said, exhausting and exhilarating….but just wonderful. Shonn and I drove up north to P Hill on a Thursday afternoon (we had no auditions set for Friday). It was a long drive on I5, but we had fun switching who was driving, and listening to music, laughing, talking about everything. We held our noses when we drove past the “cow fields”. Cow fields on the 5 freeway are literally a field of cows, grazing in mud, their own “poop” and some of them have sprinklers that wet them down every so often….just rancid and horrible. The smell is the worst…so we hold our noses and hurry to pass by it as quickly as possible.
Funny….

 

Anyway…once we got up north. It was family, babies, love and more love. We visited, ate our favorite Los Ponchos take out dinner at my sisters house….even did some gardening at my parents house. We were asked to choreograph the 42nd St Tap finale for the Pleasant Hill Talent Show, so Saturday morning we did that. Then we decided to get up and leave bright and early on Monday to head back to LA. 

 

Also, a bit of good news. I did my first Network Test for CBS this past Wednesday for a pilot called “The Untitled Tom Hertz Project”. It was a 1/2 hour comedy. The initial audition was given to me at 5pm on Wednesday and my audition was @ 6pm.
Really nuts. I auditioned and they told me, “Your going to studio tomorrow @ 9am”. I left the audition after doing a work session with the writers, producers @ 8:45. Came home, ate a late dinner, looked at my material, went to bed. I had to be in Culver City @ 8:15 am. Well, in LA…you know leaving about 2 hours early is a smart thing. So I did. Got there in plenty of time, sat in my car and drilled my lines. Went in, auditioned for the studio execs. (there were just 3 girls, including me). They cut one girl and told me and the other girl, “Your going to Network @ 10pm.” YEAH! So, I drove back to Beverly Blvd where Network was scheduled to be, went to the Whole Foods, got lunch and sat in my car for 1 hour drilling my lines. The unfortunate thing was the other girl had

tested for this role once before. So she knew the script. I hadn’t even had the lines for 12 hours. It was a little unfair…but that’s life. 🙂 She was short and brunette, I’m tall and blonde….it was this or that. Apples and Oranges. I was just happy to be there! In the running. Well, long story short. I didn’t book it. But I went to Network, and I made the room laugh. Who could ask for anything more (except the job?) Ha ha. 🙂

 

So after a stressful 2 days, Shonn and I decided to go visit Kyrah and Larry who recently got to Palm Desert (where they will be living for about 2 months). I had a shoot scheduled for Saturday for my friend Louisa’s short film (which was a lot of fun!) so we weren’t going to be able to leave until 9pm Saturday. Well, the shoot wrapped early. So we left at 7.

 

Its about a 2 hour drive to Palm Desert (a little past Palm Springs). Kyrah and Larry had rented this apartment in a gated golfing community. Mostly people over 65 lived there, and Ky and Larry and his bro Brent. What a cool place! So gorgeous, quiet and peaceful. When we got there we dropped our stuff off and drove down with them to the local Karaoke Bar. We sat down had a few beers and got up to sing. I sang, “Walkin’ After Midnight” by Patsy Cline. Shonn sang “Hotel California”…Larry sang a country song I’d never heard before but was hilarious! We played some pool and had another round of beers. So fun!
The next morning, we got up, had some amazing breakfast sandwiches Larry made, and headed out to the golf course.

 

Now, I don’t know how its taken me over 25 years to actually play golf…but it has. I hit my first golf ball this weekend!(put put miniature golf doesn’t count) It was a 18 hole Par 3 course. Shonn and I rented a bag of clubs, slapped on the sunblock and headed out with Ky and Larry. We all were beginners. The first hole was hilarious! I think I swung and missed the ball 3 times before I made contact. Each time making me laugh more than the last. I almost hit a duck in the water once, but luckily it moved. After about 5 or 6 holes, we started to all get the hang of it. We didn’t even keep score the first round. If we had the average strokes were in the 8-10 range. It was sad. We had lots of 70 year olds passing us. 🙂 They were sweet though, telling us to just have fun.
And boy we were. I don’t know which iron I preferred, but Shonn says we used the 8 a lot. And apparently my short game is good. Must be all the miniature golf I’ve played. 🙂

 

The next morning we all woke up at 5, watched the sunrise over the mountains & palm trees. It was lovely.

 

Shonn and I are here in LA now, he’s leaving for New York tomorrow. His agents really want him there. It seems to be a constant battle to keep us in the same city. We are both sad about it. But the good news is, I’m being flown back to NYC by the producers of a show called CURTAINS which will be in LA. My audition will be next week.

 

All of that said, Shonn will be sleeping on the pull out couch in our apt. We have 2 sublets in the bedrooms. Its just for one month. I wish Shonn could stay here in LA until May, but it seems he would miss auditions in New York. Ah, such is life.

 

I have to get to my many errands today….the top of my list is to spend as much time as I can with Shonn until he gets on a plane.

 

Love to you all! Have a great week and keep in touch.

 

Mer

xoxo

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Wed, 19 Apr 2006 16:54:24 EDT
Subject: Sunday (Wednesday) Letter – New York, Easter, Boston Legal
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Hey everyone!   I have been a “little traveling bee” for the past week! Whew!   Happy Belated Easter to everyone! I hope you had a good holiday.   I was in New York from last Sunday to Saturday. It was wonderful. I was flown back (on the producer’s dime) to audition for a show called CURTAINS. The audition was insane. Not only did I have to do a somersault (yes, you read right) a somersault in the dance combination but it ended with 2 traveling fan kicks into a left split. I pretty much knew after that….this show ain’t for me. Long story short, I didn’t end up booking that job. Somersaults and 8 times a week don’t mix. My left hamstring is still sore and its been over a week!   Then I auditioned for ENCORE’s at City Center. I didn’t book that either. I was told they didn’t like my vocal quality for this particular piece. As I always say….oh well, their loss. It just wasn’t the week to book a job.   But, the best part of the week was being home with Shonn, seeing my friends, and being back in the city I love so much. The first night I was back we went to see Billy Stritch do his tribute to Mel Torme at Birdland. Boy what a great show! So amazing. Shonn and I couldn’t stop tapping our feet. Billy was wonderful as always. We had dinner with him and Doug later on in the week. So good to catch up with him after all these years.   Then we had dinner with Tim Huang, Diane, and Michael Cassara. It was to talk a little business about the album The View From Here. But also, it was to catch up on life and such. Michael was celebrating his birthday that night so after a hearty meal, a few Cosmo’s, we took a cab down to The Duplex and watched a lot of drunk, yet very talented, people get up and sing Sondheim. It was so fun! Shonn got up and sang and was wonderful. I however, didn’t sing. I tipped and beveled to Michael singing “Beautiful Girls” in a horrible FOLLIES tribute. Hilarious. We got to bed about 3am that night. So fun!   Ah, Boston Legal News: I am so sorry to those of you in New York who had the regular scheduled programming (i.e.:Boston Legal) interrupted so ABC could cover the Roosevelt Island Tram Emergency. Shonn was so mad (as were many people who called and text me)…I think Shonn even tried to call ABC and yell at them. 🙂 It turned out the coverage wasn’t really a severe emergency at all (that’s what I heard). It was mostly interviews and waiting. And the kicker was that no other stations (NBC or CBS) were interrupting programming to cover it. They all said they would just cover it during the scheduled news. So long story short. The island of Manhattan didn’t get to see Boston Legal last night. 🙁 Sorry guys! I will try as soon as I can to get my scenes up on the web site for ya.   I did get to see the episode with my dear friend Stefanie, Gary, and Lance. It turned out great! Its funny to tape something and then see them cut and edit the lines…I was watching one of the scenes and I said, “Hey! That’s not what I said.” I definitely get it when they say this is not an actor medium. They cut out a very funny Ben Vereen/Pippin moment with Tom Selleck and I. I don’t know why, but that’s what happened. It was great of course, only I would know what was cut and edited.   And I have come to the conclusion that I don’t like watching myself on screen  (big or small). I thought after awhile I would get over the nerves and self criticism, but I haven’t. Maybe its normal? I don’t know. But I don’t like it. Its kinda of how I feel about reviews. Its fine if I hear they are good or bad, I just don’t like to read the specifics. Its someone’s opinion. Generally an actor knows when they are doing a good show or a bad one. Hearing the specific opinions never makes it better. If you believe the good ones, you have to believe the bad right?   On to other things…GOOD NEWS! I am going to New York for good (for now). I am leaving April 29th (the last weekend in April). I have been asked to do a reading (possibly), and some other projects coming up and things are slow here in LA. Also, I really need to be home with Shonn. As all of you know, its hard to have your relationship AND career in sync.  We both have such an understanding of what it takes to be in this business. I thank god everyday I have Shonn in my life. I don’t know that anyone could understand or support both of our independence and passion to do this crazy business for a living.   I am settling up things here in LA. Visiting friends, business peeps. Just soaking up the sunshine. Its gorgeous here, and that I will miss.   I hope you are all having a wonderful week. And please, as always, let me know what’s happening in your lives. I can’t wait to be back in New York and reconnect with a lot of you.   Lots of love, Mer xoxo

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 23 Apr 2006 17:24:56 EDT
Subject: Sunday
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This past week went by slowly yet strangely fast….   Its funny…I got so many wonderful emails, text messages, and phone calls from friends who saw Boston Legal (and angry frustrated ones from those of you who couldn’t see it in NYC.) I found out they did re-air it…but not until 2 am! Who knew? You would think TIVO was smart enough to record it automatically…but alas, a lot of you missed it. I hope to have the scenes up on the website as soon as possible. It was a great episode. I felt good about it (after I was critical…which is something I’m trying to avoid.)   What was funny to me was those of you who said, “Oh the offers must be pouring in now! I’m sure you’re really busy with auditions.” “Getting lots of phone calls”. Its been just the opposite. Its been very quiet. In fact, there’s been a strange calm. My usual work-a-holic self has been fighting the silence. Trying to figure out why I have been rejected more than accepted lately. As I’ve said before, this business is feast or famine.   With my free time I have been knitting, studying (watching movies, TV shows, getting angry over politics, global warming) but mostly writing. Honestly I’ve always been writing. Since I was little. Poems, short stories, lyrics for songs, ideas for movies, anything that comes pouring out….(these weekly letters for example). Recently I have been reading great book called “The Right to Write”. If you have ever wanted to write…this is the book to let the writer in you “emerge”.   I have been finally writing the treatment for a screenplay I’ve been working on in my head for 3 years. I’m very excited about it, but honestly just want to get it out and on paper. I have a few producers I’ve kept in touch with whom I am going to give it to once I’m done. (before the summer). Who knows where it will go. Its just a story I can see…in my mind…as if it already is a movie. And I’m just writing it down from the pictures in my mind. Its really wonderful. The story is so vivid in my mind…its really writing itself.   I’m also planning to work with a great friend when I get back to New York. We are going to sing something I have wanted to touch upon for years…. jazz. Another producer and I are going to start writing music together. I’m very excited about the idea of collaborating with someone. It will change everything.   Speaking of music, my CD is now on sale at the salon in Pleasant Hill where my sister works/manages called Colours Hair Salon @ 1200 Contra Costa Blvd Pleasant Hill, CA. It will also be on sale at Star Quest Talent Show in Pleasant Hill on May 6th and 7th. I was asked to choreograph the finale (you guessed it…42nd ST). It will be a great show. Their theme is “Broadway”. I was very happy to be asked to help out. I’m being interviewed for the Contra Costa Times tomorrow. I’ll let you know when it will be in the paper.   The best part of the week is when I threw up my hands and said, “I’m not waiting around for an audition…I’m going to go spend time with my parents”. Who were vacationing down in San Diego this week. A vacation they had planned a year ago. So I called them up Thursday night and said…”I’m driving down tonight!” They were so happy! I arrived at around 10pm in Oceanside, CA to their time share right on the beach. We visited a little bit then went to sleep and woke up at 6am to have breakfast and drive to SEAWORLD!!   We got there right when they opened the gates. We were literally the first 3 people in the park. We saw everything on the map. We planned the shows to just jump from one to the next. We saw the Dolphin, Seal & Otter show…Shamu: The Whale…Shark Encounter…Manatee’s…everything. The park is owned by Anheiser-Busch. The best part was when we went over to see the Clydesdales get hooked up to the wagon and prance around the park. If you remember from the Super Bowl commercials…the little donkey that wants to be a Clydesdale? We saw him too! So cute.   Ok..the BEST part was when Mom, Dad, and I went to The Anheiser-Busch School of Beer. For a half hour we sat there and learned about the history of beer, how its made…and we got to have a beer tasting! Ah! Very good. Then at the end…we all got a certificate of completion. Dad and I joked that we should put it on our resume. A proud 2006 graduate of The Anheiser -Busch School of Beer. I think it says I’m a Beer Master. I love it!   My last piece of news is that my sister Lainie is on the verge of having my new niece or nephew…we don’t know which! Its a surprise! She will definitely have it this week. I can’t wait, I’m jittery with anticipation. Lainie just wants it OUT. She’s in pain. The baby is hurting her.   I will be driving up north on Wednesday if auditions continue to be as slow as its been. I fly out to New York from Oakland on Saturday. I can’t wait to get home. Be with Shonn. Its been too long. I’ll be able to unload my suitcases and have everything in one place again. Ah, what a great feeling.   Next week should be a wonderful celebratory letter! I’ll be home in NYC, Shonn and I will be attending the opening of a new Broadway musical called The Drousy Chaperone, and my sister will have a new baby! Can’t wait! Good things.   Lots of love to everyone.   With all this time on my hands I’ve learned to soak up life, take time to breathe.   Take time for family, friends….yourself. Slowing down can bring the wonderful things in life back into focus.   Have a wonderful week.   Mer xoxo

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 30 Apr 2006 14:46:04 EDT
Subject: Sunday in New York – The new baby, anniversary, and a cold…
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Sunday in New York!   Welcome home to me. Ha ha. 🙂 Its so nice to be back in the apartment. But I am sitting here with a mug full of Theraflu, tissues, and a little wheezing cough. Its not a bad cold…but just enough to keep me inside. I’m bummed because I was supposed to go to a brunch with my friend Kirsten this afternoon and regretfully had to cancel. I guess its better than getting everyone sick.   But on to great news! On Wednesday April 26th @ 4:15pm my sister Lainie had a baby girl! Megan Irene Huth. She was 8 lbs 1oz, about 19 inches long…with a full head of hair! So crazy. She is the most precious thing. She doesn’t cry. She’s totally mellow. I miss her already. Such soft skin, and sweet baby breath.        Ah! Love her….love her…love her! I’m so glad I got to spend time with her when she was 2 days old. Its such a special time. The next time I’ll see her is in about 3 months. You know how quick babies change. Love you Megan!   On to other wonderful news. My sister Michelle and brother-in-law Michael are celebrating her 1 year wedding anniversary today! Honestly it seems like her wedding was years ago. Meaning, so much has happened since then. Sweet Joshua was born, and dear Grandma passed away. The circle of life continues. Life moves forward pretty fast. Congratulations M&M. I hope you have a wonderful special day!   It took 3 bags, and 5 boxes of “stuff” to get back to NYC. I parked the car with the ‘rents in P Hill. Whew. Traveling is tough. I’m happy to be in one place for awhile.   Work is very slow right now. I’m auditioning a little this week. But hopefully movie auditions will pick up. It gives me time to write. I’m obtaining free screen writing software (normally around $300) called Final Draft. I can’t wait! I wrote more on the plane, and I’m writing for a couple hours today. I can’t wait to finish the first draft of the script.   Also, I have been co-producing the album THE VIEW FROM HERE, and we finally got done with the pre-production and its currently at the manufacturer’s. It should be ready for release in a month or so. Shonn sounds great on the album. If you remember the one man show he did last summer, this is the album. Its piano, trumpet, and vocal. You can hear clips @ http://www.timothyhuangarts.com/tvfh/music.html.   Shonn and I are going to the opening night of the B’way show Drousy Chaperone tomorrow night! I can’t wait. I believe, you heard it here first, Beth Leavel will win the Tony Award. She is perfection in the show!   Well, I better get to unpacking. 🙂 And taking my Vitamin C….drinking tea, and trying to nip this cold in the bud!   Lots of love to everyone!   Mer xoxo

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 7 May 2006 21:03:28 EDT
Subject: Sunny Sunday!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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God it was gorgeous here in New York today. The sun was out. There was just enough of a breeze….perfect weather.

 

I took a walk to the store on 187th street and then into the park. Shonn has been working a survival job over the past week so he couldn’t walk with me. He worked a double yesterday then, had to work today as well. But it was nice to spend the morning with him. We had waffle’s and coffee. I guess the Pistons played in the playoffs today? I’m not up on my BBall.

 

This past week was a good one…I got a job!
YEAH! Its not a long lasting job, or even a good paying job, but its an exciting job nonetheless.

 

I was cast to star as “Marilyn Monroe” in an invited reading of a new musical called LADY ON THE CAROUSEL. 

 

It takes place in New York in 1962,  the year Marilyn died. Not many people know this, but she loved to be in New York. It was the only place she felt she could be herself. She wasn’t hounded. She used to love to go to Central Park, with no make-up, and big dark glasses. She would ride on the Central Park Carousel, watch the children, talk to people. Nobody ever knew who she was. It was one of her favorite things to do. I know this from the various information I’ve read about her over the years.
I always thought it was so heartbreakingly wonderful  that she used to do this. But I guess when you are a huge movie star like she was, all you want to do is feel normal. She also loved being a kid herself, riding the carousel. She also never was able to have children, so she loved spending time watching and playing with kids. When anyone asked her name she would tell them “Norma Jeane”. Her real name. This script deals with Marilyn, and her relationship with a person she meets at the carousel. Her struggle to be close to people yet keep them at a distance to protect them. Its a fascinating way to incorporate one of the most famous movie stars, and deal with the topic of isolation and a life of fame.  I’m thrilled to start working on it.

 

Here’s a picture I found of her from circa 1962.
I think its so cool….

 

 

 

I am very honored to be cast to play her. All the music is original. I’m starting to work on the score tomorrow with the musical director David Loud (cause there is ALOT to learn). The reading/presentation is May 22nd and the 23rd. Apparently a lot of producers, investors and industry folk will be there. So, no pressure right? 🙂 Susan Schulman is directing the piece. I feel like I’m in great hands. I’m sure it will be wonderful.

 

Having a little bit of a cough last week kept me on vocal rest (thank god I booked this job, I don’t feel it was for nothing). My cough is now almost gone. But my voice is good. I’m looking forward to having coffee, lunch, long talks on the phone with my New York friends who are about to disown me for being here for a week and not seeing them yet. 🙂

 

So, a side effect of vocal rest has been me writing…a lot.  I got the FINAL DRAFT software this week. I LOVE IT! I can’t say enough about it. It is helping me so much. I wrote for 5 hours one day. Taking breaks here and there, but I love it. I’m hoping to be done with a first draft by June. I’m thinking its possible. But I have to get out and socialize, and enjoy this weather before it gets stinky hot and humid.
🙂

 

I also started some late knitting projects. I’m such a grandma. :). But its good to do when you are watching a movie. I’m a multi-tasker. Shonn and I saw the movie THE VERDICT with Paul Newman this week.
Its a great movie. And its a Sidney Lumet movie….why is that important you ask? Well, I don’t want to jinx it, but I have a meeting with Mr. Lumet at his office this Wednesday for a small part in his new movie. Wish me luck. Its just a meeting. 🙂

 

Last but certainly not least…..Shonn and I went to the opening night of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE on Monday night. And I’m telling you now….when you come to New York, this is the show to see.
(Mom and Dad I’m getting you tickets for July) Its so hilarious, inventive, with a supremely talented cast! We had a ball, laughing out loud, and wishing we were up on stage with everyone. Its the best original show on Broadway.

 

Well, onward and upward into another week.

Welcome May! 

(Ky your wedding is just around the corner!
YEAH!)

Time is flying by this year isn’t it?

I can’t believe summer is almost here.
 

 

Lots of love to you all.

Let me know your haps…

 

Mer

xoxo

 

 

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Wed, 17 May 2006 08:56:51 EDT
Subject: Fwd: Sunny Sunday!
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Some pictures Kat sent me.

 

John and her got Harley’s!! So cool!

 

Love

Mer

xoxo

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Here is John and his Harley – Wahoo   Thanksgiving 2005     Mother’s Day 5/14/06 Kaitlyn, My Mommy (she’s 80)  and Alycia   May 16th ~  Alycia’s 19th birthday   Me, Kaitlyn, Alycia and Nick (Alycia’s boyfriend)

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Thu, 1 Jun 2006 13:40:47 EDT
Subject: Two weeks – Sunday Letter
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Boy oh boy its been 2 weeks already….coming up on three I believe? A lot has happened and I didn’t have time to sit to write. 🙂 What’s the May West line?   “Good girls keep diaries. Bad Girls don’t have the time.”   Something like that. Anyway…on with the letter.   Well, May 15th (way back then) I began rehearsals for LADY ON A CAROUSEL. It was wonderful. Learning new music, working with a ridiculously talented cast and creative team. Its only a 29 hour AEA Reading. Which means we have 5 days to learn everything, get up and perform it for some of the most influential money producers in New York. No pressure right? For me, portraying one of the most glamorous and gorgeous movie star’s in history was pressure enough!! AGH!! We performed two showings of the reading. Standing at music stands with our scripts, trying to act and look at the script. Its always a tough situation. But I believe it went over really well!! 🙂 Thank you to the friends who came to see the presentation. It really meant a lot to see your smiling supportive faces out there.   May 18th was Shonn’s actual birthday! YEAH! He had to work but we had dinner at the apt. I bought him some yummy cologne (John Varvatos). It was a nice night. The next night we had made reservations at Churriscaria Plataforma on 49th Street. The Brazilian restaurant were they come by with all you can eat meat on a stick! Its the best! We had 7:00 reservations and ate for 2 hours! Then I had a surprise planned…I asked some friends meet us at the bar restaurant.  Shonn loved it, we stayed until about 1am. Thank you to all who came to toast Shonn’s day of birth! 🙂   Then fast forward to the day we left for Georgia. Our ROAD TRIP to Kyrah & Larry’s  Wedding! 🙂 We rented a car (which ended up being a Ford Focus…bright yellow! 🙂 And planned to leave Thursday morning bright and early. Well, wouldn’t ya know it, we both got called for auditions. Shonn had a great audition for a film, and I got my meeting rescheduled with Sidney Lument! Agh! YES! So, I finally got to meet Mr. Lument and he was nothing but complimentary. He saw me as “Polly” in The Boy Friend (thank you Julie and Tony!) And he went on and on about the production, direction, costumes, sets and how it was such a shame it didn’t come into New York. (I agree). He ended to meeting with an indication that he wanted to put me in the movie. So we’ll see! I haven’t received the final word, but it will be this week.   So after the meeting Shonn and I got on the road to drive to Atlanta, Georgia.  Yes, its a long drive. But we had SO MUCH FUN! With our little “tweety bird” car (as I nicknamed it) we drove 14 hours to Atlanta. We stopped at a little motel in Lexington, Virginia Thursday night. Then had breakfast and headed out the next morning.   When we arrived in Georgia we met up with everyone in the hotel, had some pizza and got ready to go to Kyrah’s Bachelorette Party and Shonn off to Larry’s Bachelor Party. It was definitely a weekend getaway wedding! 🙂 The girls went out to various bars, and that’s about all I’m gonna say….Shonn…well….what happens in Georgia, stays in Georgia! 🙂 We both had a lot of much needed fun. Let’s leave it at that. We didn’t get to sleep until about 5am.   The next morning…yes, morning…we had the BBQ rehearsal dinner planned. We all had on our sunglasses and groaned, but it was good eating!   Then we went to take a nap and headed to the Plantation where the wedding was to take place for the rehearsal. This plantation was gorgeous! 🙂 But boy….it was sticky humid. And I was just thinking about how glad we all were for the wedding being at night. My favorite word I learned that night? “Hot-lanta” (as they call it).   The day of the wedding (Sunday), we all had breakfast at the hotel. It was so wonderful to get to spend quality time with everyone. 🙂 We went swimming and hung out by the pool, then at around 2pm we all started getting ready for the wedding! 🙂 We were all in the same hotel so it was fun! When Ky’s hair was done, I got out my big makeup kit and started to do her make-up. I was a little nervous. Hoping it would come out the way she wanted. I’m not a pro, but I think she was very happy. She looked gorgeous.   The wedding started at 7pm and it was just perfect. Kyrah floated down the aisle like a giggling angel. I told her she was either going to be crying or giggling. And she was, just like me, a big giggle-fest. Many times during the ceremony Shonn and I looked at each other and smiled. It was like marrying him all over again. We both teared up many times. Shonn sang for the unity candle lighting, and our friend Todd was the officiate. Todd used to be a clown for Barnum & Bailey Circus and in November was ordained over the internet. He was the best officiant ever! So much fun, and made the wedding about love, family, commitment, and laughter. Love you Todd-o!   We love you Ky and Larry! Here’s to a happy long life together! 🙂   On Monday, Memorial day, we left for the long drive home. But instead of hurrying and worrying about when we’d get home….we took our time. In fact, we stopped in the welcome center’s for almost each state we drove into. We stopped in New Market, Virginia to see some Civil War Battlefields, then headed on down the road to the Endless Caverns and went on the hour long tour into the caves! It was gorgeous. I think at one point we were 40 feet below the surface….a little scary if we were in earthquake country.   Then we got back on the road and went to our final stop. A winery in North Carolina called Shelton Wineries. It was good, but nothing compares to Napa. 🙂 We did however get 2 Riesling, 2 Merlot, 2 Chardonnay for $80. Pretty good prices, don’t cha think? Mom & Dad, when you are here in July we plan on opening the Reisling! I know how you like it. This one tastes like Pears! 🙂 Yum!   We got into New York Tuesday evening and realized it was just as hot here as it is down south. The next morning we piled our Goodwill Donations into the rental car and took it downtown. So our Spring Cleaning is done! Just in time for summer. 🙂   So…now we’re just waiting for our next job to come up. I will be recording the White Christmas cast album June 28th & 29th. And I was asked to play Louise in GYPSY @ The Muny in St. Louis. I’m waiting to hear about the Sidney Lument movie…..we’ll see what’s up. Trying to live life in the meantime. 🙂   Boy…I hope you got through all that. If you didn’t I understand. 🙂 The next one will be shorter, I swear.   Lots of love to you guys. Keep in touch.   Mer xoxo   (Kat & John: We drove by the Harley Davidson factory and thought of you guys! How’s the bike?)

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 4 Jun 2006 12:00:28 EDT
Subject: Sunday- Welcome June
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Sunday Letter A very important “get out” clause. 🙂 If anyone doesn’t want to be on this email list, no worries, I won’t be offended, just reply with REMOVE in the subject line. This weekly letter is sent to my family, close friends, and friends who live far away, I miss, and I never see. Its my little way of keeping in touch with people I care about. Can you believe I’ve been writing these letters for almost 5 years now? I think? Anyone have all of them saved? Mom?  That would be crazy!    Sunday – Welcome June (Get your Fake Tanning Lotion out!)     Boy, its summer isn’t it? I don’t know about you but New York has had heavy humidity, heat, and tropical type rainstorms. I hear California has been HOT about 90 degrees? Ugh…summer is here with a vengeance.   I talked on the phone with my mom yesterday for about an hour. It was great. 🙂  In the conversation said she saw a story (on TV I think) about an actor, director, or script writer (she can’t remember which or if he was all three) who was telling his struggling story about when he was at his wits end. He was poor as dirt, got evicted from his apartment, and was living out of his car. He said the only way he still had his car is because they couldn’t find him to repossess it (nice huh?) I’m talking dire straights situation. Homeless and striving to be a force in the entertainment business. How do we do this? Its crazy. Well, this guy, one year later, ended up getting his big break and is now a millionaire. We hear these stories all the time. He gives back to his hometown and community with tremendous generosity because he says, “I know what its like to be at the bottom.” I love hearing that. This story reminded me of something I heard Morgan Freeman say when he was going through what he calls “The Lean Years”. He said, “There was a time when I just wasn’t working. A long time. And every time I wanted to quit, there was someone there pulling me back up. Telling me to keep going.”   Every actor, and any person who dreams really, goes through these moments. Shonn and I have had a little bought of this in the past week.   Getting back to “reality” this past week (auditioning, paying rent, utilities, working day jobs) has got our spirits a little down. But we’re ok, we have so much to be thankful for and grateful for. We’re not wallowing at all. Just looking to the future and praying its not long before we are telling our story, and giving back to our hometown & community. Laughing at the “remember when” times.   I have a book at my bedside table called The Four Agreements. If you’ve read it you know what I’m talking about…its blissful. It gets me out of my head. It centers me, helps me to keep going. What are the four agreements you ask? They are (from the brief explanation in the book):   Be Impeccable With Your Word Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself and gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.   Don’t Take Anything Personally Nothing others do is because if you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream (or, as I say, nightmare) When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering. Don’t Make Assumptions Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama.   Always Do Your Best Your best is going to change from moment to moment, it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgement, self-abuse, and regret.   Rules to live by in life, and in this crazy business, don’t you think?     This past week Shonn and I both have been waiting to hear about a couple films (The Sidney Lumet one, and a indie) and are preparing to audition for a couple more films (A Tom Hanks one….that’s all I’m saying. Don’t wanna jinx it).    I got my offer for White Christmas this coming winter. It seems they are only doing the show in St. Paul, Minnesota. No San Francisco, No Los Angeles, No Boston. They released the rights, so I believe Seattle 5th Avenue Theater is doing it. But I’m not sure. Anyway….I got the offer last week, thought about it long and hard, and….decided to pass. I’m not going to do the show again this year. Its a big decision to make I know, I will miss everyone, but I feel like I’m leaving the door open for other opportunities. Something different.  I am ready to move on. I swear I had about 5 people call me the day I turned it down and said, “I heard you turned down White Christmas?”. I don’t know how it happens…but word spreads fast. 🙂   So as of now, I’m doing the White Christmas recording this month, can’t wait for that! It will be amazing. And GYPSY @ The Muny in July. I have prospects for other things. But no offers have come in…yet. (Keep optimistic!)   I’m back to working my day job…one of many www.everyonebenefits.com/mwiley   Trying to get some temp work.    Got some new stuff up on the web site www.meredithpatterson.com, nothing monumental. 🙂   Good news: One of the Boston Legal episodes re-aired last week. Some residual “green” coming in.     Its all good.   Well, lots of love to you guys, wherever you are in the country, whatever your up to today and this coming week. Peace & Love.   Just know I’m thinking of ya. Keep in touch.   Merie xoxo

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 10:33:43 EDT
Subject: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday letter 🙂
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Sunday has come and gone….but, here’s a recap of last week’s events!   Shonn and I were in Michigan from Thursday-Sunday. Shonn was asked back to his hometown of Adrian, MI to sing in a benefit supporting the theater he grew up in, The Croswell Opera House. The theater is celebrating their 140th year. Its a pretty impressive theater! www.croswell.org. The weekend was very special because Shonn and I, Kyrah and Larry, and Herb and Beth were all in the same place at the same time. Its very rare. We all stayed in Herb and Beth’s house in Adrian. We’d go to sleep to the sound of crickets, and wake up to nothing but the smell of the coffee pot! It was heaven! 🙂 It was also a very special weekend because Shonn hasn’t performed on the Croswell stage in 10 years. He was up in front of people he grew up with. In the theater he grew up in. I was so happy to be sitting there watching him light up the stage! He was so nervous, and when he hit that stage…he was electrified. I was beaming with pride. Thank you Herb and Beth for taking care of all of us over the weekend. Watching old videos of Shonn and Kyrah, and just talking about memories. Shonn and I had the best weekend we’ve had in a long time.   To add on to the good news…..SHONN’S ALBUM IS HERE! It just arrived yesterday. Remember the one man musical? Written by the amazingly talented Timothy Huang called, THE VIEW FROM HERE. The album is now available for purchase. You can hear music samples, read the reviews, etc @ http://www.timothyhuangarts.com/tvfh/index.html  And for the next month, when you purchase an autographed copy, we will donate $5 to The Croswell Opera House. 🙂   I finally finished knitting baby Josh and baby Megan their baby blankets. They turned out really cute. Lainie just sent me some recent pictures of Megan. She has gotten SO BIG. But she still has a full head of spiky hair! So cute!     Sleeping on Auntie’s blanket Megan’s got big blue eyes! Full head of spiky hair! All three of the munchkins   A week from yesterday will be our 2 year wedding anniversary (June 19th). Can you believe it? Already? And Father’s Day is coming up. It all reminds me of the weekend at The Ahwahnee. Having Father’s Day brunch with everyone. 🙂 What a great time that was.   For anniversaries, apparently the 2nd year is “wood”. You know first year is “paper”, second is “wood”…I guess they make it worth your while to get to 25, and 50 (silver and gold). 🙂 Herb and Beth got us this wonderful hand carved wooden painted couple embracing. Its very cool. Shonn and I are planning to have drinks up in The Promenade Bar at The Rainbow Room. Just drinks…its too expensive. I know I used to work there. 🙂   Speaking of The Rainbow Room. I’ve been wanting to go up there to see it again because I’ve been writing about it. Who knows what I’ll end up doing with it, but I’ve been writing about my experiences working as a coat check girl up there over 10 years ago. Remember Mom and Dad when I would call you from the pay phone on breaks (before cell phones, oh yes, LONG ago) 🙂 Anyway, when I started writing I couldn’t remember little details, but now its just flooding back. Walking along 5th avenue at 2am after work, window shopping. Dreaming of being on Broadway. Such a idealistic, hopeful time in my life. If anything, I will have it all down for my kids to read someday. Or just to look back on when I’m 90, sitting in my rocking chair. 🙂   Talk about writing….my mom is searching for all the Sunday letters I’ve written. I never thought to save all of them. I have changed computers so many times over the years, I don’t have anything before Russia. So if anyone does, send them along. I’d love to gather all of them together. Just for memories.   Happy Birthday to Kristin Braun Connelly’s little boy Brendan! He turned 1 this week. 🙂 Sorry we missed the party. I’m sure it was wonderful. 🙂 Send some pics if you get a breather.   Shonn and I just went to a wonderful gathering at Tony & Gen Walton’s last night. Thank you so much! I saw lots of people I haven’t connected with in years. I just love being back in New York. Back amoung theater friends. There’s nothing more comforting to me. I love TV and FILM. Its a very different medium. But my heart is with the theater and the people involved.   This brings me to The TONY Awards! Because Shonn and I were on a flight back from Michigan Sunday night, we didn’t get to see them. But we were in the back of a cab with our cell phone listening to our dearest 42nd ST allumni Beth Leavel accept her Tony Award for Drowsy Chaperone! I was going to cry! She has been in the business for years and is finally in a role that allows her to do what she does best. And now to get a Tony for it! I just love it. I am so happy for her. She is the best person, and performer. So nurturing! YEAH BETH! To go from sweating her toot off in 100 degree heat at The Muny last year, to a Tony Award! I love this business. 🙂   There are so many ups and downs in careers, but what is solid is friends and family. That’s what matters.   I love you guys. Keep in touch. Have a great rest of the week.   Mer xoxo   ps. Some of you said you forward this letter to friends. I can save you the trouble and put them on the list if you want? Just send me the email address. 🙂

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2006 11:55:39 EDT
Subject: Sunday: 2 year Anniversary
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Yes my friends and family! Can you believe it?

Happy 2 year Anniversary to us!

 

2 years has come and gone so quickly…yet it seems like so long ago we were all gathered in Yosemite awaiting the big day. It was actually 2 years ago yesterday (Saturday) that Shonn and I were married. It was a gorgeous Saturday, the best day of my life. Then Father’s Day brunch with the wedding party the next day. Ah, the memories. In fact, this morning 2 years ago, Shonn and I woke up in the Ahwahnee Suite, walked out onto the balcony to a view of the solid granite mountains, waterfalls, and clean fresh Yosemite air!

 

  

 

Shonn and I are taking every day as a gift, happy to have each other. This business we’re in is so unpredictable, but we take our security in knowing we have each other, great friends, and wonderful family.

 

This past week was a hard one. Shonn and I both letting go the film projects we thought might come through. We sat and both “vented” our frustrations about where we are in our careers and where we want to be.

 

Funny enough, we actually decided to watch the Britney Spears Dateline Interview on Friday. Just to support someone famous in the business that is having a hard time walking outside without being attacked.
But… we found ourselves having a really hard time feeling sorry for her. What we did learn is that everyone has, what I call, a “level of frustration”. And no matter what level of life you are in (if your worth $100 or $100 million dollars) there are always things to complain about. I’m really trying not to focus on that. I don’t know about anyone else but if I had the money Britney did I wouldn’t have time to focus on paparazzi or read tabloids. I’d be out saving the world (as Shonn says). As hard as it may seem not to focus on what you don’t have in life, we are trying. I am really thanking god everyday for Shonn, my friends, my family, the air in my lungs, the hair on my head, from the tip top of me, to the bottom. I am lucky. So very lucky and grateful. So what if I don’t have a job, collecting unemployment, trying to juggle paying the bills that are piling up, being rejected at almost every audition over the past 6 months. I am more than that. I am more than the material things. I don’t take it personally.

 

I do have good news to share. Nothing has materialized (by way of a contract) but the composer for Lady On A Carousel (the Marilyn musical) called me and said that we would begin rehearsals for the world premiere production in August. The plan is to do an out of town production this fall then plan to bring it in to Broadway in Spring 2007. They say all the money is there, and there is a lot of excitement. For those of you who have known me a long time, or know the business, know….this has been said about numerous shows (Ginger Rogers Musical, The Jazz Singer, etc.) I’ve been involved with. So, to keep my sanity, I’m not counting on it, but its great news nonetheless.

 

The funny part of the week was taking the executive testing for a Temp Agency. Ha, ha ha…..Kirsten and I had brunch yesterday and I was laughing, telling her about how I couldn’t figure out how to make a pie chart with Excel!? I was about ready to just draw one….but….I didn’t. I can do a triple time step with a wing but using Microsoft Excel and Power Point? Forget it. 🙂 I did find out I can type 38 words per minute. That’s not bad for someone with no typing skills except these Sunday letters. 🙂

 

I will leave this letter with one of the best things to happen to me this past week….my dear friend Debbie and I went to see Cirque De Soleil Corteo at Randall’s Island here in NYC on Thursday. It was unbelievable. I haven’t seen Cirque do anything. I am fascinated by their talent and abilities. Forget Britney Spears…why don’t we live in a country where those dancers and tremendous acrobats are worth $100 million? Those are disciplined role models to look up to. What they can do with their bodies is phenomenal. It was so fun to spend time with my Debbie. We must do that more often. 🙂

 

On that note….I’m off to finish laundry, clean, and get ready for the next week of auditions. Pretty soon I’ll be heading off to St.
Louis to strip as Gypsy Rose Lee in the 100 degree weather. 🙂 But I’m so grateful. Really grateful.

 

I hope your week was great.

Lots of love to you all.

Keep in touch.

 

Mer

xoxo

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 25 Jun 2006 11:55:26 EDT
Subject: Sunday, Muggy Sunday
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Its muggy here in Manhattan. Too muggy. Hot and rainy. I feel like I’m living in the tropics….only without the beautiful beaches. 🙂   The other night it rained and I woke up to what I called “Chinese Water Torture”. The rain drops were banging on the air conditioner outside our bedroom window. In this awful metallic rhythm…bang, bang, bang, bang. It wasn’t too loud but loud enough for me to wake up and be tortured. (Shonn never wakes up to this kind of noise. He’s lucky.) I sat there seriously thinking about how I could climb out onto the fire escape and put my pillow on top of the air conditioner to muffle the sound. I know, crazy huh?   Why on earth do I call it Chinese Water Torture? 🙂   Well, when I was little… we had this record (yes, a record) called The Haunted House. It had all these haunted ghost noises, creaking stairs, etc. Then there was a strange part called “Chinese Water Torture” where they dripped water on your (imaginative) forehead until you confessed something.( Why this was on a children’s record I don’t know) 🙂 Anyway, my sisters and I used to listen to that record all the time and laugh at that part. Well, the other night, I wasn’t laughing. That’s all I could think of was that silly record. I thought I was going to have to confess something to make it stop. Thankfully I just fell back asleep. 🙂 Lainie, Michelle, remember that record? Hilarious.   This past week was a good one. I finally found out the good news. I’m in the movie “Before The Devil Knows Your Dead”. Yeah! Its a very small role. But, I have two scenes with Phillip Seymore Hoffman. He’s an amazing actor. 🙂 So its pretty exciting. The script came in the mail and I read it in one sitting. Its a great story! Ethan Hawke, Marisa Tomei, Cameryn Manheim, Albert Finney. Lots of great actors are signed on for this film. Check it out on http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0292963/   I also got a rough orchestra cut of the White Christmas album to practice with. I put it on the stereo and WOW! It its going to be such an amazing album! I can’t wait to get in there and record it. We rehearse Tuesday and record Wednesday & Thursday this week. I had to get up in my bedroom and mark the tap steps. I almost forgot everything. I was getting a little panicked. They’ve made some cuts in “I Love a Piano”. We get to rehearse with Randy. It’ll be great.    Shonn and I are enjoying our last week and a half together before I go to St Louis and he to Connecticut.  I got measured for my costumes for GYPSY this week. I’m sure the 11,000 seat house will make it easier for me to be half naked on stage. No in your face, front row seats. 🙂   I hope everyone’s week went well. I love hearing from you. Keep the air conditioning on full blast. 🙂   Lots of love, Mer xoxo

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 2 Jul 2006 17:19:57 EDT
Subject: Sunday: Happy 4th Of July!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Happy 4th of July everyone! I hope you are having a long vacation weekend full of BBQ’s, family, friends and fireworks.   Shonn and I aren’t doing anything particularly special this 4th of July. I leave for St Louis early the next morning so it will be an early night. But we’ve got some options. 🙂   This past week was a great one. Shonn has been cast as the lead in an independent movie that is pretty certain to go to Sundance Film Festival. Unfortunately this means he isn’t available to do The 60’s Project at Goodspeed. As most of us know, this is the life of an actor. Never knowing what’s coming your way, trying to do it all at once, and trying to make the best decision for your career. It was a very hard decision for Shonn, but all in all, he feels he made the best decision. It will be filming in New York. So, both Shonn and I will actually be filming in New York at the same time. Pretty unusually wonderful!   More good news, this past week I recorded the White Christmas album. It was amazing. It was great to see everyone again. It took me about 1 day to really remember everything. But then it all came flooding back. The tap steps, the harmonies. Its going to be an amazing album. I have no idea when it comes out, but you know I’ll be letting you know. 🙂   Shonn and I spent a wonderful evening with The Connelly’s last night. Kristin Braun, her husband TJ and their new baby Brendan (14 mths)! Oh Shonn and I were loving every minute of it. Thank you guys for having us over. We had great baby time, great conversation, and great wine. 🙂    I’m in a little bit of a rush today, trying to do too many things at once to prepare for St Louis and the upcoming week. I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday, and next time you hear from me I’ll be in St Louis. 🙂   Lots of love, Mer xoxo   Happy 4th Of July!

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 23 Jul 2006 16:20:47 EDT
Subject: Many Sunday’s….
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Dear Friends & Family,

 

Many Sunday’s have come and gone, and I know all of you logged onto your email and were shocked not to find your usual lengthy weekly letter. 🙂 I know how sad you all must’ve been not to hear about the latest happenings in the world of the Wiley’s (said with MUCH sarcasm). 🙂 But alas, here I am…aimed to catch you up on the past three weeks. 🙂

 

Update on The Muny Life:

After enduring the 100 degree heat and going through what I have now fondly called “GYPSY Boot Camp”. I can honestly say that this show is absolutely wonderful, and I am so proud to be a part of it. Peter Flynn, Liza Gennero, and Brad Hoak were wonderful to work with.
Yes, rehearsals were rough with the locusts and honey bees flying towards our faces, the beating sun that permeated each pore of this white on white skin, the humidity that is so thick it makes you feel like your breathing through wet cloth, and the constant layer of sweat film that covers your body.
Not only was there a layer of sweat, but I had Elmer’s Glue (aka. 50 Sun block) smeared on my body every time I went outside. Aside from all that fun, sweaty stuff….I am having the time of my life at summer theater camp. Doing arguably the best show in musical theater history.

 

The hotel I’m staying at here has a gorgeous pool and sun bathing area, a movie theater, and a great bistro. I’ve been going to the pool, ate the most amazing Ahi Tuna at the Bistro, and went to see the movie “Devil Wears Prada” and loved every minute of it! Everyone in the cast is perfect. So genuine and talented. It is really sad we only get to do the show for a week because everyone just shines in their parts. Karen Mason, who plays Mama Rose, is amazing. She is the epitome of power, and vulnerability. And is the sweetest, most supportive woman in the business. I love her, and hope to god I get to work with her again. It was so nice to work opposite friends like John Sloman (Herbie), Kevin Worley (Tulsa), and Shannon O’ Bryan (June). Just wonderful and perfect, all of them.

 

God, so much has happened I feel a little overwhelmed trying to shove it all into one letter. Sadly I haven’t been taking a lot of pictures. It just seems to go by so quickly. I’ve been meaning to take a picture of me with my Little Lamb…who’s not so little. For those of you who might not know GYPSY. I sing a song in the first act called “Little Lamb”. Well, they have a actual live lamb for me to sing with. They usually have a spring baby lamb in most productions I’ve seen. This lamb….. is quite a bit older, and heavy. 🙂 Her name is “Star” and she wears diapers in the show so…you know what …doesn’t get on me. During rehearsals they had cut a hole in the diaper so Star’s tail could go through. I asked, “Um, isn’t the poop going to come right out of that hole in the diaper?” Well, sure enough, about 10 minutes later Star pooped…and out of the diaper it came. She pee’ d and it came out as well. So much for the hole in the diaper. At least it didn’t happen when I was holding her. Thank god! 🙂 I lucked out. So from then on they didn’t cut a hole for her tail. So anything that came out, Star was unfortunately marinating in it while I sang to her. Not fun, and a little smelly. I told Karen, “I should get a rider in my contract that says: Will not sing with livestock.” Pretty funny. 🙂

 

This past Wednesday we had the worst storm/tornado that St Louis has seen in the past 50 years. The Muny is located in Forest Park and some of the trees, big trees, snapped in half like a twig. I was at the theater when the storm hit about 7pm. I have never seen anything like it. There was 80 mile an hour winds. They still had some of the set pieces from the show before us which was, ironically, The Wizard of Oz. I’m standing there watching the “great and powerful oz” get pummeled by the wind. Then the lightening and thunder hit, and the rain! Our tech crew was out in the rain trying to hold down the set pieces. They are amazing! We didn’t cancel the show, believe it or not.  The storm subsided and at 9:30, when it all passed, and even with some broken set pieces…we still did a show. We didn’t have full power, so the spotlights were our stage lights. It was something to remember that’s for sure. We still had about half of an audience (about 5,000 people) who stayed for the show. Needless to say, we all went out and had a much needed drink after that performance.

 

Well, tonight is the last show. I’m sad, but ready to go back to New York. Mom and Dad are in New York right now with Shonn. I can’t wait to spend some time with them. I have a pretty busy week coming up. Some auditions, and a benefit for a friend at Joe’s Pub. I miss my friends, my bed.
This really is like being away at summer camp. 🙂

 

I have some good news, David E. Kelley Productions called my agents and asked my availability to do another episode of Boston Legal for Season 3. Its not written in stone (is anything?) but it feels good to be asked! Who knows what silly things I will be asked to do next. I just read that Candace Bergen and William Shatner got Emmy nominations. Well deserved! YEAH!

 

Before the Devil Knows Your Dead starts filming in August, and they’re some good word with the musical Lady on a Carousel moving forward this Fall. So we’ll see..its all up in the air. Such is life.

 

Baby Megan is getting SO BIG! Here’s a recent picture of her Lainie sent me:

 

She really looks like Michael did when he was that age.
I can’t wait to see all of them again. I miss them so much. I’m the luckiest Aunt with 5 adorable nieces and nephews.

 

Shonn starts rehearsals for his movie next week. He met with the director and the girl he’s playing opposite. He’s very excited about it. Hopefully, Mom and Dad and I can visit the set when he’s filming. Take some pictures, be groupies. 🙂

 

Please keep me in the loop of what’s going on in your life. If you have a moment, give a call, a email, a text message. I love hearing from you.

 

Lots of love,

Mer

xoxo

Embedded Content: Megan%20Meg.jpg: 00000001,56297f4b,00000000,00000000 Embedded Content: Megan.jpg: 00000001,662e3851,00000000,00000000
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 30 Jul 2006 12:00:49 EDT
Subject: Sunday – Global Warming, Birthday, Birth’s, and an Anniversary
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Happy Sunday everyone!

 

Mom and Dad are in New York with me! I’m home in my own apartment and its wonderful. This past week was a little chock full of appointments and catching up on errands. But it was great to be back with Shonn, and visiting with my Mom and Dad.

 

I thought returning to New York after being in the St Louis heat would be a little bit of a relief. But no….its about the same. Those green house gases aren’t allowing any of those sunbeams to be released from earth. So all over the world we are burning up!

 

Global Warming.

 

I’m not going to get up on my virtual “soap box”. But hearing that it was 116 degrees in Pleasant Hill recently, supposed to be the land of perfect weather, mild heat, and coastal air? I’m beyond concerned about this.
Are my neices and nephews going to be able to go outside in the future?
What about my kids, grandkids? I walked to the store yesterday and was worried I would get a sunburn because the intensity of the sun is so strong. I don’t remember it being that way when I was a kid. Mom, Dad, Shonn and I went to see the Al Gore documentary “An Inconvenient Truth”. And…if I was president….I would make it law to have everyone in the country see this film.
But, let’s not get started talking about our president and administration shall we? I could be here forever.

 

Just visit www.climatecrisis.org

 

My sister Michelle celebrated her birthday on the 28th! YEAH! I hope you had a wonderful celebration/day. Thanks for letting me sing to you on the phone, like a dork. I’m so glad you liked my homemade card. 🙂

 

Crystal had her baby boy! 9 lbs! Crazy! Congratulations Crystal!! I hope your resting as much as possible. 🙂

 

My Mom and Dad celebrated their 39th Wedding Anniversary! A BIG YEAH! Love you guys! They went to see Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on Broadway.
My friend Brian is starring in the show and showed them backstage and all.
Thanks for the house seats Brian! They had the best time!
Shonn and I are next to see you be brilliant!

 

 

Me with Dad	Me with Mom
Crystal is a new mommy!!	Look at how young they are!

 

Shonn and I had some auditions this past week. Shonn has mostly been rehearsing for the movie he starts filming on August 16th. He’s been in the dance studio with the lead girl Melissa, and the French Brazillian choreographer. He comes home every night sore and exhausted, but I can’t WAIT to see the final result.

 

I auditioned for 2 Broadway shows this week and both said, “no further interest”. I was thinking, as a joke to myself, of making a t-shirt that says, “No further interest” on the front. It would be funny to me. 🙂 As I always say, it just means something else is waiting for me around the corner.

 

Shonn and I are singing in our friend Jamie’s Benefit tonight at Joe’s Pub called Flops and Cuts. Its my first time singing at Joe’s Pub. I’m looking forward to it. Apparently its sold out. So, I’ll try not to be nervous.
Jamie is the “Benefit King” in New York. He’s helping me with our first HDSA Holiday Benefit concert here in New York. It will be Dec 18th. A long time off, but we have already secured a venue and started the planning. He’s the best!

 

Well, I’m off to Los Angeles on Wednesday to film Boston Legal. I will be in a hotel without a car. I will also be on the set for 12 hours every day to get all the scenes filmed. So my plans to see some of my LA friends? Null and void. Sorry guys. I miss you. I hope we can see each other soon.

 

I’m off to start the day!

 

Have a great week everyone. And as always, let me know what’s going on in your lives.

 

Love,

Mer

xoxo

 

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 30 Jul 2006 12:00:49 EDT
Subject: Sunday – Global Warming, Birthday, Birth’s, and an Anniversary
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Happy Sunday everyone!

 

Mom and Dad are in New York with me! I’m home in my own apartment and its wonderful. This past week was a little chock full of appointments and catching up on errands. But it was great to be back with Shonn, and visiting with my Mom and Dad.

 

I thought returning to New York after being in the St Louis heat would be a little bit of a relief. But no….its about the same. Those green house gases aren’t allowing any of those sunbeams to be released from earth. So all over the world we are burning up!

 

Global Warming.

 

I’m not going to get up on my virtual “soap box”. But hearing that it was 116 degrees in Pleasant Hill recently, supposed to be the land of perfect weather, mild heat, and coastal air? I’m beyond concerned about this.
Are my neices and nephews going to be able to go outside in the future?
What about my kids, grandkids? I walked to the store yesterday and was worried I would get a sunburn because the intensity of the sun is so strong. I don’t remember it being that way when I was a kid. Mom, Dad, Shonn and I went to see the Al Gore documentary “An Inconvenient Truth”. And…if I was president….I would make it law to have everyone in the country see this film.
But, let’s not get started talking about our president and administration shall we? I could be here forever.

 

Just visit www.climatecrisis.org

 

My sister Michelle celebrated her birthday on the 28th! YEAH! I hope you had a wonderful celebration/day. Thanks for letting me sing to you on the phone, like a dork. I’m so glad you liked my homemade card. 🙂

 

Crystal had her baby boy! 9 lbs! Crazy! Congratulations Crystal!! I hope your resting as much as possible. 🙂

 

My Mom and Dad celebrated their 39th Wedding Anniversary! A BIG YEAH! Love you guys! They went to see Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on Broadway.
My friend Brian is starring in the show and showed them backstage and all.
Thanks for the house seats Brian! They had the best time!
Shonn and I are next to see you be brilliant!

 

 

Me with Dad	Me with Mom
Crystal is a new mommy!!	Look at how young they are!

 

Shonn and I had some auditions this past week. Shonn has mostly been rehearsing for the movie he starts filming on August 16th. He’s been in the dance studio with the lead girl Melissa, and the French Brazillian choreographer. He comes home every night sore and exhausted, but I can’t WAIT to see the final result.

 

I auditioned for 2 Broadway shows this week and both said, “no further interest”. I was thinking, as a joke to myself, of making a t-shirt that says, “No further interest” on the front. It would be funny to me. 🙂 As I always say, it just means something else is waiting for me around the corner.

 

Shonn and I are singing in our friend Jamie’s Benefit tonight at Joe’s Pub called Flops and Cuts. Its my first time singing at Joe’s Pub. I’m looking forward to it. Apparently its sold out. So, I’ll try not to be nervous.
Jamie is the “Benefit King” in New York. He’s helping me with our first HDSA Holiday Benefit concert here in New York. It will be Dec 18th. A long time off, but we have already secured a venue and started the planning. He’s the best!

 

Well, I’m off to Los Angeles on Wednesday to film Boston Legal. I will be in a hotel without a car. I will also be on the set for 12 hours every day to get all the scenes filmed. So my plans to see some of my LA friends? Null and void. Sorry guys. I miss you. I hope we can see each other soon.

 

I’m off to start the day!

 

Have a great week everyone. And as always, let me know what’s going on in your lives.

 

Love,

Mer

xoxo

 

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 6 Aug 2006 15:16:40 EDT
Subject: Its a Sunday full of History, Travel, Film and a Television Show
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Greetings friends and family!

 

Its a hot and humid Sunday here in New York. I just came back from Los Angeles last night and upon exiting the plane I was hit with a wall of humidity, like breathing through a sieve. Oh, these are the moments I really miss California. Thank god for The Father of Cool – Willis Haviland Carrier. http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa081797.htm

 

This past week was chock full of many adventures. I started the week with a wonderful visit to Liberty Island and Ellis Island with the ‘rents (aka. parents). I met Mom and Dad early in the morning, Starbucks in hand, and fought the morning subway rush downtown to South Ferry. It was one of those “100 degree” weather forecast days. And boy was it! You would think the weather would deter the tourists? Think again….there were plenty of sweaty touristy bodies on the ferry headed to see Lady Liberty.

 

Now I have lived in New York for “give and take” 10 years. I think I can call myself a New Yorker right? Well, in that time, I have never ventured out to Liberty Island to see our “gift from the French peeps” up close and personal. Believe it or not. I have also never been to Ellis Island. Well, I should’ve done it along time ago. The trip was fascinating, and even though it was deathly hot, worth every moment. We spent the whole day doing a walking tour of The Statue Of Liberty, taking pictures, learning the history.
Then took the Ferry over the Ellis Island to take the audio tour, and even see the live re-enactment theater piece (with someone I did a show with in it, small theater world isn’t it?) It was amazing. Mom, Dad and I sat down at one of the computers at the end of the day and tried to find out if any of our relatives came through Ellis Island. Good news! We may have found some!
We weren’t sure. It takes a lot of research. If you want to look up your relatives (now I sound like a advertisement) go to www.EllisIsland.org.

 

On Wednesday I flew out to Los Angeles to film another episode of Boston Legal. YEAH! I was so excited (well, excited and scared) to be back. I have never had a company of this caliber fly me out and put me up before. So I didn’t really understand what the standard travel set up was. I felt like royalty! I got to fly First Class. I had a car pick me up from home, take me to the airport, then when I got to LA there was a car waiting to take me to the set. I had a wonderful hotel room for 3 nights. It was wonderful. I guess this is normal, but I couldn’t sleep on the plane because I was so excited about flying first class. They come around and give you a hot towel, you have a full gourmet meal with real utensils. It may sound silly, me getting so excited over first class, but it is so cool.

 

Anyway, when I got to Los Angeles it was basically just a hotel, on the set, hotel, sleep routine. So I’m sorry I didn’t get to see anyone. I was put up right next to the set in Manhattan Beach. So when I had a 8am call I got picked up at 7:50. It was really nice not to have to brave the 405 freeway every morning. 🙂

 

The wardrobe, makeup/hair, crew dept were so happy to see me again. The feeling was mutual. Everywhere I went, everyone was hugging me. I saw Candace in the trailer and we hugged, talked about her Emmy nod, what she did on her hiatus. The first time I saw Tom again he greeted me with a big kiss on the cheek. He is the nicest guy. I was so happy to be back on the set!
It is just a dream to be around everyone. I even got to see Julie (yeah!) and give her a hug! (I’m bummed we never got a scene together. That would be funny. Oh that Diane Von Fusterberg (sp?) skirt was hard to part with! 🙂 It was a great time.

 

I’m not going to reveal what I’m doing in the episode. You have to tune in. 🙂 But its so fun. And yes, I finally got to work a little with James Spader. At first I thought he didn’t like me. He barely looked me in the eye the whole first day. But at the end of the day he shook my hand and said he thought I was funny. He thought I was funny! He is the epitome of funny! 🙂

 

To make a long story short….too late….it was a wonderful filming experience. The episode titled “Pro Ana Bo Bana” airs September 26th @ 10pm on ABC. (To all you New Yorkers?
There will be no Roosevelt Tram Accidents that night! I promise. 🙂    

 

Shonn is wonderful. So happy, and yet tired at the same time. This week, Shonn started working with the famous French choreographer Angelin Preljocaj who is choreographing the independent movie. Filming begins August 16th. Shonn’s body has been so sore the first couple weeks, but now he is starting to adjust. He looks so great! That’s the great side effect to all this dance work. He couldn’t be happier, and I am so proud of him (I sound like a mother). Really, I can’t wait to see the movie when he’s all done. His leading lady is Melissa Gallo ( ABC’s One Life to Live) who is a beautiful dancer. They’re going to be perfect in the movie.

 

Speaking of movies, I got a call that the shoot date for Before The Devil Knows Your Dead was changed to Monday.
When it rains it pours huh? So I start filming Monday. Uh, tomorrow!
Agh! Candace told me she did her first movie with Sidney Lumet, she was 19.
She was scared to death. What a way to start huh? I’m sure it will be a great time. I’ll let you know how it goes.

 

This is the new batch of web sites I’ve been surfing lately. Check ’em out:

 

www.goveg.com

www.wikipedia.com

www.energystar.gov

 

I’m sorry there’s been so much this week. Usually its not this busy. Its a good thing. I just hope this email hasn’t been too long. Please just let me know if you don’t want to receive any more Sunday letters. I won’t be offended. I don’t want to be a bother.

 

And as always, let me know what’s going on in your life. I would love to know how you are, what your summer was like, etc. Call me or email. I’ll take one, or both. 🙂

 

Lots of love to you.

 

Mer

xoxo

 

This is for you Kirsten…

 

 

 

 

  

Embedded Content: Tom%20Selleck.jpg: 00000001,21c740e9,00000000,00000000
From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2006 10:20:35 EDT
Subject: Sunday – Gorgeous weather, Films, Banana Bread and Good Books.
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Good Morning!

What a glorious weekend this has been! The weather is just gorgeous. For those of you in New York, I hope you are getting out and enjoying every moment of it.

 

This week started out with the filming of Before The Devil Knows Your Dead. It was the quickest filming experience I have ever had. Not that I’ve been on a lot of film sets but….you sort of get used to the fact that its a “hurry up and wait” process. Well, apparently, this isn’t the case with Sidney Lumet. Which is a great way to work, but I just didn’t have any time to get rid of my nerves. I literally arrived to the set, went straight to wardrobe, and passed Ethan Hawke and Phillip Seymore Hoffman in the hallway. It was great! Then as I’m in wardrobe I hear them say they are ready for me. Ready to shoot the scene? I hadn’t even been to make-up or hair yet. So we rushed down to make-up and started, and then hair guy sprayed my hair a couple times and said. “You’re done”. Good thing I sort of blow dried my hair that morning. My make-up was done in 5 minutes and I was taken to the set. I literally had been there 30 minutes. It was like they called half hour and now it was places. 🙂

 

I got on the set and Sidney said, “Meredith! So good to see you.” It was a little surreal. Then I met Phillip and talked with him for a minute. I was trying to calm my nerves. We did a rehearsal a couple times, then we shot the scene. It was funny, when we were rehearsing Sidney yelled out, “Why weren’t we filming that? That was perfect!”. Well, we filmed it 2 times. Never moved the camera. And that was it. Done. That’s a wrap. I walked to the dressing rooms with Phillip and he said, “Pretty crazy huh?” We talked about how quickly Sidney likes to shoot, which is great, but just so quick I felt like I didn’t do anything. Then we talked about Shonn’s movie because Phillip worked on it at the Sundance Film Lab last summer. Small world. He wished Shonn luck. It was pretty cool.

 

I met Ethan Hawke briefly, and decided to have lunch with everyone because I felt like I was there for 5 minutes and made a day’s wages. I might as well socialize. It turns out one of the crew guy’s worked with me on Broken Flowers.
We talked about Bill Murray, etc.

 

Then I went home. It was 1pm. And the shortest filming day ever. But it was the BEST!

 

The rest of the week I had a couple auditions. One for a new pilot with ABC casting. I walked into the room and they said how funny I was on Boston Legal.
Its always nice to come into a room and have them think highly of you. The other audition was kinda silly, and the people behind the table were a bit rude. So it doesn’t matter. 

 

Now that things have slowed down a little I’m able to get back to normal.
See some friends, catch up on phone calls.

 

 Heck I even baked banana bread this week! 🙂

 

Shonn started filming yesterday and he is so excited! He said it feels like being “home”. Everyone in the cast is just great, their becoming friends. They filmed at Sony Studios on Green Screen. I don’t know anything more really. But he’s very happy.

 

We went to see Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of The Black Pearl last night. Its been in the theaters forever but we hadn’t seen it yet. I just love Johnny Depp. The plot was all over the place, but I love the special effects and of course Johnny Depp, my movie star crush.

 

We then went to Arriba Arriba and had some Mexican food and margarita’s. Yummy! It was an early night cause Shonn is filming again today.

 

For all you peeps waiting for White Christmas Cast Album, the official release date in October 17th. 🙂

 

Family news! My sister Michelle might be drumming in a new 80’s cover band!You’re gonna get it Michelle! You’re the best drummer out there!

 

Also, Shonn and I booked our flights to CA for Thanksgiving. YEAH! We decided we’re spending Thanksgiving in CA, Christmas in MI, and New Years in New York. 🙂 That’s the plan. 🙂 I can’t believe we had to book our flight so far in advance. Its crazy. 

 

I’m not even going to start talking about the airline crisis this week. I’ll be writing all day.

I am scared enough to fly as it is. I can’t believe what’s going on in this world.

 

Alright everyone. One last thought. Shonn and I have been reading the most amazing books this week:

 

Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian L Weiss

Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

 

Any good books? Send them my way. I’m on a literature diet lately.

 

Lots of love to everyone.

 

Nili, Noah – Congrats on opening CURTAINS! I wish you the best out there. 🙂

Kristin W – Congrats on HELLO DOLLY! I heard you are wonderful. 🙂

Wendy J – Congrats on booking SISTER ACT! Work it girl! 🙂

Leo Ash – Christina’s new album is coming out….I’m so excited!! 🙂

 

 

Love, 

 

  

 

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2006 17:52:13 EDT
Subject: Its Sunday in my mind….
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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From the big & balmy Apple to….

The shores of California (northern & southern I love ya), the dry heat of Arizona, the keys of Florida, the humid palm of Michigan, the garden of New Jersey, the twang of Tennessee, the Shakespeare of Oregon, the Otisfields of Maine, the lights of Vegas and wherever Herb & The Halloran’s happen to be this week….

 

      

 

(I hope I got everyone’s state?) I know, its not officially Sunday anymore. But sometimes when I am a few days late on writing its always for a great reason! I was having fun!

 

This past week was a great one. Shonn has been filming like a mad man, but loving every minute of it. And to see him this happy makes me so happy. There’s nothing like doing what your supposed to be doing. What you feel is absolutely right in your heart.   More on that later.

 

You guys liked the animations so much last week, I thought I’d keep them coming. Michelle…this is for you Bock Bock!  Ha ha!!

 

The summer is definitely coming to a close. Its almost September already. And a lot of good things are on the horizon.  I can feel it.

 

Mom’s on her way home to Pleasant Hill. After being in New York and New Jersey for a month. Mom is coming home to California today. She left for the airport and is taking a plane as I type. I just had the best 3 days with her. Just a lot of time to talk, be girls, and just be with her. I took the train out to Nancy’s house in Jersey last Friday and it was wonderful. Just taking the train was nice. We went to the botanical gardens, then had dinner in Philadelphia at an Irish Pub near the Bourse Building. We had some good food, Cosmo’s and a martini and ended up singing “Gimmick” from GYPSY on the street!
 Nancy was Mazeppa, Mom was Electra. It was hilarious. Just silly.
As life should be.

 

Its the hardest thing sometimes, living so far away from home. I miss my family. Just small things like hanging out. But its times like this past weekend when you appreciate the little things. Mom spent the night Sunday and Monday. We sat on the couch and talked, watched a great movie, and I even gave my Mom a salon style pedicure. It was cute! We went to dinner down the street and had sushi and great wine. We laughed, and took walks. Sometimes its great to be unemployed so I have this time with her. Life works out wonderfully. Now its back to work, but its back to work with a  right Mom?
Love you.

 

On Friday morning, Shonn got to invite me to the set and watch the filming of the dance sequences for Tiny Dancer. I have been waiting a month to see Shonn dance with Melissa, live. The wait was so worth it. My friend Stefanie and I went together to the set in the morning. It was so cool to see the trucks outside, and the crew with headsets. Its small and silly, but I was so proud of Shonn before I even saw him. This is what he’s wanted to be a part of since he moved here 7 years ago, and now he’s doing it.
Starring in a movie. We walked into the theater where they were filming and Stef and I were so giddy. We sat down in the theater seats and saw Melissa and Shonn on the stage. They dance so well together. Shonn was all smiles when he saw us.
We were introduced to everyone on the set and felt like a fly on the wall when we were watching the monitors and seeing the dancing come alive. I can’t wait to see the movie in its entirety. Go to Sundance, Cannes. Shonn and I are trying not to get too excited about it, but we have planned our flights to France for May. Shonn’s birthday is the week of Cannes. It would be too perfect. Life works wonders. Maybe this is the time to be hopeful.  

 

I’m giving SHOUT OUT’S.

• My good friend John Boy, I’ve known
  for years, is the most talented songwriter, recording artist around. I am
  plugging his CD because its amazing. He just got back from starring
  in HAIR and is now leaving again this week to do CATS. Rum Tum Tugger style.
  Visit www.myspace.com/johnboymusic to hear his music and buy his CD! 🙂
  
  
• While your myspacing…Check out my good friend
  Jason Yudoff and his band Jason Yudoff and The New Hotness. J
  has such a soulful funky sound, I know you’ll love it!  He has
  been tearin’ up the New York Clubs lately! J you know I love ya, even
  though I never see ya. BUY HIS CD! www.myspace.com/jasonyudoffandthenewhotness.

 

I just met with the Huntington’s Disease Society of America www.hdsa.org yesterday about our 1st Annual New York Holiday Concert. I’m so excited! We are going to have a silent auction along with the concert. For those of you who participated in the SF concert, I will be contacting you about donation items if you can donate again? Anyone who has anything to donate for the auction would be so appreciated! The concert will be December 18th. More deets to come.

 

 

I have slowly but steadily started becoming a vegetarian. I have been toying with the idea for years, and this past week something happened that made me REALLY want to become a veg girl.

 

I bought some chicken, kosher, at the store. It looked good. I took it out of the package and was going to cut off some of the fat, etc. Got out the good knives, the marinade. When I flipped over the breast I saw something a little bloody. Nothing too grotesque, but definitely in need of removal. So I went to cut into it and ….PUS CAME OUT! I kid you not, pus and blood came out of this section of the chicken breast. Thank god it didn’t splatter on me. Well, that was it. I started gagging. Threw the chicken away, down the garbage shoot, washed my hands about 20 times and sanitized the cutting board and knife. Lord! I can’t bring myself to eat chicken. Who could after that!?

      =   

 

Then Shonn told me that Kentucky Friend Chicken genetically alters its chickens to have no feathers or beaks. Wha!? How is that healthy. So….I may be having a Tofu Turkey at Thanksgiving when I’m home.
www.goveg.com  

www.Morningstarfarms.com is my best friend.

 

Personal Shout Outs –

Nancy – It was so good to hang out with you! Thank you for your hospitality!

Jeff and Gina – YEAH!!! Congratulations! Can I spill the beans?

Dr. VanB – Thank you for the Acupuncture recommendation for Mom.

Roxanne – Cydne’s growing up FAST! Kindergarten already? 🙂 Yeah!

Lois – I’m praying for a theater, and The Boy Friend.

Sarah Jane – Rosalee updates are the BEST! Keep ’em coming.

Kirsten – You are so in a magazine this week!
Hottie bubalottie!

Gayle – Tonight’s the night…drinks! Just me. No Shonn, early film call (6:15 am)

Robert – I love you. Thank you for the update. Keep ’em coming. I am wishing you all the luck! 🙂 Call me.

 

That’s all folks.

Please reply with what’s going on in your world.

I miss you.

Love you.

Love,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Oct 2006 14:06:30 EDT
Subject: Stitches Sunday….this is a long one
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Good Morning everyone….I can only sip my coffee out of the side of my mouth this morning and I’ll tell you why….   This week I got my lip mole removed.   If any of you know, I’ve had a cute little mole on my top lip since I can remember. It used to be light brown, then when I was twelve I got a tan in Hawaii (the only tan I really ever remember getting) and when the tan faded, so did the pigment in my mole. Weird huh?   Anyway, ever since then its been a little nuisance. Nothing sexy like Cindy Crawford, or even something I could make sexy. It was just there sitting on the line of my lip, bothering me whenever I put lipstick or lip liner on.   Shonn loved it. Thought the mole was cute when he’d give me a kiss, but it was something I always thought I’d just like to get rid of.   Well, last week…. I finally did!!   After a dozen consultations, I finally went to the best facial plastic surgeon in New York City, Dr. Daniel Baker on East 66th and Park Avenue. Its a very upper crust doctor’s office. And apparently he’s the doctor all the models and actresses go to in New York. Of course that’s all rumor. No one who’s gorgeous ever has work done right? Well, let’s just say Dr. Baker knows better…..   Shonn went with me to the office. It was cute. Its just a little procedure and I was SO NERVOUS. I can’t imagine getting a full face lift or having my face cut open. I just was getting this little mole removed. While I was in there I thought he’d get rid of a very small mole on my forehead too. Ah, so picky picky….but we know the camera isn’t as unforgiving as the stage.    Dr. Baker talked me through what would be done the day before and then scheduled my for “surgery” in the afternoon. I had cleared the next week with my representation, saying I was getting this done and wasn’t available for auditions. They said its been slow, so it was a great time to get it done.     When I went into the stark white and sterile exam room there was a chair (looked like a dentist chair) an some instruments in the corner. My stomach was churning, my palms sweating. I knew the part that would hurt the most was the anesthetic. And boy was I right!! When the doctor very calmly came into the room he went through the motions like he’s been doing this for 50 years. He and the nurse had this little dance going. He would prepare the needle, the nurse would walk to my side to console me. He said (as they always do) “this is going to pinch a little”. As the needle went into my upper lip. YIKES!!! A little!? Have you ever had a needle go into your lip? Oh….my….god….PAIN. “Felt like a bee sting huh?” he said. I said with numb lip and watery eyes….”Yeah, from a pretty huge bee.” He smiled, and said I did good. Thank god, the pain part was over.   As I was sitting there, completely numb, feeling him tug and cut at my lip I thought, “Could you imagine not having anesthetic? What a gift this is!” Although, with my active imagination, I was getting nauseous, my back began to sweat, my mouth dry and the nurse said, “You’ve changed color, are you alright?” I was on the verge of fainting. I can’t help it. Even without the pain, I was thinking about what he was doing to my face. He cut the mole out, put it in a jar to send to NYU (its standard to test what it is) then put four dissolvable stitches in the inside and four black stitches on the outside. Real pretty to look at, huh? My lip looked like Angelina Jolie…but only on one side.   When it was all done, they gave me a glass of juice (cause I was woozy) and Shonn came into my exam room. There I was, “stitch lip”. Couldn’t smile, couldn’t barely talk. Puffy and still numb. I looked at myself in the mirror, and I couldn’t believe it was gone. My little mole I’ve had forever was gone. Off to NYU in a jar. (No, they didn’t show me the mole in the jar, yuck!) It was weird.   We took a cab home so not to scare the riders in the subway. While riding home in the cab I checked my email on my handy dandy phone….and my eyes bugged out. It read,   “Patterson – CALLBACK. ABC’s One Hour Pilot “Eli Stone” for series regular lead role. Saturday October 7th with Producers.   AGH!!! I couldn’t believe it. Of course this happens….whenever you plan something, or plan to do something….you get a callback. “Eli Stone” is a new show I had auditioned for a month ago. I thought I didn’t get, and now I have a callback for with the producers who flew in from Los Angeles and were only here for 2 days.    I was thrilled that I got the callback of course. I love this new pilot. The character is wonderful. Its funny, yet dramatic. A strong lawyer role. Nothing like “Miss Missy Tiggs”. I turned to Shonn in the cab and mumbled…”I have a callback”. His eyes bugged out too.   I thought, “How the heck am I going to audition for ABC producers and the head of ABC casting with black stitches in my lip!?” This is just crazy…..   My manager and agent called the head of casting to explain my situation. She was very nice and said “We love her. We will explain to the producers. Please have Meredith to come in and read anyway.”   Oh….my…..god…..this audition was one for the journal. I’m going into an audition with stitches. Thank god I had a few days to heal and the swelling went down. But against my white skin, the black stitches just stood out. There was nothing subtle about them. So, I said, “There’s nothing I can lose. If anything, they’ll definitely remember me. The stitch lip girl.”   I was prepared, I did my make-up, hair, everything…I even glossed my lips to match the Neosporin I had on my top lip. It was hilarious….   I walked in an everyone smiled, asked me if I was ok. I said, “I just thought I’d wear a black top today to match my stitches.” They laughed. I was making the best of it. There were four producers in the room. One even complemented me saying I was very beautiful. It was a good thing.   I sat and read the scene, and wasn’t nervous at all. I was a little constricted by not being able to smile. But thankfully the character called for it. I finished my audition and left. Who knows, it makes for a good story that’s for sure.   I know this has been a LONG letter. I apologize. I have to get to the beginning of the week and what has been told to me as my last episode of Boston Legal as “Mrs Missy Tiggs”. Ah yes, the divorce…the great Dane…the slobber towel. Pretty fun stuff. I had a great time watching it. Although I really don’t like watching myself on TV. I’m too critical. I’m sure that will fade in time. But I just feel like the green actress in a field of veterans. I know, time and time again people have said I look like I belong. But I guess I feel like I’m just so lucky to be on the show. Sometimes on the set I was worried they would find out I didn’t know what I was doing and kick me off. 🙂 Typical I’m sure of anyone new to the television world.   I’m glad you all loved the episode. I have been told its my last, but they did leave it open. It would be nice to come back. But I have no idea if that’s going to happen or not. Thank you for watching it though. It really means a lot.   One more thing, and I will let this very long letter end….   I saw the musical GREY GARDENS on Monday night with my dear friends Kirsten, her boyfriend Jason and Debbie. It was the best! Christine Ebersole will win the Tony for Best Actress, mark my prediction. She is phenomenal. She is the kind of actress I strive to be. Please, if you plan a trip to New York. See this show. www.greygardensthemusical.com    I put out my pumpkin/fall decorations in the apartment this week and am planning to bake some pumpkin muffins this coming week. Yummy! I will send along the recipe next week. It makes the house smell amazing….   There is so much more going on, but the stitches story took up a lot of this week. Thanks for indulging me. The stitches come out on Tuesday. I can’t wait to smile again, and take real bites of food. 🙂   Miss you all.   Sending you love!   Mer xoxo

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2006 16:45:28 EDT
Subject: Sunday – In-laws and Tigers and Street Fairs, Oh My!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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The Detroit Tigers are going to the WORLD SERIES!!!

 

 

The ALCS Championship Series was a huge deal in The Wiley House this past week. The Detroit Tigers against The Oakland A’s. I know, I know…I should be rooting for California right? Well, I was never an A’s fan, I was always a SF Giants girl. But Michigan is where most of my family originated from, of course Shonn’s Michigan born and raised, and the Tigers were the underdog. (I always root for the underdog) No one expected them to sweep The Yankees!! So cool. Go TIGERS! And they won the series last night! So awesome! If anyone caught the game you know how exciting it was.
Such a Cinderella Story.

 

Now if they end up playing the NY Mets in the World Series…..we’re still rooting for the Tigers! 🙂 Shonn might have to refrain from wearing his Tigers cap in Times Square. 🙂

 

I know after last week’s letter everyone is wondering the progress of my lovely “stitch lip”. . I went to the doctor’s office on Tuesday and got my stitches removed. Now, I still have my internal dissolvable stitches. They make the scar a little bumpy, but the lip looks really good. I’m sure by Thanksgiving you guys won’t even notice it.

 

Shonn’s Dad Herb came to visit us for a couple of days this week. It was such a treat! We just hung out, watched some Baseball, he ate some of Shonn’s famous chili. It was nice to chill out and visit. He stayed 2 nights and then left to go back on the road for business.

 

I auditioned for a commercial that would shoot in Rome for a week! Its just a commercial, but it shoots in Rome! I would love to get that, so cool. But other than that its been pretty slow. I’m working on my audition book this coming week. I’m singing 2 songs from “Lady On A Carousel” in my audition book. The composer gave me permission. I’m excited to work on the material again.

 

I did some work on my HDSA Holiday Benefit this week.
We’re calling the concert “Miracle on 13th Street”. Because it will be on 13th Street. Then any year we can change the name to accommodate. (We joked, one year we could do it at Madison Square Garden, then it could be Miracle on 34th Street)

 

Along with planning the concert, I’ve been asking friends to donate items. People have been so generous… (thank you so much Julie, Dan and Chris!). This week I spoke with the production office at BOSTON LEGAL and they are giving us a “VIP Set Visit” Package to auction!! Which basically is someone bids on this package to be on the set for a day. They will be on the show as background, meet the cast, spend the whole day on set. Pretty cool huh!? The whole package is a flight to Los Angeles, and we’re trying to get a night at a Hotel donated, then the VIP Package. It will be bidding at the event as well as a live auction on EBay. So you guys can bid too….but hold your horses….it doesn’t even start until December. 🙂

 

We got our invitation for my dear friend Kirsten’s Annual Halloween Costume Party.
We’re in the process of figuring out what to be for Halloween. Something fun, witty, and for a couple. Any suggestions?  Last year we were Little Red Riding Hood and The Big Bad Wolf. So I guess we could keep the Children’s Stories Theme going? Thoughts?

 

Last but definitly not least on Saturday morning at 6:00am Shonn’s cell phone rang and it was his little sister Kyrah. She was giggling and said, “Remember you said I could bother you at anytime? Well, Larry and I are downstairs.” We couldn’t believe it! they drove in from Lancaster, PA for the day and surprised us. After the initial surprise, we went back to sleep for a little while and they went downtown to sightsee. We met up with them on 8th Avenue and 42nd St at a Street Fair. I don’t know if you’ve ever been to a New York City Street Fair? Its something to experience. The whole avenue from 42nd to about 57th Street was blocked off and there are vendors side by side with everything from perfume, sunglasses, clothing, music, even corn on the cob, lemonade and chicken skewers! It was so much fun. We walked around, bought some $5 sunglasses then went to a bar and had some beer! Then we went to the ESPN Zone and played Video Games! It was a perfect Saturday!

 

Kyrah and Larry spent the night and left early this morning. It was so great to have them drive up for the day and surprise us.
We talked about building the lodge up in Maine, how great its going to be to be able to all be up there together one day, all that stuff.

 

Today Shonn and I had brunch with a good friend from Los Angeles who’s visiting. He’s seeing 11 Broadway shows while he’s here! Its funny, Shonn and I live here and we don’t see any shows. Money has a lot to do with that of course. But its good to hear he’s supporting live theater.

 

Well, I’m off to do laundry, dust, make some holiday cookies, and cook dinner for my husband. (Just like the Good Housekeeping Guide says, right?) That’s pretty amazing to read.

 

I hope you all are well.

As always, we miss you, we love you.

Keep in touch

 

Mer & Shonn

xoxo

 

ps. GOOOOOO TIGERS!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2006 13:28:05 EDT
Subject: Sunday, World Series Sunday….
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Hello to everyone and good morning….ah, gotta love a cup o’ joe in the morning.     Well for those of you who watched game one of the World Series last night you know…the week off for the Tigers wasn’t a good one. They lost the game. But….this is just the beginning. Shonn and I believe they will come back to win the World Series!   Last night Shonn, his good friend from high school Jon Doyle, and I sat around the tube and watched the game. We were all wearing our Tigers Baseball Caps. I just got mine in the mail! Thanks Beth! 🙂 Shonn was wearing a Tigers T-Shirt and I was wearing the Tigers Sweatshirt. It was fun…even though they lost. Its just the beginning.   Before the game Shonn and I went out to dinner at our favorite restaurant up here in Upstate Manhattan. Its called “Next Door”. We had sushi. It was SO GOOD! 🙂 The restaurant had decorated for Halloween, it was cute. It inspired us to buy a pumpkin for carving (which we’ll probably do this coming week).   Ah ha Kirsten…we are looking forward to your Halloween Costume Party next Saturday! We have our halloween costumes decided…..we’re not telling. It will be a lot of fun….   I went out to lunch with my friend Kristin (Braun) Connelly. We had Thai food, yummy! Then I got to go visit her big law firm offices! It was my first time in a New York Law Firm. They have 10 floors in this building….yeah, 10! Crazy. The funny thing is one of the lawyers we talked to had seen me on Boston Legal. I thought, “Crane, Pool and Schmidt is not really the same kind of law firm I’m sure”.       Speaking of, I decided to write the executive producers of Boston Legal, the head of wardrobe, my hair guy, and makeup girl thank you notes. Since I was told its my last time on the show I thought it was appropriate. I was going to write them sooner but I kept debating whether it would be seen as me “kissing butt”. But I decided, who cares, I know my intentions are genuine. I truly wanted to thank them for not only giving me the opportunity to make my television debut and writing such a funny character but making it such a wonderful experience as well. So I wrote them and mailed them.   Thursday night was The 10th Annual Guthrie Awards Dinner at The Waldorf Astoria Starlight Roof. Shonn and I, one of my best friends Kirsten and her wonderful boyfriend Jason came to the dinner with us. We dressed to the nine’s and had a great night! There was a silent auction reception, and then the dinner (it was spectacular). The whole evening was to raise money for HDSA research.  It also honored actor Tim Robbins (The Guthrie Award), The Lederer Family, and the BIO Technoligies who helps research a cure for HD. Tim Robbins got up, played his guitar and sang a couple songs. Who knew he could sing? He was great! Its was pretty cool! He left the dinner early to go to Game 7 at Shea Stadium. He’s a BIG Mets Fan. Ouch! Sorry Tim! 🙂 The whole evening made me think of my family, my grandpa, uncle and my sweet Carolyn. It made me appreciate life even more than I already do and inspired me to work hard to do everything I can. The next day I worked even more getting donations, gift bag items and such for the holiday benefit concert this December, “Miracle on 13th Street”.   Speaking of…I know the time is approaching for holiday shopping! If you do any online shopping for the holidays (or just life in general) please consider using IGive.com. A percentage of money from your purchase goes to HDSA if you use the following link http://www.igive.com/html/refer.cfm?memberid=428876&causeid=4582. Also available on my website home page.      This past week Shonn passed his Bartending License from The New York Bartending School. He has an official certificate saying he’s an official Bartender/Mixologist and a he has a Hospitality Wine Certificate.   Its no secret that actors have to really have a second survival job to be able to have a career. At least the position we are both in right now of being “choosy” with our projects. Shonn decided to go to a two week course at The New York Bartending School. He took to it like a duck to water (Isn’t that how the expression goes?) He’d come home with his drink flashcards and I would quiz him on the drinks and what was in it. I didn’t even know so many drinks existed! (Ever heard of something called a Woo Woo?Yeah, me niether)Well….on Friday night he took the big test and he passed!! He had to take a written test and then make 20 drinks in 6 minutes (and he did it in 4 minutes!) YEAH! He’s a mixologist!  Now its on to getting a job. We know NYC has MANY bars, but Shonn would like to work in a high end bar, hotel, or steakhouse. Not a “club”. So this weekend and next week…its job hunting!   Most of you know I’m working for Ameriplan as a broker. Its a great company and I like helping people and my friends and family get discounts on healthcare. Its better than being a waitress. 🙂 If you want to know more about it visit www.deliveringonthepromise.com/mwiley   Hey Hey Hey! The White Christmas cast album is now available!! To purchase and hear clips go to – http://www.sh-k-boom.com/WhiteChristmas.html. As I mentioned before we will be in the Thanksgiving Day Parade….Pillsbury Float….NBC…Yippee!!    I had an audition for a new pilot show for the CBS Network this past week. It went really well. But things are still kinda slow. Not sure why. I’ve signed up to take a 5 day intensive Film and TV acting course the first week in November. I’m really looking forward to it, it should be inspiring. Shonn and I are trying to decide if we want to stay in NYC for Pilot Season or take a trip out to Los Angeles. I’d love to stay in NYC. I miss being here. But…I know its a whole different ball game (pardon the pun) out in La La Land. So we’ll see. We still have time to decide.   I can’t believe its almost November….in less than a month Shonn and I will be in California for a visit! We can’t wait. I did have a dream last night that my nieces and nephews didn’t know me anymore. I walked in the door and they all stared at me, didn’t want to hug me, and started crying. It was a nightmare! Shonn and I miss the little babes all the time. We can’t wait to smother them with kisses when we get there.      Alright….sending lots of love to you all. GO TIGERS (they play tonight!) I hope your week was wonderful.     Mer & Shonn xoxo   ps. Thought these pics were funny…..

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 29 Oct 2006 14:33:59 EST
Subject: Sunday – Fall Back Everybody!
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Happy Halloween!   Happy Daylight Savings!   Happy End of October!     Hello everyone!   Its a late morning for Shonn and I. Coffee is a must.   Last night qe dressed up for Kirsten and Lynne’s Annual Costume Halloween Bash! It was SOOO MUCH FUN! We went as “S&M”. Ha ha….we don’t have any pictures yet but when we do we will send them along. If their not to embarrassing!!   All I can say is no one recognized us when we walked in the party, we’re still wiping black eyeliner out of our eyes, and when Shonn washed his hair….there was black all over the bathtub.  To be continued….   Of course the news of the week is that The Detroit Tigers lost the World Series title. What can you do? Shonn and I both admit they didn’t play a good series. They made a lot of mistakes. The pitchers are so young and desperately in need of seasoning….but regardless it was a great series. We still wear our Tiger’s Cap with pride! Shonn wasn’t even that upset when they lost. He said, “Its just a game”. Even though we just sitting on the couch with knots in our stomachs, yelling at the television, sometimes even throwing our hats at the TV.   But…there’s always next season!   I’ve been doing a lot of work this week for the “Miracle on 13th Street” concert. I’ve asked about 10 more performers, and got more items for the silent auction. I’m very excited about my friend Phil LaDuca www.laducashoes.com  (who custom made the shoes for the movie musical CHICAGO, THE PRODUCERS, etc.) is donating a pair of shoes to HDSA! That should garner some $$$. Also Kurt Deutch of SH-K-BOOM Records www.sh-k-boom.com is donating 100 CD’s to our Gift Bag and a 10 CD Box set to the Silent Auction. My friend Dan (voice of Homer Simpson, and many other characters) is donating autographed items and toys again. Possibly a ticket to one of the coveted “Table Read Through’s” of THE SIMPSONS. Oh! that would be so great!  Kevin McCullom’s office (Producer of RENT, THE DROUSY CHAPERONE, AVENUE Q, WHITE CHRISTMAS) is going to donate some Broadway show packages (tickets, signed cast posters, etc) for us. So things are plugging along for the benefit. I hope it will be a huge success! If you have any connection to someone who you think could donate items, or who would want to perform, or donate anything just email me @ meredith@meredithpatterson.com   White Christmas (Detroit Cast) started rehearsals this week. I have to say it feels weird voluntarily not being a part of the show this year…but it also feels really good. I can’t tell you how happy I am to be able to block off a week of time to spend the holiday’s with my family (aside from flying back for the Thanksgiving Day Parade of course). We’ve been getting a lot of pictures from California of the babies, and how much they’ve grown. We heard Madelyn sing her ABC’s to us on the phone and we almost burst into smiling tears (you know what I mean?) Michelle just sent “My 1st Halloween” pictures of Josh, and Lainie showed pictures of Megan in her pumpkin outfit….we can’t WAIT to see them.   I do miss being close enough to come visit family, its always been a struggle, but what makes it great for both Shonn and I is knowing you all are supporting and cheering us on! Sacrifices come along with following your dreams. And after being in New York for 10 years…the sacrifices are paying off. Its a great feeling. And even though it may be slow for us right now, and we don’t know what the next job will be, we are excited about what’s next. You never know.   Shonn and I rarely watch reality shows. In fact we don’t watch any reality shows except one. We feel strongly about reality shows in general. They have drastically changed our culture, taken jobs away from actors, and show a strange view of reality that is often competitive, and mean. You may not agree? But….the one reality show we do watch is The Biggest Loser. We love it. It is changing people’s lives for the better. I love watching the metamorphosis of these people’s bodies and lives. Its amazing.   Well, I’m starting to write music for my second album. I am meeting with a producer here in NYC tomorrow. I have one song written and we’re going to start there. Just arranging it. I’m planning on financing this album from my last album. So in a horribly cheeky self promo….if you haven’t bought my debut album “MerieNYC” and have planned to now’s the time.  www.meredithpatterson.com (Very cheeky!)   I also, upon numerous suggestions, have started a Sunday Letter BLOG! Agh! I can’t add anymore people to this list (AOL has a limit) so I started a blog to copy the letters there. I don’t have anything there yet but the address is www.sunday-letter.blogspot.com     Save the best news for last…my Mom’s Birthday was this past week!! YEAH MAMA BEAR!!       Mom now…so pretty! Mom @ 6 weeks old!!    Shonn and I called and sang to her, in harmony! Dad got Mom beautiful flowers.  Way to go Papa! Good call.  I’m still waiting to hear what Mom chose to do for the evening of her birthday. I hope you had a relaxing day Mom! We love you!   Well we’re off to another cold sunny fall day in NYC! I hope you all have a wonderful week.   Much love, S&M (ha ha)

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2006 12:34:00 EST
Subject: I know Sunday has come and gone…
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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I know Sunday has come and gone…..:)   I can’t believe its already Thursday. Where did the time go?   Last week I had a Acting Intensive for FILM and TV for 4 hours a day for 4 days (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday). It was the first acting class I’ve taken in a long time. The teacher is a coach on major motion pictures, TV shows, and used to be a network exec at NBC. He was very impressed with me (he told me privately) which made me feel really good at a time when I was feeling really insecure. I got a chance to see myself on camera (I hate it!) and what I was doing right and what I was doing wrong in an audition. It was so valuable and I know it will help me in this upcoming Pilot Season.   I just had an audition (yesterday) for a play at Lincoln Center. It is an amazing play. Two person play. I did what they call a pre-screen audition for the casting director and he said it was great to see me. But… I just got word 10 minutes ago that its not “going further”. So the casting director is the only one who will get to see me audition for the play. Ah such is life. I did the best I could in the audition. And that’s all I can do.   Shonn and I both have been having a very slow few months. Which can lead to insecurity, and frankly a little depression. As it would with anyone who is out of work and trying to get the next job. This is an actor’s life. We knew it going in. There’s nothing else we want to do with our life, so we take the bad with the good.  Its also hard around the holidays to keep a “survival” job and have the freedom to travel for the holidays.  But as we have always said, family means everything to both of us. The idea of not seeing family this Thanksgiving and Christmas is not an option.   We are going to California Nov 19th-28th.  I will be flying back on the 21st to be in the Thanksgiving Day Parade. We had a little rehearsal this past week to get an idea of what we are going to be doing on the float when we hit Herald Square. Its cute. We are on the Pillsbury Float with people dressed as Croissant’s, and Muffins, and even the famous Dough Boy….seriously. 🙂 We will have fun. I am literally going to perform and then hop back on a plane to California. It will be an adventure.   I know you’ve been waiting for it…so here they are. Pictures of Shonn and I as our Halloween costume’s S&M – it was a really fun costume!! Something so opposite of who the two of us are that is was truly hard for people to recognize us at first. We both had a great time with it.  And lots of fun hanging out with friends. No judging…just fun. 🙂     Dancing Chained Up! Acting the Part Yes that’s us! With Kirsten and Jason The whole clan! With my dear Kirst! She’s the Queen Bee! Am I really a blonde!? So much fun! I did Shonn’s eyeliner…. I love dressing up!     What else can be said after that display of crazy photos!   I love you guys! Happy November. I hope you are having a fabulous week. I’ll be writing more on Sunday!   Love, Mer xoxo

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2006 12:13:43 EST
Subject: Sunday – Democracy is alive and well!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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GOOD MORNING!   What an amazing week in politics huh?   Click to play sound: Donkey   The Democrats control The House and The Senate! Donald Rumsfeld resigned or was fired (who knows?) Check out http://cbs2.com/video/?id=28204@kcbs.dayport.com.   Its phenomenal and I can’t wait to see what changes (hopefully positive) happen over the next two years! Shonn and I sat up and watch CNN coverage on Tuesday night like it was a sporting event. We should’ve had popcorn! It was pretty amazing to go out to the polls up here and see our 80+ neighbors getting out to vote. I saw our next door neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Whitner, an amazing couple who survived the Holocaust voting. They take walks every day together, and on Tuesday they took a walk to the polls. America spoke loud and clear. Let’s just hope Bush is listening.  Click to play sound: Bush – From This Day Forward   He’s praying for mercy , can’t we just all get along?     Aside from the election, this week was again, very quiet for Shonn and I. I had an audition for a two person play called “Dying City” at Lincoln Center. But…it didn’t go any further than the first audition. They just said, “no further interest”.   That’s the game. Someday they will be interested right?   Good news! I found out MACY’s is outfitting us for the parade and we get to keep the clothes. That is great news! I am going to try on what they have for us this coming week. I think its scarves, hat and a sweater or something. Pretty cool.   Exactly one week from today Shonn and I will be on a plane headed to California for our vacation!  We can’t wait! Next Sunday we might not have a letter…but I’ll try to write a 2 week letter when we return back to New York. We talked to all the babies this past week and they are talking so much. Josh is sitting up all by himself! Its crazy. Miranda called Shonn and I and giggled on the phone. It was hilarious.  Michael was “Child Of the Week” at school. He got to ring the bell and lead the line of kids into the classroom. He was so proud. Lainie said when she was picking him up from school she was calling his name and he wouldn’t turn around….but when she said, “Child of the Week”….he turned. Hilarious! Madelyn was a little sick this past week but she’s doing much better. We love you Maddy!     Shonn took me to the gym yesterday. Let me just tell you….it hurts to type. We did 1,000 sit ups. Seriously. He’s been working out at least 5 times a week for over a month and looks amazing. I had been doing my Pilates but just got so bored with the same routine. So yesterday Shonn took me to the gym up here called “Gymnasio Grande” and we worked out with his trainer Devon. It was rough, but I do feel good.   It was Veterans Day yesterday.  and I pray with this new switch of power in The White House that the troops get to come home sooner than later (or at least there is a plan in place). I can’t imagine the emotional damage some of them have, and what they have to face every day over there.   Last but not least….Shonn and I started our Holiday Cards. We have a lot of addresses but I want to make sure they are up to date. If you haven’t already emailed me your current address, please do.   Sending you all lots of love for the upcoming week!   See you soon!   Love, Merie & Shonn Gobble Gobble!

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 4 Dec 2006 08:51:18 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter: The 3 week edition….:)
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Happy December everyone!     Where did the time go? I can’t tell you how happy I am that December is here. I got out the Christmas decorations this morning. I am like a little kid when the first weekend of the month comes up, I’m ready to start decorating, listening to carols and baking holiday cookies. I know you all got our holiday photo cards before Thanksgiving….I know, I know its still early but I’m “goo goo ga ga” for this time of year! (If you didn’t get your holiday photo card yet that means I don’t have your address. So please send me your current mailing address when you have a moment).     Ok, ok….what’s been happening? I don’t know where to start?   I guess with The Thanksgiving Parade! Thank you all for watching. It was a wonderful, rainy, freezing day but I loved it. My feet were wet through my boots, I had a plastic covering over my clothes and am umbrella but….I was on a float on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City! The little girl in me was just screaming with delight. I turned to Brian D’ Arcy on the float and smiled, “I never thought this girl from Pleasant Hill would be here one day!” It was a cheesy thing to say….but its how I felt. We road down Times Square and people were bundled up lining the streets, babies were in the windows in their jammies, parents with their coffee in their robes, it was the most intimate and delightful sight I have ever seen. Our float was the Pillsbury Float. There were people dressed as pies, cinnamon rolls, and croissants walking alongside the float. Kids were sitting on a muffin (complete with a seatbelt) on the side of the float, and 2 girls were sitting inside a cinnamon roll. One girl was hiving fun popping up and down, the other cinnamon roll had fallen asleep at one point. It was the funniest sight. Of course the official Pillsbury Dough Boy was right in front of us, blown up with air, dancing. He was definitely the only one warm on our float. We were riding on a stove….we were standing on the burners. 🙂 I joked once, “Could they turn this on? It would be warmer!” Ha ha. And to top it off, our songs from the album “Snow”and “White Christmas” were playing all the way to Herald Square. By the time we got to Macy’s to perform, we were wet, cold, and delirious. But it was a grand old time! (Picture below).   Right when the parade was over Shonn and I went to the airport and got on a flight to California. We arrived in Oakland at 8:30pm. It was a whirlwind. 🙂 It was great to see Mom and Dad and go to sleep after that long day.   The next day (November 24th) was my birthday! YEAH! We got up, had coffee, and Shonn and I went over to Lainie’s for breakfast and to see the babies. It was something we had been waiting for forever. We were met at the door with hugs and shy smiles….and Shonn got to see little Megan for the first time. Ah….what a wonderful thing babies are! 🙂 Miranda and Josh came over and it was such a delight to see how they’ve all grown. We all had the best time. Then we took Miranda, Michael, and Madelyn to see the movie HAPPY FEET! Oh my goodness. If you haven’t seen it. Please do. It is the sweetest movie. And being a tap dancer, it is so cool to see Savion Glover tap dance through an animated penguin. Ha! Who would’ve ever thought?      Then…The 80’s Birthday Party was that night at The Parents House! What a fun time that was. Thank you all for coming. It was so great to see everyone. Thank you for the sweet notes, champagne, and gifts. You really didn’t have to get me a thing, but I do thank you for them, and taking the time to celebrate with us. Mom, Lainie, Michelle, Shonn, and I (even baby Josh) dressed in our 80’s outfits. Feathered hair, side ponytails, frosted lipstick….I even got to do Mom’s hair the way I used to in middle school. We danced to 80’s songs, and ate finger foods. Laughed and visited. It was a good time. I promise pictures in the next letter. 🙂   We saved our “Thanksgiving” for Sunday night. We had an amazing feast! Most memorable prepping for the food was watching my Mom and sister putting butter medallions up under the skin of the turkey. Yuck! Oh…I’m sure you all are wondering…yes, I ate meat. I’m not officially a veggie anymore. I have to say….I do love meat. Yes, I said it. 🙂 I didn’t eat a lot of turkey, but I have decided to get back on the meat wagon. So moo….   This past week we had a treat. Herb, Shonn’s Dad, was staying with us while he worked in New York. Herb is a custom jewelry designer for a great company. It was nice having him here. Shonn and I didn’t get to spend too much time with him cause he was working but we would have some late night drinks and sit on the couch and chat. It was good. He left today. Off to another city! We’ll see him for Christmas. Christmas in Michigan!   We head to Michigan December 21st (depending on auditions of course) and can’t wait! More on that later.   Now, to save the best for last. I don’t want anyone to be alarmed, but I wanted to let you know, I’m having surgery on Friday. I’ve told my family, but I wanted to mention it in this letter. Its nothing serious, but I am going under anesthetic and under the knife. (No I’m not getting a face lift, ha ha) Shonn’s Mom is coming into town for the weekend to help out. Its good to have a Mother-in-law who’s a nurse. 🙂 I promise I will explain more after the surgery. I just don’t want anyone to worry. Think good thoughts for me on Friday morning.   And now I’m leaving you with some wonderful pictures from our trip to California.         Love you!   Merie xoxo

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 17 Dec 2006 11:38:33 EST
Subject: Two Week Sunday – Surgery Update, and more!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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HI EVERYONE!   YEAH! I am alive and well!   I know you have all been waiting for an update on how my surgery was. Thank you so much for your emails, prayers, and thoughts. It was a success, and I’m on the road to recovery. 🙂   My mother-in-law Beth (who now gets the mother-in-law of the year award!) flew in Thursday night Dec 7th from Michigan. Thursday was the start of the process of preparing for the surgery. I had to do the “Go Lightly” drink to clean myself out (you get the idea). If any of you have done that, and know what I’m talking about….god bless you! It was a night to remember. Then I couldn’t eat or drink anything from midnight. When I woke up the morning of the surgery all I could do was brush my teeth. No water, and definitely no coffee….ugh.   We got to the hospital and I went to the “prep” room to get in my little gown (with my butt hanging out of) little socks, and a hat to cover my hair. It was pretty funny. I just felt awful, hungry, dehydrated…I thought I’d feel a little better before the surgery and the bad stuff was after. I sat there as the nurse and doctor, and anethegologists were telling me all the bad things that could happen so that I’m aware. I just sat there and thought, “I am going to come out of this surgery with no complications” I put positive thoughts into my head.   I went into the room for surgery and my wonderful doctor ( I love her) said, “Ok, we’re going to lay you down” and I turn around and see something that looks like a padded crucifixion cross. There was a place to lay and these things for my arms. The only way to describe it is….padded cruxifiction cross. But nevertheless, it was comfortable. 🙂 I laid down, they stuck the IV in (which was the last bit of pain I felt) and my doctor started asking me, “What’s the name of your hometown?” I said, “Pleasant Hill. I love it there.” I feel the drugs start to make me fuzzy. “That’s Northern California?”, she says. “Yes, not Southern.” Then this is the last thing I remember saying before going under. “Everyone in Southern California are a**holes.” I said it with a smile on my face. I don’t know why I said it? It was very funny to realize later! I do apologize to my dear friends who live in Southern California. You know I love you.    When I woke up was when the true pain started. I really lost the rest of that Friday and the whole weekend. I don’t know if anyone has gone under anesthetic before? Its not pretty when you come out. I was in the surgery for 3 hours, which was longer than expected. But good news! My doctor removed the dermoid cyst without any incident and also found some very common anametreosis and removed that as well. So I’m all clean! 🙂   I have my post surgery appointment on Dec 20th. Beth and Shonn really took care of me. I love them both so much. Shonn rubbed my back a lot because there is residual gas that gets stored in your body that your body has to absorb. There’s really no pain medication that can help you out. Its excruciating. Beth helped me breathe through it. Literally like LaMasse Class. It was the only thing that helped. Beth made homemade chicken soup, fed me jello, and even bought me new pajamas! It was so comforting.   I’m on the mend! I didn’t get stitches, I have steri-strips on my incisions and they are good. I am putting positive thoughts out there that when they take them off, the scars will be small and fade fast. I want my belly button back. 🙂   Again, thank you guys for all your thoughts and prayers. You are the best!   After the percoset haze went away, I realized it was Monday! 🙂 I seriously lost days. I just laid on the couch. Beth flew home to Michigan. And Kyrah and Larry were in the city and stopped by for a day. I was a zombie, but I do remember hanging with them a little, but it seems like a dream. A really nice dream. 🙂   Well…wouldn’t you know it, I got an audition for Thursday of that week. Not even a week after my surgery. It was hilarious to me. Remember I had a callback for producers from ABC when I had stitches in me lip? I can go weeks without any auditions. The minute I have some surgery done? BAM! I have an audition. I was excited though. I love this script. Its for a new show on CBS they’ve titled “Fugly”. The little summary is that this girl who is fat & ugly gets an extreme makeover to be transformed into a stunning beauty. And the comedy builds from there. I have to say the script is really funny. And when filming, I would be wearing a fat suit and prosthetic make-up (kinda like Monica on FRIENDS). THAT alone is so cool! Just to transform myself physically has always been so interesting and exciting.     The audition went perfectly. Seriously. I’m waiting to hear, probably won’t until after the holidays. I also went in for a Arm & Hammer Commercial. I am currently on hold for that. Filming will be December 21st. Nice Christmas present right? All that money spent on braces will pay off Mom & Dad! 🙂   My dear friend Kirsten had her birthday gathering last night! She’s so beautiful. It was so great to see her and some good friends. HAPPY HAPPY KIRST! 🙂 Love you!   Shonn and I also went to our friends David and Melissa’s Holiday Party last night. They are on the soap opera “One Life To Live”. Melissa starred in the movie “Tiny Dancer” with Shonn. It was a great party. Met some nice people and met their adorable dog “Bella”.    All in all it was a great night.   Today, Shonn and I are preparing for the Miracle on 13th Street HDSA Benefit Concert that is tomorrow night! Its going to be a wonderful show. We’re singing “Baby Its Cold Outside” together, Shonn’s singing “Grownup Christmas List” and I’m singing “Merry Christmas Darling” ala Karen Carpenter. 🙂 The people who are singing are so amazing and I am so happy and grateful for them donating their time and talent for the concert.  The Center, where its being held is hosting the concert and they have been amazing and generous. My dear friend Jamie who is putting it together from so much experience with these benefit concerts, is a dream come true. I am so excited to have this be an annual concert for HDSA. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. If anyone wants to donate something to HDSA, please visit www.hdsa.org.   For those of you who got our Christmas Card in the mail….here’s a funny story. My uncle Barry, whom I really haven’t seen in years, sent us a Christmas Card saying, “Dear Merie, Shonn & Son. Congratulations on becoming a mother….” and it continued with holiday wishes and much love. I started smiling and shaking my head laughing. I have yet to get a moment to call him. Apparently our Christmas Card (which is pictures of us as babies) he confused with thinking we had a child. A son? Anyway….it was pretty funny and so cute.   Well, last but not least, I told you I would eventually have the pictures for you from the 80’s Birthday Party back on November 24th. Here they are!   My Chocolate Cake! YUM! Michael and Mom Cool Dude! Megan and Auntie Merie “Lenny and Squiggy” Its genetic! Peace, 80’s style!     Much love to you all!   Happy Holidays!   Mer xoxo

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2007 15:33:54 EST
Subject: 2007: Happy New Year!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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HELLO EVERYONE!   We have a lot of catching up to do….   A national commercial, driving to Michigan, Christmas, Bowling with The Rents, Beth’s Birthday, Gram Freeman’s Rolls, Dad’s 60th @ Major Magic’s, Henry Ford Museum, The Secret DVD, LOTS of leftovers to eat, serious things like the death of James Brown, Gerald Ford, Saddam, and ringing in the New Year!   So much has been compacted into the past two weeks I hardly know where to begin? 🙂 The holiday’s mixed with alcohol makes it difficult to remember everything, but I will do my best!   Happy 2007! I hope you all had a festive celebratory end to 2006…..I know we did. Most of all, I hope you slept in today, have a hot cup o’ joe nearby, and don’t plan to leave your couch today. Its a day to enjoy comfy sweats and watching football. Brett Farve’s possible last game….and the Michigan/USC game. GO BLUE!     These past two weeks have been amazing. Chock full of family, friends, partying, love, and nostalgia. I am so happy and grateful to have had such a wonderful past two weeks….and frankly a wonderful 2006. Just to reflect back a little…2006 welcomed in to the family a gorgeous nephew, and niece. I made my television debut, Shonn made his first movie. So many wonderful things happened but those four things come blazing into the four front of my mind right now. 🙂   Thank you everyone for your amazing holiday cards. Our apartment is overflowing with them and its so wonderful! They are funny and touching. I love hearing how all of you are, and seeing your smiling faces.  One of our favorite cards was my dear Uncle Barry congratulating Shonn and I with our new baby. I guess we didn’t realize our holiday card could be confusing. But it was so cute. 🙂 It has been a long time since I’ve been in touch with you guys. (I’m so glad to add you to this list Uncle B and Aunt E!). Trust me, when the time comes for Shonn and I to have a baby you’ll definitely know. We’ll be so proud we’ll write it in the sky! 🙂   The last week in New York before the business sort of shuts down for the holidays is usually not as busy….but I was crazed! It was great! I had an audition for CBS, ABC and then 2 National Commercial auditions. The CBS and ABC projects will be holding callbacks and screen tests in January so I won’t know about that yet…but I booked and filmed a national commercial before Christmas! It was crazy! Its an Arm & Hammer Toothpaste Commercial. I play a girl on a couch who agrees that 7 out of 10 people prefer Arm & Hammer….and “it leaves my mouth feeling fresh and clean, like I just came from the dentist!” Don’t tell anyone…I’ve never actually used the toothpaste. 🙂 But it was the easiest shoot I had ever done. I was put in a comfy blue (my fav color) cashmere sweater, gray sweats, sat on a couch and talked to the camera. That’s it. So easy and now I’m just waiting for the checks to come in the mail. 🙂  For those of you who have done commercials know….its just such easy money. So YEAH! Its a good 2007 already!   After the shoot was over, Shonn and I packed up a rental car and drove 9 hours to Adrian, MI for the holidays. It was so much fun! I know it sounds like a really long drive but Shonn and I are like two peas in a pod when we take road trips. Its fun. We played the movie game (where one person names an actor and the other names a movie that actor was in, then the other person names another actor from that movie….and the cycle goes on and on) We had this peppy Mazda that seats 6, but yet it was small. It got GREAT gas mileage (if anyone is car shopping).   We got to Adrian at about 10pm and it was so nice to see Beth and Herb and sleep in the peace and quiet of Michigan.    Then we picked up my parents at the airport the next day and the adventure with The Rents began! (For those of you who don’t know what The Rents means, it started in Moscow. I call them The Parents (Herb, Beth, Donna & Bill) The ‘Rents for short. When they all get together….they are The Rents!   We celebrated The Annual Wiley Christmas Party (usually on Christmas Eve) on the 23rd this year. This confused some Michigan party-goers. Beth’s birthday is the 24th, and we thought we’d start a new tradition and give her the day to celebrate just her birthday. I imagine being a Christmas baby is pretty hard anyway. Regardless of the night, the party was so much fun! It was great to see everyone again, have Beth’s famous Crock pot Meatballs, Taco Dip, shrimp cocktail, and the tweety bird cocktail…..yes, this was the start of the constant flow of eating that didn’t end until last night……   Christmas eve was spent celebrating Beth’s Birthday and cooking the feast that was to come. We had braised short ribs in red wine, asparagues wrapped in procuiito, mushroom potato bake, and Gram Freeman’s Famous Rolls….   Only a few people in the Wiley family have been able to bake Gram Freeman’s Famous Rolls….and on Christmas Eve I attempted to join that group. Its a simple yet time consuming recipe that takes special care. Scalding milk, kneeding dough and watching it rise…twice. Oh yes, I started this task at about 11am for dinner that night. With Herb checking my work (after all this is his grandmother’s recipe) I went through all the steps….even had to call Mike and Elise in Maine to help me through one part of the process….but they went in the oven…Herb said the smell reminded him of his grandmother. They came out and….after a nerve-racking taste test…Herb announced, “Just like Gram used to make.” AH HA! Success! Here’s to them being a family tradition in our Wiley household. 🙂  And to think….I didn’t even know what a yeast cake was before that day!   The dinner that night was perfect. We had Judy and Bob over to the house and we all took a moment of silence to thank god for family, friends, and the food we had in front of us. Then, after our bellies were full and our minds a little clouded with good wine….Shonn and I serenaded the table with “Silent Night” in harmony and sang “Baby, Its cold outside”. It was fun, and a little tearful. We had Peppermint Brownies and Ice Cream for dessert….boy what a feast!   Christmas morning started with me giggling outside my parents door saying, “Merry Christmas! Time to wake up!” Sometimes even I want to silence the “little girl” inside of me. But I was so excited to open all the gifts under the tree! Once everyone was up, and we had made about 3 pots of coffee, we got through the 10 rounds of gifts. I loved watching everyone open their presents. I got perfect gifts! A digital camera, 2 kinds of perfume, gorgeous tops, a soft red sweater, knit sock booties, Shonn and I got a new toaster….the list goes on and on. It was a wonderful morning.   We decided to go bowling in Adrian. The Rents and Shonn and I. Shonn bowled 189! Mom and Dad hadn’t bowled in 25 years. They did a really good job. It was so fun to see the “kid in them” as they prayed for a strike! 🙂   We also went to The Henry Ford Museum. We saw amazing historic cars, bicycles, motorcycles, The car in which President Kennedy was shot, The Wright’s Brothers plane, The seat from The Ford Theater where Lincoln was shot (that hadn’t been reupholstered), and I sat in the same seat on the actual bus where Rosa Parks refused her seat so many years ago.    Shonn and I got introduced to a DVD called The Secret about The Law of Attraction. It has really changed our perspective on everything. If you are looking to get something for the New Year. Check it out. www.thesecret.tv   The next major event was Papa Patterson’s 60th Birthday! Dad is the greatest and we had such a wonderful time. We decided to take Dad to Major Magic’s Restaurant in Toledo. Its a place like Chuck E’ Cheese that Shonn used to go to when he was a kid. It was funny! We had pizza and watched the anamatronic animal show. Mom and Dad played air hockey (Mom beat Dad!), and Skeeter ball at the arcade to get tickets for a prize. It was like being a kid again!   We had some slow, calm nights. We sat around and ate leftovers, talked and laughed. Had a little to drink and ALOT to drink. I’m so lucky The Rents all get along. Its really a blessing. We watched the movie “March of The Penquins” one night and cried a little.   The end of the trip was hard, but we all had such quality time together. Its rare that anyone gets one on one time with their parents, and I am so grateful to have had that this holiday. I love my parents, in-laws, and Shonn so much I will always cherish this past holiday. With the historic death of Saddam, the unexpected death of James Brown and President Ford…life is definitely precious and not a moment should be spent thinking otherwise.   This letter is going to take everyone a week to read…but now that the holiday’s are over the weeks will be less crowded with events and parties. 🙂   Last but not least, we had a chill New Year’s Gathering here at our apartment last night and it was so fun. We busted out the Wedding Champagne Flutes and toasted in the New Year with Dom Periogn. We had some given to us for an opening night gift awhile ago…and this was the perfect celebration to pop it open! Thank you guys for joining us last night. Even if it was a chill night with a small group of friends. What could be better.   And now….finally I’ll leave you with some pictures to illistrate the past two weeks!   Lots of love to you all and Happy 2007!   Mer xoxo     Me and Papa Me and Mom being silly Shonn and Beth Its Genetic! Another goofy night… Mom bowling! Shonn scores big! Herbie and I The coolest car! Me surrounded by love Rosa Parks Seat New Year’s Eve! Me, Tim and Diane Cheers! Shonn and Jamie Michael and I Shonn & I and My Christmas Bear

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 23:18:54 EST
Subject: Sunday: Good news, a wonderful day trip to West Point, and more!
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Hello there!   Its actually late Sunday night, most of you will be reading this on Monday….I didn’t get around to writing today because Shonn and I took a trip to West Point, NY to see my dear friend Deb star in “Wonderful Town”! She is amazing! Ah, it was such a perfect day! I’ll start from the very beginning…   We took the A train downtown to Grand Central, got some coffee, and hopped on the Metro-North Train to Peekskill, NY.  Then we took a scary cab ride (with a huge guy with tattoos) to the Eisenhower Theater at West Point Academy. Upon entering the Academy, we had to go through major security check. ID scan, trunk check the whole works.  Thankfully our driver’s ID scanned clean. We were a little nervous after some of his secret phone conversations (speaking in code about a “job”). But….. after 2 trains, a scary cab and a security check…we were on the academy grounds and it was just gorgeous! The weather has been frightfully warm here, but this California girl isn’t complaining! The weather, the view, and the architecture was just stunning.   The matinee started at 3pm, so we took a walk around the grounds and took some pictures of the civil war cannons, and statues. We got to go backstage and see my friend Deb backstage before the show. I was jumping out of my skin with excitement the whole trip up because I’ve known Debbie for 10 years and have never had the chance to see her perform. I was just beside myself. Deb is like a sister to me, and I just adore every bit of her! Shonn and I gave her a little gift before the show and said, “Break a leg!”   After walking around, and having a little bite to eat, we sat down for the show. We happened to sit near some of Deb’s friends who were also there supporting her, it was really exciting. And even though she hadn’t even come out on stage yet, I was so proud of her!   The show began and I just cried every time Debbie started a song. I was smiling and crying. I can only explain it in a way that I imagine a mother feels for her daughter. It sounds silly cause she’s my friend but I was just busting out of my skin with pride and excitement. To see someone who I love so much, who has dreamed of playing this role and is now getting her shot…..to see her just shine center stage filled me with so much emotion! I can’t explain how good and just happy I felt! And Deb is just perfect in every way. She’s funny, touching, sexy and a broad all at the same time.  If you happen to see that “Wonderful Town” tour is coming to your city….go see her star as “Ruth”! 🙂   We had dinner afterwards, here’s some pictures of our day….       Gotta have a little fun! Civil War Cannons Me surrendering Me holding back the cannons View from Theater Fallen Soldiers Monument A Statuesque General Washington Statue Deb and I All of us after dinner!     Here’s some more good news from this past week. I got offered a show! I will be playing the role of “Kit” in Face the Music: A Musical Comedy by Irving Berlin and Moss Hart in The City Center Encore’s Series Mar 29 – April 1 Directed by John Rando. Choreographed by Randy Skinner. Music Direction by Rob Fisher. TICKETS AND INFO go to http://www.nycitycenter.org/encores/index.cfm I didn’t even had to audition. I still can’t get over that. That’s the best part about this job! I love not auditioning and getting a job.   I also will be doing a private reading of the musical ” Lady on a Carousel” on January 17th. The composer’s wrote some new songs, and the book has been reworked a little. We’re preparing to bring it out of town this Spring. Possibly in Boston, but as they say in life….nothing’s set in stone. I’m very optimistic though. The show keeps gaining momentum, and the producers are very excited about the show…as am I. 🙂   I recorded a new song I wrote with my friend(and master composer) Timothy Huang yesterday. I played the piano, and sang the lead vocal about 5 times. We’re piecing it together tomorrow, and I might just sent it in my next Sunday letter….to see what you all think. 🙂   Shonn has a callback for Encore’s FOLLIES. He’s totally going to get it. He’s so perfect for it! I am so excited for him and the year ahead.   We took down our Christmas decorations. There’s always something sad about doing that. It just doesn’t have the same feeling as when you take them out. Un-decorating a tree is just a sad event. Until next year.   I do have one bit of not so good news, my little gorgeous niece Madelyn is in the hospital for a few days with pnemonia. The doctor’s say she’ll be there ’til Tuesday. The good thing is she’s getting better, getting hydrated, she’s being monitored, and she’s being very feisty cause she wants to go home. It breaks my heart to think of her there. And Lainie and Mike have been so worried. I haven’t spoken to Lainie yet (she was sleeping when I called). I figured she needs her rest. With all the worry from Megan and her allergies, I know she’s gotten such little sleep. I love you Lain. Shonn and I are thinking of you guys, and we know little Maddy-bo is going to be just fine.   I’m thinking wonderful thoughts for this upcoming week. As always, let us know what’s new in your life. I hope your 2007 is starting out to be a great, & healthy year.   Much love,   Mer (and Shonn) xoxo   ps. Something’s going on with football this week….all I know is NY lost. No Superbowl for NY! 🙁

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 21:42:29 EST
Subject: I hate to admit it but it is a…..Hangover Sunday
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Oh…. my…. god….

 

I’m sure you’re wondering why you didn’t receive a chipper Sunday letter this morning? I know, once in awhile I get busy and don’t have time, but not this morning….oh no.  

 

This morning I was sick. Sick as a dog…. It wasn’t cute like this dog.

It was sad…

 

I was sick from drinking with two friends and Shonn, here at the apartment the night before. I only had 4 drinks from about 8pm-2am. Not a tremendous amount right? All Cosmo’s, I didn’t mix. I ate a great dinner, had a full stomach. I thought I would be fine. Then, I had that feeling about halfway through the night, you know how that little voice says,” Um, maybe you should stop and have water.” But we were all laughing, visiting, and before I knew it….another round was gone.

 

Then this morning….I ran to the bathroom and just imagine…..oh it was horrible!

 

The worst part is that I had my dear friend Erica coming up here for Brunch at 12noon. I thought, “I’ll get it all out, I’ll have some coffee, I’ll be fine”. Well…she arrived and I was just a mess. I asked her to stay and Shonn decided to make us brunch (french toast, eggs, and bacon) of which I ate nothing. I could barely stomach some pieces of bread. It was funny, and not funny. Erica stayed with me, we visited, and after awhile my stomach subsided.

 

I vowed NOT TO DRINK for at least 6 months! After how I felt today, its very possible it will be all of 2007.

 

The week leading up to this morning was wonderful. I had many auditions for commercials and new pilots (hey, tis the season!). But the best part of the week was doing a private reading of “Lady On A Carousel” for the creative team and producers. It was great to see everyone again. Only the principal characters were asked, and 2 ensemble. We all got the new scripts and a few new songs, which I learned at the composer’s apartment a few days before.
We ran through it once before the reading, and then had the reading presentation at about 7pm. It went so well, everyone was so pleased with the changes. I found out the producers have offers for out of town try-outs already (The Old Globe in San Diego, CA). They said, “Things are starting to move quickly” with the show.
I couldn’t be happier. How often do you get to play Marilyn Monroe on Broadway?
Keep your fingers crossed and I will let you know when I know anything.

 

 

 

We’re gearing up for the CD Release Party for The View From Here Album!! Shonn is going to perform 5 songs from the CD at The Metropolitan Room in New York City February 27th. We can’t WAIT! The album has some great “buzz” on it. Getting selected as one of the Top Ten Cast Albums of 2006 was wonderful. We’re targeting some Off-Broadway Theaters and hoping to get that show on its feet this year. Go visit www.myspace.com/theviewfromherecastalbum to hear songs and see clips of video of the show.

 

Shonn and I have been great. Its so nice to be here for Pilot Season. I do miss the warm weather in Los Angeles, but I love LOVE LOVE being home. All my things in one place, with Shonn. It is perfect.

 

We have been addicted to Netflixs! The movie we just saw was “What The Bleep Do We Know?” Very interesting movie of quantum physics. We also saw the movie “Children Of Men” in the theater. SO GOOD! I recommend it! Our next Netflixs choice is “All The President’s Men”, and “Dog Day Afternoon” we’re doing a little film fest of movies we are ashamed we haven’t seen! 🙂

 

Of course we watched The Golden Globes this week, doing like we always have since we were kids, imagining being there. How cool would that be?
There were so many people I was glad to see receive an award. I’m glad DREAMGIRLS is doing so well. Making way for other movie musicals. Just waiting for the Ginger Rogers trend to come back. 🙂

 

This coming week is Joshua’s 1st Birthday! YEAH! Madelyn’s 3rd is coming up. They are all getting so BIG! 🙂 Its crazy.

 

 

 

Well, I’m off.

Drinking lots of water tonight.

Tomorrow is a new day! 🙂

 

Much love to you all!

Have a great week.

 

Mer

xoxo

 

 

 

 

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 11:10:30 EST
Subject: Happy Sunday: Last Sunday in January! Can you believe it?
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Happy Sunday everyone!   Can you believe how time is flying? January is almost over. Crazy…. I’m sitting here with my coffee and English muffin. Yum! I woke up with the sun peeking through the window. Its so good to see the sun again! Its been so cold and overcast here. Record breaking.   First order of business is to wish my little nephew a HUGE Happy Birthday! His birthday was really yesterday but my sister Michelle is having his party today. So YEAH JOSHIE!! Happy 1st Birthday to Joshua Cayden O’Hearn! All of my sister’s babies are getting so big. That’s what babies do right?   I’ve had a busy week with auditions. Every morning this week, except Friday, I was at ABC Offices being put on tape for some new television pilot. Some of the pilot’s so far are called “Fugly”, “Mr & Mrs. Smith” based on the movie, “Cashmere Mafia” which is like Sex in the City, “Canterbury’s Law”, “Football Wives”  which is kinda like Desperate Housewives. I met with producers on some, some I’m just put on “tape” and they send it digitally to Los Angeles. Its crazy how high tech everything is. You really could be in Zimbabwe and audition. Theater hasn’t figured that out yet, so….no I can’t move back to Pleasant Hill. 🙂   I was going to tell you when I booked the show Beth, but unfortunately I didn’t. But I got REALLY close…to being a guest star DA on LAW & ORDER. I know you watch that show religiously. 🙂 I’ll keep trying. 🙂   I finished the treatment to my movie I’ve been writing. Mom did the revisions, and thank god for her! It has been fun writing back and forth between California and NY. I am now working on the script, translating the treatment. It has gone through so many different versions. But I really enjoy it. Instead of sitting around waiting for the phone to ring from an audition, I write. My dream would be to give it to a real screenwriter and have my Mom and I write with them. That would be so cool! Right now, I gave the treatment to a few people to read, so far the response has been good. We’ll see. 🙂   I’m working as a promotional model for a company called Encore National this coming month. Its part time and good money. I also met with The St Regis Hotel this past week about being a temporary hostess. It was 10 years ago that I worked there. Its wonderful to think I’ve been able to survive as an actress without having a true “survival job”. I’ve been very lucky.   Kyrah and Larry are driving in to NYC to see us tonight! We’re very excited to spend some time with them. We actually have Christmas presents for them. Ha ha. We thought we’d see them sooner than this. 🙂   Well, as you know these letters are just fragments of what I remember from the past week. There has been so many little things. We talked to Lainie’s babies (Michael, Madelyn, and Megan) on the phone the other night. Lainie told me all the babies like to play “Mom & Dad”. Well, this week Miranda said, “Let’s play Auntie Merie and Uncle Shonn”. It was the sweetest thing! Madelyn sang to us on the phone (The Strawberry Shortcake Theme Song), Michael is wearing a size 6 pants now (he was SO excited about that) and Megan scrunches her nose now just like Michael used to. This next week its our goal to get Miss Miranda to talk to us on the phone. Might be hard, but we’ll try! 🙂   Anyway….I’m rambling.   Sending you all lots of love! Have a great week, and I hope to talk to you soon.   Love, Mer xoxo

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 4 Feb 2007 10:47:48 EST
Subject: ITS SUPERBOWL SUNDAY!!
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February has begun with a BANG!   Shonn and I are preparing our apartment for the 5th Annual Super Bowl Party!  Shonn is pulling out the huge pot to start making his Famous Chili! YAHOO! Wish you all could be here. Its going to be a really great day! We don’t really have a team we’re cheering for….just Payton Manning. I want him to do good today. So I guess The Colts. But, it doesn’t matter as long as there’s good chili, and good friends.    This past week there have been auditions, cold & frigid weather, working our survival jobs, award show’s and Netflixs Movies. 🙂     First is The SAG Awards! Shonn and I recorded the awards just so we could watch Julie be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award! It was so wonderful to see, we couldn’t stop smiling, and even clapped a little when the audience gave her a much deserved standing ovation! Much love to you Julie, Congratulations again!     I auditioned for some great Pilot’s last week. Nothing for ABC. I think I’ve exhausted my presence over there. I also auditioned for a Voice Over for MACY’s which was nice. Those auditions come around so rarely, I wish I could do more. I would LOVE to do a voice over.   The weather has been a little crazy. No real snow yet. It has dusted the city a few times, but nothing has stuck. Its cold one day, semi-cold the next, then frigid!! So, I will continue to hope, as I have since Christmas, for some snow.   I have been looking for a survival job, to work nights and weekends, to make ends meet. I had interviewed with The St Regis Hotel this week (where I worked as a hostess about 10 years ago). They were very nice, and I thought I had this job set. Then I get a call saying they are going with the other candidate! I said thank you, hung up, and started laughing. I told Shonn, I got rejected from a survival job. And one I used to have 10 years ago! It was so funny to me, and still has me shaking my head. I guess that truly teaches me that nothing is guaranteed in life.   I am working with a company that does Promotional Modeling this week. I was hired by Hersey’s to promote their new York Peppermint Mints at New York Fashion Week in Bryant Park. Its a really easy job. They basically have me smile (looking pretty in their white down coat, white hat, and tote bag with the logo on it) stand out in front of the event and hand out free samples. And the mints are really good, so its easy to do. they want us to target celebrities (of course). Its a little obnoxious. I just stand there and smile with my hand out and let them come to me. I hate being “pushy”. So far, I’ve handed out samples to Richard Belzer, Carson from “Queer Eye”, and Tommy Tune. Its been fun. I’m actually off to work a few hours today.   STAY TUNED! Watch The Today Show on Tuesday morning. We are scheduled to be there promoting the York Peppermint Mints. I don’t know if we’ll get on camera, but we’ll be there!   I’ve been doing some research this week and got two Marilyn Monroe Documentaries from Netflix dealing with the last few months of her life and the controversy surrounding her death. Very interesting to watch. I have such respect for her anyway, and watching and reading more about her life just increases that. I cannot wait to jump into the role and really try my best do her justice.   There is so much more I want to write about, but I have to get ready to go downtown to be a York Peppermint Girl!   Hope all is wonderful with you. Here’s to a great February!   Mer xoxo

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 11 Feb 2007 10:30:58 EST
Subject: Good morning, its Sunday February 11th!
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Happy Birthday Madelyn!  We can’t believe your already 3!  You little angel Happy Birthday! Good Morning Everyone!   I’m sitting here with my usual cup of coffee, and … cinnamon raisin toast! Yes, its a celebration this morning! Its Maddy’s Birthday! Madelyn is having her party at Deena’s Dance Studio today. The theme is pink, and Lainie is putting Maddy in her Tinkerbell costume. Lainie made pink ice cream cone shaped cup cakes! Go Lain! I’m promised lots of pictures. I hope everyone has a wonderful time!   This week has been blessed. There have been so many good things I want to share. But first I’m sorry to say, I have some sad news.  Aunt Sharon let me know that Great Aunt Marie passed away on Tuesday. She had congestive heart failure and she was just ‘shutting down’ from age.  She was 87 and had a good and full life.  I’m sure that Grandpa Patterson, (her brother), her mother and other brother, Bill as well previous loves in her life, husbands Van and Allen were all waiting to greet her.  Her daughter Cissy sent a note that Aunt Marie had requested be sent, so I thought it was appropriate to mention it here. There was a beautiful watercolor of tulips on the front of the card (done by Aunt Marie) and the inside message read, “I’m writing for my mother. She wants you to know how much your friendship has meant to her through the years and she wants to say goodbye with love.” I think she is just so thoughtful and full of grace. I’m sad I didn’t get to know Aunt Marie better, but I she did tell me she loved getting these letters every Sunday and staying connected with the family. I agree, its the most important thing in life. If anyone has a address to send flowers? I would love to and I know my Dad would too.   Rest in Peace Aunt Marie.   Life is short, and I say be fearless. That’s been my motto for awhile now, and its been in full swing this year.   I have some wonderful news to share, I found out my Arm & Hammer Toothpaste Commercial is going National! This means, it will be on television for at least 16 weeks flashing my teeth and garner some much needed “moolah” for Shonn and I.  I’m so glad I had braces when I was 15! Good call Mom and Dad.   Yes…more good news is on its way. Aunt Marie must be up there talking to someone for me? I got a conference call from my agent and manager saying, “Congratulations! You are being flown to Los Angeles on Monday to test for the new TV Series “Canterbury’s Law” to play the role of Molly”. YEAH! Now what this means is I will be auditioning for the Studio executives, and if I pass that test, then the Network (aka. The Big Enchilada). Its all a lot of pressure, but really I’m not focusing on that. I am so grateful to be in this position. And no matter what happens, I am grateful.   This brings me to my next point….did anyone watch Oprah last week? She talked about The Secret! Remember I mentioned it before? Shonn and I bought DVD’s for Mom, Dad, Herb, and Beth for Christmas. Our friends Melissa and David did the same. Well, Shonn and I almost fell off the couch when we saw that Oprah was featuring it on her show! We knew about it before Oprah!? If you don’t know what it is (Lainie, Michelle and Robert…Dad is making you a copy!) if you do nothing else today….order it. I promise you it is life changing. www.thesecret.tv (Sorry if I sound like a commercial!)   Shonn and I also celebrated the birth of our friends Jeff and Gina’s baby boy! Congratulations you two! Can’t wait to meet him!   I finished up my work as a promotional model for York Mints this week! It was an adventure, great people to work with, and lots of people watching. Its funny to see everyone “saunter” into the big white tents in Bryant Park with their Prada, Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vitton. Some, not all, had this air of importance that kind of made me giggle. I mean their just clothes. There’s genocide in Darfur, this can’t be that important. Not to knock it, I love a good fashion show like the next person, but it was just an interesting judge of people’s nature. I found that working in the “service” industry. You really see the true nature of people. In fact, Anna Wintour, the editor in chief of Vogue Magazine and who the character in The Devil Wears Prada was based on, was the nicest and most connected person to me. Looked me straight in the eye and smiled. Isn’t it funny?  Another nice person was Russell Simmons, a huge hip hop mogul, actually took a copy of my CD. He didn’t have to. I just happened to have it in my bag that night because I had bashfully brought copies for my friends I was working with. Anyway….he took a copy! Whether he ever listens to it, who knows? But I was just beaming that he didn’t scowl at me. Here’s a man who is worth $300 million.   Another motto in my life is to always be in an attitude of gratitude. For the air in your lungs, the sun on your face, the legs you stand on, the eyes you have to read this.   This is a long letter this week. Sometimes I have nothing really exciting happening, then all of a sudden…whoosh! I’m glad this was a “whoosh” kinda week.   Don’t think I’ve forgotten about Michael wanting a picture of Auntie and Shonn in the snow, Lain! Upstate New York has been hit with 9 feet of snow, and we haven’t seen one inch! I’m waiting to take some pictures of Shonn and I in the first real snow of the season, and we haven’t got it yet. But I have a feeling, now that I mentioned it, we will.   There are so many things I left out about this week. Playing at Lotus Bar with my new friend and wonderful Arnold Advertising Exec Beth! Welcome to my silly Sunday Letter’s girl! Finally really hanging with my leading man for “Lady on a Carousel” Robb Sapp, whom I love to death.     And Shonn’s 4 auditions in one day, an offer to shoot a short film.. I swear, Shonn needs to get up and write with me one morning.   Ok, ok….time to conclude. I am sending all of you positive energy for this coming week, I know amazing things are coming this year. Please send me your updates on life, I love it so much and I feel like in some way we are sitting at a cafe together, chatting and having coffee. (For those of you who live close enough, let’s do that for real!)   Much love, peace, and happiness.   Mer xoxo

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 25 Feb 2007 10:22:41 EST
Subject: Its a Double Sunday Letter Delight!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Good morning everyone!   The time has come for the double Sunday Letter delight, chock full o’ news! 🙂 (clearly I’m having too much fun with this)   Its the last Sunday of the month, can you believe it? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Time flies.   Well, let’s start from the flight to California last Monday. Whew, that seems like a year ago. I got on a Monday night flight out of JFK. And everything was pretty normal. Then I sat down at the gate…. and right in front of me in a baseball cap, eating his dinner, was Harry Connick, Jr. I didn’t flip out, I didn’t become 14 years old again and a member of his Fan Club (I was a member by the way). I just sipped my Starbucks and tried to ignore him. Then we all got up to board the plane. And he was waiting in line right behind me. I must say, all throughout the flight, and even after when he looked my way a couple times, I never said a word to him. I thought about it, but left the man alone. 🙂 I just thought you’d get a kick out of that Mom and Dad, knowing I had his posters up in my room, and used to memorize his albums.   Well, when I got to Los Angeles the weather was the first thing that made me smile. Ah! It was lovely. I stayed at The Radisson Hotel in Culver City right near the Studio where I tested. The morning of the test, there were only 3 girls. Normally there are at least 5 girls. This was a very small selection. I was the only blonde, light skinned girl. The other two were dark hair, exotic looking. So I assumed I was the “alternative look”. It turned out I was. After a great audition, strangely I wasn’t even nervous, I was told I wasn’t moving on to Network Test. But, the producer/writer called my agent personally to say he “has to worked with Meredith, someday”. I was very flattered, and although I didn’t see the financial “fruit” of that contract, I did a great job. So….as my reps say….onward and upward!   I spent the next few days auditioning for 7 different projects in Los Angeles. It was pretty crazy! I stayed with my dear friend Gary in his house, and barely saw him. I spent Valentine’s night with 4 scripts, a bowl of soup, and talking to Shonn on my cell phone. Alas, it wasn’t very romantic, but I was grateful for those scripts, that soup, and Shonn. 🙂   The best part of my trip to California was the unexpected chance to fly up for the weekend to Pleasant Hill to see my family. It was so great to come home, even if it was for just 2 days. The babies are all beautiful, and getting so big! Mom, Dad, Lainie, Michelle, Mike and Michael and ALL the babies all gathered at The Huth’s for a BBQ Sunday night and it was loud, fun, boisterous, family night! 🙂 I got my fill of visiting, and I am so happy I did. I missed everyone so much.   I flew back Monday afternoon to New York and immediately went back to work and had auditions piled up. Its a good feeling. Shonn and I celebrated Valentine’s Day late, went to The Red Eye Grill and had wonderful food! Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday was audition central! Then Beth and Sarah came into town in anticipation of Shonn’s performance at The View From Here CD Release Party this coming Tuesday.   Friday Beth and Sarah had an adventurous day. While Shonn and I went to auditions (what else). They went to see the Oscar’s displayed at Good Morning America (very cool, Beth has a great picture of her holding an Oscar!), then they went to Canal Street to buy “purses”. Beth said she felt like she was in an episode of Law & Order. Someone on the street said quietly, “Wanna buy a purse?” and they followed a man down a long hallway, up stairs, and into this room where they had all the “purses”. Fake Coach, Louis Vitton, Gucci, etc. They look very real! And only cost $25, but Sarah negotiated it down to $20! Go Sarah! But the city is cracking down on this kind of thing, so I don’t endorse Beth and Sarah’s purchase. (ha ha) But, let’s just say, I may take a trip to Canal Street someday.   That night we went to a great restaurant called El Centro on 54th and 9th, that our friend David manages! We met Jackie and Jim and had a wonderful mexican dinner! It was so great to see Jackie and Jim after so long. 🙂   Yesterday Beth and Sarah went all over the city, and to a yummy chocolate store bringing home chocolate covered popcorn, cheerios, graham crackers, macadamia nuts! YUM! Shonn made a great dinner for Beth, Sarah, and even Brian joined us! We pulled out our wedding china, opened a great bottle of red wine, lit some candles and sat around and had one of those warm, cozy, yummy dinners. We talked for hours about everything, and after the food settled….we opened the chocolate covered goodies! And the boys even did the dishes. 🙂 It was perfect.     This morning we slept in, I had baked some banana bread yesterday, so I’m sitting here with my usual cup o’ coffee and a banana bread slice. 🙂   I have 5 auditions scheduled for Monday…..yes, 5. I have never had this many auditions in one day, so I’m trying not to get anxious about it. One is for a role on B’way I had previously turned down auditioning for caused I told them I just couldn’t sing that way (belting ’til my eyes explode isn’t my strong suit). But now, they want me to come in anyway, and do a work session. So that’s nice. The other auditions are for Pilot’s and one for Law & Order (I’ll do my best to get on the show Beth! I know how you love it!)   I’m re-shooting the Arm & Hammer commercial the first week of March. They want to film it with higher quality. So I don’t know when it will air. But I’m using my teeth whitening kit for the next week to get ready!   It was announced this weekend that I’m officially doing FACE THE MUSIC at Encore’s! I’m very excited! We start rehearsals March 19th. 🙂 It’ll be great to be back on stage again, and in New York!   Today we are going to see “Les Miserables” on Broadway! I haven’t seen the show since I was 16 years old. So I’m looking forward to it. 🙂   Whew….was that a long enough letter for ya? A double dose of info.   Much love to all of you. And, as always, I love to hear what’s going on in your life, even if its just a paragraph. 🙂   HAPPY OSCAR NIGHT to everyone!   Have a wonderful week,   Love Mer xoxo   Here’s some pics from my weekend with the family! Josh and Miranda Michelle & Miranda Nana & Josh Playing Hippity Hop with Auntie Megan and Michael Scrunch Nose Megan

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 4 Mar 2007 11:08:17 EST
Subject: Sunday: Happy March!
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Hello everyone!   I can’t believe its March already. I feel like I say that with each passing month. Time is flying. 🙂   This past week marked many events. Aunt Bette had a birthday and we all sent her a Bulb Planter of gorgeous flowers. It was great to talk to her on the phone briefly. It always brings a smile to our faces to hear her voice! 🙂 I also feel horrible for not mentioning Kyrah’s Birthday last week! I hope you got our messages sweetie! Hope you had a wonderful day! Haven’t talk to you guys in awhile. Give a call when you can.   Monday was the 5 audition day. It was crazy and believe it or not, really fun. All of the auditions (except one) went really well. I won’t tell you about the bad one, because it just was miscommunication with material and wasn’t meant to be. But the one’s for ABC, FOX and Law & Order were great! I didn’t get the Law & Order, haven’t heard about ABC, but FOX gave me a callback a couple days later with the producers/writers, who also created the show The Gilmore Girls. Its a wonderful pilot, and I really feel like this is a role I could sink my teeth into. I hope things progress.   Tuesday night was The View From Here CD Release Party & Performance! Shonn was nervous. David and Tim (the musicians) were a little nervous too it seemed, but when they started running through the numbers, it was like they’d been playing together for years. Not too many people showed up, but of those that did, Shonn and I were so thankful and happy to see! Of course, Beth and Sarah were there! We all sat right in the center. Shonn’s high school friend John Doyle was there with his girlfriend. I know that meant so much to Shonn to have him there. The show started and it was radiant. I can’t describe it. Shonn just lifts himself to a new level when he sings onstage. Its amazing to watch, and I was so proud. The MP3’s of the show can be heard @ http://www.timothyhuangarts.com/cdrp.htm. And some really good photos are being emailed to me from a photographer who was there.   Beth and Sarah went back to Michigan on Wednesday afternoon. It was so nice having them here. Of course once they left, we didn’t have as many auditions and would’ve had more time to spend with them. That’s Pilot Season for ya! But I hope they had a wonderful time here! 🙂   I had lunch with my friends Susan and Erica yesterday! It was so great to see them! We sat and talked for 3 hours! The time flew by. We didn’t even realize ’til we looked at our watches. 🙂   Tonight Shonn and I are going to a friend’s birthday party. Hopefully we’ll get to reconnect with friends we haven’t seen in awhile.   I start FACE THE MUSIC at Encore’s pretty soon. We’re going to get together and work through some choreography with Randy a few days before official rehearsals begin. He definitely knows Jeffry and I, we love to rehearse as much as possible. 🙂   I am scheduled to re-shoot the national Arm & Hammer commercial this coming week or next. It will be a day shoot. Then will start running nationally this Spring. That’s the update on that.     Shonn is waiting to hear about the movie TINY DANCER going to Cannes Film Festival. I’m all ready to book our tickets to France for May! 🙂 Keep your fingers crossed.   I’m writing music a lot and will be recording another demo of a new song at my friend Tim’s place on Monday. And have been scheduled to play at the Singer/Songwriter Sessions at The Bitter End here in New York in May! That will be so fun! Finally, after all these years, play my music live. My friend Glenn will be playing the guitar for me. So its very intimate, acoustic. And I only play a 15 min set. But if they like me, I’ll come back for another week.    Well, I’m in a little bit of a rush, trying to fit some cleaning in, charting my song, talking to family on the phone, etc.   I hope you all have a wonderful start to March!   Much love,   Mer xoxo

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2007 10:17:40 EDT
Subject: Its Sunday…Spring Forward Everyone!
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Good Morning Everyone!

 

Its Sunday, oh what a grand day! The sun is shining, I’m listening to the “Singers and Standards” music selection on my television, and we all “lost an hour of sleep” springing forward in time. I feel good. I went to bed early last night, and am wide awake this morning. I’m having my cup o’ joe, and toasted English muffin with strawberry jam.

 

This week it was “Audition Central” at The Wiley House! A little bit of “March Madness”, but without the basketball. Shonn and I averaged about 12 auditions last week. Can you imagine going on 12 job interviews in a week? Having to change outfits for each one?
(Lord!) I believe Tuesday through Friday, I had about 3 auditions a day. Like I always say….Pilot Season is Hunting Season for Actors. We’re all auditioning like mad to land that big $$ contract and possibility to be on the next “Grey’s Anatomy”. I’m so happy to be a part of the rat race!  

 

It was so crazy this past week, I spent all day yesterday catching up on life. (Laundry, cleaning, phone calls) And doing my taxes! YEAH! Shonn and I have an appointment with our accountant on Tuesday. And unlike the majority, we have a lot of work to do to get our tax information together. W-2’s being sent from all the different jobs we did, we have to factor in residuals we’re paid, union dues, commissions, then count up our many deductible’s…oh, its divine!  But…I just sit at my desk, put some good jazz on, and looked at the bright side….telling myself “I won’t have to do this again until next year!”

 

Well…if you’re an IMDBer (meaning you look things up on IMDB.com). I found out some of the roles I auditioned for were given to some pretty big names in the television world. I don’t feel bad when that happens. Of course, I’d love to be the one booking the job opposite Parker Posey, but I understand when they pick Lauren Ambrose over “muah”. I’m just so happy to be getting in the room! The TV show I’m talking about is called “The Return Of Jezebel James”. Some of the other new shows I auditioned for are: Sam I Am, Army Wives; Dirty, Sexy Money, Eli Stone, Cashmere Mafia, Canterbury’s Law…. off the top of my head. In case you like to look those things up.

 

I must say, I really like doing Pilot Season in New York. I guess I don’t miss the traffic of LA. I miss the weather, but its been pretty tame here. I guess what I love most of all is being “home” with Shonn.

 

He’s been wonderful! He booked ENCORE’s Stairway To Paradise, with Kristin Chenoweth! YEAH! I’m so excited!  That starts in April. He has an audition this coming week for a TV show called “Cavemen”, based on the hilarious Geico Commercials!  He had a great audition for a feature film, he’s waiting to hear about. On the side he’s working some promo jobs for BOSE this weekend, and Sample Sales this past week. We all have to have a little gig on the side right!?

 

We’re waiting to hear about CANNES FILM FESTIVAL this month. (fingers crossed!) We want to spend Shonn’s 30 birthday bash in France! That would be pretty cool right?

 

I am still waiting to film the Arm & Hammer Commercial. Not sure when that will be. They’re working out some “legal copy”, I was told. But this week, I have 3 auditions already set up,and I’m starting to rehearse for ENCORE’s at City Center on Thursday with Randy and Jeffry. It looks like its going to be pretty busy.

 

Oh! I have a friend, who happens to work with a film company in Los Angeles reading my treatment for “The Coat Check Girl”.  I’m trying to find a script writer to collaborate with. I may be able to write Sunday letters and all, but script writing,  I’ve decided to leave to the professionals. Plus, through the six degrees (or really, 3 degrees) of separation in this business, it shouldn’t be hard to find someone who’d want to help me, right? There’s my optimism coming into play again. I call it positive thinking! I’ve received some positive feedback on it already. Saying, “the heart of the story is in the right place, its touching and original”. That good right? We’ll see what my friend says.  

 

Shonn and I got our headshots reproduced this past week. They came out pretty good! I never think my shots look like me, cause who has lighting, make-up, and retouching in real life?  But here (below) is what my agents picked. Let me know what you think (only good thoughts though, ha ha)

 

 

 

Why they didn’t pick a smiling shot, who knows?
I look so serious! Clearly, not how I am in life. I’m a goofball. I got the shots done by Deborah Lopez. The BEST! If you are looking to get your own pics done.

 

Well, I feel like I’m just rambling on and on…. Pilot Season is tough in the sense of working very hard, without a paycheck, and wearing your confidence very thin. I spend most of my evenings reading scripts and memorizing lines. Then my spare time working any odd job I can to make a living.  I’m not in anyway complaining about it. Sometimes, I step back and think, this is crazy! I don’t know how people do it? I don’t know how Shonn and I do it sometimes. I guess that’s why its not so hard to believe to hear that actors had $3 in their bank account when they landed that HUGE life changing show. I am just so fortunate that I am going to get to perform soon, even if its just 5 performances for ENCORE’s. To be back in a rehearsal room, in dance clothes, tapping, singing the old style Irving Berlin again….ah, I just love it. If I could live, breathe, and make every cent I ever make the rest of my life performing like I’m Ann Miller, Ruby Keeler, and Ginger Rogers I would be the happiest girl in the world! But…as we all know….that style isn’t cramming the entertainment world right now. Not even Broadway. So, until then I’ll keep pluggin’ along.

 

Speaking of, I’ll bring this long letter to a close. I hope you all are wonderful. I always love hearing what you’re up to.
That’s kind of the point of this letter is to connect with all of you, not just read my ramblings.  Even if its just via email and I don’t get to hear your wonderful voices, I love to know what’s new in life.

 

So, as always, keep in touch.

Much love to you all!

 

Talk to you soon,

 

 

 

 

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2007 11:11:00 EDT
Subject: Sunday: Snow, HD, Surgery, Movie, Commercial & Rehearsals
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Good Morning!   Boy what a week its been. Lots of things going on.   First, we got 6 inches of snow this past week. It was nice and fluffy at first, then turned into sleet and pellets that hit my face as I walked down the street. But I promised little Michael we would take a picture in the snow, so that’s what we’re doing later today. Walking to Fort Tryon Park and taking a picture in the snow. That and doing laundry, cleaning, and working on my script for Encore’s rehearsals that start tomorrow!   I actually started rehearsing with Randy and Jeffry at City Center this past Thursday. Getting a head start on the choreography. Jeff and I are dancing a huge tap number, ballroom, soft shoe, and even a tango! The creative team was there doing pre-production. It was so good to see director John Rando, Randy of course, Walter Bobbie, and finally get a chance to work with Rob Fisher. Here’s the number for tickets….212-581-1212 or 1-800-581-1212. More info to come.   A wonderful girl Katie Moser, who I met at The HDSA Miracle Concert last year, has been featured in the NY Times about HDSA for months now. Today, she is featured in a huge article, with video, and a ton on information. She is a strong, brave, terrific person and I hope you get a chance to read the article and watch the video’s.   The link to the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/18/health/18huntington.html?ex=1331956800&en=3b107497c67c9990&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink   I just started talking with HDSA about The Miracle Concert for this holiday season. I’m thinking of making it a weekend event, so there is 2 or more performances. We raised $2500 for research that evening, and I’m hoping to double that number this coming year. I can’t thank you enough for those of you who donated items, and attended the concert!   Shonn’s Great Aunt Bette had a small heart attack this past week. She went into triple bipass surgery Friday, and everything’s fine. She’s recovering and on the mend. Shonn and I were on pins and needles for awhile, trying not to worry, but you know how it is. We spoke to Bette, and her spirits were up and her humor intact. The most important thing to posses in life! She is a strong, wonderful lady and we can’t wait to see her on our next trip to Maine!   I have some really good news! I was cast as a lead in a movie! Its called “My Father’s Will” and I play Hilda Curtis, the unfaithful trophy wife of actor Ron Silver’s character who is attractive in a Vegas showgirl kinda way, and has the mouth of a truck driver! (Think Sharon Stone in the movie CASINO) This is definitely not a role I have played before. No ingenue sweetness in this role! I am very excited to dive into it. All I know right now is filming starts in April, and we are filming on location in New York! YEAH!    This is for Beth. www.imdb.com or www.ibdb.com     More good news to share! The Arm & Hammer Commercial is starting to run on Monday (as in tomorrow). They decided not to re-shoot it. It will run cable at first, then national. I’m not sure which channels it will be on. I’m the blonde on the couch talking about how “fresh and clean” it makes my mouth feel “Like I just came from the dentist”.   Shhh…don’t tell them Shonn and I use Crest.   And…more good news for everyone! My name has come up to audition to be a lifetime member of The Actors Studio. I had met Martin Landau in Los Angeles and he set me up with the Los Angeles branch of The Actors Studio. Well, being I’m in NYC now, we’re switching the audition to NY and setting up the dates. Not sure when it will be but, Shonn will audition with me! Which means, he will also be considered to be a lifetime member. We will audition with a 5 minute contemporary scene. We are searching for something right now. Any suggestions? It has to be contemporary. No Shakespeare or Classical.   Shonn has had some great auditions this past week. My favorite so far is for the new TV series CAVEMEN, based on the hilarious Geico Commercials. “So easy a Caveman could do it.”   Shonn worked really hard at the Ralph Lauren Sample Sale this week. We bought a new piece of furniture (retail $9,000) we got it for $100. Wow! Its a Armoire/Bar/Server unit. Its made of maple or oak (not sure which) with smooth bamboo doors. Its classic and gorgeous! We’re going to get rid of the armoire we got off the street now. Moving up in the world.   Well….I’m off to do laundry, clean, call some friends back, soak my feet….its funny, I’ve been rehearsing for 3 days and the only thing really sore are the arches of my feet. Thanks for the high arches Papa.    Shonn and I have been behind on our NetFlicks viewing, but last night we sat down and watched “All The Presidents Men” and “Dog Day Afternoon”. Both wonderful movies! The acting was amazing. Also, it was St. Patrick’s Day! So of course we had some beer, and wore green. Last but not least….Shonn and I were so excited to get to talk to my 4 yr old niece Miranda on the phone this past week. She actually talked to us! She’s usually very shy on the phone and only listens. But this time she talked! Love it!   Ok…on with the day… I have to call my friend Erica and get our nails done! 🙂   Much love to you all! I hope you had a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!   Have a wonderful week!   Mer xoxo

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 25 Mar 2007 12:42:31 EDT
Subject: Sunday: Saying so long to March….
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Hello everyone! (and to some of the new people I added/re-added, welcome.)   Shonn and I slept in this morning (and by “slept in” I mean 9am), it was very nice. Shonn made breakfast (eggs with diced ham, green peppers, onions, cheddar cheese sprinkled with red hot, wrapped in a tortilla! I recommend it. YUM! 🙂 We brewed some coffee (must have a cup o’ joe) and ate in our jammies.    Then at about 10-ish, Shonn retreated to the bedroom computer to start his Fantasy Sports Draft….which is where he’s been now for 45 minutes. Its so funny to me. I imagine all the guys on the league leaving whatever they were doing and retreating to their computer’s to fight to the death as to who gets what player. I’m not going to pretend I know what its all about, every once in awhile I walk into the bedroom and give Shonn and kiss on the cheek or pat on the back and say “How’s it going?” And he will say, “Great! I just drafted (enter important player’s name here) and he’s (enter impressive sports stats here).” I just nod, smile, and give him another kiss and say, “That’s great!”. I did glance at the screen and said, “Oh, his name is Patterson. Pick him….” trying to contribute. But I don’t think Shonn picked him?   This is definitely where men and woman are so different. I actually looked into a women’s Fashion Fantasy League (yes, there really is one), that has you draft designers (Prada, Armani, etc) and if you’re designer appears on the red carpet,cover of Vogue, etc. You receive points.  I think you win clothes or money or something? I just don’t have the time, patience, or really care that much. I’ll leave the Fantasy fun for the boys…..   Face The Music Rehearsals are going wonderfully. I feel a little “shot out of a cannon”, but it will all come together. Its crazy that we will be performing our first “show” (even though its an invited dress rehearsal) on Wednesday! The cast is so talented, and I am having the best time dancing with Jeffry again. We just glide on stage together and its really effortless & just plain fun! Remember how I said, “If I could dance like Fred & Ginger for the rest of my life, I’d be in heaven”…well, its absoutly true. I have known and danced for our choreographer Randy Skinner for 10 years, and there is no one in the business who can capture the style and feel of this era. He is the master. Irving Berlin music, Randy’s choreography, director John Rando’s brilliant sense of humor, Rob Fisher’s musical recreation of this show (that hasn’t been heard in 75 years) is delightful to be a part of and needs to be performed somewhere. (More than 5 times at least). We heard the orchestra for the first time yesterday, and that tremendously delightful sound just isn’t heard on Broadway anymore. Its a sad realization. There should be a place for this kind of music, this kind of dancing, singing, and silly plot that just makes you smile and tap your feet. Anyway, I’m getting off my soap box.     Joan Marcus took some pictures of us for publicity that appeared on BroadwayWorld.com. http://BroadwayWorld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=16922 . If you would like to come we open March 29th and close April 1st. www.citycenter.org for info and tickets!   Aunt Bette is in recovery and doing very well. She is doing physical therapy. We just sent her a get well card! Love you Aunt Bette!   Little Michael had his first Baseball Game this past week. I’m still awaiting the pictures, but I’m sure he did wonderful. His team is called “The Detroit Tigers”….Shonn couldn’t be happier! I’m wondering…..did the win!?   Ok, so I now may be re-shooting the commercial after all. But its running on cable, they cut me a check. But, they still want to re-shoot. I’m confused, but if they want to pay me again, I don’t mind. So I’m on hold to re-shoot April 2nd. So….the teeth whitenening strips are near. However….Crest is still our toothpaste.   No update on “My Father’s Will” movie schedule or Shonn’s entry into The Cannes Film Festival. Waiting….idling….biting our nails…   On top of rehearsing all week 10am-6pm, my agents are sending me (on my lunch break) to the last auditions for Pilot Season. Some HBO, CBS, FOX, projects. I’m running around crazy….but so thankful I’m getting in for these. They are good shows. Some of the scripts I’ve read are a little strange. There’s only about 5 scripts I’ve read that I think are smash hits. But….a lot of those never make it on the air. Its baffling to me. But we’re in the era of “game shows, reality singing and model contests, and make-over shows”…so where’s the room for good writing/acting? My agents said there is a real threat of a writer strike in the industry. Also a possible actor strike. Ugh! Yikes! Help!   Netflicks Update: “Casino Royale” ….Daniel Craig is HOT HOT HOT as James Bond!!! And we have “Blood Diamond”….can’t wait to see that tonight.   Speaking of tonight…. Watch or Tivo “Planet Earth” on Discovery Channel. www.planet-earth.com. Shonn and I watched a whole series about “The Galapagos Islands” on National Geographic Channel last night. If you get a chance to watch that its fascinating.   Ok, time to get back to the day.   Ah ha! Shonn just announced his draft is done! He got Hedicky Matsui, Gary Sheffield, Barry Bonds, Justin Beerlander, Curtis Granderson…(I’m probably not spelling these right)….YEAH! Life is good at the Wiley house.   Much love to all of you.   As always, keep us updated on your life. Via phone calls, email, snail mail, text messages, video mail, web cam, go crazy.    Have a wonderful week.   Mer & Shonn

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2007 15:29:39 EDT
Subject: Sunday: Happy April!, “Face The Music”…Part I
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Hey all!   Its now mid afternoon and I’m just getting to write a little bit. This is Part I of the letter because I will have to write the rest tomorrow….The coffee has already been consumed, as well as a nice large bowl of Golden Grahams, and Chicken Salad (not together).     I am about to get ready to go downtown to City Center Theater for the final show of “Face The Music”…which has been a phenomenal experience.   Let’s start from the very beginning (a very good place to start).   The week began with the last part of our intense and very quick rehearsal process. Tuesday was our Tech, and Wednesday was our dress rehearsals (One pass at the show in the afternoon, and an invited dress that night). I invited 4 great friends to the rehearsal (thank you for coming guys!) and they loved the silly little show. As well as many industry people I didn’t expect to be there. I guess, having never done an Encore’s before, I don’t realize the exposure. One of the tech guys stage left calls Encore’s “Little Broadway”. 🙂 Its very nice to have this role to perform, even if it is only a short time.   Thursday night was our official “opening”. Shonn came to that show for the first time and was so proud. It was a wonderful show, and even though we are using our scripts, it feels like a full blown production. Pretty good for 9 days of rehearsal. They taped us for the Lincoln Center Archives on Friday night, I am very grateful to have dancing (like the kind in 42nd St, White Christmas, and now Face The Music) archived at Lincoln Center. I always flash forward to me at 97 years old taking the grand kiddies to the library to see “what grandma used to do”. 🙂 Saturday’s shows were even better, more relaxed (as we get used to the show). Beth flew in from Michigan Friday night, saw the show Saturday night, and just left early this morning. Whew! She was representing “The Rents”, and loved the show! And it was really special to have her here. Our friends Allan and Patti also came to the show last night, and we went to Red Eye Grill afterwards. We had food, wine, and sat and talked until 1:30 am. It was just one of those special nights.     Thank you to everyone who came to see the show (Stef – drinks uptown soon?). Especially Nancy for coming out from NJ! It really meant a lot to me. See you in May for Shonn’s Encore’s. We owe you a drink.   Tonight, at 6:30, we perform the final show. There is a reception in the lobby afterwards that Shonn is coming downtown for. It will be too short of a run to perform with this tremendous caliber of performers and I will miss them. But it is a jewel of a show, and I will always look back fondly. The Berlin Sisters (Irving Berlin’s daughters) were just raving about the show, and congratulated Jeffry and I in rehearsals and in performances. There’s is always the highest compliment to receive. There is rumors that we will be recording an album (since the show hasn’t been seen or heard in 75 years). I hope that the rumor is true. Here’s a production photo of Jeffry and I after our “Roof In Manhattan” tango number. We’re breathing heavy, but still look pretty normal. 🙂 Like the wig? Maybe I could go “red” one day.     Jeffry and I    In other Wiley News….   Shonn’s going to be starting rehearsals for his Encore’s STAIRWAY TO PARADISE at the end of this month, and after seeing our show twice, he’s itching to be back on stage.   I believe I will start filming MY FATHER’S WILL this month. Although I don’t have any details yet.   On the LADY ON A CAROUSEL front, the producers and composer and book writer came to see FACE THE MUSIC and told me we will be doing a table read May 14th and another 29 hours reading in June. So we’re moving forward, slowly but surely.   The Arm & Hammer Commercial is running on tv, some friends have seen it! And I got word, no more re-shoots (it keeps changing right?)…I will just be getting checks in the mail so that’s good. 🙂   Ok….Part II coming tomorrow. Hopefully with some pictures of the reception.   To be continued…….

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 2 Apr 2007 13:41:21 EDT
Subject: Sunday: Part II
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Its Monday afternoon…..I slept in ’til 10. YEAH! Now, I’m catching up on my life, and feeling the effects of the FACE THE MUSIC run. My body is a little tired, and understandably. Dancing will do that. My voice is a little “coated” from singing, laughing, and having the best time yesterday. The final performance was wonderful. We all had a great time. My agent, manager, and commercial agent was there (“The Reps”) and Shonn came to the closing reception in the lobby of City Center. Here’s some photos I promised of backstage and the reception:       Jeffry and I Director John Rando Melinda, Eddie, Me and Jeff Jeff, Judy Kaye, and I Felicia Finley and I (naked number) Shonn and I (reception) Ted Chapin, Walter Bobbie, and I Felicia and I (clothed) The Gang! In other news…..Shonn and I are obsessed with the Discovery channel series PLANET EARTH. If you haven’t watched it. TIVO it. It is just amazing. There is a slow motion shot of a Great White Shark catching a Seal. Ridiculous! And a amazon bird doing a little dance for its mate. I have never in my life seen a bird like that. I can’t wait for the DVD’s to come out. Which I believe may be out soon. (Shonn’s Birthday anyone?). Anyway, we are truly obsessed. We just sit there watching with our mouths open. It makes us appreciate the world we live in even more than we already do. www.planet-earth.com   Well, onward and upward! This week shall be full of new adventures. Easter is coming and god how Shonn and I wish we could be in California with the babies! Unfortunately our private jet won’t be able to take us. 🙂 Ha ha. We wish we could afford the flight, but we’ll just have to settle for a community phone call, video and pictures!   Love to everyone. Let me know how life is treating you.   Much love,   Mer & Shonn xoxo

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Apr 2007 15:24:56 EDT
Subject: Easter Sunday Letter!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Its strangely cold here in NY this weekend. Not your typical Easter weekend weather. But nonetheless…I’m sitting here with my cup of coffee and cereal ready to start the day.     Shonn and I don’t have any huge plans for this weekend. We wish we could be visiting family….but we have been spending quality time together. Which is always time well spent.   This week I didn’t have any auditions, it was odd but a nice change from the pace I’ve been keeping since January. Shonn had three auditions (one for a Garry Marshall film! Keep your fingers crossed!). It was nice to sit back and help him with sides.   With the time I had on my hands this week, I cooked some nice sit down dinners here at the apartment. I didn’t mention it before but when Beth came out to visit us…. she brought us MEAT, ok, let me explain…..   Whenever Beth visits us she’ll call and ask if we need anything (at Sam’s Club or Hobby Lobby) its really the sweetest and very thoughtful.  Well, a few times now she has brought us perishable food.  Back when I had my surgery she brought out Chicken Stock to make soup (oh yeah she’s hard core) Well, this time she brought us MEAT. How does she do it? She packs the meat frozen into a suitcase when she leaves Michigan (along with boxes of rice, and other dry foods), and then unloads it first thing when she arrives at our apartment. Going through airport security is something I wish she could record. They put the meat through the scanner to see if there are any bombs, etc. The looks on the security guards faces must be priceless. Beth tells them “Its just Meat.” But…it really is wonderful to have her bring it to us. Some of the meat is stuff that would be ridiculously expensive in Manhattan. So…with the meat stacked in the freezer…. I thawed one (the portabella mushroom & rice stuffed chicken) and cooked dinner. It was delicious! Thank you Beth!!    This week we also have been crazy about movies. We went to see the movie 300 at the movie theater. It was amazing! Really revolutionary in film making, but a little gory. The tom boy in me loved those parts though. And the “girl” in me…LOVED the stacked bodies! The men have amazing physiques in this film. And it actually is pretty funny at times. (Gerard Butler eating an apple….if you’ve seen the movie you know what I mean).   Shonn and I also went crazy with the NETFLICKS choices that came in the mail. We sort of like to be surprised as to what movie we get next on our Queue (I pronounce it Q-eee). This is what we got….   “JESUS CAMP”, The Academy Award nominated Documentary, in the mail. It is very controversial. I don’t want my opinion to sway anyone. I think everyone should see this, just for the knowledge that this kind of thing exists in this country. “WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR?” is another documentary we received. It was amazing and sad all at the same time. This technology is available to us, and the politics and large corporations that lobbied to have this car removed from the market was astonishing. We at least have the Hybrid’s now…and they are making plug in Hybrid’s. Some that are pretty cool looking. Go to www.pluginamerica.com and check out the TESLA model. That would be my purchase. We also saw “BLOOD DIAMOND”….another subject matter we knew very little about. Its such an eye opener to the world and the market of diamonds. Also…the acting is just top notch. Leonardo has been in my heart since I first saw him on Growing Pains back in the 80′s. Shonn knows this….Leo and Johnny….you can see why the movie “Gilbert Grape” is one of my all time favorite to watch. 🙂 “THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS” (Beth brought us the DVD when she brought the meat). What an amazing inspiring story! It just makes you believe anything is possible in life. Also, nice to see the familiar sights of San Francisco.   “INVINCABLE”…another inspiring movie my sis Lainie has been telling me to watch forever. We loved it! Its another true story….makes your heart swell…. and its a plus that there are hot guys playing football throughout the movie. 🙂  Last and the least of our fav’s was “THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE BEGINNING”. Shonn’s friend from college, Matt Bomer, is one of the leads in it. He dies a really gruesome death. Must’ve been fun to film! We were hoping to be really scared….but its just one of those gooey, gory, disgusting horror films. 🙂 With all those movies….who has time to watch bad reality TV? 🙂   Miranda learned to write her name and Michelle sent me a picture! I also have some adorable pictures of Michael at his baseball game (The Detroit Tigers) they played The NY Yankees. Pretty cool. Shonn re-potted Grandpa Wiley’s Geranium. The single cutting we received from him 4 years ago has now multiplied into 5 different plants. We are looking forward to bringing the plant back to the property in Maine and planting it, maybe next to Grammy Irene’s Rose bushes.     Shonn re-potting the Geranium He has the “Green Thumb” Shonn can’t see without his specs… Miranda wrote her name!! That’s Michael right in the front Throw that ball! He’s a little man! I love the helmet! GOOD NEWS! We are recording The “Face The Music” Cast Album. We are set to record it on April 16th. I’m very excited! More info to come.    Shonn and I picked our scene for The Actor’s Studio audition. We will be doing the first scene between Hal and Catherine in PROOF. I read PROOF and CLOSER scripts this past week. Both plays are phenomenal. We thought PROOF was more our style. We are starting to work on it, even though we don’t have our official audition date yet. My friend, and Actor’s Studio member, Denise is going to coach us. Can’t wait!   I’m also starting to collaborate this week with a screenwriter (who used to be the AD on Saturday Night Live, and has a degree in screen writing) on my script CCG. He’s excited by the originality of the story and it bringing awareness to HD (which he himself had never heard of). He says I have a lot of drive and passion about the subject. Ya think? 🙂 I’m so looking forward to seeing where it develops from here. I’m planning on having a reading this summer…so I’ll be calling on some of my friends (who I wrote into the story) to gather with some wine and help me hear it out loud. 🙂   Well…its getting late in the day. Thanks for reading this…its one of the longer ones. The moral of the letter, as always, is that life is good. We are grateful everyday for our health, our happiness with each other, good friends, family, the air in our lungs, the sun on our face, the food in our belly, and the roof over our heads. Life is grand.    Please send us a hello, what your up to. We love to hear from you.    Much love!  Happy Easter!    Until next week…..   Mer & Shonn

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 15 Apr 2007 12:23:05 EDT
Subject: Sunday “Nor’easter” Letter
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Last Sunday it was Easter….now its Nor’easter!   Its about 11:30 here in New York…and the weather isn’t that bad…yet. Its raining…not very hard…and the wind is light- medium. But its supposed to get really crazy late this afternoon. Shonn turned to me when we were having coffee this morning, smiled and said, “I kinda want it to get crazy.” He kinda loves extreme weather. That’s where the California girl, and the Michigan Boy differ.  Of course he only loves it if it doesn’t hurt anyone. I said, “Well, aren’t you happy we live on the highest point of Manhattan?” Thank god for Washington Heights! I mean there might be 8 million people living here, and this city’s importance far exceeds the room we have…but regardless….this is an island. It is surrounded by water. Flooding isn’t unlikely. And you know from The Inconvenient Truth Movie that if Global Warming continues to change the weather patterns and erode this planet…Lower Manhattan will be under water.    Now couldn’t be a better time to segue into Shonn and I’s favorite series that’s on tonight, Planet Earth. The 11 part series that is just fascinating.( They even have a game now.) www.planet-earth.com. Also…I went to Leonardo Dicaprio’s website www.leonardodicaprio.com this past week and connected with his Eco Site section and read up on his documentary called The 11th Hour that will be coming out this year. Check it out.   More so now than ever, recycling, hybrid/electric vehicles, renewable energy, and lowering your carbon footprints are in the news and should be on the forefront of everyone’s mind. Shonn and I do not have a car, but we’ve pledged that when the time comes the only thing we will consider is a Hybrid, Plug In, or Full Electric Car. They are starting to make solar panels (to put on your house) a little less expensive now, and people who have them are selling the solar energy back to the energy company. Imagine that! I know I’m up on my soap box…but each of us can do so much to change the fate of the planet and most importantly teach our kids. And we only have a small window of time to do so. If you don’t recycle (which I know some people who read this don’t…I’m not naming names.  Please do! I know its not easy, convenient, or even required in some states (which is just infuriating.) Its just too important.   Aside from the weather…life is good in the Wiley house. We worked for the designer Lora Piana’s Sample Sales this past Friday and Saturday. Its a great side job, and we get to work with some stunning merchandise! We had some great auditions this past week, for films and theater. I saw the final dress for the new Broadway musical LOVE MUSIC about composer Kurt Veil’s life. Such an inventive production, phenomenal cast, the music of course is delightfully dark and the choreography has a little bit of Fosse in it. I loved it. The producers are the same producers for LADY ON A CAROUSEL. I got to meet director Hal Prince, and mingle with some theater friends who were there. It was great!   Wednesday night I went to a benefit concert featuring Marvin Hamlisch at Odegard (my friend Kirsten work’s for them). The benefit was for the Rugmark Foundation www.rugmark.org. It was a gorgeous event, and Kirst did a great job putting it all together. Marvin Hamlisch played a $350,000 piano made by Bosendorfer and designed by Porsche. Pretty nice huh? I say sell the piano, and donate the money to Rugmark?    Well, its almost 12 noon and the weather hasn’t changed. Although the trees outside are swaying a little more than they were. Hmmm? Do I smell a Nor’easter?   Tomorrow we are recording Face The Music cast album at The Legacy Recording Studios in Midtown! YEAH! I’m going over the songs today….but it should be an amazing time tomorrow!   Well I can’t conclude this letter without mentioning something about Don Imus. All I have to say is what he said was shocking and horrible. But there are plenty of people who have said and done far worse and are still in office….I mean still have a job.    Onward and upward! I have to send a “shout out”….. Happy Birthday Debbie! So good to see you!   Hope you all are wonderful. Here’s to another amazing week. As always, let me know how you are.  We love to hear from you.   Love,   Mer & Shonn

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2007 16:05:43 EDT
Subject: Sunday: EARTH DAY!!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Hello Everyone!   Happy Earth Day!   I didn’t write this morning…I was too busy soaking up the GORGEOUS weather we have been having this weekend! It is Earth Day and it is definitely a day to celebrate Mother Nature.   Shonn and I went to the Earth Day NY Celebration yesterday at Grand Central Station. It was an outdoor street fair sort of set up with tons of booth’s with amazing all natural, earth friendly products and ways to help GO GREEN. Its so funny. Its all over the place, this “go green” idea. Shonn and I are totally on board and excited that we can do little things, and big things to make a difference.   One of the things we’ve been talking about (especially since we saw that documentary “Who killed the electric car?”) is the Tesla Roadster that is coming out. And the Tesla Motor Company (California based company….yeah!) Well….low and behold….at The Earth Day Celebration…there it was! The new 2007 Tesla Roadster Electric Car!   Isn’t it gorgeous! They have a web site www.teslamotors.com with all the information. There is a waiting list already! It was fun to see all the people gathered around it. All I wanted to do was take it for a spin. The Toyota Hybrid’s (that only get 25 mpg) were kinda being ignored in comparison. This sucker gets 200 Miles per charge (remember….there’s no gas!) Its 1 cent per mile and takes 3 1/2 hours to fully charge. Its crazy exciting! I wish I had the money I would buy one tomorrow…..I mean get on the waiting list. 🙂   Here’s some other info we got at the celebration….check out www.TheGreenGuide.com and www.AmericanForests.org. You can plant a tree for 1$…its a good mother’s day present. 🙂   This past week Shonn and I did some auditions, spring cleaning, put our winter clothes in the closet and pulled out our shorts. We are hoping to take a trip to Maine very soon…just as soon as we find the time and the weather gets better up there.   Monday we recorded the cast album for Face The Music. It was amazing. The Lecacy Recording Studios is where we were. I wish I had some pictures of me in what’s called “The Solo Booth” recording with the live orchestra, and Rob Fisher conducting me through the glass. I had to sit back and pinch myself a few times. Just being able to sing the music was gift enough…but to have it be recorded….more or less for the first time…was just such a gift. Irving Berlin’s daughter Mary Ellen was so complimentary to all of us…to see that excitement in her felt like it was coming from Mr. Irving Berlin himself. What a special day I will always remember.   Funny full circle moment…..one of the trumpet players in the orchestra, Glenn, had once played for Rosemary Clooney at The Rainbow Room back in 1997 when I was a coat check girl. I recognized him when I was walking into “The Solo Booth” and said hello. I asked him if he remembered me (thinking, there’s no way he would) and to my surprise, HE DID. He said, “Look at you kid! You’ve come a long way. Congratulations” I really had to try not to get choked up. I just smiled, held my head high, said thank you, and took note of all the struggle that led me to this moment. It just doesn’t get much better than that.   Like I’ve said many times before….I have lots of those stories for the “grandkiddies”. 🙂   I had to take my laptop in to be fixed this week….so this Sunday Letter isn’t getting to everyone it normally does. I don’t really know who its not getting to so….feel free to send it on Beth, Michelle, Lainie, or Mom. 🙂 I should get my laptop back in a week or so. It needs a new motherboard!   Well….Shonn and I are about to have some hot dogs (smart dogs…they’re vegan and yummy!) and watch some sports. Not sure what but I’m just happy to be supportive! It was the Pistons last night (they won) and I think the Lakers are on now? I can’t keep track.   Sending you all love!   And again, Happy Earth Day! Do something GREEN today…..Shonn and I went our and got 15 more GE “swirly lightbulbs” (not sure the exact name) Now every light bulb in our apartment is “GREEN!”   Love, Mer & Shonn xoxo

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 29 Apr 2007 13:07:49 EDT
Subject: Sunday: So long April! Hello May!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Hey All,   This week was full of exciting news about HDSA exposure, my niece Megan’s First Birthday, M&M’s wedding anniversary, Sample Sales for Brushing & Fils, and reading the book THE ROAD.    But first…..   I don’t know if you read in the news but this frightened me….there has been a decrease in the number of honeybee colonies in the nation and the scientists can seem to pin point why. Experts call it C.C.D.- colony collapse disorder, and a link to agricultural practices is under suspicion as a cause. Albert Einstein once predicted that if bees were to disappear, man would follow only a few years later. The impacts of a declining bee population have dire consequences for mankind not least because the bee is essential for bio diversity and for pollination. Scary thought. The only thing I have read that can be done about it is to be very aware of what food I buy. Where my money goes. Local produce, farmer’s market’s here in NY. As natural and organic as I can be. Hopefully this will be solved soon.   To help with my ongoing Earth Day Celebration…this week I went to www.ecobags.com and bought 2 canvas bags, and 3 produce bags to go to the grocery store with. I also planted 5 trees @ www.americanforests.org     Now that we’re on to happier news!   Megan Irene Rose Huth turned 1 this past week! Oh, what I would give to be close enough to give her a big kiss and a hug! Happy Birthday Meggy Baby! We miss you!!         Also….Madelyn just came back from her first trip to Disneyland…where she met Cinderella. She’s all about Princesses. So..to help Madelyn with her potty training, and being good, Lainie came up with the idea of calling Cinderella on the phone. When Madelyn is bad, Cinderella will get a call. But also, if Madelyn is good, Cinderella will call her. Cinderella’s opinion is clearly what matters to Maddy! So….I told Lainie that I could be “Cinderella”. So, Madelyn did something good yesterday and “Cinderella” called her. I speak to them all the time on speaker phone so I had to come up with a “Cinderella voice” so they wouldn’t know it was Auntie Merie. Well, it was a success! They got all wide eyed and Madelyn and Michael were telling “Cinderella” all the good things they’ve done. It was SO CUTE I had to really bite my tongue, trying not to giggle. Lainie said she wished she recorded it because they were so cute and excited that Cinderella called them! 🙂 Can’t wait to do it again!   Shonn and I worked the Brunschwig & Fils Sample Sales this past week. Basically, this interior designer (B&F who is very famous, and has been used in the White House) has overstock of materials and sells them at a discounted price. The prices go down as the week progresses and it gets crazy! Shonn and I got some material to make curtains and throw pillows that was normally $100 a yard…..we got it for $10 a yard. Its gorgeous.   Some sad news….I found out this week that our neighbor, Herb Menges, in Pleasant Hill has been diagnosed with cancer. He is 80 years old, has been like a grandpa to all of us, and is just a wonderful, funny man. I am sending healing and peace to him this week.   This past week Katie Moser, who is a young woman I met at The HDSA Miracle Concert last year, has been all over the news with exposing HD and her fight for a cure. She herself has been tested positive for the gene. She is the bravest girl, only 25 years old, and a wonderful spokesperson. She did  NY Times article weeks ago and since then she was asked on The View, Radio, and local TV spots in her hometown. She has asked me to help her put together a benefit concert this September in NYC! I’m working with HDSA here in NY to plan and gather some friends to perform and donate. She’s also received a call from Harpo Productions about possibly doing something on The Oprah Show. You know I have dreamed of having a segment on HD on The Oprah Show for YEARS! I am crossing my fingers that it happens!   On to some dissapointing news….   I didn’t mention anything last week cause I didn’t want my hopes up. I had an amazing initial audition for GYPSY at City Center to play opposite Patti Lupone. I had a 3 hour session with Jay Binder, the musical director, and the choreographer. I went all out, wearing a wig and doing the “transformation” from baggy clothed tomboy Louise, to “Gypsy Rose Lee”. I even stripped a little in my audition….Gypsy style. 🙂 I felt so good about it. Then Monday, I had my callback for everyone. The whole creative team, producers, and….Arthur Laurents (who wrote the book, and was the director). The audition couldn’t have been better. I felt so great about it. One of those auditions where you just feel “high” afterwards, my adrenaline pumping. I couldn’t love a show more than I love Gypsy….so I really thought I had a shot.   My feedback was….”Jay, Jack, and everyone behind the table was floored by your audition. Just think you are perfect and phenomenal” (I’m quoting what my manager told me) “But Arthur Laurents just didn’t feel you. It was a chemistry thing.”   AGH!   I haven’t cried after an audition in a long time. Probably not since I was told I didn’t get Peggy Sawyer in 2000. But I cried like a baby. I was so sad. Just because I wanted to play the role, in a top notch production in NY. But….after my 10 minutes of crying, hashing it over, I realized there was nothing I could’ve done. I think its easier when you have a bad audition and you don’t get it. But I really did the best I could do. So, onward and upward. I guess I’m just not meant to do that show. I’m sure I’m not the only girl that will cry over losing that part. It is a role to die for. Those just don’t come around very often.   I’m switching back and forth between happy and sad news….so here’s some happy news. Michelle and Michael celebrated their 2 year anniversary this weekend in Monterey! Congratulations you guys I hope you had a wonderful time.   I received my first check from my Arm & Hammer Commercial! YEAH! I haven’t even seen it. Its hilarious. I don’t mind though. I don’t really need to see it, just gather my residuals. 🙂   I’m staring filming on the movie soon I swear, I was told the dates aren’t locked yet. But its happening. Its already on IMDB…pretty funny.   Shonn starts rehearsal for STAIRWAY TO PARADISE tomorrow! YEAH! I’m already hearing him sing all the songs around the apartment. 🙂   Well….time to get going on the day.   I hope you are all wonderful. Have a great week. Love to hear what’s going on in your world.   Love, Mer & Shonn   P.S. Some of my favorite website’s of the week:   www.thegreenguide.com www.smartbargains.com www.drhauska.com

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 6 May 2007 14:22:05 EDT
Subject: Sunday, Happy May!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
X-Mailer: 9.0 Security Edition for Windows sub 5365
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Hello everyone!   We just got off the phone with Aunt Bette in Maine and she said the flower bulbs we planted at The Cottage in Maine have bloomed! 🙂 Bette says they are GORGEOUS! Elise has taken some photos, we can’t wait to see them! The Crocus, Hyacinth, and Tulips are in full bloom. Oh, we want to just drive up right now to see it. We have some bulbs that our super has planted right out side our front door that are budding…and we walked through Fort Tryon Park and the flowers are blooming and the blossoms on the trees are sprinkling the sidewalks with petals. Its really lovely this time of year. The weather has been just stunning.     This week Shonn started rehearsals for “Stairway To Paradise” and they just had their sitz probe yesterday. Its just such a fast process, but Shonn is so excited. And so am I, I could bust! He said the sound is just an MGM movie musical on stage! A thirty piece orchestra and they play through the years celebrating the Ziegfeld Follies going from the sweet 20’s & 30’s sound to The big band 40’s sound! Oh! I wish this kind of stuff was on Broadway!   Speaking of Broadway…Shonn and I are obsessed with this website called Blue Go Bo www.bluegobo.com. Not sure why its named that but, it has clips of Broadway performances from as early as the 1940’s to today. Oh! If you get a chance to see some take an hour and watch. Its so inspiring! It really revives that feeling in us. Just LOVING what we do, and celebrating Broadway and the incredible talent that’s out there.   I got the dates for filming MY FATHER’S WILL! I got a call from the wardrobe department, the A.D. and was invited to the production launch party this Tuesday night. So the film is in full swing! I will be done filming June 15th. I’m excited to start. I will be getting the final script in the mail this week. The part is not cute and sweet….I hope there isn’t too many swear words in it. I’ll try to keep it clean Mom. 🙂   I also had dinner with my friend Judy Blazer and Natalie (from LADY ON A CAROUSEL cast) yesterday. I love those girls! We are getting ready to have the private reading May 14th. The composer sent me the new second act song, and I’ve been going through my script, getting familiar with the material again. There may be a fully staged workshop this June. I’m not sure the details yet. You know how it is. Always hard to plan life.   I am also working with a guitar player on my May 27th gig at the Singer/Songwriter Sessions at The Bitter End. I’ll be singing 4 original songs. Playing one live on the piano! Agh! My guitar player, Rich LaRocca, encouraged me to do it. I’m practicing once a day for an hour gearing up. Its hard to sing and play together (especially when you have no formal piano training). But…I think I’m going to be fine. We’ll see. I’ll let you know how things progress. 🙂   I really feel like this week has been a little bit of a whirlwind. I’m sitting here trying to remember everything that happened. 🙂 I worked The Sample Sales on Friday. Its the TSE sale. Such gorgeous cashmere sweaters and really nice clothes. I know where I will shop when I have the money that’s for sure. 🙂 They put me in the baby section, so I spent the day folding cashmere baby clothes that sell for $1000 a piece. Just crazy…   Speaking of babies… “Cinderella” spoke to Madelyn again this week. She is SO FUNNY! And she’s so proud Cinderella called her! I wonder if she is being better about potty training? Let me know Lainie. Its not everyday a Disney Princess gets to help a little girl go potty in the toilet. 🙂     Isn’t she the cutest! Madelyn with her “B”    Well…Shonn and I are off to get ready to see SPIDERMAN 3 at The Lincoln Center IMax Theater! We got the tickets from our good friend and current roomie Tim Huang. Tim just bought his first apartment and while its in escrow (I think that’s what its called)…he needed a place to stay. He’s the best! We’re having such a great time. We’ve already played Wii Games together and went to dinner with his girlfriend Diane (who is equally as wonderful).    Shonn’s listening to John Raitt sing the “Carousel Soliloquy” on www.bluegobo.com and I am getting chills! You know he never had a singing lesson? Some people are just meant to sing. To bring chills to people like us. He is unbelievable!!   Ok, we’re off for the day. I’m sending you all lots of love and happiness for this coming week!   Please send updates on what’s going on with you. I love to hear them! Timea we love you’re updates…and pregnant pictures! We can’t wait to meet Baby Zim! 🙂 We’re way over due for a Florida trip.   OK, HAPPY MAY!       Much love,   Mer & Shonn

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 13 May 2007 10:00:18 EDT
Subject: Sunday: Happy Mother’s Day!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Hello everyone!   Happy Mother’s Day!   Its gorgeous here in NYC. Beth and I are here having coffee and waking up. She flew in from Michigan yesterday. Herb is flying in this afternoon and we’re all going to see Shonn’s show tonight.   Yes! Shonn opened in STAIRWAY TO PARADISE this past week! Here’s a little clip of a review:   “It’s altogether common to leave a City Center Encores! production thinking, “They don’t write ’em like that anymore.” It’s a sentiment sure to be shared upon exiting Stairway to Paradise,….and there could hardly be a more adorable set of young lovers than Jenn Gambatese and Shonn Wiley, who delight with delicious renditions of “Manhattan” and “Rhode Island Is Famous For You.”  – Theatermania.com   To see photos go to http://www.playbill.com/news/article/107987.html     Shonn did such an amazing job in the show. I am so proud! I got to see the show twice already with my friends Patti, Allan, Kirsten, Ann, and Schmoozie! I can’t wait to see the show again this evening. The show closes tomorrow night, so if you can snag a ticket, I’d say GO!! 🙂 Oh! We got to meet Sandy Duncan backstage. I told her I was your student Lois! Sandy was smiling ear to ear and said to give you her love! 🙂   Well, I don’t want to take up too much time writing….but this past week I’ve been gearing up for the reading of “Lady on a Carousel”. We meet tomorrow, and throw it together for the creative team. Its just a private reading. There’s a new number to open the second act, but its just being “tuned up” and refined. We do the full workshop/reading in June.   Shonn and I also went to the kick off cast party of the film “My Father’s Will”, I got to meet everyone in the cast. Ron Silver is no longer playing my husband. Its now Gerry Bamman (who is very nice! The rest of the cast is listed on IMDB.com.) I also read the newly revised script of the film “My Father’s Will”, and my character is now named ‘Cat’ (short for Catherine) which is better than Hilda. 🙂 And I have some really funny scenes that were added too. I’m really looking forward to starting to film. I’m going to get fake nails put on at the end of the month when filming begins for me…this is the type of character that would absolutely have them. 🙂   Yesterday morning I spoke at AMDA (with my friend and former AMDA classmate Chris Jackson) for the attending students. It was a Q&A panal consisting of Chris and I, then a recent graduate Samantha and some current students. It was really fun to be able to sit and answer questions about the business, life in New York and offer advice. Giving back is what life is all about right?   Alright…time to get back to Mother’s Day!   Happy Mother’s Day to all the mother’s out there…and my Mom!   Lots of love,   Mer & Shonn xoxo

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 21 May 2007 16:20:44 EDT
Subject: Sunday/Monday Letter: Birthday Surprise and Girl’s Brunch!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 27 May 2007 12:31:53 EDT
Subject: Sunday: Memorial Day Weekend
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Shonn and I are enjoying our Sunday morning with our usual cup o’ coffee (and pretty soon) some hash browns, turkey bacon and egg beaters. Watching a little of Brad and Angelina in Mr. & Mrs.
Smith….we love this movie!

 

This past week we were fortunate enough to see Coram Boy on Broadway ($25 tickets). An amazing theatrical experience. We were fortunate enough because today it performs for the last time. After 6 Tony Nominations, its closing. That’s a sad part of our business. It was truly the best play I’ve seen on Broadway in a long time.

 

Friday night our friend Charles was thrown a surprise party. It was fun for Shonn and I to be on the other side of the surprise. It was a really fun night. 🙂 The only thing was it was a little hot in the apartment. It was about 85 degrees that night…which I think is pretty strange for the end of May. We have a long summer coming up if its already 85 degrees and humid.

 

I know I’ve mentioned it before, but I am just in love with these products my sister Lainie recommended to me. I love them so much, I am looking into working for the company part time. Consultants receive %35 discount on the products and

 

Shonn wanted me to mention that The Detroit Pistons are up 2-0 in Eastern Conference Finals. I’m not really sure what else to add to that other than, GO PISTONS! 🙂

 

Speaking of sports, little Michael hit the ball twice in last weeks little league game. My Dad sent Shonn and I the video. It is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. He’s only 5, and already he can hit the ball and run the bases. Lainie says he loves baseball. She had to explain to him that it only lasts until the season ends. If you want to watch the video copy and paste
this link…..https://wwmws.com//video_files/MichaelHuthHitsBall.html.
Its SO CUTE!

I had rehearsal this week at Ultrasound Studios for my little gig TONIGHT @ The Bitter End Singer Songwriter Sessions. Its only 3 songs, but I’m looking forward to getting up there and having fun. For those of you who can’t be there, there is a LIVE WEBCAST of the show @ www.bitterend.com (click on “Start The Show”).  Its from 7-12am NYC Time. I go on from 8:45pm – 9pm. Its a $5 cover for those of you who might come. 🙂

 

And finally…last night Shonn, our friend Schmoozie, and I went to go see Pirates Of The Carribean! Oh yummy Johnny Depp.
It was a lot of fun. Shonn and I got there early to save seats and we had hot dogs, popcorn and soda for dinner. Mmmmm…yummy junk. 🙂

 

Last (but definitly not least of importance) is Memorial Day. A day which I choose to focus on the heart and sacrifice of the soldiers who have fought in wars throughout the nations history…not just this war and all that continues to go wrong. This week the Democrats caved and gave our president even more money to keep the war going (without a definite plan to get the troops out). I truly just continue to pray for the lives of the soldiers (on both sides). War is never the answer.
 

 

May you all have a wonderful relaxing weekend.

 

Much love to you all!

 

Mer & Shonn

xoxo

 

 

From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 4 Jun 2007 10:55:37 EDT
Subject: Sunday/Monday Letter
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2007 12:21:46 EDT
Subject: Sunday: Sopranos, Tennis, & Tony’s
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 18 Jun 2007 11:58:35 EDT
Subject: Fwd: Sunday: HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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Well, let me know if you get it. 🙂

 

Love,

 

Mer

xoxo

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Subject: Sunday: HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!
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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Wed, 27 Jun 2007 10:36:49 EDT
Subject: Its Wednesday not Sunday….what gives?
To: MerieNYC@aol.com
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I know, I know…I missed the regular Sunday letter time, and for a very good reason… Shonn and I were unplugged (no cell phone, no Internet) at our cottage in Maine last weekend! Ah, yes…. what a relaxing time. Well, the place had been closed up for the winter, and the pipes didn’t hold up as well as we thought. We spent the first day mowing the grass down and getting the place situated. We’re in need of some repair and “mending”. But we’re looking forward to the day when we can build a brand new place and a huge lodge on the hill to invite family to visit. Oh yes, we have big dreams for those acres of land.

 

More on the Maine trip later….

 

This past week Shonn and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary. Thank you all for your greetings, and online animated cards. You are the best! We had a wonderful night. Tuesday night Shonn and I got “duded up” and went to The New Leaf in Ft Tryon Park up here in “Canada”. I opened the door to the apartment after a long day of auditions to Shonn standing in the foyer dressed for dinner with 3 dozen roses, candles lit, jazz music, and a big smile! It was such a perfect entrance into the apartment. 🙂 The night was gorgeous. Perfect for dinner in the park. We had a 2 hour dinner, wine, dessert and reminisced about the past 3 years. I never believed it as a kid, but time really does fly by. We agreed not to get each other gifts, going out to eat and spending the night together was gift enough. But, Shonn had bought me something from Cristofle months ago. I didn’t mind getting the gorgeous pieces, but…my gift paled in comparison. But…come on…. the new Michael Buble album is pretty freakin’ good! 🙂

 

I worked 2 days as a promo model this past week for a Technology Trade Show at The Hilton Hotel here in NYC. It was what one of my co-workers called, “A Geek Fest” and “Pocket Protector Central”. But, honestly, I was fascinated with the whole “world”. I don’t travel in those circles and it was interesting to learn about new things. I worked for a company called Scalent Systems (who is based in Palo Alto, CA). A “server recovery” company. I really had to learn what to say to get people to come to our booth.
This was sort of what I said, “Good morning. Does your company run VM wear? Do you have Disaster Recovery for your server? Basically what we do is bring your server back in 5 minutes or less if you have a crash.” And if that didn’t work I said, “Scalent won The 2007 Technology Of The Year Award, so we must be doing something right.”  I think people just approached me cause I looked them in the eye, smiled and said hello….and I sounded like I knew what I was talking about. But, inadvertently, someone would start speaking “tech” to me, and I would smile and say, “Kevin, can answer any specific tech questions”. Then I would listen to Kevin speak…and I can’t even joke about what he said cause it was that foreign. But, I was paid a hefty sum to stand there for 2 days, smile, and lure people to the Scalent Booth. If you are curious, and speak the language (Dad), check out www.scalent.com.

 

After the long week, Shonn and I decided to call our agents and “book out” for Friday and Monday. We rented a car (ended up being a sports car!) and drive up to our property in Maine for the weekend.
It was gorgeous or “gah-gess”(insert Maine accent here).  As I mentioned, we spent the first day getting the place back in order, but then Aunt Bette, Mike & Elise took us out to dinner at Rolando’s! It was so yummy! And so great to spend time with Aunt Bette, Mike & Elise. I had the surf and turf.
Lobster! Yum! I don’t think I can ever get enough Maine Lobster when I visit.
Its just phenomenal.

 

When we visit Maine, we literally need a day to get our adrenaline levels down. It is such a nice slow pace, and after being in NYC, it really takes awhile to get acclimated. First, we get on the sleeping schedule of Maine. Which is, wake up with the sun, go to sleep when its dark. So by the end of the trip, I was ready to go to sleep at 9pm and wake up at 5am.
This morning I “slept in” and woke up at 7am. Not typical for a theater girl. 🙂

 

We grilled out one night, watched the fireflies come out and looked at the huge clusters of stars the next. I think we watched the TV for 20 minutes the whole time we were there. We just unplugged. In fact, we decided to not drive back until yesterday morning (leaving at 5 am and arriving in NYC by 11 am).

 

Monday we decided to go hiking (this is the story of the trip). Elise has hiked Mt. Pleasant many times and told us in great detail how to get to this trail “Bald Peak Trail”. There were little stone steps leading from the road. Shonn and I got special hiking backpacks, filled with water and snacks and headed on the trail at about 11 am. We got all the way top the top through gorgeous paths and sat and had some snacks. It was lovely! We decided to head back about 15 minutes later. The trail heads another way towards Bald Peak and then back down. We decided to walk that way instead of take the trail back down the way we came up (I think you can guess were this is going). We walked along the ridge of Bald Peak, and saw another gorgeous view. It was about 1pm at this time. We tried walking with the markers on the trail but they weren’t clear. We got to another peak and saw some other hikers (up to this point there wasn’t anyone else). We asked them, fearing we were lost, “How did you guys come up? We went Sue’s Way from Balk Peak Trail”. They didn’t know what we were talking about but said they came up the “Fireman’s Trail” and that was a way to get back down. They said, “Our car is parked at the bottom, if you need, we’ll drive you to your car. Don’t worry you won’t be stranded.” We smiled, thinking, “Oh that’s nice of them. But we’ll find our car.” We walked down Fireman’s Trail, and the trail just kept on going…and going. By this time, I was almost out of water, and the bugs were flying around Shonn’s head. We tried making light of it, whistling, but feeling…we were lost. Now being lost in some place like Yosemite is fine. Its very tourist friendly. But the woods in Maine!? Um, not the same at all. In fact, I thought we were going to see a Bull Moose and be done for.

 

Eventually the trail ended, and we were on a dirt road with a house and a pasture…..we had no idea where we were. But we did see the other hikers car, so that was good. I almost sat under a tree nearby and cried. I was tired, my feet and ankles hurt. By this time it was 3pm and we had been hiking (in rough turrain) for 4 hours. I slipped once, didn’t hurt myself thank god, but we were muddy, wet and just beat. We had our “track fone” (a cell phone for Maine) and called Elise. She said we had climbed up over the mountain and were on the other side. 5 miles from our car!! We weren’t sure when the other hikers were going to come back and I was out of water. It was a hot day and walking back wasn’t an option. Thankfully, we heard voices….it was the hikers. They kept there promise and offered us a ride. They were SAINTS named Rich and Sue from New Hampshire. Thank god they were hiking that day as well.

 

We got back to our car and everything was fine.
We had dinner with Aunt Bette, Mike and Elise that night and laughed about it.
It turns out we just missed the markings for the other trail that took us back down. Boy, we’ll never make that mistake again.

 

And with that I will leave you with some pictures of the hiking trip….sorry we don’t have any of us getting lost…we forgot that would be funny later. 🙂

 

 

The beginning of the trip….

See the trail? Exactly….

Aren’t I stylish?

That’s Moose Pond..and miles of pine!

Moose Pond Yeah!!

Or is it Muscle Pond?

Yeah, girls are strong too!

Boy Rule

 

 Much love to you all!

 

Keep in touch and here’s to a great summer!

 

Love,

Mer & Shonn

xoxo

 

 

 

 

 

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Hi Nanc,

Good to hear from you.  Glad to hear that you are enjoying Merie’s letters.  Bill and I are no longer on the "preferred reader’s list" so not sure what philosophy my daughter is touting this week.  The visit that she and Shonn had in California early July did not go well (and that is kind).  She mentioned briefly about "family drama" in her letter after she returned to NY.   Remember "Whose Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"  and "Long Days Journey Into Night"      Well……I have my own play to write….not sure what the title will be yet…….but Merie and Shonn’s version I know will be WAY different than mine.     Somewhere in the middle lies the real facts.  Anyway……onward….

Anyway, girl…..5 YRS!!!!……on Wednesday!!!!!……..I know it still hurts…….you lost your innocence…….you lost everything you believed in………BUT…….girl……you have taken lemons and made LEMONADE!!!!!!!…….you are a SURVIVOR……you have come out of this better as you said…….I am with you in spirit at the Cape…..

I am remembering the WONDERFUL time I had with you and Kevin and Jo Anne last summer at the Cape.    This summer has been difficult, because emotionally I DON’T want to be here.   Anyway…it is almost over.  Two weeks til school.   I have contracted a couple of new clients and that will help a lot.  One is an infant and haven’t had an infant in a long time.  Her mother is a teacher so I will only have her during the school year.  I am hoping this will help me connect with teachers and only contract with them.  They don’t need care during the SUMMER!!!!!  YEAH!!!!

Just finished filing my SS benefits.  They will start in Nov.  I am putting them directly into my Roth IRA.  I know I am getting less for filing early but I am investing them so hopefully that is a smart move.  Bill is taking his IBM retirement in January 08.  He is going to invest that in his Roth IRA until it reaches the max and then just add it to a savings account at 5% interest. 

He starts a new job with Cal State Univ. East Bay Campus tomorrow.  Not paying him what he is worth, but at least it is a positive income and better than $0 an hour.

I told him a couple of weeks ago that I was holding back on advertising for my day care because I was hoping he would still be hired by someone, anyone!!  I told him if he didn’t get hired by Sept.  I would have to advertise and interview for my full capacity license and he would have to work for me!!  I think his Guardian Angel heard me because the Cal State job came in about 7 days later.  He really isn’t qualified to be my assistant.  He doesn’t have the Early Childhood Education Units and he doesn’t take direction well. 

Have an wonderful time in the Cape.  I love you and I miss you terribly. 

All my love to you, the boys, and the grand kids

Hugs and Kisses
Donna

 

At 10:01 AM 8/12/2007, you wrote:

Merie –
 
Thanks for a wonderful letter.  I have been trying to live by that philosophy for the last couple of years after coming to terms with my new station in life.  It will be 5 years on Wednesday of this coming week that he left and I am a much better person for it.  I’m leaving for 3 days on Cape Cod tomorrow morning.  I cannot be in this house on August 15 – too many horrid ghosts of that date.
 
I saw Ian, Brendan, Bryan, Bart and the grandkids in the course of last week.
Not all at the same time though.  Ian has been working at the concert venue at Bethel Woods (AKA Woodstock) for the last few weekends and comes and borrows a car each time.  I’ve seen more of him this summer than I had in the last 2 years!  I had lunch with Bren, Bart and his kids Meggie and Adam on Wednesday.  Then yesterday Bryan came and spent the whole day working with me in the yard.  I was such a mess I was getting ready to hire a herd of goats to come in and graze for a few days.
 
Still three weeks until school starts.  I have 5 or 6 babysitting dates between now and then, my trip to the Cape, a Phillies game, and tons of house cleaning to do between now and then.  I’m still working out 2 times a week with a trainer and exercising (walking or biking) almost every day and feeling much better.
 
My final goal for the summer is to see "Becoming Jane" – I love everything Jane Austin has ever written and want to see the movie about her life.
 
Have a good week – looking forward to next week’s letter.
 
Nancy
 
 

MerieNYC@aol.com wrote:

Hello everyone,

 

Sunday has crept up on me this week. It just seemed to be a "fast week". All of a sudden I turned around and its Sunday again. A lot happened in a short amount of time.

 

The week started with hearing the news that Mr.
Herb Menges, my neighbor from Pleasant Hill, slipped into a coma and passed away. He was 81 and had really lived a full life. I was sad to miss the funeral that I believe was on Friday. He as buried in the Oakmont Memorial Cemetery that overlooks Pleasant Hill, because he said he wanted to overlook the neighborhood. He was a loving, generous, intelligent, witty and wonderful man. I am so fortunate we had that hour with him at the hospital before we left in July. We said our goodbye’s then, but it still hurts to know he’s gone. Shonn and I will always cherish the last Thanksgiving we had with him (pictured below). God bless you Herb. 

  

 

 

 

Thanksgiving 2006 (Mr. Menges in pink shirt)

When someone close to me passes away, I do what anyone does. Go through the 5 stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and finally Acceptance. But with Mr Menges, it was different.
I had my time with him to say goodbye. He wasn’t scared, he wasn’t angry, he was in a strange way, calm. He seemed ready. Although he was talking about getting out of the hospital, doing physical therapy, getting back to life…he also said he is a realist. He’s had a full happy life. Its strange, but I feel like he is still happy and in a better place moving on to a bigger reality.

 

So after hearing of his passing, I really started applying my life as Herb would. Really living life to the fullest. Listening to great big band swing jazz in the apartment, calling friends I haven’t talked to in a long time, taking walks and enjoying the simple things. I have some lavender essential oil I keep next to my bed.
At night before I go to sleep I dab a drop in my hands and take 5 deep breaths and relax my entire body from the tip of my head to my toes. In about 5 minutes I’m asleep. Ah, its heaven.

 

Also this past week, I had 2 auditions for new television shows that film here in New York. Gossip Girl, and my callback for producers on All My Children. I really made an effort to not think of the enormity of it all, and just relax, and perform. Enjoy myself, and my opportunity to act. Even if it was an "audition". It really helped me, and I wasn’t nervous. I just let it flow.

 

I had coffee with my friend Emily (who’s in the musical CHICAGO). It was great to see her! Shonn and I saw CHICAGO on Friday night. My friend Melissa was on for Velma and we couldn’t have been more proud of her!! It has been her dream to play that role for years, and to see that dream realized right before my eyes was something to behold. She was radiant. We all went out for drinks afterwards. We sat there and discussed modern art versus impressionism, the subtext of Hitchcock movies, and what shows were slated for the upcoming Broadway season. It was eclectic to say the least. Columnist Michael Reidel, Melissa’s friend Leslie & Christina were all at the table as well. We closed the restaurant, I’ll tell ya that! It was a great night.

 

Then Shonn had planned a "date" for Saturday night. I went down to Starbucks to meet a friend Anna, then after our coffee date, Shonn told me to meet him at Pietrasanta (one of our favorite restaurants) at 6:30 for dinner. He didn’t tell me what the night was about. Just to meet him and to dress nice. We had lobster ravioli, a bottle of yummy Chilean wine. Then at about 7:40 we got ready to leave. I said, "Where are we going?" Shonn said "Not far, don’t worry." I thought it was so exciting to not know where the night was headed.

 

Then we started walking east and mingling with the theater crowd on 45th street. I looked at Shonn and he had a little grin on his face. I saw marquee’s for many Broadway show’s. Avenue Q, A Chorus Line, etc. Then I see in between the lights the marquee for Frost Nixon. I turned to Shonn and said, "Do we have tickets to Frost Nixon!!?" He smiled at me and pulled 2 tickets out of his pocket as we walked into the theater!! I got the chills and couldn’t believe it! Frost Nixon is a play we have been wanting to see and have been talking about seeing for weeks. Its the play that won Frank Langella the 2007 Tony Award. Its also slated to close in 2 weeks. So getting a ticket isn’t easy, but Shonn did thank god!!

 

We had 10th row center. I nearly cried when the show started. It is played without an intermission, and we were just mesmerized for 2 hours. The acting on every level was nothing short of spectacular. Michael Sheen, who played David Frost, is phenomenal. But Frank Langella……I cannot say enough about his performance. I have been wanting to see him play Richard Nixon, see his total embodiment and transformation of the man, since the show opened. I sat there watching him just be Nixon. Not impersonate him in any way shape or form. Just be Nixon. And like I said, I was completely mesmerized. The show ended and I burst into tears. I really did! It hasn’t happened to me since I saw Coram Boy. It made me want to be a better actor. It set my standards for Broadway higher, my standards for acting higher. It made me want every show on Broadway to be that good.

 

Shonn and I were a little stunned walking outside after the show. We started talking about how playing Nixon paralleled with my difficult task of playing another famous person, Marilyn Monroe. Seeing that show helped me more than anything ever could.
Just know Marilyn so well, down to her pinkie finger, so I can just be.
Not impersonate, but just be Marilyn. Oh, what a lesson. Shonn gave me the best gift last night. What a wonderful date!
www.frostnixononbroadway.com

 

I also scheduled myself a full body massage yesterday morning at a wonderful spa called SAVA SPA on 187th and Pinehurst. Like I said, I just took the initiative to live life this week. And live life I did.

 

This has been a long letter, and I apologize, I want you all to get away from your computers and enjoy life to the fullest too! 🙂 Get outside into the fresh air and sunshine!  I hope this finds you all happy and healthy. I hope to see or talk to you all very soon.

 

Until next week I am sending you much love and happiness!

 

Mer & Shonn

xoxo

---

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I know I say this every time the month ends but, boy time is flying! The summer is over and now fall is approaching.
Crazy huh?

 

This past week we recorded the demo for LADY ON A CAROUSEL at Sound Associates Studio on 45th Street! It was a small intimate studio, Larry Yurman (musical director for Bway’s GREY GARDENS) and Robb Sapp, Nathalie and I were all in one room recording our songs. Larry would play and our mike stands were only a few feet away and we’d sing (of course). We did a few takes of the 9 songs picked for the demo. We listened back to them, punched in some phrases, and continued on. It was a quick process, but its just a demo. Chase, our producer had meetings this weekend with theaters. I don’t know if its moving forward quickly or tenaciously, or both? I’m hoping for the latter. You know you’ll hear when I hear.

 

Wednesday we were planning to take a four day trip to Maine with Beth and Herb. Herb came into NYC Tuesday night, we had dinner and he stayed in the guest room. Nice to be able to have a NYC apartment big enough to have a guest room right? Its rare. It was so great to see him and catch up on his life on the road. We weren’t able to commit to going up to Maine this time around because for some reason I’ve had a lot TV and FILM auditions. I had 1 on Wednesday, 2 on Thursday and 1 on Friday. All of which I haven’t heard anything about. I also got a chance to meet with the director for GOING DOWN SWINGIN’ the NYMF show I’m doing. Speaking of, we start rehearsals tomorrow! We only have 6 performances, but its a full production. We’re trying to rehearse and audition and work whatever survival job we all have. Its a crazy schedule to accomplish, but we’re actors…that’s what we do!

 

So with all that activity this past week, I’ve been taking the weekend to catch up on life. Spend time with Shonn, return phone calls, and relax and watch a movie. Shonn and I saw Sullivan’s Travels last night. On our list of one of the top 100 movies of all time. I have to say, if you are a fan of the dialogue used in those 40’s movies, please see this movie. The first scene alone deserves applause. Its just snappy, inventive, and witty. Scripts like that just aren’t written anymore. Its an amazing heartfelt movie. And I love Veronica Lake, the peek-a-boo girl!

 

Well, I’m off to work Arbonne for a few hours today. I have orders to take, and if anyone would like to place an order or talk to me about it please call 917-673-4988. I’ll be working until about 5pm EST. 🙂

 

Hope you all have a great week!

 

“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer

 

Mer

xoxo 

 

 

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2007 17:50:27 EST
Subject: Sunday/Monday: A Difficult yet Wonderful Week
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Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2008 12:49:47 EST
Subject: Last Sunday in January: Birthday’s, Boston Legal, American In Paris and Obama!
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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2008 11:46:29 EST
Subject: Sunday….
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So I have to start with last Sunday when the NY Giants won the Super Bowl! That was pretty crazy. It was a great game and we had so much fun here at the apartment. Shonn’s Chili was a hit! We are still eating the left overs. 🙂 Thanks to everyone who came over!

 

Then Tuesday was SUPER! I voted for Barack, even though Hillary won our state of NY. I’m surprised that even against The Clinton Machine, Barack Obama Fever is sweeping the nation! 🙂 Shonn and I stayed up pretty late on Tuesday night watching the election results unfold. Democrats came out to vote in record numbers! That is the best thing I heard the whole night! I don’t care who you vote for just as long as you make your voice heard!

 

This past week I had an audition every day for something. It was wonderful. I went in for a new movie called The Proposal and The Untitled Sam Mendes Film. I also was rehearsing every day for Dance Break which is coming up on Monday! 🙂 I feel a little self conscious about it because our number is closing the whole show. We are the only tap number, so I think its fitting to go out with a bang! I just hope people love it. 🙂

 

I have a 5 hour fitting this coming Tuesday for “An American In Paris”. And I found out we are rehearsing in Houston. So I’m going to be in Texas from March 23rd – June 23rd. Its going to be hard to be away, but I have a furnished place, and a car, and some great people in the cast. It will be a fun time. Carrie Robbins is the costume designer…she designed White Christmas….so I know I’m in good hands.

 

I went to the Mercedes Benz Arbonne Presentation this week as well.
I met some really great women, and we picked out our cars! 🙂 Some of us had coffee afterwards. They are all models, actresses, or mortgage brokers. Its interesting to hear people’s perspective’s on life, business, etc. Plus its just great to meet new people. www.meredithwiley.myarbonne.com

 

This letter is short. It will be refreshing from the novel’s I’ve been writing. I’m off to run some errands before rehearsal for Dance Break tonight.

 

Last but NOT AT ALL LEAST….Madelyn’s Birthday is tomorrow. Miss you so much Maddy! Uncle Shonn and I wish we could be there to give you a big hug and kiss! Have a great birthday!!

 

 

 

I miss everyone a lot. 

 

Talk to you soon!

 

Mer

xoxo 

 

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2008 11:13:44 EST
Subject: Sunday Letter: Part I
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Boy oh Boy….its been 4 weeks. 4 weeks?

 

Really?

Oops!

 

My habitual ritual of writing every Sunday morning was obviously severely interrupted. The following will fill you in on what exciting developments have occurred in the Wiley Household. 🙂

 

So we’re going all the way back to February 16th. Kyrah’s Birthday weekend! That’s how far behind I am. I’m sending a very late Sunday Letter Shout Out to Kyrah!

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

 

The week of Feb 11th-16th started with me performing in Dance Break 08 www.dancebreak.org. I got to sing and rhythm tap the song “Anything Goes” (word on the street is there is a revival headed to Broadway, but that’s all I know). I wish I had some pictures, but I didn’t take any. I was too nervous to get out there and do a great job (without proper rehearsal). I’ve realized I’m a little bit of a perfectionist with myself. If I don’t get enough rehearsal, I get horribly nervous. So I was backstage about ready to go on (we closed the whole show) and everyone’s talking about who is in the audience (Jerry Mitchell, Kevin McCullom, Walter Bobbie, etc) all these big wigs of Broadway.
I’m taking big deep breaths and start saying to myself, “There are bigger things going on in the world right now”. I turned to one of the guys in the number with me who asked me what I said, “I said there are bigger things going on right now. Somewhere someone just had a baby, someone just lost a loved one, someone is about to go into surgery”. He looked at me and started laughing. “Way to be positive Mer.” I said, “No, I’m trying to lessen the importance of this moment so I will go out there and have fun and not worry so much. Not be a nervous wreck. Its just tap dancing and singing, right? This is what I love to do, so I have to go out there and have a blast doing it!” Then I could see his face change and he said, “Yeah, I agree.” They called our name and the music started, I took a deep breath and I sang “Times have changed….” and off we went. And my philosophy worked! The number was so much fun!! And we got a great reaction.

 

On Tuesday, it was all over. I was so happy to be back to normal. Doing Dance Break is wonderful, and it may gain me great exposure, but it was done without being paid. We volunteered our time. Which, as a starving artist, is very hard to do. But I did it, and immediately I went back to work. I had promo modeling scheduled with BF9 Media, Selling Arbonne and collecting unemployment. I also started a mantra, “Money comes to me easily and frequently”. I put it up on my vision board, and look at it daily. All of a sudden, 3 residual checks came in the mail!!
Because of the writer’s strike, Boston Legal was on repeats, so I got money from them, and money from Broken Flowers playing overseas. The power of residuals is huge, I get it, and I am aiming for more of that kind of work. Another thing I put on my vision board is “Recurring Contract with Boston Legal”. So we’ll see if that comes to fruition.

 

I had my first American In Paris fitting that week. It was exciting! I was there for about 5 hours. No pay, of course.
But the costumes are going to be stunning. I am such a creature of the 1950’s. The costume designer is the same from White Christmas, Carrie Robbins. She said to me, “Its like you have been teleported from 1950! Its outrageous!” She put a dress on me that is vintage and it fit like a glove. She couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t believe it. I’m sure if I had a past life regression done I would find I lived in that era. Its just unexplainable.

 

Valentine’s Day was very romantic. Shonn and I decided not to do traditional gifts, but to make each other dinner and exchange cards. That was our gift. It was perfect and so fun! We just hung out with each other. That’s what we like to do when we have no money. Just enjoy each other’s company. I’m sure there will be a time when that will be the most priceless thing money can’t buy.

 

Ok…on to the next week….I don’t want you guys falling asleep on me! 🙂

 

The following week I started rehearsals for Broadway By The Year:1947 for Town Hall. I met with our Musical Director Ross Patterson (of no relation) and with my friend Jeffry Denman (who directed and choreographed the show). I was slated to sing and dance 3 songs, none of which I knew. So I was off to learn 3 new songs. And I also didn’t get paid for this. But its one of those things you do in New York. You do these wonderful shows because you never get to perform this material, and its great exposure, and you do get something like $200 at the end of it. But its not about the money. These are gigs they ask you to do when you are in a Broadway show. Which most of the cast was, but alas, I was not. So, trying to do promo modeling gigs and rehearse was very tiresome. I don’t want to sound like I’m complaining at all….but I have to pay bills, rent and eat. So, Shonn and I both were working promo gigs, and Shonn went off for a weekend to Denver to perform in an industrial. That threw some great money our way.

 

Shonn was also in the process of rehearsing a concert for our good friend/composer Tim Huang. So he was doing double duty as well.

 

On the 24th of February, I held my monthly Beauty Brunch for Arbonne. I had some great girls come over for mimosa’s and brunch munchies. All of them ended up buying product (which was very nice) and it was so fun to catch up and socialize. I wish I had pictures from that event, but I didn’t take any. I was having too much fun!
🙂 www.meredithwiley.myarbonne.com I have had some wonderful people contact me about buying, and it blows my mind. I wasn’t sure at first that anyone I knew would be interested.
Now I have producers I’ve worked with, and choreographers who are buying from me. Even my general practitioner is interested! Pretty cool. I just love using the product, so getting paid to spread the word is a fabulous plus. Oh and the Mercedes Benz Bonus….I’m going off right now to test drive one. I’m bringing my camera so I’ll put that in the letter tomorrow! 🙂  

 

And that’s where I’m going to leave this part of the Sunday Letter! Until tomorrow morning when I tackle the next 2 weeks. 2 weeks!? Oh yes, I can’t believe how far behind I am…..

 

Much love,

 

Mer

xoxo  

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From: MerieNYC@aol.com
Date: Sun, 9 Mar 2008 14:09:00 EDT
Subject: Sunday Letter: Part II, Spring Forward!
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Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2008 02:00:25 -0700 (PDT)
From: string bass
Subject: Jazz/ BBQ Jam Session San Francisco 03/21/08 Sunday 1Pm until…
To: Steve Nelson ,
alex friedman ,
bob danielson ,
byron briggs ,
Bob Marshall , Bruce williams ,
Damu Sudi Ali , Carla Vaughn ,
Chris Reece ,
christopher simmons ,
elsu m , walter earl ,
Guy Gash , glenn iwaoka ,
Michael Haughey , Rafael Acevedo ,
James Nelson ,
Mike Nourie , Nick Fong ,
Jeffrey Orchard ,
marco picone , robert quon ,
guy , kirk tamura ,
Tony Johns , shaffer ,
sam ahtye , Archie White ,
Kenya J T ,
Bill Patterson , John ,
Richard Harris ,
“RICHKALMAN@aol.com”
X-user: ::::208.70.89.178:box296.bluehost.com::::::

Greetings Folks,

Jazz /BBQ Jam Session San Francisco 03/21/08 Sunday 1Pm until…

Address:             247 Louisberg, (3 blocks from  Balboa Bart station)
                           San Francisco, CA 94112
Phone:                415-585-7857 
Time:                  1:00pm until… Come one come all…
Instruments:       Drums, Piano, PA sys on-site ready to be played.
Phone:                415-585-7857  call for more info…

Keep on swingin,
Haruwn
415-412-3592

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Date: 21 Mar 2008 09:33:04 -0700
Delivered-To: walter@walterearlmusic.com
To: Bill Patterson
From: walter@walterearlmusic.com
Subject: [Auto-Reply] Re: Jazz/ BBQ Jam Session San Francisco 03/21/08 Sunday 1Pm
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hello world it’s walter earl

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Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2008 20:43:21 -0700 (PDT)
From: string bass
Subject: Re: Jazz/ BBQ Jam Session San Francisco 03/21/08 Sunday 1Pm until…
To: Bill Patterson
X-user: ::::208.70.89.171:box296.bluehost.com::::::

Yes indeed Easter Sunday March 23,2008!

Bill Patterson <bill1229@wwmgmt.com> wrote:

You do mean the 23rd…Easter..right?  Sounds fun

At 02:00 AM 3/21/2008, string bass wrote:

Greetings Folks,

Jazz /BBQ Jam Session San Francisco 03/21/08 Sunday 1Pm until…

Address:             247 Louisberg, (3 blocks from  Balboa Bart station)
                           San Francisco, CA 94112
Phone:                415-585-7857 
Time:                  1:00pm until… Come one come all…
Instruments:       Drums, Piano, PA sys on-site ready to be played.
Phone:                415-585-7857  call for more info…

Keep on swingin,
Haruwn
415-412-3592

Envelope-to: bill1229@wwmgmt.com
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Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:18:11 -0700 (PDT)
From: string bass
Subject: Jazz /BBQ Jam Session San Francisco 03/23/08 Sunday 1Pm until…
To: Steve Nelson ,
alex friedman ,
bob danielson ,
byron briggs ,
Bob Marshall , Bruce williams ,
Damu Sudi Ali , Carla Vaughn ,
Chris Reece ,
christopher simmons ,
elsu m , walter earl ,
Guy Gash , glenn iwaoka ,
Michael Haughey , Rafael Acevedo ,
James Nelson ,
Mike Nourie , Nick Fong ,
Jeffrey Orchard ,
marco picone , robert quon ,
guy , kirk tamura ,
Tony Johns , shaffer ,
sam ahtye , Archie White ,
Kenya J T ,
Bill Patterson , John ,
Richard Harris ,
“RICHKALMAN@aol.com” , dmeletiche@gmail.com
X-user: ::::208.70.89.135:box296.bluehost.com::::::

Greetings Folks,

Correction on date should be the 23ard of March this Easter Sunday…

Jazz /BBQ Jam Session San Francisco 03/23/08 Sunday 1Pm until…

Address:             247 Louisberg, (3 blocks from  Balboa Bart station)
                           San Francisco, CA 94112
Phone:                415-585-7857 
Time:                  1:00pm until… Come one come all…
Instruments:       Drums, Piano, PA sys on-site ready to be played.
Phone:                415-585-7857  call for more info…

Keep on swingin,
Haruwn
415-412-3592