Tag Archives: Laughter

Friendship Is A Beautiful Thing!!

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My dear friend, her family, and their dog traveled this summer to…

Door County, Wisconsin…

Let’s take a look at her beautiful photos!!

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Ahhhh…peace and quiet!!

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I see their dog feel’s right at home!!

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She snapped this photo for me…

The Italian!!

So I’d feel welcome, too!

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I love this beautiful 4th of July floral arrangement!!

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Vibrant colors in a background of lush green!!

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Deep purple…

The color of royalty!!

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Lilac-colored lollipop flowers???

Can we blow on these???

Or run with them in the wind???

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Cotton Candy, anyone???

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Pick me a big bouquet!!!

Genesis 1:31

“God saw all that He had made,

and it was very good…”

2 Corinthians 13:11

 “Finally, brothers and sisters,

rejoice!

Strive for full restoration,

encourage one another,

be of one mind,

live in peace.

And the God of love and peace will be with you.”

Amen!

It’s A Pug’s Life!!

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My hairdresser is a Pug fanatic!!

Here are a few photos she took of her precious babies!!!

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“What’s with all this healthy food???

Where are all the tasty dog treats???”

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“Why does she have to take up the whole couch???

And where’s MY blanket???”

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“I just want to be left alone!!!

Is that too much to ask???”

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“I know…

I look really cute!!

But, they make my paws sweat!”

I just love her pugs!

This one is “Captain”

“Morgan,” her black Pug…

Didn’t wish to be photographed today!!

So let’s see if my Crazy Siberian…

Can be polite…

And say, “Hello!”

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Good girl!!

Thank you all for praying for my Crazy Siberian…

She’s feeling like her old-self again…

Crazy as ever!! 

Amen!

Exodus 23:25

“Worship the Lord your God,

and His blessing will be on your food and water.

I will take away sickness from among you…”

Thank you, Jesus!!

Boo Hoo! Stage 2!!

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7-25-13 Naples 054

This was my last time to see Stage 2 Improv…

Tonight’s their last show!

Boo Hoo!

So I took their photo to remember them by:

Thursday, July 25th’s Cast of

Stage 2 Improv,

includes:

(Back row, left to right):  Rosie Spinosa, Steven Johnson

(Front row, left to right):  Casey Debrowski (my son!), Judith Gangi Santos, Michael Santos,

Synthia DuBose, Kate Ebaugh, Christy McLaughlin (music coordinator)

The shows were great!

Perfectly funny!!

“Stage 2 Improv has been so widely popular…

It’s a Naples-based improvisational theatre group

 

featuring scenes, games and songs

 

that are created right before your very eyes!

 

If you liked the television show Who’s Line is it Anyway?

 

and the improv troop The Second City,

 

you’ll love this!

 

The actors utilize information given by the audience to build the show!

 

Every scene and game is driven by suggestions from the audience.

 

Some games may even feature audience participation!

 

You never know what an evening will bring,

 

which makes each show different from the next.”

See more at:

http://www.fifthavenuesouth.com/the-naples-players-presents-stage-2-improv-2/

 

The cast is hilarious!

Keep checking their web-site for future craziness dates!!

http://stage2improv.net/

“The Naples Players

continues to provide respite from the summer doldrums here in steamy Naples….

For 15 dollars you can go downtown

and see a group of personable,

quick-witted young (or at least young-ish)

performers play the improv game…

I’m rather in awe of the quickness on display here…

So go,

lighten up,

get out of your air-conditioned cave,

venture to Fifth Avenue South

and have some goofy fun.”

For the entire review in Collier Citizen, go to:

 http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2013/jul/23/curtain-up-stage-2-improv-troupe-keep-the-laughs/?citizen=1

Even good things must come to an end!

Though I’m praying they’ll come to teach our drama team…

All their funny antics!!

Psalm 119:96

“To all perfection I see a limit,   

but Your commands are boundless.”

My Son’s Funny Face Is In The Paper!!

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Casey newspaper0001

And in addition to funny faces…

He and the entire cast of Stage 2 Improv also have…

Wits, brains, and comic timing!!

And..

They know how to get a laugh!!!

To see another funny photo, go to:

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2013/jun/07/review-stage-2-improv-naples-players-tickets/

To view of video of one of their rehearsals, go to:

http://www.news-press.com/VideoNetwork/2421152101001/Stage-2-Improv-brings-the-funny-to-Sugden-Theatre

To see publicity shots, go to:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152321280806953.1073741835.29000631952&type=1

“The show is directed by Michael Santos and Judith Gangi Santos

(co-founders of the former Naples City Improv).

Stage 2 Improv features scenes, games, and songs

that are driven from suggestions by the audience.

Each show is created on the spot,

So no two shows are ever alike.

The Stage 2 cast includes:

JamieLynn Bucci, Kat Ebaugh, Judith Gangi Santos, Brad Goetz,

Steven Johnson, Randy Jones, Meg Pryor, Michael Santos,

Nancy Swartz, Casey Debrowski, Synthia Dubose, Guy Clover,

Bukki Sittler, Rosie Spinosa and Corey Walker.

Performances will be Thursday – Saturday at 8 p.m.

at Sugden Community Theatre.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students to 18.

The theatre is at 701 5th Avenue South, Naples.

Visit naplesplayers.org or call 239-263-7990.”

http://www.news-press.com/article/20130614/ENT/306140015/Naples-based-Stage-2-Improv-adds-show-dates

“IF YOU GO…

 WHAT:  90 minute, fast-paced show with local actor/comedians in silly games, skits and nonsense riddles.

SOMETHING ELSE:  Don’t be shy, don’t suggest boring things, and always say the first thing that comes to your mind.”

http://ftmyersnaples.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-Reviews-STAGE-2-IMPROV-Laughs-into-Naples-20130608#

“Co-Director, Mike Santos carries a large portion of the show;

his infectious energy feels like a live wire

let loose into his fellow cast members and the crowd.

Whether emceeing the silly skits

or trying to guess

how you speed-walk

with otters as shoes,

he makes the show.”

A sample question to the audience:

“What do you like to do?”

“Uh.”

“Uh.”

“Walk on the beach?”

Go ahead…

Try to make a zany skit out of that!

But, the cast can do it!!!

“These are the dangers of audience participation.

Especially in Southwest Florida.”

Ha!

http://www.gonaples.com/news/2013/jun/07/review-stage-2-improv-naples-players-tickets/

Photo:

http://www.news-press.com/article/20130621/ENT/306210038/Things-do-Southwest-Florida

 “We are proud of our show

and what we have accomplished so far,”

Mr. Santos says.

“We’re grateful and excited for the continued support of the community.”

http://naples.floridaweekly.com/news/2013-07-11/Arts_%28and%29_Entertainment_News/Improv_troupe_adds_performances.html

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/stagedoorblog

Proverbs 15:30

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,

and good news gives health to the bones.”

Amen!!

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Scenic Old Naples!!

It’s Time To…

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“Enjoy Your Freedom” by Holley Gerth

http://holleygerth.com/

photo by n11a11m

photo by n11a11m

For many years, freedom sat like an unopened present on the shelf of my heart. I looked at it a bit suspiciously. From time to time, I’d pick it up and shake it so I could try to figure out what was inside. But I never had the courage to open it.

Then God said it was time. He placed my hands on that box, helped me untie the ribbon, peel back the paper, and lift the lid.

And here’s what freedom looks like to me this summer:

Being able to laugh out loud.

Friends who accept me as I am, mess and all.

Sitting on the back porch watching fireflies.

A nap.

Knowing I can make mistakes and then try again.

Grace spread out like a picnic and God handing me a paper plate.

Freedom given is not complete. It’s only when we receive it, enjoy it, give thanks for it that becomes fully ours.

The fourth of July in America is a day for celebrating freedom–please do.

And let’s also celebrate the freedom God has given us every other day too.

Open the gift and enjoy what has always been yours, friend!

XOXO

Holley

***Now this is a great post! 

Thank you for permission to reblog this, Holley!

Check out Holley’s entire blog!!

“Heart to Heart with Holley”

Best-selling author of You’re Already Amazing

Who also partner’s with DaySpring

What does freedom mean to you???

Open your gift of freedom from God!!

And Enjoy!!!

Amen!

Galatians 3:22

“But the Scriptures declare

that we are all prisoners of sin,

so we receive God’s promise of freedom

only by believing in Jesus Christ.”

“La Mia Famiglia”

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An Italian get-away this past weekend…

At my cousin’s house on the east coast of FL…

A reunion with our cousin from NJ!

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One big, happy family…

Filled with…

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Our fathers were brothers…

Raised by our Italian Grandma…

Felicia

We all lived near each other in NJ…

Played together…

And went to church together…

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There’s definitely a family resemblance…

But, I’ve noticed lately that…

We tend to favor our Mothers in appearance!

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We felt like we were at a “5 Star” Bed and Breakfast!!

While talking about our…

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In our Lord!

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Cousins!!!

And cousin-in-laws…

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The beautiful scenery brings…

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And family teasing from our cousin from Oklahoma…

Who before he married my cousin…

He had called…

“Chef-Boy-Ar-Dee”

In a can…

Italian food!!!!

Oh, horror!

We’ve since changed his mind…

And now he says…

“I want some SAAAAAAAAAAUCE”

Whenever he talks to us!!

Good boy!

So funny!!

Let’s add my son to the merry mix!!

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Our very special hostess!!!

Such a blessing!!

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She cooks, she cleans, she’s sweet…

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My son wants to adopt her!!

I do, too!!

She makes us want to…

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And be together!

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To do what Italians do best…

Eat…

While everyone’s talking at the same time!!

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Let’s cook and discuss!!

And…

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The blessing of family!!!

La Mia Famiglia!

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Ahhhh…

All together in one place again!!

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One beautiful place!

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We don’t want to leave!!

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Come join us!!

Additional signs should say…

EAT!

TALK!

LAUGH!

LOVE!!

1 Corinthians13:7

“Love bears all things,

believes all things,

hopes all things,

endures all things.”

It’s A Hit!!

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Improv (2)

Photo:  http://www.news-press.com/article/20130531/ENT/305310024/Stage-2-Improv-opens-Naples

The Reviews are in!!

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2013/jun/07/review-stage-2-improv-naples-players-tickets/

“Maybe improv does have a future in Naples.

Stage 2 Improv – “the next stage of comedy” (insert eye roll here) –

served up a loud, lively, way-better-than-I expected debut

in the Naples Players’ black box space Friday night.

There are some funny folks roaming the streets.

And not just the actors!”

http://www.news-press.com/article/20130614/ENT/306140015/Naples-based-Stage-2-Improv-adds-show-dates

“Stage 2 Improv,

a Naples-based improvisational theater group,

has added dates to its performance schedule

at Sugden Community Theatre.

June 20 has been added,

as well as July 11-13,

July 18-20

and July 25-27.

The show is directed by Michael Santos and Judith Gangi Santos

(co-founders of the former Naples City Improv).

Stage 2 Improv features scenes, games and songs

that are driven from suggestions by the audience.

Each show is created on the spot,

so no two shows are ever alike.

The Stage 2 cast includes:

JamieLynn Bucci, Kat Ebaugh, Judith Gangi Santos, Brad Goetz, Steven Johnson, Randy Jones, Meg Pryor, Michael

Santos and Nancy Swartz. Interns for the show include Casey Debrowski (My son!!!), Synthia Dubose, Guy Clover,

Bukki Sittler, Rosie Spinosa and Corey Walker.

Performances will be Thursday – Saturday at 8 p.m.

at Sugden Community Theatre.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students to 18.

The theatre is at 701 5th Avenue South, Naples.

Visit naplesplayers.org

or call 239-263-7990.”

The comedy at Stage 2 is strong. Exceptionally so. Stage 2 cast well, looking not for acting skills or pretty faces, but wits, brains and comic timing. Robin Williams these kids are not – but they know how to get a laugh. You try to mime scrubbing a toilet with a cucumber and spit? Or peeling a cactus with a pair of dentures? F

http://ftmyersnaples.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-Reviews-STAGE-2-IMPROV-Laughs-into-Naples-20130608

http://www.naplesplayers.org/show1_0.html

Read the entire review at:

http://www.gonaples.com/news/2013/jun/07/review-stage-2-improv-naples-players-tickets/

“Make full my joy,

that ye be of the same mind,

having the same love,

being of one accord…”

Philippians 2:2

Oh!!

Go ahead…

And enjoy a good laugh!!!

Even the Bible can be funny!!

Funny Bible Verses, Quotes, and Sayings…

“It is better to live alone in the desert

 

than with a crabby, complaining wife.”

 

Proverbs 21:19

“There is more hope for a foo

than for someone who speaks without thinking.

Proverbs 29:20

“Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture

 

they do not understand,

 

but the passages that bother me

 

are those I do understand.”

 

Mark Twain

 

“My ancestors wandered

 

lost in the wilderness for 40 years

 

because even in Biblical times,

 

men would not stop to ask for directions.”

 

Elayne Boosler

 

“The Bible tells us to love our neighbors,

 

and also to love our enemies;

 

probably because they are generally the same people.”

 

Gilbert K. Chesterton

 

It’s going to be fun to watch and see how long the meek

 

can keep the earth after they inherit it. 

 

Kin Hubbard

6-13-13 Beach-Sunset 113
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Stage 2 Improv has been so widely popular, we’ve added a June 20th performance at 8:00 pm and three July weekends! Thur – Sat, July 11-13, 18-20 & 25-27 8:00 pm

Stage 2 Improv is a Naples-based improvisational theatre group featuring scenes, games and songs that are created right before your very eyes! If you liked the television show Who’s Line is it Anyway? and the improv troop The Second City, you’ll love this! The actors utilize information given by the audience to build the show! Every scene and game is driven by suggestions from the audience. Some games may even feature audience participation! You never know what an evening will bring, which makes each show different from the next.

TICKETS ARE $15 FOR ADULTS AND $10 FOR CHILDREN UNDER 18

– See more at: http://www.naplesplayers.org/show1_0.html#sthash.oRbjrYF0.dpuf

Stage 2 Improv has been so widely popular, we’ve added a June 20th performance at 8:00 pm and three July weekends! Thur – Sat, July 11-13, 18-20 & 25-27 8:00 pm

Stage 2 Improv is a Naples-based improvisational theatre group featuring scenes, games and songs that are created right before your very eyes! If you liked the television show Who’s Line is it Anyway? and the improv troop The Second City, you’ll love this! The actors utilize information given by the audience to build the show! Every scene and game is driven by suggestions from the audience. Some games may even feature audience participation! You never know what an evening will bring, which makes each show different from the next.

TICKETS ARE $15 FOR ADULTS AND $10 FOR CHILDREN UNDER 18

– See more at: http://www.naplesplayers.org/show1_0.html#sthash.oRbjrYF0.dpuf

Chris Silk is the arts writer and theater critic for the Naples Daily News. To read the longer version of this review, go to: http://w

Visiting Naples? Go See “Stage 2 Improv!!” Hilarious!!

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6-2-13 Casey's Show! 001IMPROV:

Ad-lib!

Extemporization!

Impromptu!

Opposite of:

Planned…

Or routine!

As in,

“That comedy skit was a totally unrehearsed improvisation!”

So every show is different!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 003Voted “Best Live Theatre” (Including professional venues) in Southwest Florida 10 years running

by the Naples Daily News SW Florida Choice Awards,

ranked as one of the Top Ten Community Theatres in the United States.

https://foursquare.com/naplesplayers

Today The Naples Players stage more than 220 performances a year,

many of them sell outs.

With a subscriber base of more than 4,000,

and children’s program that reach over 600 children annually…

http://www.naplesplayers.org/his.html

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 005Sunny Naples is a popular, sophisticated and charming beach destination on the Gulf of Mexico.

It boasts many world-class hotels and resorts along miles of white sand beaches.

The ocean surf is gentle and the people are friendly.

Shoppers delight in searching for antiques, home furnishings, clothes and jewelry.

With its beautiful neighborhoods and grand architecture, the atmosphere is elegant, yet relaxing.

Sports enthusiasts spend glorious days pursuing their favorite activity, from golf to tennis to fishing.

There are restaurants to suit every taste and budget.

Even though it is a busy and cosmopolitan city, Naples offers easy access to secluded islands

and the wilderness of the Everglades.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g34467-Naples_Florida-Vacations.html

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 010Sugden Community Theatre

The Sugden Community Theatre is the home of The Naples Players,

a community theatre located in the City of Naples in Southwest Florida.

Our actors light up the stage with musicals, comedies, dramas, children’s’ theatre, original plays and much more.

From the artful to the thought-provoking,

The Naples Players provides affordable quality entertainment.

http://www.explorenaples.com/brochure.phtml?memberno=1374

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 011Great Theatre Review:

“One of the best, if not the best, community theater in the country.

The quality of the shows…

the talent here is superior to most ‘professional’ theaters.

This is one of the better things about Naples.

Go see a show or two here.

 They also offer classes in all things theater.

They have an amazing kids program.

Also, there are occasionally concerts and film programs.

Great staff and amazing volunteers.

Oh, and you can volunteer…

actor, backstage, tech.

Check out their website.”

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-naples-players-naples

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 014Caricatures of the Stage 2 Improv cast…

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 013That’s our boy!!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 015Cool set design!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 018Relaxing atmosphere!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 021Gets you right in the mood…

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 023To LOL!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 029The usher and the stage manager are part of the act!!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 032The Playbill!!

And the Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Bar…

  We won for driving the greatest distance to see the show!

Here’s a You Tube video tour of 5th Ave. in Old Naples!

Go see the show…you need a good laugh!!

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter,

and your lips with shouting.”

Job 8:21

Did You Hear The One About The Aspiring Comedians?

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Stage 2 Improv

Warming up!!

Improv

Photo/Info-Courtesy of:

http://www.naplesnews.com

http://stage2improv.net/

The cast of…

Stage 2 Improv

(From left) Michael Santos, Judith Gangi Santos,

Guy Glover, Kate Ebaugh, Steven Johnson, JamieLynn Bucci, Casey Debrowski (my son!!!), Nancy Swartz and Brad Goetz.

Take My Life…Please!

Locals with a funny bone are trying their skills at Improv.

The Naples Players school ends this week…

And the big test…

With a live audience…

Starts next week!

P.S.  See web-site for dates, times, and details, if you’re in the Naples area!!

Stage 2 improv…

Is a Naples-based improvisational theatre group…

Featuring scenes, games, and songs that are created right before your very eyes!

If you liked the television show “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?”

And the improv troop, The Second City, you’ll love this!

The actors utilize information given by the audience to build the show!

Every scene and game is driven by suggestions from the audience…

Some games may even feature audience participation!

You never know what an evening will bring…

Which makes each show different from the next!!

Stage 2 Improv

Was founded in the winter of 2012…

By Judith Gangi Santos and Mike Santos…

(co-founders of the former comedy group Naples City Improv).

Here’s my son’s bio!!!

“Hi.

I’m Casey.

I like math and theater.

And improv.

I really like improv.

I like cheese too.

It’s good.

School = FGCU graduate.

I act there sometimes.

I improv there lots of times.

Work = Teaching.

Acting = Dog Sees God and Our Town.

I have a snake and a doggie.

They’re cool.

Thanks to all my friends and family for keeping me as insane as I am.”

The crazy family he speaks of…that’s us!  Ha!

Break a leg?!?!?

Why do they say that???

“Love you!”

And

“God Bless!”

Seems safer to me!!

“And so

He will make you happy

and give you something

to smile about.”

Job 8:21  CEV