Starting this week, we will be profiling our network’s members, starting with Chrstine Siracusa. Christine is a Brooklyn blogger with two kids. In her blog, Quasi Agitato, she transcribes the high and low notes of returning to a theatre career without dropping the ball on any of the aforementioned responsibilities. We love following her adventures. She’s quirky, optimistic, opinionated and most of all, a culture vulture like us. We loved spending 5 minutes with Christine and here’s what we found out about her, her blog, her passion, motherhood and more.
MamaDrama: Tell us about your blog. When did you start writing and what do you write about?
Christine: I started my blog, Quasi Agitato, in March of 2010 mostly because I was…well…agitated. And I was sick of being agitated all the time. I thought if I could look for the source and make some sense out of it, maybe it would dissipate. And writing seemed like a good way to both dive into it and get on top of it. I think I defined it in my first post as listening for the other notes in the chord. I knew they were there. I just couldn’t hear them.
I write about my life which, since having children, seems to race from transition to transition. It’s a bit disorienting. I need to write to keep track of where I’ve been, where I’m going, and to have a sense that it’s not just all flying by willy nilly. I also write to keep my finger on the pulse of my sense of humor. It disappeared for a few years. They were not happy years.
MamaDrama: How has being a mother changed your life?
Christine: Wow. Motherhood is a loaded topic for me. I love my children. I love being their mom. I can’t imagine my life without them. But “motherhood,” in my experience, leaves a lot to be desired. I think our country really discounts not only motherhood, but parenthood. I felt really isolated. As an actress, who (for better or worse) looks outsidefor validation, that was really hard for me to deal with. I also think it’s misguided and short-term thinking and harmful for our society. But I won’t go there. Or will I?That said, it’s changed my life only for the better. Because it’s changed the way I look at my life. And my self. I’m much more open to life being a work-in-progress than I was before I had children. It’s less scary to me to fail, now, because I believe I’ll get another shot. And when it’s less scary to fail…there are more opportunities to succeed. I never would have learned that if I hadn’t been trying to instill it in my children. And one day I said, “Hm. Why does that only apply to them?”
MamaDrama: What is your vision of motherhood?
Christine: My vision is really for parenthood. An equally shared venture. Valued and supported by our government. One that puts children first. I know there are some families that have found this. But it shouldn’t be so exceptional. Or so complicated.
MamaDrama: What have you learned about yourself through your writing?
Christine: I’ve learned that I enjoy sharing my thoughts and questions, my self basically, more than I ever thought I would. I’ve always considered myself an introvert. Happy to be on my own. But I’ve discovered the joy in sharing and the confidence that comes along with that. I feel I have something to add to the conversation. That is pretty new for me.
MamaDrama: How important has your blog been for you?
Christine: It’s been very important. It’s been invaluable in helping me hone my skills as a relatively new writer. I’m writing a play based on my experience of motherhood and my blog has helped me work through and clarify a lot of the points I want to bring to the script. It’s also greatly expanded my sense of being a part of a community. This is kind of related to my answer to the previous question in that I’ve always under-rated the value of support. Both the giving of it and the receiving. It’s pretty major.
MamaDrama: What are some of the topics or causes you champion?
Christine:Hmmm. Not too much right now. I want to focus on that more come September.My heart goes toward advancing policy changes that support parents.
I also can’t shake this story I heard on NPR about “acid throwing” in Pakistan. The victims are most commonly women although there’s been an uptick of cases against men recently. The acid is usually thrown by a spouse or other close family member as a punishment for a perceived transgression. It’s a fairly common practice, believe it or not. I’d like to find a way to help somehow. There’s a documentary called Saving Face I want to see that may give me an idea of where to start.
MamaDrama: What’s in store for you and your blog in the upcoming year?
Christine: I’m not entirely sure. I’m attending Pathfinder Day at BlogHer 2012. I bet that will provide some inspiration.
I also want to finish my play and work on re-building my performing career. That should keep me pretty busy 
MamaDrama: Lastly, your favorite theater memory.
I have many. But my favorite is also my first. Seeing “Annie” on Broadway when I was nine years old. There was this little girl, about my age, with the same kind of hair, dancing and singing and bringing down the house. She seemed so alive. I was completely enthralled. And still am.
Stay tuned for more 5 Minutes with….next up: Sarah Fader from Old School New School Mom.
Christine, I love the name of your blog. I’m sure our paths would have crossed, at some point, just based on your commenting at The Suniverse’s place, but when I saw “Quasi Agitato,” well, I thought “heck, that could be my blog,” and I had to read. And, of course, I’ve been reading ever since.
And, I know what the “need to write to make things a little less crazy in the head.”
Anywho, I’ve spent the entire night talking “Annie,” so I feel like I can go on forever in this comment (the community theater that I’ve been playing with for the past several years has auditions for Annie in August, and I’m torn between auditioning (heck, I’m already bald) and just taking my regular place in the pit), but I understand, completely, what you mean by someone “coming alive” on the stage. What a wonderful thing to witness in someone your own age — it would be difficult to NOT fall in love with theater with a moment like that in your past.
Are you attending any of BlogHer past Pathfinder Day?
Christine; congrats on being profiled! And what refreshing and honest answers; I could totally relate to so many of the things you have said and agree completely that our society needs to be more supportive of parents and children.
Loved. And you know where to give and receive when you feel the need. You’re flying over the Atlantic now… thinking of you A. Ford xox
What a great interview. I’m always thrilled to see that there are parents who take back themselves and their interests. It’s a great hope!