Down in Carolina, on an old fishing pier near a small town, three friends reminisce about their childhood days on the lake. Swinging on a tire, fishing, daydreaming — it was idyllic.

What does it take to start and then sustain a successful professional theater company?

VIRGINIA ARTS FESTIVAL -- Highlights of dozens of music, theater and dance performances in Hampton Roads through June 6. www.vafest.org, (757) 282-2822.

It should be no surprise when a rehearsal for Dael Orlandersmith's "Yellowman" temporarily breaks down in tears.

CALENDAR -- TODAY -- "America the Vulnerable: Inside the New Threat Matrix of Digital Espionage, Crime and Warfare" by Joel Brenner – Book talk at 2 p.m. in the Joel House, Beth Ahabah Museum & Archives, 1125 W. Franklin St. Free. 355-2668.

The name is new and so is the season.

WEEKDAY HIGHLIGHTS -- "Maharaja: The Splendors of India's Great Kings," paintings, photography, textiles, jewelry, jeweled objects, metalwork, furniture and more, opens Monday at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Boulevard, 340-1405. $12-$15, free to members. Through Aug. 19.

Bulletin Board -- WaySeeker Woods: Open garden 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays through July 7 features self-guided walk through shady, Japanese-style garden in the woods, with hostas, Japanese maples, bamboo, azaleas, statuary, water features and more, 12216 W. River Road, Aylett. Free. (804) 769-2313.

Author Jeanne Adlon became New York City’s first round-the-clock cat sitter more than 35 years ago. “Cat Calls,” by Jeanne Adlon and Susan Logan, relates some of Adlon’s cat sitting stories and also offers advice on important issues for people who have or want to have cats.

You’d like to think you’re a normal person.

You shop for clothes where others shop. You like singing along with the radio (whether you do it well or not), watching TV, hanging with friends, playing with pets, hobbies and being with family.

One hundred percent, no-two-ways-about-it … normal.