Complete Awe and Amazement

This evening was life-changing. Renee is PHENOMENAL!!! I was pretty much freaking out the whole time. At the first touch of the piano and her first uttered syllable, the entire room went still. It was pure gold. Ah! Everything was absolutely gorgeous! My favorite piece, though, had to be "A Letter from Sullivan Ballou" by John Kander. Ah! It was heart-wrenching! Isaac and I sighed in unison constantly through that piece. And then there were FIVE encores!!! Brilliant! I could have sat there all night listening.

I sadly, did not get to meet her. I was quite upset by that actually. I was so looking forward to it and having her sign my coloratura arias book. (Yes, I know...I am such a music nerd! I can't help it! I just LOVE it!) However, I could tell by the way she carried herself on stage, the genuine love and passion she had for the music, and the way she spoke to the audience that she is one of the most wonderful people. Perhaps someday I will meet her. And if I could be a quarter of how successful she is, I'd be in sheer bliss.

I snuck a picture! teehee! ...except then my camera battery was dying! Nooo!

Our feeble attempt to photograph ourselves...oh well! We had an absolute blast! :)

I stumbled into a funny little anecdote I can tell now when I went to the toilet before the show, though! hehe! As typical Samantha, the ladies' room is a common stop. However, to find the restrooms I had to walk all over the place under this building and was pretty sure I'd get lost. On my way back, I saw another staircase that I thought would simply take me back up on the other side than when I came down. Not so. I found who I believe to be Renee's assistant...and Renee's dress hanging on a rack!! EEEK! I can only imagine what would have happened if Renee had walked into the stairwell at that time! haha! When I got back up to Isaac and Katie at our seats, I was freaking out...yet again...and they were so confused. I kept saying, "I saw the dress!! It's burgundy! And gorgeous!" They didn't believe me, but sure enough, after intermission, Renee walked out in a beautiful burgundy gown. How cool! (Gratitude 91...for the whole experience!)

I am still completely mesmerized by the entire evening. She is a true inspiration to my work. I really don't know what else to say...I have been left without words...the music only speaks. Yet, I have that lingering feeling I had after my recital...all the hype and excitement and finally it happens...but soon it is over and then what? Prayer, I suppose.

I shall write about my holiday soon. For now, however, I should be in bed, as I have class in the morning...for which I am underprepared because I went out this evening....but it was SOOOOO worth it! :)