My Humble Beginnings

Yesterday evening after my flight got in, I went straight to a rehearsal with the community theatre I used to work with in high school. My director, Doug, had asked if I could pop in and talk to the kids about what I do now and have a little Q&A session. It was wonderful to talk to them and to see Doug and some of the ol' gang. I had forgotten how much I missed these people in my life!

The kids were a much younger age group than I had anticipated, but I spoke to them the same as if they were older. They asked so many wonderful questions and were so excited. Doug made me out to be like a rock star or something on the theatre facebook page. haha! I didn't know most of the kids...I've been out of high school for six years now! I'm getting old! They were really interested in how I decided to start singing classical, and one little girl asked if I could sing for them, so I sang a little, too. :)

This place was where I got my "start" in this career. My humble beginnings. They brought me out of my shell, challenged me, and inspired me. Doug asked if it was a hindrance for me to have come from such a small town. Sure, in some ways, because I have had to work that much harder to get where I am, but I think it is also one of the very things that keeps me humble, grounded, and aware of just how lucky I am.

After talking with the kids, Doug and I chatted for probably a good hour. It was so great to catch up with him. When I received no support in high school to pursue my music, he was the one who took a chance on me and believed I had what it takes. Thank you, Doug. It's been six years, and yet, it feels almost like I barely skipped a beat. And at the same time, like it's been a lifetime. I know what I do isn't for or about me, so I must go where I am meant to be to do what I am meant to do...but I sometimes wish I could take everyone near and dear to me along with me. As Renee Fleming mentioned in her book, we would do what we do for free...they pay us for the sacrifice of time and distance.

One of the perks of flying... ;) 

And then I came home to little boy named Xander...whose curls have been all cut off! I told him to glue them back on. haha! ;)