This morning, I kick-started my day with a brilliant webinar and conference call with the ever-supportive and informative Bill Bennett. (Just a little shout-out and GIANT THANK-YOU to Bill for all your time, guidance, and PATIENCE! I appreciate it through-and-through! ...And thanks for dragging me along and forcing me to stop avoiding this ordeal of "business plans.")
I was first introduced to Bill at a seminar given at my conservatory in December. Since then, he has helped me to revise and tweak my resume and such. I am so thankful to have such wonderful, invaluable resources and encouraging guidance in my life.
I now have 7 pages of notes in hand and am jazzed up to write my business plan. (I think I ought to do it now while the productivity juices are rolling, too!) I've been given a week deadline, which is exactly the kick I need to conquer this task, which usually sparks stress, tension, and slight panic. However, those feelings have been eased. Time to get creative! ;)
And if I learned nothing else--which, of course, I absolutely did!!!--I learned how to mute my phone (obviously, this chick isn't the most "techie" girl out there because I definitely had to google that one... haha!), the ability to use like five technologies at once, and discovered even more web-based resources for singing research.
P.S. Bill, if you ever need a focus group for the user-friendliness of your new software version, count me in! (See above comment on technologically-ineptness!)
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Monday, July 16, 2012
Thoughts from Upside Down
This afternoon, I had the great privilege of singing art songs with a prospective collaborative pianist. He and I met for a brief rehearsal prior to performing for a handful of professors. He was a lovely young man, and it was a joy to collaborate on two pieces, a Debussy and a Brahms. The Brahms had especial depth and emotion...despite my few unanticipated breaths I ended up taking! How fascinating! ;) What struck me closest to the heart, though, was what he said at the end of our rehearsal. He said, "You have a very nice voice...and a great personality, especially for a singer! Not at all like the singers I normally have to work with."
I was flattered by his compliment, but even more so, I was startled by the reminder of how so many singers come across to others. How so many musicians or people, in general, come across to others! It's a rather upsetting reality. Why can't we all just be nice to each other and work together to bring the life and spirit of this beautiful repertoire of music off the page into the world around us?
There isn't a place in the music for big egos. Nor in life, really. That's never what it's been about. We, musicians, are here to share, not to show. It is our job to give, not take. Compliments are a lovely bonus, but that isn't our purpose for creating music. If you are in it for the "Fame" and "Glory," then it will always be superficial (and it's probably time to rethink your career choices...). We are indebted to the music, not the other way around. Granted, it is a difficult balance when you need to "sell yourself" or impress during an audition or competition. Yet, I feel that you impress more upon their thoughts when you offer a true and sincere performance.
Okay, I will step off my soap box for now. But I can't promise this soprano will turn right-side up, again, just yet... ;)
I was flattered by his compliment, but even more so, I was startled by the reminder of how so many singers come across to others. How so many musicians or people, in general, come across to others! It's a rather upsetting reality. Why can't we all just be nice to each other and work together to bring the life and spirit of this beautiful repertoire of music off the page into the world around us?
There isn't a place in the music for big egos. Nor in life, really. That's never what it's been about. We, musicians, are here to share, not to show. It is our job to give, not take. Compliments are a lovely bonus, but that isn't our purpose for creating music. If you are in it for the "Fame" and "Glory," then it will always be superficial (and it's probably time to rethink your career choices...). We are indebted to the music, not the other way around. Granted, it is a difficult balance when you need to "sell yourself" or impress during an audition or competition. Yet, I feel that you impress more upon their thoughts when you offer a true and sincere performance.
Okay, I will step off my soap box for now. But I can't promise this soprano will turn right-side up, again, just yet... ;)
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Boston HarborFest
Just a few photos from some little explorations around town last week. ;) I really need to start using my camera, again. My ipod camera just isn't as good.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Mysteries of Time
Today, I went to put on my watch, only to find that it had stopped a few minutes short of some 7 o'clock hour. I thought, "Hmm. How fascinating. Oh, well," and set it aside. Yet, I couldn't help picking it up, again, trying to reset it...and then wondering if it was a "sign." No, I wouldn't say I am particularly superstitious, but I'll admit I do believe in signs...fate. The 30 seconds that followed found me staring at the watch and thinking of one of my favorite Billy Joel tunes, "Vienna."
And all this just a day or so after I was on the brink of booking a plane ticket to Europe without any pre-thought. The only thing that inevitably stopped me was the realization of, "And with WHAT imaginary money am I going to pay for this?!" Damn you, money!
For some, it's the winter blues. For me, it happens in the summertime. Social life is slow, jealousy is abound for those that get to travel and explore, inspiration is slightly short-circuited, funds are low, patience are thin, grouchiness from the heat sets it, eyes are heavy with fatigue (although, that is really nothing new! ha!), mind is fogged with worry. But for what? I have what I need. Maybe not everything that I want, but what I need is the important part. Or is it? I saw a quote yesterday that money can buy happiness...not in material things, but in experiences. The disappointing reality of that is you actually have to have the expense account to pay for those experiences.
I also read in Metro News the same day that there is no more "9 to 5 workday." Instead, people are constantly working, thanks to technology. Most people will have checked/responded to work email by 7am, be in the office earlier than the required 9am, stay later than 5 pm, then take work home and can receive work-related calls up till 9pm (and judging by the number of class emails sent out by my professors after midnight, it can extend even later). So we are workaholics. Is money really worth that much? I understand survival (believe me..."starving artist" here! haha!), but our society is obsessed with making money. And when that money is made, it's never enough. So then we become selfish and greedy.
Life is short. If next week were it, would it have been worth it to have spent our time trying to save a penny...or livin' it up? I'm sure all this is just coming from someone who hasn't had an actual vacation in a long time...and the rest, from a girl who is afraid of letting life pass her by just because she doesn't have a glorious trust fund to finance her adventures. An unattached dreamer that can do anything she wants...with only one thing stopping her.
Yes, there is something to be said about being content where you are, and I am...but it isn't always roses and gumdrops. Those roses still have thorns for pricking, and gumdrops still get stuck in your teeth. We all need a break now and again, too.
The funny thing about this whole spiel is that I just finished re-reading conductor Ben Zander's' book The Art of Possibility. It is one of my favorites. Beautifully-written and very truthful. He and his wife wrote it together. I read it around sophomore year of college and recently decided to pull it out, again. The whole book, they discuss creating possibility instead of a downward spiral of defeat and discouragement, the danger of taking oneself too seriously, etc., etc., etc. I could spend the rest of the day quoting the book on here. I mean, there is a whole giant chapter on "being with the way things are." Nonetheless, I continually find myself turning a "downward spiral" into a happy tune of possibility. (I know, that sounds totally cheesy, but read the book, and you'll understand what I mean.)
The truth is, I am a very lucky girl. And I have so many wonderful people in my life. There's a lot of crap in my life, but who doesn't have that to deal with, too?! Of course, I would drop everything in an instant to go traveling for a couple of weeks, but until that can happen, I'll walk down the street singing this song. ;)
(And a glass--or two--of wine can never hurt! hehe!)
And all this just a day or so after I was on the brink of booking a plane ticket to Europe without any pre-thought. The only thing that inevitably stopped me was the realization of, "And with WHAT imaginary money am I going to pay for this?!" Damn you, money!
For some, it's the winter blues. For me, it happens in the summertime. Social life is slow, jealousy is abound for those that get to travel and explore, inspiration is slightly short-circuited, funds are low, patience are thin, grouchiness from the heat sets it, eyes are heavy with fatigue (although, that is really nothing new! ha!), mind is fogged with worry. But for what? I have what I need. Maybe not everything that I want, but what I need is the important part. Or is it? I saw a quote yesterday that money can buy happiness...not in material things, but in experiences. The disappointing reality of that is you actually have to have the expense account to pay for those experiences.
I also read in Metro News the same day that there is no more "9 to 5 workday." Instead, people are constantly working, thanks to technology. Most people will have checked/responded to work email by 7am, be in the office earlier than the required 9am, stay later than 5 pm, then take work home and can receive work-related calls up till 9pm (and judging by the number of class emails sent out by my professors after midnight, it can extend even later). So we are workaholics. Is money really worth that much? I understand survival (believe me..."starving artist" here! haha!), but our society is obsessed with making money. And when that money is made, it's never enough. So then we become selfish and greedy.
Life is short. If next week were it, would it have been worth it to have spent our time trying to save a penny...or livin' it up? I'm sure all this is just coming from someone who hasn't had an actual vacation in a long time...and the rest, from a girl who is afraid of letting life pass her by just because she doesn't have a glorious trust fund to finance her adventures. An unattached dreamer that can do anything she wants...with only one thing stopping her.
Yes, there is something to be said about being content where you are, and I am...but it isn't always roses and gumdrops. Those roses still have thorns for pricking, and gumdrops still get stuck in your teeth. We all need a break now and again, too.
The funny thing about this whole spiel is that I just finished re-reading conductor Ben Zander's' book The Art of Possibility. It is one of my favorites. Beautifully-written and very truthful. He and his wife wrote it together. I read it around sophomore year of college and recently decided to pull it out, again. The whole book, they discuss creating possibility instead of a downward spiral of defeat and discouragement, the danger of taking oneself too seriously, etc., etc., etc. I could spend the rest of the day quoting the book on here. I mean, there is a whole giant chapter on "being with the way things are." Nonetheless, I continually find myself turning a "downward spiral" into a happy tune of possibility. (I know, that sounds totally cheesy, but read the book, and you'll understand what I mean.)
The truth is, I am a very lucky girl. And I have so many wonderful people in my life. There's a lot of crap in my life, but who doesn't have that to deal with, too?! Of course, I would drop everything in an instant to go traveling for a couple of weeks, but until that can happen, I'll walk down the street singing this song. ;)
(And a glass--or two--of wine can never hurt! hehe!)
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Back to Business
Alright, seriously. This whole avoiding-it-because-I'm-really-behind-due-to-procrastination-to-begin-with thing is just not acceptable! Let's try this speed-bolt catching up deal once more...
I spent a lovely week at home in PA, hanging out with family and such. Not doing much of anything. (And that was pretty glorious!) The hi-speed internet implementation didn't help me "disappear" from the planet like I typically do on purpose when I go back to the country, though.
It turned into "Reunion Week" or something, too. Everywhere I went I was seeing people I haven't seen in YEARS, like since high school. Most of them were not from high school (Praise the Lord!) but from life during my high school days. It was always a wonder who I'd run into next! haha! (Admittedly, though, I did not run into the one particular person from high school to whom I'd love to finally give a piece of my mind. I'm not a mean, vicious diva or anything of that sort, but I've certainly theorized about the ways that one particular conversation would go the day that does happen...and it won't be pretty!)
I had lunch with my dear friends Torri, Garrett, and their mom, and a campfire with my family and a family from the community theatre. Such fun! And alas, my camera was ignored on yet another trip home. I need to get back to taking pictures, but at least, I experienced the moments first-hand. :)
When all was said and done for the week, Mom, Becca, my grandpa, and I packed up the car and set out for the "glamorous" road-trip from PA to Boston...in torrential rain storms. Wahoo! haha! It was actually kind of fun and passed by fairly quickly. They stayed for a couple days, one of which I had to work, and the other, I took Becca and Mom downtown and around school. I think Becca was sufficiently overwhelmed by "city life," but even though she'll deny it, she enjoyed every minute. ;) And I will probably never live down the fact that I accidentally got us on the wrong train during rush hour...and probably only the third time I've ever done that in any time I've been here!
Photos compliments of Becca...
Then, sadly, they had to leave. :( Since then, I've been working, cleaning, practicing, and being caught in rainy days and random downpours that have been happening out of the blue. Oh, New England! You weren't named so because they couldn't think up a more original name...but because the weather is the same! hehe! I don't really mind much, though. I'm glad to have a little bit of the England in "New" England. ;)
Oh, and before I left PA, we taught Xander how to call me on Skype from his iPod...I think we've created a monster! Ha! He'll call up 7 times in a row, just so he can hang up again only because he can. Ridiculous, kid! You take after your Aunt Sam. ;)
I spent a lovely week at home in PA, hanging out with family and such. Not doing much of anything. (And that was pretty glorious!) The hi-speed internet implementation didn't help me "disappear" from the planet like I typically do on purpose when I go back to the country, though.
It turned into "Reunion Week" or something, too. Everywhere I went I was seeing people I haven't seen in YEARS, like since high school. Most of them were not from high school (Praise the Lord!) but from life during my high school days. It was always a wonder who I'd run into next! haha! (Admittedly, though, I did not run into the one particular person from high school to whom I'd love to finally give a piece of my mind. I'm not a mean, vicious diva or anything of that sort, but I've certainly theorized about the ways that one particular conversation would go the day that does happen...and it won't be pretty!)
I had lunch with my dear friends Torri, Garrett, and their mom, and a campfire with my family and a family from the community theatre. Such fun! And alas, my camera was ignored on yet another trip home. I need to get back to taking pictures, but at least, I experienced the moments first-hand. :)
When all was said and done for the week, Mom, Becca, my grandpa, and I packed up the car and set out for the "glamorous" road-trip from PA to Boston...in torrential rain storms. Wahoo! haha! It was actually kind of fun and passed by fairly quickly. They stayed for a couple days, one of which I had to work, and the other, I took Becca and Mom downtown and around school. I think Becca was sufficiently overwhelmed by "city life," but even though she'll deny it, she enjoyed every minute. ;) And I will probably never live down the fact that I accidentally got us on the wrong train during rush hour...and probably only the third time I've ever done that in any time I've been here!
Photos compliments of Becca...
Then, sadly, they had to leave. :( Since then, I've been working, cleaning, practicing, and being caught in rainy days and random downpours that have been happening out of the blue. Oh, New England! You weren't named so because they couldn't think up a more original name...but because the weather is the same! hehe! I don't really mind much, though. I'm glad to have a little bit of the England in "New" England. ;)
Oh, and before I left PA, we taught Xander how to call me on Skype from his iPod...I think we've created a monster! Ha! He'll call up 7 times in a row, just so he can hang up again only because he can. Ridiculous, kid! You take after your Aunt Sam. ;)
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
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.
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! ;)
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... ;) |
Monday, May 21, 2012
Samantha the Procrastinator
Okay. Let's be honest. I haven't posted in a million years, not
because I haven't had time - because I have definitely had the time in
the past couple of weeks - but because I am so far behind that I have
been avoiding even trying to catch up. At this point, I think it is
probably pointless to try to recall everything I wanted to write, so
I'll just do a lightening-speed summary, missing about 80% of events.
I have officially completed year one of grad school. Seriously, where did the time go?! I feel like spring semester flew by in a flurry of stress and to-do lists. Recitative & Ornamentation class was definitely a cause of lost sleep...and only when I receive my grades this week will I know how well (or not) I fared.
My jury was quite the success, with many compliments on my "lovely dress." haha! Presentation certainly matters, but I was surprised by how many jurors wrote that on my comment sheets. Thanks, professors! :) I was frustrated with myself because I didn't feel I was sounding as good as I had just the few minutes before I walked into the recital hall. However, I have learned in the past few months that my own perception is not an accurate judgment, so I must rely simply on my technique to carry me through and the guided assurance of my fabulous teacher Jayne. :)
I wasn't really nervous. Instead, I was right there, fully in the moment, and a complete sense of poise and calm settled on me; I was in control of everything and knew I was exactly where and doing exactly what I am meant to be and do. That sounds totally cheesy. It is difficult to really explain it. I have actually had quite a lot of anxiety over the past six months about the reality of exactly what responsibility this career carries with it. It can be quite a lot of anxiety, but discovering this grounding has lessened this doubt. However, I definitely couldn't breathe that day. haha! I just kept saying in my head, "Why can't I breathe? These people don't make me nervous, but why can't I breathe? Where is my full, round breathing? Maybe my spanx are too tight..." haha! Yup. That's me! ;) I took some random breaths that weren't exactly anticipated, but I was forgiven. One of the great things about developing your technique is that you begin to learn how to manage "running out of breath" and think quickly on your feet as to where you can take a breath that is mandatory in the moment but without breaking up a word or phrase distastefully.
After the jury, Jayne and I hit the ground running recital planning! YAY! Needless to say, I am SOOO excited about the music I've chosen thus far! GAH! So good! All that I will say at the moment is that my program is full of "Samantha spunk." ;) And that I am currently collaborating with a composer friend, Vartan, to sing a set of his beautiful pieces for soprano, viola, and piano. What I am feeling about my program is exactly what I hoped I would find, since I have to spend A LOT of time with this music over the next year!
Other than that, the past few weeks have been goofing off, working some (in negotiations at the moment about summer work...), cleaning, recital-going, drinking some wine after said recitals, and a handful of random adventures. ;) My roommate is gone for now, so I've had the place to myself. Ah! I won't lie...I love it when that happens. (But unfortunately, Boston rent is so insanely expensive that I could never afford such bliss all the time!)
I signed up for the free trial of Netflix...I may be getting addicted. I am watching way too much Cheers. haha! Already on season three! Oh, goodness! It's just so funny. And now, I know where all these places are that they are talking about, so it's like I'm on the "in" crowd. hehe!
My assistantship has officially ended for the academic year. The concerts were this past Saturday.
Also, my friend Gaby and I went to the Boston Pops concert last week for the Streisand songbook. So fun! They are super good! (I wish I had made it to the opening night the week before when Bernadette Peters was in town! AH!) Ann Hampton Calloway was singing. What a DIVA! haha! It was a little ridiculous but somehow highly amusing. I can only imagine the requests that she made backstage about what type of water she'd drink, etc. Oh, goodness! However, Alan Bergman was also there...the little old man stole my heart! So adorable. And he was like 80-something and still could sing fairly well. I mean, he didn't have all the pitches and such, but his tone was still pretty warm and rich. He sang this song that he wrote and Barbra Streisand had recorded:
And now, I'm off to the countryside for a week! I fly in to the good ol' PA later this afternoon. Gonna hang out with a pretty sweet 3 1/2 -year old. ;) However, apparently, the "land of dial-up" is no more...the got hi-speed connection about about a month or two ago at home. WHAT?! No more do I get my escape from answering emails and "dropping off the earth" when I go home. So this will be interesting...
I'm actually not going straight home, either...the director of my community theater from "back in the day" has asked me to stop into their rehearsal this evening to talk to the kids...a little of Q&A of sorts, so I will be going straight there from the airport. They posted about my visit on Facebook and made me sound like a rock star that was coming into town! haha! Awesome! And a little ridiculous. Guess I'm in the "big leagues" now... ;)
I have officially completed year one of grad school. Seriously, where did the time go?! I feel like spring semester flew by in a flurry of stress and to-do lists. Recitative & Ornamentation class was definitely a cause of lost sleep...and only when I receive my grades this week will I know how well (or not) I fared.
My jury was quite the success, with many compliments on my "lovely dress." haha! Presentation certainly matters, but I was surprised by how many jurors wrote that on my comment sheets. Thanks, professors! :) I was frustrated with myself because I didn't feel I was sounding as good as I had just the few minutes before I walked into the recital hall. However, I have learned in the past few months that my own perception is not an accurate judgment, so I must rely simply on my technique to carry me through and the guided assurance of my fabulous teacher Jayne. :)
I wasn't really nervous. Instead, I was right there, fully in the moment, and a complete sense of poise and calm settled on me; I was in control of everything and knew I was exactly where and doing exactly what I am meant to be and do. That sounds totally cheesy. It is difficult to really explain it. I have actually had quite a lot of anxiety over the past six months about the reality of exactly what responsibility this career carries with it. It can be quite a lot of anxiety, but discovering this grounding has lessened this doubt. However, I definitely couldn't breathe that day. haha! I just kept saying in my head, "Why can't I breathe? These people don't make me nervous, but why can't I breathe? Where is my full, round breathing? Maybe my spanx are too tight..." haha! Yup. That's me! ;) I took some random breaths that weren't exactly anticipated, but I was forgiven. One of the great things about developing your technique is that you begin to learn how to manage "running out of breath" and think quickly on your feet as to where you can take a breath that is mandatory in the moment but without breaking up a word or phrase distastefully.
After the jury, Jayne and I hit the ground running recital planning! YAY! Needless to say, I am SOOO excited about the music I've chosen thus far! GAH! So good! All that I will say at the moment is that my program is full of "Samantha spunk." ;) And that I am currently collaborating with a composer friend, Vartan, to sing a set of his beautiful pieces for soprano, viola, and piano. What I am feeling about my program is exactly what I hoped I would find, since I have to spend A LOT of time with this music over the next year!
Other than that, the past few weeks have been goofing off, working some (in negotiations at the moment about summer work...), cleaning, recital-going, drinking some wine after said recitals, and a handful of random adventures. ;) My roommate is gone for now, so I've had the place to myself. Ah! I won't lie...I love it when that happens. (But unfortunately, Boston rent is so insanely expensive that I could never afford such bliss all the time!)
I signed up for the free trial of Netflix...I may be getting addicted. I am watching way too much Cheers. haha! Already on season three! Oh, goodness! It's just so funny. And now, I know where all these places are that they are talking about, so it's like I'm on the "in" crowd. hehe!
My assistantship has officially ended for the academic year. The concerts were this past Saturday.
Also, my friend Gaby and I went to the Boston Pops concert last week for the Streisand songbook. So fun! They are super good! (I wish I had made it to the opening night the week before when Bernadette Peters was in town! AH!) Ann Hampton Calloway was singing. What a DIVA! haha! It was a little ridiculous but somehow highly amusing. I can only imagine the requests that she made backstage about what type of water she'd drink, etc. Oh, goodness! However, Alan Bergman was also there...the little old man stole my heart! So adorable. And he was like 80-something and still could sing fairly well. I mean, he didn't have all the pitches and such, but his tone was still pretty warm and rich. He sang this song that he wrote and Barbra Streisand had recorded:
And now, I'm off to the countryside for a week! I fly in to the good ol' PA later this afternoon. Gonna hang out with a pretty sweet 3 1/2 -year old. ;) However, apparently, the "land of dial-up" is no more...the got hi-speed connection about about a month or two ago at home. WHAT?! No more do I get my escape from answering emails and "dropping off the earth" when I go home. So this will be interesting...
I'm actually not going straight home, either...the director of my community theater from "back in the day" has asked me to stop into their rehearsal this evening to talk to the kids...a little of Q&A of sorts, so I will be going straight there from the airport. They posted about my visit on Facebook and made me sound like a rock star that was coming into town! haha! Awesome! And a little ridiculous. Guess I'm in the "big leagues" now... ;)
Monday, April 16, 2012
In my dreams.
Last night, I had a dream that I was working on a set of 20th-century songs that I actually have on the docket to learn over the summer, and the composer happened to be with me. I was asking him questions, and he decided to write in an alternative high D that he insisted I sing in that particular phrase. Then, while I was talking, he wrote in the margin above that staff system in big capital letters, "COURAGE." It was like my own Polar Express moment. And it is exactly what I needed to see/hear. Life is beautiful like that. ;)
And in the real world...
My friend Christiana and I, after eating way too much cheesecake, inadvertently started singing a Julie Andrews tune on a packed bus, forgetting where we were...and everyone turned and stared. Yes, that really happened. Oops! haha!
Happy World Voice Day! La di da di da di daaaa! :)
And in the real world...
My friend Christiana and I, after eating way too much cheesecake, inadvertently started singing a Julie Andrews tune on a packed bus, forgetting where we were...and everyone turned and stared. Yes, that really happened. Oops! haha!
Happy World Voice Day! La di da di da di daaaa! :)
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
I need a really good hobby.
One that will help me release misplaced tension (particularly in my shoulders, neck, and larynx!) and lower my blood pressure. (And to stop my brain from always thinking about everything!) Suggestions are welcome!
Reading makes me fall asleep or get antsy over extended periods of time. Video games make me anxious or adds tension from the suspense. Computers just plain stress me out. We won't even go there with Sudoku! haha! I certainly don't have patience for piano (although, I really need to get on that, so I can pass my proficiency...). I like to knit, but I don't always care to, mostly probably because I am just being lazy! haha! I used to bake a lot, but right now, I don't have a functioning oven...and I still have a week left of no sweets, since I gave them up for Lent. Photography is fun, but I don't really categorize that as "stress-relieving" to me. And I'm pretty sure that reading the trashy stars tabloid and absurd horoscope sections of the Metro News in the morning doesn't count! :)
What else you got for me???
Reading makes me fall asleep or get antsy over extended periods of time. Video games make me anxious or adds tension from the suspense. Computers just plain stress me out. We won't even go there with Sudoku! haha! I certainly don't have patience for piano (although, I really need to get on that, so I can pass my proficiency...). I like to knit, but I don't always care to, mostly probably because I am just being lazy! haha! I used to bake a lot, but right now, I don't have a functioning oven...and I still have a week left of no sweets, since I gave them up for Lent. Photography is fun, but I don't really categorize that as "stress-relieving" to me. And I'm pretty sure that reading the trashy stars tabloid and absurd horoscope sections of the Metro News in the morning doesn't count! :)
What else you got for me???
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