tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180644862024-03-13T16:48:14.670-04:00A Soprano Steps OutAll dressed up and everywhere to goUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger707125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-4809712918677121022014-11-05T16:20:00.000-05:002014-11-05T16:20:17.121-05:00Making a decision to succeedMany of you may have forgotten all about me, it's been so long since I've posted. I can't really explain why I haven't blogged! I just stopped feeling like I had anything worthwhile to share that I hadn't shared before. But lately, things come to mind, I have ideas, I notice things, and I wish I had a place to express them. So. I'm back. Soprano is stepping out. Yet again.<br />
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One of the reasons I didn't feel like writing was because I was doing a lot, very busy, singing, working on my voice, earning a living, things were happening with family, etc. Since I last posted, I've gotten to sing some of my dream rep with orchestras, with great ensembles, in weird situations and in great situations, had to sing difficult pieces while terribly ill, was engaged to sing things I thought at the time were vocally slightly wrong for me, one that I am now convinced was totally wrong (lesson learned), and even a few that felt just perfect, I signed with a manager, I freaked out, I meditated. Basically, in the past year, I think I've learned a ton. I am no longer just speculating about singing stuff that is scary. I'm starting to do it.<br />
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The over-reaching lesson I've learned this year was one thing: I decide whether this is going to be good or not. This performance, this experience. <br />
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The orchestra is tuning up and you are sitting there trying to disguise the fact that your folder is shaking. And you can look out at the audience and think "What am I doing here? This is ridiculous. I got the music for this a month ago, and since then I've had 8 other performances, all of crazy music that I didn't have enough time to learn and I'm exhausted and scared and I am going to run away now." Or you can think, "I'm scared, but there's no turning back now, I practiced this and now I am going to sing it well, because what would be the point of sucking, after all?"<br />
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When I can pause in my terror just long enough to allow a hint of logic to enter my brain, I realize that allowing fear to take over is only going to absolutely ensure the occurrence of the thing I am afraid of: FAILURE. Being bad. Not sounding good. Being flat. Coming in wrong. Being behind the beat. <br />
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Now, we all know we can decide anything we want, but the body has real physical reactions to nervousness. They are: dryness, reduced breath control…no need to list them here, we're all WELL acquainted. But I find that I do better with handling these symptoms of nerves when I am completely aware of them and absolutely prepared. If I practice and prepare the piece with these symptoms in mind, I can prepare myself for how my body will react in those situations rather than being surprised by it when I'm on stage. I feel like I wasted a lot of time practicing to sing something in the perfect set of circumstances rather than the worst ones, because I had a strong sense of how things SHOULD be. Things that can only go right in the best of acoustics with the best pianist with the most well-lubricated throat with beta blockers and the most sleep probably aren't things you should be singing in public. But that is a really hard lesson to learn, especially when you're a soprano, and you're just relieved you got the call in the first place. <br />
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I always get a kick out of singers who come out of an audition room gasping and making lip-smacking noises and exclaiming "I'm so dry! It's SO DRY in there! Ugh!!! Yuck!" I've never known whether this declaration was meant to psych out the other singers or to make an excuse for the singing that we all just heard from the other side of the door. But either way…I always think…Yeah, you were nervous, why are you surprised that you felt dry? <br />
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The truth is that you can never prepare for everything. Weird stuff happens, companies don't have the money to pay for enough rehearsal time, early in our careers we are frequently filling in for others on short notice and haven't had time to live with the music long enough, we have day jobs and can't focus full time on our singing work, once in awhile the orchestra gets things wrong too that can throw you, and perfection is impossible. However I've found that I do better if I make a decision to take control, a real choice in my brain that this is happening and it is going to be good, things work so much better. Then I unclench, release, my nerves relax much more quickly, and the feeling changes to something more akin to excitement than fear.<br />
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Now, if I can just unclench long enough to not freak out about the Mozart aria I'll unleashing for the first time next week...<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-60668263111792007912013-08-08T11:09:00.001-04:002013-08-08T11:09:38.263-04:00Geeking outWell, gang, I've been doing some serious role work, listening to recordings galore and working on my high Fs.<br />
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The past few days of listening have sold me on a couple things. <br />
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A: I do not favor the light, tweety sound in a Queen of the Night. Nor do I favor the robot sound. It doesn't have to be like that to be right, people. <br />
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B: There is just nobody who does full-voiced, effortless legato Mozart like Edda Moser. Her Queen is RIDICULOUS, and the F in "O zittre nicht" makes you want to stand up and cheer.<br />
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For Konstanze, I'm loving my girl Edita Gruberova. Plenty big, but small when it needs to be, and actually, you find out with this role, that it should be small whenever it can be small. A girl has to save when she has three bravura arias pretty much back to back, the highest 39-page (in the Barenreiter) quartet ever, a 20-page duet, oh, yeah, and then the finale. I had a fabulous coaching last summer on Konstanze, and the conductor I was working with reminded me that Mozart wrote the orchestra parts with the singer in mind, with a lot of light writing in between the heavy parts so that especially in the very difficult, virtuosic moments, you do not also have to be pumping full tilt. You can take it easy sometimes and save the bravura for the end of the aria. <br />
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It is intense stuff, but the best, most refined, sensible music in the world. It takes very little time to learn it because it is so smart, but to sing it well and properly takes FOREVER. You have a real sense of history and duty when you sing these things and it is not to be taken lightly. <br />
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These are the things I am learning. And washing it down with a lot of seltzer water and iced tea because it is hot. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-10839030831117843542013-07-29T16:40:00.000-04:002013-07-29T16:40:36.756-04:00Weekend Jaunt to the Big AppleIt wasn't exactly a jaunt, really. We were busy every second. It was intense. <div>
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First, my bus was late and I barely made it to my lesson. Speaking of lessons, by now I should know that there is literally no chance of getting to New York on time on a bus on a Friday afternoon. REALLY. And I need to plan for that better. The traffic is super horrific. I barely had time to get some grapes at that iconic purveyor of produce, Duane Read. But I got there, and I sang "Traurigkeit" like a champ. It think this Konstanze business is working for me. </div>
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Anywho. </div>
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Then, I took the subway back downtown to meet Joe at the hotel and get dressed to go for dinner at the ever delicious Benoit. I had the cheese souffle there Friday night that made the world seem so good and sparkly and purely lovely. I mean, who doesn't want to eat something that is literally oozing delicately flavored cheese? It was unreal. We had lots of plans for going to other places for drinks and dessert, but by the time we had stuffed ourselves with savory French delicacies, there was absolutely no room for anything else. And between my work meeting in the morning, rushing to get to the bus, rushing for the subway, rushing to get grapes, rushing to my lesson...your girl was tired.</div>
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The next morning, it was my diner for breakfast, then another walk, and my lesson. We got a cab to take us to the bus stop. Well, either this gentleman was new or he hated me, because I had an honest to goodness panic attack in the car while we were sitting in cross-town traffic almost barely missing our bus. </div>
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But I came home with a lot of music to work on and some clear direction as to what the heck I'm doing this year with this whole singing thing. </div>
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In general, I am gaining the courage to put myself out there a bit more, and having the confidence to send the emails and ask for the auditions and self-promote just a bit better.</div>
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Love the art, hate/embrace the business. But we have to wade through. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-46166033023605304672013-07-25T21:02:00.000-04:002013-07-25T21:02:36.628-04:00NYC...Tomorrow Joe and I are NYC bound and I am giddy with delight...it's been nearly two months since my last fix. Stay tuned for some blog action from the road!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-49514698153862674732013-07-23T10:31:00.000-04:002013-07-23T10:31:15.526-04:00A quote for Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmw5JUrgpcTkt2I79dKR6uRTxdn2AE-zqrtactG0HrnbR3uzbItVEy43r-C5spoQwqRpJG8A282dkhwfB4payVMlFHSg2r3BNseA0yCiEwAOj37Zy0k4ntj5iaDh9aoEplAVe/s1600/pema_lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmw5JUrgpcTkt2I79dKR6uRTxdn2AE-zqrtactG0HrnbR3uzbItVEy43r-C5spoQwqRpJG8A282dkhwfB4payVMlFHSg2r3BNseA0yCiEwAOj37Zy0k4ntj5iaDh9aoEplAVe/s320/pema_lowres.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
Artwork by Lisa CongdonUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-23977698952380987512013-07-19T15:28:00.002-04:002013-07-19T15:28:20.588-04:00Epiphany at BethanyMy family does something completely insane every summer. We rent a huge house on Bethany Beach and twenty-three people of all ages, political affiliations, occupations, first languages and religions live together for a week. It has its stressful moments, especially when it's my night to cook! But it feels very grounding to have such strong bonds with people with whom you never need to wear makeup, or put on anything dressier than a t-shirt. You can just let it all hang out. <div>
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However, I must admit that being around all my accomplished family members gives me a good reason to spend some of that time on the beach really thinking about my life and my purpose on earth. I mean, my cousin Jorge just spent several weeks in Guatemala repairing cleft palates of babies and children for free. What could I ever do for anyone that would be that life-changing? Joe and I are the only musicians, except for one budding diva (!!!!!) and one jazzer-cum-accountant. Other than that we have two MDs, two PhDs, one dentist, six attorneys (one of whom was just a commentator on the news, for god's sake), and the list goes on and on. Luckily, we also have three visual artists, a linguist, and a therapist to balance it all out. But I always feel a little bit like the underachiever, like maybe what I do is a little bit misunderstood. </div>
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I think we all have moments in life when we wonder if we are on the right path, if we are fulfilling our purpose, if everyone feels this struggle, or if those who are really living their destiny sail through life with fewer cares. One day I was feeling this particularly acutely, so I took a long walk on the beach. When I am walking on the beach, it really is almost as if my brain goes blank. It is the calmest I ever am. The sound of the waves have such a soothing monotony and that is why I love the beach-- it's my happy place. While I was walking, the thought came to me that I do have purpose, that I am living my purpose, that I'm right where I should be, and struggling at it like every other human. I have two purposes: Joe and classical music. </div>
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The clarity of this little revelation (which might really seem obvious in some ways) startled me. </div>
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Without either I would not be me. I would not be who I am. I owe them both everything. One saved me in one way and one in another. </div>
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And so I know now. It was quite a moment. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-73999421664776764592013-07-18T11:33:00.002-04:002013-07-18T11:33:24.368-04:00So...A good friend of mine has the personal policy of giving herself 24 hours to spend feeling bad about a disappointing experience. Which makes sense for a few reasons.<br />
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1. You have a chance to acknowledge the fact that something bad happened<br />
2. You have plenty of time to really feel sad<br />
3. By the end of 24 hours you are usually sick of feeling bad, and don't feel like you are supressing your feelings by moving forward.<br />
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Once in a while there is something that happens that is so difficult that you really do want to wallow for longer. But having a definite end point arranged is best, that way you can say with authority: ENOUGH is ENOUGH. And you are controlling your feelings instead of allowing them to control you.<br />
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So I've reached the point where I am over it, and since I've already ordered the score and a recording, I'm going to learn the whole role any way. The minute it comes, I will dive in as if I do in fact have to sing it very soon, I'll get my translating on and get to work. I just know I'll sing it, and when the opportunity comes, I'll be ready.<br />
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And in the meantime, and after work of course, you'll find me at the pool.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-73770309138375777302013-07-17T11:37:00.001-04:002013-07-17T11:37:31.211-04:00Embracing itI wanted so much to have good news to tell this morning. But the truth is, I didn't get the role. They said it was because of my availability. But whatever the reason, it is so difficult to hear "We picked someone else." <br />
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It never gets easier.<br />
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So, this is all I can do:<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-87758547635536540882013-07-16T11:38:00.001-04:002013-07-16T11:38:50.320-04:00I've missed you!Hello, blog. <br />
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I've been away for several weeks-- not as a planned thing, really, but just because I didn't feel inspired to write. None of you want me to just write bullhockey that I don't care about, so I thought it would be best to just take a break!<br />
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I went to the beach with good friends, family, had a great Fourth of July, caught a cold, consequently had a singing disaster, got better, got a call, and all of a sudden tonight I've got a last minute audition for a role I really want. Life is so exciting-- the only thing you know for sure is that everything is changing all the time. Out with the old, in with the new. Regeneration station!<br />
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At the moment it is darned hot here in Charm City! I love auditioning, as you well know, and I'm so THERE tonight, but it does seem a little bit wrong that anyone should be asked to do anything other than sit by a pool when the weather is like 104 or something.<br />
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I spoke with my teacher last night in preparation for the audition-- for which they asked me to learn some substantial excerpts, in about 24 hours. Major lesson learned from this?<br />
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If you believe you will sing a role, it is really right for you, LEARN THE WHOLE THING!!! Then you're ready when they call! <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-48367681926771533192013-06-17T14:46:00.001-04:002013-06-17T14:46:27.763-04:00Words for Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuQ15CvTtznKHmGklAo5cjao5H88c_H9jOSDIyFF7Inwg9ejHTskGdOUjqeFeuJRJiL_xpfQbOhMLKmlYCCMLkVR2_kd7dPLjcSoeNoVUqcnfwhET5mo9Vql6zz2FsWC_iJtD/s1600/ccd4a13440860981540af62995762a58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuQ15CvTtznKHmGklAo5cjao5H88c_H9jOSDIyFF7Inwg9ejHTskGdOUjqeFeuJRJiL_xpfQbOhMLKmlYCCMLkVR2_kd7dPLjcSoeNoVUqcnfwhET5mo9Vql6zz2FsWC_iJtD/s400/ccd4a13440860981540af62995762a58.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-54352361208340137992013-06-14T17:00:00.000-04:002013-06-14T17:00:01.196-04:00Summer style for divas and divos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz83E1RXbQL8-6rQtc31xLbUSU8M2LAI9muXA68uwWKiXj1lkGww5BPLcWaBEXAtjf6ns8m2N1m2YsL89meNC7oVeSu9WJ5zAiEztgx9hSwaXjbt6KQF4cBu34lCnaVUn5J31R/s1600/41FxvzdmSSL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz83E1RXbQL8-6rQtc31xLbUSU8M2LAI9muXA68uwWKiXj1lkGww5BPLcWaBEXAtjf6ns8m2N1m2YsL89meNC7oVeSu9WJ5zAiEztgx9hSwaXjbt6KQF4cBu34lCnaVUn5J31R/s320/41FxvzdmSSL.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
Weak in the knees, yes I am! Light gray with blue looks so fresh and cooling...guys, you'll make 'em swoon with this combo. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gino-Valentino-Ticket-Herringbone-Regular/dp/B009UOAM5A/ref=sr_1_175?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1371221565&sr=1-175">Suit can be found for a great price here!</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoHGaX_LoS5fUTFyWV5LjKbJAGeMZJtqHjNILaMMff6JSVKhiTyUk_qyUP9RnJ4M4UyKdB7EP2syzVa1y_LNYA0LMhsiuAoNOUV2MAZvPHMPy7vMuD523P-bzqNTgwOPACKBx/s1600/image1xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoHGaX_LoS5fUTFyWV5LjKbJAGeMZJtqHjNILaMMff6JSVKhiTyUk_qyUP9RnJ4M4UyKdB7EP2syzVa1y_LNYA0LMhsiuAoNOUV2MAZvPHMPy7vMuD523P-bzqNTgwOPACKBx/s400/image1xl.jpg" width="312" /></a><br />
I am <a href="http://us.asos.com/TFNC/TFNC-Midi-Dress-In-Marble-Print/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3027765&cid=15801&Rf981=3679&sh=0&pge=2&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Navy">loving this affordable, body-conscious, summery, yet appropriate dress from ASOS</a>-- it would be gorgeous with a fabulous, colorful, huge necklace, <a href="http://www.baublebar.com/neon-alaqua-bib.html">like this one from Baublebar.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimV02WjNDXZAW1eiK3n6bVFrwh92UZiYlKe5ZOPY1AaQiI4LnLunrubPOJnn8GzFa1UKfBXtu7DvVWg0hoFAeMKj6YUQnKRfwWfhAZdOe09l9RhgOeWlrNgt9AlAsLxkQ3bhpQ/s1600/LelaRose_014_1366.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimV02WjNDXZAW1eiK3n6bVFrwh92UZiYlKe5ZOPY1AaQiI4LnLunrubPOJnn8GzFa1UKfBXtu7DvVWg0hoFAeMKj6YUQnKRfwWfhAZdOe09l9RhgOeWlrNgt9AlAsLxkQ3bhpQ/s400/LelaRose_014_1366.450x675.JPG" width="266" /></a>The truth is, of course, I could never afford this stunning dress from Lela Rose, but it's serious inspiration, no?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1uD0fIHsMpn1bKqwSR17LvLk7ruLBn6-VIZhRjd5GrV_IRt5XhBEKkBR9WuEHBUw5bzmzeA0pFP8jCYQBoA4g0UsMQEwXkduS5PP5PWDm-RBHjd17NcU_P_ih6M9cLXIZHuC/s1600/image4xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1uD0fIHsMpn1bKqwSR17LvLk7ruLBn6-VIZhRjd5GrV_IRt5XhBEKkBR9WuEHBUw5bzmzeA0pFP8jCYQBoA4g0UsMQEwXkduS5PP5PWDm-RBHjd17NcU_P_ih6M9cLXIZHuC/s320/image4xl.jpg" width="250" /></a><a href="http://us.asos.com/Rare-Pleated-Midi-Dress/zwqa0/?iid=2901964&affid=3502&xr=2&r=1&mk=VOID&mporgp=L1JhcmUvUmFyZS1QbGVhdGVkLU1pZGktRHJlc3MvUHJvZC8.">This airy confection </a>would be splendid with a metallic belt and some chandelier earrings... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulDfK5y8M9G2CKmasAjtlqjqeK9wXoDjkONIc9Dmr8aMJm6z9OIxSiwwCsz4BYIVS0qF55EWGddVSsy7kIIwJge0lnQ8XQHXR0KCb7N0ffm8CYWmEYpq3KJM5HvdbICT8HgQv/s1600/downeast_pinkpeonies_jcrew_christianlouboutin.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulDfK5y8M9G2CKmasAjtlqjqeK9wXoDjkONIc9Dmr8aMJm6z9OIxSiwwCsz4BYIVS0qF55EWGddVSsy7kIIwJge0lnQ8XQHXR0KCb7N0ffm8CYWmEYpq3KJM5HvdbICT8HgQv/s400/downeast_pinkpeonies_jcrew_christianlouboutin.png" width="266" /></a>I am loving this one too- worn by one of my favorite fashion bloggers at <a href="http://www.thepinkpeonies.com/">Pink Peonies! </a> <a href="http://downeastbasics.com/">The dress is available here for a song!</a> </div>
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Can we all please agree that a light linen suit on a gent is ridiculously elegant. This picture is from <a href="http://www.menstylefashion.com/linen-suits-what-men-are-wearing-for-2013-2/">MenStyleFashion</a> blog, which is chock full of great ideas and inspiration. Also, <a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/michael-kors-suit-natural-linen?ID=781466&CategoryID=17788&LinkType=#pdpTabs">this gorgeous light natural linen suit at Macy's</a> is on sale and totally dreamy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnw_K3rk1M00d7kdjHyow2c4yOuM_SmLxiDZgAVW3qApqK2TvXLlwVidwLQE989xes4rVlmWoTMid3Xzm8jEwht9cfA7k43W0zOsm_I0_ADvN0ZkrbDDUARQaMbqxaZxjS14Mr/s1600/linen-pink-suits-for-men-2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnw_K3rk1M00d7kdjHyow2c4yOuM_SmLxiDZgAVW3qApqK2TvXLlwVidwLQE989xes4rVlmWoTMid3Xzm8jEwht9cfA7k43W0zOsm_I0_ADvN0ZkrbDDUARQaMbqxaZxjS14Mr/s400/linen-pink-suits-for-men-2013.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-41636420845587474122013-06-12T10:32:00.002-04:002013-06-12T10:32:55.519-04:00June is bustin' out all over!I'm closer than ever before to getting the chance to sing one of my dream roles...callback next week. It's a good day!<br />
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The other thing is that I'm wearing really brightly colored trousers today. If you see me on the street, you just may have to put the sunglasses on.<br />
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Besides the callback, there is so much happening that feels really important next week. Send me your good vibes!!!!!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-84866236931492569442013-06-10T14:26:00.005-04:002013-06-10T14:26:53.565-04:00For Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbpjc1vD2yDMVyH0A-Jb6_RV8tQzlE4wv4yKU8uuiWfikTgPLSZEkBFB_A5rpOXfKn4m831_D2-EAQmSkbhrU6YwsTBq7QsMh5UM74eCtOmvrKcUKWkY1yVsXBebgNhqgYL3B/s1600/02d0e48a92305ec2a0bf0d68ad65f3cf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbpjc1vD2yDMVyH0A-Jb6_RV8tQzlE4wv4yKU8uuiWfikTgPLSZEkBFB_A5rpOXfKn4m831_D2-EAQmSkbhrU6YwsTBq7QsMh5UM74eCtOmvrKcUKWkY1yVsXBebgNhqgYL3B/s400/02d0e48a92305ec2a0bf0d68ad65f3cf.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-37565432402590900932013-06-06T10:02:00.002-04:002013-06-07T14:11:30.799-04:00Opera's youngest super-bloggersI think it's high time I call your attention to some blogs that have impressed me lately. But then, you probably already know about <a href="http://operateen.wordpress.com/">Opera Teen</a> and <a href="http://dolcesuono.wordpress.com/">Il Dolce Suono</a> and <a href="http://operarox.tumblr.com/">OperaRox!</a> because, people, they're all over the interwebs, getting shout-outs from greats like Joyce DiDonato, publishing insightful reviews of productions they see, engaging in intelligent twitter convos with opera singers all over the globe (and if you're on Twitter, you know how truly rare that can be), and generally amping up the visibility among the younger crowd and creating a buzz for our fabulous art form.<br />
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You've heard me talk about OperaRox! before, since it's the brain child of my friend Kim, who is also an editor of the online opera magazine <a href="http://opera21.tumblr.com/">Opera21</a>. She does weekly livestreams of operas and chats with people all over the world about the production. She's a lovely mezzo as well, and I know she's going to do great things...wait...she already has!<br />
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I love Il Dolce Suono's hilarious anecdotes and conversational tone-- she also has an awesome video on the blog right now of the fabulous Ferrucio Furlanetto singing King Phillip's aria from <i>Don Carlo </i>(aka best opera ever)...watch it.<br />
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Opera Teen is getting a lot of attention these days for his operatic romps, read an article about him here on <a href="http://www.wqxr.org/#!/blogs/operavore/2013/apr/23/opera-teen-internet-fan-base/">Operavore : "An Opera Teen Builds an Internet Fan Base</a>" and indeed he has. His Twitter feed is fun to follow, he reviews and writes articles on opera for <i>The</i> <i>Huffington Post</i>, he's been to LaScala (sigh!) and he's a regular at the Met.<br />
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This is the new guard of the opera-obsessed, giving me hope that, contrary to concerns of many in our field-- WE WILL HAVE AN AUDIENCE 20 YEARS!!! We will! <br />
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I am revived when I read these blogs! The spirit and enthusiasm and fabulous videos they're posting-- love it. It reminds me of why we're doing this-- opera is irresistibly fabulous, compelling, and actually kind of addictive-- we have to share the gospel of this super-human genre. It's larger than life, and intimate at the same time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-58900459538864827402013-06-05T11:06:00.002-04:002013-06-05T11:06:26.474-04:00WednesdayYesterday's audition was, well...a bit lackluster. The circumstances probably didn't help, but to quote a friend, in this case I did not "set the world alight." Nothing particularly bad about it, just not fabulous.<br />
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That being said, every time I have an audition, I feel like I learn something new about myself and my voice, which is one of the reasons I feel I enjoy auditioning so much. It's really a rush. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZjctIIWJ-P6SOeCQPpHGj8RCPeWVHh5UQA5FczP_CCA_RwnJ0bpxqzi17R-Q4zNv5nlF_2oMozAQ4oZcX8lABpA9cbcKCGIrv7oFEmk54l0DGd-vMba_W-IjBt2ItbeGPZdW/s1600/247144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZjctIIWJ-P6SOeCQPpHGj8RCPeWVHh5UQA5FczP_CCA_RwnJ0bpxqzi17R-Q4zNv5nlF_2oMozAQ4oZcX8lABpA9cbcKCGIrv7oFEmk54l0DGd-vMba_W-IjBt2ItbeGPZdW/s1600/247144.jpg" /></a>On the way home a new and particularly stressful flavor of family drama began, with texts, calls, and eventually a total come-to-jesus with my mom. Part of it went down while sitting at the pool (I'd gone straight there after my audition), which really made it only slightly better, and in some ways more stressful because I was staring down at my partially naked body in a swimsuit the whole time. Add to that the fact that Joe keeps buying bags of chips and bringing them to the pool. I can say with certainty I have no ability to control myself in the presence of potato chips, especially the kind pictured to the left. They are the single most wonderful and most hated food in my life. If and when I evolve into an all-powerful deity, the first thing I will do is create potato chips with no calories or cholesterol or anything.<br />
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I really should have been practicing, but after dinner, Joe and I decided to go out to thrift stores and find more fabulous artwork for our walls. We were wholly unsuccessful, but we did end up with some watermelon and cantelope which I am hoping can now take the place of chips at pool-time. Well...nothing could ever take the place of chips...but, you know what I mean.<br />
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Ahh life. What a series of ups and downs it is. But in the summer time and at Christmas it is really great. And lots of times in between.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-41055130449378324682013-06-04T11:07:00.000-04:002013-06-04T11:07:00.413-04:00Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-12710266068934297452013-06-03T10:46:00.000-04:002013-06-03T10:46:37.412-04:00Weekend recapIt was a seamless and stress-free trip to NYC, and even more enjoyable because I am reading a fabulous book entitled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Devil-White-City-Madness-Changed/dp/0375725601">Devil in the White City by Erik Larson</a>. It was recommended by friends who promised me it would be a page turner and indeed it is! <div>
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I worked on some rep for an audition as well as my new bel canto stuff with my teacher and coach. I had hoped to fit in a wonderfully cheap New York pedicure at my favorite place, Serenity Nails in Midtown, but there was no time! My coach went over a bit with me (Lucky me!) and I had to high-tail it down town to catch the bus. I did have just enough time to pick up two dark chocolate mousse-filled Ritter Sport bars on my way...mmm. What a treat. </div>
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The plan for yesterday after church was to spend the afternoon at the pool and then attend the concert, but I was feeling a bit under the weather, so it ended up being a very low key afternoon, especially since it rained! So I made good use of the time by making bread and yogurt for the week. I don't do very well with downtime...I have no idea what to do with myself. I need to get help for that. :)</div>
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I've got that audition tomorrow! Micaela, here I come. Wish me luck!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-61476892598066225032013-05-31T11:13:00.000-04:002013-05-31T11:56:06.378-04:00WeekendI am grateful because my week has included a lot of good things. My weekend will be awesome too, because I get to sing.<br />
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Tomorrow, I'm going to New York (lookout Megabus) for a lesson and coaching, and it is my pianist's birthday, so I will be bringing him some treats, or else getting him a Wendy's gift certificate, either one. It's a hilarious quirk, but he LOVES Wendy's, of all things! He is the one who saved me before my last audition by running out to get me copies of my piece!<br />
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Tuesday, I've got an audition which has required some brushing up of some old rep. I'm intrigued by, and shall we say nervously excited, about this particular audition as the concept is interesting and requires movement and dance. Ahem. And now you understand my concern. At any rate, I'll go in there and give it all I've got. As long time readers of this blog have observed, I definitely know how to dance it out...it's just that I'm not sure if my kind of dancing it out is the kind they want. :) <br />
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In these kinds of uncertain audition situations (and let's face it-- most are uncertain in some way! Anything can happen...), I just try to focus on giving a consistent and compelling vocal performance and keeping a very open mind and heart. <br />
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I'm the only person I can control.<br />
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In other news I'm excited to hear some <a href="http://www.bachinbaltimore.org/2013/05/09/june-2013-final/">Bach and Handel at this concert on Sunday</a>, and have some guacamole after at Blue Agave. It's funny, I have to keep reminding Joe that there are other foods and cocktails in the world in the summer besides guacamole and margaritas. We eat out on our own really only once a week, and I have to say lately nine times out of ten it has been guac and margs! But the fact is I love when you can walk everywhere, and living in our neighborhood, we can walk to the mexican place. I am reminding Joe we can also walk to the pizza place, the thai place, the japanese, the pub...oh well! He is very cute about it. And anyway, it is summer. <br />
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My food for thought this weekend:<br />
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<b>It is not my job to school others and force them to think rightly, or to change their ways. </b> As a friend I must offer my support, and build them up, remind them of their inherent fabulousness, and always be the ear for whatever is happening in their lives. I must try never to make them feel less than, or that their feelings are wrong or unimportant. Only when they ask for my advice will I give it. Who am I to say, when I am still walking up and down the streets everyday with questions in my heart, my mind every minute. I want to be a safe place for each and every person I know. I have been teasingly referred to as "The Feelings Police," a title I am kind of flattered by because I hope people feel: Your heart is safe with me.<br />
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<b>We have not just ended up with what we have.</b> At least as far as adulthood is concerned, our choices have brought it to us. We can delight in the good we have manifested and ponder the bad, but it all comes back to us: we are the manifestors. </div>
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<b>The universal law of cause and effect is happening all around me</b>, and I have to make sure I am causing the good and effecting happiness. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-53179951397418527552013-05-29T14:10:00.004-04:002013-05-30T09:25:36.189-04:00The Ten Commandments of Summer for Young Singers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpC0uQp_xbMfTsGYbVS0WH9ZbUg-sgJxXOys_dxTXK1T2oiv3RMEz9Ca7yyJow1zcTau7WqDnNVMP7Fg1SY6-jr8Xko22-FJco-mRewtPTldacecty45eMss5BLvcvDjCRyvB-/s1600/117e5602c217e0228944291934bbdb28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpC0uQp_xbMfTsGYbVS0WH9ZbUg-sgJxXOys_dxTXK1T2oiv3RMEz9Ca7yyJow1zcTau7WqDnNVMP7Fg1SY6-jr8Xko22-FJco-mRewtPTldacecty45eMss5BLvcvDjCRyvB-/s320/117e5602c217e0228944291934bbdb28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Inspired by <a href="http://clarabelleblog.com/2013/05/28/your-summer-commandments/">this adorbs post</a> from a gal whose style I adore, I thought we needed a version for the classical singing types out there...<br />
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<b>1. Thou shalt love the lord thy voice teacher with all thy heart and soul and mind.</b><br />
And of course by that I mean, don't let what's shiny and new and super complimentary at your summer program entice you away from the person who has been slogging along day in and day out, working slow-but-sure wonders with your singing, taking your frantic competition panic calls, giving you the same advice over and over again that you never listen to, replying to your endless stream of emails, telling you you can do it, and generally building you up. Don't get poached. Just don't. Two voice lessons at a program do not a long-term strategy make. Change voice teachers every five minutes and you will be a mess.<br />
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<b>2. Thou shalt not compare thyself to other singers who are older, and more experienced.</b><br />
You will feel bad all the time. Be inspired by them, because they are making it happen, but don't be a victim and let their level of accomplishment get you down.<br />
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<b>3. Thou shalt not condescend and give advice to singers who look up to you, just because you are older and more experienced.</b><br />
They have people who they are paying to work on things with them. Don't step in with your extensive knowledge of the repertoire and confuse them by saying who they sound like, that they are really a tenor, that they should be singing Handel instead, you know...yes, you know exactly what I mean. What all the older singers did to you that made you feel weird and like you have no idea what direction your life is headed. Be the supportive, uplifting person that makes them feel good about who they are NOW.<br />
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<b>4. Thou shalt NOT over-sing in Death-by-Aria the first night of the festival. </b></div>
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It's a classic mistake. Be the one who doesn't have to prove how loud they are. And then you will have a voice the next day when it is time for the really important stuff. What a concept.</div>
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<b>5. Thou shalt absolutely use the summer to grow vocally even if you don't go to a program. </b><br />
Listen to Lucia all the way through. Listen to something wild you would never normally want to listen to, like for me, that would include one of the Glass operas. Learn a role. Set up coachings with someone you have never worked with but have always wanted to. Take your audition arias to an acting coach.<br />
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<b>6. Thou shalt not feel bad about thyself if you choose not to go and pay $4000+ this summer for a program. </b></div>
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The truth is, when you think about how long it takes a person like us to make that amount of money...it had better be one heck of an experience. So embrace your choice not to do it. You are being prudent, and start a little savings account for your audition trips in the fall.</div>
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<b>7. Thou shalt give a recital for free just to be nice. </b><br />
Get together with some friends and sing your audition arias, some new song repertoire, etc. for your church or a retirement community. It's a great way to try out new stuff. These kinds of things have certainly been invaluable for me in making discoveries about what is right and wrong for me to sing.<br />
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<b>8. Thou shalt organize an aria club and call it Fight Club to be cool.</b><br />
So, aria club could meet once a month, everyone kicks in for a pianist. Every second month, you have to sing something brand new. Sounds like good motivation to me!<br />
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<b>9. Thou shalt attend an outdoor performance! </b><br />
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<b>10. Thou shalt not forget to have fun. </b><br />
Remember how living life makes us better singers? It does. For heavens sake go to the beach or the pool or something and enjoy yourself. Make dinner for friends. Be fabulous!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-41590731952238246002013-05-28T11:03:00.000-04:002013-05-28T11:03:09.284-04:00The past and the presentThis weekend I was lucky enough to have an extra day off so that I could drive out to Pittsburgh for some time with family. First of all, I have to say my new free Iphone made the trip more fun, as I was able to have all my fabulous tunes coming right through the stereo of my car! I listened to Bach, Bellini, Handel, Beyonce, Fleet Foxes, soooo much music. It was great. There was a ton of traffic on the Turnpike, and when I stopped for gas, it was like the wild wild west at the filling stations, let me tell you. I totally lost my cool with a lady who was beeping at me to hurry while I was trying to get gas, and I yelled. But hey, it was a real Jessica moment, what can I say. And let me tell you, everyone in the gas station heard. :) Yikes.<div>
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I've said it many times here, I love being with my family, because I laugh and laugh and laugh. I have a hilarious bunch of relatives, and laughter is the strongest medicine there is. For my cousins and I, its a time of change and transition, marriage, family, babies, moving, and so there were a lot of tears this time too. I was reminded that rejection and feeling like a loser doesn't just happen to opera singers... it's the way people our age tend to feel in general! Whether we are attorneys, surgeons, dentists, singers or whatever. We are all afraid that some part of our plan is going to fall through, and that we are going to let our parents, friends, spouses, and ourselves down. We are afraid that we aren't good enough, and that everything we've accomplished up until now is all just a very lucky coincidence. Also, it is very difficult to get a job in the current climate, even for those who thought their degree would provide them with a sure thing. So we spent some much needed time commiserating, and lots of old stuff comes up, and the emotions you feel can be so intense. There were tears too, but it was a very healing and cathartic weekend. When you are healing from a tough year, it is important to be with people who understand you from A-Z, who have seen the evolution of who you are and know the very unique nature of your challenges as only family can. </div>
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It is true that our past does not define us, and that moving forward, we make choices everyday that can either reshape our lives, or keep us in the destructive pattern. But what has happened is impossible to forget, and it will come back sometimes unbidden, and affect the present in ways we never could have imagined. I am still trying to figure out how I can plan for those moments and keep them from affecting my performances. As Leontyne Price said, "I would never let anything keep me from giving my very best performance for the audience." And lord knows she had some challenges! But she kept it from getting to her in such a way that she was always in top form when she needed to be. </div>
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I am working on this. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-53257158366091518772013-05-23T15:13:00.000-04:002013-05-23T15:13:24.464-04:00Because today is my Friday!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-hCrkaS3Lt1C7A1pREe11OFthIpWschg4Fytu96m4y7KH7sRMvFggKXTEQo096yGnoewixcgtoWw68l4SGb43e3FgWDd9Ko8C6gcg0u018YoBaLTQIhylP36tMmqZxbkE1Iv/s1600/f7b2a25a9845126d56e24b2521635f30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-hCrkaS3Lt1C7A1pREe11OFthIpWschg4Fytu96m4y7KH7sRMvFggKXTEQo096yGnoewixcgtoWw68l4SGb43e3FgWDd9Ko8C6gcg0u018YoBaLTQIhylP36tMmqZxbkE1Iv/s320/f7b2a25a9845126d56e24b2521635f30.jpg" width="320" /></a>It is a happy day. I have lots of things planned for this weekend, and because I need some emotional recharging, it will be some time with the fam in Pittsburgh, and hopefully it will not be terrible weather and we can celebrate the first weekend of the pool being open AT the pool.<br />
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Tonight there is a work event. But I've painted my nails and done up my do, and will help to send the graduates off in style.<br />
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After we will meet up with friends to toast to the weekend of fun.<br />
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My yogurt and bread turned out amazing! Not that you care...<br />
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And so did my practice session, although since my little break, my stamina is not what it was! It is truly crazy how quickly you can lose ground. We gotta keep moving forward!<br />
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Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone!<br />
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Jess<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-37795876511367250472013-05-22T16:17:00.001-04:002013-05-22T16:17:52.284-04:00WednesdayThis is a kind of a boring post, but I'm having the best day.<br />
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I've got some new things to practice for, and some new things to practice for those things!. Super great. <br />
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Tonight, I've got it all planned out:<br />
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1. Practice<br />
2. Make pork loin with asparagus (come on over!)<br />
3. Make bread<br />
4. Make greek yogurt<br />
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I know it sounds weird. But it is a great night for me of creating things.<br />
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Edible things.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-52175417044871686222013-05-21T15:00:00.002-04:002013-05-21T15:00:45.177-04:00Tuesday<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">When you tough it out, hold the line, and stay the course, Jessica, I promise you there will soon come a day when you look back over your shoulder, shake your head in dismay, and seriously wonder what all the fuss was about.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Just like all the other times,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> The Universe</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-75423902361472507912013-05-20T13:42:00.002-04:002013-05-20T13:42:58.719-04:00Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPuDU4HKtDsMbp15E1o6q6azPCTHLABipcTkN_PiOmeLETbgGv8QR-R42w8WZFClwZVIIKPLs7exqxug6W04JJ5HU9dPiymaZDPM7H4EpSH56GGBj7nW5kEvGkStSRx9o-YmU/s1600/555094_236726113134711_1344702935_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPuDU4HKtDsMbp15E1o6q6azPCTHLABipcTkN_PiOmeLETbgGv8QR-R42w8WZFClwZVIIKPLs7exqxug6W04JJ5HU9dPiymaZDPM7H4EpSH56GGBj7nW5kEvGkStSRx9o-YmU/s320/555094_236726113134711_1344702935_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18064486.post-13370870338460260442013-05-17T10:55:00.000-04:002013-05-17T10:55:51.442-04:00This weekIt started off a little sad, with the close of a show that had a quite a story, a lot of emotion, and a very close cast. It was hard to say goodbye to that. I was experiencing some of the typical post-show ennui. I didn't feel like singing, and I told myself, "Self, no problem. Don't practice again til you feel like you want to. It's called taking a break." And guess what. By Wednesday I was practicing again...as the days pass...I'm starting to get my mojo back, I have to admit. I am back to being totally obsessed. Obsessed with singing, singers, opera, song...all of it.<br />
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This week's posts included:<br />
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- A poem on <a href="http://www.sopranostepsout.blogspot.com/2013/05/0-0-1-121-693-peabody-institute-5-1-813.html">Wednesday</a> called <i>Opening Night</i><br />
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- yesterday's self-motivational post called <a href="http://www.sopranostepsout.blogspot.com/2013/05/coaching-team-you.html">Coaching Team You</a>. It was by far the most popular this week.<br />
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Tonight Joe and I are off to Lyric Opera Baltimore's <i>Rigoletto</i>-- one of my very favorites. I'll be on pins and needles all through "Caro nome." Otherwise known as the best aria ever! We will be fuleing up first with margaritas and guacamole. And between now and then, of course, I'll have to figure out what spectacular outfit to wear... I'm going back stage after...maybe I'll get to meet Bryan Hymel!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0