Well, I tried on the dress in question, and definitely decided that, while it was a great dress, it doesn't highlight the parts that need highlighting in an audition. So I wore a high-waisted black skirt with a bright (low-cut) top, heels, tights and plenty of make-up. It felt comfortable and attractive, so...yay.
The weekend was filled with singing-related activities mostly having to do with getting me closer to feeling ready to sing this role. Sunday's rehearsal was long, but productive for me, as I feel I am a couple steps closer to feeling really confident about singing the second act.
Friday, I went to drinks, with a friend, and it turned into dinner. Funnnn, and then Saturday, Joe took me out for a dinner to celebrate our two year anniversary of officially being together. The Helmand was SOOO good. I always wish that I went there more often, but for some reason, it's just not on my radar as much as other places...I was garlic-o-licious for 24 hours after, too. But it was worth it. Deal with my garlic, people.
All dressed up and everywhere to go
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Thursday, February 05, 2009
how's this for riveting information
I'm auditioning for something tomorrow, and I'm totally and one hundred percent going out on a limb by wearing a large-printed dress that is very pretty but doesn't show any cleavage. Since I think opera singers are pretty much weaned on cleavage, and the idea that to succeed, you must show yours, this is a big step for me.
If I sing fabulously, therefore, I will blame not having been hired on the fact that I was just too daring in my attire. Large print and no cleave? It's taking your life into your hands. But so is singing, in some ways. Being like a quarter-tone away from utter humiliation every time you open your mouth, and the way you take in a breath determines whether or not you hit that high Q above L you were going for? Please. We're all masochists.
I try not to think about these things very often, because if I did, I would lose it.
If I sing fabulously, therefore, I will blame not having been hired on the fact that I was just too daring in my attire. Large print and no cleave? It's taking your life into your hands. But so is singing, in some ways. Being like a quarter-tone away from utter humiliation every time you open your mouth, and the way you take in a breath determines whether or not you hit that high Q above L you were going for? Please. We're all masochists.
I try not to think about these things very often, because if I did, I would lose it.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
addicted
I get obsessed with weird things. Lately, it's been grape juice and club soda over ice (try it-- you'll be addicted too), leggings, and oddly enough-- making stir fry. Which means one of two things: I am either the lamest person alive or the coolest.
I worry about myself because some nights I come home and all I want to do is drink grape juice with club soda and eat spicy stir-fry while wearing leggings. This causes a lot of inner conflict, since, of course I know what I should be doing is working on memorizing the vast amounts of blocking for DE, or dusting, or doing my yoga video. This is a state of mind that I think is simply more about it being winter than anything else. I never thought it affected me much-- because I like winter, but I'm beginning to think it does at least a little.
I worry about myself because some nights I come home and all I want to do is drink grape juice with club soda and eat spicy stir-fry while wearing leggings. This causes a lot of inner conflict, since, of course I know what I should be doing is working on memorizing the vast amounts of blocking for DE, or dusting, or doing my yoga video. This is a state of mind that I think is simply more about it being winter than anything else. I never thought it affected me much-- because I like winter, but I'm beginning to think it does at least a little.
Monday, February 02, 2009
liver recovery and other stories
Friday night, I had the best run-through yet of my arias. Things are coming along nicely and I am no longer not sleeping because of any Mozart runs.
Saturday, I definitely woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I was beyond exhausted, and had the feeling that somewhere in there my body was trying to fight something off. Not surprising, as I am routinely surrounded by sick, coughing students. Oh wow was I in a bad mood. So, rather than force my suffering on others (well, except Joe of course, poor man), I laid on the couch wrapped in blankets and watched DVDs. That is until I got sick of it, went into the kitchen to get something to eat and realized we were painfully low on supplies. And the fact that there were no tie-backs for my new kitchen curtains was really really bugging me. So I complained about it for awhile and then just went to Bed Bath and Beyond and bought curtain tie-backs for god's sake.
Then I went over my Mozart stuff again and it was SO much better. After that-- my whole day changed direction. I went off to work, and then to a cocktail party and it was just the best. Oh and grape vodka is too delicious. I had about three glasses-- just enough to make waking up for church job a little gross.
As you know, the Superbowl was yesterday. If you don't you are deaf and blind. Although there are a couple of people I have talked to today who are perfectly intact and never knew it was happening. So last night we had a few people over and accidentally made a pitcher of margaritas and they were so good. SOOOO good. And the beer was too.
And I am starting to sound like an alcoholic. But I'm not. I just REALLY needed a drink.
Saturday, I definitely woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I was beyond exhausted, and had the feeling that somewhere in there my body was trying to fight something off. Not surprising, as I am routinely surrounded by sick, coughing students. Oh wow was I in a bad mood. So, rather than force my suffering on others (well, except Joe of course, poor man), I laid on the couch wrapped in blankets and watched DVDs. That is until I got sick of it, went into the kitchen to get something to eat and realized we were painfully low on supplies. And the fact that there were no tie-backs for my new kitchen curtains was really really bugging me. So I complained about it for awhile and then just went to Bed Bath and Beyond and bought curtain tie-backs for god's sake.
Then I went over my Mozart stuff again and it was SO much better. After that-- my whole day changed direction. I went off to work, and then to a cocktail party and it was just the best. Oh and grape vodka is too delicious. I had about three glasses-- just enough to make waking up for church job a little gross.
As you know, the Superbowl was yesterday. If you don't you are deaf and blind. Although there are a couple of people I have talked to today who are perfectly intact and never knew it was happening. So last night we had a few people over and accidentally made a pitcher of margaritas and they were so good. SOOOO good. And the beer was too.
And I am starting to sound like an alcoholic. But I'm not. I just REALLY needed a drink.
Friday, January 30, 2009
It's already Friday
It's been quite a week, and mostly I am exhausted and slap-happy by now, and well, ready for a drink or four.
Would anyone like to make me a martini?
I barely slept last night-- I kept waking up with the Act One finale going in circles around and around in my head. This is a sign from god, of course, that I need to get a life.
"Replace fear with love for the project. Replace insecurity with confidence in your abilities"-- these were my voice teacher's wise words in an email this morning after working on Mi tradi in a lesson yesterday. I'm making some real head way with the piece, and in about a year, I should feel confident singing it. :)
Well, I'm working on it, Maestro. In the mean time, I need to make some more replacements:
Replace Bravo reality television with real friends and real activities.
Replace practicing with dancing (please, I need to dance it out).
Oh, and if the gods are listening, I wouldn't mind several snow days in a row. With just enough snow to get school canceled, but not enough that the bars close. OR the grocery store, because I am feeling inspired to cookkkkkkkk.
Would anyone like to make me a martini?
I barely slept last night-- I kept waking up with the Act One finale going in circles around and around in my head. This is a sign from god, of course, that I need to get a life.
"Replace fear with love for the project. Replace insecurity with confidence in your abilities"-- these were my voice teacher's wise words in an email this morning after working on Mi tradi in a lesson yesterday. I'm making some real head way with the piece, and in about a year, I should feel confident singing it. :)
Well, I'm working on it, Maestro. In the mean time, I need to make some more replacements:
Replace Bravo reality television with real friends and real activities.
Replace practicing with dancing (please, I need to dance it out).
Oh, and if the gods are listening, I wouldn't mind several snow days in a row. With just enough snow to get school canceled, but not enough that the bars close. OR the grocery store, because I am feeling inspired to cookkkkkkkk.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monday
I have had less than nothing to blog about lately! I'm the most boring person in the world-- I go to work, I come home, I eat, and I work like a dog on Don Giovanni. And not because I don't know it yet. I know it. It's the vocal calisthenics that I'm not quite ready to face in public.
If there is a soprano out there (or mezzo for that matter) who can just roll out of bed singing Mi tradi and never had to toil over it like I do, I would like to meet her. I LOVE the aria-- love it. I always have. But I feel as though it is becoming the bane of my existence, in that it's the last thing I worry about before I go to sleep and the first thing I worry about when I wake up.
EVERYTHING else is there. The ensembles are coming together, the crazy runs are fine, the screaming octave jumps no longer bother me a bit. I have faced every scary place and overcome them! Only Mi tradi remains. So I took it to my coach on Saturday, for some suggestions on how to get it into my voice so that I don't feel so wretchedly afraid that I won't make it through to the end of the murderous passaggio tessitura plus runs that make me want to die tour-de-force. And beyond just getting through it, I'd like to have enough mental energy beyond just technique and breathing to make it BEAUTIFUL and artful as well. Imagine that...
She helped. She really did-- she gave me some insight into ways that I use my mouth and manipulate vowels, and a couple of techniques to practice with, while assuring me that this IS a role I can sing, and sing well. I suppose I will simply have to trust her, until I have it securely in my voice.
I have a week and a half til I have to sing it in front of my cast. And you know where to find me: at the piano with my freaking metronome.
If there is a soprano out there (or mezzo for that matter) who can just roll out of bed singing Mi tradi and never had to toil over it like I do, I would like to meet her. I LOVE the aria-- love it. I always have. But I feel as though it is becoming the bane of my existence, in that it's the last thing I worry about before I go to sleep and the first thing I worry about when I wake up.
EVERYTHING else is there. The ensembles are coming together, the crazy runs are fine, the screaming octave jumps no longer bother me a bit. I have faced every scary place and overcome them! Only Mi tradi remains. So I took it to my coach on Saturday, for some suggestions on how to get it into my voice so that I don't feel so wretchedly afraid that I won't make it through to the end of the murderous passaggio tessitura plus runs that make me want to die tour-de-force. And beyond just getting through it, I'd like to have enough mental energy beyond just technique and breathing to make it BEAUTIFUL and artful as well. Imagine that...
She helped. She really did-- she gave me some insight into ways that I use my mouth and manipulate vowels, and a couple of techniques to practice with, while assuring me that this IS a role I can sing, and sing well. I suppose I will simply have to trust her, until I have it securely in my voice.
I have a week and a half til I have to sing it in front of my cast. And you know where to find me: at the piano with my freaking metronome.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Wish me luck!
First rehearsal is Sunday! God, let the hundreds of HOURS I have spent learning this not be in vain!! This role has without a doubt been the biggest singing challenge I've ever had. I will keep telling myself, however, that it's no big deal. :)
In the meantime, I have to try to not get frostbite, and get through Obama's visit to Baltimore, and the AFC Championships. It seems they have even welded the manholes shut, in addition to forbidding us to park ANYWHERE in my neighborhood. Thank god for garages.
It's a three day weekend, and nothing could make me happier-- by Monday, my immediate Don Giovanni related worries will be behind me and there will be time for some popcorn, a fire in the fireplace and some On Demand.
Sexy.
In the meantime, I have to try to not get frostbite, and get through Obama's visit to Baltimore, and the AFC Championships. It seems they have even welded the manholes shut, in addition to forbidding us to park ANYWHERE in my neighborhood. Thank god for garages.
It's a three day weekend, and nothing could make me happier-- by Monday, my immediate Don Giovanni related worries will be behind me and there will be time for some popcorn, a fire in the fireplace and some On Demand.
Sexy.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Ghosts
When I got back to the office after the holidays, I ran into a friend who owns a beautiful townhouse in the 'hood, and who is conscientious enough to really read the newspaper. He always reads the section about Baltimore history, and came across an article about MY townhouse! I say my townhouse as if I owned it (oh I wish I did!) and as if it really were all mine, even though I only live in the first floor apt., but feel that way, I think, because I've lived upstairs too.
Ever since I first moved in something like three years ago to the upstairs apartment, I've felt that there was just something good and peaceful about the place. It felt like a happy house, and being a spiritual person, I put a lot of stock in feelings like that. I digress slightly, but I used to work at a certain Victorian mansion just down the street that definitely did NOT feel that way. It was scary and forbidding and I used to dread going everyday.
"My" house was purportedly built in 1867, and has the fireplaces and gas chandeliers to prove it. I've always been very eager to learn whatever I can about the house, so the newspaper article was as much fun for me as a shopping trip. I was not surprised to find that the family who last owned the home as a single-family residence (before it was split into apartments) were philanthropic, educated, well-traveled. The lady of the house was a Hopkins grad, an army nurse in the second World War, a fabulous cook, famous for her parties, and not surprisingly: Irish. She died at 102.
So now I know why we are so happy living there. Plenty of residual good fun and love.
Now, if I can just win the lottery, I can afford to buy the place so that I will never ever have to move again.
Ever since I first moved in something like three years ago to the upstairs apartment, I've felt that there was just something good and peaceful about the place. It felt like a happy house, and being a spiritual person, I put a lot of stock in feelings like that. I digress slightly, but I used to work at a certain Victorian mansion just down the street that definitely did NOT feel that way. It was scary and forbidding and I used to dread going everyday.
"My" house was purportedly built in 1867, and has the fireplaces and gas chandeliers to prove it. I've always been very eager to learn whatever I can about the house, so the newspaper article was as much fun for me as a shopping trip. I was not surprised to find that the family who last owned the home as a single-family residence (before it was split into apartments) were philanthropic, educated, well-traveled. The lady of the house was a Hopkins grad, an army nurse in the second World War, a fabulous cook, famous for her parties, and not surprisingly: Irish. She died at 102.
So now I know why we are so happy living there. Plenty of residual good fun and love.
Now, if I can just win the lottery, I can afford to buy the place so that I will never ever have to move again.
Monday, January 12, 2009
New Year, new president, new non-sucking football team, newly over being stressed about DE
I think the title of this blog actually says everything I need to say. Nevertheless:
I did NOT have to hide the knives and ropes! Purple passion prevailed against the Titans, and now, somehow next week, the Ravens will have to try to beat Pittsburgh, or I will be in the same position all over again. Suicidal husband dot com.
I had a great, but very taxing coaching over the weekend with Ms. G. If I'm not completely focused on supporting every single note, the repetition of the phrases required to refine things in a coaching of this role can tire me very quickly. Supporting and keeping all the wordy recits connected is a challenge, and always has been...it is just too tempting to come off the voice just a bit. I pay a lot of attention to the recits, and feel strongly that making them sound good and make sense is one of the best measures of a great singer. So it was nice to get a little professional reassurance that I was on the right track with the recits and the role as a whole. My approach has not been too heavy, or too light. And she encouraged me to stop thinking of it as difficult, but as just another set of notes, rhythms and vowels to sing right off of the page. Sometimes Mozart intimidates me, because it has the reputation to somehow define if you're a good singer or not. And while this is mostly true, telling myself that all the time just makes me a neurotic freak.
I am longing to get paid, so that I can go out for a drink. It feels like it's about time for a ridiculous fruity martini or something. I spent the weekend learning the score, watching football intermittently, and doing laundry. Kind of un-fabulous. But yours truly is broke as a joke til Thursday...
I did NOT have to hide the knives and ropes! Purple passion prevailed against the Titans, and now, somehow next week, the Ravens will have to try to beat Pittsburgh, or I will be in the same position all over again. Suicidal husband dot com.
I had a great, but very taxing coaching over the weekend with Ms. G. If I'm not completely focused on supporting every single note, the repetition of the phrases required to refine things in a coaching of this role can tire me very quickly. Supporting and keeping all the wordy recits connected is a challenge, and always has been...it is just too tempting to come off the voice just a bit. I pay a lot of attention to the recits, and feel strongly that making them sound good and make sense is one of the best measures of a great singer. So it was nice to get a little professional reassurance that I was on the right track with the recits and the role as a whole. My approach has not been too heavy, or too light. And she encouraged me to stop thinking of it as difficult, but as just another set of notes, rhythms and vowels to sing right off of the page. Sometimes Mozart intimidates me, because it has the reputation to somehow define if you're a good singer or not. And while this is mostly true, telling myself that all the time just makes me a neurotic freak.
I am longing to get paid, so that I can go out for a drink. It feels like it's about time for a ridiculous fruity martini or something. I spent the weekend learning the score, watching football intermittently, and doing laundry. Kind of un-fabulous. But yours truly is broke as a joke til Thursday...
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Recits are us
The lucky thing is that Donna E doesn't really have that many recits, so I can kind of feel like I've got a handle on them. The real trial for my character are those grueling ensemble finales! I continue to stress about "Mi tradi," but since my fabulous husband's around and can play through it for me a few times each day, I think we're going to get it, sooner or later. The last, longest florid passage is truly what kills me. Much like the one in the first act quartet "Che mi dice di quel traditore" section. Oh, god. Kill me now. But every day it gets better, so there's hope!
Whatever other fun diversions I could have (shopping, watching Bravo, eating, dancing, shopping, watching Bravo), I still prefer this. Yay. I am so lucky.
The huge enormous elephant in the room, or the blog, as it were, is that the Ravens are in the playoffs, and well, a certain husband of mine is waiting with bated breath for Saturday. The only problem with this is that if the boys in purple don't win I'm afraid I'll have to hide all the kitchen knives and any rope we may have laying around. So, you obviously know who I'm routing for, and folks, it isn't Tennessee. Did I ever in a million years think I would have single clue football playoffs even existed, much less who was playing who? No. But that's life for you. Delightfully weird and unpredictable in every way!
Okay, I'm going home in a while, and will resume practicing like a mad woman. And will make stir fry for dinner, and watch "The City" which I have DVRed. Thank you very much.
Whatever other fun diversions I could have (shopping, watching Bravo, eating, dancing, shopping, watching Bravo), I still prefer this. Yay. I am so lucky.
The huge enormous elephant in the room, or the blog, as it were, is that the Ravens are in the playoffs, and well, a certain husband of mine is waiting with bated breath for Saturday. The only problem with this is that if the boys in purple don't win I'm afraid I'll have to hide all the kitchen knives and any rope we may have laying around. So, you obviously know who I'm routing for, and folks, it isn't Tennessee. Did I ever in a million years think I would have single clue football playoffs even existed, much less who was playing who? No. But that's life for you. Delightfully weird and unpredictable in every way!
Okay, I'm going home in a while, and will resume practicing like a mad woman. And will make stir fry for dinner, and watch "The City" which I have DVRed. Thank you very much.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
The first rehearsal freak out
Mine is in two weeks. And I am absolutely freaking.
Christmas was frenetic, but good. I tried to work on the music and practice, but when you've got crazy relatives running in and out of your house, and you've got to drive to Ohio and visit for three days, it becomes difficult. I righteously brought the score for the purpose of drilling recits. And some of that did in fact take place, due to the fact that there was not much drinking involved in the Ohio visit.
The last two days in NYC were bliss, eating, walking, seeing shows (including RENEE: she was fabulous), and I returned home to find an email announcing first rehearsal tidings.
You've heard this from me before. It's becoming more of a tradition than I would like to admit. But a person's first Donna Elvira is a little intimidating, if I may say. Yes, I always pull it together in time. But there is a lot of kicking and screaming and gnashing of teeth in the process.
I will also be sleeping with the score underneath my pillow, just in case.
Christmas was frenetic, but good. I tried to work on the music and practice, but when you've got crazy relatives running in and out of your house, and you've got to drive to Ohio and visit for three days, it becomes difficult. I righteously brought the score for the purpose of drilling recits. And some of that did in fact take place, due to the fact that there was not much drinking involved in the Ohio visit.
The last two days in NYC were bliss, eating, walking, seeing shows (including RENEE: she was fabulous), and I returned home to find an email announcing first rehearsal tidings.
You've heard this from me before. It's becoming more of a tradition than I would like to admit. But a person's first Donna Elvira is a little intimidating, if I may say. Yes, I always pull it together in time. But there is a lot of kicking and screaming and gnashing of teeth in the process.
I will also be sleeping with the score underneath my pillow, just in case.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Dec. 23
It's after 11 pm and I've just wrapped my final gift.
I made the most fabulous soup for Christmas Eve, and it's just waiting in the fridge to be reheated when we get back from PA tomorrow.
I finished packaging and tying all manner of ribbons around the chocolate covered pretzel sticks I made for my aunts.
I sent poor Joe out to have prints made of all the pics I've been promising people from the wedding. (What a drama that has been)
I've only had two glasses of wine tonight,and I thought it would take at least five.
So, I think we can have Christmas now.
I made the most fabulous soup for Christmas Eve, and it's just waiting in the fridge to be reheated when we get back from PA tomorrow.
I finished packaging and tying all manner of ribbons around the chocolate covered pretzel sticks I made for my aunts.
I sent poor Joe out to have prints made of all the pics I've been promising people from the wedding. (What a drama that has been)
I've only had two glasses of wine tonight,and I thought it would take at least five.
So, I think we can have Christmas now.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
What I want for Christmas
1. Beyonce's new album
2. Everyone to like the presents I got them
3. To drink lots of champagne
4. Jewels, furs, expensive purses
5. To be cast from a couple of these auditions I've been schlepping all over creation to do
6. To be with my fam, Joe, and my friends and to drink and go shopping and and play cards
7. To learn Donna Elvira. That's a big one. Oy. It needs to be memorized in a month.
8. To not gain ten pounds eating things
9. To have some sense that things are as bad as they are going to get in this crazy country, and that we can only go up from here
10. To stay completely, one-hundred percent focused on whatever is happening in the moment, and not to be sad about the past or anxious about the future
2. Everyone to like the presents I got them
3. To drink lots of champagne
4. Jewels, furs, expensive purses
5. To be cast from a couple of these auditions I've been schlepping all over creation to do
6. To be with my fam, Joe, and my friends and to drink and go shopping and and play cards
7. To learn Donna Elvira. That's a big one. Oy. It needs to be memorized in a month.
8. To not gain ten pounds eating things
9. To have some sense that things are as bad as they are going to get in this crazy country, and that we can only go up from here
10. To stay completely, one-hundred percent focused on whatever is happening in the moment, and not to be sad about the past or anxious about the future
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tuesday
I have the greatest difficulty coming up with pithy titles for my posts, so I guess the easiest thing to fall back on is simply the day of the week. Creativity is found in the present moment, or so my "guru" says. Apparently, I've been living a little too much in the future: the next audition, the Christmas activities coming up...
I am feeling more and more settled all the time into my place, the decorations done, the beige couches, even, are growing on me. As much as I love auditioning, I am simply so comfortable at home, especially when the weather is icky, that I have a hard time getting myself out the door...
And the voice! It's been a swollen, hormonal mess the past couple of days-- although in my lesson last night, T never ceases to amaze me with his uncanny ability to tune things up in such a way that it feels like I'm not such a mess after all. Lucky for me, since, though I'm broke as a joke, I've somehow got to afford a trip to NYC on Thursday for another audition.
After Christmas, I suspect it will even out a bit, I HOPE!!! I'd like to be able to eat a great dinner before Thais at the Met with Renee, just after New Years!~ It's been a while since I've seen La Fleming live, so it should lovely, with her all decked out in Christian LaCroix. Jonathan tells me it's divine.
In the meantime, we've still got some shopping days left til Christmas, and I really need to be invited to more holiday parties...the 60 degree weather is NOT putting me in the mood. Snow? Please???
I am feeling more and more settled all the time into my place, the decorations done, the beige couches, even, are growing on me. As much as I love auditioning, I am simply so comfortable at home, especially when the weather is icky, that I have a hard time getting myself out the door...
And the voice! It's been a swollen, hormonal mess the past couple of days-- although in my lesson last night, T never ceases to amaze me with his uncanny ability to tune things up in such a way that it feels like I'm not such a mess after all. Lucky for me, since, though I'm broke as a joke, I've somehow got to afford a trip to NYC on Thursday for another audition.
After Christmas, I suspect it will even out a bit, I HOPE!!! I'd like to be able to eat a great dinner before Thais at the Met with Renee, just after New Years!~ It's been a while since I've seen La Fleming live, so it should lovely, with her all decked out in Christian LaCroix. Jonathan tells me it's divine.
In the meantime, we've still got some shopping days left til Christmas, and I really need to be invited to more holiday parties...the 60 degree weather is NOT putting me in the mood. Snow? Please???
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
I love new york
I really do. Every time I go, I think how much I would someday love to live there.
And every time I go home to my nice comfortable cheap apartment in Baltimore, and look at my bank statement, I realize just how perfectly fine it is that I don't live there at the moment. Some day.
My jaunt to "the city" yesterday was super fun, and I was so relieved that even despite the frigid conditions, my two arias went VERY well. I could even go so far as to say I was on fire. Which is a dumb phrase, but describes my emotions quite well. So, it wasn't a wasted trip.
I did something really daring, too. I wore a dressy black turtleneck with a black skirt and black heels for the audition. This has never been done before. It is highly unusual, as you are usually supposed to try to show off your hot cleavage at auditions. But I was just too cold, people. And I thought, by golly! I'll be damned if I'm going to freeze my ass off for these people!
At the studio, I ran into my friend Jonathan, who is always a good person to ask about these things, and looked really dapper himself. "It's unusual to wear a turtleneck," he smiled tactfully, "do you have another option?"
Yes I did have something else, but I didn't wear it. I wore the turtleneck anyway, and it was almost scary how comfortable I felt standing there singing my little heart out. It was too cold for cleavage.
Then we three went to lunch and it was just the best day.
And every time I go home to my nice comfortable cheap apartment in Baltimore, and look at my bank statement, I realize just how perfectly fine it is that I don't live there at the moment. Some day.
My jaunt to "the city" yesterday was super fun, and I was so relieved that even despite the frigid conditions, my two arias went VERY well. I could even go so far as to say I was on fire. Which is a dumb phrase, but describes my emotions quite well. So, it wasn't a wasted trip.
I did something really daring, too. I wore a dressy black turtleneck with a black skirt and black heels for the audition. This has never been done before. It is highly unusual, as you are usually supposed to try to show off your hot cleavage at auditions. But I was just too cold, people. And I thought, by golly! I'll be damned if I'm going to freeze my ass off for these people!
At the studio, I ran into my friend Jonathan, who is always a good person to ask about these things, and looked really dapper himself. "It's unusual to wear a turtleneck," he smiled tactfully, "do you have another option?"
Yes I did have something else, but I didn't wear it. I wore the turtleneck anyway, and it was almost scary how comfortable I felt standing there singing my little heart out. It was too cold for cleavage.
Then we three went to lunch and it was just the best day.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Friday
Today is a long day. I have to work a concert tonight, but have a good dinner to look forward to at least!! Joe is making lasagna. Which he is quite good at. Among other things. I'm kind of glazed over today-- I slept fine, but maybe it was the HUGE vodka soda I had at the Monument Lighting last night...then we came home and watched this entirely inappropriate movie "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," most of which I was asleep for.
Tomorrow, a baby shower!! Fun. Especially because it is not my own.
Sunday: Second sunday of advent, and I LOVE it. Love advent. Warm, fuzzy, hopeful. Even half-buddhists can enjoy a good advent service.
Monday-- back to NYC for auditions-- but this time Joe can come, and it will be a fun road trip day, I hope, and maybe lunch with JM? I hope so much. I would like to eat at that Vietnamese place again, please! I surprise myself sometimes, because auditions are really a fun adventure for me, and have ceased to be scary and stressful, except of course, when someone changes your scheduled time slot for an hour earlier without telling you. That sucks. Sabotage???? Does someone have it in for me?? I doubt it.
At some point, I have got to get down to the business of buying Christmas presents and learning recits. For realz.
Tomorrow, a baby shower!! Fun. Especially because it is not my own.
Sunday: Second sunday of advent, and I LOVE it. Love advent. Warm, fuzzy, hopeful. Even half-buddhists can enjoy a good advent service.
Monday-- back to NYC for auditions-- but this time Joe can come, and it will be a fun road trip day, I hope, and maybe lunch with JM? I hope so much. I would like to eat at that Vietnamese place again, please! I surprise myself sometimes, because auditions are really a fun adventure for me, and have ceased to be scary and stressful, except of course, when someone changes your scheduled time slot for an hour earlier without telling you. That sucks. Sabotage???? Does someone have it in for me?? I doubt it.
At some point, I have got to get down to the business of buying Christmas presents and learning recits. For realz.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
I will survive
the crazy end of the semester insanity that is infiltrating every corner of this place!
I came in this morning feeling so good, so happy, and so invigorated after the audition yesterday, and my first AVA audition experience. Intimidation lurks in every practice room-- but I USED it. I sang louder, prouder, and with more focus. I ran into a few singers I knew, and I met a mezzo at the pizza place around the corner who was just lovely and showed me where to go to get a practice room, etc.
I don't care that I spend my days wandering lost around cities, I don't care that I spend all my money on lessons and travel, I don't care that every night I sleep in a damp bed so that my humidifier can keep my throat moist in my desert of a bedroom, and I don't even care that every morning I wake up and the first thing I think about is my voice. I just love singing.
I came in this morning feeling so good, so happy, and so invigorated after the audition yesterday, and my first AVA audition experience. Intimidation lurks in every practice room-- but I USED it. I sang louder, prouder, and with more focus. I ran into a few singers I knew, and I met a mezzo at the pizza place around the corner who was just lovely and showed me where to go to get a practice room, etc.
I don't care that I spend my days wandering lost around cities, I don't care that I spend all my money on lessons and travel, I don't care that every night I sleep in a damp bed so that my humidifier can keep my throat moist in my desert of a bedroom, and I don't even care that every morning I wake up and the first thing I think about is my voice. I just love singing.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
audition
oh the drama!
I was lost and wandering around a certain East Coast city for so long that I thought I would eat my own arm-- I was that hungry.
Until an honorable city cop came to my rescue. I am certainly not above doing the damsel in distress thing if it will get me to the nearest on-ramp for 95, people.
No siree.
Three circles around the block and I finally figured out where I was supposed to go. And then it was rush hour.
I love my life.
I was lost and wandering around a certain East Coast city for so long that I thought I would eat my own arm-- I was that hungry.
Until an honorable city cop came to my rescue. I am certainly not above doing the damsel in distress thing if it will get me to the nearest on-ramp for 95, people.
No siree.
Three circles around the block and I finally figured out where I was supposed to go. And then it was rush hour.
I love my life.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Loves it
I love Christmas. Like a lot. And for the first time, as a married person, I'm in the position of needing begin some new traditions, separate from our families, for this year.
I've got some ideas, and we've made some plans, but I guess we'll have to see whether we like them enough to make them a tradition. I'm trying not to put too much pressure on myself to make it "magical." Or something like that.
One thing I'd like to try doing, oddly enough, is roasting a turkey. I became kind of intrigued with the process at Thanksgiving, so the plan is to buy one on sale and try it out on a random monday night when it doesn't matter if it's ruined and I could potentially just throw it out. No one to impress, and no pressure to perform. At my stage of life, it stands to reason that I've got a good 15 years before I'd be called upon to make a turkey myself, but you never know. With mothers around, who would want to eat mine? Nobody-- that's who.
Another Christmas observation: whenever I hear Christmas songs being played in the stores, I feel like crying. What can this possibly mean? That I am hormonal wreck? That I am a freak? Or just that I am a hopelessly idealistic sap?
The good news is: I have my VERY own holly tree in the back yard. How's that for holiday magic?
I've got some ideas, and we've made some plans, but I guess we'll have to see whether we like them enough to make them a tradition. I'm trying not to put too much pressure on myself to make it "magical." Or something like that.
One thing I'd like to try doing, oddly enough, is roasting a turkey. I became kind of intrigued with the process at Thanksgiving, so the plan is to buy one on sale and try it out on a random monday night when it doesn't matter if it's ruined and I could potentially just throw it out. No one to impress, and no pressure to perform. At my stage of life, it stands to reason that I've got a good 15 years before I'd be called upon to make a turkey myself, but you never know. With mothers around, who would want to eat mine? Nobody-- that's who.
Another Christmas observation: whenever I hear Christmas songs being played in the stores, I feel like crying. What can this possibly mean? That I am hormonal wreck? That I am a freak? Or just that I am a hopelessly idealistic sap?
The good news is: I have my VERY own holly tree in the back yard. How's that for holiday magic?
Monday, December 01, 2008
Monday
I'm back. And so are my cats. Oh how I missed them!!!!
I get scared sometimes when I think about what a crazy cat lady I could easily become. I remind Joe almost daily to keep me from getting another. Two is the limit. The absolute outer limit.
Well, kids, I'm back on the horse, and Wednesday, it's off to Philly for another audition. Joe can't join me on the road trip, so I will have to rely on the provided accompanist for the first time in months! Which is weird for me, actually, but the lovely thing about being a lyric soprano is that everybody knows your rep. And I'm not singing anything wild and wooly, so it should be okay. Although I'll miss Joe, it will be a fun Jessica day trip and I'll take myself out to lunch and maybe stop to shop on the way home. I am the kind of person that loves to be alone from time to time, and without those little breaks in the action I start to feel like I might scream. Because of familial obligations and Thanksgiving (I have lots of reasons to be thankful), I have had precious little Jessica time.
I did my nails last night (aren't you just thrilled I'm blogging about such important topics) and used a cheap nail polish that I must have neglected to throw out on my last nail-polish purging crusade. It looked like such a lovely color-- dark burgundy (which I always feel like wearing after watching The Hills)-- and today, already, it's chipped. Damn. Such an annoying color to put on evenly and properly, too, with no smudges.
Tonight, after my lesson with my teacher maestro extraordinaire, I will come home and finish decorating the tree. It's ten feet and has 1000 mini-lights. I've done the top and just need to finish up the bottom... when that's all done, we can start thinking about what a drag it's going to be to take it down in a month. oy.
And now, off to another fierce inner-acoustical extravaganza.
I get scared sometimes when I think about what a crazy cat lady I could easily become. I remind Joe almost daily to keep me from getting another. Two is the limit. The absolute outer limit.
Well, kids, I'm back on the horse, and Wednesday, it's off to Philly for another audition. Joe can't join me on the road trip, so I will have to rely on the provided accompanist for the first time in months! Which is weird for me, actually, but the lovely thing about being a lyric soprano is that everybody knows your rep. And I'm not singing anything wild and wooly, so it should be okay. Although I'll miss Joe, it will be a fun Jessica day trip and I'll take myself out to lunch and maybe stop to shop on the way home. I am the kind of person that loves to be alone from time to time, and without those little breaks in the action I start to feel like I might scream. Because of familial obligations and Thanksgiving (I have lots of reasons to be thankful), I have had precious little Jessica time.
I did my nails last night (aren't you just thrilled I'm blogging about such important topics) and used a cheap nail polish that I must have neglected to throw out on my last nail-polish purging crusade. It looked like such a lovely color-- dark burgundy (which I always feel like wearing after watching The Hills)-- and today, already, it's chipped. Damn. Such an annoying color to put on evenly and properly, too, with no smudges.
Tonight, after my lesson with my teacher maestro extraordinaire, I will come home and finish decorating the tree. It's ten feet and has 1000 mini-lights. I've done the top and just need to finish up the bottom... when that's all done, we can start thinking about what a drag it's going to be to take it down in a month. oy.
And now, off to another fierce inner-acoustical extravaganza.
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