Jon Vickers as Peter Grimes by Britten

As I study this piece even more...I don't even know what to say. This is a powerful moment.

Thankfulness

While this is a tad late, I feel after a relaxing couple days at home, I must muse on what I am thankful for.

For my family, who is continually supportive of me as I traipse along in this nutty career. (and many of whom are coming to New York in January just to see me!)

For my father, especially, who must be one of (if not THE) coolest dad in the world.

For the endless support of friends whom I would be nothing without. (whether watching my cat, coming to a concert or just plain hanging out on a Sat night watching TV)

For my cat, Dickens - sounds cheesy, but he lets me leave for a few days and still purrs endlessly when I get home.

For young children - I hung out with my cousin's daughter Ruby, who is like a niece to me. She is amazingly energetic, talented and fabulous. I want to see more of her.

For great music - mostly Mozart, Britten or Handel, really.

For my hometown, Santa Barbara, that exists purely so I can eat great Mexican food, great sushi and put my toes in the sand on the best beaches I know.

For New York, that continues to challenge me every day, but seems to keep giving back to me (may that keep on going)

For fall foliage.

Yup, I'm thankful and happy for the first time in a long time. Now all I need is an endless supply of money. :)

On a roll

I am almost hesitant to post this, seeing as I fear "la voce" will turn on me in coming weeks, but what the heck...
This week, I am on a roll. I have been good about the yoga, the walking/running AND the hermit life of not going out just to preserve the instrument. Needless to say, I am learning.

Here was my week: working like a dog, as is the norm in the wine business for the week before Thanksgiving. (which means a lot of talking)
-Voice lesson on Tuesday.
-Audition for KT on Weds for solo oratorio consideration (which was 4 arias worth - and I wondered why I was SO exhausted on Weds night).
-Drive to Annapolis, MD on Friday for a Saturday audition in Baltimore.
-Sing a killer audition on Saturday.
-Drive 4 hrs back to see RG at Avery Fisher in his big time solo debut (and out for a couple drinks).
-Church on Sunday with unexpected solos (and a lot of straight tone).
-Sing-thru of Le Nozze with SM and an amazing cast of singers!
-Ugh!

Here is my point: through it all, I remembered to breathe, to go home when my voice felt tired, and to pace myself. Although by the end of the read-thru I was tired, I hope that it wasn't noticeable. I came home feeling vocally taxed, but not to the point of exhaustion and collapsing. I do believe I'm finally learning something, for goodness' sake!
On another note, the audition in Baltimore was, in my feeling, the best I've ever done to date. I felt in the moment, breathing, connecting and relaxed enough to be myself (and not my nervous self). I would love it if I connected enough to garner a role, but if I don't, I know what I am capable of and I am content with that for now. I gave them a darn good performance. Days like this remind me that it is OK to be coming back to this life, to be starting again, to want to be making a living at this thing that I so love.
And if nothing else reminds me of this, singing pieces (like I did today) such as the final ensemble from Le Nozze di Figaro will: Contessa, perdono...Piu docile io sono, e dico di si...Ah tutti contenti saremo cosi...
It takes everything I have to not to get choked up while singing this sublime piece of Mozart's masterpiece. And this is why I do it.