It's been a while since I posted so I thought I'd catch up on "The Summer So Far". It's been pretty routine in a lot of ways: the annual neighborhood Independence Day parade was its usual self, with lots of kids and animals, flags and decorations, the usual songs sung by the 'hood's own "OK Chorale", yours truly working the neighborhood association T-shirt booth, and of course the great snacks. Everyone really missed Mr. Holmes's lemonade, though; the cokes generously donated by our local bottling plant just didn't make up for the loss.
At the end of the month I attended a cabaret workshop called "Summer in the City". It was 5 days of pretty intense work. A group of 16 singers worked with the two leaders and two pianists, and then we were also split into smaller groups to work with guest teachers at various times. I generally found the critiques and opinions of the guest teachers to be more useful and on point than those of the organizers, who I thought were more into the "tag team" mode of echoing each others' supposedly wonderful insights, but then again that's just me. I have a history of being rather skeptical during these exercises--which of course begs the question, Why do I go? Why do I spend what probably came to about $1000 (tuition, airfare, expenses) to come away thinking that at least 50% of my time there was wasted? Likely it has to do with the sense of "cabaret isolation" I feel here in good ol' Durham, NC. There's nobody besides my pianist, Glenn, and my husband, to give me knowledgeable feedback that I really value. I love it that they do it but after a while I get the feeling that I need more. And when I go and seek more, my problem is that I don't generally find it sincere. The insincerity is not confined to me, mind you; they're equally useless with everybody. I totally understand that with cabaret singing, it's mostly about the lyrics--telling the story, conveying the emotion, making it personal, drawing in the audience. But my problem comes when, as most of these workshops seem to do, this is achieved by almost completely ignoring the musical part. I don't understand, and I guess I never will, why it is somehow taboo to point out out-of-tune singing, unmusical phrasing, or anything having to do with faulty technique to participants. Someone can be the best actor in the world, and the best servant the lyricist ever had, but if they don't sing in tune---well, I just don't want to hear it. You'll never get me to listen to the story if my ear is complaining! Then when these lapses are not pointed out to participants, I lose respect for the teachers.
Which is why I said to both my mom and Arturo: if I ever say again that I want to go to one of these things, PLEASE, talk me out of it!
Diana is getting ready to go back to school. She is outfitting her apartment at Elon University (about 45 minutes away from here) with her friends, doing a marvelous job custom decorating chairs, coordinating bathroom accessories, etc. However she still hasn't signed up for the required "don't drink" course and the required "rules for cars" course for those who will have cars on campus. Things like this always put me in such a pickle: part of me wants to stop nagging and let her find out consequences on her own (like not being able to register her car), and part of me knows that if I follow through, I'll just be making more work, more nagging, and more aggravation for the wrong person: ME. It's such a merry-go-round and I wish I were a wise enough parent to know the answer.
Oh, and I had a birthday. Lots of wishes from friends, a bevy of wonderful books from my sweet husband, a little mad money from Mom--but nothing from my children. (Except a card.) Probably I would save myself a lot of grief if I would just let this one go but it really rankles. In their entire lives neither one of them has EVER had a birthday go by without a present. How is it that I'm so undeserving? Now, if Diana ever reads this (which is not likely but always possible), she'll be posting a comment that says, "But I took you out to lunch, Mom!". My reply will be, yes, you did, but no, you didn't. What happened was we were out shopping at the mall, decided to get lunch, and I made you pay. Besides, I don't think $6 makes for a very appropriate present for your one and only mother. So there.
I guess that's all the angst for now. If you have something to say, do say it! Maybe if I got more comments I'd do more writing.
Gotta go.........TTYL.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Tra-la, it's June
The song goes "tra-la, it's May", but I've appropriated the title for June.
I guess the biggest item in my life this week has been my participation in a neighborhood project. This year is the 100th anniversary of Watts-Hillandale, and among the many markers of the event has been a collaboration between the neighborhood and the Summer Workshop of Duke's Center for Documentary Studies. This summer's students were all assigned to work on a documentary about our neighborhood. I was interviewed & videotaped by a team of students. It was quite revelatory......God knows I can talk, but their questions really prompted me to offer some fairly profound thoughts. Looking at the finished product, I feel rather humble, and proud. It seems I've been doing some pretty important things with this life of mine, and while it would be disingenuous to say I was completely unaware of it, it would be equally so to say I wasn't surprised by how well "Ellen" came across in the video. I *do* think that my creative side and my scientific side pollenate each other in deep and often unexpected ways, and I *do* think it would be harder to be effective in each without the input of the other. But somehow it all came across more vividly on film. I know Mom will like it, and I know the kids will be happy to have it (maybe more so in later years). Arturo told me it made him proud of me. Kinda makes me proud of me, too.
I'm tired, but it's a good tired, after a weekend filled with good things: a date with Arturo (dinner, movie, love), work in the yard, time with the crossword, a visit with Carol, and exercise time too. Back to work tomorrow, saving lives and stamping out disease......and singing.
I guess the biggest item in my life this week has been my participation in a neighborhood project. This year is the 100th anniversary of Watts-Hillandale, and among the many markers of the event has been a collaboration between the neighborhood and the Summer Workshop of Duke's Center for Documentary Studies. This summer's students were all assigned to work on a documentary about our neighborhood. I was interviewed & videotaped by a team of students. It was quite revelatory......God knows I can talk, but their questions really prompted me to offer some fairly profound thoughts. Looking at the finished product, I feel rather humble, and proud. It seems I've been doing some pretty important things with this life of mine, and while it would be disingenuous to say I was completely unaware of it, it would be equally so to say I wasn't surprised by how well "Ellen" came across in the video. I *do* think that my creative side and my scientific side pollenate each other in deep and often unexpected ways, and I *do* think it would be harder to be effective in each without the input of the other. But somehow it all came across more vividly on film. I know Mom will like it, and I know the kids will be happy to have it (maybe more so in later years). Arturo told me it made him proud of me. Kinda makes me proud of me, too.
I'm tired, but it's a good tired, after a weekend filled with good things: a date with Arturo (dinner, movie, love), work in the yard, time with the crossword, a visit with Carol, and exercise time too. Back to work tomorrow, saving lives and stamping out disease......and singing.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Catching up, sorta, after way too long
Bless me, Blogger, for I have sinned........it has been three months since my last posting.
Of course there's no way to actually catch up on three months of life, etc. (especially the "etc."), but here are a few high spots. And low spots.
Laura, my sweet older daughter, has graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill. Mom came to Durham for a long weekend to share the great day with everyone. We had a fab party for Laura and her love, Darwin, who also graduated that weekend (but from NC State in Raleigh). There was lots of good food and good company. I'm so glad I decided to use a caterer for the party--saved me a LOT of work and grief. I was actually able to enjoy my own gathering! Laura looked beautiful and I am so very proud of her. She's worked hard, has a great GPA and strong college career, is happy with the guy she loves, has an idea of what to do with her life, and she even has a job--this last a pretty amazing achievement in today's melt-down economy. Arturo and I bought a car for her for graduation and she was so very excited! (Why not?) And, lucky for me, she will be staying in Chapel Hill for the next year as she works & contemplates her next life decision: graduate school.
Mom looks more than fantastic. She is absolutely youthening rather than aging as the years go by. I need to make more time to spend with her--she's such good company and such an amazing role model. Our party guests were just enchanted by her!
I've had, I think, three singing engagements since I last posted. One at the Regulator Bookshop, one at the home of Bill Hampton, and one at The Scrap Exchange. There's also an upcoming gig (6/18) at the ever-popular "Capt. John's Dockside Restaurant" with a group called Chris Reynolds Swing 'n' Jazz. Chris is the pianist, and while he's a bit flaky, he's a really good musician, plus he likes to sing duets, which adds quite a lot to the mix. The bass player & drummer are great guys, too. And cute!
Inevitably, I guess, after almost 20 years of nursing, I hurt my back last month at work. It was "Ellen vs. the bookwalter retractor", and Ellen lost. I was lifting the bookwalter up onto an overhead shelf when I felt a "pop" in my back, followed by breathtaking pain. At the same moment, someone else in the room said, "What was that weird noise I just heard?", and I knew right then the result wasn't going to be pretty. After a trip (via wheelchair) to employee health, I was sent home for a couple of days. I found out that old standby treatment---ibuprofen, rest, and alternating hot and cold packs---is really the best. The muscle relaxant didn't work and strong pain meds just make me loopy. It's been about 3 weeks and I finally went back to the gym & had a good workout yesterday. There are still a few twinges, and some movements I make in a very gingerly manner, but other than that I'm OK. Which is good, because the last thing this family needs is another person with back problems.
Arturo and I spent Memorial Day weekend with our friends Dean & Kay Michaels. The four of us went to Williamsburg, VA. We toured the historic area, ate at good restaurants, drank great wine, enjoyed the ambience of a quirky & fun little Bed & Breakfast, played pool, and went to a concert by Patti LuPone. I'll save my LuPone review for another post. We had a wonderful, relaxing time and it was a much-needed break for me. Arturo will be taking a trip to California in mid-June, one of his usual "press junkets", and I think it will be good for him to get out into professional world again. I'm just jealous that nobody ever sends ME on a "nursing junket"!!
Finally, I found out that I had been accepted to a cabaret workshop in July in NYC! I'm excited. I've been thinking over the past few months that I really need to hear from someone else besides Arturo and Glenn about how I sound, what I'm doing right and wrong, etc. A "tune-up" (ha, ha) for lack of a better term. This is a short (5 days) workshop with about a dozen other folks so I think I should have a good amount of time for personal feedback. Of course it costs money but I can always tell my family that they can contribute to it for my birthday present! I will drive both ways, though, so that I don't have to spend extra money on an airline ticket. Anyone want to hitch a ride to NYC from Durham the last week of July? Warning: driver will be singing!
Hugs to all,
Ellen
Of course there's no way to actually catch up on three months of life, etc. (especially the "etc."), but here are a few high spots. And low spots.
Laura, my sweet older daughter, has graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill. Mom came to Durham for a long weekend to share the great day with everyone. We had a fab party for Laura and her love, Darwin, who also graduated that weekend (but from NC State in Raleigh). There was lots of good food and good company. I'm so glad I decided to use a caterer for the party--saved me a LOT of work and grief. I was actually able to enjoy my own gathering! Laura looked beautiful and I am so very proud of her. She's worked hard, has a great GPA and strong college career, is happy with the guy she loves, has an idea of what to do with her life, and she even has a job--this last a pretty amazing achievement in today's melt-down economy. Arturo and I bought a car for her for graduation and she was so very excited! (Why not?) And, lucky for me, she will be staying in Chapel Hill for the next year as she works & contemplates her next life decision: graduate school.
Mom looks more than fantastic. She is absolutely youthening rather than aging as the years go by. I need to make more time to spend with her--she's such good company and such an amazing role model. Our party guests were just enchanted by her!
I've had, I think, three singing engagements since I last posted. One at the Regulator Bookshop, one at the home of Bill Hampton, and one at The Scrap Exchange. There's also an upcoming gig (6/18) at the ever-popular "Capt. John's Dockside Restaurant" with a group called Chris Reynolds Swing 'n' Jazz. Chris is the pianist, and while he's a bit flaky, he's a really good musician, plus he likes to sing duets, which adds quite a lot to the mix. The bass player & drummer are great guys, too. And cute!
Inevitably, I guess, after almost 20 years of nursing, I hurt my back last month at work. It was "Ellen vs. the bookwalter retractor", and Ellen lost. I was lifting the bookwalter up onto an overhead shelf when I felt a "pop" in my back, followed by breathtaking pain. At the same moment, someone else in the room said, "What was that weird noise I just heard?", and I knew right then the result wasn't going to be pretty. After a trip (via wheelchair) to employee health, I was sent home for a couple of days. I found out that old standby treatment---ibuprofen, rest, and alternating hot and cold packs---is really the best. The muscle relaxant didn't work and strong pain meds just make me loopy. It's been about 3 weeks and I finally went back to the gym & had a good workout yesterday. There are still a few twinges, and some movements I make in a very gingerly manner, but other than that I'm OK. Which is good, because the last thing this family needs is another person with back problems.
Arturo and I spent Memorial Day weekend with our friends Dean & Kay Michaels. The four of us went to Williamsburg, VA. We toured the historic area, ate at good restaurants, drank great wine, enjoyed the ambience of a quirky & fun little Bed & Breakfast, played pool, and went to a concert by Patti LuPone. I'll save my LuPone review for another post. We had a wonderful, relaxing time and it was a much-needed break for me. Arturo will be taking a trip to California in mid-June, one of his usual "press junkets", and I think it will be good for him to get out into professional world again. I'm just jealous that nobody ever sends ME on a "nursing junket"!!
Finally, I found out that I had been accepted to a cabaret workshop in July in NYC! I'm excited. I've been thinking over the past few months that I really need to hear from someone else besides Arturo and Glenn about how I sound, what I'm doing right and wrong, etc. A "tune-up" (ha, ha) for lack of a better term. This is a short (5 days) workshop with about a dozen other folks so I think I should have a good amount of time for personal feedback. Of course it costs money but I can always tell my family that they can contribute to it for my birthday present! I will drive both ways, though, so that I don't have to spend extra money on an airline ticket. Anyone want to hitch a ride to NYC from Durham the last week of July? Warning: driver will be singing!
Hugs to all,
Ellen
Thursday, March 19, 2009
An Interesting Life
You know, I've been thinking, and I lead an interesting life. Of course in some cultures this is the ultimate "backwards compliment", kind of like "may you live in interesting times".....obviously, "interesting" can cut both ways. But in the past two weeks I've watched someone die and I've held a newborn. Not your usual circumstances.
The death was that of a gentleman at my work, UNC, who died after three surgeries on three successive days. By the end, I'm sure death was a release for both him and his family. The new baby arrived in the home of my sweet next-door neighbors: it's a girl, Annabelle, and it's their first. By the end of the pregnancy, I'm sure the birth was a release for both her and her family!
These events, and so many others, combine to give me a perspective on life that, I think, is not available to many. I'd like to imagine that I appreciate things more, savor life, pay attention to more nuances. I'd like to think it informs my singing and my interpretation of lyrics. Impossible to know, I guess. However--I am grateful for the opportunities and the inspirations, good and bad, positive and negative, sweet and painful.
The death was that of a gentleman at my work, UNC, who died after three surgeries on three successive days. By the end, I'm sure death was a release for both him and his family. The new baby arrived in the home of my sweet next-door neighbors: it's a girl, Annabelle, and it's their first. By the end of the pregnancy, I'm sure the birth was a release for both her and her family!
These events, and so many others, combine to give me a perspective on life that, I think, is not available to many. I'd like to imagine that I appreciate things more, savor life, pay attention to more nuances. I'd like to think it informs my singing and my interpretation of lyrics. Impossible to know, I guess. However--I am grateful for the opportunities and the inspirations, good and bad, positive and negative, sweet and painful.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Blah week so far
I don't know, I'm very blabby (as Johnny Carson used to say) this week. Just out of sorts, a little grouchy, a little tired, unfocused. Can't explain why. It would be easy to explain everything away using PMS but that doesn't seem to fit. I'm kind of aggravated that Diana is back with Griffin, I know that. I still have to work on the taxes and that's a looming responsibility that won't go away. I feel at a standstill with my working out at the gym, plus my new sneakers gave me a monster heel blister and I can't even use the elliptical or the treadmill until it heals. Work's been crazy, with management obsessing over every "wasted" minute plus all the crapola about overtime. Nobody will tell me--or anyone, for that matter--about raises.
At least the weather is nice!
At least the weather is nice!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Just stuff....
Of course I have singing on my mind. When do I not? Yesterday I went to the station of WCOM in Carrboro and was a guest DJ on the "Tom Arnel Show". I talked a bit about myself & my singing, and played tracks by Ella, Jo Stafford, Rosemary Clooney, Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, Nancy LaMott, and ME! ("I Happen To Like New York"). It was great fun and one of the other regular DJs, a guy named Rocco, asked me to be a guest on HIS show, too. It may turn into something semi-regular, who knows? Anyway, they all said I sounded good on the radio, which was nice.
I'm working hard on my upcoming performances, which will feature music by "W" composers such as Warren, Weill, Wilder, Waits, etc. I'm so enjoying going through the Kurt Weill stuff, he worked with so many lyricists, and the music is just gorgeous. I think I was born to sing "I'm A Stranger Here Myself"!
Kinda late, that's all for now. More later!
I'm working hard on my upcoming performances, which will feature music by "W" composers such as Warren, Weill, Wilder, Waits, etc. I'm so enjoying going through the Kurt Weill stuff, he worked with so many lyricists, and the music is just gorgeous. I think I was born to sing "I'm A Stranger Here Myself"!
Kinda late, that's all for now. More later!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
More movies, pre-Oscar thoughts, etc.
Arturo and I went to see "The Wrestler". I was totally prepared to hate it--not a big fan of Mickey Rourke, hate wrestling, don't like sports movies in general, etc. I also thought that nobody could be a better contender for Best Actor than Sean Penn in "Milk". Well, I was completely sucked in, just bowled over by Rourke's performance. I don't know where he pulled this one from but it is an extraordinary piece of work. I was in tears during one scene, he was so brutally, brilliantly honest and exposed as an actor. If he doesn't win the Oscar it will be a major robbery. According to imdb.com, Marisa Tomei is 45. While that's not exactly over the hill, it ain't young either. She looks completely fantastic--don't know how much time she spends at the gym to get that body but it must be substantial. It's embarrassing, really.
Wrote the Oscar quiz over the weekend. Arturo says it's a tad easier than previous years, which is good, because people often tell me it's very hard. I think this one is full of giveaway questions but then again.....I'm the one writing the quiz! We'll see what the reaction is this year. I think things are pretty much under control for the big night; all I have to do is the usual furniture rearranging and of course borrow the projector again. Last year I offered to buy the projector from Bill but he wants way too much money for it--$1000!--which is crazy, since it's hardly new. But he's funny about stuff like that, so I won't ask again this year. Personally, if I were in his situation, I'd rather have $200 in my hand than a projector which might be worth somewhat more to a different person, but which I never used. Oh well.
I've been doing a lot of cleaning out and rearranging over the past months. I think the house looks better (at least to me), and I have the satisfaction of knowing I've done a lot of good work. My next job, after the Oscar party, is to work on the TV room. I'd really love to radically re-think everything about it. I think it would be fun to paint it a wonderful, warm, tomato-soup red, and make it feel like a little jewel box theater. We'll see what happens. I have a lot of ideas percolating.
My picks for the Oscars: Picture--Slumdog; Actor--Rourke; Actress--Winslet; Supporting Actress--Davis; Supporting Actor--Shannon (this is actually an "anyone but Heath Ledger" vote); Director--Boyle. I think Winslet will win but in my opinion she's nominated for the wrong role; she was much better in "Revolutionary Road". Oh well--less than a week to wait!
One singing job in March and two in April, which makes me very happy. I am much better when I have something to prepare for. Arturo's Schubert concert was last night, and he played so very well! I was so proud of him. He looked calm and collected, all the little things I've heard him practicing came off without a hitch, his intonation was perfect, and he was so musical. Plus he looked very handsome in his tails! A lovely evening.
TTFN. Comment away! I love to know what everyone thinks....or even if they're reading at all. xoxo
Wrote the Oscar quiz over the weekend. Arturo says it's a tad easier than previous years, which is good, because people often tell me it's very hard. I think this one is full of giveaway questions but then again.....I'm the one writing the quiz! We'll see what the reaction is this year. I think things are pretty much under control for the big night; all I have to do is the usual furniture rearranging and of course borrow the projector again. Last year I offered to buy the projector from Bill but he wants way too much money for it--$1000!--which is crazy, since it's hardly new. But he's funny about stuff like that, so I won't ask again this year. Personally, if I were in his situation, I'd rather have $200 in my hand than a projector which might be worth somewhat more to a different person, but which I never used. Oh well.
I've been doing a lot of cleaning out and rearranging over the past months. I think the house looks better (at least to me), and I have the satisfaction of knowing I've done a lot of good work. My next job, after the Oscar party, is to work on the TV room. I'd really love to radically re-think everything about it. I think it would be fun to paint it a wonderful, warm, tomato-soup red, and make it feel like a little jewel box theater. We'll see what happens. I have a lot of ideas percolating.
My picks for the Oscars: Picture--Slumdog; Actor--Rourke; Actress--Winslet; Supporting Actress--Davis; Supporting Actor--Shannon (this is actually an "anyone but Heath Ledger" vote); Director--Boyle. I think Winslet will win but in my opinion she's nominated for the wrong role; she was much better in "Revolutionary Road". Oh well--less than a week to wait!
One singing job in March and two in April, which makes me very happy. I am much better when I have something to prepare for. Arturo's Schubert concert was last night, and he played so very well! I was so proud of him. He looked calm and collected, all the little things I've heard him practicing came off without a hitch, his intonation was perfect, and he was so musical. Plus he looked very handsome in his tails! A lovely evening.
TTFN. Comment away! I love to know what everyone thinks....or even if they're reading at all. xoxo
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Catching up
Almost two weeks since my last post. Sure wish the time didn't slip by so fast!
I've seen a lot of movies in the run-up to Oscar night. So far I've been most impressed by "Doubt" and "Frost/Nixon". Incredible performances in both movies. This past Saturday night, Arturo and I went to see a show called "Souvenir", which was put on by a local acting company. It's about Florence Foster Jenkins, the infamous no-talent society opera singer from the 30's, and her hapless accompanist, the very oddly named Cosmie McMoon. The acting was really good and the story actually turned out to be quite touching and even thought-provoking. What is more lofty, anyway? Telling someone they are not only not talented but positively painful to listen to? Or letting them live out their fantasies and dreams? The actor/musician who played the pianist was quite touching when he tenderly reassured Florence that she wasn't hearing laughter after her performance of the Schubert "Ave Maria", but rather people were giggling because they were so nervous in the face of such beauty. It was sweet, and moving.
Work has been very busy, I guess it's the "new year/new deductible" rush, or something. Overall I'm still happy at UNC, and convinced that the change of jobs was a good thing. I'm certainly better paid! Got my W-2 form for the year and I even impressed myself.
My singing job on Sunday (fundraiser for the Healing Tree Foundation) went well. Arturo was very complimentary, which is always nice. But there were a few folks there like George Christie, who made a point of saying that he had heard me sing perhaps 4 times, and I keep getting better. Now, THAT was praise I can take to heart! Glenn seemed a little "off" on Sunday, especially at the beginning, but then he focused and we had some nice moments. I even managed to get through my encore number, which was "Over The Rainbow", a suicidal choice if there ever was one. I just thought it would fit with the aims of the foundation, plus I wanted to challenge myself to see if I could do it. Overall I think I acquitted myself admirably. The lady who runs the foundation wants to hire us again, for another fundraiser in April, so there's a vote of confidence.
Arturo is worried about his fast-approaching Schubert performance. I know he'll be fine but he does have to work through things in his own way. I just wish he didn't suffer so.
Went to see Adriana yesterday--she looks tired and drawn, and of course sang her usual plaint about wanting to die, why was she still alive, etc. I didn't make any effort to talk her out of it, I just listened. (All my nursing school psych professors would have been proud--it was truly reflective listening! I kept saying things like, "It sounds like you're depressed.") God save me from being so selfish and miserable when I'm her age. I know my mom is younger, but she looks and acts so vibrant now, I just don't imagine her ever being essentially different (barring catastrophe, of course). Now SHE'S my role model!
Anyway, off to the salt mines--three days in a row this week, ugh.
I've seen a lot of movies in the run-up to Oscar night. So far I've been most impressed by "Doubt" and "Frost/Nixon". Incredible performances in both movies. This past Saturday night, Arturo and I went to see a show called "Souvenir", which was put on by a local acting company. It's about Florence Foster Jenkins, the infamous no-talent society opera singer from the 30's, and her hapless accompanist, the very oddly named Cosmie McMoon. The acting was really good and the story actually turned out to be quite touching and even thought-provoking. What is more lofty, anyway? Telling someone they are not only not talented but positively painful to listen to? Or letting them live out their fantasies and dreams? The actor/musician who played the pianist was quite touching when he tenderly reassured Florence that she wasn't hearing laughter after her performance of the Schubert "Ave Maria", but rather people were giggling because they were so nervous in the face of such beauty. It was sweet, and moving.
Work has been very busy, I guess it's the "new year/new deductible" rush, or something. Overall I'm still happy at UNC, and convinced that the change of jobs was a good thing. I'm certainly better paid! Got my W-2 form for the year and I even impressed myself.
My singing job on Sunday (fundraiser for the Healing Tree Foundation) went well. Arturo was very complimentary, which is always nice. But there were a few folks there like George Christie, who made a point of saying that he had heard me sing perhaps 4 times, and I keep getting better. Now, THAT was praise I can take to heart! Glenn seemed a little "off" on Sunday, especially at the beginning, but then he focused and we had some nice moments. I even managed to get through my encore number, which was "Over The Rainbow", a suicidal choice if there ever was one. I just thought it would fit with the aims of the foundation, plus I wanted to challenge myself to see if I could do it. Overall I think I acquitted myself admirably. The lady who runs the foundation wants to hire us again, for another fundraiser in April, so there's a vote of confidence.
Arturo is worried about his fast-approaching Schubert performance. I know he'll be fine but he does have to work through things in his own way. I just wish he didn't suffer so.
Went to see Adriana yesterday--she looks tired and drawn, and of course sang her usual plaint about wanting to die, why was she still alive, etc. I didn't make any effort to talk her out of it, I just listened. (All my nursing school psych professors would have been proud--it was truly reflective listening! I kept saying things like, "It sounds like you're depressed.") God save me from being so selfish and miserable when I'm her age. I know my mom is younger, but she looks and acts so vibrant now, I just don't imagine her ever being essentially different (barring catastrophe, of course). Now SHE'S my role model!
Anyway, off to the salt mines--three days in a row this week, ugh.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Rehearsing today
Gee, it felt so good to sing again! Glenn and I are working on a short program for January 25th. Mostly things I've sung before, but a few new ones. I can't believe how a few hours of rehearsing can change my whole outlook on life. I know all about endorphins and mood, but the way I feel afterward......well, I think scientists should recruit me for studies. (Paid would be nice.)
I am in love with the song, "The Gentleman is a Dope". Just the cleverest, the most swinging, the best. So VERY unlike Rodgers & Hammerstein. I actually checked the Rodgers & Hart book first. I googled "Allegro", which is the musical for which the song was originally written, and I can see from the [non] plot why it didn't go over well with audiences. This song, though, is a gem.
Mom's birthday was yesterday, and I spoke with her for 40 minutes or so. She sounds lively and healthy, she looks terrific, and I consider her a role model in most every way. I hope I have her health and positive attitude when I'm her age. Congratulations, Mom, on another year, and here's to very many more.
I am in love with the song, "The Gentleman is a Dope". Just the cleverest, the most swinging, the best. So VERY unlike Rodgers & Hammerstein. I actually checked the Rodgers & Hart book first. I googled "Allegro", which is the musical for which the song was originally written, and I can see from the [non] plot why it didn't go over well with audiences. This song, though, is a gem.
Mom's birthday was yesterday, and I spoke with her for 40 minutes or so. She sounds lively and healthy, she looks terrific, and I consider her a role model in most every way. I hope I have her health and positive attitude when I'm her age. Congratulations, Mom, on another year, and here's to very many more.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Done! Finished! Finito!
Well, it's done--there is a huge pile of junk at the curb, the house is de-Christmased, the attic is re-organized, everything is clean and tidy, and I spent last evening basking in the pleasant exhaustion that comes from very hard work. Many thanks to Max Gottleib, neighborhood college student who needed cash and had muscle and stamina to trade for it! Together we made about 40 trips up and down the stairs, but by God, it's all done.
The funny thing is, when I got home from work tonight, I noticed that much of the stuff we put out at the curb was gone. All the old drapery rods--which was mildly surprising, since they were so tangled I cut a lot of the cords to facilitate transport. The two absolutely ancient bed springs and bed frames, which, by the way, were left in the attic by the previous residents of ol' 2423. Maybe there's a big market for scrap metal? Who knows. Certainly NOBODY would be hard up enough to actually use them for mattress rests. Anyway, it works for me.
Now, if I could just get Diana to clean her room......
The funny thing is, when I got home from work tonight, I noticed that much of the stuff we put out at the curb was gone. All the old drapery rods--which was mildly surprising, since they were so tangled I cut a lot of the cords to facilitate transport. The two absolutely ancient bed springs and bed frames, which, by the way, were left in the attic by the previous residents of ol' 2423. Maybe there's a big market for scrap metal? Who knows. Certainly NOBODY would be hard up enough to actually use them for mattress rests. Anyway, it works for me.
Now, if I could just get Diana to clean her room......
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Lazy day
I have had the laziest day today, at least the part after I went to the gym. I paid bills this morning--always a wonderful way to start the day--then did a few little errands and went to the gym. I came home with the idea that I would take down the Christmas tree, but instead went to lunch with Diana, then talked with Alan for a while, then joined Diana's friends while they all made hula-hoops, then bailed on taking in a movie with Karen, then got on the computer and have been assiduously wasting time for the past hour.
The Christmas tree is still up, my set list for the 1/25 concert is still in limbo, and I am STILL IN MY GYM CLOTHES!!
There are still 5 hours left in the day. Still time to reform!
The Christmas tree is still up, my set list for the 1/25 concert is still in limbo, and I am STILL IN MY GYM CLOTHES!!
There are still 5 hours left in the day. Still time to reform!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
New Year, New Post
Wow, it's been quite a while since I wrote here. A lot has happened, mostly all good.
The holidays have come and gone, and it's back to work tomorrow. We had a lovely trip to NY, where we saw beaucoups of friends and relatives, ate too much, and got to experience real snow and REAL cold too! (New Years Eve was marked by temperatures in the low teens, with a wind chill factor near zero degrees. Not that anything as common as the weather kept the crowds away from Times Square, mind you.)
Arturo and I had a lovely day in the city on Dec. 30th. First we had lunch with his old friend, Joe Smith. Joe lives on W. 82nd Street. We met him at his apartment and then ate at a lovely little brasserie. It was fun for me to just sit back and listen to them reminisce, and observe their mutual delight in being together for a while. Arturo & Joe have known each other since they were both 16--a pretty long time. Then we walked around Central Park for a while, and saw the new building/museum at Columbus Circle, and ended the afternoon at Christophe Landon Fine Violins. Arturo was trying to sell a violin which had belonged to his Dad. Monsieur Landon was the soul of gallic charm as well as an extremely learned luthier. He spent about an hour talking to us about the violin and, while [politely] declining to purchase it at the moment, gave us information on how to further research its pedigree. Even though we still had to carry around the case for the rest of the day, it was a very interesting visit.
Then we went to see the revival of "Pal Joey" at the Studio 54 Theater, courtesy of Mom. (Thanks, Mom! Great Christmas present!) I have to say I was underwhelmed for many reasons, but it was, as usual, a great experience to be in a NY theater, enjoying live performances. No wonder legions of young people are seduced into trying to make their living as actors.
Gotta go===more later. Keep reading! And, Happy 2009 to all!
The holidays have come and gone, and it's back to work tomorrow. We had a lovely trip to NY, where we saw beaucoups of friends and relatives, ate too much, and got to experience real snow and REAL cold too! (New Years Eve was marked by temperatures in the low teens, with a wind chill factor near zero degrees. Not that anything as common as the weather kept the crowds away from Times Square, mind you.)
Arturo and I had a lovely day in the city on Dec. 30th. First we had lunch with his old friend, Joe Smith. Joe lives on W. 82nd Street. We met him at his apartment and then ate at a lovely little brasserie. It was fun for me to just sit back and listen to them reminisce, and observe their mutual delight in being together for a while. Arturo & Joe have known each other since they were both 16--a pretty long time. Then we walked around Central Park for a while, and saw the new building/museum at Columbus Circle, and ended the afternoon at Christophe Landon Fine Violins. Arturo was trying to sell a violin which had belonged to his Dad. Monsieur Landon was the soul of gallic charm as well as an extremely learned luthier. He spent about an hour talking to us about the violin and, while [politely] declining to purchase it at the moment, gave us information on how to further research its pedigree. Even though we still had to carry around the case for the rest of the day, it was a very interesting visit.
Then we went to see the revival of "Pal Joey" at the Studio 54 Theater, courtesy of Mom. (Thanks, Mom! Great Christmas present!) I have to say I was underwhelmed for many reasons, but it was, as usual, a great experience to be in a NY theater, enjoying live performances. No wonder legions of young people are seduced into trying to make their living as actors.
Gotta go===more later. Keep reading! And, Happy 2009 to all!
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