Tis The Season

I just love fall! I love walking outside feeling the wind in my hair and taking in the smell of the smoke from the burning leaf piles in the neighbor's backyard. With the change of season also comes the anticipation of the holiday's. First Thanksgiving, then Christmas. I will admit that by this time I would have been near the completion mark of my Christmas shopping. However, due to multiple music engagements, I am a bit behind. But I am raring up to start next week.

The changes in weather also bring the excitement of fall and winter events: Apple Cider Fests, Lighting Ceremonies, Decorating, Special Holiday's with Friends and Family, Shopping Excursions, Ice Skating, Caroling, Musical Events. You name it, it comes with the holiday!

The cooler temperatures also bring a delightful change of diet and routine. Soups! And evenings spent with a cup of tea or hot chocolate around the fire! What a refreshment for the soul! I will admit that I am hoping for a colorful fall and a beautiful and white winter!

It is with excitement that I await days off with my family to eat chili, drink tea and coffee, watch movies, and sit quietly in front of our fireplace.

The King and I Experience

As I sit here awaiting yet another performance tonight, I feel my energy building inside. As I sip my peppermint tea, I am completely aware of how exhausted I am. Conserving this building energy is key to anyone in my field, preparing for an upcoming performance!

I awoke this morning following a late night performance. It was a rough morning with irritating little foxes that came up from all angles. I have been quiet all day, and yet, I feel the excitement rising.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the King and I experience. With it has come growth, stretching, pain and joy, tears and laughter. I have made new friends and connections. I have been allowed for 2 months and 6 performances to be me! To share with others the Shellie inside!

And with these performances have come time with family. Although they have been quick visits, I have enjoyed having my family around to watch me do what I love! Last weekend my sisters came up and we spent the afternoon at the mall just relaxing and having a girl's day out. I even got a makeover! We drank tea, shopped, and ate at Panera. What more could you ask for.

This weekend my parents are coming up! I look forward to the time with them.

As these last two performances come to an end, although I know I will greatly miss them, I am ready for some rejuvenation and a step back to look at how far I have come and where I am headed! My teacher has commanded me to take the time to build my strength back up. Hence, the late night rehearsals will be replaced with practice, research, and rejuvenation toward the next step of this potential career.

A Quiet Day Downtown

October 7 turned out to be a quiet day downtown Chicago, much to my surprise. I have become so used to the hustle and bustle of my surroundings here in the Windy City and surrrounding suburbs. However, that Sunday afternoon gave me quiet another impression of my wonderful city of Chicago. I so love to escape downtown. I have been so busy of late that I have not had the opportunity to take advantage of all it has to offer.

This day was different though. I had decided the Friday before to treat myself with a single date to the opera that afternoon at 2 PM. One of my favorites-----Puccini's La Boheme. I was fortunate to get down town in less than an hour and find parking for 10 bucks. I then proceeded to walk the distance to Lyric Opera. I could not help but revel in the sunshine and the breeze that caught my hair and turned it. There was hardly anyone down town that afternoon. And those that were---well, were going to the opera!

I approached the box office with much anticipation to pick up my ticket. Ticket in hand, I walked into the main floor to listen to the free lecture. I wanted to cry---being at the opera overwhelms me with joy that much. The director shared quaint anecdotes and heart-thrilling recording excerpts. I was in heaven. My eyes filled with tears as they played a segment featuring Luciano Pavarotti, who had just recently passed away.

After the lecture, I made my way to the dress circle to find my seat and take in all the views. I didn't care that I had 30 minutes. I had a fabulous seat in the balcony and a pair of opera glasses. I could see everything. I waited with anticipation for the curtain to rise. I had the privilege of viewing a somewhat historic event! The understudy would be performing her Lyric Debut due to the firing of the original artist.

I was not in the least disappointed by what I heard that day. My eyes filled with tears many times as I listened to each voice, felt each emotion, and empathized with each character. The scenery was beautiful and picturesque.

As I left the opera 3 hours later, I felt a wide range of emotion from joy to sadness. Sadness at leaving the world I loved, joy as I anticipated what lies ahead for my future.

I don't know when I quite came to love the city so much. But it is truly my city! Full of the things I love. I look forward to each moment there and hope to share its joy and exhilaration with friends and family.