I now know what it's like on the other side off the room, or "the table" as they say in the land of the biz.
Today I had the unique and amazing opportunity to sit behind the auditor's table of an Equity Chorus Call (ECC) for a musical that expects to open on Broadway at the end of this year.
For 3 and a half hours I sat and watched each girl enter, eyeing every ripped pair of hose, too-short skirt and nervous perma-smile. Relaxed to be on the other side, I drank in what made each audition refreshing, painful, pleasant or forgettable. It was a fascinating education, worth hundreds of dollars in workshop fees and I came away with songs I want to learn, songs I want to forget and stories to keep me giggling. As if that wasn't enough, the notes I jotted down inspired my first stab at poetry.
So here I offer you, Ode to the ECC.
chills.
short skirt. arms go up, skirt is shorter.
not a lot of hose.
small room.
not really acting but who cares?
track outfit on a skirt.
psychotic laugh.
hi, i'm betsy.
hate this song.
don't be this girl.
solid.
small room.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Operation Exodus Spotlight
I thought I'd share my "spotlight" for the kids I mentor in Washington Heights at Operation Exodus.
Every week, one of the mentors shares a brief lesson, sermon-ette in the large group assembly.
I have a very strange job. Many of your mentors and tutors work in amazing and exciting fields: Lana works for the city of New York, Jin is a scientist learning about cancer, Alyssa studies remote Asian cultures, and many others work in finance and law. Well, I moved to NYC a little over a year ago to pursue my passion for musical theatre. I would love to be in a Broadway musical someday! In order to move up that ladder of achieving my goal, I go to countless auditions all around the city, hoping to get parts in different plays and musicals. I once went to 5 auditions in one day! And the craziest part is that sometimes I’ll wait for 6 hours, just to get the chance to sing 15 seconds of a song before I’m abruptly cut off by a disinterested, “thank you!”
To be honest, it’s easy to be discouraged about this audition process but God has been gracious to show me all the ways he is unlike the cut-throat, competitive world that I seem to live and work in.
Unlike some of the people I audition for, God always approves of me and in fact, wants to hear my entire song. He wants to hear from us constantly in prayer and worship. God made me, and each of you, exactly as we are, for a reason. Psalm 139 says:
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Sometimes when I go to auditions they have a process called, “typing out” where they line you up like a big herd of cattle and choose the “right types” they are looking for, just based on appearance. In God’s eyes, we are always the right type, because he created us uniquely individual.
And as much as it hurts to feel rejection, to not get chosen for the play I really want to perform in, I understand that it will probably take 25 auditions to land one job. I sometimes get rejected for being too tall, too light, too dark, my voice is too high, too big, my hair is too curly, all these things I can’t control. The amazing thing about God is that he never rejects us, and always chooses us. Isaiah 41:9 says "I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, "You are my servant;" I have chosen you and not rejected you."
And unlike the judges that I sing in front of, the God that we get to know and learn about today at Exodus is a perfect and righteous judge.
And why is this judge unlike any other? Because he took his most treasured possession, his Son, Jesus Christ, and sent him to our world, to live and teach and play the biggest part in the truest play and story the world will ever know. Jesus took on the hardest role ever imagined, the hero, dying on the cross for all of our sins. Though he had no fault, no crime, no reason to die, he willingly played the part so that you and I who are not perfect, who mess up constantly, and who without him could not stand in God’s presence might have an eternal role in God's family. Because of Jesus' sacrifice we are never condemned, we are loved and wholly accepted by the God who sees us as perfectly spotless as Jesus.
And what does this do for me?
I know as his precious child, that even though many of these worldly judges and casting directors may not accept me, hire me or want me to play parts in their play, that God ALWAYS has a part for me in His. One of my favorite verses says, "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you in singing. " Zeph 3:17
And because of that love, that delight that I know God has in me, because of Jesus, I continue on. I continue to pursue my dreams, to live my passion “[singing} with all the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever." 1 Peter 4:11
I sing my auditions with all that strength and I’m always thankful for the everlasting and righteous judge I have in God!
Every week, one of the mentors shares a brief lesson, sermon-ette in the large group assembly.
I have a very strange job. Many of your mentors and tutors work in amazing and exciting fields: Lana works for the city of New York, Jin is a scientist learning about cancer, Alyssa studies remote Asian cultures, and many others work in finance and law. Well, I moved to NYC a little over a year ago to pursue my passion for musical theatre. I would love to be in a Broadway musical someday! In order to move up that ladder of achieving my goal, I go to countless auditions all around the city, hoping to get parts in different plays and musicals. I once went to 5 auditions in one day! And the craziest part is that sometimes I’ll wait for 6 hours, just to get the chance to sing 15 seconds of a song before I’m abruptly cut off by a disinterested, “thank you!”
To be honest, it’s easy to be discouraged about this audition process but God has been gracious to show me all the ways he is unlike the cut-throat, competitive world that I seem to live and work in.
Unlike some of the people I audition for, God always approves of me and in fact, wants to hear my entire song. He wants to hear from us constantly in prayer and worship. God made me, and each of you, exactly as we are, for a reason. Psalm 139 says:
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Sometimes when I go to auditions they have a process called, “typing out” where they line you up like a big herd of cattle and choose the “right types” they are looking for, just based on appearance. In God’s eyes, we are always the right type, because he created us uniquely individual.
And as much as it hurts to feel rejection, to not get chosen for the play I really want to perform in, I understand that it will probably take 25 auditions to land one job. I sometimes get rejected for being too tall, too light, too dark, my voice is too high, too big, my hair is too curly, all these things I can’t control. The amazing thing about God is that he never rejects us, and always chooses us. Isaiah 41:9 says "I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, "You are my servant;" I have chosen you and not rejected you."
And unlike the judges that I sing in front of, the God that we get to know and learn about today at Exodus is a perfect and righteous judge.
And why is this judge unlike any other? Because he took his most treasured possession, his Son, Jesus Christ, and sent him to our world, to live and teach and play the biggest part in the truest play and story the world will ever know. Jesus took on the hardest role ever imagined, the hero, dying on the cross for all of our sins. Though he had no fault, no crime, no reason to die, he willingly played the part so that you and I who are not perfect, who mess up constantly, and who without him could not stand in God’s presence might have an eternal role in God's family. Because of Jesus' sacrifice we are never condemned, we are loved and wholly accepted by the God who sees us as perfectly spotless as Jesus.
And what does this do for me?
I know as his precious child, that even though many of these worldly judges and casting directors may not accept me, hire me or want me to play parts in their play, that God ALWAYS has a part for me in His. One of my favorite verses says, "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you in singing. " Zeph 3:17
And because of that love, that delight that I know God has in me, because of Jesus, I continue on. I continue to pursue my dreams, to live my passion “[singing} with all the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever." 1 Peter 4:11
I sing my auditions with all that strength and I’m always thankful for the everlasting and righteous judge I have in God!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Not to Say Goodbye, Page.
I woke up this morning with an email in my inbox with the simple subject: "Sad News from Mark Shaull." You never want to wake up to sad news, and it can never be good when it's from Mr. Shaull, my high school choir director, who is so busy, he rarely writes.
My friend, mentor and first voice teacher, Page Swift, passed away last Friday. I had no idea, but for the last year she struggled with cancer. I am so sad that I never told her how much I loved and respected her, and how she ignited my passion for music and singing. I have a feeling she knew all this without my verbal telling but for those of us left when our friends pass on, that visceral telling and sharing is such a comfort.
I still remember the first time I walked into Page's voice studio in Palo Alto, trembling after hearing booming, throbbing operatic sounds from the preceding student. Page was always so matter of fact. I think I sang one of my favorite hits of the time, "Bring Him Home" from Les Mis. (Yes, I know that Jean Valjean sings "Bring Him Home" but what 7th grade soprano doesn't want to sing that?) I had sought a voice teacher to get me to the next level in Los Altos Youth Theatre's star progression. I had dreams of "the Broadway." Page was a long-time San Francisco Opera chorus member, and as she was like to do for the next six years, she quickly sized me up and in no time had me trading in Andrew Lloyd Webber for Mozart. Mom sat in that first lesson but after that I was on my own, under Page's steady, exacting yet generous leading. She inspired me to practice, to learn the arias for the roles she deemed me destined to sing and even those she didn't! (I remember a very disappointing day when I brought in Susanna's aria from "Le nozze di Figaro." "Well, you're a Cherubino, not a Susanna." she said to my 15-year-old-self. "You're just not right physically for Susanna.") She was honest with compassion, selfless with her time, so generous with her encouragement. Though she may not have approved, she came to every single one of my theatre performances, kind enough to remind me that I wasn't using my whole voice! It was Page who first led me to opera, to the magic of orchestra and singers and costume and drama all together, other-worldly in its scope. Shortly after beginning lessons with her, she gave my mom and I two tickets to the final dress rehearsal of "L'elisir d'amore" starring Ruth Ann Swenson. Page knew then that I would be trading Broadway for opera and with her steady guidance, I leaped into the world of classical music, of opera training programs and two voice degrees! In the last years, Page continued to encourage me and attend recitals I presented, and until just a few years ago continued to light up the stage of the War Memorial Opera House.
Page was a friend and a guide to so many beautiful singers. I count myself so lucky to have been one of her students. One of my greatest honors was being asked to sing in her wedding as an 8th grader. A single woman into her 50s, she was blessed to find a wonderful husband in Ted. I will never forget that most musically stunning celebration, complete with brass and a large portion of the San Francisco Opera Chorus. She had 3 of her students sing, only showing the heart and love she put into developing singers. Without leaving any children of her own behind, Page has instead left a remarkable legacy of singers in the Bay Area. While not all pursue music as a career, certainly all have been defined and enriched with afternoons singing with Page. I can never thank her enough for the time and love she poured into my life. And while I may have drifted closer to Broadway than the Met in my career pursuits, every time I open my mouth to sing, I know I have been shaped by Page. I shall miss you very much, Page.
My friend, mentor and first voice teacher, Page Swift, passed away last Friday. I had no idea, but for the last year she struggled with cancer. I am so sad that I never told her how much I loved and respected her, and how she ignited my passion for music and singing. I have a feeling she knew all this without my verbal telling but for those of us left when our friends pass on, that visceral telling and sharing is such a comfort.
I still remember the first time I walked into Page's voice studio in Palo Alto, trembling after hearing booming, throbbing operatic sounds from the preceding student. Page was always so matter of fact. I think I sang one of my favorite hits of the time, "Bring Him Home" from Les Mis. (Yes, I know that Jean Valjean sings "Bring Him Home" but what 7th grade soprano doesn't want to sing that?) I had sought a voice teacher to get me to the next level in Los Altos Youth Theatre's star progression. I had dreams of "the Broadway." Page was a long-time San Francisco Opera chorus member, and as she was like to do for the next six years, she quickly sized me up and in no time had me trading in Andrew Lloyd Webber for Mozart. Mom sat in that first lesson but after that I was on my own, under Page's steady, exacting yet generous leading. She inspired me to practice, to learn the arias for the roles she deemed me destined to sing and even those she didn't! (I remember a very disappointing day when I brought in Susanna's aria from "Le nozze di Figaro." "Well, you're a Cherubino, not a Susanna." she said to my 15-year-old-self. "You're just not right physically for Susanna.") She was honest with compassion, selfless with her time, so generous with her encouragement. Though she may not have approved, she came to every single one of my theatre performances, kind enough to remind me that I wasn't using my whole voice! It was Page who first led me to opera, to the magic of orchestra and singers and costume and drama all together, other-worldly in its scope. Shortly after beginning lessons with her, she gave my mom and I two tickets to the final dress rehearsal of "L'elisir d'amore" starring Ruth Ann Swenson. Page knew then that I would be trading Broadway for opera and with her steady guidance, I leaped into the world of classical music, of opera training programs and two voice degrees! In the last years, Page continued to encourage me and attend recitals I presented, and until just a few years ago continued to light up the stage of the War Memorial Opera House.
Page was a friend and a guide to so many beautiful singers. I count myself so lucky to have been one of her students. One of my greatest honors was being asked to sing in her wedding as an 8th grader. A single woman into her 50s, she was blessed to find a wonderful husband in Ted. I will never forget that most musically stunning celebration, complete with brass and a large portion of the San Francisco Opera Chorus. She had 3 of her students sing, only showing the heart and love she put into developing singers. Without leaving any children of her own behind, Page has instead left a remarkable legacy of singers in the Bay Area. While not all pursue music as a career, certainly all have been defined and enriched with afternoons singing with Page. I can never thank her enough for the time and love she poured into my life. And while I may have drifted closer to Broadway than the Met in my career pursuits, every time I open my mouth to sing, I know I have been shaped by Page. I shall miss you very much, Page.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Wonderful
I'm in a wonderful show. It's so wonderful it's called, "A Wonderful Life." You know the movie and love it. The cast is amazing, new friends I hope to hold near. I wanted this show so so bad since that ever-so-sweaty callback, dancing the Charleston in October. The choreographer said to us as we caught our breath between partner switches, "We appreciate you so much. Some of the best work in New York happens in these rooms and we recognize that. Thank you." Amazing! There was one catch. It's a holiday show and taking the contract meant no Thanksgiving, no baby Noelle sightings and no Christmas in CA. But a NY show...an Equity Theatre...what an opportunity! I took the gig and decided the wonderful show, the wonderful opportunity would give me the strength to survive the holidays without my family.
I've survived 5 Lessons and Carols services, 250 Redeemer Musicians Christmas Cards, CD tables at 15 services, missing my niece's birth all the while making 4 hour round trips to Northport, Long Island to sing and dance my heart out. It's been rough! I was so looking forward to December 24, my first real DAY OFF since the start of rehearsals. And then my flight to Chicago was canceled. No Sulayman family to help me forget I wasn't celebrating Christmas with my real family. And these 3 days OFF, this big finish that I was hoping to make it to have come and have been the most challenging of this entire crazy run. I'd rather be running from work to a train or crammed in a 15 person van in Long Island traffic than feel the depth of homesickness I've struggled with these last few days. Whose wonderful idea was this?
And yet in the midst of my own selfish "debbie-downer" feelings God is so gracious. As my mom tried to whisper to me in between my gulping sobs, I'm so lucky to have a family that I love so much whose distance makes me ache. I am so so so blessed. And I can only think of God's ache for us, and my ache for Him. This pull of my heart for my family is such a beautiful reflection of that ache we all have built inside of us for the feast with the Father. Thank you Lord for sending Jesus. I am weak and he is strong. He was born in that manger to be weak so that today, even flooded with homesick-laced tears, I can be strong.
Do you know that wonderful actually means to flee with wonder? TK's last sermon was on Jesus, Our Wonderful Counselor. He invites us to wonder in Him, to fill our hearts most with what our hearts most need. Certainly these three days have led me to the place I must go when I'm weakest, in the arms of our dear Savior. Wonderful Counselor indeed.
I've survived 5 Lessons and Carols services, 250 Redeemer Musicians Christmas Cards, CD tables at 15 services, missing my niece's birth all the while making 4 hour round trips to Northport, Long Island to sing and dance my heart out. It's been rough! I was so looking forward to December 24, my first real DAY OFF since the start of rehearsals. And then my flight to Chicago was canceled. No Sulayman family to help me forget I wasn't celebrating Christmas with my real family. And these 3 days OFF, this big finish that I was hoping to make it to have come and have been the most challenging of this entire crazy run. I'd rather be running from work to a train or crammed in a 15 person van in Long Island traffic than feel the depth of homesickness I've struggled with these last few days. Whose wonderful idea was this?
And yet in the midst of my own selfish "debbie-downer" feelings God is so gracious. As my mom tried to whisper to me in between my gulping sobs, I'm so lucky to have a family that I love so much whose distance makes me ache. I am so so so blessed. And I can only think of God's ache for us, and my ache for Him. This pull of my heart for my family is such a beautiful reflection of that ache we all have built inside of us for the feast with the Father. Thank you Lord for sending Jesus. I am weak and he is strong. He was born in that manger to be weak so that today, even flooded with homesick-laced tears, I can be strong.
Do you know that wonderful actually means to flee with wonder? TK's last sermon was on Jesus, Our Wonderful Counselor. He invites us to wonder in Him, to fill our hearts most with what our hearts most need. Certainly these three days have led me to the place I must go when I'm weakest, in the arms of our dear Savior. Wonderful Counselor indeed.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Settling into a new NYC life
Hi friends,
It's been so long since I've written, I know! I have many excuses. None of them are particularly good. I initially took a hiatus because since the title is "sharpstown in the city," I didn't think I needed to document Pennsylvania. But I've been back in the city since July 9 and I haven't written. :(
No more excuses. Bella-the-computer has been calling, whispering, "come back to your blog. come back to your blog!" There have certainly been plenty of blog-worthy moments. And a lot of change and grace and blessing and joy and stress and everything inbetween. I won't attempt to wrap up the summer of transition, of moving, of disappointment, of excitement. In fact, I'm going to try to keep my entries less epic.
I know what I'm thankful for today.
I'm thankful for a room that is finally coming together. It's huge and it awaits every and any visitor. Last weekend I spent several hours putting together a Euro Futon I bought at Target. It's screaming for some love.
I'm thankful for this home I get to share with Jenny. For wide open spaces and more square footage than we know what to do with.
I'm thankful for my neighborhood, colorful and vibrant in every way.
I'm thankful for my new connection with Operation Exodus, a mentorship program for kids in Washington Heights.
I'm thankful for my JOB! My first salaried job EVER and it's at the church I love so dearly. If you have to have a day job filing away for hours, I'd rather it be praise songs and hymns than anything else.
I'm thankful for my community that is being built here. For the Fellowship Group that is busting at the seams and the potential for a real family in Christ in my neighborhood.
I'm thankful for all my Millbrook buddies that live in NYC and who have become a network of support and laughter as we continue to audition and land the next gigs.
I'm thankful for my health and for all the ways God sustains me. For no longer coughing through the night and being able to sing again. I'm thankful for new hope and energy invested in singing and performing.
I'm thankful for this space to write out my adventures and dreams.
I've missed you, silly blog. It's good to be back.
It's been so long since I've written, I know! I have many excuses. None of them are particularly good. I initially took a hiatus because since the title is "sharpstown in the city," I didn't think I needed to document Pennsylvania. But I've been back in the city since July 9 and I haven't written. :(
No more excuses. Bella-the-computer has been calling, whispering, "come back to your blog. come back to your blog!" There have certainly been plenty of blog-worthy moments. And a lot of change and grace and blessing and joy and stress and everything inbetween. I won't attempt to wrap up the summer of transition, of moving, of disappointment, of excitement. In fact, I'm going to try to keep my entries less epic.
I know what I'm thankful for today.
I'm thankful for a room that is finally coming together. It's huge and it awaits every and any visitor. Last weekend I spent several hours putting together a Euro Futon I bought at Target. It's screaming for some love.
I'm thankful for this home I get to share with Jenny. For wide open spaces and more square footage than we know what to do with.
I'm thankful for my neighborhood, colorful and vibrant in every way.
I'm thankful for my new connection with Operation Exodus, a mentorship program for kids in Washington Heights.
I'm thankful for my JOB! My first salaried job EVER and it's at the church I love so dearly. If you have to have a day job filing away for hours, I'd rather it be praise songs and hymns than anything else.
I'm thankful for my community that is being built here. For the Fellowship Group that is busting at the seams and the potential for a real family in Christ in my neighborhood.
I'm thankful for all my Millbrook buddies that live in NYC and who have become a network of support and laughter as we continue to audition and land the next gigs.
I'm thankful for my health and for all the ways God sustains me. For no longer coughing through the night and being able to sing again. I'm thankful for new hope and energy invested in singing and performing.
I'm thankful for this space to write out my adventures and dreams.
I've missed you, silly blog. It's good to be back.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Phantom and cleaning up!
Thursday I begrudgingly woke up after far too few hours of sleep. I dragged myself to the gym to try to trick my internal clock into believing I could actually sing an audition. It worked! I went to the Equity Building expecting to be turned away from the chorus call for "The Phantom of the Opera" but shockingly, every Non-Eq girl was able to sing! I had almost bagged the whole thing in the morning, assuming the worst, and I was so thankful I went for it. I hung out with Kat which was so fun. I will miss her most of the summer. She'll be in NYC while I'm in PA and by the time I'm back she'll be in CT doing "Joseph." The audition went well, I think, as they asked me what else I would sing as well as asking about my time in Lucca. Yay! I was able to fit in a coaching with John R., my acting teacher, on Mrs. Darling. I met him at his house near Central Park and 108th St. He is such a genius and gave me so many great ideas to work with on my character. Time and money well-spent! I headed up to Inwood and got the cheapest $18 mani-pedi in NYC while I waited for Jenny to get off work. She was headed home to show me her apartment. After a lot of prayer and discussion with the parents, I've decided to move up there in September. I really like the area and I'll have so much more space and be able to sustain myself better financially. I ended up spending some time walking around Isham Park where I saw lots of little ones playing....there are two big parks in Inwood! Yay! Jenny and I went down to 79th and Broadway after the tour where we met up with Adrienne. The three of us walked to the 79th St. Boat Basin Cafe which is only open during the summer. So cute but so hopping and we ended up walking along the Hudson for another idea of where to eat. Along the way, I ran into Arthur, a friend from Rice, who had just gotten married that weekend. They were watching the sunset as part of their honeymoon so I tried not to interrupt for too long! We ended up walking and walking and finally settled on a little Southwestern restaurant called, "Santa Fe." I was excited for Adrienne and Jenny, my two girls, to finally meet!
Adrienne and I came home and watched our favorite summer guilty pleasure, "So you think you can dance?" Love it!
Friday I spent all morning and afternoon cleaning and clearing my room. I was really stressed out most of the day, feeling an ulcer begin to form from the combined stresses of packing, cleaning, laundry, tying up loose ends, a 2nd date that night and most of all needing to talk to A about my plans to move out in the fall. There were some bright spots in the day and evening, including A's meticulous design of my date wardrobe and make-up but it definitely ended on a sorrowful note.
Adrienne and I came home and watched our favorite summer guilty pleasure, "So you think you can dance?" Love it!
Friday I spent all morning and afternoon cleaning and clearing my room. I was really stressed out most of the day, feeling an ulcer begin to form from the combined stresses of packing, cleaning, laundry, tying up loose ends, a 2nd date that night and most of all needing to talk to A about my plans to move out in the fall. There were some bright spots in the day and evening, including A's meticulous design of my date wardrobe and make-up but it definitely ended on a sorrowful note.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Recapping CO and CA!
I explained to Dad that since this blog is titled “Kristen in NYC” I’m off the hook for recounting my CA and CO adventures. But briefly, I had a wonderful time with the family. We got to visit with Aunt Shannon and Uncle Doug (and Murphy!) in Denver where I insisted we revisit Lola, an amazing coastal Mexican restaurant that Doug and Shannon had taken me last September. Charlie played the remote-garage game with such fervor, that the motor got off track, giving a perfect opportunity for “Vovo fix-it.” And he did! Lisa and I went on an exciting mystic tan adventure. Serious sister bonding! Thursday night Uncle Doug arrived from Nashville and we had a lovely dinner together of Aunt Shannie’s amazing pork tenderloin. Yummy!
Friday morning we packed the mini-van and headed towards Snowmass. We had one pit-stop in Vail and the drive through Glenwood Canyon was beyond stunning. We stayed at a 3 bedroom villa at the Snowmass Club. It was very sleepy there, as it is the off-season. It was a beautiful place and I enjoyed a few really nice walks. Aspen trees are my happy place. Friday night Sarahliz and Charlie hosted the rehearsal bbq at their amazing new house. It was so much fun to see all the neighborhood kids so grown up and beautiful! Charlie and I had a giggle-fest after “we almost got soaked” by a sprinkler. That phrase ended up cheering him for hours later that night and throughout the weekend. ☺
Saturday Mom and I scavenged Snowmass for breakfast and I took Charlie for a swim at the fancy pool. We had so much fun and stayed until his illegal, non-swim diaper started busting. We met Lisa at the Roaring Fork Resort in Basalt, the site for the wedding. She was all coiffed and beautiful and the two of us worked hard to get Char in his precious white shorts suit. “I don’t yant to wear it…!” There was a lot of that but thankfully, a golf cart and the bag-pipe player created enough of a diversion to get Charlie through his 4 step lesson on how to be the ringboy of the century. Filip gave him the 4 steps and he was a rock-star on the 1st three (walking towards the aisle with Mommy, taking ring box, handing ring box to Paul, the tall man and groom’s brother!) He just forgot #4: Run to Daddy! He was very cute and we were so proud of him. He nearly stole the show, until Sarahliz walked down the aisle! She was breathtakingly beautiful in her lace dress with large pink sash and the setting overlooking mountains could not have been more beautiful! Charlie continued to participate in the wedding as J.R. began his officiant duties….repeating “celebrate, celebrate” and various other phrases. He was getting a little loud so I rescued him and took him far away to the pool so he could “celebrate” his job well-done with gusto! The reception was wonderful, with a cocktail hour in the ranch clubhouse and dinner and dancing outside in a tent. I loved all the sweet and personal toasts as well as the slide-show! So fun! We left around 11:45 or so, knowing we were in for a short night of sleep. We left for Denver at 5:30 am and had an easy trip there. It was fun being on the same plane with Char. We did laps around the plane, ensuring that anyone that wanted to sleep on the flight could not. ☺ It was a great time of togetherness, even if 6 and a bike in a mini-van is a tight squeeze!
Sunday night I met a bunch of friends at Tied House in Mountain View and caught up a bit. I was so thankful to see my Highway family since I missed church!
Monday’s highlights were lunch at Crepevine in Burlingame with Pie and Bono and then a Memorial Day BBQ at Mary, Jean and Emily’s house. I stayed late and supervised Mary and Emily’s NYC flight purchases! Yay! They’re coming in July to visit.
Tuesday I got to play with Charlie most of the day and even took him to his gymnastics class where he was most interested in the water fountains and speakers. I took a break from the action and met Sheina and Becky for lunch at Beechwood. We picnicked in the garden gazebo, eating my favorite pb and banana sandwiches! Tuesday night I cooked for the family and we enjoyed our last night together until July.
Wednesday was a travel day and I arrived late in Newark and took the train and cab home. I think I got to bed around 1:30 am. Back in New York!
Friday morning we packed the mini-van and headed towards Snowmass. We had one pit-stop in Vail and the drive through Glenwood Canyon was beyond stunning. We stayed at a 3 bedroom villa at the Snowmass Club. It was very sleepy there, as it is the off-season. It was a beautiful place and I enjoyed a few really nice walks. Aspen trees are my happy place. Friday night Sarahliz and Charlie hosted the rehearsal bbq at their amazing new house. It was so much fun to see all the neighborhood kids so grown up and beautiful! Charlie and I had a giggle-fest after “we almost got soaked” by a sprinkler. That phrase ended up cheering him for hours later that night and throughout the weekend. ☺
Saturday Mom and I scavenged Snowmass for breakfast and I took Charlie for a swim at the fancy pool. We had so much fun and stayed until his illegal, non-swim diaper started busting. We met Lisa at the Roaring Fork Resort in Basalt, the site for the wedding. She was all coiffed and beautiful and the two of us worked hard to get Char in his precious white shorts suit. “I don’t yant to wear it…!” There was a lot of that but thankfully, a golf cart and the bag-pipe player created enough of a diversion to get Charlie through his 4 step lesson on how to be the ringboy of the century. Filip gave him the 4 steps and he was a rock-star on the 1st three (walking towards the aisle with Mommy, taking ring box, handing ring box to Paul, the tall man and groom’s brother!) He just forgot #4: Run to Daddy! He was very cute and we were so proud of him. He nearly stole the show, until Sarahliz walked down the aisle! She was breathtakingly beautiful in her lace dress with large pink sash and the setting overlooking mountains could not have been more beautiful! Charlie continued to participate in the wedding as J.R. began his officiant duties….repeating “celebrate, celebrate” and various other phrases. He was getting a little loud so I rescued him and took him far away to the pool so he could “celebrate” his job well-done with gusto! The reception was wonderful, with a cocktail hour in the ranch clubhouse and dinner and dancing outside in a tent. I loved all the sweet and personal toasts as well as the slide-show! So fun! We left around 11:45 or so, knowing we were in for a short night of sleep. We left for Denver at 5:30 am and had an easy trip there. It was fun being on the same plane with Char. We did laps around the plane, ensuring that anyone that wanted to sleep on the flight could not. ☺ It was a great time of togetherness, even if 6 and a bike in a mini-van is a tight squeeze!
Sunday night I met a bunch of friends at Tied House in Mountain View and caught up a bit. I was so thankful to see my Highway family since I missed church!
Monday’s highlights were lunch at Crepevine in Burlingame with Pie and Bono and then a Memorial Day BBQ at Mary, Jean and Emily’s house. I stayed late and supervised Mary and Emily’s NYC flight purchases! Yay! They’re coming in July to visit.
Tuesday I got to play with Charlie most of the day and even took him to his gymnastics class where he was most interested in the water fountains and speakers. I took a break from the action and met Sheina and Becky for lunch at Beechwood. We picnicked in the garden gazebo, eating my favorite pb and banana sandwiches! Tuesday night I cooked for the family and we enjoyed our last night together until July.
Wednesday was a travel day and I arrived late in Newark and took the train and cab home. I think I got to bed around 1:30 am. Back in New York!
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