Must... stay... awake... Oh never mind.
Freaky devil-cat.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
The Mozart Effect
I've noticed that people who aren't "into" opera or classical music seem to think that Mozart was the only opera composer. There have been two instances in the past few weeks that confirm this hypothesis.
When I was in Traviata, I was, of course, humming and singing bits and pieces of it all the time. Then I expanded my Verdi humming repertoire to Rigoletto. Alex, of course, followed suit, and spent a day or two humming Caro Nome. So one day when I picked him up from school, in the thick of the knock-knock joke phase, his teacher told me some knock-knock joke involving Beethoven (I don't remember it exactly) and then said she found that joke in honor of Mozart, because Alex had been singing Mozart all week. "Oh!" I replied, "Has he been singing Papageno?" and Alex replied, "No, the banana song." (I'll add the link later - it's a clip of Renee Fleming on Sesame Street, singing a counting song to the tune of Caro Nome, and there are these bananas in it that freak me out.) I held my tongue about the composer mix-up because really, it wasn't worth it.
The other interaction was with an old high school friend on that social networking site almost everyone belongs to. I have videos there of Alex and me singing a medley from La Fille. This h.s. friend commented that he liked it, Mozart opera, his favorite. Umm... this time I did reply with a comment and a correction.
While I'm glad that the Non-Opera-Lovin' Public at least knows the name of a classical composer, it's not all about Mozart. It easily could be, but it's not.
When I was in Traviata, I was, of course, humming and singing bits and pieces of it all the time. Then I expanded my Verdi humming repertoire to Rigoletto. Alex, of course, followed suit, and spent a day or two humming Caro Nome. So one day when I picked him up from school, in the thick of the knock-knock joke phase, his teacher told me some knock-knock joke involving Beethoven (I don't remember it exactly) and then said she found that joke in honor of Mozart, because Alex had been singing Mozart all week. "Oh!" I replied, "Has he been singing Papageno?" and Alex replied, "No, the banana song." (I'll add the link later - it's a clip of Renee Fleming on Sesame Street, singing a counting song to the tune of Caro Nome, and there are these bananas in it that freak me out.) I held my tongue about the composer mix-up because really, it wasn't worth it.
The other interaction was with an old high school friend on that social networking site almost everyone belongs to. I have videos there of Alex and me singing a medley from La Fille. This h.s. friend commented that he liked it, Mozart opera, his favorite. Umm... this time I did reply with a comment and a correction.
While I'm glad that the Non-Opera-Lovin' Public at least knows the name of a classical composer, it's not all about Mozart. It easily could be, but it's not.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
It's My Opinion, And Theirs Too
Remember all summer I kept going on and on about how great Elizabeth Caballero was, not only her fabulous voice that moved me to tears, but her acting and her stage presence as well? Well Opera News wrote a little review of Traviata and the reviewer agreed with me. Not that I doubted my own opinion, but it's nice to have confirmation from the experts. Of course if he hadn't agreed with me, well first off I wouldn't even bring it up, and secondly, if I did bring it up, it would be only in the context of asking if he were blind and deaf.
The link doesn't bring you to the review, but someone I know was nice enough to scan and forward the page to me. Well actually I think she was planning on scanning it anyway for an official purpose... but here it is. I think you have to click it to make it open big enough to read.
I am confident that one day I will be seeing her perform a leading role at the Met.
And since you're already looking at videos, take a look and listen to her here:
The link doesn't bring you to the review, but someone I know was nice enough to scan and forward the page to me. Well actually I think she was planning on scanning it anyway for an official purpose... but here it is. I think you have to click it to make it open big enough to read.
I am confident that one day I will be seeing her perform a leading role at the Met.
And since you're already looking at videos, take a look and listen to her here:
Monday, September 15, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Oper fur alle
My voice lessons have resumed. I don't quite feel the psychological benefit yet. Part of that is my fault. Ok, it's all my fault. The day before my lesson, I had a bizarre and dare I say, bad, dream about my voice teacher. I dreamed that I arrived for the lesson and it was in this glassed-wall building, like a store-front. Some guy was playing the piano and she was there insisting that I sing, and I kept saying that I didn't know the song so I wouldn't sing, and there's no way that these minutes were counting toward the lesson. In the dream we were yelling at each other. I finally left. Later I tried to call her to apologize but I couldn't get through. I learned that the guy playing piano was her brother and he didn't like the way I was yelling so he told her she could no longer get in contact with me. I finally went to a dinner party where they both were, and we were watching a movie about her life, and it became real (yay, dreams) and it was a part where she gets raped by some guy she had one date with. I was her roommate and I knew what was going to happen but I had to leave the apartment because I couldn't interfere with history. It was terrible. The whole thing was terrible. Then the next day I had my lesson - so that's why I wasn't able to open up. I felt guilty about the dream. I felt guilty IN the dream. Weird stuff. Gotta get over it so I can get back to work.
That said, it was a pretty good lesson. I told her about singing for my friend's mother and the other guests, and about how I rehearsed all summer, and watched the professionals, and finally how I managed to relax, use my abs to push the air and my throat just opened, allowing me to hit higher and rounder sounding notes. She said she could definitely hear the improvement. I sang Una Donna and it was much better than ever. Of course I can always do it better at home or in the car than I can during a lesson. What's up with that? Anyway, I can hear that I'm singing better, she could hear it and I could see that she was excited about it. Another of my many problems is, when she gets excited I start laughing. I had to turn my back on her at one point, and other times I just kept my eyes closed. But I can't always sing with my eyes closed, can I?
We worked on Ouvre ton Coeur. You'd never know that I studied French all through college - the pronunciation is driving me insane -- I have too much Spanish and Italian interference. Plus we were doing the words before I felt confident with the notes. Must remind myself (and my teacher, in this case) to slow down. My plan is to feel totally comfortable with each part of the song before putting it all together.
Look! One of her friends is from and/or went to Germany and brought her a t-shirt that she gave to me:
Next lesson: Thursday, Sept. 18.
That said, it was a pretty good lesson. I told her about singing for my friend's mother and the other guests, and about how I rehearsed all summer, and watched the professionals, and finally how I managed to relax, use my abs to push the air and my throat just opened, allowing me to hit higher and rounder sounding notes. She said she could definitely hear the improvement. I sang Una Donna and it was much better than ever. Of course I can always do it better at home or in the car than I can during a lesson. What's up with that? Anyway, I can hear that I'm singing better, she could hear it and I could see that she was excited about it. Another of my many problems is, when she gets excited I start laughing. I had to turn my back on her at one point, and other times I just kept my eyes closed. But I can't always sing with my eyes closed, can I?
We worked on Ouvre ton Coeur. You'd never know that I studied French all through college - the pronunciation is driving me insane -- I have too much Spanish and Italian interference. Plus we were doing the words before I felt confident with the notes. Must remind myself (and my teacher, in this case) to slow down. My plan is to feel totally comfortable with each part of the song before putting it all together.
Look! One of her friends is from and/or went to Germany and brought her a t-shirt that she gave to me:
Next lesson: Thursday, Sept. 18.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Tickets In, Tickets Out, Tickets In Again
So just for fun I went to StubHub to see how much people were asking for La Sonnambula tickets for March 24. Go ahead, click the link (to open in a new window, of course) and take a look-see. I'll wait.
.
.(hmmm hmmm hmmm la la la)
.
Over $300 for Family Circle seats? Are people insane???? The only date I found Dress Circle tickets for, they're asking $330 per ticket! One row back from my seats. My jaw dropped open and stayed on the floor for a quite some time as I processed the information.
So next I trolled through Craigslist for NYC, just to see if anyone was selling opera tickets, and if so, how much they were asking there. Never thought I'd find someone wanting to purchase tickets for it! So I popped that person an email with this photo
(Note how I smeared out the barcode just in case... of what, I'm not sure.)
and offered to sell them for $175 each. I was going to ask $150 but I figured they might come back lower, ya know? Well, they came back and said yes! I just made and extra $150 that I never planned on. That pretty much pays for my two Met operas this season, which means no guilt over the Philadelphia ones. Of course now I'm like, dang, I should have asked for $200! But I'm not out to make a profit - it's nice, but honestly I'm excited that someone out there wanted to see Juan Diego Florez and now they can!
Next step: Call the babysitter and see if he's free any of the nights Italian Girl in Algiers is on in Philly and then purchase the $72 tickets. Ha ha with taxes and fees it comes to $155.
The Craigslist guy and I "finalize" the deal on Monday, so I guess I shouldn't jump up and down just yet. Ok, maybe just a little.
Ah well, all because my friend said no to the overnight. Thanks, friend.
.
.(hmmm hmmm hmmm la la la)
.
Over $300 for Family Circle seats? Are people insane???? The only date I found Dress Circle tickets for, they're asking $330 per ticket! One row back from my seats. My jaw dropped open and stayed on the floor for a quite some time as I processed the information.
So next I trolled through Craigslist for NYC, just to see if anyone was selling opera tickets, and if so, how much they were asking there. Never thought I'd find someone wanting to purchase tickets for it! So I popped that person an email with this photo
(Note how I smeared out the barcode just in case... of what, I'm not sure.)
and offered to sell them for $175 each. I was going to ask $150 but I figured they might come back lower, ya know? Well, they came back and said yes! I just made and extra $150 that I never planned on. That pretty much pays for my two Met operas this season, which means no guilt over the Philadelphia ones. Of course now I'm like, dang, I should have asked for $200! But I'm not out to make a profit - it's nice, but honestly I'm excited that someone out there wanted to see Juan Diego Florez and now they can!
Next step: Call the babysitter and see if he's free any of the nights Italian Girl in Algiers is on in Philly and then purchase the $72 tickets. Ha ha with taxes and fees it comes to $155.
The Craigslist guy and I "finalize" the deal on Monday, so I guess I shouldn't jump up and down just yet. Ok, maybe just a little.
Ah well, all because my friend said no to the overnight. Thanks, friend.
Friday, September 12, 2008
I Remembered Just In Time
Chased the cats around with the iPhone to get something up here for cat pic Friday. These pictures are very very fresh. Be careful - the paint is still wet.
Viola's small head shows how small her brain is.
Diego's head looks big in this picture, but don't be fooled. It's small.
Viola's small head shows how small her brain is.
Diego's head looks big in this picture, but don't be fooled. It's small.
Dilemma Deleted, Collection Commenced
After getting an embarrassing rejection from my friend who watched Alex last April, ( HIRE BABYSITTER!) (YEAH I WOULD IF I KNEW ONE), I searched through all the dates for La Sonnambula at the Met and finally found what I'd consider acceptable tickets, two seats together, for Wed, March 11 in my "regular" place, the good ole balcony. This time it's Row B, Seats 116 and 118, right in the center. AND the tickets are just $65 each plus all the taxes and fees. So before finalizing the purchase I checked with Husband and my opera companion to confirm the date was good. So I now have two sets of tickets for La Sonnambula. I seem to have a habit of collecting opera tickets for performances Juan Diego Florez is in. I'm thinking I should buy HD movie tickets for it too, like I did for La Fille last year. Maybe that'll open up a couple of Matinee tickets in the balcony for me.
So, dear readers, would any of you like to purchase the original tickets? The info is:
La Sonnambula
Conductor: Evelino Pidò
Amina: Natalie Dessay
Elvino: Juan Diego Flórez
Rodolfo: Michele Pertusi
Tues March 24, 2009
8:00 PM
Dress Circle, Row C, Seats 26 and 28. *(Or maybe 24 and 26, I forget)
I paid $217 for both tickets. Any takers out there?
So, dear readers, would any of you like to purchase the original tickets? The info is:
La Sonnambula
Conductor: Evelino Pidò
Amina: Natalie Dessay
Elvino: Juan Diego Flórez
Rodolfo: Michele Pertusi
Tues March 24, 2009
8:00 PM
Dress Circle, Row C, Seats 26 and 28. *(Or maybe 24 and 26, I forget)
I paid $217 for both tickets. Any takers out there?
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The Las Vegas Dilemma
Just when you thought it was safe to go in the water...
So hooray I have my tickets for La Sonnambula at the Met for Tuesday, March 24. Yes we've established that in at least one if not more prior posts. Right.
Now, Husband is an Academic and as an Academic is an active member in the Association pertinent to his field. The Association has an annual conference at which Husband often presents an academic paper. This year, if you recall, Husband was away in Boston for such an event when I went to see Nathan and Julie Gunn at Zankel Hall. That was mid-April.
Well. In 2009 the conference is in Las Vegas. I've never been, and truthfully the idea of all that... that... stuff out there in the middle of the dessert, all revolving around money, makes me a little queasy. On the other hand, as a purely sociological experience, (ok and for the food), I wouldn't turn down a trip there. So last year when Husband learned that the next conference would be in Las Vegas, we talked about Alex and me joining him.
So what's my point? Because there is one. Oh yeah. Guess when the conference is in 2009? Go ahead, guess. April again? Oh no. Not April. Guess again. That's right. It's in March. March 22 - 28. Yep.
So there goes Las Vegas for me. La Sonnambula is pretty much sold out unless I'm willing to peer around a pillar to watch from a spot very close to the ceiling of the Met near other desperate fans who waited too long to get tickets and were willing to risk whiplash and eye strain just to be in the same very large room as their favorite singers, and as appealing as all that sounds, I think I'd rather sit in a seat with my own sense of personal space. (**The previous sentence gets an award for being the longest sentence ever here on the blog.**) And we're talking Juan Diego Florez and Natalie Dessay. Again. And Bellini. But... Husband is going to Vegas... his airfare is paid for... as is his room... and now I'll need to find someone to watch Alex and pickings are getting slimmer and slimmer on that front. So.
Do I try to get tickets for another night and go with Husband to LV? Or do I try to find a babysitter and stay home?
Let's think about this. Taking a 4 year old to Las Vegas... They must have family-oriented things there. I don't think we'd plunk him down in front of a slot machine with a roll of nickles, although I bet he'd like that for about 5 minutes. Hey, that's 2 minutes longer than he usually sits still. Hmm... ok, no. So the casinos would be out. Doing anything after 8 or 9 at the latest would be out due to bedtime. So the ideal situation would be, get tickets for a different night, find someone to watch Alex for the week and go alone with Husband to LV. As if.
Well, I suppose that if you have to have complications in life, they might as well be this kind - annoying and inconvenient but not unpleasant.
And now, as usual, I have a totally unrelated note. However, I can't comment on it at all. This totally unrelated note is unrelated to the other thing I couldn't comment on a few posts back. But to be annoyingly cryptic, I will say that I have made some indirect communication in a direction to make a small change in something that in no way at all affects my life, or anyone else's, for that matter, except in an amusing and perhaps charming way.
Voice lessons resume on Thursday. What a relief. Here's hoping I can reproduce the sound I've been working on since my vocal revelation last month.
ps Spell Check wants to change "Sonnambula" to "snowmobile."
So hooray I have my tickets for La Sonnambula at the Met for Tuesday, March 24. Yes we've established that in at least one if not more prior posts. Right.
Now, Husband is an Academic and as an Academic is an active member in the Association pertinent to his field. The Association has an annual conference at which Husband often presents an academic paper. This year, if you recall, Husband was away in Boston for such an event when I went to see Nathan and Julie Gunn at Zankel Hall. That was mid-April.
Well. In 2009 the conference is in Las Vegas. I've never been, and truthfully the idea of all that... that... stuff out there in the middle of the dessert, all revolving around money, makes me a little queasy. On the other hand, as a purely sociological experience, (ok and for the food), I wouldn't turn down a trip there. So last year when Husband learned that the next conference would be in Las Vegas, we talked about Alex and me joining him.
So what's my point? Because there is one. Oh yeah. Guess when the conference is in 2009? Go ahead, guess. April again? Oh no. Not April. Guess again. That's right. It's in March. March 22 - 28. Yep.
So there goes Las Vegas for me. La Sonnambula is pretty much sold out unless I'm willing to peer around a pillar to watch from a spot very close to the ceiling of the Met near other desperate fans who waited too long to get tickets and were willing to risk whiplash and eye strain just to be in the same very large room as their favorite singers, and as appealing as all that sounds, I think I'd rather sit in a seat with my own sense of personal space. (**The previous sentence gets an award for being the longest sentence ever here on the blog.**) And we're talking Juan Diego Florez and Natalie Dessay. Again. And Bellini. But... Husband is going to Vegas... his airfare is paid for... as is his room... and now I'll need to find someone to watch Alex and pickings are getting slimmer and slimmer on that front. So.
Do I try to get tickets for another night and go with Husband to LV? Or do I try to find a babysitter and stay home?
Let's think about this. Taking a 4 year old to Las Vegas... They must have family-oriented things there. I don't think we'd plunk him down in front of a slot machine with a roll of nickles, although I bet he'd like that for about 5 minutes. Hey, that's 2 minutes longer than he usually sits still. Hmm... ok, no. So the casinos would be out. Doing anything after 8 or 9 at the latest would be out due to bedtime. So the ideal situation would be, get tickets for a different night, find someone to watch Alex for the week and go alone with Husband to LV. As if.
Well, I suppose that if you have to have complications in life, they might as well be this kind - annoying and inconvenient but not unpleasant.
And now, as usual, I have a totally unrelated note. However, I can't comment on it at all. This totally unrelated note is unrelated to the other thing I couldn't comment on a few posts back. But to be annoyingly cryptic, I will say that I have made some indirect communication in a direction to make a small change in something that in no way at all affects my life, or anyone else's, for that matter, except in an amusing and perhaps charming way.
Voice lessons resume on Thursday. What a relief. Here's hoping I can reproduce the sound I've been working on since my vocal revelation last month.
ps Spell Check wants to change "Sonnambula" to "snowmobile."
Friday, September 5, 2008
At Least It's Not Just Opera (and a cat pic too of course)
"Oooohhhh," I thought when I saw that Cirque du Soleil was performing one town over. I've always wanted to go see them. Then I looked at the ticket prices. $95 and $75. Two tickets to that is actually more than two tickets to The Italian Girl in Algiers. No opera, no circus.
Cat pic time, seeing as it's Friday and all.
Diego caught in the act! Of what I'm not sure.
Finally, a quick report on the Future Opera Singer. Good thing he likes opera because he won't be pursuing a career as a piano player if he keeps this up. And of course these things always happen when Husband isn't home. In yesterday's case, he was at a baseball game.
I got a free plastic travel mug at work and gave it to Alex to play with in the bath. The lid comes apart into two pieces. One of the pieces has a hole in it. Silly Mommy wasn't thinking that would be a problem until Alex stuck his finger in it and couldn't get it out! I tried liquid soap, I tried lotion, I tried cutting it off with my flimsy scissors, all to no avail. Finally I called my friend across the street. She came over with an armload of tools, including a pair of heavy duty scissors that finally did the trick. Here she is, 7 1/2 months pregnant, kneeling on my bathroom floor, trying the pliers first. OK, it's just her arms, but I had to throw that pregnancy mention in there.
Thankfully she got him out and I avoided an embarrassing call to 911.
And no, I didn't run to get the camera. I had my iPhone in my hand trying to reach Husband by phone and by text message. He finally called after it was all over, and since everything turned out fine, figured he'd stay until the end of the game. And there's yet another difference between men and women.
Luckily I don't think it's possible to get your vocal cords stuck in a hole... is it???
Cat pic time, seeing as it's Friday and all.
Diego caught in the act! Of what I'm not sure.
Finally, a quick report on the Future Opera Singer. Good thing he likes opera because he won't be pursuing a career as a piano player if he keeps this up. And of course these things always happen when Husband isn't home. In yesterday's case, he was at a baseball game.
I got a free plastic travel mug at work and gave it to Alex to play with in the bath. The lid comes apart into two pieces. One of the pieces has a hole in it. Silly Mommy wasn't thinking that would be a problem until Alex stuck his finger in it and couldn't get it out! I tried liquid soap, I tried lotion, I tried cutting it off with my flimsy scissors, all to no avail. Finally I called my friend across the street. She came over with an armload of tools, including a pair of heavy duty scissors that finally did the trick. Here she is, 7 1/2 months pregnant, kneeling on my bathroom floor, trying the pliers first. OK, it's just her arms, but I had to throw that pregnancy mention in there.
Thankfully she got him out and I avoided an embarrassing call to 911.
And no, I didn't run to get the camera. I had my iPhone in my hand trying to reach Husband by phone and by text message. He finally called after it was all over, and since everything turned out fine, figured he'd stay until the end of the game. And there's yet another difference between men and women.
Luckily I don't think it's possible to get your vocal cords stuck in a hole... is it???
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Supers, Patrons, Chorus. But mostly Patrons.
It's a three-thing post.
Numero Uno:
The super captain sent an email asking the supers for our background and so on so he can put together a flyer or something to send to the director of the upcoming winter opera. He's heard that they don't need any supers, and he's also heard that they'll need 3. Love that.
Number 2:
Had another chorus rehearsal at work today. We sang Silent Night in English and German. It's weird singing in a chorus that anyone can join. Some people think they're singing but they're just monotone. What's up with that? But it doesn't really matter. The idea of the chorus isn't to be technically perfect, but to have fun and perform around the holidays. We're doing a set of international Christmas carols. Oops I mean, holiday music. It's not all about Christmas... just 99% of it is.
And finally, C:
Still debating the tickets for Italian Girl in Algiers in Phila. They're so expensive!! It adds up so quickly. Cheapish seats are $72 x 2 = 144 + 11 processing fee = $155, and then we'd have to pay a babysitter like $50 or more, plus either gas+parking or else 2 train tickets, plus dinner, equals a whole lotta cashola that we just don't have right now. I don't want to sit in the nosebleed and/or partial view seats, and I don't really feel like going alone. Really what I need is to find a personal patron who, in the interest of my cultural education, is willing to fund these things. In exchange I'll uh... let's see... oh I know, I'll dedicate my blog to my patron. Anyone interested?
Numero Uno:
The super captain sent an email asking the supers for our background and so on so he can put together a flyer or something to send to the director of the upcoming winter opera. He's heard that they don't need any supers, and he's also heard that they'll need 3. Love that.
Number 2:
Had another chorus rehearsal at work today. We sang Silent Night in English and German. It's weird singing in a chorus that anyone can join. Some people think they're singing but they're just monotone. What's up with that? But it doesn't really matter. The idea of the chorus isn't to be technically perfect, but to have fun and perform around the holidays. We're doing a set of international Christmas carols. Oops I mean, holiday music. It's not all about Christmas... just 99% of it is.
And finally, C:
Still debating the tickets for Italian Girl in Algiers in Phila. They're so expensive!! It adds up so quickly. Cheapish seats are $72 x 2 = 144 + 11 processing fee = $155, and then we'd have to pay a babysitter like $50 or more, plus either gas+parking or else 2 train tickets, plus dinner, equals a whole lotta cashola that we just don't have right now. I don't want to sit in the nosebleed and/or partial view seats, and I don't really feel like going alone. Really what I need is to find a personal patron who, in the interest of my cultural education, is willing to fund these things. In exchange I'll uh... let's see... oh I know, I'll dedicate my blog to my patron. Anyone interested?
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Cattle Call!
Well, it happened. I sang for People yesterday. Luckily it was totally unplanned and a friendly crowd so there were no pre-singing nerves or jitters.
What happened was, the mother of one of our friends is getting surgery this coming week to get a mass removed. She is freaking out, naturally, that it might be malignant. She thinks of all of her son's friends as her "children," so she decided to have all of us over. She's your typical overly-dramatic Italian mother so, although we were all happy to go, there was this sense of, "You all have to come see me b/c it could be the last time..." Catholic/mother/Jewish (for some of us) guilt surrounding the invitation. However, it was a nice evening. At one point one of our friends pulled out his very beautiful tenor ukulele and started singing Eddie Arnold songs, which our friend's mother happens to love. I can't explain how surreal it was as we sat there singing Cattle Call, complete with the yodeling. (Go ahead, click on the link!!) And were weren't even drinking that much. Certainly not enough to break into yodeling. I joked that I could sing in Italian for her but it would have to be opera, and she was totally into it. Said she loved that scene in Moonstruck when they played that song from "that opera where the girl dies of TB," that it always makes her cry. So since she was already weepy from the Eddie Arnold, we started with sad and I sang, a capella, Lasciatemi Morire. Then I did Una Donna a quindicci anni, again with no music. I have the instrumentals on my iPod so I gave a listen to get the right starting note. I had been practicing Una Donna over the past few weeks and I really got into the character, without (I hope) compromising my singing technique. I mean, I'm sure my teacher or any other professional singer could have pointed out ways to improve... but I digress... So I explained each piece beforehand, including the opera, the context and the gist of the song. And of course I know I can sing better than I did - it was so on the spot - but I only got nervous a little partway through Lasciatemi, for some reason. Everyone applauded and hooted and were all excited - it was weird. All I could think was, "If you think I'm so good, then you obviously haven't heard real opera singers..." I mean, I was ok, like, I'm not embarrassed, which is something, but I know I can do better. Having the music would have helped. I think much of their reaction was due to the surprise factor - I've known this group of friends for like 15 years and none of them knew I had it in me. Plus the Italian - the guy who sang with the uke told me that he doesn't believe he could ever learn "all those words" in another language. My friend's mom is Italian and told me she could understand all the lyrics, which was cool. In true dramatic Italian mother style, she was just gushing about "a gift, a beautiful gift," but then she said I had to hear this singer, Paul Potts, he won a competition and he's the best opera singer ever. Amazing how hearing that can change your view of someone's praise. I mean he's not bad, but... it's obvious to me at least that he's not a professional. He must have a great deal of charisma as he has somehow charmed so many people. So then of course I played some Juan Diego for her. At first she said, "Oh, Paul Potts is as good as this guy..." but as she listened more it was obvious that she changed her mind. Nothing against Paul Potts - but he's no Juan Diego Florez.
What happened was, the mother of one of our friends is getting surgery this coming week to get a mass removed. She is freaking out, naturally, that it might be malignant. She thinks of all of her son's friends as her "children," so she decided to have all of us over. She's your typical overly-dramatic Italian mother so, although we were all happy to go, there was this sense of, "You all have to come see me b/c it could be the last time..." Catholic/mother/Jewish (for some of us) guilt surrounding the invitation. However, it was a nice evening. At one point one of our friends pulled out his very beautiful tenor ukulele and started singing Eddie Arnold songs, which our friend's mother happens to love. I can't explain how surreal it was as we sat there singing Cattle Call, complete with the yodeling. (Go ahead, click on the link!!) And were weren't even drinking that much. Certainly not enough to break into yodeling. I joked that I could sing in Italian for her but it would have to be opera, and she was totally into it. Said she loved that scene in Moonstruck when they played that song from "that opera where the girl dies of TB," that it always makes her cry. So since she was already weepy from the Eddie Arnold, we started with sad and I sang, a capella, Lasciatemi Morire. Then I did Una Donna a quindicci anni, again with no music. I have the instrumentals on my iPod so I gave a listen to get the right starting note. I had been practicing Una Donna over the past few weeks and I really got into the character, without (I hope) compromising my singing technique. I mean, I'm sure my teacher or any other professional singer could have pointed out ways to improve... but I digress... So I explained each piece beforehand, including the opera, the context and the gist of the song. And of course I know I can sing better than I did - it was so on the spot - but I only got nervous a little partway through Lasciatemi, for some reason. Everyone applauded and hooted and were all excited - it was weird. All I could think was, "If you think I'm so good, then you obviously haven't heard real opera singers..." I mean, I was ok, like, I'm not embarrassed, which is something, but I know I can do better. Having the music would have helped. I think much of their reaction was due to the surprise factor - I've known this group of friends for like 15 years and none of them knew I had it in me. Plus the Italian - the guy who sang with the uke told me that he doesn't believe he could ever learn "all those words" in another language. My friend's mom is Italian and told me she could understand all the lyrics, which was cool. In true dramatic Italian mother style, she was just gushing about "a gift, a beautiful gift," but then she said I had to hear this singer, Paul Potts, he won a competition and he's the best opera singer ever. Amazing how hearing that can change your view of someone's praise. I mean he's not bad, but... it's obvious to me at least that he's not a professional. He must have a great deal of charisma as he has somehow charmed so many people. So then of course I played some Juan Diego for her. At first she said, "Oh, Paul Potts is as good as this guy..." but as she listened more it was obvious that she changed her mind. Nothing against Paul Potts - but he's no Juan Diego Florez.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Flair!
So one of those social networking sites I'm on has this application called "Pieces of Flair," hoisted from that ever-so-popular movie, Office Space. Who doesn't love when he knocks down his cubicle walls and cleans a fish on his desk? But I digress... so after ignoring all these flair requests from my friends on the particular networking site, I finally broke down and added the app. Then I wasted many hours and brain cells trolling through the thousands of flair buttons. Eventually I got smart and went into their search feature. Was looking for obnoxious saying about needing sleep and look what I found!
Oh I know what I need to do. Going to work on that right now.
Here are a few more of the many I've added to my Flair Board. Just the opera-ish ones of course. Won't bore you, dear reader, with the chocolate cake and breastfeeding advocacy flair. If you want to see those, find me on that social networking site, add me as a friend and you can see my board. Until I put you on limited profile of course. Noooo I wouldn't do that! (Ok I might, but you won't know unless you find me there.) Or until I get into a housecleaning kick and delete all my friends who I don't actually know... but until then...
And then I made one of my own. Couldn't resist. There are other homemade GunnFlairs out there. It's comforting, in a way. What way? Well... guess to know that I'm not the only one out there who needs to get a life.
And then I made one of my own. Couldn't resist. There are other homemade GunnFlairs out there. It's comforting, in a way. What way? Well... guess to know that I'm not the only one out there who needs to get a life.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Stuck in an Expensive Rut?
I love surprises. I guess that's why I love the "all songs - random shuffle" feature of the iPod. However since some of the songs I have on there are entire acts (or more) of operas, it can be kind of dare I say, annoying, when, say, the next song is Acts 3&4 of Romeo et Juliette. On the other hand, it sort of forces you (unless you advance to the next track) to listen to something you might not ordinarily just listen to part of. Like for me, Romeo is such an emotional roller-coaster that I can't always just jump right into the middle. But today, no doubt due to my hormonal makeup, I immediately fell into the bittersweet tragic mood appropriate for the piece. Then later I watched some of the HD/PBS broadcast. Amazing how the music and the singing is so evocative.
On a related note, Johnny O, also known as John Osborn, recently sang Romeo at the Salzburg Festival in Austria and got rave reviews. I'd link to the review but I don't subscribe to the Opera Critic website. However, someone else does so I can paste the review here:
Rumor has it that Mr. Osborn is back in Europe somewhere recording Clari for a DVD. Rumor also has it that he has not one but two CDs coming out very soon. I will, of course, post more rumors as they wend their way to me.
So to get back to Romeo, am I stuck in a rut of listening to the same operas over and over? Romeo, Barber, Marriage, Cosi, Carmen, Magic Flute, Traviata... I need to expand my opera horizons.
This season I'm going to two I've never seen before. Can't decide if I should read up and learn as much as I can about them beforehand or go in cold. Any thoughts or advice, Dear Readers?
Another thought was that I'd go see The Italian Girl in Algiers at Opera Philly. But tickets are so darn expensive. On the other hand, Lawrence Brownlee is in it and I'd love to see him perform live. But I'd also like to go with Husband which means doubling the price of the ticket since they probably wouldn't look favorably on me sitting on his lap. Plus a babysitter, and the prices have gone way up since I had my regular babysitting gigs in the early 80s.
I guess I just have to face it: I cannot afford to be an opera lover.
Hmm, maybe I can go alone to a matinee. Oh Husband...
On a related note, Johnny O, also known as John Osborn, recently sang Romeo at the Salzburg Festival in Austria and got rave reviews. I'd link to the review but I don't subscribe to the Opera Critic website. However, someone else does so I can paste the review here:
Yay Johnny, way to go!
"On this evening, Roméo was sung by the American tenor John Osborn (Rolando Villazon otherwise scheduled for the remaining eight performances). Not only did the newcomer seem completely at ease with the production, but gave a performance which spontaneously brought him ovations from all parts of the house, including the orchestra. Osborn's background in Mozart and the bel canto repertoire form an ideal foundation for his undertaking in roles such as Roméo. His tone is full and appealing, his phrasing generous, and his attack immaculate - with a style and technique most reminiscent of Nicolai Gedda. Latin looks and a good stage presence complete the picture." The Opera critic, Aug 19, 2008
Rumor has it that Mr. Osborn is back in Europe somewhere recording Clari for a DVD. Rumor also has it that he has not one but two CDs coming out very soon. I will, of course, post more rumors as they wend their way to me.
So to get back to Romeo, am I stuck in a rut of listening to the same operas over and over? Romeo, Barber, Marriage, Cosi, Carmen, Magic Flute, Traviata... I need to expand my opera horizons.
This season I'm going to two I've never seen before. Can't decide if I should read up and learn as much as I can about them beforehand or go in cold. Any thoughts or advice, Dear Readers?
Another thought was that I'd go see The Italian Girl in Algiers at Opera Philly. But tickets are so darn expensive. On the other hand, Lawrence Brownlee is in it and I'd love to see him perform live. But I'd also like to go with Husband which means doubling the price of the ticket since they probably wouldn't look favorably on me sitting on his lap. Plus a babysitter, and the prices have gone way up since I had my regular babysitting gigs in the early 80s.
I guess I just have to face it: I cannot afford to be an opera lover.
Hmm, maybe I can go alone to a matinee. Oh Husband...
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Now *This* Was a Surprise
It's not everyday that Husband sends me an email with the subject line, Nathan Gunn Topless.
Turns out someone on Metafilter's "Ask Mefi" section wanted to know what a fit 40ish male looked like with his shirt off, and they wanted pictures. Strange that no one asked why... But anyway for some reason Husband thought I would have something to contribute. His reply to the query:
Turns out someone on Metafilter's "Ask Mefi" section wanted to know what a fit 40ish male looked like with his shirt off, and they wanted pictures. Strange that no one asked why... But anyway for some reason Husband thought I would have something to contribute. His reply to the query:
Well, a particular opera singer my wife finds to be compelling looks like this, this, and this. He's not quite 40, but will be in two years. I'm not feeling quite intimidated, yet, but I've got a couple of years until 40 as well.That's right, I robbed the cradle. Just call me Mrs. Robinson.
Monday, August 25, 2008
All The Numbers
So now I have a vague idea of how many people read La Cieca. Here are the YouTube stats on that video:
Clicks URL
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Round Round Get Around
Parsifal alerted me to La Cieca's latest blog entry. Look who it is! He's like, an icon for the future of opera.
Now I'll just keep checking back obsessively to see the comments.
Ok, gotta run and see if there are more than 6, where the comment count was the last time I checked.
Now I'll just keep checking back obsessively to see the comments.
Ok, gotta run and see if there are more than 6, where the comment count was the last time I checked.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Juan Diego's New CD and the $75
I'm falling asleep here but wanted to mention that Juan Diego Florez has a new CD coming out this week called Bel Canto Spectacular. Learn all about it here.
Decided that I will, after all, shell out the extra $75 to guarantee my ticket for Rape of Lucretia next June. There's some mental block to the amount of extra I'm willing to pay. Like, $40 extra would have been fine.
Ah well. More money, more money. Let's see, what else can I unload on ebay...
Decided that I will, after all, shell out the extra $75 to guarantee my ticket for Rape of Lucretia next June. There's some mental block to the amount of extra I'm willing to pay. Like, $40 extra would have been fine.
Ah well. More money, more money. Let's see, what else can I unload on ebay...
Friday, August 22, 2008
Ticketed
The tickets for the live HD transmissions from the Met went on sale today. I bought a pair of tickets for two performances - Lucia with Anna Netrebko in Feb and La Cenerentola in May. That spreads my opera out quite nicely:
Oct 22- Lucia at the Met - Diana Damrau!!!
Feb 2 (I think)- Lucia in the movies - Anna Netrebko!!!
Feb - Die Fledermaus, either as a super or else as a paying customer
March 24 - La Sonnambula at the Met - Juan Diego Florez!!! Natalie Dessay!!!(AAAHHHH!!!!!!! Can't wait!!!)
May 9 - La Cenerentola in the movies - Larry Brownlee - Sorry, I mean, Lawrence. I don't know him so I can't call him Larry. (well not yet, ha ha)
Now... what to do... what to do... The Gunnster is starring in The Rape of Lucretia with the Opera Company of Philadelphia. It's in a tiny theater. Tickets are available now for subscribers. So I could pay $75 to subscribe and then $95 for a ticket... or... I could wait until December when they go on sale for the Rest of Us. The theater is so small that all the seats are probably pretty good, but... 3rd or 4th row sure would be nice. On the other hand, do I want to see an opera that involves a rape and the ensuing emotional breakdown of the victim? And do I want to pay an extra $75 to guarantee that discomfort? Yeap. I think I'll wait until December, when I will then kick myself for not shelling out the extra money to get a ticket now.
Dayum, why is opera so friggin' expensive?
Ok. It's Friday. Cat pic time.
OHMYGOD what happened to the cat????
Ok that is so not a cat. It's my friend's dog Bear!! Bear-Bear, what are you doing in my house????
Let's try again:
Oct 22- Lucia at the Met - Diana Damrau!!!
Feb 2 (I think)- Lucia in the movies - Anna Netrebko!!!
Feb - Die Fledermaus, either as a super or else as a paying customer
March 24 - La Sonnambula at the Met - Juan Diego Florez!!! Natalie Dessay!!!(AAAHHHH!!!!!!! Can't wait!!!)
May 9 - La Cenerentola in the movies - Larry Brownlee - Sorry, I mean, Lawrence. I don't know him so I can't call him Larry. (well not yet, ha ha)
Now... what to do... what to do... The Gunnster is starring in The Rape of Lucretia with the Opera Company of Philadelphia. It's in a tiny theater. Tickets are available now for subscribers. So I could pay $75 to subscribe and then $95 for a ticket... or... I could wait until December when they go on sale for the Rest of Us. The theater is so small that all the seats are probably pretty good, but... 3rd or 4th row sure would be nice. On the other hand, do I want to see an opera that involves a rape and the ensuing emotional breakdown of the victim? And do I want to pay an extra $75 to guarantee that discomfort? Yeap. I think I'll wait until December, when I will then kick myself for not shelling out the extra money to get a ticket now.
Dayum, why is opera so friggin' expensive?
Ok. It's Friday. Cat pic time.
OHMYGOD what happened to the cat????
Ok that is so not a cat. It's my friend's dog Bear!! Bear-Bear, what are you doing in my house????
Let's try again:
Nope. They're not allowed on the table. Right.
Finally, I will end the post by embedding the video to which the comments here refer. Enjoy!
Finally, I will end the post by embedding the video to which the comments here refer. Enjoy!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Sparking a Memory
I do still love YouTube, even if some of my videos ended up in the YouTomb.
The following set of videos are set to not allow embedding, so here are the links. Aren't they nice?
To clarify and to avoid confusion, the videos listed are NOT from the production I was in. They just remind me of it, more than any of the others on YouTube, and trust me, there are tons.
Ok, so, first watch this one.
Then follow with this one.
Finally, number 3.
I'm glad to see the beginning part of #3 because when I was in it this summer, I always missed it as I traveled down through the tunnels and passageways from the stage to the green room. By the time I got there, Violetta was just about where the video is at 2 1/2 minutes. I wish I could have seen it from the house instead of on the tiny tv monitor. Maybe some more videos of this summer's production will make their way onto the internet. (Yes, that's a hint to anyone who has them, reads this and is holding out!)
The following set of videos are set to not allow embedding, so here are the links. Aren't they nice?
To clarify and to avoid confusion, the videos listed are NOT from the production I was in. They just remind me of it, more than any of the others on YouTube, and trust me, there are tons.
Ok, so, first watch this one.
Then follow with this one.
Finally, number 3.
I'm glad to see the beginning part of #3 because when I was in it this summer, I always missed it as I traveled down through the tunnels and passageways from the stage to the green room. By the time I got there, Violetta was just about where the video is at 2 1/2 minutes. I wish I could have seen it from the house instead of on the tiny tv monitor. Maybe some more videos of this summer's production will make their way onto the internet. (Yes, that's a hint to anyone who has them, reads this and is holding out!)
I'll Have a Testserone With a Dash of Adrenaline, Please
Oh wait are we ordering drinks yet? Cuz if we are...
Now I don't want to make it a habit of continually commenting on other people's blog entries, so I won't.
That said, it shouldn't be too hard for anyone to figure out to what and to whom the title of this post refers.
Anyway, I'm still waiting for that drink. But hold the testosterone - I'd like to avoid growing facial hair.
Now I don't want to make it a habit of continually commenting on other people's blog entries, so I won't.
That said, it shouldn't be too hard for anyone to figure out to what and to whom the title of this post refers.
Anyway, I'm still waiting for that drink. But hold the testosterone - I'd like to avoid growing facial hair.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
It'll Be Grand
My view, that is. Of Diana Damrau in Lucia. From the Grand Tier! My friend was on the phone with some dude in the ticket office, and contrary to what the chick on the phone told me, he was able to fiddle about and find 10, yes, 10 tickets relatively close to one another. I'm in the Grand Tier, Row F, seat 113.
No Jimmy, I'm not bringing a loaf of bread.
Private joke, sorry faithful readers ... I'm so rude, ha ha.
No Jimmy, I'm not bringing a loaf of bread.
Private joke, sorry faithful readers ... I'm so rude, ha ha.
Homonym Trouble
My my. Looks like the Grammar Police have instilled a fear of editing into Mr. Gunn. It's ok Nathan, we don't like you for your spelling skills. Keep your mind on the music and don't waist OOPS I mean, waste time with spelling and grammar. Great story though. Next time my backyard is filled with deer (like, tonight) maybe I'll ... no, I don't think so. I may have long hair but I lack the testosterone to chase the herd. I'll stick to gathering berries and peaches in the yard. If the deer have left me any, that is. Maybe I can hire the Gunnster to chase the deer out of the yard so I can keep a garden. There's a thought.
I still find it mind-boggling that anyone can write anything and not proof it, since I write, rewrite, spell-check, edit and revise everything about 500 times, and I still make mistakes that I later go back and fix. Of course, I'm a bit nuts about that. Well, I suppose there are worse problems to have.
I still find it mind-boggling that anyone can write anything and not proof it, since I write, rewrite, spell-check, edit and revise everything about 500 times, and I still make mistakes that I later go back and fix. Of course, I'm a bit nuts about that. Well, I suppose there are worse problems to have.
A Powerful Problem
Eek. My Lucia friend didn't get the tickets last night because for some reason the power went out in her house for over two hours. I've been urging her to call this morning, reminding her of how she had to canoodle and finagle to get 5 seats together for Romeo last year. This post is a project-in-progress - the project being, I'll nag my friend until she orders the tickets. She has an unnatural aversion to ordering online, otherwise we'd already have them. Phones open in 30 minutes...
Monday, August 18, 2008
Child Enthralled by Opera !
Check out the new video I put on the video bar over on the right ----->>>>
I think I can embed it here too:
That's my boy. No, not the Mr. Potato Head with two mouths! And not the other weird Mr. Potato Head. The boy!! That's who my boy is. Yeesh.
I think I can embed it here too:
That's my boy. No, not the Mr. Potato Head with two mouths! And not the other weird Mr. Potato Head. The boy!! That's who my boy is. Yeesh.
Stuff and Other Stuff
A "this and that" post.
My friend with whom I went to see Romeo and Fille this past season at the Met plans on seeing Lucia in October with an opera class she teaches. She's supposedly purchasing the tickets this very evening and of course I told her to add me to the list for tickets. So hopefully she remembered to call and was able to get through and was able to get good seats for the night she wants. If yes to all that, then I'll be seeing Diana Damrau in Lucia! Sorry to all the Anna lovers out there, but my choice is based on the timing and company, not the cast, this time around. I hardly think I'll be disappointed. My friend and I talked about the casting - it's like saying, do you want to stay at a 6 star hotel or a 5 star hotel? Umm does it really make a difference? I've already seen Anna live. I have another friend whose opinion I respect highly and he is a Diana freak, like the way I'm a JDF and NG freak OOPS I MEAN, fan, yes, we are both fans, and anyway bottom line is, I'm glad that if my (first mentioned) friend gets the tickets, I'll be seeing Diana D.
That was the "this," now here's a "that," as in, look at that!
Found some more photos online from Love and Other Demons.
Priest seducing a 12 year old redhead.
Yeah, I wouldn't want my mother to see me doing that either.
Do you perform with clothes on?
And so as not to leave you with these possibly unnerving images (for whatever personal unnerving reason you may have) I will end this on a light note with more Muppets. I can sing higher. I can sing higher. Yo ho.
My friend with whom I went to see Romeo and Fille this past season at the Met plans on seeing Lucia in October with an opera class she teaches. She's supposedly purchasing the tickets this very evening and of course I told her to add me to the list for tickets. So hopefully she remembered to call and was able to get through and was able to get good seats for the night she wants. If yes to all that, then I'll be seeing Diana Damrau in Lucia! Sorry to all the Anna lovers out there, but my choice is based on the timing and company, not the cast, this time around. I hardly think I'll be disappointed. My friend and I talked about the casting - it's like saying, do you want to stay at a 6 star hotel or a 5 star hotel? Umm does it really make a difference? I've already seen Anna live. I have another friend whose opinion I respect highly and he is a Diana freak, like the way I'm a JDF and NG freak OOPS I MEAN, fan, yes, we are both fans, and anyway bottom line is, I'm glad that if my (first mentioned) friend gets the tickets, I'll be seeing Diana D.
That was the "this," now here's a "that," as in, look at that!
Found some more photos online from Love and Other Demons.
Priest seducing a 12 year old redhead.
Yeah, I wouldn't want my mother to see me doing that either.
Do you perform with clothes on?
And so as not to leave you with these possibly unnerving images (for whatever personal unnerving reason you may have) I will end this on a light note with more Muppets. I can sing higher. I can sing higher. Yo ho.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Waiting 2 Hours to Spend $200
Something's not right if I have to wait almost two hours to give $200 to a theater in exchange for two, yes two, tickets to a performance. Yet that's exactly what happened to me today. Husband joked that I was trying to get tickets to a rock concert.
Single tickets for the Met's 2008-2009 season went on sale today at noon. I was poised at the computer at 11:59, ready to click through and be done by 12:10. HA! I clicked through right away and decided to try for a few different days just to see what seats I'd get. Well the only way to do that is to put the tickets in your online shopping cart. Suddenly I had tickets for 6 different performances of the same opera, totaling over $1000, in my cart. So then I had to remove the ones I didn't want. But do they have boxes where you can check off several lines and take care of this in one click? Oh no. Each ticket has to be removed individually. So here's the catch:
The tickets are held for about 12 minutes.
The server was so busy that it was taking about 10 minutes to click through one link.
So by the time I got rid of the tickets I didn't want, the tickets I did want had been released from the cart. So I did it again, but this time I chose only 1 night. Great, got the seats I was going for. Got through to the transaction page. Clicked. Waited... waited... finally ... OOPS I had forgotten to check off "mail them to me" so I had to do that and then click again. Finally got to the next page... so far so good. Entered my credit card info. Hit submit. Oops! Sorry! Too much time had elapsed, the tickets had been released.
Meanwhile, in between opening a multitude of browser windows and PDF documents of the various seating levels, I'd also been trying to call. And trying. And getting a busy signal, or even more disappointing, a recording: "This party is not accepting additional calls at this time." How many incoming calls have to get busy signals before the phone company refuses to send your call that far? I couldn't even get to the place where the busy signals live! After getting and losing the online tickets two more times due to the slowness of the server, I gave up and went outside. Ok that's not entirely true. I mean, I did go outside, but I brought the phone with me. And suddenly... I got through! The recording said there was a 10-20 minute wait. Well I was waiting. No way was I going to keep losing my online tickets because their server couldn't keep up with the demand now that I had a chance to talk to a human. Of course I went back to the computer to try again while I was on hold, and I did manage to once again get the very same tickets I had tried to purchase several times already. Then a real live person came on the line!! She said that they have the exact same ticket finding program as what we have online, and that calling can't get me better tickets (which we know isn't true, see here for details) but I wasn't going to argue - I just wanted the two tickets I'd been trying repeatedly to buy. Of course, she couldn't get them for me because... they were in my shopping cart online! So she told me to click "remove" and at that moment she'd try again to see if she could get those seats. It worked! We chatted a little (no wonder I had trouble getting through, if the phone people were chatting with all the callers) and she said that she also has the time limit on the tickets, so we did the transaction. Hooray!
So... my voice teacher and I are going to see La Sonnambula on Tuesday, March 24 at 8pm, Dress Circle, Row C, seats... um... I think 24 and 26 or else 26 and 28. There's no email transaction and I was so excited to finally be getting the tickets that I didn't write it down. The tickets were $100 each plus the various fees and taxes.
Whoo hoo! I'm seeing Juan Diego Florez and Natalie Dessay again!
Single tickets for the Met's 2008-2009 season went on sale today at noon. I was poised at the computer at 11:59, ready to click through and be done by 12:10. HA! I clicked through right away and decided to try for a few different days just to see what seats I'd get. Well the only way to do that is to put the tickets in your online shopping cart. Suddenly I had tickets for 6 different performances of the same opera, totaling over $1000, in my cart. So then I had to remove the ones I didn't want. But do they have boxes where you can check off several lines and take care of this in one click? Oh no. Each ticket has to be removed individually. So here's the catch:
The tickets are held for about 12 minutes.
The server was so busy that it was taking about 10 minutes to click through one link.
So by the time I got rid of the tickets I didn't want, the tickets I did want had been released from the cart. So I did it again, but this time I chose only 1 night. Great, got the seats I was going for. Got through to the transaction page. Clicked. Waited... waited... finally ... OOPS I had forgotten to check off "mail them to me" so I had to do that and then click again. Finally got to the next page... so far so good. Entered my credit card info. Hit submit. Oops! Sorry! Too much time had elapsed, the tickets had been released.
Meanwhile, in between opening a multitude of browser windows and PDF documents of the various seating levels, I'd also been trying to call. And trying. And getting a busy signal, or even more disappointing, a recording: "This party is not accepting additional calls at this time." How many incoming calls have to get busy signals before the phone company refuses to send your call that far? I couldn't even get to the place where the busy signals live! After getting and losing the online tickets two more times due to the slowness of the server, I gave up and went outside. Ok that's not entirely true. I mean, I did go outside, but I brought the phone with me. And suddenly... I got through! The recording said there was a 10-20 minute wait. Well I was waiting. No way was I going to keep losing my online tickets because their server couldn't keep up with the demand now that I had a chance to talk to a human. Of course I went back to the computer to try again while I was on hold, and I did manage to once again get the very same tickets I had tried to purchase several times already. Then a real live person came on the line!! She said that they have the exact same ticket finding program as what we have online, and that calling can't get me better tickets (which we know isn't true, see here for details) but I wasn't going to argue - I just wanted the two tickets I'd been trying repeatedly to buy. Of course, she couldn't get them for me because... they were in my shopping cart online! So she told me to click "remove" and at that moment she'd try again to see if she could get those seats. It worked! We chatted a little (no wonder I had trouble getting through, if the phone people were chatting with all the callers) and she said that she also has the time limit on the tickets, so we did the transaction. Hooray!
So... my voice teacher and I are going to see La Sonnambula on Tuesday, March 24 at 8pm, Dress Circle, Row C, seats... um... I think 24 and 26 or else 26 and 28. There's no email transaction and I was so excited to finally be getting the tickets that I didn't write it down. The tickets were $100 each plus the various fees and taxes.
Whoo hoo! I'm seeing Juan Diego Florez and Natalie Dessay again!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Almost Forgot About the Cats
Good thing Husband showed me a cat pic from one of the blogs he reads or I would have forgotten to post today's cat pics here. Well the pictures aren't from today, but you know what I mean. So here they are:
Dear, departed Sebastian during one of his baseball games
Dear, departed Sebastian during one of his baseball games
Diego during his kitten days.
Going Forward With a Short Inspirational Rewind
Remember all summer I kept talking about how wonderful a performer Elizabeth Caballero is? Here's one of her recent YouTube uploads:
Too bad there's no video. As awesome as she sounds, watching her is even more ... what's the word... emotional? Enjoyable? Inspiring? Quick, someone break out a thesaurus!
And speaking of inspiring, I haven't forgotten about my own singing aspirations. This week I had some sort of vocal breakthrough - I was doing a warm-up along with a taped lesson and suddenly I was able to sing higher than I ever had - beyond where I went in the recording of the lesson. (I believe the high note of the lesson was a C or C#, not sure because I don't let myself look at the piano) I felt the change in my throat, in my abs, in my insides, in my head. It was mental and physical. I've been able to repeat it a couple times. Now that I know it's in there, in me, I just have to figure out how to get to that place again. And I think that part of my ability to even get there at all, besides having a break from lessons and the pressure I put on myself with them, was from paying attention this summer, watching Liz do her thing, watching her not only throw herself into the character, but also watching her physicality - the shape of her mouth as she sang different notes and different vowels, how she held her shoulders, her posture, and so on. I paid attention to all of it. So she doesn't even know it, but she helped me increase my range. Thanks for the inspiration!
Now the question is, how do I reproduce what I've done? It's a zone and I have to enter it. This is so frustrating because I can't adequately express how I got there, and that's part of the problem of trying to do it again. Maybe that's it - I have to not try and express it, and instead, just, I don't know, experience it.
Too bad there's no video. As awesome as she sounds, watching her is even more ... what's the word... emotional? Enjoyable? Inspiring? Quick, someone break out a thesaurus!
And speaking of inspiring, I haven't forgotten about my own singing aspirations. This week I had some sort of vocal breakthrough - I was doing a warm-up along with a taped lesson and suddenly I was able to sing higher than I ever had - beyond where I went in the recording of the lesson. (I believe the high note of the lesson was a C or C#, not sure because I don't let myself look at the piano) I felt the change in my throat, in my abs, in my insides, in my head. It was mental and physical. I've been able to repeat it a couple times. Now that I know it's in there, in me, I just have to figure out how to get to that place again. And I think that part of my ability to even get there at all, besides having a break from lessons and the pressure I put on myself with them, was from paying attention this summer, watching Liz do her thing, watching her not only throw herself into the character, but also watching her physicality - the shape of her mouth as she sang different notes and different vowels, how she held her shoulders, her posture, and so on. I paid attention to all of it. So she doesn't even know it, but she helped me increase my range. Thanks for the inspiration!
Now the question is, how do I reproduce what I've done? It's a zone and I have to enter it. This is so frustrating because I can't adequately express how I got there, and that's part of the problem of trying to do it again. Maybe that's it - I have to not try and express it, and instead, just, I don't know, experience it.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Something Else Boys Like
Here's another review of Love and Other Demons. Note that the reviewer mentions Nathan's impressive chest. Now, I read somewhere else, don't remember where, that the soprano is topless at some point, yet her chest isn't mentioned. Not impressive perhaps?
And for myself, well, I still have that post-baby, post-nursing, the-kid-is-too-old-to-blame-the-extra-ten-pounds-on-pregnancy-
and-nursing-anymore thing going on. And even I am impressed.
Yep, boys like that too.
And for myself, well, I still have that post-baby, post-nursing, the-kid-is-too-old-to-blame-the-extra-ten-pounds-on-pregnancy-
and-nursing-anymore thing going on. And even I am impressed.
Yep, boys like that too.
Lady Godiva
Nathan Gunn and Allison Bell in Love and Other Demons
In my last post, I mentioned that I know what boys like.
And I do - it's the hair. It's all about the hair. It's always been about the hair.
Me, age 7.
Me, age 25ish? at a "Come as the Devil" Halloween party.
So anyway, who's gonna tell the writer that Mr. Gunn has had previous "major UK opera house" appearances???
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
POWER Walk Leads to Revelation re: Men in Eyeliner
Went for a walk all by myself today. On my way out the door Alex said he wanted to come because... "I follow you everywhere." That's right. That's why I'm going ALONE!!!
Set the iPhone iPod to shuffle and off I went.
Very first song is some Mozart thing. Oh yeah, it was Nathan Gunn singing something from Cosi. Don't remember what cuz the truth is (Major Confession Coming) I'm not that familiar with it. So here I go on my Power Walk and there's like 5 minutes of recit. Yep. And I resolved before I started to accept whatever the shuffle gave me. Never thought I'd go out for a brisk walk to the sound of men sing-speaking to each other in Italian. So glad I can check that off my list. So eventually the singing part came along, Mozart, wonderful, blah blah, Nathan Gunn, great voice, blah blah blah... It doesn't need to be said, right?
Next up: Some sort of funky electronic thing. "What is this?" I asked myself, wondering how I could have something on my iPod and not know what it is. It was Duran Duran, "Electric Barbarella." Only some sort of extended dance mix. Now that was more like it.
Then... Adam and the Ants. Antmusic. Sigh. I still remember how crushed I was when I learned that they had broken up before I got to see them. Of course to make up for it I saw Adam solo 6 times and met him once. AND I got snarky with him, after he insulted me. He started it! I'll write about it if anyone asks. I'm still bitter, ha ha. Actually, that's not true. I'm not bitter. I'm proud. I'm proud that I've been snarky with Adam Ant. Yeah, I know I have a problem.
Ok Beatles after that... I honestly don't remember what song because I've been listening to them pretty much non-stop the past few days. Then Queen - Bicycle Race. **link leads to YouTube video that has glimpses and peeks of naked women on bikes, don't click if you're under 18 (You know who you are) or are somewhere that you don't want that showing up on your screen. Click to see this instead. ** When I was a kid and my brothers were teenagers, they saw Queen in concert and I remember them telling me about the topless women riding bikes back and forth across the stage. One brother had a poster too...
At this point I was really wishing I could sing out loud. It was hard not to. How weird would I have seemed - I mean, I had just passed by two women who were out walking with ski-poles. It's 80 degrees Fahrenheit, they were not on their way to the slopes. Seriously, after that I could have done anything, right?
Next was what we here in the I'd Rather Be Sleeping household call The Umbrella Song.
Then, Juan Diego Florez, something from Arias from Rubini. Something I sing along to in the car even though I don't know the words. C'mon, admit it, you do it too.
Still with me? Two more songs.
The Waitresses!!! I Know What Boys Like. I might have started sashaying at this point. Uphill. Cuz I do know what boys like. Is there a special name for an uphill sashay?
And finally, for the final stretch and approach to the front door, good old Harry! Harry Belafonte - Jump in the Line! Couldn't find a real video of it, so I'm linking to the bit at the end of Beetlejuice, even though it's not the "real" version of the song. But it's one of my favorite movies, so deal with it.
Just watched that JDF Rubini video - He still does it for me. Just like Adam Ant did in the 80s. Ok I don't really mean that.
So in the 80s for me it was lots of men in eyeliner. Then I reverted back to opera, which has... lots of men in eyeliner. What was it I just said? Oh I remember -Yeah, I know I have a problem.
My other problem: grammar extremist. "Reverted back." Is that redundant?
Set the iPhone iPod to shuffle and off I went.
Very first song is some Mozart thing. Oh yeah, it was Nathan Gunn singing something from Cosi. Don't remember what cuz the truth is (Major Confession Coming) I'm not that familiar with it. So here I go on my Power Walk and there's like 5 minutes of recit. Yep. And I resolved before I started to accept whatever the shuffle gave me. Never thought I'd go out for a brisk walk to the sound of men sing-speaking to each other in Italian. So glad I can check that off my list. So eventually the singing part came along, Mozart, wonderful, blah blah, Nathan Gunn, great voice, blah blah blah... It doesn't need to be said, right?
Next up: Some sort of funky electronic thing. "What is this?" I asked myself, wondering how I could have something on my iPod and not know what it is. It was Duran Duran, "Electric Barbarella." Only some sort of extended dance mix. Now that was more like it.
Then... Adam and the Ants. Antmusic. Sigh. I still remember how crushed I was when I learned that they had broken up before I got to see them. Of course to make up for it I saw Adam solo 6 times and met him once. AND I got snarky with him, after he insulted me. He started it! I'll write about it if anyone asks. I'm still bitter, ha ha. Actually, that's not true. I'm not bitter. I'm proud. I'm proud that I've been snarky with Adam Ant. Yeah, I know I have a problem.
Ok Beatles after that... I honestly don't remember what song because I've been listening to them pretty much non-stop the past few days. Then Queen - Bicycle Race. **link leads to YouTube video that has glimpses and peeks of naked women on bikes, don't click if you're under 18 (You know who you are) or are somewhere that you don't want that showing up on your screen. Click to see this instead. ** When I was a kid and my brothers were teenagers, they saw Queen in concert and I remember them telling me about the topless women riding bikes back and forth across the stage. One brother had a poster too...
At this point I was really wishing I could sing out loud. It was hard not to. How weird would I have seemed - I mean, I had just passed by two women who were out walking with ski-poles. It's 80 degrees Fahrenheit, they were not on their way to the slopes. Seriously, after that I could have done anything, right?
Next was what we here in the I'd Rather Be Sleeping household call The Umbrella Song.
Then, Juan Diego Florez, something from Arias from Rubini. Something I sing along to in the car even though I don't know the words. C'mon, admit it, you do it too.
Still with me? Two more songs.
The Waitresses!!! I Know What Boys Like. I might have started sashaying at this point. Uphill. Cuz I do know what boys like. Is there a special name for an uphill sashay?
And finally, for the final stretch and approach to the front door, good old Harry! Harry Belafonte - Jump in the Line! Couldn't find a real video of it, so I'm linking to the bit at the end of Beetlejuice, even though it's not the "real" version of the song. But it's one of my favorite movies, so deal with it.
Just watched that JDF Rubini video - He still does it for me. Just like Adam Ant did in the 80s. Ok I don't really mean that.
So in the 80s for me it was lots of men in eyeliner. Then I reverted back to opera, which has... lots of men in eyeliner. What was it I just said? Oh I remember -Yeah, I know I have a problem.
My other problem: grammar extremist. "Reverted back." Is that redundant?
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Revideoing the Internet
Yesterday I realized that I have the technology and the knowledge to upload videos to MySpace.
That's all I'll say on the matter. I trust my readers will know what do to if they want to see if I've uploaded any there. Oooh lookie, I can embed here. Experiment time:
Nathan Gunn as Papageno- Magic Flute, Temple, Tamino, 3 Ladies
That's all I'll say on the matter. I trust my readers will know what do to if they want to see if I've uploaded any there. Oooh lookie, I can embed here. Experiment time:
Nathan Gunn as Papageno- Magic Flute, Temple, Tamino, 3 Ladies
Monday, August 11, 2008
Heck Yeah, Papageno is an Animal
Fellow blogger Parsifal had a job interview last week. To help him compete with the thousands of other qualified candidates, I gave him a mock online interview. Read all about it here.
And of course, after my fine coaching, he got the job! Hooray, Parsi! We hope this doesn't take away from your blogging time.
And of course, after my fine coaching, he got the job! Hooray, Parsi! We hope this doesn't take away from your blogging time.
Deleted!
Argh! All the Magic Flute and Romeo videos have been removed from my YouTube account. The opera house finally caught up with me. Here's hoping YouTube doesn't delete my account all together...
Hmm. Nathan Gunn refers to the Magic Flute videos on his website. Maybe I should let him know... Hmm... Love and Other Demons opens tonight... not the best timing...
*thinking, thinking*
Hmm. Nathan Gunn refers to the Magic Flute videos on his website. Maybe I should let him know... Hmm... Love and Other Demons opens tonight... not the best timing...
*thinking, thinking*
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Nope, He's Still Not Naked. At Least Not Here.
Love the blog tracker. Well, except when I hate it. But in this instance, I think I love it, or at least, I like it. I something it.
Here's a recent entry in the tracker that brought someone here. Note the search words.
C'mon people. I mean, come ON. What is the big deal about seeing someone naked? I don't know about you, Dear Reader, but I have no desire to see people naked other than those with whom I am intimately acquainted. Does that make me unusual? Or just... female? In underwear, on the other hand... hahahaha I am JUST KIDDING! Well sort of.
And now, some musical entertainment.
Recently got this video up on YouTube:
I get the feeling she doesn't speak English... it's IPA all the way.
Here's a recent entry in the tracker that brought someone here. Note the search words.
| Location |
|
| Referring URL | http://www.google.co...2&btnG=Google Search | |
| Search Engine | google.com | |
| Search Words | " nathan gunn naked" | |
| Visit Entry Page | http://luindriel.blo...8_06_01_archive.html | |
| Visit Exit Page | http://luindriel.blo...8_06_01_archive.html | |
| Out Click |
C'mon people. I mean, come ON. What is the big deal about seeing someone naked? I don't know about you, Dear Reader, but I have no desire to see people naked other than those with whom I am intimately acquainted. Does that make me unusual? Or just... female? In underwear, on the other hand... hahahaha I am JUST KIDDING! Well sort of.
And now, some musical entertainment.
Recently got this video up on YouTube:
I get the feeling she doesn't speak English... it's IPA all the way.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Put It in Your Snout and Shout!
It's Cat Pic Friday! But that's not why I have the word snout in the title.
This is why. Go ahead, put it in your snout and shout.
Back to the serious business. Here are today's cat pics.
Ok one is not a cat, but the term Kool Kat comes to mind - check out the goatee. So see if you can tell which picture is of a cat and which is of a KoolKat.
So first here's Diego in one of his favorite poses. Or should I say, reposes.
.jpg)
And this... This has got to be the best picture of Viola EVER, taken just this afternoon with Husband's iPhone.
Finally, here's the Kool Kat in his porn-star goatee. Do you recognize this guy?
Comments about this picture are welcome, no, encouraged.
**
Ok, I'll go first. Does anyone else notice that his waist seems to vanish into the ground while at the same time his fingers look about a foot long? Fish-eye lens? Or... too much self-flagellation?
This is why. Go ahead, put it in your snout and shout.
Back to the serious business. Here are today's cat pics.
Ok one is not a cat, but the term Kool Kat comes to mind - check out the goatee. So see if you can tell which picture is of a cat and which is of a KoolKat.
So first here's Diego in one of his favorite poses. Or should I say, reposes.
.jpg)
And this... This has got to be the best picture of Viola EVER, taken just this afternoon with Husband's iPhone.
Finally, here's the Kool Kat in his porn-star goatee. Do you recognize this guy?
Comments about this picture are welcome, no, encouraged.
**
Ok, I'll go first. Does anyone else notice that his waist seems to vanish into the ground while at the same time his fingers look about a foot long? Fish-eye lens? Or... too much self-flagellation?
Thursday, August 7, 2008
More Sad
Weird stuff's been happening lately. Most of it is so unrelated to opera that it doesn't appear here in the blog.
But now, something that I suspected might happen has happened, and I'm not surprised, as I would have reacted exactly the same way.
One of my opera friends, a regular reader of this blog, is several months shy of his 18th birthday. His mother found out we were friends and told him no, no, no. Now, this is a perfectly normal friendship, an innocent friendship, nothing smarmy or funky or whatever. The point is, we became friends over opera, before we knew each other's ages, because it just didn't matter. We became friends because of the music.
However, when Alex is 17, I'd be pretty freaked out if he were friends with a 41 year old woman. This friend's mother and I come from a generation of not having had internet as children and young adults. Not knowing how internet-savvy she is, she may not understand the types of innocent friendships that can form between unlikely people, such a teenage guy and an adult woman, over a common interest. All we hear about are the creepy relationships where minors are lured to hotels to be molested by creepy ... well by creeps. So I can totally understand where she's coming from, and although it makes me sad to put a friendship "on hold," I absolutely must respect her wishes. Like, as soon as I found out, I immediately terminated the conversation.
It's possible that this friend and I will continue to communicate publicly about music via comments on blogs, youtube videos and so on, however, I will not allow any direct interaction via chat or email.
So, to the mom of my opera friend, I hear ya, I understand, I respect your wishes. I'm a mom too. Your son is a kid I'm friends with. There's nothing inappropriate. So no worries, ok?
But now, something that I suspected might happen has happened, and I'm not surprised, as I would have reacted exactly the same way.
One of my opera friends, a regular reader of this blog, is several months shy of his 18th birthday. His mother found out we were friends and told him no, no, no. Now, this is a perfectly normal friendship, an innocent friendship, nothing smarmy or funky or whatever. The point is, we became friends over opera, before we knew each other's ages, because it just didn't matter. We became friends because of the music.
However, when Alex is 17, I'd be pretty freaked out if he were friends with a 41 year old woman. This friend's mother and I come from a generation of not having had internet as children and young adults. Not knowing how internet-savvy she is, she may not understand the types of innocent friendships that can form between unlikely people, such a teenage guy and an adult woman, over a common interest. All we hear about are the creepy relationships where minors are lured to hotels to be molested by creepy ... well by creeps. So I can totally understand where she's coming from, and although it makes me sad to put a friendship "on hold," I absolutely must respect her wishes. Like, as soon as I found out, I immediately terminated the conversation.
It's possible that this friend and I will continue to communicate publicly about music via comments on blogs, youtube videos and so on, however, I will not allow any direct interaction via chat or email.
So, to the mom of my opera friend, I hear ya, I understand, I respect your wishes. I'm a mom too. Your son is a kid I'm friends with. There's nothing inappropriate. So no worries, ok?
Shameless Begging
Not opera-related, unless the effort to get into shape allows me to fit back into some of my cute opera-going outfits...
I signed up for the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure. I have my own special beg-for-money page there. And look! Two people have donated already! Both are readers of the blog. Thanks, you two!
We will return to our regularly scheduled I'd Rather Be Sleeping blog tomorrow, including our new popular feature, cat-pic Friday.
Until then, go to the website, read the info, donate a dollar or two.
THANKS!
Dang I hope this doesn't mean I actually have to run 5 kilometers.
I signed up for the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure. I have my own special beg-for-money page there. And look! Two people have donated already! Both are readers of the blog. Thanks, you two!
We will return to our regularly scheduled I'd Rather Be Sleeping blog tomorrow, including our new popular feature, cat-pic Friday.
Until then, go to the website, read the info, donate a dollar or two.
THANKS!
Dang I hope this doesn't mean I actually have to run 5 kilometers.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Musical Advice
Musical Advice from popular film, via, according to Wikipedia, music written by Carl Sigman and lyrics by Herb Magdison. The song starts about halfway through.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Pa Pa... Pa?
Recently came across this silly gem on YouTube. According to the viewer comments, and we all know how accurate they always are, this guy is a tv talk show host type person. Looks to me like he's familiar with the duet but is seeing and singing the music for the first time. Not a bad effort!
So get ready for the silly with a healthy heaping side of Cecilia's amazing voice!
So get ready for the silly with a healthy heaping side of Cecilia's amazing voice!
Monday, August 4, 2008
What Were They Thinking???? (WARNING: NOT SAFE FOR WORK!)
Ok. So Juan Diego Florez decided to try out some Verdi. Everyone else knows his voice is not meant for Verdi, but perhaps he just needed to find out on his own. So he did that one-time Rigoletto in a small theater in Peru, no problem. Then he went ahead and did one in Dresden. All I can figure is that he had no idea what the director had in mind until he was too far committed to drop out without looking like a fool. So instead he stayed in to look like one. Hindsight is 20/20... so we can only hope he doesn't sign up for another.
Don't click here at work or anywhere else where bare boobs on your screen might be a problem. Oh and don't click if you're not yet 18. Jimmy that means you.
Don't click here at work or anywhere else where bare boobs on your screen might be a problem. Oh and don't click if you're not yet 18. Jimmy that means you.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
That Giant Carrot
Ok, need to post another entry so that horrible spider picture isn't the first thing I see.
A few posts ago I mentioned the Muppet Show episode with Gilda Radner and the 7 foot tall talking carrot. I made a request to someone on YouTube who has other parts of that episode up, and they put it up today! So here for your listening and viewing enjoyment, Gilda Radner and the 7 foot tall talking carrot sing a medley from Pirates of Penzance:
A few posts ago I mentioned the Muppet Show episode with Gilda Radner and the 7 foot tall talking carrot. I made a request to someone on YouTube who has other parts of that episode up, and they put it up today! So here for your listening and viewing enjoyment, Gilda Radner and the 7 foot tall talking carrot sing a medley from Pirates of Penzance:
What Not To Do
Imagine you're driving along in your car when you notice something out of the corner of your eye. You glance out the window and there it is, inches from your face:
A giant ugly hairy orb spider with horrible striped legs. Apparently it has taken up residence in your side-view mirror and has built a web between the mirror and the driver-side door. Your rational side keeps saying, "There is a closed window between you and this spider. It cannot get into the car." Your insane side, meanwhile, is freaking out, and it's clearly shoving your rational side to a remote corner of your mind. It's forcing you to keep an eye on the spider, even though it's early morning and you're driving through a very deer-ridden area. As you turn onto a road where the speed limit is 50 miles per hour, you figure that at that speed, the spider will surely fly off. But no. You watch while it flails around wildly, failing to fall off. Why isn't it falling off? And you really should be paying more attention to the road, as you are now driving between 50 and 60 miles per hour and there are many, many deer in the area. Suddenly you see the spider gather itself, and you actually see it shoot out a new thread of silk and sort of suck itself over the mirror right next to the window. At that point your rational side has left the building and you let out a throat-scraping shriek. Then, slightly embarrassed, you laugh at your silliness. By the time you get to your destination, the spider is nowhere to be seen, however, your throat feels like someone ran a nail file over it. Not really the best thing for your voice...
A giant ugly hairy orb spider with horrible striped legs. Apparently it has taken up residence in your side-view mirror and has built a web between the mirror and the driver-side door. Your rational side keeps saying, "There is a closed window between you and this spider. It cannot get into the car." Your insane side, meanwhile, is freaking out, and it's clearly shoving your rational side to a remote corner of your mind. It's forcing you to keep an eye on the spider, even though it's early morning and you're driving through a very deer-ridden area. As you turn onto a road where the speed limit is 50 miles per hour, you figure that at that speed, the spider will surely fly off. But no. You watch while it flails around wildly, failing to fall off. Why isn't it falling off? And you really should be paying more attention to the road, as you are now driving between 50 and 60 miles per hour and there are many, many deer in the area. Suddenly you see the spider gather itself, and you actually see it shoot out a new thread of silk and sort of suck itself over the mirror right next to the window. At that point your rational side has left the building and you let out a throat-scraping shriek. Then, slightly embarrassed, you laugh at your silliness. By the time you get to your destination, the spider is nowhere to be seen, however, your throat feels like someone ran a nail file over it. Not really the best thing for your voice...
Friday, August 1, 2008
The Birth of a Picture
Well, it took 9 months, but I finally got a copy of that picture that was taken in December at the Met after seeing Romeo. The person whose camera it was on cropped the pic to just show me. Not sure why.... But here I am, glowing with the post-opera happiness. Of course this was before I got car sick in the limo on the way home... good thing I shopped, that bag came in handy...
That picture looks disturbingly like this one of me from last Halloween, minus the blackened nose and whiskers...
And that very nicely leads us to ... CAT PIC FRIDAY!
Here are Viola and Dear Departed Sebastian, when they were kittens. Viola has the white paws and her eyes are open.
And here's Diego when HE was a kitten:
That picture looks disturbingly like this one of me from last Halloween, minus the blackened nose and whiskers...
And that very nicely leads us to ... CAT PIC FRIDAY!
Here are Viola and Dear Departed Sebastian, when they were kittens. Viola has the white paws and her eyes are open.
And here's Diego when HE was a kitten:
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