NatPhilChorale 101

This professional chorale thing is a new experience for me in many ways. Tonight let me tell you about my new friends in the soprano section.

I sit next to Theresa and Polly.

Polly used to dance on Broadway and a few touring shows. This was back with Mary Martin, so Polly's up there in years. She missed our last concert because she took a fall and had to get a few stitches. Tonight Polly turned to ask me a question. I thought she was asking what page we were on when she wrote a couple of numbers on her music: 94, 95, 96, 97. But she was really asking which year it was.  :( So sad. Every week when I sit by her, I'm not sure if she'll remember me.

Theresa sits on my other side. She is so cool. She's like the cool mom that you always think you want growing up. One night one of the first soprano divas repeatedly made some snippy comments to our section. Theresa turned to me each time and gave a hushed "Kiss my a$$ response.' It was so out of context that I couldn't help but laugh each time. Theresa always make rehearsal fun.

And there you go.

beck

Utah!

I found out this week that my wonderful, beautiful, and younger (ahem) cousin Amy is getting married in February. Since his family is from the Salt Lake area, they've decided to get married in the Salt Lake temple. So I'm planning a trip to Utah. I wasn't sure when the day would come that I would plan to go back there, but here it comes.

The jury is still out on whether I'm more excited to attend the sealing or to be able to ski in Utah in February. Either way, there is much fun to be had. 

Amy and her newest young fan

Me and my Papa skiing in Utah on a beautiful and snowy day



Yeah, I looked pretty cool.


beck

Miracles Happen Once in a While

Great news! This is a month late, but the miracle is still quite pertinent: the lab results indicated success! A life is extended as modern medicine continues to improve. Now if only modern medicine could find a way to make the pain and suffering subside...

The next miracle is that of my new little nephew, Luke Michael Fletcher. I have to wait 2 1/2 more weeks just to meet him! I know that he misses me already.

The last miracle I would like to mention is more appropriate to be described as multiple tender mercies. In my loneliest moments over the last few weeks, I was blessed with a companion, a text, a phone call, or a visit. There's not a very good reason for me to feel insecure or lonely, because I'm always surrounded by good people. However, there are times when I yearn for someone who can completely understand what I'm thinking. When I find those moments, I feel truly blessed.

beck

Benni Harper

Tonight I picked up a book from the Benni Harper mystery series that has been sitting on my shelf for far too long this year. My mom inspired me to finally read it when she bought me the newest book in the series for my birthday.

I think I've read 9 of the 14 books in the series. It's been so long that I can't remember which books I've read by the titles alone.

I have always enjoyed the stories about Benni, a middle-aged widow who marries a police chief and unexpectedly gets involved in murder cases. It's been years between readings and yet as soon as Benni walks into her house in San Celina, I know what it looks like. Each character's image comes back into memory like they're long lost friends. The town and the ranches in central California provide bucolic images that I miss and love to relish in.

I didn't read much tonight, but I'm looking forward to catching up on Benni's life.

beck