This is some scary stuff. Oftentimes, I shrug these things off, perhaps foolishly, but this time, so soon after the many attacks on innocents around the globe, I am worried, saddened - aware. But, even as the real haters of the world continue to threaten us, and challenge our joy of life, I will continue to love and hope. I wish us all safe travels and enjoyment as the Holiday Season approaches. I can't help but think of a verse from my Mother's favorite Psalm 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through …
France: July 2015 Don’t Worry, Be HaRpy
It was a whirlwind. A quick weekend to France to perform the original Jazz Opera: "Don't worry, Be HaRpy" by French composer and harpist Isabelle Olivier. This particular weekend also happened to be my birthday weekend. It was not an easy trip but it was a wonderful one. High temperatures in the hot Sun, hours of rehearsal and my knees never add up to much in the way of comfort but it did make for a thrilling adventure. The show is wonderful, Isabelle is genius and the players and crew were …
I Need a Nap & More fun With Svetlana
It's getting later and as usual I am exhausted. It seems I am always worrying that I will be too fatigued to perform and I start counting how many hours before show-time and wondering if I will have time for a nap. Yet, I am pleased when Svetlana asks if I'd like to share a meal. Of course. It's a bummer that I can not hang and have a leisurely dinner and drinks with this lovely woman. …
Getting On Schedule – My first night in Riga
Rehearsal was a success. I am more tired than I have ever been in my life. I check into my hotel. Finally. It's well before 9p.m. I know if I go to sleep now there will be a chance that I will wake at four or five a.m. and then fret all day about getting a nap in before my gig Thursday night. I can not be tired for my first show. And so I decide to stay up as late as I can so that I will have a full night's sleep and (with hope) awake at a normal morning hour and be back on line for the …
Terminal 5, O’Hare International Airport
O’Hare International Airport has one of the worst international terminals ever when it comes to shopping and eating. I would have never noticed had it not been for the fact that I needed to purchase a set of noise reduction headphones. This whole thing started because I was misled by the giggling receptionist at Best Buy the night before: RING, RING… someone picks up Burst of hysterical laughing followed by indiscernible talking then: Best Buy Hancock Center, Markita speaking…background …