Sundays suit me just fine

In order for you to really appreciate why I look forward to Sundays so much, you must understand the rigors of this specialized training program. A typical day starts with 8:30 a.m. Italian language classes, a short 30 minute break for lunch and opera rehearsals until approximately 8-8:30... with a short break for dinner in there somewhere. Add weekly private language and diction coaching as well as private voice lessons, the days get full pretty quickly. However, our nights are not complete until we've had a recital, concert or master class. When we finally arrive home, we say our prayers that we survived the day and ask for strength to make it through the next one. Six days a week, this is our life in Italy. Please don't misunderstand, I really do love what I am learning and doing, but can I just say, "Hallelujah for Sundays!!"

However, like most women of our faith, rest cannot be truly achieved without going to church. So we decided to take a trip to Rimini. As we attempted to explain to the bus driver where we wanted to go (with our very broken and immature Italian language skills) I realized that it could be a long day of wandering the city with no guarantee that we'd make it to our destination in time for our worship services. Before the bus even departed, my legs were tired and I was wishing I had brought more water! ;-) 

After an hour long bus ride, we made it to our transfer stop. Today seemed warmer than usual as we looked at the schedule and saw we had missed the connecting bus. Slightly deflated, we realized we had two options: wait or walk. Looking at the map, we resolved ourselves to making the two mile trek. 

I must say, by the end of our little jaunt I was elated to see this sign. 

I don't remember the last time I felt such joy over seeing one of our church buildings. Happy tears streamed down my cheeks as I walked through these doors and made my way to join the congregation. By the time we left, we felt re-energized and ready for the coming week. Every step in the hot sun was worth it. 

What I am doing In Italy

Today, I realized that some of you may not know what I am doing here in this beautiful part of the world. As I sat in classes in awe (and a bit of jealousy) of the extraordinary talent in this program, I determined that today is a good day to share. 

About one year ago, my sweet husband graduated from college- with a promise that I would return once he had his diploma. True to my word, I enrolled in classes and started a new series of novels in the story of my life. Being a non-traditional student, I didn't quite know if I could handle college life again and vacillated between majors for a short period. For one thing, I didn't want it to take too long. Another issue was my desire to get a degree in something that I wanted to do. It would seem, especially for those who know me, that music was the natural choice. 

The dilemma I faced was having a deep love for Jazz, Big Band and Blues, and not having a specialized program for Jazz Studies at Utah Valley University. Determined to adhere to my goal of getting a degree quickly, I decided I would give the classical approach a shot. After all, how hard could it be???

Well, long story short: I've gotten my trash kicked!! Firstly, classical music is the most challenging music I have ever sung. Secondly, there is always someone with more talent than me. And lastly, I am convinced I will never know all there is to know about technique, pronunciation and breath management. Don't even get me started on the performance anxiety! 

BUT somehow I have learned to love it. I have been blessed with amazing instructors, faculty and administration at UVU. It also helps that I can do it (after I've worked really hard) and that I sound decent. ;-)

 (It's humbling to realize that I wouldn't have been accepted into such anamazing  program if I wasn't.)

I auditioned for La Musica Lirica in January and received my invitation in February to join them this summer. I was in a bit of shock to be given the opportunity given my lack of experience. It seemed that mountains were moved so that I could have this experience and I am enjoying every minute of it. :) Next week, I'll post a video of one of my recitals. I hope it doesn't decrease the number of people reading this blog... Hmmm...

In Italian class this morning. 

The costume room where I will get to use some of my sewing skills later this week! :)

Rehearsal with the Maestro. 

The walk home.