The exercising, cleaning, and practicing all went well this week. We actually ended up working on the French set again in my lesson, which I felt was awful but my accompanist said was great, so I’m keeping the German set on my list for this week. The aria coaching was okay - but we decided to change my French to Olympia and the Italian to Gilda, with the approval of my teacher (so at least something was good about the lesson).
My accompanist and I have been asked to perform for a local group called The Travelers’ Club, and they’re studying France, so I’ve got that covered! We’ve also been asked back to the local nursing home and the residents have been asking for opera -

So......

1. German set for my lesson.
2. begin translations/character work and IPA new arias
3. watch video/listen to CD of Rigoletto (any recommendations here?)
4. set up date for “opera” recital at the home and set programs for the home and the French program

I didn’t make any improvements in the number of morning pages I did this week. I find it odd that this is the hard part for me this time through, and I haven’t been able to figure it out. The Artist’s Dates this time have been relatively easy - this week I plunked myself down in front of the tv on Saturday night on our one day off and caught Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on tv - just by sheer luck. I have to credit my young cousins with (unknowingly) helping remember what it is like to be a child and feel the joy in life. I have been getting lots of ideas for Artist’s Dates’ from spending time with them.

The ASM job was a significant part to my recovery this week. I actually was able to follow the SM and have nothing major happen during performances (or at the final rehearsals). I have more confidence in my career path now than I did when I started out. All I can see myself do is sing. I feel more human, more “me” at rehearsals and performances than anywhere else - mlkunz, I know what you mean about your family!

I also have found myself taking time out to read - fiction for the most part (one of the great joys of my childhood), but also poetry, which I enjoyed but never really was “into” before, beyond the work I needed to do to prep art songs.

My new tiny change for the week - I got a new mattress and box spring. I haven’t been sleeping too well, so hopefully this change will be what I need.

I also connected with the 20 Things I Enjoy list and have decided to take myself over to the indoor ice skating rink this next week for my Artist’s Date.