A Few Months in Photos

It's been awhile since I posted some pictures, so here's a few (ok, more than a few) to catch you up on my life in the past few months.

My friend Liz invited me to go home with her to Doylestown, PA, for Thanksgiving - and what a wonderful time that was!! It was a beautiful weekend - lots of sunshine. I was able to go on lots of walks, do homework all day in my pajamas, and eat delicious food! It was so good for my soul to be outside of the city, in a lovely home with a family that immediately welcomed me as one of their own.

The view from Liz's house! Delicious hors d'oeuvres!! I also have enjoyed some time with other good friends. This is my dear friend, Suzanne. She has been a kindred spirit and an incredible encouragement to me during our weekly lunch dates. We frequently call each other during our long days to see if the other one is on campus to meet for a quick hello and a hug! This is what I see on my walk to school each morning...or, at least what I used to before the sun stopped rising as early ;o). This is a statue of Severn somebody...I can't remember his last name. And behind him is George Washington on top of the first Washington monument. I say good morning to the two of them every day. The monument is now lit up with Christmas lights...if I find a picture, I'll post one! It's very beautiful - and luckily, it's still lit up when I walk to school in the mornings! I often get to see beautiful sunrises from my apartment - what a treat! Every morning, I head to my "office" for a few hours of practice. There are only a few practice rooms with windows - and my usual room is one of those. The window looks into the center courtyard at Peabody - and usually, about 10 or 11, the sun comes streaming in!

Here is a photo of my dear friend, Nadja, and I guarding the entrance to my "office." She has her own "office" down the hall - which also has a window! This past weekend, I got to go to Nadja's house and babysit her little one for her. Nataljia is 11 months - and we had a great time playing together, as well as with Kiki the dog!

give thanks

I probably should be practicing right now.

but I'm not.

I apologize for the delay in posts. Life's been a bit insane. At some point I will post pictures of my life over the last month...but for now, a brief summary.

I went to PA with my friend Liz for Thanksgiving. Her parents graciously invited me into her home and treated me like a member of the family. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and didn't want to come back. But it was a wonderful break. give thanks.

My opera opened this weekend...world premiere! We had three performances - of which, I played one. All went well - and we are glad to be done with rehearsals for awhile. give thanks.

The Advent season is upon us...my favorite season of the year. I went to watch the lighting of the Washington Monument last week (in my neighborhood of Mount Vernon, we have the FIRST Washington Monument which stands just across from Peabody). Each year they set off fireworks as they light the Christmas lights. It was beautiful. give thanks.

I have one full week of classes left in the semester. Plus two papers, 5 hours of listening, 3 tests, one performance, and one presentation standing in the way of me and Christmas break. I can almost taste it. give thanks.

But I am not allowed to taste it yet. I have SO much to do.

Deep breath.

It will get done. One step at a time.

There is much to be done.

But there is also much to be thankful for.