update

Hello all,

in the time since the last post, many things have happened.

I received an email saying I was too young for the 30 year old singer part, and another girl had "the look" they wanted for the younger one.

I got to go to NYC and that was absolutely amazing! Everyone there is cultured, this is either because or the reason there is a concert EVERYWHERE you turn, and there is a French cultural center in Manhattan. Really! A building just for people who speak French! (and are French too, but minor details ;)

And, I got to see the Lion King. Aaahhh, that was inspiring! I left desiring to sing out. Really sing out! You would think that this would be a result of the show (which was in fact as fabulous as you have heard), but actually, I had to wait in the stand by line for 30 minutes before the show (yes, it was sold out!) (Yes, I did get in!) As I was waiting, I got to see the "trailer" for the show 20 + times without sound. Without the auditory experience/distraction, I was able to see what it feels like to really sing freely.

And, I got to watch a producer work on a composition. This was inspiring in a different way. I had asked him questions about genres etc. when I met him in Savannah. His answer was that you have to let the music be what it is, and just do what you enjoy. He apologized for not having more concrete answers. But, really that was freeing. He wouldn't shape any part of my career, I have to choose what I want and what to call it. It was great to watch him compose with this mindset. He had a feeling of the song he wanted, then he tinkered for something like 15 seconds, and got a piano sound he wanted and then recorded a 5 minute track. Then, he tinkered for another 15 seconds, got a sound he liked and recorded what sounded like guitar over the piano bit. Then he added the strings he wanted. All of this just flowed from him and it sounded good. This method of composition is in stark contrast to what I have used. It is just so free. I think that's how all the arts are supposed to be.

And, I got to go to see the church written about in Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. Chances are high that you have heard me reference this book more than once. I LOVE it! Small piece of background: this church existed over 20 years ago as a struggling congregation. One sunday a pew broke beneath some members. Can you imagine that happening! There were non-physical problems as well. So on a vacay, the pastor kind of heard God say that if they would pray, God would show up, their church would never lack members, and they would make a difference in NYC. The name of the church? Brooklyn Tabernacle. Not only have they been a beacon of love and light for homeless etc. but they have a choir that has won grammy awards. I got to feel the music while I was there. That's what it was--a feeling. Everyone around me was singing their heart out, and some people were not on pitch, but the combined sound was beautiful. Inspiration flavor three, perhaps the strongest.

So it was a wonderful trip Lindi and I scheduled back in May. At that time, I assumed there would be auditions, b/c things are ALWAYS popping up. But, I got there, and found out that it is cultural for everyone to leave NYC the second week of August for vacation. So I came back without auditioning, but very inspired. I've been really blessed to be able to travel so much in my few years this far. All of the experiences of other cultures have set me up to know that I really, truly, love NYC. Though it's an amazing place, Atlanta calls me with a stronger voice.