Well, here is my first attempt at a blog for the Pittsburgh Opera Website...oh the anticipation!

My first order of business; Yes, it is my birthday. I will be accepting cash as well as gifts this year : ) Tonight a bunch of friends from the Opera Center and other walks of life are coming together to help celebrate! Who would have thought I would make it to 31...yeah, I'm 31, what's it to you?

I left Pittsburgh last week on December 5th after singing for the Womens Club of Swickely to run cross state to make it in time for an audition the following day. Thank god I had Karin with me to keep me awake! This week I had an audition for the Britten-Pears Young Artist Programme. [Oh those crazy Brits and their old world spellings! ;) ] Tuesday night, I sang for Fort Worth Opera...thanks to Christopher for getting me that audition! They were very supportive which is always a plus! I had an audition for an agent, Robert Gilder, and Paris Opera this morning...IT WAS AT 10:40, in case you are wondering, that is entirely too early for singers! Despite the time, it was a really strong audition...

Other then all the auditions, I have been getting caught up on lessons with my teacher. I haven't seen her for about 6 months, and on a serious note, I am glad to see her again. She has been very sick, and I wasn't sure if I was going to see her again. She is one of the strongest people that I know, and somehow she contunues to defy modern medicine and refuses to die...she says she has to be around to keep her son and husband in line! She has such an amazing spirit, not to mention is an amazing teacher. Working with someone like her is such a blessing for me! She has helped me become a better singer, and better person. I have learned how strong a positive outlook on life can be!

Hope everyone is well back in the 'Burgh, and Happy Hollidays (en dat)!