When Greg and I first met, I was in graduate school working on a Masters degree in Vocal Performance. He asked what I wanted to do with that... and I respoonded by asking if he wanted the right answer or the real answer. He said he guessed he would like to hear both.
The right answer was... to use my degree to teach voice at the college level and travel around performing in operas and oratorios.
The real answer was that I what I really wanted was to be a mom, who could sing professionally on the side when the opportuntiy arose.
This past month I got my wish. I got to spend my days with my wonderful baby girl and my nights rehearsing for and performing in a new opera called Strange Fruit. This was only possible with the encouragement given to me by my wonderful husband, who pushed me out the door when he got home from work so I wouldn't be late, took great care of Clara while I was gone, did the dishes before I got home, and waited up for me to hear my excitement or frustrations... depending on how the night had gone. -He didn't know what he was in for when I gave him my real answer. :)
I am living "the good life," am fully aware of it, and am SO grateful. Thanks to all those who helped watch Clara and to everyone who came to see the show!
Here is a photo of Clara helping me practice...
This is a bad publicity photo taken early on in rehearsals. There are some better ones that were taken during dress rehearsals that I'll post later if I can get ahold of them. 
Here is a photo of me, my Mom, and my brother Sean after the final performance. 
6 comments:
The Opera was fantastic! And you have such an amazing voice!
The picture of Clara helping you practice is so cute.
Let us know when your next performance is and we will be the first in line! We can't wait!!!
I think that I might be the only relative that has not heard you sing yet. Wish we lived close enough to hear you sing and to see Clara in person. Thanks for posting the photos I love to see them.
Karen
So glad you had the opportunity to share your amazing talent with others. I know it was hectic, but sounds like it was worth it, too.
Wait a minute, Greg Sherwood does dishes? Wow Nicolle, you have been good for him. :) and congrats on the opera!
Congrats! That is so awesome to be able to be at the begining of your dream!
We only wish we could be out there to support you & your dream.
We enjoyed you last year in the stake musical and I'm sure you we awsome in this opera.
Okay, so I LOVE THIS! It brings tears to my eyes to read about you being grateful for living "the good life." We should all be able to feel that ... because we truly are. Thanks for realizing & living your dreams, Nicolley. In a strange way, I feel like I'm living my dream when you live yours! I sure love you!
-jd
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