Saturday with Carmen

Recently I saw Bizet’s Carmen Live in HD from the Met with my friend, yoga teacher and Ayurveda instructor, Patricia Wickman. We left early as it was an hour and half drive to the Marcus Cinema in Oakdale Minnesota. We had two planned stops on the way. First stop was Trader Joe’s. This is a wonderful shop that carrys Kerrygold butter, imported cheeses and organic produce. I walked the aisles ohhing and awwwing like an excited child, tossing goodies into my basket. With bags bulging it was time for our second stop.

Stop two was a favorite Indian restaurant of Patricia's. I was looking forward to this. I hadn't eaten Indian cuisine since I was home in Ireland last summer. There aren't any Indian restaurants in Eau Claire. As Patricia had promised the food was delicious. We were pressed for time and were unable to savor the food to the degree it deserved and had to pass up desert. This was a blessing in disguise for me, considering the extra lbs that have come to visit, refuse to leave and have overstayed their welcome.

We arrived at the cinema about ten minutes before the performance was to begin. Now I have been to a few of these HD Live performances and they have always drawn nice crowd. However this performance packed the house. The only seats left were in the two front rows. I didn't realize Carmen was such a popular opera, in the Midwest. We sat in the center of the second row. Necks crammed forcing one to scoot down so far in the seats, your backside was hitting the floor. Not a pretty site!

The music started,the curtain rose and within five minutes all discomfort was forgotten. The opera swept you away. It was breathtaking. Soprano Elina Garanca’s portrayal of the seductress Carmen was as skilled as it was believable and that voice. Her voice was liquid gold and velvet all wrapped up in a beautiful multi talented package.

At intermission, both Patricia and I sat in silenced awe for a few seconds, before turning to one another asking in unison, "Are you enjoying it." Smiles spread across our faces answering "Yes, Yes isn't she wonderful!" We then agreed that this was one amazing way to spend a cold winter’s afternoon.

2009 High Fives!

Thank you Barbara at Seeking Serenity for mentioning and nominating my blog for this High Five. I have been slow to respond, because I was not quite sure what to do. After checking around I believe I understand it. Celebrating accomplishments! This appeals to me. So thank you again Barbara!

Five Highlights of 2009 in no particular order:

Florence:
I did it! I finally went to Florence. I booked an apartment through VRBO. The Uffizi Apartment, a gem with a wonderful, generous landlady. I recommend it to anyone. I booked and flew with Ryan Air. Another first. I spent ten glorious days walking the streets (in the best possible way) of Florence. It took me two full days to meander through the Uffizi. I was mesmerized by Michelangelo's David . I stood gazing at him for over three hours, with tears of pure delight at the beauty. I was so taken, I went back to the Accademia for a second day of gazing. I was also lucky enough to attend an open air performance of Carmen. I ate gelato, drank cappuccino and Florentine Chianti. Discovered fried zucchini flowers, YUM! I could gush about Florence for hours, but I must move on…….

Louie:
I returned to Eau Claire after a wonderful summer at home in Ireland to a childless house, feeling very lonely. Husband said, “Why don’t we call into the pet store and look at puppies?” I had been trying to talk him into a puppy for over a year. Imagine my surprise!!! Well we went to the shop and saw the cutest puppy. Not wanting to rush into anything we went away and thought about it for a few days. Three days later we returned to the shop, a young couple was playing with our chosen puppy. As we waited I noticed an apricot poodle puppy who had been reduced to sell. Husband referred to him as the “bargain bin puppy”. We asked to play with him while we waited. Well, he won our hearts and in a matter of hours was an irreplaceable member of our family. Once again I am experiencing total unconditional love. Such a gift.


Dilin’s Engagement:
The week before Christmas child number three and second son got engaged to his lovely girlfriend Katie! Such excitement! I am thrilled for them both. Katie is a lovely girl who has won all our hearts. Dilin went to her parents and formally asked permission to marry their daughter. Then he went to the jewelers and picked out the most beautiful ring. He took Katie to Irvine Park, known for its Christmas display and popped the question. I am so proud of him! Thankfully she said yes! They came back to the house and we popped a bottle of champagne. No wedding date set yet. But it looks like summer 2011.

Blogging etc.:
2009 saw the birth of my blog. Who would have thought I could have so much fun and meet so many lovely, supportive and kind people sitting at my desk!!! I ask myself on occasion “Why didn’t I do this sooner! “ The blogs I follow have not only entertained me but also given me the motivation to improve and keep writing. Whenever I feel I haven’t an idea in my head, I just have to go through my blog list, have a little read then !Voila! I'm ready to scribble words on a page. My blog and the wonderful supportive comments I have received have encouraged me to be brave and just take the chance! Nothing ventured, Nothing gained! Right.

Life in the Empty Nest:
In 2009 I realized my children flying the nest was not the end of the world. It was the end of a life I had known and loved for the past 28 years. But the family dynamic had changed. My children now have numerous commitments of their own. I can no longer expect them all home for birthdays, Christmas, Easter etc. This was a difficult transition for me. I have finally accepted the fact that they have work schedules, social commitments, in-laws and future in-laws requiring their attention. I am learning to bask in their happiness and discovered to my surprise that this too is good!

So with that I end my 2009 Highlights and pass the baton on to:

Write On
Dispatches from the Deise
Ten Lives and Second Chances
Crystal Jigsaw
Dual Citizenship in SpecFic and Mundania

HIGH FIVE!