Joy

Last month I was in a musical with some AMAZING performers. It was a beautiful feeling to be on stage again with such generous and loving people.

This month I start shooting a music video for my friend’s hip hop opera/chamber music project. I am completely flattered that he asked me and I’m thrilled to be tangentially related to the music in this project. It’s part contemporary orchestration with emceeing and other vocal parts. Exquisite poetry in the musical lines and deeply moving music in the spoken words. I am so blessed to be part of this project.

Finished my “Organize Your Speech” project on “How to Prepare for Burning Man” and I’m already signed up for Speech #3 & #4! My second speech was a little easier because I was way less nervous, but a little harder because I felt I had less time to prepare for it due to my upcoming trip, two dance performances and a speech that I had to work on for a client presentation.

Now I need to pick a new speech topic! My next speech project is “Get to the Point” where I need to be really concise with the overall message I’m trying to convey. It’s a tricky project because a lot of topics will fit that mold, but it’s not always easy to make sure I stick to the objectives (I usually want to say more than I have time for!). Five to seven minutes is like an eye blink for me!

I’m thinking I may do a persuasive speech on why people should give opera a chance as an entertainment option. I feel like most people have misconceptions about opera and classical music being very snooty and inaccessible, when really all it comes down to is exposure in order to enjoy it on a fundamental level.

That’s ONE idea…I have over a month to prep, but I want to really refine this speech and hit that target spot of “getting to the point” and for me this process takes time boiling down details into the essential elements. Wish me luck!

I attacked my desk with a vengeance! So I ended up getting rid of close to 50% of what was on it, wiped it down, finally set up my speakers correctly so the cords are hidden, opened my windows and aired out my room and sprayed some scented spray. The difference is really dramatic. I wish I had taken before and after pictures. Now my desk is really “complete” because my desk shelves and drawers were already purged and organized some time ago (though I think there’s room to purge those areas again).

Next up will be my kitchen dining area. I have a small stack of boxes that are dominating that room of my apartment and it is such a cute space to entertain and eat in. I’d use it more if I could purge more stuff!