La la love you

I turned in my graduation papers today!!! May 2010 here I COME!

Let's be real here: being sick is probably the worst thing to happen to a Vocalist. It sucks for everyone, everywhere, but I can think of nothing more toxic to my studies! I haven't been to class or work this whole past week. Blahhh...aaahhh...ahh...ah.. *gasp* It's okay! Monday is my resolve: I'm getting back in it, and I'm going to dominate.

Why is Autumn such a fleeting season?!?! Gah! If only it could stay alllll year long! But alas. We have to sadly watch this:

Be suffocated by this:

Despite the snow and the sickness and the complications that come with being human, I can honestly say that I'm a happy girl. I'm finishing up The Fountainhead, which is a remarkable read for any and all to enjoy, if you can handle Ayn Rand (and we all know what a compulsively descriptive writer she is. I've never known an author's pages to actually wreak of ego the way hers do... regardless, it's sheer brilliance).

Also, I have had a couple of auditions, so that's always a good thing :) I'm happy to be. Imagine that.

"Take your life in your own hands and what happens? A terrible thing: no one to blame."

-Erica Jong

Yes please. Thank you so much.

Utah, you've done something I am forever grateful for. This year has been one of the most spectacular Autumn seasons I've seen while living here. I am LOVING IT. Our campus is breathtaking, and the streets are filled with all kinds of wonderful colors and trees and gutters full of leaves! It's the best best best!! I love this season so much.

Epic mountains and sky:

when god decided to invent

everything he took one

breath bigger than a circus tent

and everything began

when man determined to destroy

himself he picked the was

of shall and finding only why

smashed it into because

-e.e. cummings

*************************************************************

Buffalo Bill & Macbeth

I drove back to Vegas with my parents and brother's family. When we got to the state line we braved Buffalo Bill's magical wild ride. See photos:

The obstacle:

Walking to my death:

Domination:

Last night (Saturday) I attended the opening of Utah Opera's Macbeth at Capitol Theatre. It was truly an amazing performance. I was totally blown away by the voices, the costumes, the level of acting from the cast/chorus, and the orchestra. Verdi was a brilliant man... he really created a masterpiece with this one. I loved it. It made me miss New York.

Then I enjoyed a rowdie evening with my lady friends!! Gabi, me, Julia, Ruby. Ta dahhh!

Now that we're back to school tomorrow I'm feeling like this semester is going to finally get what's coming to it: the wrath of my domination. I am ready to kick some serious butt. Hold on to your hats.

California sun on strike...

And I couldn't be happier... This "rainy" day is absolutely divine. I thought I should post some photos of my bus ride...so... ummm taking photos out of a bus is really strange and glare-full. I was driving through the desert- they are boring. But I LOVE the drive from Utah to California, especially when you are chasing the sunset. Then you leave at sunrise with the Rockies and you get sunset over the silhouetted hills of the desert. It's my favorite.

Some things about my ride:

• I was the only white female on the bus, so... that's good.
• Spanish comes in handy, I translated for some passengers.
• I'm sure there was some real shady stuff happening on the ride between the passengers, but I enjoyed a whole row to myself and the naivety of looking out the window and listening to Ben Folds, Regina Spektor, Kate Nash, and all of our opera scenes music. Yeah.
• The layover in Vegas was just over an hour and I got to have lunch with the parentals, my brother and his family, and that was nice. They are actually coming to California today, so we will only be without my other brother and his family... wah.
• I'm listening to the Decemberists' most recent album. It is epic - if you don't have it, get it. It's a fantastic concept album, very cool. So perfect for this rainy day...
• The rest of the ride was spent reading and looking out the window. I had an epiphany at one point - that was helpful. :) I won't go into detail, but I just felt secure in the Universe and felt a peace that has been missing from my life for a little while.

Overall, I'm totally happy I did the bus ride. I am excited for the ride home, since it will be mostly at night and I'll probably get to see another gorgeous sunset that I can't quite capture through the lens of a camera. Eyesight is truly a remarkable gift - I have had that on my mind a lot lately. I don't know what I would do without it, especially if it was taken from me after I knew the beauty of the world and couldn't ever see some of God's most precious creations again. Ugh. I just can't imagine.

As those of you receiving my Status Updates have been told: Ali Out.

"Observe the wonders as they occur around you. Don't claim them. Feel the artistry moving through, and be silent."

-Rumi

please enjoy, for that is the purpose of music

music. love. simplicity.

A delightful dinner

Greetings!

Last night I had the luck of having dinner with Stephanie Sundine (you may remember her from adventures such as: Alison lives in New York, and Alison is Directed by Stephanie in Little Women). We went to Buca di Beppo or however you spell it. All I remember is that Seth told us that Buca means "buttcheek" in Romanian, so that's all that really matters. We had a lovely time - Stephanie is full of light and wisdom - I enjoyed myself so much. We had great conversation and great food! This is the epic cake we shared for dessert:

As you can clearly see, I am giddy with anticipation. Yes, readers, it was as delicious as it looks. (drools)

I woke up this morning to some EPIC rain! The thunder crashed over the house and I woke up, hearing it like a lioness purring in my ear, and fell back asleep. The pavement is wet and the sky is full of God's grace and glory.

“May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you and all your heart might desire.”

-Irish Blessing