"Great strides, great strides."

So many things to share! It's too hard to keep track of the inspirational things that have been happening in my life since the last time I wrote. The rest of Cancun was absolutely fabulous, with much relaxation and sun to be had. Upon return I broke the news to my boss that I would be joining my family for the 4th of July and not working that weekend. I don't know how I kept my job, but I did, and was aboard a plane whilst my coworkers held the fort down... Family time was the most rejuvenating thing since Red Bull, and I came back feeling 100% refreshed and refilled. Our new grandbaby Jake sure is a handsome guy, who brings a real spirit of healing with him. It was sheer joy to hold him and rock him to sleep! On the plane ride home I started a book called "Many Lives, Many Masters" and was filled once again with inspiration that could compete for 1st place with "The Artist's Way" that filled me last summer. "Many Lives, Many Masters" is a true story written by a psychologist who personally encounters and uncovers the past lives his client, Catherine has lived. It brought me to a much deeper understanding of reincarnation, of the truth about this life and our nature as humans.

"A fascinatingly intimate and quick read, I simply beamed at each new truth presented by the Masters."

-Alison Vance, Daily Domination

Then came the audition. THE audition, I should say. On Sunday afternoon I drove down to LA for an audition with Stiletto Entertainment Studios. Hoping to be cast as a vocalist on one of their Holland America cruise ships, I sang two pieces that had been assigned to me (Danny Boy and La Vie En Rose) as well as a belt song of my choice (But the World Goes Round). I must say that it went extremely well, and that I'm very happy with that audition. If it doesn't prove to be what they wanted, I will still feel like I won in the end, because I'm proud of everything I left there. I had a couple of vocal/breath issues, but they were minimal and I didn't acknowledge or apologize for them, since the voice is not always perfect, and they don't expect it to be. They only hope to see your professionalism and passion in the audition, and I definitely left that! I got warmly complimented on my audition outfit and on my voice. They seemed very happy with me (and could tell that I was happy with myself) which made me glow :-) I have a good feeling about it, but I'm also anxious to hear back. I'll post the news either way once I get it.

The next wonderful thing is having Ryan home! He has been in China playing the lead trumpet for America's band represented at the World Expo (World Fair) since July 1. It is so nice to see him again, and today we went to Michael's to pick up painting supplies and then Barnes & Noble to look at books. I was highly inspired/moved by the photography of Nick Brandt in his book "On This Earth" depicting the animals of Africa in their very most intimate moments. Absolutely stunning photography (shot without a telephoto lens!).

Now that we've eaten Macaroni & Cheese out of coffee mugs I think we're going to get a kayak and go ride around, or perhaps sunbathe on this beautiful day!

AV