. . . . .

i’m in a bit of a rush; rehearsal all day followed by an hour of errands, kiddo time, and another rehearsal in the evening (which emma will have to tag along to, since Bear is also working late). it’s a typical Holy Week in the life of a classical singer, except for the fact that much of my music-making this week is non-church-related. one of the hardest things to balance in my life as a freelance musician + photographer + stay-home mother is finding daytime help and resources for the little details (Bear’s quite a bit of help when he’s home. he even does laundry. and cleans out the kitty litter. and the floors. but i digress…). it’s one thing to find a babysitter if you’ve got a steady schedule. i have found that it’s much more challenging to find someone reliable who’s available at the last minute during just a few weekdays a month (sometimes more, sometimes less). faced with a big audition and in a bind for last-minute coverage last summer, i had to pay a sitter service $24/hour while i waited and waited in a midtown audition to be called in to sing one page of music…

oops, i was totally digressing again there. sorry! my point was actually that we’re quite blessed to have a group of trusted friends and neighbors that help out and pitch in whenever they can, even when it’s not quite convenient for them. we so appreciate it. i just wish there was an easier way than always “calling in favors” and asking for help (i’m not very good at asking for help).

here’s a list for today:

[things i love]

~ taking a nap on a spring day while a soft rain pitter-pats against a slightly open window

~ crisp white button down shirts

~ blue doors

~ people with hair that smells really really good

~ dansko sandals

~ cadbury cream eggs

~ being able to check email (and facebook. not that i’m addicted, nosiree) from my phone

~ the word “hobo” (when emma looks super-scruffy we call her “Hobo Jim”. i don’t know why. it makes me smile.)

~ this picture, which i’ve finally chosen as the cover of my cd (soon! really!)

~ dancing every day, no matter where we are

~ driving on a sunny day