Well BUJEEZERS! It's been far too long since I've blogged--many factors have led to this. First, SCHOOL. Opera rehearsals and dress rehearsals and performances consumed me for most of February, and then into March when the whole thing came to a head. I wish I could've gotten some cycling under my belt because the weather was so nice, BUT I screwed up something in my foot (a ligament?) by, I'm assuming, walking in flip flops for well over 5 miles and then tromping around on stage in 3" character shoes for several nights. Needless to say, walking wasn't so pleasant and I didn't feel secure enough to ride with a screwed up foot (jumping off for stops and whatnot might've injured it further). THEN, Spring Break. I went home to WI per a large monetary gift from my late great-grandmother/grandmother. It was nice to see my family and let them all know that I'm doing A-Ok out here on my own. :) When I reminded my grandmother about my cycling trip home this summer she said, "I think it's a STUPID idea! A pretty girl riding all by herself... well, I've said my piece." I know a lot of people feel this way, but I'm doing it. Enough said.
During Spring Break I went to my HS to visit my good friend who is now a teacher there, my cousin who teaches there, my old softball coach, as well as my old choir teacher. It just so happened that choir was in session when I showed up, so I sang for some HS girls and then the JH choir (I even stood on the risers and sang with them for part of class, just like old times). It was a lot of fun, and the expression of awe on some of their faces was priceless. I even made my choir teacher tear up when I sang! My class was the first group of kids that she taught from freshmen to senior year--we were her babies. After I sang, she asked me some questions so the kids could get an idea of what I do, how I got there, how much I practice, etc. Some of the kids expressed interest (even before I sang) in taking a few lessons with me during the week that I'm home in June. Singing for them just solidified it: CHA-CHING!
Now, I just have to battle the district administrator to let me have the recital in the school. The "problem" is that the school charges other people to use the facilities, especially during the summer time when the school shortens the work week and shuts down as much as possible to save on utilities. Keep in mind that I'm a former student who is trying to give back to her community and show them what I'm doing with my life (well, yeah, I'm asking for spare change, but I'm paying for the accompanist, baking all the goods, creating and printing the program & promotional materials, etc.). I'm hoping that this recital will not only benefit me, however that may be, but it will raise awareness that good has AND STILL CAN come out of Montello, that the school shouldn't shut down, and that people should support the school. It's hard to face the fact that my school, along with many others, may shut down within a year or two... and I don't want to see it happen. It's one of the few things keeping that community alive. If the school closes, what's left in Montello? Bars? Kwik Trip? I wonder if it will resemble the old HS, the brick one on top of the big hill, like a ghost building that's vacant and eery. Montello needs help, and I want to do just that. If the school won't let me have the recital there I will just talk to one of the churches in town. Either way, I'm having a recital, but I want the school to benefit from it because it's what started me on my way, the place where I got the beginning of my education. We'll see what happens...
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