Rating My Musical Theater Experiences

ACTING On Stage

Naked Stage Marathon-- I was scared and rusty in my acting, but it was a great encouragement for me to keep going. I was not happy about the Violin Maker's Daughter (someone's original musical). The music was so abstract and I regret now that I didn't go with the character choice I really wanted to play. I was too shy about it. Totally insecure. If I ever did it again it would be a way different situation.

Anything Goes--I was excited and happy playing the purser. I found it a challenge in that I was a woman playing a role written for a man. And the fact that a purser wouldn't have been woman during the era the show was written for, just made it hard for me, but still it was a fun show with a great cast.

Ruthless--This show was a total thrill and hilarious, but some things happened... with reviews... which left me personally encouraged but super confused, that and the fact that a few of my friends actually didn't like the show.

Grease--These were fun times but I was "slightly" frustrated with the MD.  and the hubby's reviews weren't great. The biggest kicker was that I had to sing a duet with my scene partner who just couldn't sing it on pitch. SUPER frustrating.

Our Fabulous Variety Show--I was somewhat uncomfortable in my position, of crossing over to music directing, but happy to get paid for the first time.

Fifty Million Frenchmen--I was nervous with my directors, not feeling like I was doing anything well. I was not thrilled with my scene partner and just insecure, but the experience was so good for me. Some of my friends said they loved me in this role best.

Victor Victoria--This was one of my most challenging shows. I loved it. The ideas were brilliant. The dancing was sooo cool. I enjoyed helping with the music end in rehearsals, but we didn't pull off the show very well. Needed more time and a lot more money. I also had lyme's disease by showtime and was really suffering.

Joe Sent Me--This show was low key for me but I played an enjoyable character and found the book very interesting, my director friends' original. Another crossover for me into tastes of music directing.


HIRED as Musical Director

Working--I was asked in late to this one because of an MD dropping out, and took the position in my very "green and learning" state. It was not a bad first time thing, but I cringe a little when I think about it. The show had a lot of talent and was done very well.

Grease--I was still green and unassuming. I felt quite intimidated butI knew the show. I just had to figure out how to adjust a Broadway score for middle schoolers.

Best Little Whorehouse--I was gaining confidence but was slightly ashamed of the content of this show, but loved the pit band antics.

High School Musical--There were some difficult cast elements, more challenges with adjusting things for the younger voices, but the experience wasn't so bad overall... kind of.

Night on Broadway--This was an easy one because I basically accompanied rather than MD'd with a cast of only four (two of them my own daughters). Very proud of this one and the first full musical theater production for the school... at least in a very very long time.

13 the Musical--One of my top 5! It was a great show, great cast, and I felt appreciated! Somehow parents knew the role I played and I received many thanks and cheers.

Snoopy--This was a wonderful cast, but an exhausting experience with some personal disappointment at the end. Wish I could forget them HA!

Fame--I was unhappy, under appreciated, and not a show I would want to do again. And I could only see the dress rehearsal of this one, because I was playing another show. So its a hard one to judge fairly.

World Goes Round--One of my top 5! I loved doing this, enjoyed the cast, but felt very sad that my husband didn't have the appreciation for it. Had the best small pit band camaraderie!

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee--I loved this show, worked really hard, felted a little stressed out and had some personal disappointments. I wished I had known about gathering a few more for the pit band at that time.

Fantasticks--We had obstacles and challenges plaguing rehearsals for this show but it was still a good one. Interesting experience. I got to play with a harpist, but sure did miss my bass player and drummer.

Shrek--This show was so much fun, a lot of work, a lot of music, but it was a good one. Loved the kids.

Rent--One of my top 5!! I adored working with cast and director. Pit band antics were great too. This was a hard one to let go of. It was such a heartfelt heart warming experience for me. I was named Karen the Queen of 2016 LOL.

Best of Broadway 2016--Rehearsals were difficult and a little strained but loved this show.

Little Shop of Horrors--Oh I truly enjoyed teaching the music for this one, and especially loved seeing my girls shine. Added another favorite bass player to this pit band and it was a good time. Stressful though.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels--It was a fun show, good cast, lots of driving! A learning experience of conducting a bigger band from the keys. Successfully done though.

First Date--I have to say I was unhappy, under appreciated, super frustrated. There were reasons but I'll leave that unsaid. It was the pit band of despair. They weren't bad (could have been better) but such a major headache trying to put a pit together for this show. The cast basically ignored me until the opening of the show and then suddenly they appreciated me and would have conversations. It was the weirdest thing. I couldn't wait for it to be over.

Catch Me if You Can--One of my top 5!! Super show, super cast, super direction, amazing pit band experience. A big personal learning curve to have a band of 11 professional musicians and to conduct them from the piano. It was a very challenging score--scary but so fun.

Little Mermaid--This was a decent experience overall, but I became super disappointed at showtime and how things unrolled for me, although the performance was terrific. There were a lot of adjustments happening for a variety of reasons, but the underlying feelings that I experienced around showtime still make me feel a little sad.

In the Heights--One of my top 5!! The music was so much fun to play and really difficult to teach. The performances were amazing and high energy with super crowds. My learning curve was steep for the latin/hip hop score but I conquered it and LOVED IT!

Best of Broadway 2017--For the rehearsals the struggle was real not just for me, but for the team. The shows went well in the end, but it was a struggle to the bitter end and it took the fun out of it. Kids these daze... So much work for the production team and so little help, understanding or appreciation of that. We had our few cast members who did actually make it feel worth the journey--the ones who actually cared about the show and brought everything they had to the table.

Bring it On--We are still in rehearsals. The struggle has been real here as well, but its fun music, I adore the cast (on most daze and when they show up) and we've gotten creative with how its going to be presented. I feel terrified! regarding all the logistics, but it always comes together, right?! Its another scary score, but mainly because of all the electronic hip hop samples and sound patches to use. Its another learning curve. I enjoy learning.

So why is it scary to learn?

Crazy Daze Approaching

This girl is graduating Valedictorian! Graduation is not until June 29th. The day going to take forever to get here. Jennah has already taken all her AP exams of which comprised the majority of her classes this year. The concerts are done, and there's very little reason left to go to school. To watch movies all day. AGH. Except for gym. You can't miss gym class or you'll fail. Can you imagine?

So there are upcoming luncheons for Valedictorian and also for scholarship awards. There is a senior cruise coming up to the Bahamas. The Teeny Awards is also coming. Jennah was nominated for best actress in a musical. Also, the Snoopy cast was nominated for outstanding ensemble. So that's exciting. We have a graduation party to plan. Two birthdays coming up, a trip to Alaska, two summer weddings and one in the fall, a send off 1500 miles away for this girls first year in college.

This next girl doesn't know how she's going to survive the remaining two years of her high school career without her sister. Lizzy's going to find herself maturing quite a bit this coming year. So will Caleigh, I'm sure.

She's been an expert learning driver. She claims its from all the practice she got driving the DeGroot's golf cart for the last several years. She may be right. That still doesn't make me feel totally carefree about driving in the Hamptons as our big summer season approaches.  

From Memorial Day to Labor Day it becomes CRAY CRAY around here. We have NYC drivers flooding out to their vacation homes, making all kinds of demands on the locals who work for them on their estates. It has to be PERFECT!!! And the driving becomes mad! Its as if these summer folks are still on the city streets. Or maybe its more about them finally getting a chance to drive their fancy cars and zoom around on these small backroads. "Oh! Is that a 4-way stop? I will just go ahead with this car in front of me to save some time, rather than make another complete stop." And the locals go a bit bazurk because of the complete idiot driving that takes place... which in turn makes a lot of the locals the idiots as well.

And then we have the gazillion workers who are undocumented and non-licensed, who are driving around, not necessarily cognizant of the rules of the road...

Well, things like this happen!

Nate is bummed about his new car!! One of those kind of workers I talked about, blew the stop sign and took a left turn into traffic coming from both directions. Nate tried to stop and veer to the right but the other truck couldn't avoid hitting the idiot driver right and pushed it right into Nate's car. Thankfully he is ok. The car is a goner.

So, prayers are needed for the two girls with their learner's permits in this kind of traffic chaos... and prayers for my new Cady, too. LOL.

Anika's on her drive home from FL. The house will be full again by Saturday. There is some shifting around in our house that needs to take place in order to make room. Its a treat to have my kids still all so close to home for the summer. The house is a wreck and needs a super cleaning. (Whatever). They are all working which makes it tough to get them to remember to pick up their own belongings from the common spaces. But I'll take that annoyance, if it means getting to have this valuable time with them. I hope during this season in their impressionable adult lives that Terry and I can continue to impress God's love on them and His ways. The strong worldly current of our society has a strong pull. We are counting on the kids' roots to have grown deep.

Besides that...

The Spring Concert was fabulous. The music program and drama program in Bridgehampton are really beginning to take off. Its been very satisfying to be a part of it and to see my children lead the way in part, with their love for the arts and amazing talents. May it continue for many years. The school's music program is going to miss the six graduating seniors.

P.S. Yes, there are only SIX seniors in Jennah's class!

My Girl

Of course, I have several girls, but today Jennah gets featured. I call her my girl because she has her mother's resemblance the most out of all of them. She's definitely taller than me and probably smarter... (I have the experience over her, but she enjoys studying and homework, which was never the case with me).

Here she is with her cousin's baby boy, Jonnie Trace, who looks very much like his dad who is latino.

So this has been a big week.

First point of news: Jennah's high school volleyball team has made it to playoffs which start next week. Today's game will determine who they will play first in the sudden death tournament (or however that works). I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed watching her develop her game over the years. She started in 7th grade and has stuck with it through all the ups and downs. Her hard work has paid off. She's consistent and their team just keeps getting better. Six seniors will be moving on after this season. I hope the remaining and upcoming players for next season find their rhythm quickly.

Second piece: Jennah was accepted to Oral Roberts University two daze ago. That's where she wants to attend. That's the only school she planned on applying to, in spite of all the dissenting voices around her. Its not that peers and guidance counselors think she shouldn't go there, they just thought she needed to broaden her options. But when you know, you know. Anyway, she's already been accepted and its only October. Think about what a stress reliever that is, not to have to go through all that rigamarole of applications and worry and having too many options and not knowing where or what or how. Now all we need to figure out is the HOW! Its not cheap, but we know that everything will be provided when its all said and done.

In November, when she heads to Oklahoma for a college weekend, she has an interview for the Whole Person Scholarship and will also audition for the musical theatre department. She'll be doing this all by herself. I remember auditioning for the music department when I was visiting for a college weekend, but my parents were there, too. We aren't going out there with her. So GO JENNAH!!! She's a brave soul. There isn't much that causes her to shrink away from doing something she wants to do.
(She does, however, shrink away from answering her phone and doing the household chores assigned. It may be the her only weakness). HAHAH

Thirdly: This is her senior year. Holy Moley. Some things in her line up, to make this year count for all its worth, she will audition for the neighboring school's musical, which is Chorus Line. Auditions are in November. Her own school also has a musical which will be auditioning in March. Its not determined which one they are doing yet, but she will definitely have some kind of featured part. I think she got the theater bug!!! She's pretty much a shoe in for Valedictorian of her class. Oh boy oh boy. My heart swells with pride over our children. Aren't we the lucky ones?

We are taking the girls on a cruise over Thanksgiving--a much desired adventure for Jennah. We will also visit my parents, my brother and Anika while we are there. It should be quite a whirlwind. What else can we squeeze into the picture.

I can't wait to see all that the future holds for Jennah this final year of high school... our middle child. So far its going pretty well!!! (Is there a middle when you have six)?

Ahhh Theatre! AGHHHH!

Why do I love it?

Why do I hate it?

Am I going through the post-show blues? I wasn't even the one on stage this time. What is wrong with me?

So this past Thursday and Friday my girls, Jennah and Lizzy, were in a show with two other girls, India and Jennah. The entire cast was made up of just the four of them. It was called A Night on Broadway: a musical review (which I know should be "REVUE" but the director made the posters and the program, etc. so I went with her spelling). It was our high school's first musical production, at least as far back as we know of. The school is 100 years old, so it could have had a musical production at some point along the way--dear God, I hope so. But anyway, my girls were a part of the ground breaking event which brought a musical production to the stage (which in fact, doubles as a work-out space) in this present decade. Even Caleigh was a vital part of the show. She was the lighting tech. Yup! As a fifth grader, she ran the light board for all three performances, And I was a big part of it as well as the accompanist for rehearsals and for the show.

Paula and I had been planning to get something kicked off at Bridgehampton for the last couple of years. She had been trying for even longer. We had talked about it many times. Paula is the one who directs the middle and high school shows for the school in the next town over. She is the pushy one. ;-) I didn't feel completely sure about how much energy I could exert for the project, but I was willing to follow her lead. The chorus teacher was especially key in having everything go forward.  We all did our part to make it happen. And guess what! The production got off the ground, and it actually happened. It REALLY happened!! YAAAAAY! A dream come true. And IT WAS VERY GOOD!!!

OK. Let me give you the run down of what they sang:

Untitled Opening Number... [Title of Show] -- Company
There's No Business Like Show Business... Annie Get Your Gun -- India Hemby
Sing!... A Chorus Line -- Laura Uribe and Lizzy Hochstedler
At the Ballet... A Chorus Line -- Company
Popular... Wicked -- Jennah Hochstedler
What is this Feeling... Wicked--Jennah Hochstedler and India Hemby
Anything You Can Do... Annie Get Your Gun -- Lizzy and Jennah Hochstedler
Memory... Cats -- India Hemby
Till There Was You... The Music Man -- Lizzy Hochstedler
Matchmaker... Fiddler on the Roof -- India, Jennah and Lizzy
Seasons of Love... Rent -- Company
Finale... [Title of Show] -- Company 

There was singing and also dancing. Lovely dancing. Ballet dancing, even. And great acting. The script was original, written by Paula, which connected the songs in a cohesive story line, about the 4 girls trying to put on a show for the first time at their school. Clever right?!

Anyway, it went very well. It was really really good and I'm not just saying that. I'm actually a rather critical judge of performances, especially my own. But this was one to make me proud. And everyone who saw it LOVED IT! Such rave responses.

So. what's the matter with me? Well, I'll tell you. I was the one who went to town promoting the show, trying to get people to come out, before I really knew if it would be good or not. (That's showbiz). And  it was a decent turn out for sure--for Bridgehampton. And it only cost $5, so anyone could come. Even those who didn't have money, because they weren't turned away at the door. But there were several people who just didn't make the effort to come. The ones who could have, but they just didn't. I had quite a few come up to me today at church and apologize that they didn't make it, but they just didn't...  come. One actually said that she didn't have any money, along with several more excuses that made it all seem a bit like excuses. These were people who said they were going to "try" to come. I had another dear friend tell me she didn't come because the event on facebook I had posted said that the beginning time was 7 and end time was 10. She thought it was going to be 3 hours long and she wasn't about to sit through three hours. AGH! I asked why she didn't call me to find out if that was a mistake, because 3 hours would not have been reasonable. (It was ONE HOUR LONG--only one). None of the extended family bothered to come. Several of the friends from other schools said they were coming and didn't. Many of the Bridgehampton teachers, which I would have expected to make a special effort, didn't. And only one of the youth group kids came. I mean... come on!!!! These are your good friends, your favorite and top students, your family. What the heck?

I have been trying and trying not to let it bother me. But I am bothered. Mostly, because those who didn't come, really really missed it. This one was one to be seen, and they missed it, and they won't get another chance to see it. And these girls are young and they were AWESOME. And now those individuals won't get the chance to show their support, because it just wasn't important enough to them.

Now I've said it. Now its done. And now (hopefully) I can move on. I will try to always be mindful to be that supportive person--to my family and friends as much as I can, because I know how meaningful it is. And I hate when I just don't follow through with my good intentions, based on being unmotivated at the moment. Today, I followed through and saw my friends in their performance of Peter Pan. And I was glad I did. I didn't feel like going on a Sunday afternoon. But I just got out the door and made the effort anyway.  I spent the $25. And they were great.

Enough said. Enough said. I'll try to be forgiving and full of grace and not be annoyed about the particular people who I thought should have wanted to be there, but decided it wasn't important enough to support the girls in their big debut. (I'm not talking about those who COULDN'T be there in case you are reading this). I'm trying not to be judgmental. Its none of my business what other people have to do and not do.

Yes. I must let it go.

I can't wait to get the DVD next week. I didn't get to ever really watch them perform their songs, because I was playing the piano.

School is Winding Down

School is winding down which means a ton of events are taking place and my kids are going in every direction. It also means I have to catch my breath whenever I have a moment. 

The pool is open and although it was very green and slimy last Sunday when we took the cover off, it was blue after a day, and today its clear and balanced.

AND the chairs... that we left in the pool all winter... they are white.

I only had to hose them off. No bleach. No scrubbing. Woot Woot!!!

Meanwhile, in between all the outdoor projects, I've been killing the tips of my fingers with the glue gun and with the constant bending of card stock paper to make flower petals. This has been a rewarding project. I found it on pinterest. I'm making the flower balls for Anika's graduation party which we are having here at the house. I had to add a little touch of decoration, because its the only bit of decoration I'm planning to do. Its on to cleaning, setting up and cooking the food. Oh wait! I don't know how to cook. Only Terry does!!! (If you don't know that joke, just go back a few posts).

Sunday was the Teeny Awards which similar to the Tony's only its for local high school students who perform theater here on Long Island. There were nominations for all the categories and the red carpet with interviews and performances during the ceremony. Jennah performed with a vocal jazz group called Music Master's Fellowship under the direction of Lauren Kinhan. It was an excellent and glorious experience. I am so happy and proud of them.

This is the group being interviewed for LI News Channel. Dang. I picked the blurry picture. (Too late. Not going to change it now. I have cleaning to do).

Here they are on stage performing Moonglow.

Beau (Anika's beau) was nominated for two and awards and won two awards. Best set design (he was the only nominee, but that only meant he was the only student to do the entire set design out of all the participating schools) and also for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy. I was very proud of him.

Our PTO Year End BBQ was on Friday. It was a competitive Kickball game, then Talent Show, then Food. I wasn't going to play kickball. I was only going to take pictures, but they easily lured me in. LOL. I pitched the ball. Good times. We won, of course. Teachers/Parents/Seniors vs about 1000 7-11th grade Students. haha

Photo bomb

Caleigh and Jaden

 This is me taunting the other team with the moonwalk.

For the talent show the kids did a great job. Jennah and India sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Glee version)

Caleigh played  a piano solo I taught her. She was the only one to do something different than singing. Go Caleigh!!

Jennah and Lizzy did a beautiful duet, but I can't remember the name of it. Lovely sisters.

Lizzy is back to normal, BTW, in case you wondered about her.

The annual field day was on Tuesday of last week. Caleigh was disappointed that the red team came in second place.

She's competitive. Don't know where she gets it from.

Took some portfolio shots of India for a TV show audition she was going to.

So when she's famous, remember where you came to know of her. Right here folks (except for you locals... )

Beyond the events listed and photo journaled--you do know that I take all these pics so I can remember what really happened over the past several daze?!

My parents are coming on Wednesday and staying for the summer.

Anika is graduating on the 24th and her party is on the 22nd. Other family members are coming for graduation. I have a feeling its all going to be a blur. I'm doing fine, but every day there is something else and I have this tendency to try and avoid things.. like cleaning. But dagnabbit if over the weekend I didn't get behind the stupid backyard fence (I had to climb over) into the woods to weed out every bit of that blasted mile-a-minute weed. And I was already terribly sore from the kickball game. So after the weeding, I was not only sore, but also itchy, tick-phobia-ridden and scratched up everywhere. The invasive weed is easily to pull but very prickly!

So that's all. That's my life lately. Now I have some major cleaning to do upstairs where my parents will be staying. Luke stayed there for an entire year without ever dusting once. YIKES!!! Oops. I guess I should never expose my kids that way in a public genre. I'll be expecting a private email of rebuke shortly.

This Weekend in Photos

Its been a very warm weekend (hot and humid).

BJ and I had a great time in NYC Friday and Saturday celebrating our 23rd anniversary.

We went with some friends who were also celebrating their anniversary.

 I loved the sail around Manhattan.

 You get a view of the city that you wouldn't normally get unless you were in the water.

It was Fleet Week and I thought... somehow, I thought... we were going to be sailing ON a Tall Ship. Everyone laughed at me.

We actually were sailing around to SEE the tall ships. Everyone else seemed to know this but me. Furthermore,  the tall ships were no where to be found. They were all hiding, docked somewhere out of sight. HAH!

The weather was iffy all day. But it was perfect. We didn't get rained on at all. The clouds were cool to see, blowing in and around the skyline. We even got a sunset. Yay.

The night sky was beautiful too and just for the record, its very difficult to take pictures on a sailboat especially at night. My hand has gotten steadier through practice.



On Saturday we met up with Mitch for a while. He let us hang at his apartment in the heat of the day.

We found this at Central Park.

We also found a hideaway spot with a rock to sit on for our little picnic.

Yup. That's me in braids, fixing some cheese and crackers.



On Sunday the girls had a performance for a street festival. I played the piano for them. Jennah is there on the right. Isn't she the cutest?

They performed a few numbers from Anything Goes. 

Anika is in the middle with the reddish wig. They did a great job. I was a little disappointed with my performance, as usual. Its never perfect. Why can't I get my stuff perfect?

Caleigh. Hahaha. This cracked me up.

She got her face painted. I'm trying to be sure and help make memories with her. The youngest can get a little overshadowed--especially when the older ones just never leave. HAHA.

Jennah made a quick change out of her costumed and performed with a vocal jazz group. They had two very difficult pieces with really tight harmonies and I was proud of them. I wish she could be part of a vocal jazz group all year long. I wish I COULD BE A PART OF A VOCAL JAZZ GROUP all year long.

Sunday evening was our memorial day party at Cristina and Raul's house. Crazy, as usual.

Woot woot.

Photo bomb!! haha

Yay Melli moo.

I was originally going to write some complaints that need venting, because that always helps me move on. None of them having to do with the weekend, but they are just the general "getting ready for the summer" stress factors. But I remembered the great weekend and thought that it would be nice to recap that instead.

Saved by the lens. (camera lens).

Concerts and End of the School Year Stuff

I was going to post something about illegal immigrants and politics and decided against it. LOL!

There's lots going on around here. I haven't really been using my camera as much as I have over the past 5 years. I think I should recommit. Maybe I need a new lens for inspiration. The skills get rusty and I get lazy too. Need something to spark...

Anyway, we've been working on the yard and having all kinds of events and happenings here, there and everywhere. Its hard to keep track. Its SPRING right? My kids have a tendency to spring things on me last minute. I'm not really involved with the PTO (i.e. involved in all the goings-on at school) anymore, so I'm kind of in the dark about a lot. When I was involved, a greater portion of my time was spent trying to be sure parents, kids and teachers were informed about everything, as well as including communications with photos, so that if they were unable or unwilling to attend an event, they could still feel like they experienced it to some degree. Its good to make people wish they came to something. Right? No one really does that anymore in the PTO. I'm not sure if what I did for those 4 years is missed really, but my good friend, who has been faithfully a part of the PTO for probably 15 years, (go Mel) said she didn't think there would be one next year. What???!!!

Aw gee! I don't want to go back to it. Maybe I should, though. The plan was to create a vacuum so that new people would come into the picture. I guess the vacuum wasn't strong enough to suck 'em in to stay. LOL. Sad fact really. I think the fun factor is missing. Not fun during events but fun and crazy for the meetings. That went missing when we started to be accused of being a clique. Its such a fine balance. You don't want to seem exclusive, but not everyone has the ability to have fun the way we were doing it and so they didn't fit in completely. So we formed a REAL CLIQUE hahaha which is our group of friends who hang and do crazy stuff and take vacations together. And we mostly abandoned the PTO to those who didn't like our type of fun. Oh well.

So here we are at the end of the year. The kids have about 3 weeks left (give or take, depending on what grades they are in). It seems that they have a field trip every other day, or an unused inclement weather day, or sick day. Ayi yi yi. If they would just be done already!!!

Caleigh had her spring concert two weeks ago. She was excited about her "solo" for chorus, which she had auditioned for and everything, but it was a shared thing and she had about 4 lines of a verse. Why even bother? She has such a pretty voice, but that almost didn't even count as a solo. Sheesh! Next year baby. Next year. You gotta fight for it!!! Hahahaha... kidding.

Last week was the secondary school spring concert. Pictured below are my three. The two in the front (Lizzy and Anika) and the one in the back (Jennah).

The high school chorus.

Seniors had a solo piece. They choose Heartless, recorded by both Kanye West and The Fray. This was the Fray's version (But still... that's what they chose?) Anika was one of the soloists there on the right, next to Brenden and Caanan.

Lizzy and Jennah are the two on the far left on the risers.

And then there's the fabulous accompanist. I can't say that this concert felt amazingly inspirational. Oh well. But I will never forget one of my clique members in the audience cheering for me "Go Karen" and then starting the humorous chant we joke around with at our private parties "She's drunk! She's drunk! she's drunk!". O.M.G. BAAAHAHAHAHAA! Raul!! He can be completely inappropriate without even realizing it. But I will laugh about that for a long time.

The spring concert always includes an art show of the students art work.  The displayed was  very good. Anika had several pieces on display and wow, she has become quite the artist. She even had a few offers on some of her work. Pretty cool.

Next up on the agenda, Tall Ships in NYC Harbor this weekend to celebrate our 23rd anniversary, then performances which include my girls (I'll be accompanying) at a street festival in Riverhead on Sunday, then Memorial Day party with The Clique right on into June which is a whole other bag of tricks. My parents will arrive in a few weeks and Anika's graduation is on June 24th. I still need to get crackalackin on party plans and invitations etc. Egah!

One day at a time!! One day at a time!! Of course that doesn't help with planning ahead... At least I paid bills yesterday and took care of a huge pile of paperwork coming from all different sources. That was a major accomplishment (she's says while patting herself on the back).