November 15, 2013

Glow: Stepping outside my comfort zone


If we're friends, then you probably know I hate singing in front of other people by myself. I'm extremely self conscious about my voice and will only sing alone when a) I'm in the shower (if no one else is around), b) in the car with the radio blasting, and c) when I'm home alone. I do love singing in choir though. There's nothing quite like singing with a group of people to create a piece of music that has the power to make people cry. I love it. And I've missed singing in a choral group. I haven't been in choir since high school but in October I stumbled upon an opportunity to be apart of a virtual choir. 

Eric Whitacre created a song called Glow for Disney's World of Color, an evening show at California Adventures. The song will be a part of the new winter version for the 2013 holiday season. Can you imagine my excitement?! This was an opportunity for me to be a part of a Disney production - AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!  :)  So excited. 



However, to participate in the virtual choir I would have to audition by submitting an accapella video of the alto part. Oh geez. I had one week to memorize the song, assemble a black background, and get over my nerves/fear of singing alone. But I managed to do it. For about 72 hours straight I listened to the alto part of the song - and drove Matt nuts I'm sure, to memorize my part. I threw together a makeshift black background made out of ikea chairs, a bag of toilet paper and some tomato soup containers (I wish I had taken a photo). And I recorded a video... several videos, managed to pick one and submitted it. 

I found out this morning that my video was not selected as part of the World of Color show which premiered last night. And, I'm not really upset about it. I'm bummed I didn't make the cut, but I've finally realized that my voice is not a defining quality of who I am as a person. Singing is just one aspect of me, not the aspect. Upon submission, I have not regretted my decision once to participate. It was a great experience for me to step outside my comfort zone and try something new. 

Here's a link to the Glow virtual choir of all the singers who submitted auditions, all 1474 of them. I'm not sure how long Disney will keep the recording up, so listen to it soon! 
http://worldofcolorhonorchoir.com/      



November 08, 2013

Month of Thanksgiving: Week 1

I'm jumping on the great idea of so many others and am making a point each day to focus on something I am thankful for. Here are the first seven!

Friday 1st: Made it through October without snow!
  • When we moved to Moscow, I knew I would have to deal with snow - excuse me, OODLES of snow. Growing up in Salem, OR I never had the opportunity to drive in snow because the city usually shut down. So today I am thankful that I was able to avoid driving in snow through October. Though the weather forecast is predicting snow the first week of November... :/  
Saturday 2nd: Spending Saturday at home 
  • I normally work weekends, so having a Saturday to relax at home, catch up on some household chores and spend time with Matt was a blessing.
Sunday 3rd: Free flu shot 
  • Flu season is here! I'm thankful that my work values their employees' (and residents') health by providing flu shots. 
Monday 4th: My loving hubby Matt! 
  • He made me breakfast and coffee this morning so I could sleep in <3
Tuesday 5th: Care Group 
  • I am thankful for having a group of people who are seeking the Lord and encourage me to do the same. 
Wednesday 6th: Opportunity to work with Middle School Youth 
  • I recently started working with MS youth as a leader and I already know I'm going to learn so much. It's amazing to see God through their eyes and hearts. 
Thursday 7th: New Girl (TV show) 
  • This show makes Matt and I laugh until we cry. It was a great way for us to spend time together after a rough few weeks of exams and finals. 
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever. 

Psalm 136:1-3