A new year begins and with it, a retrospective of 2011... all things random and joyful and in no particular order:
10. The almost weekly walk around Chinatown. Now that my older daughter is old enough to move herself around the city, I take both the girls out (almost always by myself) for some daddy/daughter time on Saturday mornings. Typically, we take the train to the East Broadway stop. First off, Tasty Hand Pulled Noodles for some takeout for Kitty. Then on to Hon Cafe where we eat buns. The girls get their own Red Bean Bun and can put it down by themselves! After that, sometimes a trip to Kam Man for grocery supplies. I know that my girls are my own flesh and blood because they love to end the trip with a stop at Prosperity Dumplings. (Prosperity seems to get a mention every year!)
9. Our seasoning of the year, Herbs de Provence. This was re-introduced to us while visiting the countryside and our dear friend, Keith Irvine, an inspiration and mentor, and his family. We lost him this year and will be sorely missed. I am grateful for the continued friendship with his family. It was an introduction by Keith and his wife Chippy, that connected me to the Putnam Chorale, where I sang my first Carmina Burana and the solo in Rossini's Petite Messe Solenelle.
8. Best friends. I have three best friends from my childhood. I didn't get to see all of them this year, but even all these years later, I get to spend time with them online thanks to video games and email and remain as close as ever.
7. The recipe for "No-Knead" bread from the Sullivan Street Bakery. This year, it has become a hobby to make it and to give it to friends as gifts. The recipe is totally forgiving of imperfect technique and it looks beautiful when done.
6. The economic turnaround. The recovery continues and even though we lost even more great opera companies around the country, there are signs that a young artist can still have a career. This year I was lucky enough to have more auditions for big houses and even a few job offers.
5. Staying with the theme of the dismal science, Planet Money keeps me thinking about stuff that is entirely non-opera related. I'm grateful for their insight and wit and for keeping my mind agile.
4. Damascus Bakery has become a regular stop after our vaunted Trader Joe's speed-run. The gentleman behind the counter gives my daughter one little cookie as I buy my favorite savory Syrian pastries.
3. New Friends. I firmly believe that if I want to get anywhere in life, I want to surround myself with people smarter, more talented and kinder than I and then emulate them. This year we met some incredible families in our neighborhood in Brooklyn. The Mother Runner and her family has helped inspire me to cook at home. Our dear new friends at St. Saviour's Church and the playgroup following the fantastic Family Mass on Sunday mornings are always up for a good time. Grilling immediately following Mass? Despite the winter weather? Sign me up! And what about Ms. Maureen who swoops in to take the girls every once in awhile, giving us a chance for a moment of recuperation? This list could go on and on and on.
2. The new expletives: Good Heavens! Oh shucks! If things are really bad? Son of a Brooklyn Bridge. Having kids has really ramped up creative cursing.
1. Opera Fairbanks. I not only had a chance to sing the role of Nemorino for the first time, but I also got to perform it with a spectacular cast, conductor, director and chorus. The people of Fairbanks were as warm and wonderful as always. This year was a totally different experience as I went up without the family. I had an incredible time and, as always, grew as a singer, actor and person.
