I know a few of you are eager to hear about my recital. I guess I keep putting it off for several reasons. First, I just haven’t had much time, and second, I have had such mixed emotions about it. I want to post a few clips of the recital, but I want to wait until I get the official recording, as my recording is fine, but not great. I’ll post about the action recital later. Here’s about the wonderful events surrounding the recital.

I love giving recitals partially because I love singing, but mostly because I love an excuse to invite family up. We were delighted to have received so many visitors. My mom flew out, which was a very big deal as it was the first time she’s seen my house! It was wonderful to have her, and I was very sad to see her go. I wish we lived closer. She was so helpful, making food for the post recital reception, and for the weekend. We talked and talked and talked- like old times. We did our traditional trip to Goodwill and both found some terrific finds- see the fabulous jacket I’m wearing in the following pictures. We went to Penzey’s spices and got some Vietnamese cinnamon and high fat cocoa powder! We visited Anthropology and I saw a side of my Mom that I’ve only seen in pictures of her when she was my age. We awed over the fall colors, and I proudly showed her around my neighborhood and school.

Trevor and Lauren were the next to come on Friday night. Bryce immediately began requesting a continuation of the fort building we started last time they visited, and Tom was a dear and made sure to have a great fort building event before they left. Bryce and Dallin were as cute as ever. Dallin was actually very cuddly with me, and would often come to me with his hands up requesting to be held, or fed, or just entertained. I love that little boy.

Bryce was full of questions and smiles. He was SO funny at the little open house/reception thing we had. Trev and Lauren let him stay up late and play games with all the adults. My dear friend Claire enthusiastically included him on her team. I think he thought he was 20 at the time. He confidently chipped in with his opinions, and cracked jokes from time to time. Everyone loved him and he was the focus of the party.

Cassie and Doug with their sweet little boy Archer came up next. It was wonderful to have them, and it meant a lot for me to have them at my recital. Archer has grown so much and is more responsive and smiley now. I enjoyed having two sides of my family together- I think they got along gingerly!

My recital ended up being a bit of a reunion for “The three con artists!”- that is my two college roommates and I. Plus we had our mentor and dear friend Sis. Stay there. Oh how I miss those girls. Erin- thank you SOOO much for coming out, your smile brought such peace to me on stage.

I had many friend from church that came as well. Several had to arrange for babysitting for their kids, and others made it their date night.

I came away from the weekend feeling so loved. I was reminded that I will always have an audience as long as I have family and friends. So no matter where my future takes me I can always share my joy of music and poetry with those I love.