Sunday, December 30, 2018

2018 . . . a true rollercoasster

For years I've said that I wanted to ride the Cyclone at Coney Island, After this year I feel like I may have done that already. This has been a year of new beginings, new faith, and true friends. I have seen my family overcome physical pain and experience emotional pain that may never go away.


This year was another year filled with wonderful theatre. Boston gave me the opportunity to see two world premieres as well as incredible work performed and directed by friends. This is just a sample of a few.




I was incredibly lucky to be able to go into New York twice to volunteer with TDF for their Autirm Friendly performances of Wicked and Spongebob. these performances are truly magical.








I ventured to Pensylvania Shakespeare Festival to see Ragtime and Twelfth Night.















I was able to take a couple of trips into New York for shows as well.
Cristin came with me to see The Prom







and I got to see Bernadette Peters in Hello Dolly with my Aunt Christine (I would return to new York to see it with Donna Murphy, and I don't regret that for a moment). I was also able to experience Once on This Island twice. Once with mom and Vik and once with Jen.











One of my favorite theatre experiences was seeing Peter Pan with my nephew at North Shore Music Theatre













This was a big year for my own performing as well. I spent time on stage in the Hunchback of Notre Dame and I was able to perform the Brahms Requiem our church Festival choir. I've also been incredibly lucky to have been able to join our church choir and spending my time with these wonderful people during the week has been a true gift.


In January I submitted my application to Emerson's Theatre Education program. This is a leap that I had wanted to take for yers, and I chose to jump. While waiting for mom to get out of surgery for her hip replacement I received the email that I had officially been accepted. It was wonderful to be able to tell mom this amazing news as she woke up.

After watching mom struggle with pain for so many years, it was wnderful to be able to see her out of pain after her hip replacement, we were even able to enjoy a day in New York to see One On This Island, one of her favorite shows.

In August I knew it was time to say goodbye to my constant compation of 8 years. Martin had been struggling with so much pain and it was too much on his body. I knew that this would be difficult, but I could not have imagined the amount of loss I would feel. I still miss him terribly and frequently worry that I am forgetting to do something within the day.



After an incredibly joyful week at Camp Casco I returned home to adjust to a new normal in our family.

I started class in September and was introduced to an incredible group of classmates who are passionate, talented, gifted, and supportive. I only wish this program were not so short so that I would have a chance to spend more time learning along side these crazy humans.

I was once again able to perform with our incredible festival choir, and I feel lucky for the opportunity to perform challenging and beautiful music with wonderful people.










I went down to Florida to spend thanksgiving with my sister, her fiance, and Patrick. It was a wonderful change of pace to spend a quiet thanksgiving with a few family members, and it was lovely. On this trip we were able to see a dear friend perform in Assassins.













December brought more challenges for our family. I was once again reminded of the wonderfully strong family that I have and the friends that have joined my life to offer so much support. I have seen the stregth of my aunts and how they will always be by eachothers side.

2019 will begin with a couple of weddings, more classes, and more changes in our family.

To those that lifted me up in 2018, thank you. If I was not able to offer you the same support in 2018, I hope that I can be there for you the way that you were there for me.

For 2019 I hope for healing. Healing of hearts and brains (yes, I meant to say brains)






No comments: