The Old Before The New

Since the recording session it's been the usual orchestra gig continuing. Still chuckling over some of the funny times we had during the recording session.

Spiking the set.

Since the front door was covered by the green screen, this was the entrance and exit...a ladder where the back porch used to be.

Working on light set up. Lots of coffee cups sitting around :)

However, orchestra season is now over and I'm out of work.

It's been a fun last couple of weeks though. Between gigs I got to spend some time with some extended family in the Dallas area and I had the best of times getting to know them better and being treated to home cooked food and puppy love! A Korean friend lives nearby and took me on a fantastic outing to the Korea town in Dallas. OMG, it was amazing!!  Eating good Korean food, shopping at an H-Mart, browsing Korean nick knacks, and just generally reminiscing of all wonderful Korean things made it all worthwhile. I bought some of my favorite Korean snacks, but I ate some before I remembered to take a picture :-p

I love Korean food. It's my comfort food.

Best seaweed snacks! Forgot how bad the stuff here is. Also, the butter coconut crackers...!!!!

There was a lovely time in Shreveport playing some "scenic" music reminding me of all the places I have been (like Alaska) and all the places I want to go (like the "Pines of Rome"). The people were great and I had one of my favorite days yet. One of the violists brought chamber music if people wanted to sight read. She asked me to play cello and we played Death and the Maiden. I was bouncing around for days from that musical high. It is such a great cello part!!!  What a wonderful way to spend a day....playing cello parts during a gig you're hired to play violin :) That day I also wandered around the river front soaking in the sunshine, lounging under a shade tree and just being present.

The River Goddess

Flowers in full bloom.

What a lovely day :)

Looking down at the inner street of the river walk shopping complex from the overpass.

If only the water wasn't brown.

Out to eat, introducing a friend to his first taste of crab and lobster!

Resting in the grass on the lawn outside of the Bass Pro Shop.

I had a wonderful last week at the Arkansas Symphony playing John Williams, but the highlight was my host family who really and truly made me feel at home. The Sunday morning before the concert I got a real treat as the passenger of their motorbike. We toured Little Rock and even after "living" there for over 10 years, I saw places I'd never seen and experienced familiar places in a whole new way.

Pretty view of Pinnacle Mountain

Central High School, one of the most beautiful historic high schools in the country.

Neat looking building #1

Neat looking building #2

Neat looking building #3

The Clinton library. I've toured it before. It's not my favorite but it's an interesting looking building.

Heifer Village and headquarters right in downtown Little Rock.

Neat looking street art.

After the concert I needed a getaway. I've worked every weekend and every weekday tirelessly and it was time to stop...as much as I could. I drove out to NC to the mountains and enjoyed hiking through the woods, sampling the local spots, and hours of scenic driving. Because of my upcoming plans I had to take my phone with me, but I loved losing the signal and getting lost in the scenery. It was a gorgeous and sunny few days of dirt roads, muddy trails, fantastic views and blooming allergies. I loved every minute!

Lake Front Seating.

Mud Puddle Jumping!

Getting in touch with my ancestors.

Panorama at Beacon Heights

View at the dam along the Appalachian Trail.

The lake on the other side of the dam.

Perched on the edge of Wiseman's Lookout

Found a tree to climb!

Just chilling like a local :)

I promise, I'll just hike through ;-)

The green jacket and I: as one in the woods.

Scenic country driving.

Panorama at Wiseman's Lookout.

But I still have no job. I still have no home. It doesn't matter what country I'm in for those facts not to change.

The roads are all empty as I stare blankly down each of them, wondering what is just out of sight. Should I stay in the US and twiddle my thumbs waiting for something to come along? Should I go "vacation" and try to make extra cash for the summer somewhere in the States? Or should I choose the road that takes me to Europe?

Since I started performing on cruise ships I've dreamed of nothing else. Years have gone by as I've tried to stay in the game and move up the ladder to get my own show as a guest entertainer. Years. More years. Still more years. If I wanted to pursue this dream and not just tag along in life, now was the time to make that move.

I've got a one way ticket that drops me off in Europe the beginning of June. I have several musicians interested in working with me in a long term show that are willing to travel to audition. And there are friends I already have and friend's I haven't met yet who are willing to host me and show me around their cities.

I still don't have a job although I'm sending out emails soon with the final videos from the recording session. But I have hope. I have a dream. I have verve for life.

Yes I did pack for a 2 week cruise AND an up to 3 month European holiday AND a cruise ship contract all in ONE suitcase, ONE carry on and my violin case thank you very much!!  

I will try to write regularly while I'm on the road in Europe. Join me as I wander the continent of land and the continent of my life. And if you happen to be in Europe, give me a shout out!