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6/29/11
"Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana."
- Groucho Marx
And so it goes - depending on how you look at it, you're either on the arrow or the banana. But time flies on, and occasionally you have to watch out for the banana peels that have been strategically placed in your way. By whom? Fate, God, kismet, whatever - they're there, and you just need to make sure you don't slip too much. You'll slip, but it depends on you (and your reflexes) to see just how far you do slip.
So this ends a chapter in my life - my time in North Carolina - and begins (or rather, re-opens) a chapter - that as a student, once again in Iowa. Back to the Doctorate, something I should have finished in Kansas City in the late 80's. But was that another sliip of the peel? Who can tell - my venture in the world of 'professional ' opera opened many opportunities, taught me more about my life (and what needed to change if I was ever to be whole), and introduced me to some very important people in my life - one who changed it completely. So now I'm facing the fears of seeing if I can dust off my learning skills. But I have really not used them? Hasn't everything I have done since being out of school been a learning experience? Hasn't the variety of students I have taught given me insights on pedagogy, teaching techniques, repertiore selection, and interaction with different people that I'd never have from a learning institution? I'm just hoping my theory and history memory comes back (or actually gets better - grrr...). ;p
And the opportunities I have had in NC will also serve me well - finding a new love for Musical Theater (and understanding the needed synergy in today's world with classical teaching), doing roles I never dreamed I'd do, enjoying fine wines - from North Carolina (watch out, Napa!), and again having my life crossed with many wonderful people, some whom I will never forget and cherish their friendship.
So I go back to school a more complete person, more confident, stronger (I'm in pretty good shape for 50!), more prepared for the task ahead. And it's the times between doctorates that has shaped me...
... and I wouldn't trade them for the world.
Ciao,
Steven
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