A snow day with this and that

Aleks and I are not novices when it comes to snow.

Connecticut can serve up a pretty incredible nor'easter.

I also have a vivd memory of shoveling a good 1 1/2 feet of snow outside our Pullman home, which was on a corner, so there was a lot of sidewalk to cover. I had Ruby's monitor clipped to my jacket and Maia was trailing behind me, eyes as blue and shining as the sky.

Where was Aleks you ask?

Oh, he was at work because Washington State University didn't cancel classes. Ever.

Today the city of Wichita is basically shut down because we had a blizzard last night!

There was even thunder and lightening in the midst of the storm! 

The midwest is so dramatic.

This was taken yesterday, before most of the snow came.

I'd say we got just over a foot of snow at our house and supposedly there is more coming throughout the day.

I'm certain that many other cities across the country wouldn't shut down for this little snow, but I am so grateful.

We're still not 100% here. We're over the worst of it, but everyone is still congested and not sleeping as well as we usually do. I don't typically teach on Thursdays anyway, but I am so grateful for the day off. Maia's school was canceled, we had a plumber coming today and he canceled, and WSU is closed. I went from preparing myself to be in survival mode again,  to having a free day stretched out in front of me. 

We're all taking things at a slower pace today.

I did make pesto chicken crepes for breakfast and just took out a pan of spicy brownies. 

(Click on that link and see the recipe. There is chipotle powder and cinnamon in the batter!)

One of the reasons I haven't been able to shake this cold is because I've been really busy, in a wonderful way. A last minute decision had me learning and memorizing a Ricky Ian Gordon song in 2 days. Not something I advocate to my students, but it's a skill I've been cultivating since having children. On Saturday I attended a workshop put on by the Kansas NATS, at which Ricky Ian Gordon was present and did a masterclass for us.

(That's him in the hat. I was trying to be stealthy in my picture taking.)

Ricky Ian Gordon is a big deal, especially in the vocal world. He regularly works with people like Audra McDonald, Renee Flemming, Frederica von Stade, countless stage directors, and prominent vocal teachers. He could have been completely arrogant or uninvested and I don't think any of us would have thought twice about it.

However, he was one of the most generous, present, and encouraging people I have worked with. 

And he knew how to talk to singers, which if you ask my husband, takes talent.

He created an environment in which we all felt safe and thus willing to take risks.

It was an intense day.

I also really appreciated that I got to know my fellow Kansas voice teachers better. This singing world can be vey catty and it was refreshing to build a supportive, encouraging base with my colleagues.

Two days later I got to work with another composer, Z Randall Stroope. WSU brought him in for two days as a guest clinician to work with the choirs and give masterclasses to our composers. If you've ever sung in a choir, you probably know his work. I had the opportunity to sing two of his songs in the Tuesday night concert, which we coached with Mr. Stroope on Monday.

So, as you can see, it's been go go go, while feeling 60% and today, boom! we get a break. I'm almost giddy with relaxation, if such a thing is possible.

And you guys, I have to tell you.

Ruby is doing so much better.

I'm not exactly sure what happened. Maybe the consistency of how we were handling the tantrums or she just started understanding, or the sticker chart? I don't know.

But now, when it's time to go to bed, we do our routine and shut the door and there is no screaming. Sometimes she cries, but calms herself down quickly. She also stays in bed most of the time. But if she doesn't, she just plays quietly in her room or reads.

We are even able to open the door and talk to her and shut it again with NO crying.

It's a miracle.

Thank you for all your support as I shared our frustrations with her.

It got better.

Happy snow day to you!