Liberty Weekend

We got an early start to the long weekend on Thursday night with student rush tickets (translation: inexpensive, good seats available on the day of the performance) to ABT's production of Sylvia. After the other moms and I purchased the tickets, I returned to the apartment to make dinner. Moroccan chicken with couscous, green salad with dried cranberries, salted pecans and feta, and French bread. Yum!

All six of us ate, changed clothes, and headed to the Met (ABT performs at the Metropolitan Opera House) via bus and subway. None of us had seen this ballet before. It was stunning! Gillian Murphy starred as Sylvia. Here's Ballerina with NJ friend outside the theatre (Gillian is in the poster).


Found out that van cabs can't won't seat 6 passengers. Cabbie said there were too many of us. Hmmm. Wonder what those extra 6 seats and seatbelts are for??? Not to worry. We retraced our subway and bus ride home.

Friday morning, we slept late. What a luxury! We then went to Century 21, a department store. Their slogan on the door, "Fashion Worth Fighting For," was the first clue to what was inside. Think TJ Maxx on steroids. Ballerina and I always love a good bargain and sometimes the hunt. We had a blast!

We then treated ourselves to a late lunch at Angelo and Maxie's. Every day we walk past this restaurant on Park Avenue. Every day we see the "Prix Fixe" lunch sign. This was the day to enjoy. Our three-course choice was salad, filet mignon, and New York cheesecake. F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!!! Tasted even better when we saw the real menu prices!!


Ballerina and I returned to see Sylvia again on Friday night, thanks to some extra tickets. Diana Vishneva and Ethan Steifel debuted in the starring roles. Their performance wowed the audience and earned many curtain calls.


On Independence Day, we went to The American Girl Place at the behest of Ballerina 2. Was a sweet trip down memory lane for us -- saw dolls and books and clothes that are now stored away at our house.

We stopped in at St. Patrick's. I love it when a house of worship reflects the glory of God! What a spectacular display of beauty. The photo is from their site; ours is too blurry.


We then made our way to the Sansha store in search of pointe shoes for Ballerina. Despite the bad online review of the store, we found the salespeople to be quite nice (good lesson in not believing everything you read!!). Ballerina decided to return to her old favorites, Suffolk Solos. Sansha had shoes to fit her right foot, but the left . . . not so great. In a burst of optimism, we bought both pairs. (Ballerina's feet are two different sizes. That doesn't matter in a street shoe or in a ballet slipper, but it does in a pointe shoe. To make it work, we always buy two pairs at once. Pointe shoes don't have a left and a right so she still ends up with two pairs -- we don't have to discard one shoe from each pair.)

By then, everyone was hungry. The ballerinas were ready some McD's fries to balance out all the fruits and veggies I've been feeding them! With a hefty dose of cholesterol coursing through our veins, we headed to the Hershey store, then the M&M store (yes, three floors devoted entirely to M&Ms).

July 4th in NYC wouldn't be complete without a photo with Lady Liberty. Love the pointed toe.


We found her again down the street at Toys R Us.


I'll let Writer break the news to Sketcher that we won't be buying enough Legos to duplicate it.

To complete the July 4th trifecta (burgers and Lady Liberty were the first two, in case you lost count), the girls rode the Ferris wheel at the toy store. Don't think I've ever seen an indoor Ferris wheel before. Have you?


This year the Macy's fireworks display was on the Hudson River, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's discovery of the river. If it had been on the East River, like it usually is, we would have walked to it, but Writer thought it unwise to go to the west side because of trying to get back to the apartment with the crowds. Like you, we watched it on television.

Ballerina tried on her pointe shoes again and determined that the left really doesn't fit well so we returned to Sansha on Sunday. They're ordering the correct size. Ballerina and I spent the afternoon together, exploring. We returned to Redeemer on Sunday night for church. The perfect way to end a great weekend.

P.S. Thanks to all of you who've emailed or called and asked about my injuries. I'm fine. A little bruised and sore still, but fine. And, I returned to the scene and got some comfy sandals. With the gift certificate, I paid a whopping $9.99 (plus bruises).

Falling Shelves

Just a quick note, sans photos, to tell about my little mishap yesterday. I was standing in the aisle of a shoe store, searching for the elusive comfortable pair, when I got hit by a display rack. Apparently a store employee and a customer were trying to go through the same narrow passageway, one of them tripped, hit the 5-foot display, and it came crashing down -- on me! My left ankle, hip and side are pretty bruised and sore, but nothing's broken (or so I think!).

After about 45 minutes with some ice and multiple discussions with various managers, I limped home. Signed a waiver that I wouldn't sue the store in lieu of a gift certificate! Will return later to get the shoes!!

Please pray for speedy and complete healing -- and that I find the perfect shoes.

Slide Show

When I started sorting through photos for this post, I had a flashback to some time in the late 60s. I was a young child, sitting on the floor in a living room in the D.C. area, watching a slide show of another family's vacation. Ktch, ktch, ktch. The slide projector moved from one image to another. I got sleepier and sleepier and sleepier.

If your eyes are glazing over as you read this, you have my permission to get up, take a walk, take a nap, check Facebook, sip a Coke, or whatever! If you choose to stay with me, welcome aboard!

Almost a week has passed since I last wrote and what a week it's been. Last Thursday night, Ballerina and I got tickets to ABT's performance of Swan Lake with Paloma Herrera, Ballerina's favorite dancer. The entire evening was perfect. The sets and costumes were beyond amazing. The orchestra fine tuned. And the dancing. Oh, the dancing. It was exquisite!!!

After the performance, Ballerina and I caught up with Blaine Hoven, an ABT corps member who trained at Mobile Ballet. He did a superb job as Benno, the Prince's best friend. His mom would have been so proud!!! Not only did he perform well, he was gracious and kind to an aspiring dancer.


Fast forward to Saturday when we played tourist. Our first stop - the Staten Island Ferry.


We rode it from Battery Park to Staten Island, raced through the terminal and got right back on the next ferry for the return trip. We had great views of the Manhattan skyline, Lady Liberty, and garbage barges.


The girls loved having their Lady crowns! They wore them throughout the weekend and brought smiles to lots of folks (and several cute comments)!


When we got off the ferry, we took the subway back to the Brooklyn Bridge stop for a trek across the bridge. What a massive structure. We helped the enterprising salesman who had something cold to drink at the halfway point!





When we got to the other side, we took the DUMBO exit (down under Manhattan Bridge overpass) and walked down to Grimaldi's for some of their famous pizza. The hour-long wait in line was well worth it. Hand-made, homemade, baked in a coal oven.


We topped it off at Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory down by the pier. Apparently the pier is THE place to go for wedding photos. Saw three wedding parties there. Our girls sure looked cute against the skyline, even without their wedding attire!

Time for popcorn now. The next show begins in a couple of days!

Walk On

Yesterday a couple of the moms and I WALKED to the World Trade Center site. We hadn't planned it in advance, so my shoe selection wasn't the best. Let's just say that I'm lovin' Blister Band-Aids today. Fifteen Three or four miles later, we saw this.



Still so much to be done. Work goes on 24/7.

Although my feet hurt from the walk, I'm glad we went that way rather than by subway. We got to see NYU, pretty neighborhoods, interesting shops and restaurants. Stopped for tea. Found a mini-Chinatown as we crossed Canal. NJ friend bought a "Gucci" bag from a basement room. Quite exciting!

We then took the subway uptown, transferred to another going downtown, then walked some more, searching for another pointe shoe store. Ballerina's affection for Freeds is waning. Looks like we need Suffolk Solos again. The trip was a blur, like this subway photo.


We got back just in time for NJ friend's afternoon yogurt before picking up the girls from ABT. Another good day . . .

Weekend in the City

Rain, rain, rain. If it keeps raining, I'm placing an order for gopher wood!

Despite the rain, Ballerina and I had a great weekend. We walked to the local pizza place on Friday after class, then down to the East River.


When we got back, Ballerina was ready for dessert so we went in search of cupcakes. The place we went last week was closed, but we found Crumbs and got some for us and to share. Yum! The cappuccino cupcake was best.


We slept in a little on Saturday morning, then headed out shopping. We walked a couple of miles, until the rain got too heavy, then took a cab on down to Saks. Ballerina still had some birthday money to spend and chose a tote bag at the Juicy store. Also got a happy for Sketcher at the Disney store.


We ventured on down to the garment district in search of some large fasteners for the bag. Walked past Radio City Music Hall and thought of California Nephew who loves Aretha!


We found the fasteners and realized that it was about 3:30 pm and we hadn't had lunch. So we walked over to Macy's (you know, the one with 9 floors and a basement!)and ate in the cellar cafe. Good salads. Shopped a little more, without buying, then took the subway home and ate dinner with Ballerina 2 and her mom. We found a diner around the corner with good food at a reasonable price. I had some homemade chicken noodle soup to help cure my cold. The waiter suggested lemons for the soup. It was excellent. Got a bowl to go for later!

Ballerina and I slept in even later on Sunday then went to the Frick, an amazing collection of the finest art displayed in the Frick house. The home itself is a work of art. To think that one individual could amass that kind of collection is astounding! It has been augmented since Mr. Frick's death, but the majority of the works are pieces he acquired. We saw the art of Vermeer, Turner, Renoir, Rembrandt, Whistler, Bellini, Goya, El Greco, Van Dyck, and many others, as well as Renaissance bronzes and Limoges enamels. The exterior shot and the art piece are from the Frick website. Ballerina is standing near the side garden.




On Sunday evening we attended Redeemer, a PCA church with multiple sites around the city. The jazz worship band was excellent. What a joy to worship with fellow believers!

Thanks to all of you who have emailed me about the blog. We appreciate your support and continued prayers.

Week 1

The first week of the intensive is almost over and what a week it's been! Ballerina had her placement class on Monday. Kinda like auditioning all over again — only this time, everyone in the room was an amazing dancer! Ballerina and Ballerina 2 both were placed in the highest level for their age group. Woohoo!! Exciting and challenging.

Here they are on the first day of class, standing in line, waiting to enter the building. Butterflies in the tummy, I'm sure.


At the lunch break, Ballerina and I walked down to Union Square Park for lunch with Ballerina 2 and another dancer whom we met at last summer's intensive in Tuscaloosa. Sweet girl with a really great mom!


At this intensive, they don't allow parents in the building. Good thing I'm the one here, not Writer. He would be vexed at not getting to do a sweep of the building every morning! Doesn't meet his security standards. But, I take comfort in the fact that a Gestapo-trained very diligent guard sits at his post the entire time she's in the building, denying entrance to anyone who remotely resembles a parent. So, this is all I've seen of the studio so far.


I have seen everything west of Broadway over to 6th Avenue. I've walked and walked and walked and walked. Hauled and toted and walked.

Ballerina's dance bag must weigh at least 25 pounds. She carries 2 pairs of pointe shoes, 2 pairs of ballet flats, character shoes, character skirt, jazz shoes, jazz pants, lunch box, water bottles, leg warmers, jacket or wrap, bun supplies, extra leotards and tights, pilates mat, and a ton of other stuff. Big difference in tossing in the back of my SUV, hopping out in front of the studio, and carrying it 100 yards! But we're so delighted to be here that we're not complaining — really!

Some of you have asked what a typical day is like for her. After breakfast, we walk about 4 blocks to the subway, ride the subway, walk about 7 or 8 blocks to the studio, then wait in line until the studio opens at 8:30. Conditioning class begins at 9:00. She then has a technique class followed by a pointe class. Lunch is 1:00-2:00. After lunch, she has two more classes — repertory, character, modern, jazz, choreography, among others. Classes end at 5:15. We then walk back to the subway, ride, and walk to the apartment. Dinner. Shower. Devotions. Bed.

She's tired, but tired from doing what she loves. What a blessing to be here!

Birthday and Ballet

Ballerina celebrated her 14th birthday on Sunday. What a glorious day!

The morning began with her favorite hot pink roses and presents. We then walked down to Dunkin Donuts for an extra healthy start. I'm pretty sure if you have to walk to the donut shop and back, it cancels out the calories.


Months ago, Ballerina asked to go to Chinatown for her birthday. I was happy to oblige. We stopped at Union Square Station first to make sure we knew exactly how to get to ABT from the subway on the all-important placement day. That accomplished, we rode on down to Canal Street and bargained our way through Chinatown. Ballerina scored on several items.


Lunch was at a Chinese restaurant where I was one of four non-Chinese in the room and one of six who didn't speak the language (Ballerina & Ballerina 2 included)! Ballerina was finally in the majority, a rare experience for her. The girls were a little surprised that we were expected to share a table with complete strangers, but they warmed up to the idea and happily ate their chicken fried rice (their own, not the strangers'!).


We shopped a little longer, then headed back to the apartment to get ready for the big surprise. Ballerina received tickets to New York City Ballet's benefit performance, Dancer's Choice.


The highlight of the evening for us was watching Katie Morgan dance the pas de deux from The Sleeping Beauty. Her performance was breathtaking and her costume was exquisite. We've known Katie since she was in middle school and it was exciting to see her perform with NYCB. Katie knew it was Ballerina's birthday and gave her a signed pair of pointe shoes which will be treasured (for the non-ballet fans . . . that's the equivalent of getting an autographed baseball from a pro ball player).

Ballerina declared it the best birthday ever!

Bagels and Ballet

We've had two fabulous days. Yesterday we started the morning at the bagel shop. Nothing like fresh bagels, toasted with cream cheese.

After a quick stop back at the apartment, we headed to the subway where we got our Metro passes — unlimited riding for a month. Ballerina had a pointe fitting at the Freed store in Queens, so we made our way on the 6 and the V. Really easy to find the place, thanks to the good directions on the phone. We even had entertainment while underground.


For the uninitiated, finding the right pointe shoe is like searching for lost treasure. You know it's there, but locating it is a test of perseverance. Like a street shoe, the length and width have to be correct. The pointe shoe also has to have the correct profile, vamp, taper, and shank strength. The shoes are handmade from satin, canvas, paper, and glue. Being handmade, no two are exactly alike and each maker has his or her own signature shape. Some shoes have their maker's mark stamped into the sole.

When we got there, another ballet friend from home was finishing her fitting. Squeals and hugs all around.


The fitter at Freed was so attentive and exacting. Ballerina's feet were examined and measured. She tried on at least a dozen pairs of shoes — different sizes, different styles, different makers. She had Goldilocks' success — she found some that were just right.



Back to the subway, across town to Hell's Kitchen where the Yumiko shop is located. I had promised Ballerina a Yumiko leotard for her birthday. She and Ballerina 2 had lots of fun trying on different styles and colors. Both came away happy.




Lunch was at Chipolte. Inexpensive and spicy!

We walked through Times Square, did a little shopping, then returned to the apartment where I made dinner. After dinner we walked around the neighborhood. Found a great little bakery and each got a cupcake. Mom 2 and I got angel food, Ballerina had vanilla and Ballerina 2 had red velvet. Yummy!


We crashed last night and slept late this morning. We planned to go the Union Square farmer's market and on the Staten Island Ferry. An email changed all that -- tickets to ABT's Giselle. What a treat! Maria Riccetto was even better than the last time we saw her.

The Great Adventure

A few months ago, Ballerina auditioned for American Ballet Theatre's summer intensive program. You probably heard her shriek where you live when the acceptance letter arrived!

Her joy increased when she found out that Ballerina 2 got the same letter. Ballerina and Ballerina 2 were in the orphanage together in China. Our families traveled at the same time to adopt our daughters. Although we've known Ballerina 2 for 13 years, we hadn't seen her in years (we moved away from the city where they live when our daughter was about 2 years old). I recognized her at the audition (from Christmas card photos), called her mom, and our families reconnected.

We decided to share an apartment for the six-week program. Yesterday we all arrived in NYC. Here's the gorgeous apartment where we're staying. The adventure has begun!

Eschewing Puccini

The morning after our honored guest sang Puccini's aria, Sketcher was still talking about her magnificent voice. He also couldn't wait to pop Mr. Bean's Holiday into the DVD player and fast-forward to the scene where that song is mimed. No wonder Sketcher was so familiar with the melody.

Today at lunch, Writer and I were discussing something of monumental importance (okay, so I can't remember the topic right now, but I'm sure it was a riveting conversation). I commented, "Well, he eschewed . . . . "

When I got to the end of my thought, Sketcher looked up and said, "Eschewed. Avoided." He then properly used the word in a complex sentence. I tried really hard not to stare in amazement, and casually asked him where he'd learned that word. He grinned and replied, "Veggie Tales."

So, um, how do YOU introduce your children to new vocabulary words and the arts? Blockbuster or Netflix?

Honored Guests

On Saturday evening, we were honored to have the Yasuda family as our dinner guests. Marina (seated on the right) received her diploma from the University of South Alabama earlier that day. We were delighted to meet her parents who flew in from Japan for the occasion.

After dinner, her mother sang Puccini's O Mio Babbino Caro.
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G voice. What a tremendous gift! We were speechless afterwards. Sketcher, especially, was mesmerized by her performance. A night we always will remember.

Kotoko, these peonies from the table are for you . . . Bravo!

No Warranty Rule

For all you men out there who are planning to bless your wives or mothers with a Mother's Day gift, I have a piece of advice for you: Follow the "No Warranty" rule.

When Writer and I decided to get married (and we'll soon celebrate 25 years together), I was able to get past the giddiness of the moment long enough to establish a few guidelines. One of the most important was the "No Warranty" rule. I made sure he understood that in the wide world of gift giving, I didn't want birthday, anniversary, Christmas, Mother's Day, Groundhog Day, or any other celebratory occasion to be marked by a gift with a cord and plug or warranty.

Giving a gift should be about the receiver. So, to open a box on Mother's Day that has a new appliance – no matter how shiny or time-saving – is saying to the receiver, "Here's another way to do some work around here." Is that really the message you want to communicate? I didn't think so.

Before you head to the mall or your favorite online store, my advice is, "Step away from the appliances. Follow the No Warranty rule." This is life-saving advice. You can thank me later.