my first Vlog. . .in which i talk about one of my favorite subjects...

Well. I accidentally deleted my original post. . .try never to do that. :-/ No fun struggling to remember what you wrote. Argh. But even so - I'll do my best to be delightful and start from scratch again. See me smile? 

Anyway - I've never made a Vlog before. Been wanting to try it out for awhile now, and recently I found the perfect opportunity. . . (I've mentioned it so many times in my last several posts, your bound to know what I'm about to say.) This past Sunday I saw (ready?? Say it with me, 1,2,3. . .) LES MISERABLES *live*! o.O 

:faint:

 Sooo I made two videos. There was a third (after I realized I'd forgotten to take a vid of the theater lobby,) but somehow the camera was zoomed in really close to my face - all you saw was my mouth and nose. ;) 

*note* that the above video is frightening. It is almost impossible to take a video (or picture for that matter,) of oneself without looking like a monster. :P Also, I have no idea why I keep reiterating the fact that my parents are so nice - almost as if they aren't usually. hehe Its just that my mom doesn't like cameras, (I forced her to say hello. . . ;) )  and my dad very sweetly drove his car-that-needs-much-work alll the way to the theater to prevent our very-professional-knack of getting lost wherever we go. ;) Love you, mom and dad! ♥



Ohhh. . . just seeing that sign I feel all gasping and fluttery again. When the first scene of the play opened I was literally sitting at the edge of my seat, heart pounding and breathless. Btw, this was NOT my first time at the Palace Theater. . . I should have seriously been born with a different hair color.

What do you think?? Dying now to know more about that heavenly afternoon? ;) It is worth boring my non-fanatical Les Miz readers with a long review?? Hm? I promise it would be my last Les Miz-related post. . . at least for a little while. 

I'm baaackkkk!!! {updates on life}

It seems like hundreds of years since I've blogged. ;) But no - I have not expired, I am STILL quite alive and breathing...and feeling so blessed these days by the Lord and His beautiful way of caring for His children. Really, I don't feel as though I deserve the joy, loyal family, lovely friends...Christ's mercy and presence in my day-to-day life! I've can't say it enough: God is ALWAYS good.

I very much dislike bragger-blog posts. This is *not* one. Yet there have been so many special things happening - a constant, crazy, whirlwind of LIFE. And so, I'll try to update y'all really quickly . . .

Sorbet and smoothies are my newest obsession . . . I know what I'll be ordering all summer when the rest of the family goes out for ice cream! Oh, yeah - I'd much rather have the ice cream . . . fat, sugar, all that good stuff. ;) But considering I'm lactose intolerant (which mean's no dairy outside of organic,) something fruity-cold will have to do! Soooo excited to have discovered Graeters recently. o.O

{L-R: friend Hannah Michelle, me, and Anna, before seeing The High Kings}

Last month I had the opportunity of seeing my  friends and favorite Celtic music group, The High Kings, live fore the second time in concert.  

Anna and I have gotten to know Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy, Finbarr Clancy, and Martin Furey after seeing them back in August and later keeping in contact via facebook. It was very special seeing them again knowing that our "fanship" has turned into friendship. :) 

"Now the music's gone, but they carry on . . ."

{The Town I Loved So Well - Darren's version is stunning}

 

 

It was so memorable being able to share in Finbarr's birthday! We bought him a t-shirt that said "Made in Ireland," which I had the honor of giving him during the concert. He loved it! 

{note that this is a supremely unflattering picture of me. :P } 

Just have to mention that Darren is my favoritest King. ♥ He is such a talented singer and musician (like the rest of THK,) and has the squishiest bear hugs. :sigh: See my friend Hannah's video of us greeting the Kings from a different angle. . . and Anna's post HERE and our youtube channel for more HK fun!

Currently I'm reading about 4-5 different novels. *ahem* In the middle of The Count of Monte Cristo right now. . .which (thanks to Anna for spoiling the ending. Ok, I ASKED about it. :P ) - is overall very disappointing.  I mean, Edmond is so dashing in the beginning. :sob:  Ah well . . .it's not keeping me from going to Oregon in May to attend a CoMC themed ECD ball! o.O T-this will be my first time in an airplane. 

No blog entry is complete without mention of the always epic, forever inspiring, breathtaking, (give me more adjectives! ;) ) Les Miserables. The 10th Anniversary concert still leaves my heart pounding and the tears welling in my eyes - no matter how many times I watch it . . . but I'm about hyperventilating, because on SUNDAY I'll be seeing the West End/Broadway musical LIVE. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! 

Lately I've been learning (or at least trying to learn :P ) patience. Anna and I are now part-time nannies for 4 of the most adorable children ranging in age from almost 7 to 3 months old. It's a challenge for sure, but I am so grateful for the experience! Spending time with the kiddos is a delight. . .even through the tantrums. ;) And little newborn Anthony is at the perfect huggable stage. ♥

Here's a sneak-peak of the costume I wore recently to a Literary Ball . . . I'll be doing a post on it soonishly.  Can anyone guess who I went as? (no telling, Flop. ;) ) 

And there ya have just a tiny glimpse of whats been happen'. BUSY stuff - and again, please, please don't think I'm bragging . . . o.O From the bottom of my heart, I only want to update everyone. :) 

What have YOU been up to as of late??? 

i think i'm in like.

When my mom and I go shopping . . .
we usually get lunch.

only this wasn't just any lunch.

organic raw tuna and salmon. yes, RAW. avocado. seaweed . . .and of course, sushi rice. my first experience with this amazing food - no, i'm not picky. ;) willing to try anything? mhm. even wasabi . . . only i didn't realize what the little green blob at the end of the sushi tray was until i took a generous taste. luckily the soy sauce was so tasty i quickly forgot about the terrible medicine taste left over from "that green blob." 

so, to make a long story short . . . my mom and i ended up buying two trays of sushi . . . and eating both. o.O

later that same day . . .
we saw this.
and entered, even though we already have tickets.

what can i say?  
yahooo for les miz!

there. hows that for an extremely random post?

{this is what happens when one consumes a dozen pieces or so of raw fish in one sitting.} 

You know your a fanatically obsessed, ridiculously CRAZY Les Misérables fan...

when this happens . . .

As I mentioned in my post here, my dad and I had a dinner date to celebrate my birthday. Earlier my parents explained that they were very sorry, but financially it just wouldn't work out for the whole family to go...and so dad was taking me. It would be a special time - reminiscent of my 13th birthday, when dad presented me with my promise ring.

Good. I was more then happy with the arrangement, and thought it the perfect finale for a wonderful 20th birthday.  *ahem* Apparently a few other people didn't share my sentiments. ;)

. . . I couldn't understand why the "few" errands dad and I made before dinner  took so very long . . .first our favorite organic market to pick up some cheese, then the library to drop overdue books off . . .oh, and can't forget to stop quickly to pick up a few extra essential things. I didn't mind it, really - but, um, dad? When can we eat? (most important thing on earth, after all. :P )  I already knew exactly what I would order at 'The Macaroni Grill.' Only, we never made it to the restaurant . . .

My mom called a couple of times when dad and I were out to remind us to be quiet when we walked into the house (we needed to drop off some perishable items,) since she "didn't feel well." As we drove down our street I saw a suspicious amount  of cars in our neighbors driveway. "Hm. Aren't they sick? Well...the house IS for sale. Must just be an open house." Yeah. That settled it. I should have been born with a different-- lighter--shade of hair color.



Now. Imagine walking into the house to quickly drop off some food . . . you walk around the corner, and there are 35 people standing in the living room! - I don't think I stopped smiling once all day.






My friend Christina (as Eponine) singing On My Own. She has a beautiful voice!



The costumes just blew me away. Singing was one thing - but check out all the detail in those AMAZING outfits?!?! Bravo, y'all!



The following set of pics are just pretty much classic.




Music. Dancing. Enjolras's waistcoat. ♥




Ze lovely birthday cake - the sparklers were so unique and pretty!



Random birthday fun*~





Gifts! 



:drum roll:



Singin' Phantom of the Opera and Les Miz songs around the piano.



Thank you all, my dear friends!!



Not only for thinking of me, but for your wonderful hearts, earnest smiles, and love as brothers and sisters in Christ. You all mean so, so much to me!!! - I can't begin to say how very touched and blessed I am by each and every one of you. ♥ ♥ God is good.
{special thanks to Christopher L. and Brandon for the photos!}

Lastly, a special shout-out to my amazing, EPIC, dear friend Flop (aka Alexandra ;) ) who SHOULD have been at the party, but couldn't make it. I love you so much, girly! 

~*a random update of sorts...

Its been quite awhile since I've updated on just every day life (aside from my post here,) soooo I've decided to go ahead and write this post. Yes, I admit to have been avoiding it. Not because life has been unkind (though it is never easy,) but because there is so much to say! ;)

First off,  I must admit that I am immensely pleased with my blog re-vamp. I do this every couple of months..ya know, tire of my current template design, or realize that it just isn't as loverly as maybe one of my sisters (oh yes, go check out their blogs if you haven't!) And so I scramble about for pretty pictures...roses,  Parisian prettiness and the whatnot...voila! The all-new '{The} Last Rose of Summer.' What do you think of my header???

So this and other blogging makeover projects have been keeping me busy. Cabin fever has set in HARD not only for me, but for the entire F. family. Recent events  have made parts of life rather confusing and distracting, but I am trying my very hardest to maintain a good attitude. Of course this is often easier said then done. However I've found that keeping myself constantly busy - even if that means folding *another* load of laundry, is chasing away the winter blues. What have you been doing to cure the cabin fever bug?

Right now I am anticipating my upcoming 20th birthday. TWENTY. For some reason it just isn't sinking in...b-b-but, my childhood days are over. "I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow u-up! Not me." Anyone want to fly away with me to Neverland? 'Cause that's where I'm headed. ;) No, but seriously - I am very much looking forward to what the Lord has planned for my future. 

A couple of weeks ago I did a little study on personality types...so neato! Though I haven't taken any of the tests (yet,) just from reading up on the different traits I've come to the conclusion that I am mainly EXPRESSIVE, but also slightly Analytical/Melancholy as well as a bit Dominant. I am very extroverted, a non-stop talker, (that's an understatement, :P ) fun loving, deep thinking, etc, etc. Anyhow, its been too much fun piecing together the different traits I see in my family members...uh, maybe I should do a more extended post sometime. ;)

I'm looking forward to spring...but aren't we all? March and April mean my friend Kate's English Country Dance Ball, my 2nd time seeing my favorite Celtic group The High Kings in concert, and the most thrillingest part...Les Miserables, live from the West End (but with an American cast). :faint:

Uncle Tom's Cabin may be a controversial novel, but its one of my favorites. Forget the propaganda part of it all...its.simply.beautiful. So gorgeously written, and the storyline! - though I could have done without Eva St. Clare's perfection. Honestly. But her father's character swept me away, and I confess, Augustine St. Clare's death scene literally kept me awake a whole night. :nervous laugh: Me, become attached to fictitious characters? *ahem* But its pretty hard *not too*, when an author has breathed life into them, made them REAL...Anyone agree??

I'm dreaming of a new piano. It is my biggest passion and prayer. Playing the piano, letting all my stress, my joy, my peace, my deepest feelings flow from my fingers...feeling the spine-tingling thrill when I touch those keys and music spills forth - music created by me. Its indescribable. Lord willing I will save enough this year not only to buy a spinet, but also begin lessons again. o.O My goal is to get some sort of degree and teach from the home.



I've never seen The Princess Bride, and am proud of the fact. Just had to throw that out there. Ok, so I fell into the peer pressure and saw several of the Austin movies, (no comment or opinion, :P ) but no...The Princess Bride has never been seen in the F. home.

Last but not least, I am thrilled to be hosting my very first giveaway - don't forget to enter!

{I will be very impressed if you made it allll the through this rather random post ;) }

Hm. Come to think of it, I really didn't update you at all...oy. hehe

Look what's been driving my family crazy! Er...making ME crazily-happy! ;)

My new latest obsession - ask any of my family members...I play my piano *every* day, (nothing new there!) - but lately? Its been an almost constant thing! ;) Why you ask? Take a look at these amazing books...

:GASP:

Oooh my, its almost too much! Last week my parents ordered these treasures at our local music store as a late, late, late birthday present. (Long story there. lol ) They came in three days ago, and I've been playin' my ancient upright like mad ever since. Right now I'm working at "On My Own," from Les Miz, and "All I Ask of You," from The Phantom of the Opera.

Its so refreshing to get away from my Classical books. 

Not that I don't adore classical music, because I most definitely do. However! I was classically trained, so I've played almost nothing BUT classical pieces for years... 

The more "modern-pop-ish" style of these Broadway pieces are presenting somewhat of a fun challenge...its just a bit awkward playing a very "pronounced" harmony. Classical music is almost entirely about the melody, so on the piano the right hand works hard! Now I'm playing quite a few right-handed cords, which is interesting. I'm loving it! 

Now all I need is a "new" piano. I am praying that somehow that dream becomes a reality. Though I love my "baby," she is over 100 years old and showing her age. Lord willing I will be able to sell her SOON. 

- complete side-note: the books are filled with full-color photos!! 

*disclaimer* I'm not a POTO "phan" AT ALL, yet I love the music (though not necessarily the lyrics.)  Yum. 

THEY CAME - I'm going to see Les Miz! o.O

I'm hyperventilating -

Our tickets to see Les Miserables came in the mail today. o.O

I...I...I'm going to see Les Miz, coming straight from London's West End in 2011. The real live production. The ACTUAL thing.

Its incomprehensible.

I can't stand it...

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Favorite Broadway Musicals!

In honor of my friend Alexandra @ Of Trims and Frills and Furbelows (one of my all time favorite blogs EVER, might I add,) I am finally writing this post...which I started...um...awhile ago. ;) For some reason I got caught up in other things and never got to actually POSTING this post...but I'll just go into my handy-dandy settings and edit the date. ;)

These are my three all time favorite musicals (at least so far. ) ♥ Sometimes I wonder what my world like before I discovered the magic of Broadway?? o.O

No, I am not including The Phantom of the Opera

(don't be mad at me Ally!)

mostly because I feel it has "issues." Major ones. :P

However I *do* enjoy a couple of the songs, though I can't endorse the play. :'(

What? Your asking - Les Miserables has "issues!" Yes it does...and I carefully guard myself against certain scenes/songs. :D

A family classic! I was *thrilled* to be able to see one of my all-time favorite stories preformed on stage this past June when the Broadway production came to Cleveland! o.O It was spectacular, minus the fellow who played Tevye. But I won't talk about *that* here. :P hehe

My mom always jokes that our family "is" Fiddler On The Roof . Having been born in Italy she came from an extremely tradition-based background, which she rejected after excepting Jesus as her Savior. Her parents, particularly my Nonna (grandmother) are still wrapped in Tradition. Its just part of the "old way."

And on top of it all...we are a family of 5 girls. ^_^

Les Miserables. The name itself evokes SO much.

:shiver:

(no, these are not in order...

Les Miz should have come before Fiddler.)

Where to start? Is there *possibly* any way to even begin to describe this incredible masterpiece? I think not.

Salvation, forgiveness, love, tragedy, heroism.

Breathtaking music and song...Les Miz has it all, and more.

I'll stop now before I write a whole book on the topic.

But I *must* say -

I am firmly convinced that Colm Wilkinson is the ONLY Valjean in the world. Period.

Yikes I can hardly wait for the 25th anniversary concert! o.O Hopefully I'll be able to watch it online somewhere...if anyone hears anything, lemme know!

Mary Poppins. No its not as corny as it sounds. ;) I was introduced to this amazing musical through a friend. After watching the movie way too many times when I was younger (due to my sister Maria's obsession as a baby,) I never imagined I could really appreciate the music, though deep in my heart I adored it. :-/ Hm.

Anyhow...the stage soundtack is obviously different, and I really love it! Anna (my sister) found a video clip of "Step in Time" complete with dozens of tap dancers. Pretty impressive. :D

Soooo...to all my mutual Broadway fans out there - which musical/s are your favorite?

(Hope your satisfied Ally. :P :P )

Les Miserables - videos from the 1995 "Dream Cast" concert

This past Sunday I was privileged to see the Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof at the Cleveland (Ohio) Playhouse (the nations largest preforming arts center outside of New York.)
- but that would be a blog post in itself....just describing the striking beauty of the theater lobby, the thrill of hearing the first notes of "Tradition" swell to the ceiling...it was incredible.

Now my sister, mom and I are crazily excited to be *hopefully* seeing Broadway's Les Miserables next April.

:swoon:

Plays (particularly Broadway) are my latest passion. There is something awe-inspiring about seeing a live performance, all the colors, the voices of the actors, the props, the dancing and the music - a feast for the eyes and ears.

Sometimes I wonder if a movie could ever impact me again. ;)

Here are a few of my favorite videos from the 1995 "Dream Cast" concert version of Les Mis. Breathtaking! There are some seriously talented singers in these videos, and I've watched them so many times in the past couple of days, I think the songs will be permanently stuck in my head. ^_^

*special note about above vid*

Colm Wilkinson is my newest favorite singer. Listen to the passion in his voice! Gorgeous. And the song, so sad yet pretty. What do you think?