the wild, wonderful SAICFF: through the eyes of. . .me. {part 1}

and all i learned. i'm beginning to believe the infamous "ziggy cloud" (you know, as in the comic strip?) that forever follows my mom must be hereditary. in other words, tragedy and embarrassing moments and calamity and. . .well, it's a part of being michaela. or my mothers daughter. haha--love ya, mom!

 

{via} our group walking the convention hall on Thursday

• it's possible to accomplish multiple over-nighters without dying. 
• one can go for hours--even days--on zero coffee. also without dying. 
• passionate, die-hard fans of 'the high kings' can tolerate 'celtic thunder'. it's blasphemy, but true. this was after much controversy and denial. pouting while secretly wishing 'bird without wings' would play just one more time. *ahem* block out the grating voices of paul and ryan, and. . .i  might be a semi-"thunderhead". 
• 'san antonio' is usually pronounced "s-An An-tonio." must be the italian in me, because it's "Ahn-tonio." thank you. 
• joshua phillips listens to (speaking of,) THK. 
• ball bearings are tiny pieces of metal. they should be smooth. otherwise near-death experiences occur.
• i was born in the wrong state. 'seven days in utopia' confirmed that. i'd pack my bags in a heartbeat for the land of drawls, country charm, ranch life--and never look back on OH. if  i could take my puppy, parents, and a sister or four. OR marry my handsome cowboy. 
• the river walk is gorgeous--a twist of Mexican/Spanish/European. . .floating with romantic music, the aroma of food, flocked with tourists. . .and filled with crime. laptops left in open view WILL be stolen. huh, so that's what all that glass was about. i was wondering why the guys left the van window open. . .
• blogger ppls are even more awesome in real life. 
• even borrowed, [PINK] over sized, Walmart-inspired sweatshirts can make one feel like a princess.
• giving up a blueberry bagel sandwich to a homeless man is very fulfilling.
• packing for a trip to texas is hard. layers are important. remembering to wear warm clothes when the weather shifts from 70's to 50's is imperative. sundresses don't count. (guess what i did?) 
• i cannot sleep in people-loaded vans. or on overnight road trips. period. fist-fulls of m&m's don't help. especially when the entire van-load is ingesting them. sugar-high, anyone? 
• movies are fun. fellowship, new experiences, and special friends are better.
• ray comfort has a great sense of humor. "wow, you make me feel tall." 
• camera's should be attached at the hip--always. otherwise they might be left five hours away in a strangers home. . .
• 'courageous' is one of my favorite movies--the third time through and i still cried. nothing--no other movie could possibly beat it, right? until i saw 'seasons of gray.' review coming asap.
• Walmart can be a lifesaver. no, i didn't just say that.
• sitting at the phillips house in the phillps living room on the phillips couch is breathtaking.
• "pumpkin head" is dutch for "slap-happy".
• vacations are great weight-loss programs.
• truly gentlemanly, chivalrous young men are hard to find. i traveled with several. it makes a girl feel good to know her brothers in Christ go above and beyond to honor and protect. 
• messy hair, bad breath, and wrinkled clothes = serious bonding. getting used to the humiliation is another matter. 
• pumpkin-headed people, 5:00 AM, and intense conversation = priceless memories.
• y'all is a cute word.
• i plan on attending the festival next year.
• most importantly, we saw the work of our Lord's hand through everything that happened--the perfectly orchestrated events that without Him, left us powerless. to God be the Glory!!

and that's just a brief overview. . .some of the less-important points i just had to share. the little tidbits that often mean the most. i haven't even touched on our epic van breakdown. WHY we visited the phillips house. charlie zahm's concert on the river walk. celebrating a friends birthday at an outdoor Mexican restaurant. the rescue of stranded travelers at 2:30 AM. the horrible feeling after realizing that wait, i left my newly ordered eShakti dress in the hotel room--and here i am, sitting in the theater on the awards night. . .in casual clothes. the glories of stopping at gas stations for breaks and snacks. hey, a 25 hour drive dulls the mind.

 

thanks to all my wonderful guest posters! weren't they fantastic? keep the comments coming, and don't forget to check out/follow their blogs. hmm. . .already scheming up a new guest-series. 

a few things i've learned since getting home: 

• there is something inside just begging for purpose--a ministry. a vision. i'm waiting on Him to show me exactly what that means.
• singleness isn't a bad thing. the Lord has opened up so many doors in this season of life. i'm enjoying every minute, thanking Him for past and future adventures. it's rather exciting. 
• movie-making is interesting. luckily i know several people in the independent film industry. . . 
• it hurts to return to the snow-lands. spring, hear my call!
• the spring clothing at 'old navy' is loverly this year. peach, mustard, lavender, turquoise, mud, mandarin, cream . .mmm. my mom is having 80's flash-backs. . .i'm loving the feminine look. and the peasant tops. and the maxi skirts. it's possible to shop and actually find girly-clothing! 

"my heart will go on" // the bemoaning of a very old piano

I played THIS: the much mulled-over, much practiced, much re-practiced, [AND re-practiced] memorized, My Heart Will Go On - for a recent talent show. This is NOT the original video, since I'm not used to keyboards, and. . .I made a frightening face at one point that I can't seem to edit out. ;) Another attempt.

Forgive the sweat jacket. And note: my piano is about 100 years old or more and hasn't been tuned in 10 years. It sounds pretty decent, actually. ;) Also, several of the keys "stick," so I took the base up an octave. . .Oh, and for those who have asked, no, I do not play by ear. It's been several years, but I went to a Fine Arts School and Conservatory where I learned to read music and play classical piano. As you all know, my piano is my very greatest treasure, best friend, stress-eliminator. . .and My Heart Will Go On is a divine piece. Perfectly dramatic and soooo romantic. I hope you enjoy.*~ 

Currently I am eating a homemade cake-pop. Heaven. Yes, lots of healthy eating lately (but hey, only one cup of coffee today! :P ) I'm wearing my sloppiest-in-the-house-clothes while snatching bits of Mansfield Park. Wait now, don't fall over yet! It was all an accident, really. Michaela, reading a Jane Austen novel?  Mhm. What is a girl to do without good reading material? She grabs the closest thing in sight. . .in this case, Mansfield Park. And I LOVE it. So much in fact that I've asked a couple ppls for movie recommendations. :nervous laugh: What is the world coming too? o.O Never fear, I shall never stoop to reading P&P. I shall never stoop to liking Mr. Darcy. Because Mr. Thornton has stolen my heart. But that's a different topic. ;) 

a pinch of this and a pinch of that. . .and everything in between.

I came in from a bike ride around the neighborhood just before a summer storm hit. Nothing like a bit of exercise after a hearty lunch to work things off. . . or a perfectly-gloomy overcast. Sometimes rainy days just hit the spot - like a cup of black tea, drowned in milk and too much honey. . .enjoyed in a dark shower. Just sayin'. As I twisted my hair into ritual after-washing knots (to "lift" my waves - otherwise my hair is flat as pancakes, ) I had the sudden inspiration just to write. About EVERYTHING - because I love it.

The other night my family sat around my laptop - dying, taped together, and threatening to turn off if breathed on - to watch an episode of The Waltons. "Goodnight, John-boy." I can relate so much to this simple "TV family," and who doesn't love John-boy? I married him several years ago. ;) But anyway - currently our only working DVD player is on my lovely little laptop. I need a new one SO badly. . .but every once in awhile it brings my family together (nothing rare, since we do EVERYTHING together,) to watch a good old show. . .This time one particular quote stood out to me: "either your a writer, or your not." John-boy loved writing, but throughout the series we hear him saying: "I want to be a writer." 

I don't know whether I'm "a writer" or not, or even if I write well. I  love my fiction blurbs and characters - but most of all, I enjoy non-fiction writing. I suppose that's why my blog is mostly article based. Its like that in real life too - once I get going on a topic I love, there's just no stopping! I blab, and talk, and ramble, and make an idiot of myself. But that's me - and most days I feel like Rapunzel: "I am a despicable human being!"

So. Right now my three youngest sisters are watching one of those budget-y Bible cartoons, the ones that are completely un-Biblical and mostly corny, but fun nonetheless. We usually spend time throughout the show explaining, "no Lidia, that didn't happen. No, there wasn't a girl called Sally in the Gospel of John."

This post has been evolving, added on to, deleted and changed for the past couple of days. Gotta love random ramblings. Which reminds me - one simply can't get too old for American Girl. . .or Little House on the Prairie. . . or Nancy Drew . . .or The Bobbesy Twins. I still read them - though that MAY mean I'm excessively  immature - not that I care. :P I can conquer all, especially after reading this wonderful little gem: 

". . .he never wasted regrets on his lack of height and never found it an obstacle to his acquisition of anything he wanted. Rather, it was [his] compact smallness that made him what he was, for he had learned early that little people must be hardy to survive among large ones." - Gone with the Wind

Wise words to live by for this 4'9" 20 year old. I think I love Gerald O'Hara. ;)

- I'm wearing my favorite over-sized t-shirt; black, cozy, and printed with a picture of the worlds greatest Irish guys. Gotta love lazy-ish shirts for lazy-ish days. Especially when there is sewing to be done. . .and you find yourself pasted to the computer screen (the dying lap-top screen, at that! :P )

Speaking of . .you are all probably wondering HOW last weeks concerts went. That's right folks, concert"S". . .I saw my favoritest Celtic group (boooo Celtic Thunder!) 3 times, totaling 5 concerts in all since August of last year. As always Anna and I had a blast with the guys - special talks with my FAVORITE King, Darren Holden (one of the worlds most talents singers and musicians, might I add, plus the nicest guy in the universe,) "huggies" from Brian, a "special Martin picture," and hellos from Finbarr. And they loved the brownies Anna made for them. . .Darren called them "cakes." hehe (see Anna's post for full overview.) Oh! and we were able to see a stunning performance by Cherish the Ladies Sunday afternoon. . .very talented musicians, jaunty music. . .I ♥ it. Hm. Beginning to think my Irish-obsession just isn't normal. . . my mother was born in Italy, after all - and aren't Italians supposed to hate the Irish? :P

L-R: Martin, Finbarr, Anna, Yours Truly, Brian, Darren.
Note that this is an excessively frightening picture of me. Just sayin'. The guys were sooo tired, poor things - they just aren't used to our lovely Ohio heat. (not that we Ohioans are either, but I'd imagine its worse coming from the rainy Emerald Isle.) This was Sunday night - we spent the whole day at the festival with the family. Friday some wonderful friends and fellow fans picked us up. . .

I am formulating a wonderful post - at least *I* think its wonderful. It'll be full of boasting and scare all my readers away, I'm sure. j/k j/k A vlog is in order. . .and one knows their world is small if they spend hours thinking up exactly the right setting, what to say, how to say it, things like that. PLUS, there is a very huge possibility that I might start another blog; an utterly girly, go-against-my-stance-of-not-being-too-girly-blog, because I'm a girl, and I can't help it. ;) TLRoS summer will still be here, and it won't change. That's all I'll say for now. Btw, on the topic of blogs, I can't stand my new header. The rose is beautiful, I don't mind the editing, but really, the wording is HIGHLY unprofessional looking. Bear with me - it'll be fixed soon.

Summer is all about happy-things. Sitting on a hillside watching the sun set over an apple-tree framed pond. Listening to mom read aloud from Gone with the Wind (be still my heart!) while munching on cookies. The scent of chives and other garden-goodness from the tiny plot next to the house. Walking over a freshly mowed lawn. Drinking sinfully-chocolaty-coffee-ish frozen mocha's from Panera.

Loving life. Because spontaneity IS living. . . and chocolate covered espresso beans.  

ramblings of pianists and heroes. . .somehow they just go together.

I must say - your comments on moi favorite {mostly literary} "heroes"  post (<-- click or look below,) have been tooo much fun! To all of those who agree with me: your taste is impeccable. Bravo. As for the others, I have a few tomatoes of my own to throw. ;) I'm thinking of writing a follow-up post, talking about a few more of moi favorite literary guys. But I don't want to BORE anyone either. . .riiiight.

Quickly, in answer to your comments (keep 'em coming!) Laurie IS epic, and *should* have died. Period. I don't see how Gilbert Blythe is a hero, just sayin'. ;) The Scarlet Pimpernel is one of the most incredible books I've ever read - and YES, I'm throughly convinced after finishing the novel that Percy is a majorly fantastical hero - one of the best, in fact. Though no one with ever top Renè. :sigh: I'm thinking up a way for all of you to "meet" him. Perhaps an excerpt from the revised draft? 

- also, keep watching for my HUGE Les Miz post.

While your all waiting (and continuing your amusing - I mean enjoyable commenting,) check out this video :

Whoa. Speaking of heroes - I think I've just found my piano-hero. Being a fanatical piano enthusiast (my piano is my dearest treasure. . .) this pianist is SO inspiring to me. Not that I can or ever will play even remotely as well. My, what talent - his performance literally takes my breath away. And to think the vid is nothing but a Yamaha commercial! o.O I  found out that he is a rather famous composer for Disney (which I do not endorse, but anyway,) etc. . . Pretty impressive. 

And to wrap up this post - lets just say that I am unbending in my dislike for Mr. Darcy. Ok, so the second time I watched Pride and Prejudice I became slightly, shall we say "fonder" of him? Yet its too difficult for me to really appreciate the stuffy, dull, uninteresting ways of *most* Regency "heroes" - Mr. Darcy in particular. 

Uh oh. I see another onslaught of tomatoes in the near distance. . . 

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??? 

"put on your dancing shoes. . .

. . .we'll dance in ireland."

tommy makem

this video is beyond adorable. i'm not a huge riverdance fan, but i'm in love with the irish culture - and step dancing is fascinating! recently in the past couple of years i've been privileged to see traditional irish soft and hard shoe dancing live. . . ♥

this particular dance evokes the feeling of an old-fashioned ceili dance. all the vibrant colors, costumes, swirling skirts and tapping feet!...interestingly enough the sets of four couples and swinging steps are similar to those in contra dancing. and i also recognize "reeling," which is in scottish country dancing.       

One more dawn, one more day...! and specialness of the season.

Happy New Years Eve, dear readers! :) I've been wanting to put this post up for several days now, but never had the chance. Well here it is at last!

Ah...right now I'm listening to 'One Day More', from the musical Les Miserables. No matter how many times I listen to that song, I never get tired of it. And it just seems so appropriate for today, considering we are at the brink of the New Year.

"Tomorrow we'll discover what our God in heaven has in store!

One more dawn, One more day, One day mooooore!"

So triumphant. Makes me all tingly inside, thinking of all the potential possibilities 2011 may bring. This evening I spent several minutes in deep prayer, dedicating the coming year to Christ. The future is both frightening yet exciting: 2011 will mark my 20th year. Whew, how time flies! I'm looking forward to reading the Bible in a year with some friends on facebook, getting my temps (no, I don't drive! I know how...but thats another story, ;) ) and most importantly, striving for a closer relationship with my Jesus.

There are SO many highlights to look over this past year...so for now I'll only mention a few special Christmasy things...

As you all know...I am a HUGE Andrea Bocelli fan. Possibly his biggest fan ever. ;) And I like opera. Now of course I am *extra* choosy when it comes to opera, and mostly I only like Italian. Female singers of most sorts are an especially a big no. So why do I say I like opera? lol 

Anyhow. Carmen is an opera I can tolerate, and it isn't even Italian! But that's besides the point. Anything featuring Andrea's incomparable, glorious, magnificent, stunning voice blows me away. 

:sigh:

Shortly before Christmas I received a package from one of my closest friends, Nicole. Boldly written  on the package were the words "do not open until Christmas". O-k. Tough as it was to wait, it was very much worth it! I was so blessed to find this precious keepsake when I *finally* opened my loot...

 Sooo lovely! I just adore the little box.


The tiny picture features me, Nicole, and our mutual friend Hannah. Love you girls!


Somehow I think this photo should have come *before* the one of the necklace (above.)  hehe Ah well. Isn't the drawer the yummiest thing ever?

An especially special part of this year was "meeting" one of my bestest friends, Flop (aka Alexandra :P )  via Blogger. Ally has been an encourager, entertainer, buddy, girly-friend, and all around blessing! Love you tons and tons, Flop!

The above pictures are pretty much self explanatory. If I'm the worlds biggest Andrea fan, I am a world-renowned, fanatic aficionado of Les Miserables. Oh, and dark chocolate. Ally knows me a little too well! ;)

I made a batch of traditional Italian Toto cookies for our *very* quiet Christmas day. My family doesn't make a huge to-do about Christmas as it is, but we do have a few special traditions. "Toto" is one of them.

Oooh...nutty,  chocolaty, not overly sweet, balanced perfectly with aromatic allspice and cinnamon. (I usually omit the cloves.) Hungry yet? ;) 

Italian Toto Cookies

3 cups flour

3/1 c. cocoa

3/4 tsp baking powder

1/3 tsp allspice

1/3 tsp cinnamon

3/4 c. butter

1 c. sugar

3 eggs

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup chopped nuts

Glaze

Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, allspice, cloves and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar. In another bowl beat eggs. Stir eggs into creamed mixture with vanilla. Stir in flour mixture, then nuts. Form into 1 inch balls and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes. Prepare glaze. Frost cookies while still warm.

*I make the glaze mixture "wet" enough to just dip the tops of the cookies lightly. 

Glaze

1 c. powdered sugar

3/4 tsp vanilla

1tbsp milk

Combine sugar and vanilla. Stir in milk a little at a time until of spreading consistency. 

Enjoy!!

2011 - here I come*~

PRESENTING: Cookin' Thanksgiving dinner with Mich and her favorite Kid.

This is us, as ourselves, fooling around today in the kitchen. Still not sure how or when Anna acquired the nickname "Kid" - I'm the only one who calls her that. :P hehe

Ahhh...what a day. Just about absolutely perfect.

Italian opera...the lingering scent of the sugar cookie candle I burned yesterday...all mingled with the stunningly delicious holiday aroma of Thanksgiving dinner prep.

Love.

{my mom took the videos - I'm in the Winnie the Pooh sweatshirt and fruity apron. It's a little old, but I love it 'cause it was sent from Zia Lucia in Italy. Oh, and the talk of  "don't  put these up", and "I'm un-tagging myself" is in reference to facebook. ;) }

Take one:

Take two:

At last, the infamous "church potatoes!" 

PS: for those of you who know I have a slight aversion toward  most female singers  - *ahem* I actually really love the voice of the Soprano singing with Pavarotti (in the first vid.) She isn't screechy. Unfortunately I don't know her name. :-/   

Random acts of culture*~ Miscellaneous Monday

A little while ago my dear friend Ally forwarded this video to me. Ok neat. I love 'Handel's Messiah,' and 'The Hallelujah Chorus' is one of my favorite pieces....but this particular performance simply blew me away! Oooh...now one of my biggest dreams is to either travel to Philadelphia and actually *see* the Opera Company, or to experience something like THIS: 

(WARNING - carry a tissue as you watch this. Prepare to be utterly stunned.)

(wasn't that beyond gorgeously breathtaking?!?!)

Brindisi. Such a lovely example of Italian opera! Yum. Its one of my all-time-favorites. (also see my playlist to hear 'The Three Tenor' version...or better yet look up Andrea Bocelli. :swoon: )

Anyhow - if you enjoyed the above video (which you did, of course. ;) ) then you'll love this one. So whimsical, charming, cute, - and the singing! Heavenly. Why aren't these people world famous solo artists? o.O

(ok. If you didn't like Opera beforehand, you HAVE to be sold over now. Or no?)

Could you imagine BEING there? In any or both places? Whoa. o.O - I would have been one of the obnoxious people jumping up and down, a mile-wide smile covering my face. After the enthralled shock of it all was past, of course. ;) 

Hope you enjoyed, and were as blessed as I was! :) 

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The High Kings in Cleveland!! o.O

Most of my friends here on blogger probably aren't familiar with the worlds greatest Irish/Celtic group, and so part of my aim in this blog post is to introduce to you, ladies and gentleman:

{the girls, l-r: Debbi, Anna, Rachael, Christina, me}

{the guys, l-r: Brian, Martin, Finbarr, Darren}

The High Kings.

<-- click --->

When *I* was first introduced to THK nearly two years ago I never imagined I'd actually see them in concert, much less meet them - I mean, their from Ireland!

This past Monday proved me wrong...

If you know me or my sister Anna there is no need to explain our perfectly crazy obsession with all things Irish. Of course we don't have an ounce of Irish blood in our bodies, but as the saying goes,

everyone is a little bit Irish.

I don't think that statement could be more true: I'm 75% Italian, 25% Polish, all American, 100% Born Again Christian...

...and Irish in my imagination.

So where do I get my passion for Ireland and Irish music?

Simple. It all started long ago when I saw a video a friend posted of a home school English Country Dance ball...she was dancing to a song called 'Maries Wedding.'

I loved it, looked it up online, have since become an HUGE fan of The High Kings, and my passion for the rich Irish culture continues to grow!

So who exactly are The High Kings?

- watch this video.

{Darren Holden}

{Brian Dunphy}

{Finbarr Clancy}

{Martin Furey}

Ok...so now you know who The Kings are. You love them, right? Right!

Shall I tell you all about the concert? Of course! ^_^

It all happened Monday August 16th when 5 fun-loving friends traveled only about 25 minutes away on a journey to experience one of the most thrilling thrills of their lives!

Since it would take years (and probably bore non-fans in the process) to explain everything, I think I'll go with the hoe-hum highlight-lowlight approach. Sound good? I'll try to keep it all as condensed as I can.

~ before the concert~

lowlight -

The drive down to pick up our friends, who met us part way (they came from Pennsylvania.) My mom and I had plenty of interesting adventures along the way, including a truck blowing its tire into our windshield. Oh, and did I mention a hearse drove by soon afterwards?... o.O

highlight -

Picking up our friends! We had some wonderfully deep theological talks on the way home. Good times!

highlight -

Getting ready for the concert! My sister Anna made all five of us a cute kelly-green cloth flower clip to wear in our hair. Everyone looked adorable, and my friend Rachael even dressed in the colors of the Irish flag. I, naturally, wore my "Irish Girl At Heart" t-shirt. It just seems so appropriate for an Irish wannabe. ;)

highlight -

Turning Memory Lane (THK's newest album) up full volume (ok, not really ;) ) on the drive to the concert. The CD hasn't been released in the US yet, but I was privileged to have ordered it some months ago.

Such fun having my friends hear it for the first time!

major highlight -

Peeking through the main entrance doors of the Irish American Club. Why? Well...at first all I saw inside were tables and a few staff workers...then I look through the other window, and a scream escaped my lips - haha, yes, its true! I mean, what else could I do? Darren was standing on the stage! o.O

super major highlight -

Walking past ALL of The High Kings (and waving while trying not to hyperventilate when they waved back,) on our way into the restaurant (directly in the room across from the main hall.) I think it took me at least ten minutes before my heart-rate slowed to normal and my hands stopped shaking.

highlight -

As we ate our meal (while waiting for the guys to finish their sound check so we could enter the main hall,) who should walk past but...Martin! Of course I was across the room getting ketchup for my hamburger, so I nearly missed him. Thats just how I do things. :P

...he stuck his tongue out at Anna. ^_^

Biggest highlight of the evening -

As my friend Christina and I stood taking pictures of The Kings instruments up on stage a woman suddenly grabbed at my arm, excitedly saying that Darren was outside signing autographs, that he was SO sweet, and that I needed to meet him! I followed blindly as she pulled me through the crowd, showed me the door, and left. (Again, thanks *so* much Ginny!)

Christina and I stumbled out the door only to see Darren walking around the corner of the building. He turned once, and I gave him a little wave. Before I knew what was happening, Darren asked if we wanted our "pic-y" taken with him.

YES!

This was the result:

Darren was every bit as wonderful as Ginny said. He was very kind, gracious, and made Christina and I feel so comfortable! Meeting him was truly the ultimate highlight of the evening.

Ok, back to highlights...and...I'm not seeing many lowlights so far! ;)

highlight -

Seeing Brian up-close for the first time! He gave us a nice big smile and wave.

~ during the concert ~

highlight -

Following The High Kings out of the restaurant (where we were waiting to snap pictures) on their way into the hall. Finbarr promised we'd get a chance to spend some time with them after the concert, and Darren asked

"well aren't you girls coming in?" :D

(Has anyone figured out who my favorite band member is yet? ;) )

major highlight -

Hearing The Kings sing live! WOW I always thought they were talented when I heard them recorded, but it was a pleasant surprise to find them EVEN better live. They were incredible!

Sorry for the poor picture and sound quality of the following videos!

{The Black Velvet Band}

{The Fields of Glory}

- I was privileged to have this posted to Darren Holdens facebook fan wall!

{Maries Wedding}

- this is slightly different then the version we normally dance too. Again, so sorry for the poor quality!

{part of Caven Girl}

{the end part of As I Roved Out}

- this video is my personal favorite.

highlight -

Standing in the back of the hall after intermission. We had a much better view there!

highlight -

Purchasing THK's DVD!

amusing highlight -

As we girls sang and clapped along with the music one of the staff members took us aside, asking, "which of you is the biggest fan?" Hard question. ;) Later she kindly held our purses and things while we talked with the guys.

second biggest highlight of the evening -

Meeting, talking with, and taking picture with ALL of The High Kings! Each of them were soooo nice, "real" and friendly, the sort of people you could spend time drinking coffee with and just chatting. They spent quite some time with us gals, which was really neat - we actually held up the line to the autograph table! There are quite a few funny stories here, but this post is long enough, and I'm doing my best to keep it short-ish.

{Anna and I with Martin and Finbarr}

{Me and Brian!}

lowlight -

Yes...the end of the concert was a HUGE lowlight (hm...there were only two in this entire post, weren't there? ;) ) I can hardly wait until the next concert...

And there you have it peoples! My very brief summery of The High Kings in Cleveland. B-)