I am a lucky, lucky girl who doesn't have any class on Fridays! Woo hoo! I got a super late start to the day, dozing in bed and doing some reading until about...12. I'm ashamed! I just got SO caught up in my book.
I've started to re-read one of my inspirational favorites, The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. Seriously, if you want to feel inspired to change your life and learn about the science of happiness, I urge you to read this book! Gretchen is a super smart lady (yes, in my head she and I are on a first name basis) who gave up a prestigious career as a lawyer in New York to channel her powerful researching skills towards learning to lead a happier, healthier life. She studies everything from economics to literature to philosophy to biology to religion to..... EVERYTHING..... all in pursuit of joy! Ok, I'll stop.....
After having my little love fest for The Happiness Project, I got up and made myself a protein and greens-packed breakfast with a side of, you guessed it, strawberries! I still have a whole carton to get through!
I suppose the two pictures aren't entirely necessary, but I like to get my coffee cup in the shot, too. I have a serious weakness for pretty little teacups, and this is one of my favorites.
Omelettes are so quick and easy to make, and they provide a wonderful combination of protein, healthy fats, and you can even get your greens in for fiber and energizing vitamins! I like to cook my eggs in organic coconut oil, which is much better to use than olive oil when cooking.* First I sauté spinach and broccoli in the oil, add the whisked eggs, and finally I add a sprinkle of feta cheese before folding the egg in half. Delicious, and healthy.
*Olive oil is fine when served at room temperature, but heating olive oil can change its chemical makeup! When heated, the antioxidants in the oil become oxidized and the body can no longer process the chemicals as easily. Coconut oil does not lose its chemical structure as it heats.
Today, I really got down to work on my favorite challenge task: spending time alone in nature!
Thanks to my voice teacher, the most WONDERFUL April Hill, I just discovered Lake Mackintosh this year. It's only a fifteen minute drive from Elon's campus, and the recreation area has hiking trails along the lake and through the surrounding hills. I usually like to go on hikes with another person. There's something about the woods that makes me a bit more introspective, and I have had some of my best conversations when hiking. But today, I was a little sad.
Here's the thing. I was so spoiled as a child. I grew up in one of the most beautiful places on earth: Montana. Mountain hikes started right from my back yard (LITERALLY), wildlife could be spotted there, too, and the amount of wide open space is hard to imagine if you haven't laid eyes on it. I found myself missing the glory of home as I strolled through the hills today.
But I turned on my camera, and it motivated me to deliberately study my surroundings, noticing details I would otherwise miss. Suddenly I was finding lovely things about this forest, that we don't have in Montana... like the trees covered in tiny purple flowers, or the pure white rocks sticking up out of the ground. I ended up hiking for over an hour, taking extra trails whenever I came across them. I may not have been climbing mountains today, but the warm scent of dry pine needles wafting up from the forest floor was all I needed to feel like I was home.
Short cut? No way, man, we're taking the long way 'round!
What are these white rocks?! They're so randomly all over the hills! And they're also strangely shiny I found myself staring at the ground for a long time.
...And last but not least, my daily vocal practice!
Minutes: 30
Repertoire: "Me and My Baby"
Technique Worked: As most of you know, I'm in rehearsals for Chicago as Roxie. That show sits in the vocal BASEMENT, I swear Gwen never went above an A. So, I've been working on my chest voice for this show. We're about to rehearse "Me and My Baby" for the first time tomorrow, and I could not be more excited. But first I have to work and learn the song! I definitely did a lot of chest exercises today after warming up, and then I tried the texture exercise we've been practicing in mix. After that I went right into drilling this song and really getting it ingrained.
Musicality Worked: Although this song sits low and brassy, I want it to also have a smoky sound, as well. It's all about Roxie singing to her imaginary child, so the beginnings starts out soft and lullaby-esque. When the song heats up, it's all about the excitement. That's when I can really lean into it! I also wanted to work the transition between when the phrasing should be sweet and legato and when it should be more spoken as the rhythms get faster.
This was the longest post, yet. Thanks for hanging in there with me!
XOXO,
Jadi Rae
