21 years ago...

...I was born into this wonderful world. I have to say that I have been truly blessed in my life thus far. However, I imagined my 21st birthday going like everyone tells you, you know, the drinking, the partying, the bar hopping, etc. Instead, I had a lovely trip to Los Angeles planned for my 21st birthday (with some drinking beforehand) :).

I had the best 21st birthday I could ever wish for. I met a mentor, inspiration, and personal hero of mine, Joyce DiDonato. On December 19, 2009, I attended LA Opera's production of The Barber of Seville at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and it was, a night I will never forget in my lifetime. There I was (21!), sitting in the front row, right behind the conductor, next to board members of the LA Opera, and shaking to the bone! Joyce did a magnificent job (as I knew she would). She is definitely one of the best mezzo's singing today. She sings from her soul and leaves everything she has on the stage at the end of the night. I wish to be as great of a performer in my career.

After the exquisite night of singing, the finale was finally here (no pun intended LOL), and it was fantastic, the crowd was on their feet for a standing ovation of about 10 minutes! The time had come for me to meet the woman who had kept me going through the grueling semester that was the fall. I was so excited, my heart was pounding so hard, I thought it might beat right out of my chest!

Sitting next to her dressing room door, I sneakily took some quick photos of the star's door with her name on it! Please share in my grittiness...



...and another...



...yes, that is really her! Haha.

As she opened the door, I thought to myself, "Here we go", and there she was. The star of the night! Rosina was standing in front of me! In her jeans a cute black blouse, there she was. She said, "You must be Gaby" and I nearly passed out of pure joy, I kept having to pinch myself. Why was I privileged enough to meet this wonderful woman? We chatted a bit (Yep, I chatted with Joyce DiDonato) and then I asked if I could get a picture with her and...wait for it...

Yes, that is her! In the flesh! Mrs. Joyce DiDonato (with her hand on MY shoulder, SHUT UP!)! Behind the camera is her lovely husband, Leonardo Vordoni! It was wonderful meeting her, and I would just like to say that she has made my 21st birthday the best one yet! Thank you, Joyce!

Ok...many things to do, the work never ends! :)