A new chapter..

Looking through photos of last summer instantly puts a smile on my face. It's interesting how we have these adventures and amazing experiences, then put them into a box never to look at again until months later on a cold cloudy day. I'd have to say Victoria is one of my favourite places. I don't remember a moment of doubt being there. Actually I take that back. Maybe there was a bit of doubt when it came to the "real" reason I was there (music and performing) but besides that I enjoyed everything. The restraunts, the music, the ocean, the people, the history.. It was amazing!

I'm working toward completing my Royal Conservatory 10 this yr and taking the exam in August. In preperation toward completing the course, I plan to attend VPSS again to polish my program. (Which means another July in Victoria! woot woot!) I am looking forward to adventuring the city again and being challenged by music. Everyday was a day worth while there. I can't say I had ever practiced or performed that much in 3 weeks ever. When it came to performing, I don't think I had ever felt so alive from the rush of evil butterflies lingering in my stomach. Since I'm on this topic, let me elaborate the feeling process you go through. First you sit and wait, and as you wait you start to feel nauseous and dizzy. You may even feel a slight hesistation toward 'actually' performing. You then start second guessing yourself and panic. Finally your name is annouced and there's no backing out. You stand, walk toward the stage not even registering your feet are leading you to the spot light. Suddenly you feel like you're in a dream and 'this' isn't happening. Your fingers touch the keys and your head starts to spin a little. All details learned in a song suddenly becomes magic.... You don't know 'how' this is happening but it is. Your heart starts beating faster than ever, the biggest adrenaline rush almost imagined. (sounds extreme, but I'm kind of an extreme person I guess.) This can either lead to humiliation or an extreme high. I've experienced both. Humilation happens when letting yourself be taken over by the evil butterflies. And the extreme high comes when you breathe, breathe, breathe, relax and focus. The audience claps and you're still dreaming. You bow, walk off stage, go back to your chair you had left 10 mins ago with a more relieved feeling than ever before. I'm not going to lie, performing for me is alwaaayys intense. I love that feeling of being out of your comfort zone. Interesting, it is. It mind boggles me how some people can perform without a fear in the world! Those people are my idols and inspiration. At the same time, getting through the struggle is one of the most rewarding feelings ever. I'm excited to go back! .. It would be nice if July could come a little faster..