Katie and Quinton's Wedding - 6.14.15
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Katie and Quin tied the knot! Check out some of their wedding photos on this week's blog post.
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Robert and Tricia's Engagement Photos
/Though this comes belated, I decided it's a perfect time to post my brother and his Fiance's engagement photos I photographed last summer. We went to a park in Scottsdale, Arizona and spent the evening at multiple locations.
In just under three weeks, these two very special people will be married. Wow....it's such a surreal thing. God has gifted me with an incredible brother who cares and loves me. He has been there through all of childhood as a playmate, an older brother who looked out for me as we got older, and so supportive throughout all of my personal endeavors. He has shown me great love throughout the years, and through all the ups and downs, laughs and tears: I am SO proud to have him as my brother. It's an exciting time in his life, and I am so proud of my brother for who he is, and who God is guiding him to be for the future.
Enjoy! :-)
-Christie
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
No More Shame.
/You might not even realize it is something you're putting up with. You might not even know it's taking up a room in your heart.
When you don't live up to your own expectations or definition you've created for yourself, you are probably dealing with shame.
Have you ever caught yourself saying negative things like, "I'm not smart enough to..." Or, "Wow, how stupid of me to..." And even the occasional, "I don't understand why I'm so ..." You fill in the blank however you please, but the bottom line is that you are creating a definition of yourself that was never meant to be your identity, and it's creating a mindset that is unhealthy to your health, wellness and overall life.
You could have even done something that you think is so shameful, upright dishonest, or downright wrong that guilt trips up in your mind, and again, leaving the door open for shame to not just stop in your heart, say hello and then step out; but spend the night over and over and over again.
Over time, this shame becomes a part of you. Hinders you. Keeps you captive and, to a point, you may not even think about it anymore. It just becomes who you are, and who you think you were meant to be.
The truth? That is never how we were meant to live.
Jesus Christ offers us a simple way to rid of this residue, create the TRUE identity of yourself, and will turn your shame into honor. The requirements? Surrender.
"Jesus, I have believed one too many lies about myself. I'm done with thinking thoughts of neglect, unimportance, stupidity and no worth: I'm sorry for believing lies of shame for too long. I give you my mind, my thoughts, my heart. Clean house, God. Show me who I am in Christ."
From Hebrews 12:2, the Holy Spirit gave me this revelation:
SHAME is only removed when one realized their true identity in the One who despised it, conquered it, and replaced its power through the bearing of a cross. He replaced our shame with His HONOR.
That simple.
This isn't a religious act. It's a relationship act.
Only through a relationship with Jesus Christ can this kind of freedom happen. No one else has ever or will ever love you enough to die for you the way He did. Put your total trust in Him. Dive into the Word and find out what God thinks of you. If you are 'in Christ,' it means that you have the character of God living on the inside of you through the Holy Spirit.
Now it's time to know your authority in Christ, and bring your dead bones of true honor back to life. Talk with Him, walk with Him, and discover His thoughts over your life. Once your definition is defined by who God says you are through His Word, the lies you once believed about yourself will have no more authority.
Take Action
Here is an example from the Word to replace your old way of thinking:
Replace the lie of: "I am worthless."
With the truth of: "I am God's Masterpiece."
Proof: Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Remember, this new way of thinking is not something that'll take care of itself. Only through the finished work of Jesus Christ will this transformation take place, and you must renew your mind daily with the Word of God and His thoughts towards you. Allow the Holy Spirit to help you. He loves YOU and He is faithful!
-Christie
Here is some further reading that you may enjoy from writer Joyce Meyer's book, "Beauty for Ashes":
"One day as I was reading the Bible, I noticed this statement in 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervor; thus we walk] not by sight or appearance” (AMP). The Holy Spirit stopped me and asked, “What do you believe, Joyce, about your relationship with God? Do you believe He loves you?” As I honestly began to search my heart and to study His Word on the subject, I concluded He did love me—but conditionally.
But the Bible teaches that God loves us perfectly or unconditionally. His perfect love is not based on our perfection or anything except Himself (see 1 John 4:8). He always loves us, but often we don’t receive His love because of guilt about our wrong behavior. We are supposed to be conscious and aware of God’s love and put faith in it. But I was unconscious and unaware of God’s love; therefore, I was not putting faith in His love for me. What a breakthrough! That was the beginning of my emotional healing. It has been a process, but today I can honestly say I am healed and content. I know in my heart that God loves me—and I also love myself.
Saturate your mind with the truth of God’s Word. It’s filled with reminders of His unconditional love for you. He says you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). He says that nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:35). Don’t let the enemy steal your identity. You are God’s masterpiece. Believe it!"
The Maid of Honor (MoH) Rap
/After an incredible and unforgettable proposal from my fiancé, it seemed fitting to ask one of my very best friends to be my Maid of Honor in a creative, 'Christie-like' way. After coming home from working a Spring Training game, I thought maybe I should write a song for her. Well, that soon turned into a rap, which then turned into a parody song to "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" (one of my all-time favorite sitcoms).
I wrote up some lyrics, trapped myself in my closet for as close to a sound-proof room as possible, and recorded the lyrics.
A screenshot of the video while recording the lyrics. Ihad to wear the hat to get in the rapping mood.
Then, the next three days before leaving for back East, I recorded a fun video on my GH4. I edited on the airplane to and from Phoenix, as the first day back would be the baseball game I invited her out to to present the video for her. Time was limited, but I had a blast putting it all together!
So, without further ado, I present to you: "The Fresh Maid of Honor of Phoenix" (AKA: The MoH Rap).
Enjoy! :-)
She said: 'O-H' Yes!
/Man asks girl to be his wife: ON THE FIELD OF the Ohio State University Stadium
On November 25, 2014, Bryan Lukes proposed marriage to Christie Roshau on the field at The Ohio State University football stadium "Shoe". This story is unique, because this newly engaged couple isn’t even from Ohio: but Phoenix, AZ.
The Ohio State University Stadium, 11/29/14
Wait…what?
Yes. Anyone may naturally wonder how two Arizonians would make their way out to Columbus, and how the young man could plan a proposal on one of the most coveted fields in the nation.
Ohio Roots
Christie has a lot of family in Mansfield, OH. Throughout the years, she would make trips out to Mansfield, Ohio to enjoy time with her grandparents and other family members. Her love for the Buckeyes grew the more times she spent with her grandfather, who would always have the “Big Game” on. Even after graduating from Arizona State University and being a fully devoted Sun Devil, part of her heart always loved and felt a devotion to the Buckeyes throughout the years.
Mansfield, OH - Grandma's
On The Ohio State University football field, AKA "The Shoe" – 2009
Her dream? To be able to go to the “Big Game” at The Ohio State University.
Lies, Lies, Lies...
Fast forward to the start of November of 2014. Christie decided to go visit her Ohio family for Thanksgiving. In the meantime, her firefighter boyfriend was planning a proposal of a lifetime. Bryan told Christie that he would be leaving for firefighting training for a week in Maryland up until Thanksgiving Eve, and that he would be making a stop in Mansfield before heading back to Phoenix. Well, that was the beginning of the trickery. The fact is that there was no “firefighting training,” and Bryan was going to be in Ohio getting details for the proposal before she would ever be in Ohio!
4H Banquet Extravaganza!
As soon as she flew into Columbus, her family members John, Cindy, Sarah and Grace Cornell were in on the surprised, and tricked Christie by telling her that there was a 4H banquet down at the University they were attending. They were allowed to invite an additional guest, and asked if she would like to join the black-tie affair. She agreed, and when they made it down to the stadium, Christie was shocked! How cool is it that this banquet has a private event at the University!
As John and Christie pulled up the stadium, her Aunt Cindy and cousins Sarah and Grace showed up in jeans! What happened to the black-tie-affair? So she switched quickly out of her heels and slipped into her boots, as she now was thinking the “black-tie-affair” for 4H events meant a pair of boots and jeans (which would play an important role, as the event was outside in the cold).
Aunt Cindy and my cousins Sarah & Grace
"Clueless Christie"
As they made their way in, this is where the ‘clueless’ word comes into play. On the way up the street, there’s a photographer taking photos. Obviously, because Christie’s job sometimes entails working at banquet events, that was second nature for her to see.
There was a red carpet and an usher at the very bottom to guide guests through. She kept taking photos for a good five minutes, and all of a sudden, Bryan taps her on the shoulder! That “usher” Christie saw in a nice tuxedo at the end of the red carpet was Bryan patiently waiting for her! She was absolutely clueless to this fact.
A Stadium Filled With Love
The stadium was completely empty: Just her parents, family members, and of course the photographers were around. “What is going on here?” Christie asked with excitement. He then takes her hand and leads her to the end zone and dances with her.
The Big Question
As time goes on, Bryan then pulls out his Bible and shares what he has been looking for in a wife through A passage in Proverbs 31 (excerpt below):
"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life...Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come...
...She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness...Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her...
...Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."
The Letter
After this, Bryan pulls out a letter. He has always written handwritten notes and letters throughout their relationship, and oh how she appreciated that. He talked about a lot of wonderful things...including having a discussion with my dad prior to the engagement, and asking for his permission to marry me. I don't think Bryan will ever realize how that meant to me!
Next thing Christie realizes, Bryan is down on one knee and asked her if she’d do him the honor of being his wife.
She said yes!
(or should we say: ‘O-H' Yes!)
Breaking Rules
From there, they ran into the center of the football field, right smack dab in the middle of the “O”...
What a surreal experience they had as they returned back to the end zone to celebrate with her family...
The Cake-Topper Moment...
OH yes…should I mention that he also surprised her with tickets to her VERY FIRST Ohio State football game? And do I dare mention that it was against the rival Michigan team? She screamed louder with that then when she got the ring! That is all a fact, my friend.
Yep. They are going to live happily ever after. :-)
The Moral Of This Story:
Bryan is absolutely amazing. He spent days in a state he’s never been to before, travelling all over (literally…from Cincinnati to Columbus to Dayton and finally Mansfield) to get all the necessary things to make the night unforgettable. He completely surprised me by laying out a red carpet with an archway right to him (though I was completely oblivious). Also, we had the stadium all to ourselves, with my family enjoying the moment in the background. Don’t forget the dozens of roses, personalized letter, Bryan in a TUXEDO, and a stadium all to ourselves!
OH…I mentioned that already.. :-)
The "Proposal Shirt" I made!
Skull session w/band. No idea why it's called that, but it's cool!
It was all so perfect, and I am so excited to continue this new journey of life with my fiancé, Bryan Fredrick Lukes.
I sure got a keeper :-)
From Sea to Shining Sea! Part I - CA/AZ (birthday fun)
/Well what a wonderful two weeks or so it had been! It was filled with trips to San Diego, Boston, Washington DC, Richmond, Newport News, Philadelphia (for a transfer flight), then back to Arizona!
San Diego/AZ Birthday "Pit Stop"
San Diego was a pre-birthday getaway, filled with relaxing, resting, and refocus on priorities. The weather was a fabulously cloudy time for the majority, with brief bursts of sun at the beach! What a God-send the trip and bursts of sunshine was :-) AND I got to see my Disney friend, Jenna, that I haven't seen in over seven years!! It was fabulous!
San Diego, CA
Seaport Village with Bryan! San Diego, CA
Reunion time with Jenna! San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA
After a brief comeback to Arizona just in time to celebrate Memorial Day (and my birthday) at the D-backs game, I was headed out again for a vaca/work trip to the east coast...oh the adventures that would come!
Mom and me at the Diamondbacks game, May 26, 2014. Phoenix, AZ.
Birthday lunch with Bryan, May 26, 2014. Scottsdale, AZ.
Birthday celebration from work! Phoenix, AZ.
NEXT STOP: BOSTON, MA!
Lighting tests – "Red Sweater"
/Here are some photos I did with BigFish Photographers, as they needed someone to do lighting tests. More practice for those behind the camera, and in front! Why not?! :-)
Reflection: COC Production - Toy Scene 2013
/What a season this has been! Starting in August 2013, I began working with three different groups as a scene producer/choreographer for the 35th Annual Celebration of Christmas production in Phoenix, AZ. It is something that I have been involved in for the past 20 years, and am so grateful for the opportunities it has given me as an actress, dancer, aerial artist, and choreographer. The program just completed last weekend, and I couldn't be more proud of the groups God allowed me to be a part of.
This year was incredibly special to me. To be able to work with a range of ages, personalities, and characters (both figuratively and true!) really excites me. Everyone came from different backgrounds, walks of life, and are on a different journey in their relationship with Christ. They all brought something very special and unique to the table, and I am so honored to have had each of them in my life.
I told them from the beginning that I was taught at a very young age: "This isn't a production, this is a ministry..." and it's true. Throughout the season, we had sicknesses try to attack us, family dramas and dilemmas, emotional breakdowns, multiple personal prayer requests, deaths in families, overwhelmed exhaustion, school troubles, politics, peer pressures, and overall new journeys in the faith of Jesus Christ. We had these attacks because of the reason why my groups do what the do: it's all about the ministry of Jesus. Whenever you are doing something for Christ, the enemy will try to attack you from every angle: emotionally, physically, and spiritually:
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
Each one of the cast members - whether they realized it or not - made an impact on our community by connecting to an audience of tens of thousands who are going through the same things. You may never know the impact, but it's not up to us to keep score. Our job is to love one another, and leave the judging up to the one true God.
So, as a special tribute to an amazing year, my friends at BigFish Photographers gave their time and talents to photograph these wonderful groups I had the pleasure of choreographing this year! A huge shout out to them for being so stinkin' wonderful...as well as sending me the photos on such a quick turn-around time to be able to edit them for the group! Not all photographers will do this, understandably, and I truly appreciate their flexibility to make an exception to the rule.
Thank you to everyone for their hard work throughout the season! If you would like to use any photos for your Facebook page, please credit the above photographer (FB page here). Parents, if you took an individual photo of your child(ren), please standby, and I will try to get those out to you before the new year. Please send a reminder email if you do not receive anything from me by January. Thank you!
Until next time,
<3 Christie
Stuffed Animal Ministry Night - Celebration of Christmas Production
/It's ready! Check out the highlight video that explains our outreach event with the community during the Phoenix First Assembly Celebration of Christmas Production. Thank you to all those who volunteered! Also, a gallery is added for your enjoyment as well :-)
Participants this year:
- Flying Angels
- Little Flying Angels
- Toy Children
- Toy Soldiers
- Toy Percussionists
Photoshoot with BigFish Photographers - Tennis Court
/Hello!
So I decided to get my action-shots done for my portfolio, and here is one of my favorite shots:
This is not green-screened, and I really did jump like this! An amazing job done by my friend Cole Guthery, and his business partner, Levi Paul. If you ever need great shots and great turn-around time...go to their website HERE to see their work, and CONTACT THEM to schedule a shoot!
Stuffed bears needed!
/Hey-oh! Long time no talk, but I am back!!! Guess what? Christmas is just around the corner...the Christmas Production that is! This year, we need extra help! I am choreographing the Toys Scene- full of toys, soldiers, ballerinas, etc. and we are joining the Flying Angels by gathering stuffed animals to hand out during the seniors/special needs ministry that will be coming out to the show preview night December 4th! We want to make their visit extra special :-) ...
Would you check out this link and "like" the page? https://m.facebook.com/ToySceneStuffedAnimalDrive?__user=10053405
If you can donate - great!! We need all the bears we can get. Our goal is 500. We have about THREE WEEKS to collect!
Simply email info.christie@gmail.com, and we can come to you or schedule a drop-off location!
Thanks, and happy holidays! ;-)
I did it: Maggie's Race 2013
/9 hours before the race...
The night before the big race,
I honestly felt so much pain in my left foot that I thought I'd have to pull out of my first 5k...but I knew deep down it was an attack on what I was wanting to accomplish.
10 minutes before...
I got ready to go. I couldn't even jog to warm up ten minutes before-hand. As I walked to the starting line, I felt that I would end up walking it. Honestly.
One minute before the "go" ...
I put in my iPod music, had to the left Bryan, a great supporter, ready to run beside me...and then heard the Jason Upton song, "Fly." It reminded me that God is taking me to new places...new adventures...new opportunities to trust him above my feelings, how I feel, and what I think. His ways are truly higher than mine. I was ready to fly...
One mile complete...
Then, I started to praise Him -- He is faithful. He is with me. He truly loved me. Feeling strong.
Two mile marker...
I hear God tell me "I am proud of you- whether you finish first or last, I am with You and I am proud of you." Pushing, pushing, pushing...now it has sinked in.
Push to the finish...
By now, I am thinking about this past month. You may have noticed a lack of posts since my trip to Ohio. I needed a break from social media to focus on one thing: Christ. So many trials have been stabbing at me, and I wondered why...but God already said I'd go through that as a believer in Christ. My job is to trust and believe His word above my circumstances.
Finish line...
I ran across. I smiled. My parents came out to support, and I couldn't have been more blessed than to have them join in this accomplishment. Moreso, we have a loving God cheering us on. He is always with you, no matter how far you run...He sees you and cares for you. Remember that.
What's next?
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Period.
Until next time, be thankful.
❤Christie
(Pictures: collage of event and final running results)
Piano playing - Ohio!
/Check out a sneak peak of a song I'm playing for my cousin's wedding in t-minus 5 days! Find it on | Instagram: @Chris2theT |
Super stoked, and love this little Irish jig the bride requested! :-) That is all...keep calm and carry on! 👸
-Chris2theT
Work Hard. Rest Harder. – Part II
/"One Thing Is Needed"
(Refer to previous post for Part I)
Jesus' answer to Martha brought revelation to my eyes:
“...And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:41
What was that one thing needed?
Rest.
- When the Lord made the earth, he worked for six days and rested for one.
- When the Lord Jesus came to earth, He was working in His ministry and spent time away to rest.
- When the Lord sent His Holy Spirit to the earth, He came as a mighty wind and interestingly rested upon each of the disciples.
Some of Webster's definitions for Rest:
- A bodily state characterized by minimal functional and metabolic activities
- Freedom from activity or labor
- A state of motionlessness or inactivity
- Peace of mind or spirit
- Something used for support
I leave you with this: There’s freedom that comes when you actively rest. You will experience supernatural peace when this happens. Then, there’s someone you can use for support when you rest: Jesus.
“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me...” - Matthew 11:28-29
Work hard. Rest harder.
/In our culture today, I've noticed that we tend to see over and over again the importance of being busy, and resting should only be done if you get all other obligations done.
"It keeps you going," one might say. Or, "If I'm not busy, I'd be bored." And even, "God wants me busy...it means that I'm serving Him and love Him.”
I can say this, because it's phrases I have thought before.
Work vs. Busy
I’ve recently discovered a revelation, and even though I am still learning about this, I thought I’d share what I’ve experienced thus far: Busy vs. Working.
Some of Webster’s Definition of Busy:
1: Full of activity
2: Foolishly or intrusively active
3: Full of distracting detail
Some of Webster’s Definition of Work:
1: Activity in which one exerts strength or faculties to do or perform something
2: Sustained physical or mental effort to overcome obstacles and achieve an objective or result
3: The labor, task, or duty that is one's accustomed means of livelihood
I highlight these specific words to show a contrast:
Busyness leads to distractions, intrusiveness, and foolishness
Working leads to strengthening, overcoming, and achievement.
I searched the Word of God for the difference between work and busyness...and found this story of Martha, the woman who spent all of her time cleaning and doing chores while her sister sat and listened tot he teachings of Jesus. We tend to look at Martha and judge her for being pre-occupied with other tasks instead of spending time with Jesus. I mean, she was WITH HIM...wouldn’t you stop everything if you knew Jesus was in your home?
“But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." - Luke 10:40
Let me rephrase it this way that's a little more relatable:
“Christie was busy with much serving: music, teaching, work, competitions, cleaning the house, doing errands...and she approached Jesus during her 15-minute breaks (aka, driving from one event to the other) and said, “Lord, I am exhausted...don’t You care that everyone else is laughing and enjoying life while I’m serving You all alone? Tell everyone else that they are wrong in all their ‘non-doing,’ and have them come help me!”
To Be Continued...
Six Pianos – One Song – Two Minutes
/During my travel to New York City, I ran across an event called "Sing For Hope" - 88 pianos stationed all across the city. I decided to play the same song in each location to make a mash-up later on. After sight-seeing on foot over a two-day period, I played on seven pianos, and I was able to get six recorded to later piece together. Enjoy!
Song: Rondo Alla Turca (Turkish March), Mozart
Locations on Video:
- Times Square
- Lincoln Center
- Central Park, Cherry Hill
- Central Park, Dairy's Gazebo
- Hudson Bay Pier
- Chelsea Pier
Along this journey, my new-found friends and I (see first blog for pictures!) met a man and his girlfriend who was at the Hudson Bay Pier the same time we got there! We ended up doing a jam together, which can be seen below. It truly was an act of God, because we took a different route that we originally intended, we probably would have missed this encounter. It was so much fun! We also sang Disney songs together...he was truly so talented, and it was a great time!
What a wonderful experience, and I hope to do it again in the near future!
Roosevelt Lake - Video Shoot
/
Roosevelt Lake - Photo by Christie Roshau
Welcome to Roosevelt Lake! ☀ This past week I directed/produced a segment to a project I'm working on (which included a 3am wake-up call) out by the lake. It was wonderful to work with such a talented group of individuals. If you haven't been out to Roosevelt Lake, I highly suggest it – it's absolutely gorgeous out there!
Myself at Roosevelt Lake
The Crew
The crew (left to right): Genaro (grip), Julie (makeup), Daren (grip), Joe (audio), Robert (Steadicam)
Something that is so crucial for me on my video shoots is to work with people that are passionate about their individual gifts and talents. I had an incredible camera man who has an ability to bring out on camera the vision I have for a project. My lighting grip is just an all around amazing, whose presence just lights up any room he walks into -- literally! :-) The audio mixer communicated so well to let me know how everything is sounding (even if a loud motor kicks in during the middle of a take!). My grips were both ready to think ahead for me, and extend the helping hands wherever needed. The makeup artist not only looked out to make sure makeup and hair was fabulous, but she also has an eye to point out details during a take that may otherwise be missed. My talents were absolutely wonderful to work with, and had their lines memorized and ready to go!
(Below photos courtesy of Genaro Delgadillo)
The Lessons
It was a long day - a very long day! Waking up at 3am surprisingly came easy, and I can only thank God for that. As a director/producer for this project, the most difficult part was to be able to step back and breath, as I had to continuously be thinking ahead to the next location, talent, script, etc. Nevertheless, I have to say that directing and producing are my two favorite parts of the whole production process. Pulling in the best crew for the job and being able to execute the vision is so satisfying. Being able to work on projects like this really help me to learn from my mistakes, continue striving in areas I'm doing well in, and listen to the ideas and suggestions from others on my shoot.
Until next time, keep creating!
Photo Courtesy of Genaro Delgadillo
Welcome to my new blog: Travels to NYC!
/Welcome to my official website and official first blog! What better way to start this off but by sharing my most recent travel to New York City!
After saying goodbye to my co-workers in DC, I hopped on the AMTRACK and was on my way to the Big Apple. The train ride was one of only three times I've ever been on the train (once to the Grand Canyon, another in California) ... and to my surprise it was quite enjoyable, easy, and fun! I met new friends from the Netherlands, and they were quite shocked to learn about Arizona's "44 degree Celsius" weather (I had to google convert it from Fahrenheit for them). :-)
RIGHT after I arrived, I dropped off my luggage, and hurried out to see a Broadway show! I decided to start things off with "Chicago". It was great!! I also had the opportunity to see "Jersey Boys" and "Annie" during my time in the city. I think my favorite all around would have to be Jersey Boys. Who doesn't love the music of the Four Seasons?! It was awesome!!
Chicago Musical on Broadway
The next day would begin an amazing journey of a lifetime. I call it, "Operation: 88 Piano Search." My co-worker told me about a project where 88 Pianos would be stationed all across New York City: From Times Square, to Central Park or along the Pier. I spent the next two days finding these pianos ON FOOT to see how many I could play! It was an AWESOME way to see the city, and also meet new friends along the way. It was also so enjoyable to meet other pianists with multiple different skill levels and backgrounds that share in the common love of music. What better place than on the streets, piers, parks, and street corners?? Stay tuned for a video with a montage of ALL the pianos I was able to find :-)
Pianos were places all over New York City as part of the SingForHope.org project.
New friends along the way! Louesa and Rosalyn!
I concluded my trip by visiting the 9/11 Memorial. This was a surreal experience, because I was in New York about 4 years after the attack, and saw it when there was still a hole in the ground with fencing off all around it and construction materials. I passed by fire stations with memorials of fallen heroes (that was probably the hardest thing for me to see, but glad I did. It is a constant reminder of how precious life is, the tragedy that occurred, and those who selflessly give their lives to save another).
I also had the honor of talking with a New York police officer who shared his personal account of that day, as well as sharing about the many friends he lost after that horrific day. I'm very thankful for his willingness to open up and share such a personal story.
My time in New York City was really special. It was a great time to reflect on the truly many blessings I have: the ability to travel, my personality that enjoys meeting new people, my gift of music to share with others, and a loving family that supports me in my endeavors.
Stay tuned for highlight videos and piano montages in future blog posts. New York City, I'll be back! Until next time, never stop thinking creatively :-)