April 12, 2011
An excerpt from ” Diva” and the cover mock-up from Create Space.
Act I Scene 1
My heart pounded in unison with the clapping hands all around me. My throat tightened protectively and my eyes blurred as a rush of emotions welled up inside me. Every muscle thrummed with adrenaline. I love to sing and that could have been me singing just like a few years ago…in a performance in Santa Fe. There it was again, the nagging reminder of what might have been.
Some kinds of music bypassed all my safety valves and tore me open emotionally. This particular performance with Nicole Bernard awakened all my senses, just as it had before. Judging by the enthusiastic energy around me, I wasn’t alone.
“Daddy, listen to me.”
“Okay princess,” He lifted me up and sat me on the kitchen counter where mom was working.”
“Somewhere…over the rainbow, Skies are blue…” I sang and waved my arms. I finished two verses and he clapped.
“That was just wonderful, Meggie. Did you and Mommy practice that for me?”
“No Bob, she just watched that movie two hours ago, I have no idea how she learned it that quickly.”
“Well, it was right on key. Our little girl has quite the remarkable voice, don’t you honey. Do you like to sing?”
“Yes Daddy and I’m going to be a very famous singer, you’ll see.
The film ran late and I planned to stay at my parent’s house in the northeast heights of Albuquerque, which was closer than my apartment in Santa Fe. I parked on the street so I didn’t block the driveway. I could hear Murphy’s tail wagging before I was halfway in the unlocked backdoor.
“Hi girl,” I whispered as she nuzzled me. “I know, I’m glad to see you too. Let’s go upstairs.”
Murphy jumped up on the bed in front of me and curled up. I wrapped one arm around her and rubbed her belly. Moonlight danced across my heavy eyelids and Murphy’s breathing became slower and deeper. The fur on her neck carried the scent of freshly cut grass and my breathing began to match hers as I stroked the soft fur and thought back to when we got her.
I had stayed with my parents while undergoing treatment for a malignant tumor on my vocal cords. Treatment that ended my singing career. My parents wanted me to have a companion and the three year old Labrador retriever became much more. She was my best friend during one of the most horrible periods of my life.
***
When I awoke, the bed was empty at the house smelled like cinnamon. I dressed and went down stairs to find a note:
Good morning sweetie, I’m sorry I couldn’t stay to visit with you but I had an early student. I made your favorite cinnamon rolls and there is fresh coffee in the carafe. Call me later and tell me what he thought about the opera, the New York Times raved about it.
I love you, Mom
****
November 19, 2010
Excerpted from “Diva”
“You are probably aware this summer’s repertoire includes a new production of La Traviata with the remarkable Nicole Bernard. We’re all very excited to about this new production, especially since Lars Logan will be guest directing.”
“Yes, I was thrilled when I read about it, probably the biggest draw of the season.” At least it would be for me, I love the opera, there is no singer I admire more than the remarkable Nicole Bernard.
“I believe it will be, judging by early ticket sales. Here’s the dilemma, Mme Bernard generally travels with her family because they use this engagement as a kind of vacation. This year however, her husband is unable to be with her… and it is likely she will need some assistance, though; as you might guess, she is not one to ask. The second part of the dilemma is she has developed a slight problem with her health. I don’t need to tell you these items are strictly confidential. It seems her blood sugar fluctuates wildly and she has had several episodes of collapsing unexpectedly.”
Greta stood up, walked over to a desk in the corner, and returned with a file folder, which contained several legal looking forms. I was completely confused by now by what they thought I could do about either of those problems.
“Here’s what we’d like to offer you, with Mme. Bernard’s tacit agreement, a limited to contract to work as her personal assistant for the duration of the show. The Santa Fe Opera would technically be your employer, and we would pay you. Of course, she will set the terms according to her needs. Your obligation to the company is to provide service, which will enable her to perform consistently and safely. We would also expect you to sign a confidentiality agreement. If you’re interested in this position, Thad will take you over to meet with her to be sure you’re both an agreement. Would you like to look over the forms?”
Are you kidding me? A chance to work with Nicole Bernard… every day. This is a dream come true. My heart was pounding so hard I was sure they could hear it in the pavilion. “I’m flattered and completely at a loss. This is an incredible opportunity, but I have to be completely honest, I really have no experience being anyone’s assistant and my nursing experience has been primarily with the school system.”
“We understand. We also know you worked with her when she did “La Sonnambula” several years ago and you have the advantage of knowing how our programs work. I know it’s not a lot of money But I’m sure we can negotiate something if you’re interested, and we’ll certainly cover your mileage.”
This is just getting better and better. Being paid to spend three months with a magnificent Nicole Bernard, I think my head is gonna explode. “Well if Madame is agreeable, I would love the opportunity.”
Greta sighed loudly and slumped back in her chair, “Margaret, you have just made my life easier. There’s nothing more important to me right now than the safety of my biggest star. Her happiness and well being are paramount and you will earn my undying gratitude.”
Thad beamed at both of us, “shall I’d take her over to see Ms. Bernard?”
“By all means, let me call her to make sure it’s all right. Is this all right with you, Margaret?”
I couldn’t help but laugh, “sure, I only wish I had time to go and buy a new outfit.”
“Don’t even worry, its important to you both feel comfortable.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
October 1, 2010
A brief excerpt from a work in progress entitled
“The Peace Accord at Iona”
There was little conversation as they walked back down the Royal Mile road, each having a conversation in their own head about their experience. The World’s End Pub was up on the left-hand side of the road and they crossed over at the next block. It was late in the afternoon and they were ahead of the dinner crowd. Each ordered a pint of ale and a sandwich.
“Don’t you think some of the old churches we’ve seen are just so inspirational? I believe that people were much more devout in the olden days, you know, the church was just so important to them. I don’t know how we got so off track, sometimes I get so upset with how evil and greedy people have become.” She swallowed her ale and looked around at the pub. “It’s really darling, I’m glad you found this place, it’s so quaint and antique.”
Sam took a long draught and fought to keep her tongue. There were not enough hours left on this trip to point out the faulty logic behind Lucille’s erroneous beliefs. All I can do is accept her for who she is..They ate without much conversation but Sam once again noticed Lucille’s new toned down appearance. She was a lovely woman without the costume and makeup, “you look lovely tonight, Lucille, I like the new you.”
“Why thank you. I just found it too hard with our travel schedule, you know, I’d have to start at four AM. Then wonder of wonders, I found that I kinda liked it too. I do appreciate you sayin’ something; it means a lot coming from you.”
“Can I ask you something, Lucille?”
“Sure, if anybody can, you can.” She laughed conspiratorially.
“Have you ever read any romance novels or what they call chick lit?”
“Can’t say that I have. When we were young, there was only one book to read, other than school books. Then in college I didn’t do much reading for pleasure, I just didn’t have much interest. I do have several books by more contemporary authors, mostly spiritual reading, you know.”
“Would you say that you’ve been rather sheltered as a woman?”
“How do you mean?”
“Well, as far as your world view, what you might know about other cultures and the way women live in other parts of the world. Do you have a good background in history? That sort of thing.” Sam thought she knew the answers; it was more rhetorical questions meant for pondering.
Lucille looked puzzled then embarrassed, “Sam, you know what my life has been like, why do you ask me questions like that.”
Sam reached over and took her arm, “I’m not trying to upset you. I think this trip has been very good for you and I think you are trying to make changes and become the person you were meant to be, not the one that other people created. I just want to help you, so I need to ask you things, not to hurt you but to find ways to make suggestions.”
Lucille pushed her plate away and put on her petulant child mask. Sam smiled because it was becoming quite endearing. They ordered another drink and Sam leaned forward and spoke gently. “I asked you about the books because that’s how a lot of women learn about romance and love, they read and talk about it with their friends.
When women develop close girl friends, they can use them as a sounding board. If they have an unusual experience with a date or and employer, they can check it out with a diverse group of women who may have had similar experiences. The collective wisdom can be really helpful in making important decisions. The more diverse your group of friends, the better your chances of getting clear advice.”
“Well, I have a number of friends and they are always very supportive.”
“But you didn’t tell them about the way your husband treated you, did you?” Silence.
“So you suffered, he got away with it and on it goes.”
“Well, what would your friends do if you told them that you were being hurt?”
Sam could only imagine the shit she’d get, “they would kick me in the ass if I ever went out with that person again. I have a couple of friends in law enforcement who might take it a step further. Now, if this started to happen after we were together for a long time, I would first suggest counseling and if they refused–time to move on.”
“I could never talk about that with my friends.”
“You talked to me.”
“That was different, you’re a doctor.”
“I’m not your doctor, I’m your roommate. But why didn’t you ever talk to your doctor, then?” Sam knew that it was her religious upbringing, but Lucille needed to figure that out on her own.
“I couldn’t! I just couldn’t” And she began to cry. Sam paid the check and they left. She took Lucille’s arm as they walked and Lucille continued to cry softly. The walls were crumbling and Sam wasn’t sure what to do. She wasn’t hired to perform an intervention, the woman wasn’t in a cult—at least she didn’t think she was. But, she had started the deconstruction and she couldn’t abandon her now.
