…not in the scene from her Rodeo Drive shopping spree, nor the rep
lacing of the divots on the polo field, and especially not when she was "counseling" with "88 inches of therapy"…
It was during her character Vivian’s first exposure to opera.
I wasn’t wearing a Eugene Alexander red designer gown or a $250,000 ruby and diamond necklace; if I’m not mistaken, I 
was wearing a pair of low-rise jeans, a black tee, $30 Lucky Brand earrings, barefoot. My surroundings weren’t the posh San Francisco Opera house, either.
Off the corner of my bedroom is a 10’x10′ room, the walls of which are painted lime green; perhaps originally it was designed to be a closet or small study. The ceiling is vaulted but slanted and there’s a floor-to-ceiling window facing east. During the day, it invites the sun into the room; at night, the moon and stars receive the same invitation, but they choose to remain at a safer distance.
While it often becomes a staging area for Things That Need To Be Taken To Goodwill, this is my creative corner, the place where my daughter and I stamp hand-made notecards. On this particular afternoon, however, I was working on an album from our 20th anniversary trip. Sitting on the floor in the eye of an intimidating 300-picture storm, I decided to play the new Paul Potts "One Chance" CD I had gotten 
the day before. The familiar first track is "Nessun Dorma", the song he sang during his first Britian’s Got Talent performance, the song where I became smitten with this humble man. The second song began, "Con Te Partiro" ("Time to Say Goodbye"), and I slowed my work to listen more carefully. It’s sung in Italian, so I couldn’t understand the language, but that didn’t seem to matter; I was hearing on another plane. "Amapola" is the third song, and by this point, I realized something was stirring deep within…this music was resonating in my soul. When "Everybody Hurts" ("Ognuno Soffre") began playing, I just stopped. I stopped what I was doing to fully engage the song, or rather, allow it to engage me.
It was a surreal moment…I-do-NOT-care-for-opera! I’ve always glazed over when I’ve heard pieces in the past. But not this day. It was a rare, exquisite moment when a gifted man shared his passion with me, speaking in a voice that transcended uncommon language, a voice that speaks with the heart and the soul, a voice I wish I recognized more often.
Sitting there alone in my room, I was moved nearly to tears, both bewildering and incomprehensible to me! It was then I remembered that scene in "Pretty Woman", when Vivian heard the beauty in "La Traviata"; if you recall, she didn’t need Edward (Richard Gere) to explain further–she fully appreciated the beauty and depth of the music without needing to understand the words.
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Sorry, guys…this is getting LONG! My kids are on Spring Break, I’m writing with CONSTANT interruption today, so I think I’ll pick up my thoughts in a bit. It’ll give you a break, too ;).
I’ve always enjoyed opera – just because I appreciate the singers ability. years and years and years of training and practice. Opera singers have the best voices by far. They are amazing.
I love the opera. I get to go once a year (twice if I’m very, very good). I love listening to it at home when I’m by myself.
Karmyn, I’m just amazed I’ve ignored it for so long. They ARE amazing!
Min, I remember that about you; I’ve listened to this CD 10-12 times already…maybe I need to branch out. Any suggestions?
I’ve always appreciated opera (I appreciate it more when I can understand what I’m hearing, but…)and I also love some classical music. Like Karmyn commented, I’m amazed by and I really appreciate the singers’ voices. I’m completely amazed by the discipline that it requires.
About the notecard creations, I’ve wanted to try my hand at that, with my daughters, but never got started. Do you have one of those “creasing” gadgets and all of the tools, etc. to make these really precious cards? Where is the best place here to start collecting your stuff? Show me some samples some time. Not only would this be a great project for art class at home for the girls, but they would start making them for everybody we know I’m sure, for every occasion.
I’ve always wanted to go to an opera, but can’t convince hubby to try it.
Thanks for giving me this inspration, I don’t actually need to ‘go’ anywhere.
Just this past month or so we were invited to an opera in charlotte, “Aida”. It was my first and the tickets were free because we happened to know someone in the opera. So, we took our seats seven rows from the stage and orchestra pit. It was amazing…moved to tears I would say…but I have had the same experience in my own corner of creativity. There is something special about that moment when the heart sparks and the eyes glissen….Josh Groban was my first love of opera. I’ll have to get this Paul Potts CD. Love it. Thanks for sharing
You’re speaking to my soul. This is what I love about music, about going to the symphony, the opera, chamber music–it reaches this place in me. It’s a type of communion with God.
Peculiar, you can go with me to Paige’s stamp club next month! Second Tuesday morning of the month. Over the past few years, I’ve accumulated a bunch of stuff…but you don’t have to have “everything”…just the basics to get started.
Lisa, just to Target or Wal-Mart to pick up a CD…heck, or download from iTunes!
Senselight…wow, what a coup! Free tickets! I think you’ll like PP…he’s rockin’ my lil opera world :).
Heather, yeah, I thought about YOU when I wrote this post; I understand more and more what you’ve spoken about in the past (thank you) :).
closing my eyes now and just living your moment. Thank you for this little bite of pleasure.