Opera nerd alert

In 2011 I started tracking every performance I saw. I loved being able to look back at the year through that lens, so I continued keeping track. Here are the 2012 numbers:

17 movies

2 vocal competitions

7 recitals and concerts

8 Broadway plays and musicals

1 Off-Broadway play

1 cabaret

1 circus

34 operas (at 11 different companies)

GAH! THIRTY-FOUR OPERAS! And I thought 17 was a lot last year. Obviously, our summer o' opera made a big difference. It was a great year for seeing things—was it for you?

My favorites of 2013 were, in chronological order:

March 10, 2012: Venus in Fur on Broadway with the incomparable Nina Arianda

March 13, 2012: Pina 3D at Lincoln Center Film

June 29, 2012: Don Carlo at the Wiener Staatsoper with the best cast ever

July 7, 2013: the premiere of Written on Skin in Aix-en-Provence

July 10–13, 2012: my first Ring cycle in Munich

August 8, 2012: One Man, Two Guv'nors on Broadway, where I almost fell out of my seat laughing

November 18, 2012: Joyce DiDonato's Drama Queens recital at Carnegie Hall

What did you see that moved you last year? Any performances you're particularly looking forward to in 2013?

Guten Tag, 2013!

2013 is beginning very auspiciously—I'm home! Since I got back yesterday afternoon, I have been soaking up all the time I can with CM and the kitties in our beautiful house. Monday's opening was a great success, and the gala party in the Grand Tier afterwards was fabulous, of course, but I could not be happier to be home.

I've been thinking a lot about goals for the year, how I'd like to grow, what I'd like to accomplish. Rather than making a lot of big resolutions, I'd like to focus on the little things—doing more of those things that make me happy, and less of what doesn't.

For 2013, MORE…

• homemade coffee
• wearing of lipstick
• throwing of dinner parties
• reading for pleasure
• staycations
• phone dates
• braising of meat
• writing
• nights in
• spontaneous adventures
• taking of photos
• intentional packing for gigs
• after-dinner walks

But LESS…

• wondering what I should do with my life (duh, this)
• procrastination
• constant checking of email
• accumulation of stuff
• internet rabbit holing
• mediocre yet expensive dining out
• streaming Netflix
• cynicism
• time without my husband

What about you? Did you make resolutions this year?


Buenos dias, 2012
Grüß Gott, 2011
Buongiorno, 2010
Bonjour, 2009

Auf wiedersehen, 2012!

I took some time this weekend to reflect on this year that's almost over. Compared to the few that came before, it was pretty sedate. We didn't move house, not once, across the world or the country or the street. We didn't make any huge life-altering decisions. We worked, and traveled, and lived our lives as they are. I think we had a good year.

Some highlights:

I survived Don Giovanni, Sweeney Todd, Le nozze di Figaro, L'elisir d'amore, Don Giovanni again (in which I had my first Met directing credit), and Maria Stuarda (assuming all goes as planned tonight).

I took a cruise with Legs McGee. Cruises might not be my thing, but I'll happily travel with Legs again, anytime, anywhere.

I crossed off 3 Bossy List items: #12,  #9, and #56.

I started taking my health more seriously. I visited doctors and dentists. I took up running again, and ran my first 5K race. I finished the Whole 30. I dabbled in Paleo and felt the best (and lightest) I've felt in years. Then I fell off the wagon. I think I'd like to climb back on in 2013. Who's with me?

I spent a glorious 2 months in Europe with CM—1 month at idyllic Glyndebourne, and 1 month traveling around and hearing lots of opera. I crossed off 3 more countries toward my goal of eating a meal in every European country.

I vowed to make the most of my free time in New York, and started the Sundays in New York feature. It worked—I fell in love with the city again.

We added a new member to our family: the adorable Bossy Kitten! She stole our hearts, and even the Bossy Cat is getting used to her.

I spent 183 days with CM, and 115 days at home. I'd like to break some records next year.


Tonight I'll have my last opening night of the year, and then say goodbye to 2012 in style on the Met's Grand Tier. I'm wishing you all a wonderful night. See you next year.

Adios, 2011
Tschüss, 2010
Addio, 2009
Adieu, 2008

Happy weekend!

How was your week, my dears? I've been struggling, as we all have, to find moments of lightness and joy after last week's tragedy. I'm so happy that CM arrives today to bring me out of the doldrums. This weekend we'll get cracking on our December list.

Some links to occupy you while we're at the circus:

I love this software that automatically adjusts the lighting on your computer at night. No more blue glow!

Thoughts on staying in love (via Planting Dandelions).

ACK! Puggles!

I enjoyed this article about Deb Perelman. Have you bought the Smitten Kitchen Cookbook yet?

Send a call from Santa.

How to help.


CM made his first batch of barrel-aged negronis! Don't they look gorgeous? (Custom-made labels are from Pinhole Press.)

Here's hoping your weekend is filled with holiday celebrations, hot chocolate, and strength in numbers. xoxo LMB

Makeover!

Welcome, friends, to the new and improved Little Ms. Bossy! It was time for a new look, so of course I contacted the fabulous Carolyn to help me out. I'm so pleased with what she's made—it's exactly what I was looking for. You like?