THE WOEFUL TOE

Somebody really doesn't want me to work out any time soon.

First on my list of woes: I have some sort of eye infection. It's annoying but will go away soon. Besides, there's a bigger woe: today, while packing to go down to San Antonio for Production Week  of Suor Angelica, I caught my foot on the wheel of a suitcase and either broke or badly sprained my little toe on my right foot --- the foot which is already having problems. It hurt like heck, and within a very short time puffed up. It's quite painful to put weight on it, and I am hobbling about like an old lady.

Fortunately, for the role I am currently singing, I get to use a cane. Meet Yorick.

This terrifying character is the head of my cane. It tells you a little something about my character, who is not much friendlier than Yorick here.

My costume this time around is quite glamourous, much more than one normally sees for this character.

I think I look rather like Madame Arnfeldt from A Little Night Music! Here's a close up of the makeup, done by the marvelous Melanie Steele.

Happily, what with Yorick's aid and the adrenaline, having a bum foot didn't interfere much with my performance in rehearsal this afternoon. I had to wear my Birkenstocks under those voluminous skirts, but I hope by opening on Friday I can get into my character shoes.

I've done really well with writing a food plan for the last couple of days, and making mostly good choices. I packed some healthy snacks to come to the hotel with us, and brought our cereal, almond milk, and fruit from home for breakfast! Hotel breakfasts are a big temptation, and it's way too easy to load up on carbs, sugar, and fat. Not a good plan.

It was very exciting to find Honeycrisp apples in the grocery store this week! Honeycrisp apples are the heralds of fall, and I look forward to them every year. I'll eat at least one a day as long as they're in season --- there is just no other apple that compares. We are also enjoying ripe, sweet canteloupe, and the last of the season's raspberries. There was a time in my life when I didn't get excited about fruit. Things do change!

And now, under Yorick's baleful eye, I need to get to bed. Tomorrow is the Sitzprobe (I know it sounds like an unpleasant medical procedure, but it's simply the first musical run-through with the orchestra) and the orchestra dress. Big, long, day. I hope a night off my feet will help the woeful toe!

Comments

[Cindy]

Thanks, Mike, and no worries --- I have no intention of giving up!

MS, so sorry about all your own ailments and hope you feel better soon. Have fun singing the Elgar. They are so beautiful!

[Monster Soprano]

I sprained two ribs, my back is in spasms and I have a head cold. Hence, working out is not a possibility at the moment. I hear you. Oh and I have my first recital post-partum this Sunday ....I can do this, I know I can, I might need your cane though!

[Mike Hawley]

Sorry about the little toe and the other miseries, but you seem to be maintaining your sense of humor and equilibrium. You also look WONDERFUL. Contrast that with a few short years ago, and where you are now, and you have a motivational happy meal!

Don't give up!