I'm dreaming of a White Christmas...!

Well I have to say, I realized while walking to my apartment that cold weather really is important for me to feel in the mood for the Holidays...

Perhaps that has a lot to do with where I grew up, but it was nice to see snow on the ground- cold air, and christmas lights up.  The Caribbean was pretty amazing though... I have to say! It was nice to also feel some heat after spending two of my coldest summers in San Francisco! (I love it there, don't get me wrong, but at the same time...)

Anyway, I am on the way back to the Maritimes and I am so excited. I can't believe I am almost home. I get to see my amazing 92 year old grandmother, my two brothers, my parents, two of my three nieces and even might see some extended family! I had planned on doing a holiday concert, but ended up not having time to do it. Its a shame, but that means the next one will be THAT much better!

I am sitting with my cat at my feet, happy as a clam and wanting to wish you all a safe and happy holiday season!

Lots of Love from my family to yours,

Suzanne

Holidays in NYC

I just want to say that it is pure joy to walk around New York City around the holidays.

The smell of pine from the Christmas trees sold on the street corners, cinnamon, cider, Christmas Markets, lights on every tree and the music blasted from every store and major centers.

It may be audition time in the city, but there is always something to cheer you up in this city!

The countdown is on for my cruise! I am going to the Caribbean for a week where I will be singing up a storm and basking in the sun. I have never been on one before, so I am very excited! I am not sure about the price of wifi on the boat, so this may be my last post!

I also can now announce that I will be making my Edmonton Opera debut next season in a prominent role!!

Life is good :)

Singing and signing off,

Suzanne

New York in the Fall

Wow!

I am so glad to be back in North America and to be back to what seems to be "normal life".  I am in New York after the storm... I have to say, Air Canada was very generous during the Hurricane Sandy. I  was supposed to be in New York on October 30th, but was forced (poor me...) to stay in Paris for an extra five days.. They flew me to Montreal. I stayed there for a week and then they flew me to New York as well. I was so impressed, I thought Air Canada deserved a mention on my blog! I love when humanity surprises you.

Anyway, I had a lovely time at home with my cats, and now I am enjoying catching up with all of my friends from around the world who happen to be here in New York at the crazy audition time. I have been busy, but when in New York, it feels weird not to be busy. At the end of the day your sleep always seems like a reward to the crazy day you have had. I have already had a wonderful week of operas, friends, meals and lessons! I saw Ballo in Maschera, Aida working rehearsal and I saw The Tempest (which I ADORED!) and I have been having coachings, lessons and auditions. On top of that I was lucky enough to eat with some friends from San Francisco at Jean Georges. Wow. What an amazing meal!!

I am so happy to be on my home turf, back with friends and I look forward to seeing my parents in a couple of weeks. Life couldn't be better. I LOVE NEW YORK!

Ciao für now...

Suzanne

Loving the UK

Hello mates!

I have had a lovely quick trip from Leipzig-Paris-London Oct 17-19th and now I am enjoying London a bit! I have to say this is the most "at home" I have felt in a while. 

Sometimes on the road we get a little lonely and that is normal. I guess it is just nice to have some reminders of what life at home is like. My two favourite things that remind me of home: Netflix!! and I can use my visa everywhere.

I know what you are probably thinking is "If you are in London, why are you on Netflix?" but when you are prepping for auditions, its not ideal to be out until all hours, so last night I came home and enjoyed a good romantic comedy!

I will also take a trip up to Edinburgh for a couple of days! I figure, if I am here, why not go all out :D

I love Europe!

Suzanne

Now on Twitter

Hello blog readers!

You can also follow me now on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/serigden

In other news I am leaving for Athens in two! Days!!!

This fall turned out very well in seeing new places for me :)

I am thankful today for my opera career....

Suz

Berlin is the beginning!

Guten Morgen!

Ich bin in Berlin da Gestern und ich habe Lust! Ich liebe Berlin. Es ist eine schöne Stadt!

October is the beginning of a bunch of great auditions. My first starting on October 4th for the Komische Oper. Here in Berlin I know coaches and pianists and I look forward to getting some lessons in the meantime.

On another note I have been fighting off a cold for a while now and went to the doctor yesterday. I am on antibiotics, but I am on the road to recovery. It happens often when we are switching cities all the time, living out of a suitcase and staying in different beds and environments.

Did I ever update that in Brussels our hostel caught on fire? I went for the weekend to meet a friend, and we stayed in this hostel very close to the Main Square in Brussels. It was very convenient until 6:30am we were woken up to police yelling "Il y a feu!!" I pulled open my curtains and saw the fire on the scaffolding on the outside of the building. My Fight or Flight instinct kicked in and I bolted! We were all outside in our pjs and some had more on than others. Needless to say I didn't get anymore sleep that night. Who knows, I could have caught the cold from that point. Oh well, it is a good story none-the-less!

Prost!

Suzanne

Pictures by Kristen Loken