It’s hard for me to believe that 2011 is over. It seems the older I get, the faster time goes. It was a phenomenal year for us. Cindy and I celebrated another wedding anniversary…and she’s still the best thing that ever happened to me. I can’t imagine my life without her.
Our lives on the road took us coast to coast in the Spring of 2011 – from Florida to California – to perform in some amazing theaters, beautiful places, for amazing audiences. We are very thankful that we have a job where we can work together.
Cindy and I had a great time with my parents this summer as we made the trip to Canton, TX for TRADE DAYS. This is a HUGE outdoor market that sells just about anything and everything you can think of. It took us three full days to make our way through it all (and I’m still not sure we made it all the way through). In any event, it was fun and a great way to relax after the spring tour.
2011 also brought with it several international trips, mostly to share the data from several Hocus Focus research projects.
NORWAY – In May, I presented a paper on Hocus Focus at the International Society for Teacher Education. Alan and I explored Kristiansand but the real adventure was getting there! The 9-hour direct flight had some “mechanical problems” that turned into a 30-hour adventure through Belarus, Poland, Switzerland, Finland, and (finally) Norway.
PERU – In June, I went hiking with one of my best friends in all the world (Mike). We slept in the Amazon, hiked Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu on the 100th anniversary of its discovery, flew over the Nazca Lines in the Peruvian desert, and hang glided off the cliffs of Lima.
AFRICA – In July, I was invited to present a paper on the Hocus Focus project at the International Association of Special Education Conference in Namibia. Alan and I were off again and made some time to check out Ethosha National Park while we were in Namibia.
Fall tour started early this season. We were on the road for most of September, October, and early November. We had only a few days to get home, repack, and hit the road again – this time to Europe for several performances. This was a phenomenal way to end the tour season.
SPAIN – We had the great privilege of performing in some of the most prestigious theatres in Northern Spain. More importantly, we had the honor of working with some great people, making new friends, and being the recipients of the most gracious hospitality we’ve ever experienced. Everything about Spain was simply incredible!
ITALY – From Spain, we travelled to Italy for two performances with Live Nation. Our first stop was Imperia, a beautiful town on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. After that, we were off to Sassuolo to the Teatro Carani. And, finally, we managed to squeeze in a couple of days of relaxation in Verona, Italy (what an experience).
TURKEY – We left Italy for Istanbul. Once again, we found ourselves greeted by graciousness. The entire team at TIM Show Center made us feel totally at home in Turkey. Istanbul is a spectacular city, but it is the people who make it so welcoming.
We arrived back in the USA in time for the Christmas holidays. We were able to spend time with Jay and Freda and their extended family. Mostly, we just rested and tried to get our bodies back into the time zone.
Happy New Year everyone – I hope 2012 brings you health, happiness, and all good things.