One of my greatest accomplishments. . .

While I was home in Idaho, I was lucky enough to run into a few of my students from my classes and I was surprised at how emotional I got about it. I would have to say that starting the acting studio and sharing my love for performing with the youth was one of my accomplishments I will always cherish the most. I quit working full time in 2005. I was not doing what I wanted with my life at that time. I never, ever, ever dreamed of some day answering phones and filing all day. . . I dreamed of doing something with my talent. The day I resigned I told everyone I was going to open a studio and teach acting to children. I struggled to get my first studio up and running. . .and became quite discouraged. When I felt like I would never succeed, my sister moved home from Boise and shared a similar dream. She has studied classical ballet and also wanted to share her talent with others. So together we started "The Conservatory of Ballet & Theatrical Arts" (CBTA)

I really do believe that because I had such a wonderful and rewarding responsibility, I found energy and happiness to push through the next few years ahead of me. I taught classes once a week and put together shows, parade floats, showcases and cast parties. I never really made money. . . but when you're doing something that makes you happy, money is not the reason you continue doing it. My reward was standing off stage watching talented children shine so bright on stage, that it brought me to tears. It's satisfying and I feel privileged to have been allowed to be a part of it. Here are a few pictures of the amazing students I worked with.

These Pictures are from the play I wrote
Performed while I was recovering from my Double Lung Transplant

Introducing: Mayor Naise, Narrator/Bartender, Town Drunk "Jack", Dying Townsman, Cheatin' Cardplayer

In this scene are:
Sheriff Freckle Face Fanny Wanny, Dying Townsman, Cheating Cardplayers

In this scene:
Mayor Naise, Sheriff Freckle Face Fanny Wanny, Mad Dog Tannon & his sidekick, Mayor's Son

It was hard to leave the program I had created when Bryan decided to go to school in Phoenix. It was hard to say goodbye to my students, most of them I had been working with for about 3 years. It was hard to leave my greatest achievement in life behind, hoping the program would stay afloat. It was hard to leave my sister with such a large responsibility. I left it in capable hands, but it was my dream. . . With the acting coach who took over for me quitting, my sister was left with the decision of closing the performing arts program. My sister continues teaching Ballet in Blackfoot & Idaho Falls. . .but for now, my students have had to move on. They gave me memories I will cherish my entire life. . . .

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