All Dressed Up

It was the culmination of a week filled with a new hair cut, endless shopping for just the right dress, trying on shoes, packing, planning, manicures, pedicures and, finally, we were ready for our night out.  We were going to the ballet. 


I love having a niece, especially one who likes doing the same kinds of things I like to do.  Audrey is 17, smart, funny - she inherited her dad's dry wit, and best of all, she likes hanging out with her aunt. 


I have to say that I think I was the kid that night.  We saw Sleeping Beauty at Bass Hall in Ft. Worth.  The hall is an intimate environment and so beautiful.  We were sitting so close we could see the expressions on the dancer's faces and could also "see them sweat."  As the lights slowly came up the dancers and scenery slowly became visible through, what had looked like a curtain but was actually a translucent veil.  As this veil rose, the stage came to life as the characters began telling the story of the newborn princess who, at 16, would fall victim to a curse causing her to sleep for 100 years.  The kiss of a certain prince is the only thing that could awaken her. 


As all this was happening, I found myself sitting with a silly grin on my face, and I think I might have even let my mouth drop open.  The good news is I caught myself before the drool started to flow - count me thankful for the little things.