October 1981 was a very good month, yet a very hard month for DH and I. I was committed to leaving my future DH behind so I could serve as a missionary, but we had one last month to spend time together. I was living at my Aunt's house in our college town for several weeks as I finished up my job at Bridal Veil Falls, and we spent almost every evening together. We attended football games, a Christopher Cross concert, and our college Homecoming Dance. We toured the new Jordan River Temple during the month-long open house, along with over a half million other people. We had parties and gatherings with family and roommates and friends. And on the Friday before I was to enter the Missionary Training Center DH and I had one of our last dates for a year and a half and attended the opera.
Carmen, the famous opera by French composer Goerges Bizet was my first exposure to this art form. I was familiar with much of the music, but had never seen the production before. It was impressive, and I was grateful for the written program that helped me to follow the story line as soldier Don Jose' leaves his childhood sweetheart and abandons his military duties as he is seduced, and then rejected by the Gypsy Carmen, who then dies a tragic death.
Opera still is not my favorite form of entertainment, but I can appreciate the music and the talents and abilities of the performers. What is your experience with Opera?
I have to say I have never been to an Opera, although I think the entire experience, from the setting to the play to the music must be an incredible and unforgettable time - perhaps something everybody should experience at least once! Thanks for sharing (and visiting so regularly)! I appreciate you!
ReplyDeleteWe are blessed to live in an area with many opportunities for a wide variety of musical productions. I don't think we have been back to a live opera since that date, but we have attended many other concerts, both classical and more contemporary. Listening to and even performing music has been an important part of our extracurricular activities through the years.
DeleteHi! I have never been to an opera either, although I would like to experience it at least once. It sounds as though the storyline of the one you attended was right on topic with what you were going through at the time. I think that more couples could benefit from a time apart like that, time to reflect on the reality and depth of the relationship, it is easy when you are young to get caught up in the emotion of the moment without really stopping to reflect if this is who/what you want in a life partner. Obviously you chose well!
ReplyDeleteRead today's A to Z post at Josie Two Shoes
My DH wasn't particularly happy with my decision to leave, but he did support me and was even still around and available when I returned home, for which I will always be grateful. It is wise to take plenty of time when choosing your life's partner. It hasn't always been nothing but roses, but we have had a good life together.
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