Preschool Fluency Info

Here is some great info for parents of preschool children who are wondering if their child is stuttering and what to do about it... Check it:

www.stutteringhelp.org, then click on 'Parents of Preschoolers.'

I ABSOLUTELY love this website. You can also find speech language pathologists who specialize in fluency at www.asha.org, the website of the American Speech Language Hearing Association.

Thanks to all the great fluency practitioners out there!!!!

Oscar's first day in my apartment

Oscar the fledgling had a fun-filled day. He jumped out of his box 3 times. Luckily Manolo the cat didn't notice. He chirped a few times. He seems to like it when I sing. He likes recorded music also, especially my musical theater mix. I gave him some birdseed. I think he might be ready to fly soon. I wonder how I will know when he's ready to face the world?

I adopted a bird

On my summer solstice walk tonight, I rescued a baby bird that would probably otherwise have been food for a wandering cat or dog. He is a cutie. I think I'll name him Oscar.

So far he is enjoying living in a white box that is meant for storing school papers. He has a birdbath (plastic plate filled with water) and some bread crumbs. I think he's settling in.

So far Manolo the cat hasn't really noticed him. I think that's a good thing.

More to come soon!

Fort Tryon Fireworks

Tonight there were fireworks in Washington Heights and Inwood. I heard them as I left the church and crossed the street with my friend Jessie-- suddenly the evening was alive with the tumult of celebratory explosives. My friends from the class I'd just attended walked decidedly back toward the cacophony of sound. Wanting to join them, I quickened my pace... then remembered that I've been sick and need my rest. Somewhat reluctantly I parted ways and walked toward the peaceful slope leading to my home. Shining faces were all turned to watch the fireworks above the trees in the distance. For a few, brief, happy moments, strangers chatted about the festivities in Fort Tryon Park and enjoyed the beauty together.

Almost Maine

Has anyone ever read or seen this play? I saw a guy reading it on the subway and thought the title was catchy. Read a synopsis, and it looks totally cute!

Miracle Worker

I saw 'The Miracle Worker' on Broadway yesterday, and Yes! It was incredible. Yes! Go see it if you can, or at least see the film version or your local theatrical production. Or read the play by William Gibson. There was so much richness there... class struggles, family struggles, giving service, searching for meaning, dealing with loss, losing pride, finding love. I absolutely loved this show and highly recommend it for children and adults of almost any age. May God bless the creative people who brought it into existence.

Acting Lessons for Kids With Asperger Syndrome: Scripts, Prompts, and Visuals Improve AS Students’ Social Skills

Acting Lessons for Kids With Asperger Syndrome: Scripts, Prompts, and Visuals Improve AS Students’ Social Skills

Les Miserables

I'm having another flashback. I'm remembering the first time I saw Les Miserables.

It was an epic event. It began when my sister got the original Broadway soundtrack for her birthday. She listened to it over and over. I begged her to let me listen to it over and over. I was amazed. I was moved. I'd never heard anything like it. I think I was about 12.

We bought the piano vocal music. I learned the songs by heart and could sing and play them.

I read the book, the unabridged version. I think I read it a couple of times. I would come straight home from school, go to my room, and just digest that book. Some of the French history was lost on me, but the courage and goodness of the priest and the transformation of Jean Valjean and the drama of Fantine and the romance of Cosette and Marius and the suspense of the chase from Javert kept me awake long into the nights.

Then an amazing thing happened. Les Mis came to our home town on tour. I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep.

Frabjous day, I saw the play. It was everything I could've wanted and more. It was over two hours, but every moment intoxicated me and by the end I was still begging for more. Watching this wonderful story played out with incredible music and beautiful staging was heaven for me. I think I cried just about the entire time.

I left determined to help the poor and needy. I think I was a better person.

I have seen the story played out several times since, including a high school production and concert versions on pbs and a film with Liam Neeson. It never ceases to move me.

I can't wait to see or sing it again.

dancing

I was doing an impromptu interpretive dance on Friday with one of my favorite 1st graders to a song about elephants. "Thanks for dancing with me!" I said to him as we finished. " You're welcome, that's the type of guy I am," he replied with a smile and a bow.

Parades

I'm having a memory of the first time I ever sang in a parade on a float. I was surrounded by my friends, and our group was called the Young Citizens of America! We wore red, white and blue, and we waved flags. I don't think I realized at the time quite how cool it was to roll down Constitution Ave on a float on July 4 in our nation's capital. I even got to sing a solo, albeit lip synching to a track of my voice. I hope that's not too scandalous. I guess a track was easier than miking a whole bunch of kiddos.

The reason I'm having this memory is because I just met the founder of the Dance Parade in New York City this week. We met through my friend Amber and got to know each other a little over some salsa. So I asked him, "can I be in the parade and stand in the middle of a float with dancers all around me singing big band music?" He had to think about that one. I will be interested to see how this will turn out; I'm sensing a little bit of synergy about to happen.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Today, one of my students read me a story about the first African-American woman in outer space. She'd also graduated from medical school and worked as a doctor in developing countries all over the world before deciding to go up into the blue. I wonder what she said she wanted to be when she was little.

When I was little, whenever anyone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said, "a singer."

Dilemma

I woke this morning with a big headache and a sore throat. Which is kind of a bummer because tonight is my monthly self-planned and executed singing gig, which I have been looking forward to all month.

The show must go on? Let it go for this month? I'm a little bit torn. Maybe I'll wait a few more hours to decide for sure. Either way I think it will still be a lovely evening for everyone, since we have another lovely singer and a very talented painter on the menu for tonight's performance.

I'm leaning toward singing. I just hope I don't get anyone else sick. Maybe I'll wear a surgical mask and bring hand sanitizer. People could still hear me through a surgical mask, right?

Back to the Grind

I'm afraid my body hasn't liked me too much the last few days as I've forced it to get up early and put it to bed later than I should have. It's wondering, "where is all the sleep you gave me last week? And how come you're not making me those incredible gourmet lunches anymore and giving me occupational therapy by knitting an hour a day?"

I'm sorry body, it's just that I went back to full time work this week.

Of course, full time work has its benefits too, like getting me up at a reasonable hour and out to see the sun. And helping me support myself and a very cute cat.

Though sometimes I'd just rather be sleeping in.

South Pacific Audition

I dressed. I warmed up. I packed up all my audition gear: music, make-up, change of clothes in case I want to go to dance class afterwards.

The door buzzes.

I ignore it.

It buzzes again.

"Hello?" I ask tentatively, hoping for the UPS guy, something not too difficult.

"It's the missionaries!!"

Happiness. Indecision.

"What's up?"

The missionaries happily tell me that they've had a great chat with one of my neighbors. One whom I've invited to church several times without results. I'm listening.

"Come on up."

The missionaries greet me with their normal ebullience. Since they're not allowed in my apartment we have a great discussion on my doorstep. One of my neighbors walks by. The missionaries invite him to church. They ask if there's anything they can do for me. I tell them, actually, yes, that I'd been meaning to say hi to one of my new neighbors but just hadn't had the drive. They cheerfully volunteer to be a part of it.

I reach into my fridge, grateful that I took the time to bake some bread the day before, and sad that I left if in the oven for just a smidge too long. Should still taste okay though, and be a nice neighborly gesture.

As we head to my neighbor's apartment, someone walks out of the apartment that's been under renovation for the last several months according to my estimation. And it's not a worker. It looks like a resident.

A new neighbor!!!

I introduce myself, hand him the bread, and extend welcome greetings. He smiles gratefully and looks slightly amused at my enthusiasm as I welcome him and introduce missionaries. He promises to enjoy the bread.

"What can we do for you?" the missionaries ask me as we head toward public transportation.

"Pray that I'll have a good audition," I reply.

They happily nod and make a couple of street contacts as they cluster with those waiting for the bus.

Happy Valentine's Day 2010!!!!

Background info: This Valentine is an extension of my 2009 Christmas letter, which I am now publishing in its entirety with 2010 bonus info!!! Thank you so much for your greetings, and please enjoy ☺

Quick recap of 2009's highlights for me, with some blending into 2010:

New Year's 2009 in Salt Lake with family and friends—Higbees, Stevens, Westons and Millers,

continued work as a speech language pathologist with the PS 115 Alexander Humboldt school family, continuing Spanish studies and bilingual issues/ESL as well as exploring autism, fluency, phonological awareness, vocabulary, social skills, and oral/written expression with some great staff and kids in Washington Heights,

great visiting teachers Arly Evanson and Sarah Gee Mason, Deanna Tolbert and Janet Winston, and home teachers Bryan Davis and Kent Gasser,

voice and acting studies with Will Bryan, fabulous auditions with caring and lovely NY casting directors and agents, dance studies with Yoav Levin, Hitomo, Frank Pietri, Shelley Frankel, Maggie Lockhart,

February trip to see family in Utah, cute nieces and nephew, attending my cousin Kyle Erickson’s Wedding to his sweetheart Jessie, dancing the night away,

April trips to San Diego to see the parents and do some auditioning, working hard in my singles calling to help Manhattan and regional singles come to Christ, thrive during the age 31 transition to a traditional ward, find sweethearts and continue families,
My New York Cabaret debut in July at Don’t Tell Mama—Coming Together, with fabulous accompanist Ronnie Bishop, technical support from Rich Bishop and the Don’t Tell Mama staff, and direction by Will Bryan,

An amazing birthday party hosted by Marisol Tejeda and family and attended by many dear friends, special musical appearances by Arthur Sherry and Jilleen Moore,

Wonderful summer trips to the Dominican Republic—Medina’s wedding, dear PS 115 friends and family, beautiful beaches and gorgeous amber, San Diego—parents, ping pong, karaoke madness, Rebecca, Utah— Grandma and Grandpa Lloyd, Stevens family, Weston family, Miller family, some of my favorite Utah people, schools and families, bowling!!

Producing and performing at musical singles fireside in October—amazing talent from friends all over the world—China, Dominican Republic, Romania, United States,

A musical production with dear talented friends in November—Women at the Well directed by Nicholas Pallesen and Erin Colby with executive direction by Bishop Boyle, another in December for the NY NY stake directed by Matt Herrick,

New Year’s in Time Square 2010 with Carlene Fraser, Jeff Johnson and Leury Leonardo,

a new calling as ward music chair, putting a Christmas program together, helping new converts learn the hymns of the church and getting ready to teach music conducting to a new generation, ☺

gearing up for more learning, helping, auditioning, performing and partying in 2010,

one of the favorite Valentine’s weekends ever!!! Thank you so much to all of my sweethearts for making it special for me ☺

Love,

Lisa

For more info check
Nylisah.blogspot.com
Lisahigbee.blogspot.com
Lisahigbeeslp.blogspot.com

Another accidental kiss

It happened again. I kissed a man on the mouth on accident. This time I was welcoming my friend R to my home for a humble gathering of friends and an evening of scrabble playing. I took his coat and offered a warm gesture of friendship with one of those sideways face kiss things, only somehow it got mixed up and we kissed on the mouth. At least I think we did, it was hard to tell completely with all of his beard hair. I asked him about it a few seconds letter as I was serving him up some couscous and spinach salad. "I think we just kissed," I said. "Yeah, next time we'll have to do it with a little more purpose," he replied with gusto.

Songwriting and crocheting

I wrote a song on my way home on the subway. That's the first time I've written a song in a few years. Within the last few weeks I've also crocheted my first project in a few years as well as knitted my first project ever. Am I experiencing a resurgence of creative energy? What is up with all this song- and yarn-crafting? All I can say is that writing a song and crocheting a case for my blackberry are two of the most satisfying things I can remember doing in some time.

Songwriting and crocheting

I wrote a song on my way home on the subway. That's the first time I've written a song in a few years. Within the last few weeks I've also crocheted my first project in a few years as well as knitted my first project ever. Am I experiencing a resurgence of creative energy? What is up with all this song- and yarn-crafting? All I can say is that writing a song and crocheting a case for my blackberry are two of the most satisfying things I can remember doing in some time.

Saturday Singing!!!!

I'm deciding what to sing on Saturday. It'll be a fun group, well-fed and warmed up. What will they be in the mood for? Something quaint? Something new? Something familiar? A debut?

Saturday Singing!!!!

I'm deciding what to sing on Saturday. It'll be a fun group, well-fed and warmed up. What will they be in the mood for? Something quaint? Something new? Something familiar? A debut?

A Hymn for Teddy's Baptism

Last night my friend Stacy called and wanted me to sing at Teddy's baptism.

YES! I said.

I want to sing a hymn and figure out how to make it come alive for the very humble and striving people who will be in attendance at the baptism.

"Come Follow Me" seemed like a good choice... I'd never realized it was a hymn about baptism, though there it was, listed under the topic of baptism in the hymnbook.

As I sang all 6 verses, I realized it was about following Jesus both now and in the eternities. I'd never thought before about how we'll be following Jesus into the eternities. Even as immortal beings, we'll still learning from Him and growing, becoming what He knows we can be.

Amazing. I hope Teddy liked it.

A Hymn for Teddy's Baptism

Last night my friend Stacy called and wanted me to sing at Teddy's baptism.

YES! I said.

I want to sing a hymn and figure out how to make it come alive for the very humble and striving people who will be in attendance at the baptism.

"Come Follow Me" seemed like a good choice... I'd never realized it was a hymn about baptism, though there it was, listed under the topic of baptism in the hymnbook.

As I sang all 6 verses, I realized it was about following Jesus both now and in the eternities. I'd never thought before about how we'll be following Jesus into the eternities. Even as immortal beings, we'll still learning from Him and growing, becoming what He knows we can be.

Amazing. I hope Teddy liked it.

A Time Square New Year!!!

Things I learned at Time Square last night:

How to handle public smokers-- politely
How to make the best of a big, crowded situation-- be a little silly and plenty friendly
How to have fun with friends-- make movies while you wait
How to organize a Time Square New Year's gathering-- do it with a little more planning than we did

also:
Get a gig performing there so that you and all your friends will be treated as VIP's
Fly into New York well before Jan 31 so your body can acclimate, and sleep plenty before you go down to Time Square
Leave your luggage at home or find a home for it outside Time Square
Keep your umbrella down before the final moments or people might throw snowballs at you
Catch the fireworks in Central Park after the ball drops

Who's up for next year? We're going, we're going strong, and we're going prepared!!!!!!!

Happy New Year,

Lisa

A Time Square New Year!!!

Things I learned at Time Square last night:

How to handle public smokers-- politely
How to make the best of a big, crowded situation-- be a little silly and plenty friendly
How to have fun with friends-- make movies while you wait
How to organize a Time Square New Year's gathering-- do it with a little more planning than we did

also:
Get a gig performing there so that you and all your friends will be treated as VIP's
Fly into New York well before Jan 31 so your body can acclimate, and sleep plenty before you go down to Time Square
Leave your luggage at home or find a home for it outside Time Square
Keep your umbrella down before the final moments or people might throw snowballs at you
Catch the fireworks in Central Park after the ball drops

Who's up for next year? We're going, we're going strong, and we're going prepared!!!!!!!

Happy New Year,

Lisa