NYLisa

The Voice

2012-01-05T17:12:00.001-08:00

Even as I write this, I’m singing.

My mother said that when I awoke from sleeping as a baby, she would find me singing softly to myself. My sister Elena would cry and want to be stroked and soothed, but I awoke singing and kept myself comforted through my baby songs.

I was a speech pathologist in Utah when American Idol went on the air. My students constantly told me I ought to audition. Alas, I was already chronologically too old to audition—past the age slated for the super-young feel of the show and its contestants, but I watched and wondered and cheered my young friends on to glory.

The Voice… should I audition? I see the audition date. It’s in Southern California, where my parents live. It’s in summer, when I won’t need to be working with my students in Washington Heights here in New York. New York, ‘singer central,’ as my friend Laura calls it. I’m now in New York, where my love of singing has led me after years of adoring Broadway music and fascination with places like Lincoln Center and the great white way.

I’m in a car with Mom. We’re driving to Los Angeles. I’ve warmed up. I’ve watched a couple of episodes and seen how Christina Aguilera encourages her ladies and how the other judges hone their teams. I’ve studied the singers, I’ve checked out the website, I’ve analyzed the technique of the winner and finalists of season one. I’ve prepared with my New York teacher—something simple, something sweet, something that I hope I can honestly share with the judges and audience…

Something is different about my technique. My New York teachers have taken me beyond the idea of just making a beautiful sound—I need to really communicate when I sing. I need to share. I need to move past vocal gymnastics and technical glory to communicating something really real.

When I practice singing to my parents, getting ready to audition, I cry. It’s so very real. I look into their eyes and sing. I communicate. It’s startlingly real. It’s not a show, not an act, not a display. It’s a real soul to soul communication of a pleading cry.

In Los Angeles, I must leave Mom behind to enter the enormous arena where thousands of people swarm, each of us kindly herded through an efficient waiting and warming up process by friendly Voice workers. A young, artsy, suited man listens to my group of ten, encourages us to clap for each other, and makes notes on an apple computer at a clean desk. I listen to my new compadres as they each take their moments of soulful singing.

I get up to share. I sing it out—my fellow singers listen and hope for me. I share.

When I’m finished, I find Mom—the song was for her. And Dad. I wonder if they could hear me from the depths of the Los Angeles arena. I sing it for them again just in case they couldn’t.

Singforhope.org-- I love this organization :)

2011-06-30T11:34:00.001-07:00

I took a walk yesterday-- the first day out of school!!! Awesome. I'd seen one of the pop-up pianos at Highbridge Park during our 2nd-3rd grade historical field trip, and I wanted to know more!!! Imagine my excitement when I saw a brightly painted piano in my very own beloved Inwood HIlls Park.

I met my neighbor and her cute 2-year-old there yesterday, and we played our best renditions of 'chopsticks' and 'heart and soul', and then we attempted to sight-read a few of the very multicultural songs provided at the piano... We paid homage to Mozart, we made plans to reconvene at the piano for more music soon, and we went on our merry way.

Today: I went for my noon sunshine walk. A cute elementary-school-aged girl and her mother were at the piano, getting ready to play their rendition of 'Lean On Me.' I encouraged this, singing along with my most soulful sound. When they were through, I plopped down and warmed up my fingers with a couple of rusty scales, which, though rusty, still drew a friendly audience. So I dived into "O Solo Mio" at the encouragement of my new tennis playing friend Nosario. We were joined by Rafael, who lent vocals, and soon by a wonderful woman and her 2-year-old charge. After Rafael, an unidentified man with soul (talk about Guantanamera renditions!) and Nosario (Julio Iglesias tunes... wow, who knew there was so much talent around) had given us some tunes, 2-year-old curly boy gave what might have been his first public performance of an original composition and received thunderous applause.

The group made plans to reconvene for more music on Saturday at noon, with volunteers to bring food and strategies for interacting with the adjacent Saturday farmer's market popping out of the woodwork. A community triumph.

Blooming Arts Festival...

2011-06-09T20:50:00.001-07:00

Upcoming... the Blooming Arts Festival!!! It's happening at 1815 Riverside Drive and it's free!!! Go on June 25! There will be all kinds of amazing visual art. Then... come that night, for performances beginning at 6 pm... and for the debut of a piece I'm creating entitled "The Olive Tree." More to come...

excerpt from my first novel, The Authoress... circa 2004.

2011-03-17T13:43:00.001-07:00

Writing a novel is a great way to improve your language skills!!

Here's an excerpt from my first complete novel, written about 6-7 years ago. Enjoy!

It all started the day they had the assembly at her school with The Author. Helooked normal. He had brown hair, bespectacled eyes, and a beard and moustache. Hewore a suit, smiled, and held a book in his hand. As he looked over the vast group of assembled children, poking at each other, laughing, and looking at him curiously, he smiled in a very relaxed way. He and the principal were having a little conversation and seemed to be good friends...

Then he began to speak. And when he spoke, everyone became quiet. He had a soft voice, but he talked of the most wonderful things. He talked about creating worlds. He talked about creating people. He talked about writing stories.

He said that in your stories, you could decide everything. You could decide whoyou wanted in your story, how tall they were, and what they liked to eat for dinner. You could decide how they dressed, whether they had any pets, and what kind of toothpaste they used. But most importantly, you could decide what happened to them, and how their best dreams came

Preschool Fluency Info

2010-08-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-21T18:42:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-07T20:19:00.001-07:00

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

2010-04-01T12:20:00.001-07:00

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

2010-03-22T18:38:00.000-07:00

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

Les Miserables

2010-03-15T18:38:00.001-07:00

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

2010-03-13T21:55:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-06T17:16:00.001-08:00

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?

2010-03-04T20:43:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-27T10:04:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-23T16:10:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-20T09:25:00.001-08:00

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!!!!

2010-02-15T20:07:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-08T15:58:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-08T15:56:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-08T15:53:00.000-08:00

Saturday Singing!!!!

2010-01-27T18:19:00.001-08:00

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!!!!

2010-01-27T18:17:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-16T17:16:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-16T17:11:00.000-08:00

A Time Square New Year!!!

2010-01-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2010-01-01T10:55:00.000-08:00

Sing-Off

2009-12-28T16:09:00.000-08:00

I was extremely happy to see The Sing-Off!! This is the stuff of which true drama and great music are made!! Good people ready to serve others who are all about giving the best they have to thei audiences.

Thanks to my younger sister Elena, I was clued into the aamazing Sing-Off culture. I met Maxx Factor, Noteworthy, the Beelzebubs, Nota, the Voicers of Lee, and the SoCals. I have the feeling that these amazingly hardworking and talented people will be my friends for life!!

We watched the drama unfold together as a family during the Christmas holiday. We soaked up the refreshing vocal arrangements and performances like they were nectar. We revisited some of our favorite songs as seen through the lens of a capella. We discussed, debated and gave our own critiques, which we liked just as much or more than those of the judges.

We came away better people.

Christmas Singing tonight

2009-12-16T13:21:00.000-08:00

Singing Christmas music tonight with friends!!! Let me know if you need the address. See you soon!

Stake Conference Impressions-- New York, New York Stake of Zion

2009-11-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

I think this was one of my most favorite stake conferences ever. (Stake Conference is where a few local congregations get together for weekend meetings under the direction of our ecclesiastical leadership, the Stake Presidency in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). It was fun to feel the personal connection I had with many of the speakers and to be able to identify with what they were saying. We had some great talks about missionary work!!! I felt the love. We also had some wonderful talks about stewardship and how to magnify callings (church volunteer work) faithfully, which I enjoyed and which gave me a lot to think about. I just got a new calling as Inwood 1 Ward Music Chair; hoping I can add to all the wonderful things already happening with Inwood music. It was great to hear testimonies and meet with good, fine, decent friends who are all striving to be better people and to follow Christ. It was also fun to visit the Shake Shack on the Upper West Side for the first time last night after the adult session. I give the 'shroom burger a 9 and the pumpkin spice concrete a 9 as well. I give the conference a 10. Also, big shout-out on the music for the conference, super organ playing and really nice choir, solo and ensemble pieces, thanks Matt Herrick for all your work. I love you everyone!!!!

Our Time

2009-11-03T19:49:00.002-08:00

Check it: www.ourtimetheatre.org. A super awesome cool theatre company for kids age 8-18 who stutter. Incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our Time

2009-11-03T19:49:00.001-08:00

Check it: www.ourtimetheatre.org. A super awesome cool theatre company for kids age 8-18 who stutter. Incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UnLunDun-- read it :)

2009-10-29T14:46:00.001-07:00

Perdido Street Station by China Mieville

Actually, the book I read was Un Lun Dun by China Mieville; I couldn't find it on Goodreads. This was a wonderful read. Great themes, fun plot twists, interesting characters (almost too many to remember), clever use of language, and a satisfying ending. I'm interested to try more by China Mieville.

View all my reviews >>

UnLunDun-- read it :)

2009-10-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

October 18!!!!

2009-10-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

New performance date :) October 18, 7 pm, 125 Columbus. This will be a beautiful sacred show... music from many of my friends and me!! You won't want to miss the violin, flute, cello, trombone, and vocal music. Plus I'll be singing in Spanish :) Arrive at 6:50 and make reservations at manhattan.single.adults@google.com. Enjoy!!!

Save the Dates!!!!

2009-10-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

Nov 7 and Nov 21 Lisa performs in 'Women at the Well!' Around 7 pm, 1815 Riverside and then 125 Columbus. Free for all :)

Dec 4 and Dec 11 Lisa and Ronnie debut their amazing Christmas Cabaret. Likely at 7 pm and Likely at Don't Tell Mama.

October: Stay tuned. There will probably be something cool happening.

Cheers people :)

Lisa

Review of last night

2009-09-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

Last night was our biggest audience at Don't Tell Mama so far! I had so much fun with my fellow performers and heard some GREAT new tunes. Seth Bisen-Hersh is just lovely. Sang a couple of my ALL time favorite songs to sing, Beginning to see the Light and the Trolley Song. I LOVE having Denise as our tech and sound person. She's so helpful in every way.

September 29th!!!!

2009-09-28T12:07:00.000-07:00

Lisa Higbee singing tomorrow at Seth-Bisen Hersh's showcase!!!
7-8 pm, 343 W 46th St.
New York, NY
tickets at the door: $12 cash
2 drink minimum, and if you enjoy the service, you can be generous with your server :)

Or, buy tickets at a substantial discount online now:
(though you'll still need cash for the 2 drink minimum, even bottled H2o will do :)

Random Harvest

2009-09-16T18:30:00.000-07:00

So interesting to see the Speech/Language/Cognitive/Attention/Memory deficits enacted by the protagonist in the movie 'Random Harvest.' Love the ingenue. She's a fabulous speech language pathologist :)

Random Harvest

2009-09-16T18:17:00.000-07:00

The Next Performance for us!!!!

2009-09-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

Friends!!!! I just got word that we can have a sweet venue at the Bruce Garden in Inwood this month. This is a BEAUTIFUL location, and easy to get to. We'll most likely be doing a fabulous show with something to please everyone in your family.... Looking forward to our next get-together!!!!!!!!! Lisa

Lisa's Cabaret Show is this week!

2009-08-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

Come to Don't Tell Mama 343 W 46th St (bet 8th and 9th) on August 26 (7-8ish pm), August 28 or 29 (7:30-8:30ish pm) for some really fabulous entertainment!

What is cabaret, you say?
Here is the definition from wikipedia:

Cabaret is a form of entertainment featuring comedy, song, dance, and theatre, distinguished mainly by the performance venue — a restaurant or nightclub with a stage for performances and the audience sitting at tables (often dining or drinking) watching the performance being introduced by a master of ceremonies, or MC.

And Lisa's cabaret will be wonderful!!!! We are planning on doing some tunes from Starting Here, Starting Now...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starting_Here,_Starting_Now

AND some luscious songs made famous by Judy Garland and other greats.

You will love this show!!! $7 cover charge ($3 students, $12 families) plus 2 drink minimum. See you there!

Cabaret show this week!!!

2009-08-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

Lisa's second New York Cabaret engagement will be at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, on August 26 (7-8ish pm) and August 28-29 (7:30-8:30ish pm)!

What is cabaret, you say? Here is the definition from wikipedia:

Cabaret is a form of entertainment featuring comedy, song, dance, and theatre, distinguished mainly by the performance venue — a restaurant or nightclub with a stage for performances and the audience sitting at tables (often dining or drinking) watching the performance being introduced by a master of ceremonies, or MC.

Lisa's cabaret will be so fabulous!!!!!! We are planning to do some tunes from 'Starting Here, Starting Now

The single greatest little isle in the Caribbean, Dominican Republic, I love it!!!

2009-08-12T08:37:00.000-07:00

I've spent the last approximately 48 hours in the Dominican Republic!! I can still hardly believe it. It feels a little bit like New York, because of all the Dominicans, a little bit like San Diego, because of the beach, and a little bit like Europe, because there are lots of Eurpoeans and I'm sort of hosteling and backpacking. Oh my goodness, though, the water is so clear I can't even believe it. It's amazing to be able to see everything all around you when you swim! I want to do some more snorkeling, for sure. And check out the authentic salsa/meringue etc. That's what I'm talking about. Cheers. Lisa

The single greatest little isle in the Caribbean, Dominican Republice, I love it!!!

2009-08-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

My Facebook fan page :)

2009-08-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

Lisa Higbee on Facebook

My facebook fan page :)

2009-08-06T13:54:00.000-07:00

Lisa Higbee on Facebook

What Good Would the Moon Be

2009-07-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

This is a video from my recent cabaret at Don't Tell Mama. The quality is a bit watered down, so I will see if I can get something with a little more fidelity. I loved performing at Don't Tell Mama! The venue was beautiful, and the staff there were helpful and kind. What a wonderful way to start my New York Cabaret career :)

A Kiss

2009-07-22T12:14:00.001-07:00

Last week I was walking home from the fireside where the ambassador from Fiji had been our speaker. The evening had been was fantastic. With my stomach full of carrot cake, my hands full of flowers, and my head full of music, I walked out the door of the church with Duane, whom I had just met and who'd done a fabulous job helping us clean up. We strolled toward the A train, talking and laughing and getting to know each other a little bit. As we turned to say goodbye and give the little sideways face kiss thing, it was awkward with all I was carrying and we accidentally did a full-on lip kiss. Or more like our lips sort of giving each other a high-five. "Whoa!" I inadvertently blurted. Hmm, now what to do? What exactly do you say in a situation like that. I did a quick mind-search and took a stab at something. "um, let's try that again," I mumbled. He seemed all right with it. So I gave him a great big sideways kiss cheek thing. "Wow, thanks," he said. Our eyes locked.

2009-07-04T20:34:00.001-07:00

By the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder

My review

Love it. I'm amazed at all the housework and cooking these ladies did, and still had time to get an education. Wow.

View all my reviews.

Cabaret show July 1-2

2009-06-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

This is how you can make reservations for my cabaret show July 1-2 (6:30 pm)!!!!

email
info@donttellmamanyc.com
or by phone

212-757-0788 (after 4:00 PM daily)

You might want to do it soon b/c it could fill up quickly :)

I hope to see you there !!!!!! This show will rock!!

Lisa

Party Lisa

2009-06-15T18:42:00.000-07:00

From our New York Minute Party in March. Rock on.

Coming Together

2009-05-06T17:00:00.001-07:00

Here is the program from my recent salon concert at the Manhattan STake Arts Festival :) I will see if I can find some video also.

Cheers!

Lisa

Coming Together

featuring
Lisa Higbee, vocalist
Ronnie Bishop, pianist

The Trolley Song
From Meet Me in St. Louis
Music by Ralph Blane
Lyrics by Hugh Martin

Friendly Star
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Mack Gordon

It Would Have Been Wonderful
From Annie Warbucks
Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Martin Charnin

A Bushel and a Peck
From Guys and Dolls
By Frank Loesser

You Made Me Love You
Music by James V. Monaco
Lyrics by Joseph McCarthy
Introduced in The Broadway Revue The Honeymoon Express.

Embraceable You
Music by George Gershwin
Words by Ira Gershwin

Special thanks to Will Bryan, Marin Leggat, Bryan Davis, Levi Smylie, and everyone who came to support the arts festival!

After the date...

2009-04-22T20:09:00.001-07:00

Jade!

Hmm, I will try to keep it coming. I'm hunting for some pics...

I was nervous about letting him know where I lived since I didn't know him too well. A girl has to think about safety. So as the evening waned I volunteered to walk myself home. But when he left that night to help a buddy move some furniture, I think we both kind of wanted to continue the conversation...

This is for you, Jade

2009-04-21T21:17:00.000-07:00

The food was tasty. The atmosphere was right. He told me how he wanted to learn how to sing and planned to play in a hockey league for the winter. He stole my heart over Thai peanut sauce.

सुब्वय romance

2009-04-20T23:18:00.000-07:00

I was on my way to a baby shower. I was looking cute. Next to me on the bench in the subway was a tall, handsome man. He smiled. I nodded. He said hi. We struck up a conversation. Nothing serious. The A train came. We got on. My stop approached. He handed me his card. I e-mailed him. He e-mailed me back. We went out to dinner-- Asian fusion. Upper West Side. We became facebook friends. Was it love? Maybe. His name was Marco.

थे सिंगल्स वर्ड

2009-04-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

So people are always asking me about The Singles Ward, which was a movie I was in a few years back. My first feature film, actually, and SO much fun to do. The truth is, when I saw the character breakdown, there was nothing that was going to stop me from auditioning. I was like, "this is my life. I know these people. I've dated these people. I've been in this ward." (a ward is a congregation of LDS people btw for my friends of other faiths).

I went to the audition, sort of on a lark. Thinking, yeah, I'll go, it's at Hale, and I love that place! And it's summer, and it's sort of a summery carefree thing to do! And I'm a total musical theater geek but I love film! Yes! Good times.

So I went, and the rest is history. I remember sitting on the set and reading the script, and being like, "no way, they're actually going to have a character use the pick-up line, 'so what's your tribe?'" And wondering what on earth my prop friends were going to do with a frog. And laughing uncontrollably in between takes when Dallin was talking about how somebody's roommate was using 'Saturday's Warrior' to prepare her relief society lesson. And being like, 'what could possibly top this.'

I think I know... The Broadway version: 'Singles Ward: The Musical.'

Okay you producers out there, I'm willing to reprise my role. But only if I get an awesome aria about the dangers of Dr. Pepper. Or the joys of twins.

2009-03-08T18:32:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite pictures from Kyle and Jessy's wedding reception in Salt Lake a couple of weeks ago. Kyle and Jessy are my maternal first cousins. They rock!! They love to dance and sing and help people.

Definite thumbs up on the wedding. The luncheon rocked-- I loved how they recognized each guest individually. Beautiful hot chocolate on a clear sunny, February day. Fabulous venue with great vistas. Loved the reception at the nursery in Cottonwood (was that Cottonwood? I get some of my UT geography mixed up, east off of 10600 south)-- everything was lush with life. Great music and dancing. Thumbs up on the food and the photo booth.

2009-03-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

Simy, Jenny and me at her wedding last weekend in Albany. I got to be friends with Simy and Jenny during my first year living in New York City as we worked together at the Harriet Tubman Learning Center in Harlem.

Beautiful wedding! Loved it!! Thumbs up on the venue, food, decor, dresses and dancing. Great speeches from the wedding party, and lovely ceremony. May Jenny and Rich Vehlow live happily ever after!!

2009-03-08T18:08:00.001-07:00

Hello all my blogworld friends. Sorry I've been SUCH a slacker. I'm getting back into this a little bit, though. Life has been pretty interesting lately, and I think it deserves to be blogged.

Okay, so since I was tagged, like five months go, here are...

5 things about me!!!

1) I love cats. I babysit my neighbors cats somewhat regularly. There's nothing quite like a purry, cuddly kitty. Or one who likes to watch water that you throw in the bathtub. (sorry if that's random, that's what my Gigi used to do :)

2) I really love singing. I'm fascinated by it. Opera, musical theater, rock, pop, belt, whatever. I'm SO interested in finding out how people do different things with their voices in a healthy way, and learning how to do it myself. I love singing!

3) I love chick flicks. And chick lit. I can live and breathe Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, Emma, Return to Me, While You were Sleeping, Little Women etc. etc. I am working on introducing more testosterone into my life, connecting with the masculine side. For example, I also enjoy martial arts and sports movies like Remember the Titans and stories about good men, like Robert E. Lee.

4) In high school I was a member of the math club. I also got a 4 or 5 on my BC Calculus Exam, I forget which. When my inner mathemetician comes out, it's a little scary.

5) I love my apartment! It makes me happy. I enjoy having guests, experimenting with different decorations, and introducing delicious aromas into my apartment when I bake or use a nice candle. I think my apartment has really helped me discover my nesting instinct. I didn't know I had one. I love decorating for holidays, and lately I've been into cleaning with vinegar.

2009-01-02T14:30:00.000-08:00

Sub for Santa party, Manhattan Stake, 2008 /\
||

Happy New Year, friends!!!

I hope your holidays were splendid and I'm excited to read all about them!

I had wonderful Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year's celebrations!

I will catch up on your blog and post something about it and also respond to May's tag soon, I promise.

Happy Holidays to all!!!!!!

Lisa

2008-11-28T12:13:00.000-08:00

Hostels and Chinatown Buses

I've recently enjoyed both lodging and travel that were inexpensive and full of welcome and cheer. I'm referring to the Chicago Parthenon Hostel, where I stayed during a convention, and the Apex NY->DC bus out of Chinatown, which I took to visit my sister.

Thanks to my Rick Steves European excursions, I've found hosteling to be the next bet thing to staying with friends. While the facilities aren't usually luxury, they are clean and safe, and there is the possibility of meeting friends from all over the world. During my stay in Chicago last week, I met new friends from Brazil, the Netherlands, Dutch Indonesia, and the US. I met medical students preparing to interview for residencies. I met friends preparing to travel to Wisconsin to work at ski resorts. I met gypsies who travel and work, travel and work for months and years at a time. I met a wife and mother taking a short vacation as her husband and son carried on (she did plan to meet them this week for Thanksgiving). We talked about my conference (American Speech Language Hearing Association), Chicago, our respective countries, our faiths, and Twilight (which opened last Friday).

I first rode the Chinatown bus to visit my sister for Thanksgiving two years ago. It's become a tradition. While the buses aren't deluxe, they are clean and fairly safe, and you can meet people from all over New York. The crowds were large and organization was sparse, but I prayed that all my fellow travelers and I would arrive safely at our holiday havens. In the process of travel, I met Tamim from Lebanon, Ying from China, and Salamon from India. We talked about politics, Lehman Brothers, assertiveness of the Chinese (this from Ying), Indian writers of plays, and speech language pathology (one of my professions).

I've been reminded that travel is recess, and [I] need it (Rick Steves). I need to rub shoulders with those of cultures and traditions different from mine. I need to visit places that are new to me. I need to challenge my intellect with classes and study. I need to share time with family and reconnect with my source of strength. And I always enjoy welcome and cheer.

मोथेर मारी...

2008-11-16T14:52:00.000-08:00

Tonight I went to itunes, wanting to hear some good Sabbath Day music, so I typed a search word... one of the songs that popped up was 'Christmas Lullaby' by Jason Robert Brown. A woman sings of her desire to be like Mother Mary, with the future of the world inside of her. As I listened to the beautiful words, I was reminded of a friend's testimony today... she said she'd always felt she would be a mother, and though she didn't know if it would be in this life or the next, she looked forward to that blessing and responsibility. As she held her beautiful baby and spoke, and as I read many of my friends' facebook motherhood posts today, I was reminded that being a mother, while it can heartwrenching and busy beyond belief, is the greatest blessing a woman can have. I look forward to it.

2008-11-08T18:27:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of me and my fabulous friend May Anderton at the stake Spelling Bee a couple of years ago. May was the winner and is also my spelling idol. I feel honored to have been her study-buddy for this event because she lifted me to higher heights, meaning I think I made it to the third round! And let me tell you, these were not easy words. If we ever have this event again, I plan to study the /s/ words because that it where I went out. I just didn't get to them! You would think they would be the first set I would study with the frequent occurrence of the /s/ sound in the English language and all, but no, I started with /a/ and /z/ and sort of worked my way up and in.

Anyway, May is really awesome. You should check out her blog. You will probably grow a few more brain cells if you do, because her writing is very witty and thoughtful. Also, as I was recently checking her blog, I think I realized that she 'tagged' me and so I need to respond to that. I will do so very soon.

2008-10-20T17:37:00.000-07:00

Hey friends, this is one of my hot photos from my photo shoot a couple of weeks ago with friend Montana. I think everyone should get headshots now and then, it's good fun. Play some fun music in the background and eat mini brownies from whole foods in the middle of it and it will be really memorable. I think President Monson even said in the last conference to get your picture taken twice a year. And in the conference before that, he said to wear your fancy clothes now and don't put them away in your closet to wear someday. President Monson is also a 'showaholic.' As in, he loves to see and quote from plays, and, I've noticed, musicals! Now I really love the prophets of this dispensation, I loved President Hinckley's writing and his humility and his humor, but I have to say there's something I really really love about a prophet who promotes musicals and looking sharp. I am looking forward to more from President Monson.

2008-10-18T06:10:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my excellent friend Melanie and her adorable children (except you can't see the baby in this pic). Melanie and I had a lovely time during Rosh Hashanah this year getting all caught up! We really enjoyed traipsing around Brooklyn, seeing the library, exploring Prospect Park, checking out this beautiful arch which was a tribute to civil war soldiers, and seeing the Brooklyn Museum of Art. I also had a lovely visit to Melanie's home which included getting to see S's princess clothes, reading books and playing Boggle with R, and getting acquainted with delightful baby T. This was a lovely visit and I want to see the VDG's again soon!

Melanie likes to write about the cute things her kids say on her blog. I had some really good smiles when I read... you should definitely check out her blog and read as well. Also, I was trying to follow suit and think of cute things my kids say at school. Here's one:

(pointing to a picture of a man) "Is that the President of the United Snakes?"

Made me chuckle.

2008-10-18T05:38:00.000-07:00

Good morning world!

So after spending some time laying on my back this week being sick, and consequently being able to catch up on my friends' blogs, I decided I do need to be better about blogging now and then. It might take me a while so I hope you'll be patient with me. I learned some new blogging tricks this week, such as how to follow other blogs and how to add a widget which shows your blog's followers. I'm hoping some of you will want to be followers and Much of this is the direct result of my spending some time with my sister who is a much better blogger than I. Thanks Monica!

This is me and Monica:

Last night I went to African Dance Class with my friend Martha, who is an extremely good friend. We really enjoyed throwing ourselves around freely while listening to some great African drummers. If you have never tried African Dance, I think you should. You could be very pleasantly surprised at the joy it brings you. And you could learn some good facts about Africa, too. Last night I learned about Mali.

This is me and Martha:

Sisters

2008-10-13T08:02:00.000-07:00

It's been great to visit with my sister Monica this weekend. I think I needed some serious 'sister time' and it happened! Monica and I did a bunch of appropriate sister time things, including eating a delectable dinner at Clyde's Farm (the best c. 1860's restaurant ever, try the cream of crab soup and butternut ravioli), shopping at Wegman's (a gourmet grocery store with a bakery from heaven, murals of small town life, and even a toy train suspended about 10 feet from the ceiling!), watching movies (Ghost Town, which was cute even though I was trying to leave New York! Some language but great moral about the importance of being nice to people, being faithful and loyal and doing good; and Sleeping Murder, an Agatha Christie offering which I've not yet read! Miss Marple is lovely. The movie was delightful. Except for the murder parts, of course), going to church (saw good friends Rose Dahl and Heather Hart, had great lessons on dealing with trials and Christ's coming to the America's and some wonderful testimonies), holding book club (Nothing But the Truth by Avi, a fascinating read which hit home in some ways for me since I work in a school), and doing a photo shoot ( Monica was gracious enough to let me try out some of my new make-up and photography skills I picked up during my last headshots). Sleeping in was nice. And the homemade waffles were even better. Sister time is GREAT!

2008-09-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

and Rosemary and her family :)

2008-09-27T13:55:00.000-07:00

I finally made it to the beach this summer, thanks to Garrett, Ryan...

2008-08-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a wider shot.

2008-08-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

This is a close-up of me by the DC temple.

2008-08-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

There he is!

2008-08-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

This is me and my Mom and Dad on the subway. I'll put a more complete picture of my Dad in a minute.

2008-08-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

This is a replica of the Nauvoo temple made of Legos.

2008-07-25T13:48:00.001-07:00

Anyone want to run lines with me for my film thing next week? It starts on Wednesday. Love you!

Lisa

2008-07-24T08:42:00.001-07:00

Oh yeah, and Happy Pioneer Day!!

Lisa

2008-07-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, summer's half-way over. I can't believe it. Or should I say, there is still half of summer left, and, you know, take the 'glass is half full' perspective.

Saw another play in Inwood Hills Park-- Zorro! Lots of great swordplay and dashing romance.

So has anyone read re-read 'A Tale of Two Cities' lately? I've been watching the stagehands setting up the theater for the new Broadway production every day as I go to class. Looks like it's going to be QUITE a show. I wonder what the music will sound like, how the costumes will be, how will they find two actors who look exactly alike to play Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton? After all, it's not TV where they can use the same actor and lots of camera tricks.

Sunday is my birthday. I'm throwing a big, Sabbath-oriented party. Let me know if you want to come:)

2008-06-29T15:31:00.000-07:00

Arts in the Park! Last night I saw 'La Boheme' in Inwood Hills park and it was fabulous! I also met a bunch of my neighbors whom I hadn't previously known. Now I can say hello to them as we pass on Cooper or Payson, and we can reminisce about Musetta and Marcello and our other favorite characters. I love arts in the park.

So this is the week of July 4. It's also the week my family comes to town!!! Let's see if I can keep them occupied all week. So far we've got the Natural History museum, musicals, yoga, dinner with the missionaries, and the Strand bookstore on the schedule. Good times.

Happiness is finding the last copy of the book you wanted at the Strand Bookstore!!!!!

Happiness is summer vacation!

Happiness is Arts in the Park!

Happiness is...

What do you think happiness is?

Lisa

2008-06-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

June 13, 2008

That was interesting. My neighbor’s friend just asked me what he should do to get a Caucasian girlfriend. I’ve never been asked anything quite like this before and I was at somewhat of a loss as to what to say. “Um, Treat her well.” Silence. “Yeah, but how do I even get to talk to her?” A moment of thought. “Um, talk about the weather.” Another pause. “Take a class.” “A class?” “Yeah, where you could meet people. Or learn some things that would be interesting in a conversation.” “Okay.” He seemed happy with that. I hope it goes well for him. I may ask him for a full report next time.

I loved “The Little Mermaid” on Broadway. So what if the New York Times said it was more parade than narrative? I deeply enjoyed the experience of seeing the play in its Broadway form and taking one of my favorite 5th graders with me to enjoy it as well!

2008-06-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

June 9,2008

So thus ends my tour of jury duty. I was secretly hoping I might get to witness our system of justice in action, but it was not to be. The day ended with the judge throwing out our panel because the judge was angry that the lawyers hadn’t picked any of us. And we were such a nice panel, too! A policeman, an investment banker, an occupational therapist, some lovely retired folks, and a really nice girl who gave me a Marie Claire magazine were among our ranks. Maybe next time.

Ah, summer in the park. I was witness this evening to beautiful music and storytelling just a couple of blocks away from my home. Why do I love arts in the park so much? Maybe it hearkens back to my early childhood when Mom and Dad used to take us to hear the military bands play on the Capitol Steps, or to see an outdoor production of Once Upon a Mattress. Ah! To be singing and acting in a play as dusk falls, fireflies light, and crickets chirp.

scales, rocks, and paper

2008-05-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Blog,

I am so excited to start writing to you. There are many things I want to tell you and I'm pretty sure you will always be there! Until google goes kaput, which I don't think will be anytime soon.

Anyway, let me tell you about myself. I am a speech-pathologist, actor, singer, writer, cleaning lady, singer, judge, choir director, babysitter, student, and juggler. I'm never sure what the day will bring. But that's what keeps life interesting.

I live in New York, as you can tell by the title of this blog. The only misgiving I had about naming the blog nylisah was that if I ever move I don't know that nylisah will be the best name for it anymore. But I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Today involved lots of singing!!! I started singing scales with kids at the school where I work. They seemed to like it. I think it's good for their auditory processing abilities. I'm also hoping it will help them sing REALLY well when they sing at 6th grade graduation in a few weeks.

Another think I did today was play 'rock paper scissors.' I like to do that with the kids on days when I have lunch duty. It seemed to work well one day when I tried to get some kids to do it as an alternative to wrestling. Not that wrestling is bad, but it's usually not a good idea in the cafeteria. The kids seemed to like it too, and now sometimes they challenge me in the halls. "Rock, paper!" it took me off-guard the first couple of times it happened, but now I am ready for any challenge. In fact, I relish it! Get ready, suckaz!!!

Well that it is about it for today. I'll write again soon, I promise.