La vie est faite de petits de plaisirs… Life is full of little pleasures… like this Orangecello Creamsicle…
La vie est pleine grand de plaisirs… Life is full of grand pleasures… like the weekend we recently shared with Chelsea…
This past weekend we traveled to Boston to see our daughter, Chelsea, perform in her final a Capella concert. “The Sweethearts” – so aptly named – put on a beautiful holiday performance. Their repertoire included multiple genres, plus rockin’ oldies and some sentimental holiday favorites. Now, it will come as no surprise to anyone who knows me well, or to anyone who has had the good fortune of being seated next to me at a musical event, that I was apparently born with a very special gene which causes me to tear up the moment I hear music with a moody tone, music that contains a meaningful message, or songs involving any of my children’s vocal or instrumental offerings. I’ve always thought that it was an interesting irony that our three kids are musically inclined, given I’ve never been able to get through “Happy Birthday” without a wince, let alone, “Hallelujah”, “Mary Did You Know”, or “Bless the Broken Road”. Even Nick’s jazzy saxophone serenades call up my good friend, “lump-in-the-throat”, the minute his fingers hit the keys.
So there we were, last Saturday afternoon, seated 2nd row, center, in this intimate lecture hall; the hall, by the way, where Chels took Stats her freshman year. She pointed out the general area where she sat for most of her classes, so we had the gift of picturing Chelsea, in the exact environment, where she first listened and learned at the college level. Before the show began, I asked Chels if her solo was (ya know) going to make me cry. “Oh, no, Ma, you know this song.” I wanted to believe her. We sat for a few more minutes while parents and friends filled this special place… where classroom turned to “Sing Off” stage, and co-eds turned to stars…
The concert begins…
It starts with a happy little tune and I’m thinking, “Okay, I got this, no worries.”. Second song – a contemporary hit – I was hanging in, no problem. Third song – Chels approaches the microphone. You could hear a pin drop and my heart beat. Her beautifully manicured fingers with their cherry red polish start tapping her hips to the beat of the music humming behind her. This, the sort of scene, we’ve been part of so many times before, but are always enveloped in, as if it’s our first time. Then she begins, “Way back on the radio dial, a fire got lit inside a bright eyed child…” Bright. Eyed. Child. That was it. Those were the words. I was done. I don’t think I heard much after that until the chorus began, “Keep on dreaming even if it breaks your heart.” Are. You. Kidding. Me? This song, beyond the pleasurable sounds (believe me – I enjoy it all!! I just happen to express it through tears and pride that come crashing through my eyes!), held layers of meaning. Chels is finishing her final semester at BU and participating in a study abroad program for her last semester in the spring. This study abroad experience is a culminating event that started as a dream she had from the time she was a very little girl. So as much as the melody (country melody, I might add) got me – the meaning got me more.
Chels, right now, is experiencing the feelings that most have in May, as they ready themselves for graduation. She’s preparing to leave the school, her friends, the program, and the professors that have become her home and her family, since leaving Camillus, 3 1/2 years ago. She is verklempt and conflicted. She is happy, on the one hand, to be finishing up her classes for the semester, but sad, on the other, to be leaving SMG (School of Management), the building where many of her professional dreams haven taken flight. She’s leaving the comforts of the school that has nurtured her abilities and provided her with a springboard taut enough to propel her clear across the country to her next big academic adventure. (Yes, it’s a study abroad in LA.) She’s going… even if it breaks her heart… and she’ll be welcomed by the loving arms of her sister, and the exciting challenge of new opportunities… and she knows this.
There’s that dichotomy thing again. It shows up during the most meaningful of times, doesn’t it? Chelsea is excited and sad. Confident and nervous. Self-assured and curious… all the emotions you might expect for someone taking such a leap. Luckily, she’s not afraid to ride this ebb and flow of feelings. She knows it’s natural and she wouldn’t have them if this were not important to her. It’s all good.
So, back to her song…
Thank you, Eli Young Band, for putting to music a message so many parents long to teach their children. Sometimes we put our energy into old dreams, sometimes, new dreams; but no matter what – we must keep on… even if it breaks our heart…
“Don’t let it break your heart.” ~Mike Eli (And Mom.)
So, how does the Orangecello Creamsicle fit in?
It’s the drink we’ll toast Chelsea with as she begins this next leg of her beautiful journey.
It’s sweet, refreshing, orangey, and bright – just how I picture sunny California… just how I picture Chelsea’s new nest…
This very simple recipe combines my Orangecello with some Half & Half and a little extra orange.
Perfetto!
Salute!
Ciao!
- 1 part Orangecello
- 1 part Half & Half
- Fresh juice of an orange
- Orange Zest
- Combine 1 part Orangecello and 1 part Half & Half in a glass bottle with a secure top.
- Put it in the freezer for at least one hour.
- When thoroughly chilled, pour into serving glasses.
- Squeeze some juice from a fresh orange into each glass. Stir.
- Finish off the cocktail with a little shaving of orange zest.
Lucy says
Gorgeous, mama. You know I’ll take good care of our girl out here♥
Annie says
That we know, Sweeta! Thanks, dolly! xo
Dad says
Annie,
A beautiful description of an equally beautiful experience. Not sure of who should be prouder – you of Chels or Chels of you. So, to settle it, both of you should take a most-deserved bow:)
XoXo
Dad
Annie says
Thank you so much, Dad. It was a very special weekend. We cherish them… XoXo
Tracy Higginbotham says
What another beautifully written piece Annie! I felt like I was right next to you in Boston – feeling the emotion with a tear in my eye! Great story. Thanks for sharing your creative words and recipes with us all. Tracy
Annie says
Thank you, so much, Tracy. We mamas love telling our stories, don’t we? Then we get to live them all over again. That’s the best!
Nicole says
This drink looks amazing!!! We will have to try it!! So glad to hear Chels performance went well! I was thinking about her!!! Xoxo❤️
Annie says
It’s very, very yummy! Thank you – yes – our weekend with Chels was an awesome affair! 🙂
Karen Edwards says
Hi Ann, your orangecello is such a great holiday drink and add the cream…even better! I wish I could’ve seen Chelsea’s performance, however you painted a really good picture of it. Can’t wait to see everyone over the Holidays!
Annie says
Hi Karen,
Thank you so much! We have a bottle chilling now… I look forward to getting our families together and celebrating everyone’s successes! From first semesters and beyond…
Ann Sageer says
Annie,
Love, love, love, this story!! Thank you for sharing the moments – past, present and future of your extraordinary daughter Chelsea!!! How special and blessed she is to have you & Dom with her to celebrate all of her many talents – academically and artistically! And her Mom’s endearing emotions during this special time of her life!!
Love, Aunt Ann 🙂
Annie says
Thank you, Aunt Ann! Your sentiments are so sweet and very much appreciated! 🙂