Inspired by a Diva

So I have long been a huge fan of the soprano Renée Fleming. Her artistry has made even the worst days in my life manageable because her voice is a thing of beauty that I believe to be the pinnacle of vocal art. While I wish I could meet her (and I missed my chance when she was in Boston the same weekend I was [damn not having money for a ticket]), I recently had an opportunity to learn from her experiences in the music world.
I read a book entitled "The Inner Voice: The Making of a Singer". This book is in essence a memoir that devotes itself to the ups and downs in the life of Ms. Fleming. From her early years to her college studies to her career, with all the bumps in the road that you could expect from trying to be a professional musician. Just seeing how much she struggled to develop a proper voice (originally not being able to sing in high registers at all), learn how to audition successfully, maintain a healthy relationship with her daughters, and still struggle like most people in a hectic career helped me see a lot of what sorts of struggles I am facing in my own life. Granted, I don't have kids (nor will I) or a career (yet), but seeing how many times she fell and picked herself back up gave me the hope and determination I need to push forward. I am currently working on giving my senior recital, but I have been in a slump lately due to my frustration at not having given it yet. I have tried everything I know in order to re-motivate myself, but to no avail. Then I read this book. Her straight-forwardness was refreshing. She didn't try and sound like she was Goddess of Song, but she wasn't afraid to say exactly how much work she really had to put into her voice and her personality to get where she is today. Having read it, I am even more determined 1. to meet her someday and 2. work on this recital in earnest.
Who knew that a diva, a prima donna, can be a real person? But she is very much a normal woman. And she's funny, she doesn't take herself too seriously, and she has a good time doing what she does. I admire that and hope that I can be like that someday. Because a performance is not the end of the world, as she expresses she has learned since having children. So now I am determined to succeed, and all thanks to one incredible woman not being afraid to open up and share an incredible story that shows that perseverance is key to being a happy professional musician.