I found some pictures

I was checking out the website for the workshop I did last summer in Port Townsend and I discovered these pictures from the workshop. Looking at them reminds me of the wonderful time I had and pumps me up for the fun I'll have this summer. I hope you like them!

Photos by Keven Elliff and Steve Mullensky

The whole group in front of the school house. I'm there, I promise. If you really care, I'm sitting down in the front just left of center.

My adorable trombone buddies!

Benny working with the Art Blakey Combo. My good friend Dave Speranza is on the bass.

Benny writing out a chart.

Derrick, Herman, and Ian, all members of the Blakey Combo.

The old guy who sang a song about pot, Kurt Elling, and Steve Christofferson.

I remember this exact moment. This is during Benny's solo on "Moanin'" with Jiggs Whigham, Terrell Stafford, Steve Wilson, and Jeff Clayton in the background.

The cutest picture of George Cables!

Ingrid Jensen, Gary Smulyan, and John Clayton.

Jon Wikan

Steve Christofferson and Dee Daniels. That's me in the background : )

Tamir Hendelman

Members of the Poncho Sanchez band. Those are my friends Francisco Torres (trombone) and Javier Vergara (saxophone).

Poncho and Francisco

Benny playing solo

I can't remember what ballad he played. He also played "Love You Madly," but I think this was the ballad.

Benny and Dee Daniels doing a great version of "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man." I was crying folks.

My beautiful Nancy King with Benny doing "We'll be Together Again" (it was my request).

Benny with Nancy King, Kurt Elling, and Dee Daniels.

Help

Know any good rheumatologists? I'm looking.


I'm still working A TON! I really like my jobs, though.

I'll write when I'm rested/not incredibly busy.

Thinking of you.

You Are Not Stupid

You got 10/10 questions right! While acing this quiz doesn't prove you're a genius, you're at least pretty darn smart.

Are You Stupid?

Yes!

I have to get up in three hours.

Once again, it's the middle of the night and I'm awake, wide awake. I feel as though I've been neglecting my friends, even if it's just reading blogs, returning phone calls, or sending little facebook messages. It's tough being in a place where I don't have anyone. Yes, my mom is here, and it's nice spending time with her, but I need my friends. God, I can't wait to move.

My mom and I went to a sneak preview of "Year of the Dog" starring Molly Shannon. I really liked the movie. There were so many adorable dogs in the film and the whole time I was thinking that I needed a dog to cuddle up with. Someday.

I feel like I have more to say, but my brain is numbed from exhaustion. I really need a day off.

I hope everyone is doing well. Love you all.

Heather

Your Ideal Hairstyle:

Heavy Bangs

What Women's Hairstyle Is Right For You?

Uh, that's pretty much what my hair looks like. Damn I'm good!

Your Cell Phone Etiquette is 9% Bad, 91% Good

You are practically a cell phone saint. You never annoy the people around you. Everyone should have phone manners as good as yours. And you sure wish they did!

How's Your Cell Phone Etiquette?

Yep.

sleepy

I've been meaning to write, but I'm working two jobs now and I haven't had the energy/time to do so.

I'll fill ya'll in soon!

Love you and miss you all!

~H

Ouch!

Last night I hit the back of my head on a counter. Now I have a bump. It saddens me. : (

Oh, Update

The last several days have been busy to say the least. I've been working a lot (thank god) and we've been super busy at the restaurant. Yesterday I alone sold more than $3800 worth of pie. That's a lot of pie folks. Saturday I whipped at least 100 pies. Now that I think of it, I didn't get to eat any pie. Damnit!!

I volunteered at the Gene Harris Jazz Festival again this year. The festival itself isn't so happenin', but it's the only thing in town. I was ushering at the Thursday night concert. And what I mean by ushering is, sitting next to the bar, talking with Becca and Dallas (the bartenders), and drinking free Diet Pepsi. After a bunch of student groups played (snore), a piano trio played. I can't tell you who they all were, except for Bruce Forman. He's a great guitarist and super nice guy. I met him at Port Townsend last summer and he remembered me : ). After the piano trio, the Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band played a long set. They were a lot of fun. The third trombonist is Francisco Torres, whom I met last year at the festival. After the concert we hung out in the hotel bar with the rest of the band. They were all nice guys and Gordon's wife Lisa was great! It was fun hanging out with a bunch of musicians. I don't get that luxury all that often anymore. Yay for friends!

What else?? Oh, I've been trying to practice a bunch. I need to make my audition for Port Townsend by the end of the month. Speaking of, I should probably get going.

You Are Very Happy Being Single

You're not anti-relationship. You just don't need one to be content.You find plenty of happiness from your life as it is.And if you find someone you love, then that's just icing on an already decadent cake!

Are'>http://www.blogthings.com/areyouhappybeingsinglequiz/">Are You Happy Being Single?

AMEN!!

You Are the Index Finger

You are ambitious, driven, and capable.You aren't afraid to take responsibility for your actions - or place the blame on whoever deserves it.You are honest, free thinking, and objective. You see things in your own way - and you aren't afraid to let everyone know about it. You get along well with: The Thumb Stay away from: The Ring Finger

What'>http://www.blogthings.com/whatfingerareyouquiz/">What Finger Are You?

At least I'm not the middle finger : )

$$$

I hate money! Ahhh! Why can't I just have enough income to pay for my expenses? I feel like I'm drowning.

Damnit!

Good News!!

I just registered for Port Townsend!! Now I just have to practice so I can make my audition at the end of the month. Yay!

I also got my job confirmed for the children's theater this summer. I'm glad I'll be there.

Anyway, I'm going to practice now.

Love you!

Tidbits

I can't wait until I can justify hiring an accountant! I just finished my taxes. Ugh! It sucks having worked in 2 states with 3 employers. Next year will be even worse with 3 states and probably 4 employers. I have high hopes for 2008! Stability!

It sounds like everyone had a good time at Jazz Fest. I'm glad to hear it. I really wish I could've been there to party with you all.

I'm really liking my new job. I hated hostessing at the Camelback, but I like it at Marie Callender's. Everyone there is nice and there's a lot to do.

My arm hurts. I should really go to the chiropractor today.

Okay, I'm hungry. I'm gonna go eat now.

Love!

Your Psyche is Blue

You are deeply emotional and very connected to everything (and everyone) around you. By simply understanding other people, you are able to help them heal and let go. While you are a very deep and thoughtful person, you do have a very silly, superficial side. When you are too blue: the weight of the world's problems hangs over you When you don't have enough blue: you lack perspective and understanding

What Color Is Your Psyche?

You Are a Night Person

For you, there's nothing worse than having to get up and moving early. In fact, you probably don't hit your peak until well after the sun has set. So if your struggling to make it on a normal schedule, realize it's not your fault. You just weren't meant to do anything during the day!

Are You a Morning Person or Night Person?

You are Betty Grable

The ulitmate girl next door You're the perfect girl for most guys Pretty yet approachable. Beautiful yet real.

What Famous Pinup Are You?

Canada Sounds Nice Right Now

This has been the week of good conversations. First Ez and I had a really good talk and then my mom and I had a heart to heart. It feels good to get stuff out there. I've also talked to more friends in the past couple of days than I've talked to in weeks. I guess I'm starting to pull out of my slump and beginning to feel social again.

I started a new job at Marie Callender's. I'm a hostess/cashier and believe it or not, I really like it! The people there are really nice and not all 16-year olds as I feared. Most of the guests are kind (quite a contrast from the Camelback) and treat us well. I'm glad I have a job that keeps me busy. I HATE being bored at work; time passes so slowly.

So, I've been up all night. It's not so surprising since I pretty much slept all day yesterday. I'm sure I'd be sleeping if I didn't have to be at work at 8.

I'm really missing all of you guys in Eau Claire this week. I wish I could be there for JazzFest. Make sure you have extra fun on my behalf.

Well, I'm going to go make a pot of coffee, so I can get through my day.

Love you and miss you all!

I like to copy my sis

Hey.

My sister Katie did this Johari Window thingy & I thought I'd fill one out. If you've got a minute, try it. I'd like to see what you think. http://kevan.org/johari?name=Heather+Sessler

I hope you all are well. I'll write soon. I'm way too tired now.

All my love,

H

I Think There's Something Wrong With Me

Yesterday I fell asleep on the couch at about 5:30pm, only to wake up at 8:30pm to go to my room. I fell back asleep pretty quickly and woke up at 3:00 this afternoon!! How the hell is that possible? Maybe I have mono or something. My mom wants me to call my doctor since all I want to do is sleep. My doctor said that fatigue is the hardest part of pneumonia. Boy was she right!

Gah, I guess I should go to bed. It's after 2:30.

Goodnight.

Maria part deux

I'm just so excited for Ez, that I have to write about his amazing experience. He went to go hear a great group of musicians including Brian Blade, Nicholas Payton, Chris Potter (and some others that I can't remember) at Dizzy's. He had to wait in the "no reservations" line, when he saw Maria Schneider just up a couple of feet in the "reservations" line. Anyway, to make a long story short, Ez struck up a conversation and she asked him to join her since her date couldn't make it. Ez got to sit with Maria for the whole show!!! It must be a sign. I run into her 9 days ago (and she remembered me by the way) when I was in the city and now Ez gets to hang with her. We're all going to be friends, I've decided. : )

I can't wait to move to New York. There might even be a possibility to sublet our friend's apartment in the East Village while she's in Paris. She gets super low rent, so that would help a lot with finances for the first year.

I'm watching "Iron Chef America" battle breakfast. Mmmmmmm, breakfast. Maybe I'll make waffles. . .

Oh, there are a bunch of new quizzes. I shall take them!

You Are a Little Messy

You aren't the cleanest person in the world, but you're definitely not a slob. You clean up when you have the time, but you're realistic about what you can get done. Generally, you're pretty organized and tidy - though you may have a few hidden messes. You eventually get around to making things spotless, but you do it on your own schedule!

Are You Messy?

I'm actually really messy. I'm not gross though. Nothing smells!

You Have Your Emotions in Check

You are an incredibly stable and happy person. Ever consider being a therapist? You have figured out how to keep a positive outlook, no matter what. You don't have an easier life than anyone else. You just have figured things out a little more.

Can You Keep Your Emotions in Check?

Hmmmm.

Your Androgynous Name Is:

Emery Sidney

What's Your Androgynous Name?

I like it.

Your Average American Name Is...

Betty Marie Martin

What's Your Average American Name?

My grandma's name is Betty.

Okay, that's it for now.

Thinking of you friends!

Watch out Boise. . .

I got my driver's permit today. EEK!

The Part of You That No One Sees

You are wise, insightful, and brilliant. Your wit is sharp and occasionally hurtful... Revealing your scorn for people with less intelligence. Underneath it all, you feel burdened by the stupidity of humanity. You know what's right in the world, but it's overshadowed by everything that's wrong. People see you as arrogant. While this is partially true, you are also very sensitive.

What's the Part of You That No One Sees?

Um, they may be on to something.

Your Scandinavian Name is:

Brigit Ingrid

What's Your Scandinavian Name?

Sweet! I was actually pondering a move to Helsinki. First I've gotta learn Finnish. . .

I'll keep it brief.

I don't really like writing complete paragraphs. Sometimes I don't even like sentences.

I went to New York for the weekend.

I think I walked nearly 10 miles on Saturday.

We won $25 tickets to "Wicked" on Saturday. It was actually really good. I miss doing theater.

I'm getting my permit this week.

I had to run to catch my flight in Phoenix. Enough with the short layovers people!

I had dinner with Randy on Saturday! Boy, did I miss that guy. I miss all of my EC friends.

I saw Ivan Lins at the Blue Note. He was fantastic! Then I saw Maria Schneider as she was walking out. I blurted out that my dream is to play in her band someday. She talked to me for a couple of minutes and was super nice. She said she'd keep her eye out for me.

The Manhattan School of Music's dorms have security like a prison. Geez.

I just watched the end of "Mad Hot Ballroom." I really like that movie.

My mom just had knee surgery.

I can't wait to move to New York.

I don't know.

In other news. . .

This may be a shcok to some of you, but I'm actually excited for the season premiere of "America's Next Top Model" tonight. I understand that it's a stupid show hosted by a stupid woman (who incidently shares my birthday) that puts girls in stupid situations, but nevertheless I like it. So there.

I have a lot to do tonight. I'm leaving for New York quite early in the morning and I'm still in the laundry phase.

That's it. It's time to eat some taters. I am in Idaho after all.

Love.

Another reason why I hate Idaho

I went to go get my driver's permit this morning (weird, I know) and they wouldn't let me 'cause I didn't have my birth certificate! I had my valid passport and social security card, but apparently that's not enough for the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles. The lady was a bitch too. Now I'll have to wait until I get a copy of my birth certificate from the State of Oregon. Ahhh, Oregon. A state that actually makes sense. They gave me my permit sans birth certificate. I miss Oregon. Idaho sucks!

Now some lovely quizzes to pass the time.

Travel Horoscope for Sagittarius

When you travel, you want to experience the journey as much as the destination.You want a vacation that really immerses you in a culture. You should travel: By train, across all of AsiaWith the Peace CorpsAs a foreign language teacherOn an around the world ticketSpending a few months in one place

What's" Your Travel Horoscope?

Okay.

Your Personality is Somewhat Rare (ISFP)

Your personality type is caring, peaceful, artistic, and calm. Only about 7% of all people have your personality, including 8% of all women and 6% of all menYou are Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving.

How Rare Is Your Personality?

See! I'm special!

You Are a Chocolate Cake

Fun, comforting, and friendly.You are a true classic, and while you're not super cutting edge, you're high quality.People love your company - and have even been known to get addicted to you.

What Kind of Cake Are You?

As long as it's not wedding cake!! : )

Joni Mitchell

There's not much I enjoy more than a comfy chair, a cup of coffee, and good music.

River

It's coming on Christmas
They're cutting down trees
They're putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace
Oh I wish I had a river
I could skate away on
But it don't snow here
It stays pretty green
I'm going to make a lot of money
Then I'm going to quit this crazy scene
I wish I had a river
I could skate away on
I wish I had a river so long
I would teach my feet to fly
Oh I wish I had a river
I could skate away on
I made my baby cry

He tried hard to help me
You know, he put me at ease
And he loved me so naughty
Made me weak in the knees
Oh I wish I had a river
I could skate away on
I'm so hard to handle
I'm selfish and I'm sad
Now I've gone and lost the best baby
That I ever had
Oh I wish I had a river
I could skate away on
I wish I had a river so long
I would teach my feet to fly
Oh I wish I had a river
I made my baby say goodbye

It's coming on Christmas
They're cutting down trees
They're putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace
I wish I had a river
I could skate away on

Something new everyday. . .

So, I just learned something pretty cool. It appears that the Aladdin Theater in Portland was apparently the all-time longest exhibitor of "Deep Throat." Who knew? I've only been to like 100 concerts there. I hope they've deep-cleaned since then. Ewww.

You Are 84% NYC

Congratulations, you are truly a New Yorker. You've seen it all, and you're more than a little cynical.

How NYC Are You?

Hilarious!! For someone who hasn't officially lived there, it seems I know a thing or two!

You Are 0% Homophobic

You're open minded, tolerant, and accepting. And you're not homophobic in the least :-)

Are You Homophobic?

I know.

You Are Not Destined to Rule the World

You are destined for something else... Like inventing a new type of cupcake. You just don't have the stomach for brutality. But watch out - because many people do!

Are You Destined For World Domination?

Inventing cupcakes doesn't sound all that bad to me!

You Are 73% Sexy

Your Sex Appeal Is: Extremely High You're very sexy. You just have that certain something that takes over a room. You know how to attract, entice, and keep whoever you want. You are truly appealing.

How Much Sex Appeal Do You Have?

Ha!

You Are 12% California

You are a bogus Californian. Go back to the East Coast.

How California Are You?

That's okay. I don't really like Cali.

Snippets.

I don't want company over tonight, but I don't really have a say.

I haven't done my "homework" for tomorrow and I don't really want to.

I have a weird rash on my chest. Alicia said it's probably heat rash, a reaction to my medication, or my neverending illness.

Ez is coming tomorrow to visit. My first friend since Christmas.

I need a job.

I get to go to New York with Alicia; it should be fun.

I'm super-duper tired today.

Oh god, he just put on country music and they're dancing. He's singing

I hate living here.

Damnit.