Patti Edmon Artist

Anyone who has a daughter - or son - with a passion for performing arts understands the energy, dedication, aching feet, tears, exhaustion and adrenalin.... and then there were Alice's issues to cope with - ha. The past two weeks have revolved around the production and performance of Sleeping Beauty. I help with costumes and work backstage until the last performance, which I then enjoy with dh and my son and other friends and family. I could fill pages with the delight, pride and amazement at my daughter's growth, both as a dancer and a young lady. Quite simply, she blew me away. This was her second performance en pointe and her grace and poise were stunning. These photos were taken at dress rehearsal by one of my best friends, who also happens to be a commercial photographer. I just finished writing the introduction for Jeff's second book of panoramic photographs, Kentucky Wide II . So, I haven't spent much time in the Altered Attic. But it has been worth every moment,...

How many nuts would a nutcracker crack if a nutcracker could crack nuts? Well, I'm nuts and more than a little crackers after spending the past 10 days immersed in ballet world. It is Christmas time though and what are the holidays without the timeless classic.  In addition to the two roles my daughter has been rehearsing for months (Waltz of the Flowers and Spanish Corps), her best bud broke her left foot and Al filled in, learning a third - and very long - role in one day, the day before dress rehearsal, one week before show time.  This is also her first year performing en pointe, which was so exciting. As a seasoned ballet mom, every year I think it can't get more challenging or thrilling. The early days she was a honey fairy, a snow flake, a candy cane, and putting on her makeup and gelling until absolutely not one hair went astray and organizing snacks between shows were the  monumental tasks. Now she is doing is doing her own make up (except the eyeliner and mascara, she ...