Saturday night was the night my dream of 20+ years came true:
I listened to Joshua Bell perform live in concert.
With Alexandra in a play and Elsa having a basketball game, and with Elisabeth and her special needs, it made sense that I just go alone.
So I gave Elisabeth kisses...
And posed for a picture with my family...
And set off on a solo adventure to Portland.
After checking in at the hotel, I got dressed and did my
hair into a good see-Joshua-Bell-perform hairdo.
I was tickled with how it turned out:
Then off to the concert hall! 
As I walked in I was trembling. I couldn't believe the night was here, something I had waited so long for. Part of me was a little nervous. I had built this up in my head for so long and soon it would be over and I would never have this first magical experience again. But I decided not to dwell on that, to soak up the moment while it was happening.
The interior of the hall was breathtaking:
Joshua performed the Bruch Violin Concerto - which happens to be my favorite. Having played it in my youth, I know every note, and that intimate knowledge of the piece made it even that more thrilling to listen to. It was as if I could not only hear the music, but feel the music. And when Joshua Bell played it...oh, the sound! The only way I can describe it is to say it sounded like butter tastes: smooth and rich and creamy. I couldn't stop smiling the entire time. My dream was coming true and it was the most magical of experiences!!!
And then - as if that didn't qualify it as one of the best nights of my life already - he was signing autographs in the lobby afterwards!!
I met Joshua Bell!!!!!!!!!!!
I still can't believe it. Twas the perfect night in every way, from beginning to end.
There is a lot of negativity in the world; a lot of evil and hatred and misfortune and anger. But as I fell asleep that night and reflected on my evening I thought how that experience felt like all the good in the world. It felt inspiring, happy, beautiful. And it was all for me. The memories I made will be ones that I cherish forever.
The next morning I took out my autographed CD and listened to it on repeat as I drove back to my home and back to my family.
The drive was beautiful. I spotted seven bald eagles! 
And at last I was back and within minutes the girls and I were playing a game together in the family room.
I am blessed in life, of this I am sure. I am blessed by my family. I am blessed by music. I am blessed by rich experiences - such as the concert this weekend.
Life is good.
