I made an audio documentary called Sealed a few years back as part of my Master of Arts degree. It chronicled the divorce of my parents and the effect it had on me and my siblings. It was the most cathartic creative project of my life so far.

The original was a little over 22 minutes, cut from roughly a dozen hours of recorded material. I am now applying for my MFA and have to select work for my creative portfolio submission. Since I can submit no more than 15 minutes, I was determined to get Sealed down to 10 minutes or less to keep room for other work. Editor friends, you know shaving a full 12 minutes off a finished piece is a FEAT. BUT I DID IT.

Running time: 9:55. Listen below!

The MFA is a terminal degree in my field (in other words, the credential I need to seek tenure-track professorships). My MA degree shaves 24 credits off the program, so if I get accepted... I will be able to graduate in five semesters. BAM.

THE SUNDAY SOUND: January 26, Sealed, the condensed cut.
Original cut and my research on the effects of divorce on children available here.

While Brian and I were visiting our families in El Paso, we took a day trip to Carlsbad Caverns. We spent roughly six hours exploring the cave, hiking down through the natural entrance. There was NOT ONE SOUL on the trail besides us; could not be more ideal. We stopped about halfway down and recorded the cave's breathing (yes, it actually breathes; there are only two natural entrances, no oxygen is pumped in, and the cave descends roughly 1,000 feet). We captured the faint sound of water droplets that, over millions of years, create the breathtaking structures you see below.

THE SUNDAY SOUND: January 19, From the Depths of Carlsbad Caverns.
Listen in pitch blackness while looking through the photos above; it will be just like you're there!

Today is the 29th birthday of my smart, talented, striking friend, Mariya. Her darling husband Zach organized a sushi night in her honor, and here we are at Cafe Sushi, just outside Harvard Square. Mariya is one of my favorite people and I am so happy she was born!

Always sentimental, I fondly recalled my own husband-organized 29th birthday celebration in June. BINGO at Saint Joseph's and Mexican food at El Potro in Union Square (he knows me so well).

And you know what? I realized with horror that I never shared my recording of the very special birthday tune sung to me at El Potro. That was six months ago! So, in honor of Mariya and 29th birthdays old and new, I now present a special Mexican birthday brought to you by Mariachi Estampa de America (you NEED to see their website). And, of course, the recording includes evidence of my undying enthusiasm.

Side note(s):
1. I am OBSESSED with mariachis. I wanted mariachis at my wedding, but didn't have the cash flow.
2. I really want an authentic mariachi outfit. I would rock the hell out of that thing!
3. My friend Lisa (who has known me for over a year) thought I was half Mexican. IT WAS MY PROUDEST MOMENT.

THE SUNDAY SOUND: January 5, A Mariachi Serenade.
To really capture the moment, listen while looking at these photos: 29th Birthday Weekend.

I told you I would never sleep again. The first images went up at 3am. Now here's another one. At 10am. But how could I resist coloring a Dia de Los Muertos Wonder Woman?

Behold: my first creations via the digital coloring book I just discovered. I may never sleep again.