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I just got into my hotel room and wanted to write while my thoughts are still fresh on my mind. I have traveled to wonderful places and seen wonderful things. I've met some of the greatest people on the planet and I have been welcomed with warmth and love all over the world. How lucky am I? How can anyone be blessed more than that?

However, in most of my travels I rarely get to do 'special' things. I'm on the road to work - to teach. The extent of my sight seeing is mostly limited to the hotel room and the classroom. I have had the occasion to have a quick treat, but it is more rare than usual.

Most of you know that music has always been my passion. I've had the great privilege of performing, producing, and conducting. The last concert I ever conducted before moving into a full-time traveling quilt teacher career was one of the most memorable moments of my life. I conducted a concert in St. Louis with an 85 voice community chorus and 30 members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. It was amazing. Choral music has been a big part of my musical life and I love hearing great choirs. Choral music stirs my soul in ways that other music cannot.

Today was set up and Schoolhouse day at market. However, tonight I was free - rare for sure. I guess the stars were aligned because tonight was also the open rehearsal for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir - just around the corner from the convention center in Temple Square. I went!

The 360 voice choir was rehearsing with the orchestra for next week's performance of "Elijah," an Oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn. I will mark it down along with my other "most inspiring musical experiences." Even though it was 'just a rehearsal,' It left me humble, reflective, and numb.

So why would I share this on our blog? Because it is this sort of experience that I wish for each of you to enjoy. I hope that you are able to find those opportunities that blow you away. That inspirational moment that is few and far between. The rehearsal reminded me that excellence is of the utmost importance and that, while the technical aspects of a discipline is important, doing it with passion rules above it all.

What experiences have you had that have moved you - sharpened your skills - paved your way to reach beyond the ordinary and strive for the sublime? Tonight, for me, was one of those times and I just wanted to share it with all of you. Thanks for letting me - Ricky