First Class First Crush

Children are funny, often unpredictable, and so charming when they want to be. On more than one occasion I have witnessed one nephew in particular act very shy toward strangers and those he knows (natural to do). In grocery stores old women will often try to engage him in conversation and he will just turn the opposite direction and say, "I am being shy." Or, as we walk into some place a man will make a remark like, "what's up little man" and he will completely ignore the man as if he is not there at all.



I have spent this weekend with Sharee and her family in Maryland after attending a work conference in the DC area. It was here that this particular nephew (Dmitri) surprised me - and his parents - with an interaction with a stranger. Just before my trip started, I learned my good friend Catherine Ramirez would be performing in the DC area the same time I would be visiting, and I arranged for us to attend. It was Dima's first recital/professional performance and we had to help him keep his voice down as he asked questions about what was happening with the lights and when my friend would be coming out and what a flute was. Catherine did come out, with her flute, in a magnificent dress, and Dmitri watched closely as she started her performance. It was a very technical piece that required her to make some unusual noises with her flute and use some unique rhythms, and about half way through the piece Dima leaned into me and said (not quietly btw), "I don't think your friend knows how to play her flute." Hysterical he was; amazing SHE was.



We snuck out early to catch Cathy back stage and got to visit her in the Women's Stage Dressing Room. She was stunning with her hair pinned up and her gorgeous gown. Dima just stared at her, a little star-struck, and when Cathy said hello and reached out to hug him, that was it. He was all smiles and talk - quite the ladies' man. It was like he was a different person, that little four-year-old boy, and it was hysterical to watch! Cathy stole his heart in an instant and I've rarely seen him smile so big.



If you are in to classical music, I invite you to get to know Cathy and her flute- it will be worth your time! Here is her website: http://www.catherineramirez.com/