So, after a great weekend, full of great singers, and full of great performances at the opera, I did not advance to the finals of the competition.  I would be lying if I said i was completely okay.  I will be the first to admit that it hurt at first.  HGO is something that I really, really wanted.  And its made even harder because I feel like I had a great audition today.  Then I had to take a moment to think about it all.  All we can do in this life is try to be the absolute best we can, and let others do with it what they will.  Many of you have heard me say that this is my season.  My belief in that has not changed at all.  My belief in my significance was shaken a bit today, but after some careful thought, I decided to snatch it back.  How dare I let myself feel as though I am less than talented because of the results of one day.  A very wise person told me that my strength was the reason I didn't advance.  I must say that statement made me want to hang up the phone, but then another statement followed.  "You have the strength to walk away from this thing knowing that you did a wonderful job regardless of the results.  The other singers may not have that strength."  Wow.  At the end of the day, all i can do is realize there were so many talented people in Houston this weekend.  The thing that I exhibited more than anyone else, may not have been the thing they needed.  Thank you all for all of your support in this competition.  Stay tuned for what amazing things are happening next.  This bus stop wasn't the one I was intended to get off on, so I'm getting back on, and I'm gonna ride a little further to see what the end is gonna be.  Be blessed, and stay that way.

JC