I traveled up to New York this past weekend for a series of audition for opera companies .. and some eco living with some of my best friends and ma mama.

My mom came along and kept me sane during these auditions, which usually scare me to death. And she was in charge of food and made a number of trips to Whole Foods Market to keep me in good form. She didn't want her picture taken, so you'll see me showing off the food …

Here is some organic arctic char which was SO GOOD. Mom picked up a marinade for it and we then put it in the over at 400 °F for 20 minutes.

The marinade was simple and sooo good.

and to go with it .. quinoa. Of course! This gave me good energy for my opera audition the next day ... and here is our dinner in the final stages! Arctic char, quinoa, and organic vegetables. They came in a bag which we were able to put in the microwave and easily steam.

So after this good meal, I went to my opera audition and I must say it went well ... had that extra special electric organic energy!

The day after, Mom and I were out and about in New York seeing friends and we got a special shot of her ...

She gave me a good mantra as I went into my auditions .. "I can."

This mantra worked especially when getting ready for my second audition, which was at 10am on Sunday. That means I was up at 6am and needing this ...

This coffee from Whole Foods was actually very good, especially for instant coffee.

It especially helped me for the six a.m. wake up to get warmed up for the audition...

Oh lovely. Well we made it through the next audition and then it was time to get back home. So I picked up some teas for us for the ride home.

Yes Half and Half is one of my favorite things in the U.S.A.

Me, Mom, Amtrak and Honest Tea. Yes we took the train, no driving for us.

I'm telling you to rock on and mom says "You can do it."

FYI I'll be singing at the Stockholm green Festival July 15.16 in Kungsträdgården so get on out and I'll see you there!

http://www.stockholmgreenfestival.se/

Love from IVA the Diva