After a performance I always get very shy.  I like being onstage, and I really put myself into what I do.  When I'm done, though, I'm done.  I go home, close the curtains, and often have the distinct thought: "stop looking at me."

I used to say that it feels a little like dancing naked in front of the world and then needing to go home to cover up for a while.  Since the bodybuilding competition I don't know if that's a useful analogy anymore!   

Today I travelled with the string teachers who will be offering private lessons after school.  We visited two of my districts's elementary schools for a half-hour show.  We'll visit three more on Monday.  Essentially it was a music lesson for 400.  It was fun.  I made bad jokes.  "The string bass plays notes so low, they sound like they're coming from the BASS-ment."  The kids just sat there looking blank.  Every adult in the room groaned.  "Now the cello, and no, I did not say a wiggily dessert.  Sorry kids, that's as good as my jokes ever get."  ba-dump ching!

The performances went well, the kids were enthusiastic and responsive.  I love my job.

But I need to go curl up now!