20 years ago this summer, I walked into the auditorium at West Allis Central High School in Milwaukee WI to audition for the role of Maria in the iconic American musical West Side Story. I was a bright-eyed 23 year-old. A recent college grad with a voice performance degree ready to take the performance world by storm.  I was working at a grocery store.  It's the stuff of dreams. No really, it is.

Anyway... I walked into the auditorium, and as one does, I began to size up my competition.  And there she was. This tall gorgeous glass of water singing the absolute crap out of some song.  I felt a wave of nausea and immediately thought, "Oh sh*t, I'm doomed".  Lucky for me, she was singing "A Boy Like That".  Even luckier for me, that girl soon became the Anita to my Maria and we've been best friends ever since. 

I’ve heard it said
That people come into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led to those
Who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
But I don’t know if I believe that’s true
But I know I’m who I am today
Because I knew you
 

The last 20 years have brought marriages and babies and cross country moves.  Laura was the first person to talk to my now husband when he first called our shared apartment to ask me on a date.  She gave him the 3rd degree before she decided whether or not he was good enough for me.  (Lucky for me, she thought he was!)  I was the last person to talk to her now husband before he asked her to marry him. (Lucky for her, I gave him my blessing.)  We've shared more than I could ever begin to recall, and I am blessed to call this gorgeous lady my friend...my sister.  I love her to the moon and back. 

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a Sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?
But
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good
 

It well may be
That we may never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learn from you
You’ll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have rewritten mine
By being my friend
 

I was honored and thrilled when Laura asked me to help her whip up some new headshots.  After a bit of a hiatus, this amazing talent is back tearing up Milwaukee area stages with her powerful voice, heart-wrenching acting, and all around brilliant stage presence.  I may be biased, but I fervently believe that Milwaukee audiences are darn lucky she's back.  

We spent a Sunday morning together during my last visit to Milwaukee.  We found some great spots in the Tosa Village for pictures and then enjoyed an amazing brunch at one of the new kids in town, Cafe Bavaria. It was delish. You should totally go.

Take a peek at some of the gorgeous shots we got of this gal. 

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind of the sea
Like a seed dropped by a sky bird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?
But
Because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good

And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I’ve done you’ve blamed me for
But then, I guess
We know there’s blame to share
And none of it seems to matter anymore

Like a comet pulled from orbit

As it passes a Sun

We got to share the stage once again this past February with the reunion of our vocal jazz group BoyGirlBoyGirl.  And we got to sing "For Good" from the musical Wicked.  No words sung could be more true...Because I knew you, I have been changed for good. 

I love you, friend. Thank you for making my life a more beautiful place.

xoxo,

Michaela

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posted by Michaela Ristaino