Feeding the Nutcracker Crew in Cody, Wyoming

By Cynthia Kaelberer

When Elizabeth announced she wanted to produce “The Nutcracker,” her family members nodded their heads.

Her mother, the author of this book, was excited about what such a production would entail: choreography, lighting, costumes, and of course, other parents. What she might not have envisioned at the time, however, was how much cooking and baking would be required to feed the crew.

In this book, she looks back at how the first production in 1998 came together from scratch.
Grandmothers, mothers, friends, and parents sewed costumes and helped with the props, with Elizabeth always being determined to offer a first-class production. She even folded the programs herself, ensuring that each fold was straight and razor sharp.

Each of the dancers that first year performed multiple roles and worked long hours preparing. While exhausting, it all came together and made their collective accomplishment that much sweeter when it came to fruition.

Join the author as she looks back at how a magical ballet—along with some great recipes— became an essential part of the Christmas season in Cody, Wyoming.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Sep 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9781665728065

Cynthia Kaelberer

Cynthia Kaelberer grew up in Wyoming and Montana. She lives in Cody, Wyoming, with her dog, Moose. Cynthia teaches private piano lessons and preschool music at Rocky Mountain School of the Arts.”

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Copyright © 2022 Cynthia Kaelberer.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Scripture quotations marked ESV are from the ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved

ISBN: 978-1-6657-2807-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6657-2806-5 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-6657-2808-9 (hc)

Archway Publishing rev. date:  09/07/2022

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To my children, and grandchildren,

When I think of you my heart is filled with joy and gratitude.

The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

Psalm 16:6 ESV

Table Contents

Introduction

Beginning

Becoming a Family

Recipes

New Vision

Growing Stronger

25 Years

Introduction

A t long last, here it is, the book I have talked about for years and of all the people who probably can’t believe it is in print, good or bad, I am, no doubt, the most surprised. So, thank you to everyone who secretly wondered if it really would ever happen and didn’t say it out loud.

When the idea of putting together a book called Feeding the Nutcracker Crew first came to mind, I saw it as a collection of recipes and a few pictures. However, from the onset this book has taken on more than I thought it would be and it has come to be a personal story told by someone’s mother. The story is about Elizabeth Fernandez, teacher, choreographer, director, writer, great stepmom, aunt, wife of Ryan Fernandez, sister of Erich Kaelberer and daughter of the mom telling the story, Cynthia Kaelberer.

I have taught private piano lessons for more years than I care to say and have met some fine people because of it, most of them my students.

I live with my dog Moose in Cody, Wyoming and am blessed to have my children, Ryan, Elizabeth, Erich and Jenni close by.

Ryan’s name will be mentioned a few times and so I should say he is Elizabeth’s number 1 fan. He claims that because he is married to her, his world has become broader than he had ever planned as he also is now so involved in the world of dance and performing.

CJS130_Ryan_Simpson.jpg

I have a very long list of people that I want to thank. I have always been blessed with people who encouraged me, (whether they knew it or not), to do better, strive to do more than you think you can: my parents, Tom and Joyce Asay, my children, my grandchildren, my brothers, and the friends I have come to know through the years.

Craig Satterlee is one I feel privileged to count as a friend. Without Craig I’m not sure this book would have been finished. So many times, I wondered how to take the next step, what does this mean that the publisher wants? Not sure I can do this today. However, Craig’s steadiness, his knowledge of what technical terms mean and how it works was invaluable.

Most of all his artistry in photography and his love of dance and what Elizabeth does is inspiring and beautiful. Your pictures give meaning to the words. Thank you is not enough but all I have to give. Thank you, Craig, thank you.

Finally, to all the many students who have taken dance through these last 25 years, I wish I could have included a picture of each one of you. Even in this day of digital storing I couldn’t get that done but please know each of you, as an individual, are very important and Elizabeth always remembers every student whom she has taught. Thank you for being a part of RMSA/RMDT within the last 25 years, you have left your mark.

I n the evening the profile of mountain peaks stand out and yet blend into the sky. Shades change from sky blue to hazy grays, pinks and purples as the clouds move through the mountains and sky. The changing of weather is seen coming in the form and color of the clouds – from the North and the West through the passes created by the mountain ranges – Logan, Carter, the Beartooths….

It was time to go where writing is not only required but really the only thing. Loading up Moose and Sawyer (the dogs), Trixie, Mr. Gilly, and Swimshady (the goldfish) we headed to the mountains. Oh, and by the way, none of those names were my idea.

Driving to the camping spot I listened to the Boccherini Concerto No. 9 in B-flat Major. It seemed as if all nature was responding to the music written more than 200 years before, recorded in a studio hundreds of miles away by musicians of the 21st century. As the sun set on a quiet world, I again thought of living in the West where horses, cattle and farming are still the norm; where we still hope our children