Singing in the ... Well, Really, Wherever

And how I was vindicated by a compliment from one of my favorite singers

Hello!

Last week, I posted this image on Facebook. I'd seen it before, but this time for whatever reason it stuck with me. The idea of singing through our troubles is nothing new to me. Kind of like eating, I sing no matter what.

I thought of when I was six, and I belted out one of the most iconic songs of our generation at my aunt in my immature yelly little kid voice. Afterward, I asked her if I was any good. "It sounds like you're trying really hard," she responded. 🤣

I thought of the few times when someone has asked me to stop singing. I do stop, when asked. For a minute. But I really can't help myself.

I thought of my girls, when they fussed as babies - I would try singing them to sleep, but they just cried harder. (This was perhaps the hardest of all the blows to my singer's ego.)

I thought of my son, who actually enjoys my singing and even used to mimic me when he was a very small baby. Any song I can think of, whether it's Raffi or Aerosmith, will settle him at naptime. (And he dances.)

And then I thought of my childhood dream of being a professional singer. Which made me write this story about how that dream ended up playing out.

I've got to be honest with you, I'm not feeling the state of things these days. My shoulders are tense. I have a headache. I'm tired, but not, like, sleepy-tired. I'm whole-body-I-give-up-because-this-world-is-a-mess-I-can't-clean-up tired. There's too much to think about, and I don't want to think about any of it. If you're feeling the same way, give this story a read. It takes place in the early 2000s, as far away from pandemics and politics as you can get. Come with me for six minutes, and I'll make you forget about the mess outside.

Back in the real world, I have some articles in the works and I've started sending my novel out to agents again. Fingers crossed The Other Women will find a home this year (and hopefully earlier rather than later)!

I'll see you again soon.

Until then,

P.S. In the blog post, I promised you a song list. In no particular order, here is a (rather embarrassing as I look back at them) list of some of my karaoke go-tos.

Solo: Me & Bobby McGee (this is the one that got Pat Monahan's attention). Killing Me Softly (obvi). Santeria (why?!). Torn. Corazon espinado (Fun fact: I learned Spanish in high school, and a good 30% of what I learned was from listening to music and reading the lyrics along with it).

Duet: Hot Summer Nights. Paradise By The Dashboard Light. King of Pain. Tainted Love

I'm sure there are more, but it's been a long day and it's been 12 years since I sang with any regularity. At any rate, the above list should give you a pretty good idea of what life was like with me in 2007. Or maybe it will just have you asking more questions. 🤣

P.P.S. Is someone you know a fan of Train? Karaoke? Rock'n'Roll cruises? If so, forward this email! They can read this and other crazy stories by signing up to read more!