I have always wanted to be able to sing. I often hear music that touches me. Inspires me. Changes me. I have always thought that it would be the most incredible gift to influence others in such ways. More than that, it has the power to bring peace to my own chaotic thoughts.
I was born with less-than-average vocal chords. As much as I will them to sound in tune, melodic, and light. They always seem to fall short. Growning up in a large family, I often had people screaming at me to shut-up everytime I opened my mouth to sing with the radio. I understand. A tone deaf individual belting out her made up words of Girls Just Want to Have Fun....disturbing. I couldn't help it though. My soul needed the music.
My oldest brother is a saint. Some of my life's biggest lessons have been taught by his words and actions. He used to play in a band. He has an uncanny ability to pick up an instrument and play. A natural. I envied his talent. I think I was hoping at some point, some of it might rub off on me. I was seven or eight when he started playing for me. Expose, Madonna, Sophie B. Hawkins were amongst the sheets of music. We would sit at the piano together and sing. He never had a negative comment about my voice. He never asked me to shut-up. He never pushed me away so he could have his own practice time. These special moments continued throughout my life. Even as I have lived a chunk of my adulthood in other states, I know when I visit he will be there waiting with the now rather thin, worn sheets of music.
Learning to play the guitar was added to my list around seventeen when I left home. No longer did I have access to a piano. and to me, guitar was a way to serenade more singing. I couldn't understand those who chose instruments like the flute or the saxophone. They make beautiful music but it seemed to me rather useless if you couldn't sing along with it.
I began guitar lessons in CA but when I moved I was forced to stop. I picked them up again about five weeks ago. Being tone deaf makes it difficult to tune and play but I have come to love the quiet times in the middle of the day where I can pick up my own copies of the songs my brother used to play and remember those moments.
Music is such an incredible gift. I often wish that I was blessed with some form of it and that I didn't have to work so hard at it. I am so thankful to a brother who never considered me a failure, merely someone who just "needed more practice".
My husband....the farmer.
This weekend was awesome. I am now an official graduate of Cal State (go bulldogs) and can authentically place the letters M.S. after my name. I didn't make it to CA to walk but the pics of my friends and former colleagues make me feel like I am there. John finished his semester and finally we were able to spend some quality time together without the worry of assignments or exams. It was bliss.
John took me to the batting cages. I have been begging to go. The weather was amazing all weekend...I wish I could say the same about my softball skills. I have been looking forward to putting in a garden. I decided on a raised bed garden that is 4X2 feet. We dug up the ground and built the box...ok, I will be honest...John dug it up and built the box. I supervised. He cracks me up. As he is digging up the lawn on our 4X2 plot, he looks up with me and says "this farming stuff is really rough"...We often talk about moving to a big piece of land and having animals and a large garden. After our work putting in our "micro-garden", we may need to reconsider our future. I had so much fun though. It really makes me appreciate John putting up with all of my ideas. I could not have done this nearly so well without him. With any luck, we will have fresh green beans, snap peas, tomatoes, and of course a selection of herbs to cook with. I am crossing my fingers...
John also took me to the local flea market. We had so much fun walking around and got some great finds. We got The Natural on DVD for $2, an awesome set of juice glasses for $4, and amongst other finds...some books. I think we have a bit of a problem. In our office, we have a floor to ceiling bookshelf stocked to the brim with books. In our bedroom we have and entire wall covered with a massive IKEA bookshelf that is also packed. All with books. Today of course we got some more. Needless to say, I have some reading to do this week....
John took me to the batting cages. I have been begging to go. The weather was amazing all weekend...I wish I could say the same about my softball skills. I have been looking forward to putting in a garden. I decided on a raised bed garden that is 4X2 feet. We dug up the ground and built the box...ok, I will be honest...John dug it up and built the box. I supervised. He cracks me up. As he is digging up the lawn on our 4X2 plot, he looks up with me and says "this farming stuff is really rough"...We often talk about moving to a big piece of land and having animals and a large garden. After our work putting in our "micro-garden", we may need to reconsider our future. I had so much fun though. It really makes me appreciate John putting up with all of my ideas. I could not have done this nearly so well without him. With any luck, we will have fresh green beans, snap peas, tomatoes, and of course a selection of herbs to cook with. I am crossing my fingers...
John also took me to the local flea market. We had so much fun walking around and got some great finds. We got The Natural on DVD for $2, an awesome set of juice glasses for $4, and amongst other finds...some books. I think we have a bit of a problem. In our office, we have a floor to ceiling bookshelf stocked to the brim with books. In our bedroom we have and entire wall covered with a massive IKEA bookshelf that is also packed. All with books. Today of course we got some more. Needless to say, I have some reading to do this week....
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