My girls - One Voice

Music, Music, Music

I have discovered that I would rather sing, play the piano, or play the guitar than do anything else. I have some of the most spiritual moments when I am at the piano singing and playing. I have some of the funnest moments when I am singing with my group "One Voice." I have some of the most frustrating moments when I am playing my guitar, but then some of the most satisfying moments when I can actually make the chords my teacher wants me to. (I have also discovered that old fingers cannot move in ways that young fingers can.) Performing is a kick and I think I am hooked on it, although in certain situations I must admit I am almost paralyzed with fear and my throat tightens up.

I credit my parents with this love of music I possess. Some of my earliest memories involve music--either my father singing to me at night as I went to sleep (Mona Lisa my favorite), waking up on Saturday mornings to the smell of breakfast and the sound of Porgy and Bess on the record player, sitting at the piano with my mother as she played and sang to me, listening to Dave Brubeck, the Kingston Trio, the Grand Canyon Suite, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass on the record player (to name a few).

Life is better with music. One of my favorite quotes from the scriptures (it's over my piano): Praise the Lord with singing, with music and with a prayer of thanksgiving.

To Exercise or Not to Exercise

A group of 20 or so people where I work have formed their own reality show - The Biggest Loser. I decided to join - it was only a small $10 fee - to see if I could lose some of this menopausal belly fat. Rules are simple: pay your fee, weigh in on Wednesdays, do whatever form of dieting/exercising you want, weekly winners, and $150 grand prize at the end of 6 weeks.

I was feeling pretty good about the first week because I walk/run a few times a week and I had been trying to watch what I eat. I went to weigh in and got the shock of my life. I had gained 1 pound in the first week. How did this happen? Maybe it was the chocolate cake and cinnamon rolls on Sunday, or maybe it was the dinner at Pizza Factory. Who knows? But if I am going to win this thing, I need to do something different - like take it seriously and really exercise. I wish I could play racquetball regularly like I did in my other life. Maybe I just need to accept the fact that I will never be skinny again - but who knows? Maybe I will be the Biggest Loser and not the "Biggest Loser." (if you know what I mean) And NO I am not posting before and after photos.

Granddaughters Are Great!!!

We have another granddaughter - what could be better. I'm late in reporting, but Adree was born April 4th and she's beautiful. Can't wait for the next one in July.