Music, Music, Music

It should come as no surprise that music makes me happy. I went through 19 years after high school where listened to music as a way to cheer up (or get further down, as the need arose), and didn't perform at all. I had sung all the time in high school, because I was in two choruses (hello readers who were Travelaires at Plantation High School in the 70s), and did some solos and ensemble work, too. I loved it all, from madrigals to popular stuff. But, something happened. I no longer even remember what it was, but it made me not want to sing in college, and avoid it for many years.

Only when I started going to the UU church here in Texas did I tentatively start singing again. I was worried I'd forgotten how to read music.I hadn't. And I have been singing with them for over a decade (I posted a choir photo one day last week, so am not repeating). I also have sung in two larger choruses, and have chronicled some of that back in the depths of this blog. Search for singing and you'll find them.

But I have to say that being a member of the rather large but happy group, Funkatonic, has really revived my joy of singing. I think it's fulfilled the rock and roll fantasies of a lot of us in the band, which is mostly over-thirty former musicians of one sort or another (plus  Beccano the teen bass player and our teen flute specialist). Here I am singing, as you can tell, "Ooh, Baby Baby" in my Linda Ronstadt-esque way. The words are up there because this was a "hymn" and the audience sang along. OK, fine. But I got to wear my shiny 70s belt and my t-shirt from an obscure Welsh 70s band.

Funkatonic, by J. Montgomery

We are all having a great time. And to prove it, here's the rest of the family, also having a great time.

The guitar dudes rocking out.

We are all just having so much fun. No, it isn't perfect. But it is fun. Music should bring joy, and I assure you, our music does. We all keep grinning about how great it is we get to do this in public! (Sort of public, anyway.) I am sure glad we've had the opportunity to perform rock in this setting, though I also know it can be too loud for some folks. Don't know how to please everyone, but they do provide a lot of different kinds of music at the church, which is fun! And fun is the theme to this entry. Glad there is fun in my life.

So, if you want to, indulge in this video clip, which I am grateful for Jon Montgomery for getting for us. The audience blocks a lot of us (poor Becano is behind the fellow in blue on the right).

Oh, and did you want to know more about the obscure Welsh rock band my shirt depicts? It's Budgie, and the shirt looks like the top one on this page. I definitely would have won the most obscure rock band t-shirt contest, if we'd had one. Of course, actual credit goes to my coworker, T., who remembered the band and pointed me to them, and my younger son, who got me the shirt.

Well, it's been a chilly beginning of spring, but I know it will be too hot before I know it. I am still working on getting some employment, and had an interview today that I hope went well. At least I met some nice folks and got to see an old friend today, so it was worth it. See what a great attitude I am getting from posting all these things that bring me joy? It's working! I feel better!


  

Starting Anew: Loving My Music

I haven't been writing here much, because, well, I have had some issues with feeling rather down, and didn't want to just whine and whine and whine. Of course, the issues I have been dealing with are real and legitimate--not having consistent work, not getting any of the jobs I apply for, etc. That makes me feel incompetent, even when I know perfectly well they like me lots at work, there just isn't any work to do through no fault of my own. Other issues of friendship and such don't help. I'm working on it, and certainly Lee and the kids are not problems. They are lots of help.

What to Do about It

I've been dieting and exercising in my little hiatus from work, thinking that will help. It has helped my waistline and I've enjoyed the early spring so far!

And in blogging, I think I will use this space for a while to post as often as possible about a good thing going on in my life. That will give me nice stuff to review. So I will start.

Singing "Stop in the Name of Love" with Funkatonic.

I am really enjoying Funkatonic (website coming soon), the band a great musician at church put together to provide more "modern" music for church services. We have played twice so far, and are rehearsing for the March performance now (oops, not performance, service). What fun it is to play with so many talented people. We amaze ourselves at how quickly we figure out songs.

And it's a family affair. Beccano plays percussion and bass, and is holding his own among some very talented professional musicians. Lee is playing lead guitar, and I am one of the backup singers, or on a few songs the main singer. We are having fun working out harmonies!

If you are on Facebook, you can become a fan--just search for Funkatonic. You can see lots more photos.

Look for more highlights of my recent months in upcoming days!