I've decided to start writing. So this is my start. I'm sure it will be a little hurky jerky and I may do things in the wrong order. Maybe it will be valuable words of wisdom that someone else will be grateful for.
Whether you are a MARVEL movie guru, a Doctor Who Trivial Pursuit Champ, a bibliophile or another parent just trying to not screw up their progeny. I hope we can find some common ground. Experiences and experience do not an expert make. But "I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night." So I'm sure I can make this work. Please use the buffet rule number 1.) Take what you want and leave the stuff you don't like behind!
This is the specifics part
I'm so new at this I've got nothing to be specific about. But I know practice is important so consider this a practice run...when I know more you'll be the first to hear. All I can say for now is everything is free!
Intro through story
The bottom line is it's the beginning and I just need to start there. So here's a introduction by way of a story...
When I was in 7th grade I made a new friend. Mallory was very cool and kind. We weren't the popular kids but at least we weren't picked on. Halfway through the year we find ourselves in the throws of musical season and Mallory needs moral support. What compeled me to say yes to this I can only think was a brief moment of insanity.
Don't get me wrong. I had musical ability. I sang in church choir and was playing the cello at the time. My singing in the shower was some of the best performances ever! The audition process in middle school 1991, however, was harsher than I was expecting. There was none of the inclusive-everyone-gets-a-part philosophy back then. You could either sing in front of people or nerves got the best of you. Nerves, they got me good.
The chorus teacher told me I should stick to the cello and leave it at that. Though I remember something else about a tune and a bucket. My friend, the saint she was, told me not to worry about it. She told me it was brave to even try.
Fast forward to my adult musical education. My husband is classically trained. His ability is off the charts. Yes. Little old church ladies bawl like children when he sings. When we started dating I had no idea being able to sing was one of his check boxes. Fortunately, after hearing me sing a few hymns during church service, he told me how glad he was that I could sing. I was baffled because I didn't think my voice was pleasing to the ear based on my middle school experience.
The truth is I love to sing and I love music. Classical, rock, pop or Broadway will get my toes tapping and the person in the car next to me staring. I have amazing memories of my mom singing (though she was basically tone deaf) sesame street songs and Fleetwood Mac.
I actually do like to perform in front of people. It just takes a lot of time and practice for me to be able to do so confidently. I'll never be able to perform at the caliber of my hubby but it turns out no one is really expecting that. Finding something that brings you joy and you can do with people you love is a rare thing.
End at the Ending
That's it! Be brave like 7th grade me.
Congrats on getting started! That's probably the hardest part.