I can sing!!

I just got really emotional. I have been singing in the choir at St. Mark's for over a year, and enjoying it very much, feeling like I have gradually improved. A couple of weeks ago, the director, Mel, told me he wanted to work with me. I wasn't sure what he meant. Then he called me and asked me to fill in for the Marktets alto part because Julie was going to be gone July 1. I  couldn't believe it, it scared me and flattered me but I said yes. So I practiced once before my trip to Arkansas and again tonight and Mel and the group are so encouraging. He told me he would like to work with me for about 6 months and then I would be amazing. Kate, the young soprano who is a voice teacher, was also very encouraging. After an hour, I am hoarse, and I called Ellen.

My emotions? Anger and excitement. Anger because I think a little encouragement from my music major, choir director, singing mother would have made a difference in my life. Yes, I forgive her, and can be grateful for the journey. It is hard to say at this point if I am happy or joyful, so I will just say, excited at the possibilities. Mother used to tell me that I sang flat. Today, I found out that if I correct my vowels, that will be fixed. I didn't realize how deeply buried my desire to sing was. Anyway, I will keep moving forward and praise the Lord!

A day with Ellen

I had a very leisurely morning, woke up around 6 and didn't go pick up Ellen til 10. I had coffee and a little yoga, read all my books, did a little journaling, did a word search, crocheted -- went down for breakfast, and I can't really think of anything else. It was nice though.

Then I got Ellen and we went to her store. She airbrushes T-shirts and paint signs and has converted an old gas station/mechanic's shop into a very attractive and unique business. And she helped me design my tattoo makeover. I am going to add Ephesians 2:8 and redo the cross. I am really happy about that.

El Dorado has a very nice shopping district around their historical square, and we went there and ate at a bakery/sandwich shop, ate salad. Then we walked around and did alot of window shopping, then decided to go into an antique store "just to look around." Well, I spent $150.00! - found a great original painting, an old heavy ice truck toy, and a few other things that I really like. And I didn't feel bad buying them because the space that has opened up at home is stirring my creative juices, for something different.

Then we came to my hotel room, rested a while, tried swimming but not for long because the sun had gone, then laid around for a while. We decided to eat Mexican food and then go see Men in Black 3, which was hilarious and fun!

I had to take her back home, which is in Smackover, and didn't get back here until 10:30. It was great having the day with Ellen!

A highlight of today was getting to talk to Hannah, who is in Paris, on skype. It totally amazes me. 

Arkansas, Day 1

I left home about 9:30 this morning, after managing a 2.1 mile run - 3 times around block.  I had gotten mostly packed last night, took Carol to church, and felt like things were proceeding decently and in order. I arrived at my hotel at 4:30, after an uneventful trip. I had packed some food, and only stopped a couple of times to pee and once to take a quick roadside nap. I am listening to an audiobook, James Patterson's The 11th hour.

After settling my things in the room, I went to Smackover and picked up Ellen. Her husband Troy gave me a tour of the old church building he bought which is across from their store/home. It is solidly built but damaged,and he really has a vision for it as well as the physical capability to make it happen. Fascinating.

Ellen and I went back to El Dorado and ate for free at Bandera's - free because Troy has done alot of work and they owe him. I got some very good tilapia and a baked sweet potato. We got caught up on all things important in our lives, particularly our marriages. It was  a wonderful sharing time. I did not take her up on her suggestion that she spend the night with me, and she understood about the need for alone time.  So I took her back home and am now back in my very nice LaQuinta hotel room. I use this chain after alot of trial and error -- it is decently priced, usually very comfortable, and always a good continental breakfast. This room is only $75 a night probably because of location. I have a queen sized bed, easy chair, desk and chair, dresser with HD flat screen, and this one has a minifridge and microwave. I am on the second floor and have a sliding door and small balcony overlooking the pool. Right now, at 9:30 pm, there is a family with children making alot of noise, which is fine for now, I like hearing the life. I will listen to music later when I try to sleep.

Tomorrow morning I will go get Ellen, and we will go see her store.  I plan to ask her to help me figure out how to redesign or redo my tattoo. After that  we may go to a museum or just lay around by the pool, clearing the cobwebs from our brains.

Austin

Yesterday, Saturday, Carol and I left about 8 am. We had a quick visit with David in The Woodlands, managed to see Bryan for 30 seconds before he took off on a bike ride after trail running last night. ( He is training for a triathlon).  David seems to really be doing well, and I am so happy about that.

Carol and I stopped in Brenham and had a good lunch at Must be Heaven, then went to a used bookstore and a couple of antique stores. Then we arrived in Austin and delivered the dehydrator to Will's co-op. I had impulsively bought it a couple of months ago after impulsively thinking I could be Mother Earth again, and eat raw more. Well, I realized that I had been there done that and there doesn't seem to be any going back, I would rather do other things. I will keep on with my morning green drink, and try to eat healthy. Anyway, the co-op is happy. Will looks great, and we took off and went thrift store shopping where of course everyone found treasures and Mom spent $100.  We then went to eat at an Indian cuisine restaurant called Shalimar.  It was ok, but way too spicy and heavy, and I didn't feel too great afterwards. During this meal, the kids twisted my arm, as usual, and we decided to go to a 10:00 showing of  Moonrise Kingdom at Alamo Drafthouse. This movie is not showing in Houston, but on 3 screens there.   So after checking in to the hotel, then stopping by Whole Foods and picking up some chocolate covered ginger, we waited in line for a very long time to see the movie and get a decent seat.  It was ok, but I don't see what all the fuss is about.

So it was after midnight when we got back to the hotel. I had originally thought to go to church at University United Methodist because it is near Will, but he has to go to work and we had a late night so I decided against it. I got up at 6:45 and have had a couple cups of coffee while Carol still snoozes. I am going to go get on the treadmill for a bit, then we can just chill here for a while. Checkout time isn't til noon.  

I plan to stop at Yarnorama on the way home and spend about $100 on yarn for a crochet jacket I have been wanting to make.  We should get home midafternoon, then Carol is going to audition for a part in Baytown Little Theater's summer musical.