Singing soothes the Soul

Singing soothes the Soul

Karen starts off the afternoon with "Summertime".

At every one of holiday gatherings, or even in car rides to the store, there was song. Singing was regular occurrence in our family.  So, it seemed like a natural fit to celebrate my mother’s recent birthday with a “sing-a-long”.  Who knew over 38 people would come and join in – but, that is how my mother “rolls” – with lots of folks surrounding each other with love and merriment.  "You are the best person to give a party for because you show your joy and are so expressive ...you could have been a mime!" said Betty Brunisma.

Pam, Helen, Mike, Kathy, and Betty - what a crew!

Betty, my mother’s dear friend, opened her home to host this event on Sunday afternoon, July 13^th and I could not have been more grateful as she has the perfect set-up/space for such a “gig”.  In the center front room lays a grand piano under a brand-new wrought iron chandelier where Betty’s crew arranged audience seating in a concert/amphitheater design.  I am not sure whether she purchased her new couch just for this event, but it was the perfect fit –we had a full house! Mike Lamy, pianist, made me sound ever so great while at the microphone.  He is a genuinely talented artist who brings beaming energy, while fighting ammonia on the brain from the medicine to cure his disease.  Even with this struggle he stays right on cue while playing piano and belting out tunes from the 1940’s and 50’s.

Mike Lamy brings joy and smiles with songs!

Mike engaging the audience to join in the fun!

Whoa, was I under the “gun”!  Mike just rolls these tunes out of his pipes like a free-flowing waterfall; however, I need months of practice.  Betty and I had worked on transposing songs into my key during the prior months (late January through March).   She wanted to work on transposing skills and I needed to refocus from my struggle with insomnia and panic towards something more harmonious in my heart.  Together it was a perfect number of sessions, and while there we both realized we should host another concert similar to the one she and Pam organized back in Christmas time, 2013.  Truly, I had no idea he would change-up my routine during our quick practice. I sang a total of six songs, “Summertime,” “The Girl from Ipanema,” “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” “Somewhere My Love,” “Put on a Happy Face,” and “Bill Bailey” and three of these songs were added to my list just on Wednesday before the event.

One generous group - Pam shares our desire to collect donations for Mike's efforts

In some ways, the whole event seemed like de ja vu as Betty’s dream nights before we decided to plan this day was of Christmas trees and organizing of donations for Mike.  Talk about “Christmas in July”! 

Kelly, Karen and Kathy - what a family!

Mom bring Merriment to All!

As her daughter I was full of joy while observing her “world” – individuals from the Friday night group she attends, other friends from her Sunday gatherings, and even some others from her Sunday mornings at the Unitarian Universalist church, and her real estate life.   It made perfect sense that Betty had prepared photos of their travels around the world, which were scrolling on the television screen off to the left hand side of the room during the party.

My sister, Kelly, flew in for the experience making this is a delightful mother-daughter memory – along with the 36 other friends!  Looking around the room I saw my mother seated in middle of the room surrounded by various friends/support she has built for herself over her many years of spreading her love and warmth throughout the community. 

Helen and Cathy G. Singing A Long

Karen, Vanessa, Cassandra and Amy - good friends 

Thankfully, my dear friend, Brenda Jordan, joined me in the Sunday food preparation, and others like Helen Lawrence, Pam, Beth, Gerard and Stephane (visitors from France staying at Betty’s home) rallied to lend a hand in organizing and coordinating the day.  Otherwise, I would have needed to hire an army to pull all the parts together.  Actually, in some ways these fine folks are the army/band.  Everyone did join in the sing-a-long experience either humming to a tune or two, or even using the printed lyrics provided for “Somewhere My Love,” and “Bill Bailey. 

Mother and Daughter

There’s no better, simpler, way to summarize the day than the quote on my mother’s wall in her family room, “Make each day your masterpiece,” anonymous.  Kathy Cowden – my mother  - has made it a wonderful world sure has done that, and much more.  Happy Birthday to you, Mom!  We love you for all you are, and how your life shines forth with song.