A lot.
I was friends with a group of people who were in theatre. They worked as stage hands, actresses, singers, dancers. They choreographed and directed. They were amazing people with big presence and, for some odd reason, took me within their fold.
Maybe it was because I laughed at myself.
Maybe it was because I applauded and cheered for them.
Maybe it was because they recognized the slightly odd duck inside.
Maybe it was because I was game to try anything - even dancing in little more than my underwear.
When we went to karaoke, they were a sight to behold. They strutted across the stage, their voices belting out songs usually butchered, their bodies owning the space. I loved watching them. And, because there was no way I'd ever match their talent, I gladly got on stage to slightly butcher songs with enthusiasm.
When Chad and I met, I was going to karaoke two or three times a week. It wasn't really his thing, but he did humor me a few times. Then, as time went on, we went less and less until we stopped all together.
I still sang my heart out, but it was to the car radio or to two appreciative babies.
My voice was, if not silenced, muted.
A few weeks ago, I was talking to a friend on Facebook. This friend owns a karaoke company and mentioned that I should go some Thursday night. The little seed planted in my head and then bloomed.
I called a few friends, finally talking Kendra, Sarah, Matt and Sarah's mother-in-law into joining me. As the evening drew closer, I noticed something.
My heart was beating a little faster.
My smile was a little broader.
My heels were a little higher.
And when I walked into the bar and saw my friend with his gear, the familiar binders full of songs and the sign up list, I felt high. My smile wouldn't stop; my energy wouldn't droop. I signed up for an easy song, something I've done in the past.
Kevin called my name.
I walked to the front of the bar.
I picked up the microphone feeling the weight of it in my hands.
The music started.
The intro ended.
I opened my mouth.
And found my voice again.
I'm the type of woman who sings karaoke.
19 comments:
LOVE this. I have been squashed musically too, not from karake but from participating in music at church... the one place I was using my love of music. And I look so forward to finding a) some friends I can go out and do fun things (like karaoke, for instance) with who get out more often than once a month and b) a new church so I can get involved in music again. Grateful you found your way back to karaoke and that you blogged about it :)
Do you know? I've given recitals, sung in musicals and at weddings, auditioned and performed with a capella groups, and I've never, not once in my life, done karaoke?
Put that on our to-do list for when I get out there, okay?
I have a terrible voice, but I love that you look and sound so happy about finding yours again. I'm "JEALOUS" for sure. Your world is just busting open and I love that for you.
Love. So much love.
So, I just have to know what song you sang???
You're the type of woman I like. :)
(I miss karaoke too.)
Good for you! We tend to lose a little bit of ourselves when the kids are young, but it all comes back once they aren't permanently attached at the hip anymore... http://tracey-justanothermommyblog.blogspot.com/
You're fabulous! Own it! I am so, so glad you did this. And I also wonder what you sang?
Confession: I used to sing karaoke too. I once won a $200 contest. I also once won tickets to see Bob Dylan. But then I met Rob and, well...I miss it.
You did well! The enthusiasm you had was definitely catching!
I'm telling ya...what I lack in expertise, I make up with enthusiasm! It's my motto. One of them.
Holy carp, girl! YOU'RE the karaoke Queen!!
And I sang One Way or Another and Let Me Entertain You.
How funny! You're the type of woman I like too. :D
Let Me Entertain You and One Way or Another, amongst others.
And guess what...Sarah sang too. You want to go next time, don't you. :)
xoxoxox
Oh sweetie! It's not about having a good voice, it's about owning the song. :)
Lady, we have so much on our to-do list at this point, we're going to need a solid month. Or at least two crazy weeks.
Oh hon! I hope you find your voice! It will heal your soul and open your heart. I promise.
When I first got divorced, one of the first things I did was sing karaoke. I didn't want to. A friend dragged me. And I surprised myself by having fun. There are so many craptastic things about divorce, so many, but one of the lovely side effects is that you get to reinvent yourself a little, you know? All that stuff you never wanted to do, were too afraid to do... you can do now. Also, I think there's something about the trauma (and I do think it can be a real jolt of trauma) of divorce that makes you more brave. If I can survive divorce, I can sing karaoke, dammit. :) P.S. Love this post.
Um, to supervise you two only!
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