Tonight was the first performance of the opera, Who is Molly Leigh?
I enjoyed singing in the choir and got to watch a couple of scenes. We sing in the final scene and question who Molly Leigh was? Was she real, was she a myth? It’s amazing how it’s all come together. I’m pleased to say the audience enjoyed it.
I’m absolutely shattered now! I went to the fish and chip shop to get tea because I’m to tired to microwave something, but it’s going cold in the kitchen because I sat down and I’m too achy to get back up! Might have a nap.
A few weeks ago. I usually sing alto at choir practice but recently I’ve been trying to explore my voice. It’s helping to keep me going dispite the Parkinsons disease and shortness of breath. Sometimes I sing up higher, as a slightly squeeky soprano, and also as in this photo as a bass if they are short of singers. Here me and the only bass singer that night were trying not to be distracted by the altos tune which was very similar. My friend was laughing at us and took this photo of us trying to avoid hearing the other tune.
I just sang a solo at the Penkhull at the Musicals event. I was singing the penultimate song and I’d sung with the choir with no mishaps. I’d even got the words right in a small solo part way through umpapah umpapah from the musical Oliver.
I’d chosen a short song from My Fair Lady, ‘wouldn’t it be loverly’ the one that starts all I want is a room somewhere. I’ve practiced it for weeks and been fine. But, although I started OK, phew, the second verse went wrong, I repeated the wrong words three times, then went off in a different key! but I managed to hold it together and finished OK and people applauded. I’m glad it was a friendly crowd. I do struggle with singing along with a piano. I prefer a cappella. But I did OK in the end. Glad it’s over!
Lighting detail on the ceiling of Hanley Library, Stoke-on-Trent. I love the design. We were singing “this little light of mine” at a monthly choir practice and it really chimed that the image went so well with the music. It’s as if the sun is encouraging people to read and to use the library to enjoy all sorts of experiences.
I had a shower, struggled as usual to get ready to go out. Honestly five minutes to put my shoes on. Then I decided to drive to choir practice because I can’t walk fast enough. But got stuck in a line of traffic. It’s only a few hundred yards but I couldn’t get round the corner, then had to park a distance away from our meeting room.
I enjoyed the singing and didn’t trip up over my handbag despite getting my foot trapped in its strap. Then lunch with some friends in the restaurant there.
I’d taken the car so I could also go shopping. I can’t carry much and I needed to resupply as I was almost out of groceries. I managed to park badly in the disabled bay, half over the line. I apologise to anyone I obstructed but my arms don’t seem to pull well on the steering wheel. I chatted with someone sitting outside who was obviously in need of help. I could only offer to get him a sandwich, but that was better than nothing.
Home and I had to clean and dry the fridge which had a pool of cold water in its base? I think I’d moved the thermostat dial by accident and it’s not been cold enough. Then I hauled the food into the fridge slowly. I had several bags so I didn’t need to carry much at a time.
By then I was shattered and fell asleep in front of “escape to the country”, escaping my own time line and waking up just in time for an episode of “star trek voyager” where time paradoxes abounded.
But, half way through I remembered choir practice tonight, so had to go out again. I’m tired now because we have to stand up to sing if we can and I use that as an exercise class, I’m not mobile enough and I need to make an effort.
Now I want to go to sleep but need tea. I was going to try and make scrambled eggs on toast. But porridge seems as appealing and easily done in the microwave.
That was a full on day. I’m shattered. But I need to socialise with people. Most of the week I just sit and watch TV. I’m thankful when I can fight anxiety and escape for a while. Singing helps sanity!
Tonight I went to choir, I was tired and had been to the doctors for tests, I was OK but it had wound me up. Singing helps calm my mind, helps me relax, and make me concentrate where usually in the day I’m struggling to.
When I got there I found that there was one soprano and several altos so I decided to have a go at some of the higher parts. I surprised and survived the experience. I’m really glad I tried, I stretched up to some top notes I’ve not managed before. In the end I got a bit of a sore throat but a lot of enjoyment. It also boosted my confidence. I think everyone should try singing.
Choir was hard tonight, we were somehow bad with our timing, a bit out of tune and spent 40 minutes going over one piece of a song. We all seemed a bit tired, and our section was singing the main tune (we generally sing the backing part). It didn’t help that were singing “to make you feel my love” by Bob Dylan, but some of us were singing the Adele version!
By the time we had finished we had warmed up to the rehearsal and sounded a lot better.
Being in a choir is great for your mental health and helps you socialise, you can find lots of local choirs in the UK, so why not try it out?
Drs appointment, then lunch with a friend I haven’t seen for months. Then I had a telephone appointment with someone else. Finally I’ve been to the local church to rehearse with a choir for a fundraising event. After weeks of being ill things are catching up with me. I’m trying hard to make my life a bit better. To see what I’m still capable of. I need to change my diet and get some other health problems sorted out.
Oh dear, I’m not on line as much and my stats are going down. I’ve been in choir performances over the last few days and by the time I get home I’m usually exhausted and fall asleep. At the moment I’ve nodded of a few times, I can hardly stay awake.
My neighbours hammering at 7am in the morning which doesn’t help. I think he is knocking the plaster off the walls of his kitchen where it is damp. Anyway I’ll write more later x
I’m shattered. I went to an art group that supports mental health this morning and was given some help with something I’m trying to deal with. Then a friend rang and I tried to give her advice, but I wasn’t up to going and seeing her. Sometimes it’s hard to take on others problems when you have enough of your own. Finally I went to choir practice in the city centre. I got a lift there and back, but got soaked to the skin as I tried to get the few yards between the car door and the front door. I’ve just dried out!
Mallaband-Brown 