Music Break on RitaLOVEStoWRITE

You may or may not know this, but I’m a bit of a music nerd.

I’ve been singing since, well, forever. One of my earliest memories is running around our neighbors back yard playing with my brother and sisters in the leaves of her massive oak tree. We had the best neighbor and she loved when we came over, so we totally had permission. Anyway she and my mom were at the fence drinking coffee and chatting and we are all jumping in the leaves, singing and screaming with joy… and Ms. Bess, the neighbor lady, said “You know I think Rita is going to be a Soprano.”

Yup.

This is me circa 1968. Should I ever make a Jazz CD I’d like to use this pic and call it “When Girls Ruled Everything.”

I’ve always loved to sing. And the best advice my mom ever gave me was to “Go ahead and sing out!” Don’t be intimidated by all the Negative Nellies out there that might look at you oddly, or say you don’t know the words, or think that you are doing it wrong. Just do your best and sing.

A more modern photo of me singing the part of the Voice of God 2 in “Can You Hear Me Now?” with the Our Lady of Grace music group in 2011.

To this day standing in front of an audience and singing is infinitely easier than standing in front of one and doing anything else (like talking).

So as we put a wrap on the Thanksgiving Season I’ll go on record as saying I’m very thankful for my instrument …  and for my family’s encouragement in using it. Thanks to for the lessons and the piano, guitar, bass and, most recently, the cutest little ukulele ever.

Me in a rather interpretive illustration by my daughter when she was in early elementary school.

I know I’m a few days late to start an Advent Calendar, but I thought it might be nice to bring a little music to the blog this Holiday Season. So on days where I don’t have a Muffin Recipe or a Secondary Character Profile (or something else I really REALLY want to write about) I’m going to exercise my power as a BLOGstress and treat y’all to sounds of the Season.

Here’s one my friend Jane turned me on to, Angels We Have Heard On High by the Piano Guys:

I’d love to hear your favorites (songs of all faiths — and secular tunes — are welcome). Send me a link.

Cheers,
Rita