For the past year I’ve been taking singing lessons.  It’s not a secret or anything, but it’s not something I talk about very much.  It’s one of the few things I do just because it’s fun.  I have secret ambitions to be a rock star or torch singer, but unless I’m ‘discovered’ I doubt that will happen.  I’ve never even been near a karaoke bar.

Every Tuesday I walk over to the music center to meet with Raya and sing for 30 minutes.  Raya is fantastic and Izzy also takes lessons from her.  I have a better voice than I thought I would with a pretty good range.  I’ve gotten over the embarrassment of singing in front of Raya.  I’m pretty sure the woman at the front desk can hear me.  So far she’s been nice and discreet, keeping that bit of info to herself.

Most likely none of you will hear me sing unless you sneak into my house while I’m doing dishes or stand outside the door when I shower.  You could hide under all the rubble in the back of my car and hear me belt out my current favorite as I drive to pick the kids up from school.  Right now, I’m working on a Willie Nelson song of all things.  A beautiful sad song called ‘Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.’  I think my dad would be proud that I’m working a tune by Willie.  I’ve also fallen in love with Gillian Welch.  She covers a Radiohead song called ‘Black Star’ that I’m much enamored with and may tackle next.  My repertoire includes Billie Holiday, Bonnie Raitt, Patsey Cline and Eva Cassidy.

So Tuesday is usually a good, happy day for me.  There’s something about singing that just forces you to feel good.  I’m not sure, but maybe it’s the extra oxygen.  That’s part of what brings me such joy–I just sing and don’t over analyze it.  Taking singing lessons is something I’ve always wanted to do.  I’m writing about this here to remind myself (and all of you dear readers) that it’s perfectly fine to do something just because it feels good.  Not a career move, money maker or concentrated investment in the betterment of world or self.  Just opening up and belting out a tune because it feels good.

For my next act, I may even learn to play guitar.