a Soprano?

Zuke's back yard

I had my first official lesson with Zuke this week.  I also met her famous Rolling Stones husband, which was really cool.   The lesson was good.  She discovered and told me that I am a Soprano.  Yeah, a real shocker!  Not what I was expecting, or even hoping for.  But that's not the most shocking part.  She told me I went all the way up to a G6 which is just above where high opera singers go... and get this, hold onto your hat for this one because you will be blown away, she told me I am up in the Mariah Carey whistle tone area.  Yeah...she said it was "crazy".  She said I went up higher than she does.  I am still trying to digest all of the things she said.  I am so glad I am recording our sessions otherwise I'd think I dreamt that.   She said I need to start thinking of myself differently and thinking of the songs I choose differently.  Yeah for real, this would open a whole new world for me.  Darryl now has the added enjoyment of having me go around the house singing like a Soprano instead how I would normally sing.  haha.. it has been so cool to see what I can do, where I can go.  It will take me awhile to learn to sing properly with this new knowledge.  And that's fine.  I'm not in any hurry.  I need to rediscover who I am.

I've been having an absolute blast learning guitar.  Fingers are sore a lot of the time but I can't stop doing it!  I'm so psyched about possibly getting a new guitar in a few months.  I have sooo much to learn, I just can't learn it fast enough!

So, let's see.  Last night we had Russ and Robin, and Craig and Julie and their kids over for supper to officially break in the new kitchen.  It was a really fun night.  It was good to get together with people because it sure doesn't happen very often.  I hope everyone liked the food... I cooked really huge steaks.  Craig tried to give me some guitar tips, but I'm not sure I understand them yet.  I'm so glad Craig and Russ could come see their finished project.

CBC started this week.  I hope it goes better than last year.  I'm so trying to have the right attitude for it.

Zuke to the rescue

Singing and playing guitar. 

My favorite things to do.  I also had a lot of fun playing piano tonight.  I love it when sounds come together into a beautiful melody.  There's just something about creating music that is so satisfying.  And then to put words and voice to it is another whole means of expression.  Words can grip the heart...can make us cry.  As well, they can bring us joy, and smiles.  To be a part of that creation is just so wonderful.

I began taking lessons from a vocal coach this week.  It was so much fun, and so encouraging!  ZUKE is a Brett Manning Associate (Singing  Success).  I could not have found a more perfect fit for a coach for me.  I'm looking forward to going back to her home again next week if possible.  She lives on the lake in West Milford.  Her husband Kent Smith played trumpet for the Rolling Stones for about 17 years.

I decided to move all of my music equipment to the living room so the dining room could be cleared for company next week.  And I think I actually like it more now because I have that whole room to myself.  And the desk is there so when I start working on CBC books I can take a break and play some tunes on my guitar or keyboard.  I am loving this new adventure so much.  My fingertips have developed some nice calluses now so I am able to play for a good length of time.  Today I played and sang the chorus of Christ Is Enough and Darryl was like "woohooo!" because he could totally tell what song it was, and it sounded pretty decent.  I'm also working on a few other songs.  It'll be so awesome to be able to achieve true SINGING SUCCESS!!

"gobble, gobble"

it's where you'll find me...

Yes, I'll be here at my dining room table, with computer, IPad, CD Player, piano keyboard, and 3 guitars. This is my new hang out. Here I can explore, learn, play, sing, dream, hope, wonder...

Here are the guitars that keep me busy.  The first one on the left is my new "free" student guitar.  It's a little Johnson with steel strings.  And man do they hurt my fingers!!! owey!!! 

Ok, next up is Kyle's classical Lucera.  And Ryan's classical Fender.  They both have a nice sound and the added benefit of 3 nylon strings.  But the neck is a bit wider. 

My black guitar is actually the smallest one there, it only appears bigger because it is on a stand.  I do love it to pieces, but I do struggle to play as well.  I can't wait to be able to pick that sucker up and just play so naturally... and sing along.  That would be so splendid.  My fingers hurt so dang bad, I have determined to take tomorrow off. 





So any way, here's where all my stuff is.  I dread having company because I will have to move it all, and I won't be able to have my spread.  I love it here.  I have my own little corner of the house.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
    break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

Psalm 98:4

A little extra for ya:

This is a little snake that was in our basement.... poor little guy got stuck in our glue traps that we have down for creepy alien crickets.....



Labor Day

So, I made these the other day...I cooked them too long, but still it was a good try.

Dana and Ethan came over for the night... Ethan was introduced to the piano keyboard and my other fun new hobby, the guitar.

Ethan got a little too excited in Walmart... Later we watched Cars on TV and that was good.

I am loving playing the guitar.  I hope I can get really good at it so I can sing without having to worry about having music.  My finger tips are so sore even though I keep soaking them in alcohol ice.  I have learned several chords, but so far I am unable to switch them fast enough.  I have so much to learn.