Friday, January 8, 2010

I'm Turning a Page in Life

A few months ago, I answered the "ten things you never knew about me" quiz. I can't find the post right now, but one of the things was that I had studied to become an opera singer. I therefore have a ton of scores, sitting sadly on our already sagging shelves, waiting for a new singer to use and love them.

Enter a fellow weight-loss blogger. I won't mention her name; privacy issues seem more and more important in this day and age. But suffice to say that she sings and she knows a lot of singers. I made an inventory of all the music I have for sale, sent it to her and she passed it on to her musical buddies. The e-mails are flying in.

I must admit, it's sad to see this music go. It means that that I am finally turning a page in my life. For a number of years after I stopped seriously pursuing my musical career, I still saw myself as a singer who just happened to earn her living in another field. But as I see my music leave for new homes, I have to admit that I am no longer a singer.

I developed a pesky cough about five years ago, and have gone through every test under the sun to try and pinpoint the cause--everything from a broncoscopy to naturopathic tests and products--really, I've tried it all. My research has shown that mysterious coughing is more prevalent in women than men and also can tend to begin in pre-menopausal women. Another great thing about having two X chromosomes. So I really don't sing anymore. I'm still someone who appreciates a beautiful voice and I still know bits and pieces of lots of operas, but I am no longer a practitioner. Just a fan.

And that's OK.

5 comments:

  1. You know, I sang and acted for most of my life, and haven't for years. I don't miss the acting but I miss the singing. I am trying to start up again soon!

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  2. Yes, yes.
    I remember when I realized I was not/am not a musician anymore.
    Just a fan.
    But it's still pure enjoyment -
    without the pressure of performance!
    Turning a new page -starting a new opus!

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  3. I didn't know that about you. I've always wanted to be able to sing...

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  4. Sigh... I always wanted to sing. (Couldn't carry a tune if it came with handles.) I admire the "that's ok" way of looking at it.

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  5. Hi Wendy. At least the scores will get some use. I'm sorry that you're unable to sing anymore.

    I loved singing until my voice broke very suddenly at 16 years old. Yes I am female! As I'm sure you know female voices usually break gradually. Mine didn't and one day I was hitting very high notes and then suddenly could hardly scrape any sound out at all. It still upsets me!

    Bearfriend xx

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