Favorite Fuzzy Friend Friday – music
As I’ve kind of mentioned in a round-about way, Texas Seeestor is getting married soon! Next Saturday, to be precise. As of this time next week, we’ll all be together in Texas.
Texas Seestor and her fiance Trainwreck, asked me to sing at the wedding ceremony. Since I didn’t have any wedding music in my repertoire, so to speak, they chose the song upon the advice of their accompaniest, and they mailed me the sheet music.
When I received it, I was relieved to see that the highest note is a D. Which, as an alto, is in a semi-comfortable spot when I’m singing in a choir. As a soloist, well, it takes a little more work to make it totally comfortable. Luckily, it is also the spot in the song where I am supposed to sing the loudest.
Anyway, for the first couple of months, I had No Idea whatsoever what the song sounded like. This is the disadvantage of not playing piano.
Finally, I found someone to play it for me and Lo and Behold! it is the same tune as “The Water is Wide.” I’ve always loved that song. I was introduced to it in choir in middle- or high-school. It was probably middle-school. And am fond of the version that James Taylor has done at the end of one of his albums.
So, I’ve been practicing, so that I can hit that D comfortably. Not to mention just getting entirely comfortable with the song.
And last night, HB had to work late, so I figured it was a perfect chance to practice before I ate supper (after eating I find it is trickier to keep my throat clear enough to sing).
Now, the Girlie-girl was a bit anxious, I am guessing, that HB wasn’t home. She might’ve also been concerned that I wasn’t On the Couch like I was Supposed To Be at this hour of the night so that I could Pet Her.
So, I reminded her that the On the Couch comes after supper, remember, Girlie-girl?
First, she kept fussing around on the floor while I sang meowing &/or rolling on her back, cleaning etc.
Finally, she jumped up on the chair where I had my sheet music sitting
and then jumped up on top of the music!
D: hurmpf. Well, I guess I can’t exactly sing now, can I?
GG: No, now you HAVE to pay attention to me.
D: Dork. Fine, I’ll just take your picture.
GG: *grumble, grumble* not the dang camera again.
D: Well, I can’t help it. You just do the silliest things.
GG: Now. If I. Can. Just. Get. Comfortable…
So, you don’t think she was trying to say something about the quality of my singing do you?
I took both pictures last night with Dee-Dee.
Amber says:
Yes! I saw these on flickr a few ago and was wondering…
I think GG was just sayin’ that you’ve practiced enough and you are good to go, and would you now please pay attention to her?!
Heehee.
I love the tune “The Water is Wide”. I wonder if that song is a staple for middle/high school choirs.
Squirl says:
I was never in choir but I love to sing. I have more of an alto range, too. I think Amber is right, GG felt you had it down and she knew it was HER time.
Bucky used to have a cat. The cat used to make that retching sound when Bucky sang. You know the one that only cats can do?
Well one time I was over there visiting and I started singing. Darned if the kitty didn’t start purring and rubbing against my legs.
Bucky gave the cat THAT look and said, “Remember who feeds you!”
Danielle says:
Thanks for the votes of confidence, Amber and Squirl!
Amber, I love that you recognize the song! It seems like most people I’ve mentioned it to just don’t know it. So, it makes me smile that you have.
Squirl – a STORY! *smiles in glee!*
I love stories in comments, especially funny ones.
I do know that sound you are talking about (ack, hack, gargle, ack, ad nauseum, literally.). bleck.
The image of the cat retching while Bucky sang vs. purring when you sang is just toooooooo hilarious.
That perked me right up.
Momo says:
Girlie Girl definitely knows how to take control of the situation. She wasn’t about to be put off until later. Very cute pictures.
Good luck with your song.
I’m sure we will be seeing some pics, Right?!?!
LadyBug says:
Yeah, I’m with Amber and Squirl. Girlie-Girl figured you had it down already. That, and she didn’t want you to strain your voice.
I’m sure it had nothing to do with her wanting your attention. Cats are not at all self-centered, you know.
That’s so neat, that you’re singing at your sister’s wedding. I hope everything goes well.
Danielle says:
Momo, yes, she is indeed a take charge kind of cat.
“Why aren’t you paying attention to ME?”
And, be careful what you ask for in the way of pics!
i will likely upload them to Flickr before getting posts done… so you can sneak preview them that way, if you want. I will have to talk to my family about what they’d prefer I do about privacy settings. I guess I could make them private, but make it so that you guys can see them.
Ladybug, now that you mention it, I’m _sure_ she did it to protect my voice. yeahhhhh, that’s it.
I am hoping it all goes well too. I sing at the beginning of the service, so at least I don’t have to sit there in a semi-nervous state about singing. This way, I can do my part and sit back and relax.
Amber says:
I remember having to sing this rendition of “The Water is Wide” and “Shenandoah” for a solo and ensemble contest. It was very pretty.
I also like Shenandoah. I don’t know if you have heard that or not.
Which, it may just be my school that liked the Shenandoah song since I, uh, went to Shenandoah High School.
teehee
Oh yes, and I responded to your comment.
Ern says:
That is too funny! My cat is always RIGHT there when I am studying, or on the computer. David calls him my “little helper” as he lays on my notes and bats my pens onto the floor.
Good luck with the singing! I’m sure you will do a wonderful job. Hmmm….audio post?
SeaQueen says:
I know this is totally an old post (hey, I was at Sea, I’m catching up). Have I ever told you about Panda’s commentary when I was belting out Martina McBride in the car? She was sitting on my lap, like she does, and she stood up on her hind legs and put her paw on my mouth. Pretty direct, eh?