laramie

On Sunday, yesterday, I slept late. I woke up in the middle of the night, went downstairs to lock up after Carolyn, and spent some time playing with my own Sims. I went back to bed and slept more heavily than usual. The cats were remarkably patient with me, but by the time I got up even the shy ones were hanging around me waiting for me to get it together to fix their breakfast.

I fed them, and fixed myself fried potatoes and eggs and toast, while working out logistics with Jill. It was too wet to work on the porch roof; we might go to sraun’s to get ferns if the timing worked out so that I could get a ride with Jill. Jill had a noon date with her studies at the U. As it went, I sat down to finish edging the sleeves on my violet baby-doll top, and by the time I was done Jill was already gone.

In the afternoon I spent time with my mandolin. It was too late to be changing the strings before going to the Rise Up Singing circle that evening. I tuned up and practiced singing and playing a lot of favorite old songs. I was into songs of Hope and the Gospel section in particular. I had been inspired by recent viewing of 'Ghost Busters II' and also dug out the sheet music of 'Your Love (Is Lifting Me Higher).' It was all good. I stopped at the first sign of vocal strain, saving my voice for later.

I caught part of The Outer Limits and fed the cats their supper before heading over to Karen's house, where the song circles are held on the second Sunday of each month.

There were a few people there before me, setting up instruments – a couple of them very accomplished guitarists. I set up my stand and got out my instrument while singing along to 'Freight Train.' During the course of the evening the room filled up with people and instruments. Clara brought a Dixie-style Banjo, and there was someone new playing Karen's keyboard. Richard brought Sharon's dumbek, but neither Sharon nor Thorin had come along. There seemed to be a Gospel theme going this time. I heard several new ones, and myself proposed 'Twelve Gates to the City,' and 'Give Me Oil in My Lamp.' We got some wonderful harmonies on some numbers. 'There is a Balm in Gilead.' Was still going through my head this morning. When someone proposed John Lennon's, 'Imagine,' I was glad to sing along; I like the song. But afterwards I mentioned that I have mixed feelings about the message. I don't want to give up my possessions. I like having stuff. 'But imagine everyone sharing the world...' some said. I accused them of being after my collection of SF books and my fictitious fuzzy teddy bear from childhood. :) Another woman wanted to keep her own toothbrush. How selfish we must seem. :) As it was, when the circle was breaking up I went off and left my mandolin (my dearest possession) and had to go back for it.