Lots of stuff happened in March (as you’ll soon see) and I didn’t have time to blog about all of the cool stuff going on at the time. So … my blog, my prerogative. *smile* (Besides, I just got all these cool pics … what better excuse for a trip down memory lane?)

So let’s see … how about we travel chronologically?

Going to the Chapel … er … Chi-town

My brother (he’s the handsome fella in the pic at left) got married!

And I got to sing at their beautiful (very intimate) ceremony at an art gallery in Chi-town. The weather was even nice enough to hold the ceremony outside. (But, being the Midwest, it snowed the next weekend.)

(I’m so so happy for the two of you! Congratulations!)
…

Happy Birthday, Songtaneous!

Songtaneous Turns Three!
Yep, I hosted my first Songtaneous session in March 2006.

At the time, I didn’t know I “embarking on a journey.”  (I was just looking for other people who were willing to sing … well, you know … spontaneously). It’s astonishing how much my life has changed – and how much Songtaneous has grown — in just three years.

I’ve connected with so many wonderful singers and made such wonderful friends through Songtaneous … It’s one of the best ideas I ever had! (If I do say so myself!)

For year four, I’d like to sing more (*smile*) with more people, offer more classes (maybe a weekend workshop?), and collaborate with other artists. I’d also like to do more work with young people, instrumentalists, and spoken word artists — Ooh! and maybe dancers? Or actors! or …

…

*If you’re in the Twin Cities area, we’ll celebrate this anniversary at the next Songtaneous event. (I might even bake!)

The Really Big “Shoe” (aka Once On This Island)

The end of March marked the end of my work with Northeast Middle School on their second annual musical.

I hadn’t worked with young folks on a musical before so I didn’t know if I would enjoy working with the kids.

It was totally worth it.

First, I really liked the kids (and they seemed to like me). And second, watching them work so hard to learn the songs, dances and scenes, while building their own “theater community” was at times bemusing and amusing, but always gratifying.

Because in the end, they got it. What being part of a creating community means. The sense of belonging and responsibility for and to the group.

They helped, supported, encouraged and pushed each other. They were proud of themselves and of each other. And many of them took bigger risks than some “adults” I know.

(Pretty heady stuff for middle school.)

AUW Retreat

Last (but not any less fun!) was the closing ceremony I facilitated for the Annual Universalist Women’s retreat. You can read more about it here. (Thanks to Sharon R for the great photos!)

"All Together Now!"

Those are flower hats (in case you were wondering)