Celebrating 50!

I'm not sure what it was like for the rest of my siblings, but when the youngest turned 50 on Wednesday, the effect for me was as real or more so as when I hit the Big 5-0 myself. That was nine years ago.

(Earlier this year, I realized my mind was playing tricks on me and I thought I was still 58 several weeks after my March birthday. So you can tell that I'm really looking forward to 60!)

The good news is that people (including my five siblings) of my age and older have come to believe 50 is the new 30, and 60 is the new 40, and so on. The bad news is that, sure, we can say those things, but it doesn't take away aches and pains and tiredness and memory issues I never thought I would be experiencing short of 60, much less 40.

But as I heard several times through the celebration of baby sister last Saturday and her actual birthday, getting old and all that goes with it sure beats the alternative. And I think we will all agree with that!

This is one version of the birthday tribute I did for Amy. It's adapted not only from "Walking After Midnight," but also "Relay Walking (After Midnight)," which Amy wrote a few years ago to help promote Relay for Life of Noble County in Perry, Oklahoma. Little did she know that she would be co-writing her birthday tribute song!!!!!

Baby Sister Amy’s 50 
(to the tune of "Walking After Midnight"

Amy’s FIFTY. There’s no denying:

Over the hill now; time to face this sad, sad truth.

She’s turning FIFTY. Time keeps a-flying.

Bye-bye to youth!

Baby Amy, there’s no defying,

You’re getting old now, and there’s nothing you can do.

You’re turning FIFTY, we hear you crying:

OH NO -- BOO HOO!!!

You’re tired and you’re achy; so hard to stay awakey,

But that’s something that you must do ….

As long as you’ve got kitties, there’s no time for self-pity.

Those ’Doodles are counting on you!

You’re turning FIFTY, and that ain’t nifty.

Getting old stinks, no matter what you think or do.

You’re turning FIFTY, we share your pity.

OH NO — BOO HOO!!!

(interlude)

You’re tired and you’re achy; so hard to stay awakey,

But that’s something that you must do ….

There’s relay, hoops and work, plus family, friends and church —

So many are counting on you!

O baby sister, there’s no denying:

Getting old sucks and might make you want to cuss.

But here’s the bright side, no cause for crying.

You’ll be fine! Just look at us!!

(OH NO -- BOO HOO!!!)



Baby Sister Amy's 50

 

Inspiration from "The Voice of Truth"

From the first time I heard Casting Crowns' "The Voice of Truth" on the radio more than a decade ago (just checked and it was probably 2003-2004, which is almost impossible to believe!), I identified strongly with the message. Oh what I would do to have that kind of faith .... to climb out of my boat onto the crashing waves ...  to step out of my comfort zone ... to stand before a giant ...

I also quickly recognized it wasn't a song I would be likely to sing. It wasn't in my vocal range, and it had way too many words to get straight.

It's a song that has continued to be played on contemporary Christian radio, and its message continued to resonate each time I heard it. But I still never really considered adding it to my collection of solos I can sing with accompaniment CDs.

Then I volunteered earlier this year to do a program for the United Methodist Women unit at my church. As I worked on the program, about identifying and responding to our spiritual call, the words and imagery of "The Voice of Truth" kept playing in my head. It speaks of how my tendency is to let fear hold me back, rather than listening to God's voice of truth that tells me not to be afraid and to step out in faith.

So I started learning the song to sing when I did the program.

Both times I was scheduled to give my program, it ended up not working out, first because I got the flu, and the second time because the meeting was canceled due to weather concerns. I wondered if I would ever share the song, which I didn't think would stand on its own for worship.

When the opportunity to present a solo at worship last Sunday presented itself, I tried to think of what would go best with the sermon and Father's Day. None of the songs I have done before seemed right. I thought about "The Voice of Truth," but it seemed like a stretch. I couldn't shake the idea, though, so I began to practice it again.

And that's when I realized that it didn't seem like a song I would be able to sing effectively. The vocal range is too wide, and there are too many words with a rock beat. But I'd already given the title for the printed order of worship. so I reminded myself it didn't have to be perfect. I just needed to do the best I could and hope that somehow people would be able to understand enough of the words to get the point of the message.

It ended up going much better than I could have imagined.

I am glad I didn't let obstacles keep me from sharing this message of faith.

When I posted it to Facebook, I noted that the Father’s Day litany at Goodrich UMC made me think of my dad and Gene’s dad and others who spoke and speak truth into our lives. I dedicated “The Voice Of Truth” by Casting Crowns to the memory of the encouragement, support and words of wisdom of Charles Davidson and Curtis Gilliland.

https://www.facebook.com/pat.gilliland.35/videos/1955801731105948/

So into solfege

My word of the day for June 12 (and still atop the list on June 13): solfege.

I've decided to turn an obstacle into an opportunity.

I'm facing a little fear.

So far, so good!

Do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti-do!

Do-ti-la-sol-fa-mi-re-do!

Ha-ha-ha-ha-hah-ha-ha!

Relay reflections

It was a simplified #RelayForLife in Perry, OK, on Friday, but the emphasis on cancer awareness and fundraising was as strong as ever.

It was 94 degrees with a heat index of 105 when we arrived before 7 p.m, but fortunately the breeze made helped it feel much better within an hour as the sun was partially hidden behind low clouds.

The team I was on just had two members, my sister Amy and myself, but we outdid ourselves with fundraising. And with just two people, it's easier to come up with 100 percent participation from start to the 11:30 p.m. finish.

And Amy brought bubbles, which kept the walking fun.

#AmericanCancerSociety

 #TeamOrangeCrush. #BubblesMakeEverythingBetter

Transitional writing

I've decided it's time for me to let go of being a journalist and just think of myself as a writer.

I realized when I was still working at the newspaper that many of the standards I tried to adhere to as a journalist were no longer valued, at least not to a point of being a priority among competing interests for limited resources of time, money and space. I had a hard time accepting this reality, which added to my difficulty in keeping up with other changes in the newsroom culture.

Interestingly, after I was laid off, I found myself trying to maintain those standards when I pitched freelance work, even when I was aware the company (or at least the department) I was offering to write for probably didn't care. As a result, I made work much more stressful than it needed to be.

Much of the stress came from the inner conflict regarding three key areas: integrity, transparency and value.

As I prepare to submit another story or two for possible publication, I've decided to try a different approach. I don't think I have to be a journalist anymore. I can be a writer.

For me, the biggest difference is that I can be honest that I'm writing about things I have personal interest in. I likely will be writing about things involving my husband's work, whether it has to do with events his company puts on or places we travel in connection with those events. I may write about events and places for which I'm given free admission. I may write about my church or my friends. I'll be upfront about those connections when I pitch my stories, leaving it up to the publication whether this is a deal-breaker. And I'll be honest in what I write. I won't say I like something if I don't. But I will tend to emphasize the positive parts of any experience.


Another difference is that it will free me from some of the survivor's guilt about writing for far below market value for a journalist. Sometimes I'd rather be paid a little than nothing. And sometimes, I'm more interested in seeing a story published than in getting paid for it. If I hold out for a fair price, my work won't get published for a local audience. I know that makes things harder for journalists, especially freelancers, who are still out there trying to make a living in this field. It's possible it will also backfire on me sometime if I need to re-enter the workforce.

For now, this seems the most honest and realistic path for me.

I look forward to seeing where it leads.

What's up

I'm not sure what's up with me and the blog. I keep having ideas to write about, but when I sit down to do it, they vanish!

I had three ideas earlier today and was looking forward to writing tonight. But about an hour ago, I realized, once again, the ideas had vanished!

I'm posting this, in hopes it might help clear some of the mental fog! (UPDATE: It did!)

Not feeling it

Even when things are going well and I'm surrounded by blessings, sometimes it seems as if something is missing. Today was one of those days.
It's Mother's Day. I sent mom a beautiful greeting card with a gift card inside. I called her. And I likely will visit on Tuesday. She knows I love her everyday, and I know she loves me.

I just feel a little sad that I didn't express it better. 

Even though I'm not a mother, many years I manage to be involved in celebrations of mothers. There was some of that at church today. Mostly it just seemed like another Sunday.

I hope it seemed like more than that for all the mothers.