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| Left to right: Marti Brandtner, Karen Walker, Jeanne Brown |
When I hear the word “senior” I still think of old people. Then I remember--I’m a senior now, having just turned 62. It’s mind-blowing to me. But the funny thing is, it’s as a senior that I’m getting to do something I’ve wanted to do since I was a small child--be in a girl group. It’s called Sugartime and we perform at retirement communities, hospitals, nursing homes, and at special events. Our mission is to bring music to those who can no longer get out to hear it. Here we are singing “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.”
It’s a blessing in so many ways. How many things do you do that bring you joy but also bring joy to others? We sing songs from the 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. Most of our
songs have choreography, so we get to wear hats and canes and feather boas. Our audiences seem to love us and we sure love singing for them.
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| Spunky Songster Karen Walker |
The message here is, it’s never too late to go for your dreams. Who knew that when I fractured my ankle in seven places in early 2006 and could no longer folkdance (a major passion of mine) that singing would not only replace it, but become such an important part of my life in retirement?
I’m living proof that when one door closes, another appears. You just have to remain open to the possibilities. And keep dreaming.
For more on Karen, see http://www.karenfollowingthewhispers.blogspot.com
For more on Karen, see http://www.karenfollowingthewhispers.blogspot.com
Karen, you look like you are having so much fun singing! Good for you!
ReplyDeleteMorgan Mandel
http://www.morganmandel.com
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
Wow, congratulations. I'd love to sing in a group, however I'm afraid my audience would turn off their hearing aids. I also doubt a group would allow me in once they heard my voice. Looks like you're having fun. For me writing is my new career. While I played with it a bit in my younger years, I never really sat down and wrote a novel or submitted any of my short stories. I didn't get serious about writing and submitting until about 2004. Just goes to prove life doesn't end at 60.
ReplyDeleteAgain congratulations.
Roseanne Dowell
www.roseannedowell.com
http://roseannedowellauthor.blogspot.com
Great story - I love it! I'm a firm believer in "just do it!" I always wanted to write but never started until I was almost 40. Last year I published four novels and a novella - at age 69. I have lots of stories yet to tell and continue to write. Last year I started teaching writing at a local college - one of my dreams. This year - who knows? The sky is the limit.
ReplyDeleteCarlene
That sounds like so much fun, Karen. I wish I lived close enough to come see one of your performances.
ReplyDeleteHere in Northern Colorado there's a group called Slightly Older Adult Players (SOAP) that puts together reviews and often performs at our Senior Center. There are tap dancers, singers, comedy skits, etc. All performances are sold out because they're so good.
That's wonderful. I am so happy for you. Enjoy your dream.
ReplyDeleteCheryl
YEAAA! This is terrific.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of a couple of specials our public television station has run recently, featuring performances by pop, folk, and country singers from the 60's and 70's. Maybe a teeny bit less smooth than back then, but great musicians still. (And I'm old enough to have loved listening to them, and dancing to their music all those years ago.) One favorite was now 92, many not much younger. Talk about spunky!
That's wonderful, Karen. You are bringing a lot of pleasure to others while doing what you enjoy. Like you, I was forced to give up my dancing which I loved. I always wished I could sing. In fact I thought I could until I heard myself played back on a family video. Then everyone assured me I should never sing in public again! I love the songs from those periods too, especially the 50s & 60s.
ReplyDeleteKaren, you're obviously having great fun. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteLove it! You're an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThat's really cool. I love the idea of finding a new dream, following it, and then taking your act on the road to share with others. You are awesome!
ReplyDelete