Once upon a time a super long time ago, a younger version of Heather had a decent voice.
This voice was used in choir at the church of my childhood. I sang my little heart out until I was forced to sing by myself. This created a panic in me that never fully went away.
The day I realized what was being said about my voice might actually be true, I busted out in "Amazing Grace" on my walk to the playground. I didn't care if someone heard, I sang as loudly as I could. I probably would have stopped if someone had commented on it.
When I was a early teenager, I was in a Cinderella pageant. My talent was singing, I knew it was the only thing I was remotely good at. I picked my song "Rise Again" by Dallas Holm. I practiced and practiced, until I knew I was ready. The day came and I went up on stage, the music started and I proceeded to sing. At least I thought I was singing!
I was in such a panic, I was shaking, knees knocking, broke out in a cold sweat and was literally squeaking out my song! It was all I could do to not fall over dead right there on the spot! The microphone probably has a permanent scar from me digging my fingers into it!
I continued in the choir racket all through Junior high school. I even got to go to the school choir contest at the fair in Arlington. I don't remember the contest part, just all the rides and fun I had with my friend. It was a good trip, I do remember trophies but I think those were just for participating.
My second year of 7th grade choir..After the first quarter the teacher said...I have no use for you in my choir if you can't read music. Now that I think about it she was right, it wasn't enough to have the voice if you can't use it properly.
Thus my choir career ended.
I still sang..in the shower, walking down the street, cleaning the house and of course along with the radio.
When I got married at 17, I challenged myself again. I was determined to sing a song to my new husband and in front of all my family and friends. Song choice "You Light Up My Life" by Debbie Boone.
Once again I failed. It was scary enough that I was getting married, I was already shaking from that. I walked up to the piano and once the music started I thought it was going great, maybe a little quivery, but good.
I was to later find out that not a soul heard me! LOL! Stage fright won again!
From that moment on my singing was kept private, unless I was drunk. I could really belt it out without fear when drunk. A friend once told me I need to go to the mall and make a recording and summit it. Huh! Not in this life time! I don't think they would let drunks in the mall! LOL!
About 12 years ago I (still drunk) got brave enough to do some karaoke. Patsy Cline, Reba, The Everly Brothers where my victims. I didn't matter if folks didn't want to hear my screeches anymore. It was all in good fun and I was too old and drunk to care! LOL!
Sadly, I haven't sang since I quit drinking. My voice got really harsh from drinking and smoking all them years.
Oh, wait that was me hurting the neighbors ears this morning in the shower!
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