Christmas Under Fire

So this wasn't from the Ancient House event. John and I spotted the Rudolph bench in our own neighborhood. But since this is a Christmasy post, I thought I'd include the picture.

Now here's me in my 1940s Home Front Lady-Type Worker outfit.





















So, I think my playing and singing were okay. There were never any large groups that wandered into my area and I had a hard time convincing people to sing with me. Mostly John and I sang on our own, wandered around to see the other 1940s stuff, and talked with other volunteers.

One little girl agreed to sing with us, but actually just read along as we sang. I didn't mind since she was at least smiling the whole time. At the very end of the night a man came up to us while we were singing and joined in, then requested another song. He is from Hawaii and is currently living in Thetford. He was happy to meet some other Americans, and loves singing! I only wish he had shown up earlier.

Although I doubt I will ever truly see myself as a "singer," tonight was a sort of break-through for me. The last time I tried to sing in front of people; really sing, like in a singing voice, I choked. That has haunted me. It's hard to believe you can do something when you have proven to yourself that you can't. I had my moments tonight, but in the end I did it. And I'm very grateful to John, not only for being there for me tonight, but for loving my singing all the time.

I am exceptionally happy that the next time I go to Ancient House I will be storytelling, but I am glad I volunteered to do something a little different tonight.