Extra! Extra!  Folks are going to be reading about the singing news woman. 

Weeks ago, I sat down with Matt Ehlers, a reporters with the News and Observer.  We talked about my new passion around singing, and what I’ve been doing to prepare my voice for opportunities to perform publicly.  At that time we weren’t even sure if such a feature would be accepted by the editors.  Matt was doing his background work.

   The good news is that Matt got the green light.  He and a photographer documented my equipment set up and sound check routines, and then later they showed up to get the rest of the story at showtime.  A day after that, Matt and I met again for the interview.

     Tomorrow, I and the rest of the newspaper readers will be reading all about it. 

I can’t even begin to fathom the fallout from the news article.  Who can say today?  I know the desires of my heart are being realized and I will accept with gusto whatever happens next that advances chances to sing.

     In this moment, I can’t stop thinking about my dad,  Frank Saulsby.  This dream is as much his as it is mine.  He has always, since I was a baby, believed I was a gifted singer.  He’s told me in the past that he regrets that he did not guide and steer me towards the study of vocal arts in my younger years.  Well, I tell him that I believe it wasn’t my time then.. it was not my season.  I don’t think I was ready then.  I sure as heck am ready now!

     Singing is such a thrill for me.  It’s my intention to continue down this road.  Here’s what I know to be sure:  I’m on a journey that’s affording me a richer, fuller, more exciting life.  I couldn’t ask for more.

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     I am more and more convinced that singing is my purpose.  I just wish this wonderful ephiphany would have manifested itself sooner.

     This is what I mean.  On Tuesday, I had an incredibly stress-filled day on the job.  Emotionally I felt bankrupt, disturbed, and frustrated.   The very thought of standing up and performing in front of people depressed me.  I, at the time could not see how I would be able to make it happen.  But that was the next thing on my calendar for Wednesday.

     Before the manic Tuesday, I was totally jazzed about the singing engagement.  I am one of the team captains for my company’s participation in the upcoming Komen Triangle Race for the Cure.  In an effort to generate more excitement and support for our team, we organized a kick-off for people to sign up or donate money.  I was showing up  to “Sing for the Cure”.  It was hastily created, but planned out nicely.

     I’m saving the best for last.  Wednesday morning I set aside some time to warm up and rehearse some of the songs I’d be performing.  Suddenly, dark clouds lifted and my mood shifted in a major way.  I felt good. I began to smile as I ran through several songs.  I knew then everything was going to be alright.

     Later that morning, at the site, I got a big assist with my sound equipment from one of the workers at the American Tobacco Campus.  I was quickly good to go.  People told me that it was very obvious that I stayed in the moment while I was singing.. and that they could tell I was doing something I loved.

     Singing does bring me great joy and communicating that with others, and having them share the feelings with me, is proof enough for me that this road is the right road for me.

     By the way, it’s not too late to join my team.

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