I almost didn’t go.  I have been feeling down with all the misery and devastation in Haiti front and center in my life.  This weekend, I didn’t want to go out of the house unless it was necessary.. like there was something bad with enjoying life.. like I couldn’t have two emotions going on in my soul at the same time. Well, it’s not true and it’s not right.   I kicked that thinking to the curb Saturday afternoon and made plans to drop by Rey’s Voodoo Lounge in Cary.

   My friend Bill Stonehouse sings there almost every Saturday night.  Like all of his fans, I adore him.  He’s exciting to watch because you can tell he’s having a really good time.

    A girlfirend I had not seen in months met me at the lounge.  Treggie’s on team Stonehouse, too!  We were there for hours before we knew it. We sang along with Bill, and later we danced along with Bill and his stunning wife Melissa. I am smiling as I type this, recalling the highlights of the night.  Most of them revolve arond the dancing part of the evening.  We really cut up!

   An unexpected highlight was my being invited to sing at the Voodoo. I had not rehearsed.  I didn’t bring along my backing tracks as I used to do with Bill.  I only wanted to enjoy the show. 

    Bill had me covered.  He had saved the tracks he’d downloaded when I sang with him on New Year’s Eve.  He said I should sing the 3 songs cued up and ready to go on his computer.

    I accepted Bill’s offer.  I am always happy happy happy to sing, so it was a big thrill for me.  I sang, Temptation, then Smooth Operator, and then The Wave.  No slip ups, no lyrics forgotten.   Again, I was asked to sing more, but I had given patrons all Bill and I had.

    What happened after that?  Just more good times with friends, and appreciation for talented artists passionate and fully dedicated to their careers.  Great artists like big, bad Bill.

“Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything.

–Napoleon Hill

I get happy and I smile to myself when I replay in my mind all the fun I had last night when I finally arrived at Sullivan’s Restaurant/Bar for its New Year’s Eve party.

Needless to say things were in FULL swing by the time I got through the traffic, which was nearly paralyzed along Glenwood South.. and finally got the car parked. 

I can say without hesitation that as I walked toward the back of the bar, I could see that every man and woman inside that place had found his or her happy place a long time ago.  Stick a fork in them, I thought. They’re done!

My excitment about singing took a turn south when I heard the music coming from the back of the bar.  It wasn’t the finger-popping sounds of Sinatra.  It sounded like a DJ was spinning the jams.  The music was loud and pumping.  I didn’t even see Bill or his beautiful wife Melissa. 

Inside I panicked. I thought they were gone!  I was all dressed up in my gown and sparkly jewels and was afraid I’d missed my moment.  I collected myself and began to calmly ask the staff if they’d seen Bill– the man performing tonight.  One guy thought he’d left (gulp).  A woman thought they were taking a break. (oh Lord). 

I went back to the back, and sure enough they were there.  I apparently just didn’t look closely enough.  I was beyond relieved!

I slowly began my shift– after I’d connected with Bill.  He had downloaded my songs and would call me up to sing as soon as he’d performed a few more songs.  I had to transform from news lady to singing lady.

Soon, I had the mic in my hand, thanked the crowd, thanked Sullivan’s and did my thing!

I started with a sultry song, called The Wave… then I sang Sade’s Smooth Operator. 

The party goers had been listening to a man’s voice for most of the night, so I had their attention when I started if only for the distinct difference in vocals.  They seemed to like The Wave, and then some of them danced in their seats and on the floor when  I sang the more upbeat Smooth Operator.

I danced to my music and connected with many of the men andwomen there.  At the same time I was in my own space– feeling deep satisfaction and pure joy for an opportunity to start 2010 singing.   That was my goal.  I don’t every want to forget those feelings.

Things worked out exactly as I had hoped. 

I will never foget Bill’s generosity.  This was HIS night.  He gave me a piece of it.  I am so thankful.

Also, I only gave Bill three songs.  The crowd wanted me to sing again, but I didn’t have the resources to make it so.

They say, it’s always good to leave them wanting more, right?  So that was good, too.

I spent the rest of the night/morning dancing.  Have so much fun… as Bill put his DJ hat on once more.

It was a great night, with super great people.

I am ready for all the exciting twists and turns I know await me.

Happy New Year!!!!