Looking Out

I've been listening to Michael Jackson's Hits a lot lately, and I'm reminded how brilliant a musician and lyricist he is. (I really miss the 1980's Jackson.)

One of my all-time favorites is Human Nature, both for the lyrics and because of its music. In the song, Jackson looks out over, first, the night time, and then the morning, telling us what he "sees" in the city.

In keeping with that thinking...

I want you to look out over the moment. Right now, this one you're in. What do you see? Feel? Hear? You can be literal or creative, as descriptive or vague as you want.

Tell me.

Barbara's Questions

Barbara, from The Serenity Gate, offered several thought-provoking sentence prompts on Tuesday. I think taking the time to finish them is a great way to tune in to the day around us. And they may also serve to boost a little creativity.

Here are my answers:

Outside my window... dusk falls over the beautiful, 60+ degree day we had.

I am thinking... I'd like to have a glass of iced water.

I am thankful for... my daughters. My love for them feels deeper of late.

From the kitchen... comes a chocolatey dessert's call. Janna, Janna! I'm in here!

I am wearing... my glasses, because my right contact lens continues to irritate me.

I am creating... a better me.

I am going... to get that luscious chocolatey dessert and settle in with my book.

I am reading... Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult. I'm really enjoying her writing, and I wonder at the fact that I never picked up any of her titles before.

I am hoping... I can keep the headaches at bay.

I am hearing... talk between my three-year-old and husband, as they discuss a tv show together.

Around the house... is comfort.

One of my favorite things... is a good laugh with someone special.

Plans for [the weekend]... include going to a vintage market and antiques expo. I can't wait!

How would you complete these questions?

Sometimes I Wonder

Fame

It was a great movie, and an even better 80s tv show (says me). I'm sore excited it's to be redone.

My high school show choir (you know, singing and dancing while wearing pretty dresses and heels, the guys in matching vests and sharp, black pants) did a medley of Fame's music my senior year. The lyrics from Own My Own - along with a memory of the moment I stepped forward on stage to sing some of them in the spotlight - came rushing back to me this past weekend.

I get pumped when I think about it. It.was.awesome. And I miss those days.

Every year when we watch American Idol (season 8 has gone to Hollywood!), any short-lived singing dream I may have once had thumbs its nose at me. What if... I'd gone on to college and studied vocal music? What if I sang every chance I got, or had enough confidence to try for a local talent show? I know I can sing, but can I sing? Sometimes I wonder.

I just don't put too much stock in that "dream."

Instead, I write. I love it most, and it suits me much better; the solidarity, the fact that I can do it without putting myself out there in such a visible way, the... well, the being on my own. It's where I really shine.

Where do you shine?

Do you have an underlying dream?


***


I missed everyone during my extended absence! My oldest got sick with the tummy flu on our trip, which delayed our return. (She's much better now, thank goodness.) Once we did get home, I got waylaid by another migraine, and after getting the house back in order and grocery shopping and the like, I'm just now hoisting back into the saddle. How's everyone been?