A Perfect Blend

I started out yesterday by attending our team's monthly meeting at work. My friend Sherry was chairing the meeting this time. Typically, the person who chairs also brings treats. Even if I had not received a special invitation from Sherry to come to the meeting, knowing what a good baker she is and that her cookies always seem to be a perfect blend of ingredients I probably would have made an appearance anyway. When asked if I had anything I wanted to contribute to the meeting, my response was 'I'm just here for the cookies' ;)

I ended up staying around the office for a few other casual meetings. About the only side effects I was feeling from the previous day's Herceptin treatment was some generalized body achiness, a heavy head and the runny nose that is my constant companion.

The afternoon found me taking time for a nap and then I did a few things that needed doing around the house prior to a planned evening out. The day seemed a perfect blend of mental and physical activity as well as mental and physical rest.

I had received an email earlier in the week from Wellspring Calgary announcing a musical group would be performing Friday evening from 7 pm to 9 pm. I was immediately enticed to sign myself up by the description that was given - "when four singer/songwriters join forces, the outcome is Magnolia Buckskin - an acoustic quartet of sublime vocals and refreshing original songs that will elevate your soul....bringing you a blend of grassroots, folk and pop music. All four are accomplished songwriters and multi-instrumentalist, but the real magic is in their harmonies."

Following my nap and fairly lazy afternoon I was a little reluctant to venture out by myself for the evening but Rod had hockey and I had a feeling that the effort would be worth it. I arrived at Wellspring in time to find a good seat. The room that holds about fifty people rapidly filled, they actually had to bring in extra chairs, probably against fire code.

The ladies in Magnolia Buckskin are all teachers, they seemed very comfortable and relaxed in front of a group of people, the one difference they joked about during the 'concert' was that they weren't used to being listened to when in front of their daily 'audience'.

They all took turns singing the lead to the multiple songs that were sung and each played a variety of instruments throughout, from banjos, mandolins, accordions, acoustic and electric guitars, to a shaker and even a clarinet. The performance was very interactive with the audience, lots of chatting with us between the songs and eye contact while singing. My favorite part was when they asked us to sing along with them at various points in the evening. They did comment that they were surprised at how easily we complied with their request to sing with them, stating that normally their audiences tend to be reluctant to do this. My hypothesis in this regard is that having cancer removes a lot of inhibitions from people and you learn early on to 'enjoy the moment'.

We were entertained for two full hours with only a short 15 minute break in between sets. During that break we were asked to complete evaluations of the program for the Wellspring staff. The group is also recording an album currently and asked for any ideas we had regarding a title for it to be added to the bottom of the evaluation.

'A Perfect Blend' was my submission, it seems to describe the way their personalities, their voices, the types of songs and how their instruments all worked together. After the break they took time for a question and answer session followed by about five more songs and a standing ovation.

I was smiling the whole drive home. The best part of the evening - they have agreed to give a two hour workshop next Saturday on singing harmony. I immediately signed up. Now I have their performance from last evening to remember as well as next weeks worshop to look forward to.

A perfect blend.

Take care, everyone.