life in the darkness

At this time, It has been decided that God has decided my profession. All those times when I tried to go into other professions, I was knocked backwards. People using the “insurance” excuse. When I was in Lourdes however this year, I got a taste of the professional diva. I have to thank my very good and close friend Angela for that. Lourdes and I was singing at my favourite cafe. There was a small croud up the street and across the road listening. They were all clapping after I had finished singing. That wasn’t the true taste. That was yet to come. As the weather was taking a turn for the worst and it was raining heavier, we decided to head over to a hotel to have a drink before I went back to the Saint Frai, the hotel I stayed in. Angela asked me to sing as my other friends hadn’t heard me yet. Well, not that week anyway. What I didn’t know however, was that as I began singing, a croud of people was gathering behind me, encouraged by angela. Oblivious, I carried on singing the Lord’s prayer. After I had finished, the little group broke out into applause. Suddenly, they were crouding around me, hugging me and shaking my hand. Some with phones in their hands, filming me singing and asking for photos for their little group. Surprised and very emotional, I agreed. I could hear recordings of my voice being played around the room already after the impromptu performance. So was this what it was like? Was this a taste of what was, or is, to come? Because if it is, Bring it on! I’m ready. The thought of those people just embracing me with hugs, giving me little kisses on the hand as Italian culture dictates, I didn’t mind. The eldist of the group kept coming back for more bless her. She was asking me to sing Casta Diva. Politely, I excplained that right now, I did not know the aria, but wished to learn it. In fact, It’s a beast of a piece. But if Callas did it, why can’t I? Oh but I have big shoes to fill! Well, small ones. If you were to count how big Callas’s feet were bless her. But vocally? Very big shoes. I will never forget those words the edudicator spoke to me this year. “I hear tones of Maria Callas in your timbre” Surprised, I sat there in utter happyness. That’s what many had been saying to me for years. Not that I intend to mimic Maria. No one can! But if my voice naturally has tones similar to hers, I’ll take that any day and that is the gift God granted me. For lack of sight. Grandad, I’m doing it for you. Everyone else who is no longer with us, but wished me to become a singer, I’m doing this for you. Nan, I’m doing this for you also. But It’s what I want and have wanted nothing short of for about 20 or so years. If that was a taste of the life style of a professional singer, then I feel ready to pursue it. Pursue it along with my best friends from Liverpool, my fiance by my side and the family I have supporting me. My Nan! God and Our Holy Mother!