I came with the intention of loving everyone. It was easy. The holding room at the Phoenix Convention Center was wall to wall with brave people living their lives fully. Some of the younger people looked a bit like they were headed for the guillotine, and my heart really went out to them. It made me glad to be older, with enough experience to recognize that this was not a life and death matter. Shortly, another woman near my age sat down next to me. As the hours ticked by, we shared our histories, dreams, and faith. We found ourselves on the same page in different books, and so Diana turned into my best new friend. Others came and went around us, and we chatted, entertained, and attempted to help quell their performance anxiety. They finally called our numbers, sending us in different directions. I met some other lovely folks who needed some encouraging words, while we waited some more. At last, we entered the piano room. I was busy complimenting the young girl who performed before me, when they called my number. Whoops! But it actually got my energy flowing, as I jumped up and practically ran over to the X trying to make up for lost time. We were supposed to state our name, age and song. “I’m Cynthia Bythell, published song writer, and I’m 65”, I said proudly. “I’d like to dedicate this original to everybody who’s auditioning.” Before I knew it, my 90 second inspirational piano/vocal The Wish Planet was finished. And then it happened. The producer complimented me! (She was definitely easy to love.) It was a delicious five hour adventure to audition for America’s Got Talent. I’m still waiting. But now, it’s with great suspense for the results. When I turn the next page of the book, which way will my life go? In the meantime, I’ve turned 66…..
Similar Posts
Again?
ByCynthiaI’m bringing all my experience and it’s wisdom (or not) to another year. Like everyone else, my only limits are my own mistaken thoughts and beliefs. They are just a product of involuntary exposure to society’s flawed suggestions, along with my knee-jerk reactions to life’s challenges. Yes, I am innocent, and so are you. …
May Blessings
ByCynthiaIt’s time to put Mom & Dad’s photos up on the mantel again in accordance with my yearly tradition. When I was little, we had a different custom. May 1st meant dancing around the Maypole, weaving brightly colored streamers into a beautiful pattern, and handing out May Baskets full of flowers. It was a fun…
Happy New Year!
ByCynthiaIt was so much fun bringing in the New Year last night on stage, singing with the Magnolia Jazz Band in Palo Alto. Wish you could have been there, but you were probably having fun wherever you were. Some more Jan. gigs are scheduled, but so far, they’re all private events just like last night. You’ll be the first…
Levels of Love
ByCynthiaThe “Month of Love” is just around the corner, and Valentines Day beckons us to ponder Love on so many levels… I love chocolate. (pretty surface) I love to write songs, and sing them for others. (getting deeper) I love my sweetheart Shelly who has been by my side for 39+ years. (very deep) I…
Singin’ the Recital Blues
ByCynthiaEach Spring is a battle to avoid feeling stressed behind the upcoming formal recital in May. While it is true that my chill skill continues to increase in measure with each passing year, I apparently still have not achieved victory. It seems the desire for each student to experience a successful performance overwhelms my ability to…
Season of Joy
ByCynthiaThe Holidays were cause for resentment when I was younger. It felt like ‘Tis the Season to be Busy: Just one great big “To Do” list. Now, I look forward to decking the halls, and having many gatherings of friends & family in our home. My students love the decorations, and we enjoy learning seasonal songs…