Chatty's post about the paint by number kits inspired me to post about the songwriting workshop that I led today.
It was for a writing group ranging in age from twenties to nineties. A lady in her nineties had written some hymn lyrics and as a result of the workshop, she stood up before the group and for the first time sang the words. When we applauded, her smile lit up the whole room.
She came to me later and told me she was so proud. Someone said her husband of 72 years died recently.
A man in his eighties wrote a love poem to his wife of 52 years who died a year ago. He couldn't sing it and asked that I sing it for him. I'm no singer, but I can make up melodies so I made one up on the spot and sang his poem to the group. He got tears in his eyes and later told me how much hearing the melody in the words meant to him.
Ten or fifteen people sang songs they made up in the workshop and we all sang along if we could pickup the melody. It was such a joyous time and the older people as well as the darling young rapper types made it worth the effort.
Just sharing.
smile

[ June 19, 2004, 10:09 PM: Message edited by: smilinize ]

smile, you are indeed a blessing to those around you. God bless you woman for bringing so much joy to other people's lives.

I'm sorry I saw your request for prayer too late. I'm gald it went well though. I'm not surprised. I picture you as the type to be over-prepared with a pleasant attitude. How can you go wrong. I imagine people are very receptive to you.

I'm smiling about how you brought joy to the elderly and the teens, two groups of people who need all the joy they can get.

I can't sing and I don't write songs, but if you lived closer I'd sign up for your class just to watch you interact with everyone.

May you continue to feel joyful aobut your class/presentation.

Tell us how this came about.

The speaking thing came about because I've been making up songs since I was a kid and I have written a lot of musicals, some produced around here so I guess people just know how I love it.

I was so glad to get to share something that brings me so much joy. As is always the case, the older people and teens blessed me much more than I blessed them.
I guess I'm an entertainer at heart and if I can make someone smile it always makes me happy.

And Dotsie, as to your singing, I can't sing either. But I can make up songs and I'll tell you what I told the group. ""If anyone tells you you can't write a song, ignore them. If that person is you, ignore yourself also." Anyone can write a song. I promise!!!
I understand your not praying. There seems to be so many people who need prayer so much more.

Thanks for the nice words.
smile

Smile,

That was so sweet what you did. That man will always remember the song and gave him comfort when he needed it.

Kindness is such a wonderful thing; and it's free and gives such blessings!

Thank you for sharing this with us 'boomers.'

Smile,
So happy your workshop went so well but then you are such a positive presence.
The idea of teens and elderly working together is wonderful.
Keep up the great work.
Maggie

now you all know why we call her Smiles....

ain't she somepin?

Thanks for all the nice words girls. I was once blessed by the people who participated and again by all of you.
smile