Notes from Jan

Stagger your Breathing

June 16, 2017

The instructions from our choir director startled me into this morning,”Don’t breathe when your neighbor’s breathing.  Stagger it.”  Well, I’d already practiced staggering on my way to the Crow’s Nest on Deck 9, just not in my breathing, unless gasping counts.

Never paid much attention to when folks around me were breathing.  It’s not all that interesting, unless you’ve nothing much else to do.

When I signed on for this cruise, it never entered my thoughts that one of the highlights would be showing up for 8:00a.m. choir rehearsal.  We often wrap-up our time singing, “God Be With You ‘Til We Meet Again.”  Even among strangers one feels a spiritual connection…”’til we meet at Jesus’ feet.”

There are rules, written at the front of the booklet (not the hymnal) from which we sing. Here are a few:

1. “Everyone is welcome.”

2. “No discussion of politics during Glee Club.  You may wear campaign buttons but they must be smaller than one inch in diameter.”

3.” The aim of Glee Club is to blend harmonically a capella.  Do your best…if people are turning and staring at you, try singing more softly.”

Not bad rules for life beyond the Crow’s Nest.

With the exception of  paying attention to my neighbor’s breathing.  Though, it could be one more way to “love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

 

 

 

 

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4 Comments

  • Reply Darlia Conn June 16, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    Jan, I feel like I’ve been on this cruise with you. Just love your reflections. I’m actually impressed that you made the trip. Jud is no doubt smiling down at you and saying in his more dignified version of ,’Atta girl!’

  • Reply Katherine Bagley June 16, 2017 at 12:16 pm

    Great advice for life! I especially love number 3… Speak softly and harmonize with one another.

  • Reply Jeri June 16, 2017 at 12:59 pm

    Ah , that hymn was what we ended all our church services growing up. Memories! This is so sweet Jan. So glad you’re making more memories with this lovely cruise. Enjoy this time!

  • Reply Gail MacDonald June 16, 2017 at 2:54 pm

    What a wonderful way to awaken this am! Laughing together –Gordon and I! Thank you, Janny!
    I had to smile about your comments about being aware of when your neighbor is breathing as you
    sing in a choir. Since my major since high school has been music/choirs–it is instinct for me to be aware of when my neighbor is breathing. What fun to hear your response to it. Every bit of this blog is a “hoot”.
    You are a “hoot”–just the kind of hoot all of us need, cuz you find a way to relate everything to truth and
    how we live! Breathe on my friend – anyway you like as you continue with “glee” in your Glee Club .

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