About Four Years Ago

Drums continue to beat as they have for the last fifteen minutes; for the last 10,000 years; hypnotic, sensual, carrying across oceans. My eyes shut to let their wave pass over me; breathing deeply; swaying slowly. After an introduction I move onto the stage, stand in front of the microphone, close my eyes in a brief prayer, take a breath and let my voice sore dipping to scoop low notes and twirling on the high; telling the story of a people lost to slavery. My two loves, music and African American culture, are combined into shows I write using music and original verse. So much was happening; changing; my life continually blossoming. Four months before for my 40th birthday I returned to college to complete my undergraduate degree, then masters. At 51 I earned my Ph.D. After 22 years of working as a housecleaner, a nanny, a daycare and preschool teacher, a waitress, and a medical receptionist, I was reborn as a university professor and administrator. Still music, singing, would not remain quiet in my soul. I sang for the joy it brought me; hoping the same was true for audiences. I began to write shows to perform with my brother accompanying me on African Drums. We traveled to colleges, high schools, conferences, festivals, and more teaching the history and culture of African Americans. For a few hours I was transformed; living and telling of a different life. Now at 57 I am retired. I packed up my five bedroom house and moved into a 21 foot RV. Again reborn, I am a lone woman traveling with three small dogs to see the country and to attend as many music festivals as I can. I am doing what my mother has advised over my lifetime, “Just enjoy life.”