Listening to music and singing have always been wonderful solace to me during hard times, and I nearly always have some tune rattling around in my head or under my breath. but I realized today that I have stopped singing in the last few weeks and can not even find the will to hum in the shower. I have been greatly grieved by our government going to war in Iraq--horrified and obsessed. Then I had to euthanize our beloved 14 year old dog. This was particularly rough because my spouse and child were away and unreachable so I had to go through it alone.

In the past, I would sing more through these times to express my sorrow and anger, and to find comfort. Instead I am shutting down. This really bothers me. I used to do some painting and drawing--not a great artist--but it was an important creative and emotional outlet for me. Then my older sister died of cancer, and I have not touched a paintbrush or drawing pad since. That was 12 years ago. I am really frightened the same thing is happening with my singing.

Thanks for listening.

Janie