Monday, March 31, 2003

I am trying to keep a balanced view of the universe. It is difficult in these days of media engulfed by war news. Here is a website that allows you to get the main facts of the war without reading too much analysis or spin:

Iraqometer.com
Leah Brooks at 12:07 PM

Saturday, March 29, 2003

It's almost time for my annual trip to mecca, or as some call it, the regional contest stage. Every year since 1986, I have donned the outfit, fluffed the hair, made up my face, practiced the songs, learned the choreography, bonded with the quartet, focused on the prize, and gone up there in front of four judges. Why do I do it? It's true that every year is more ... something... than the last. Some foursomes are more fun. Some years it's all about just showing up. Some years it's a big buildup for an even bigger disappointment when we don't put on stage what we have been capable of singing.

I look back at all the time and money spent on these events. I don't mind one bit. Every single time I have gone, I've learned something about myself and about someone else. I love the stage lights and the glamour. The applause and the people who tell me I've touched them with music.

This year, I feel so fortunate to be singing with Donna, Tina and Debbie. I love our sound and I love the energy we make when singing together. I think the judges will love it, too. I can't believe the journey I've made with my own voice this year, when I was beginning to think I had travelled as far as I could go. I'm lucky to have been coached by Jim Casey, Martha, Jan, Jim Arns and Sharon Babb. Each one gave us some pearls of wisdom that somehow have made a difference. Today at rehearsal, we were all talking about how suddenly things that we have been hearing for years are "clicking" and making more sense. I don't consider myself a slow learner, but it's interesting how much energy you can spend chasing the wrong things.

ON Q ROCKS!!



Leah Brooks at 5:05 PM

Thursday, March 20, 2003

Leah Brooks at 9:28 AM

Wednesday, March 19, 2003

And for today's fascination, follow this link to AMBIGRAMS. Michael writes:
"I actually know this guy. I met him at SGI: he designed the original SGI logo. He's very strange, but his talent is undeniable: he can do this trick live. He can take your name, and quickly write it in a way that when you turn it upside-down, it still reads as your name!"

Yesterday's note: I just love this website, which includes a haiku for every single element on the periodic table.




Leah Brooks at 10:44 AM

Monday, March 17, 2003

A busy weekend of singing, sunshine and shopping. It was supposed to rain all weekend, and various plans were put aside on Friday - the little league parade was cancelled, a tea party postponed; everyone was expecting a downpour. But Saturday dawned bright and beautiful, with the greenest grass you ever saw. Passing thunderclouds made for dramatic contrasts in light and dark, and we dodged drops on our dogwalk. By Sunday, Spring was gloriously clean and clear.

It's always amazing how much you can spend at Costco, while how few of the items that you were looking for actually end up in the cart. A trip to Costco always requires a subsequent trip to Target, so you can find the things that were on your list. There was a HUGE tent hanging from the ceiling at Costco.. it made us wonder if the store was hoping people might see it as something they should buy just in case their house gets bombed or they need to become refugees. War fears are running high, but perhaps not that high. We didn't even stock up on propane.

Happy St Patrick's Day to the newly-Irish Brooks family!

Leah Brooks at 11:33 AM

Monday, March 03, 2003

Well I just have to post today, as the date is 03 03 03.

My favorite number has always been three. When I was young, I think I briefly had an obsessive-compulsive disorder that involved the number three. Well, maybe calling it a "disorder" is a bit extreme. All little kids seem to obsess on something. Mine was the number three. Everything that could be grouped, had to be grouped in threes. Three breaths in before holding it. Three blinks of my eyes at a time. Three sheets of toilet paper at a time. Three exclamation points, always!!! We lived at 39 East Main, which seemed extremely good (3 and 3x3) and I had three brothers. I felt certain that the true, internal age of my soul was 33 (I still feel that way). Musically, I especially enjoy triplets.

I do so love when like numbers are in row. It's the symmetry of it and the rhythm. 3/3/3
Leah Brooks at 1:34 PM