Well, happiness boils down to this, doesn't it? Finding out where we can find joy and going after it. Sometimes we get it, sometimes we don't. We learn how to get back on the horse and become resilient. You're an inspiration, Nan. Keep singing!
Yay! Story time with Nan. You ARE my sister from another mister!
(Today we had breakfast together. Seeing your gorgeous face and hearing your voice, always makes me smile.) Love Funny Girl, all things Barbra. And YOU! xo
You are one of my sheroes, Nan! I love your singing voice and your YOU voice. I love your storytelling and am so glad you took the leap and began writing so that we could all find you!! Big hugs to you friend. Love love love you!! Xoxo
I love this story! So great, Nan. And I'm sooooo happy for you. Your joy shines through your writing and your delivery. It's such a balm to see someone radiate joy even as we are collectively faced with such trouble. You uplift us all with that twinkle in your eye. I love the way you structure the whole story around the song, which lives in my audio cortex. I remember loving it when the movie came out, and singing it for myself, the way you describe. It was the defiance, the insistence on being happy, that I channeled my heart into. I'll sing it with you. I'm glad you are telling your stories of liberation. Joy is contagious. I love my life, too—precious, precious life.
Oh, wow. It's beautiful to be seen and embraced by the people I value so much. This whole experience on the platform has given me so much. My new wonderful family of friends daily makes me a better human. I'm so grateful for you. xo
"My voice is clear." It sure is. (And I liked your singing, too.) Eileen nailed it...superhero origin story. I read this and think of past you looking around at everyone else who seemed so confident. I've done this, too...for so, so long. I know now that they were (are!) scared, too. But you communicate it so brilliantly. (Cute new 'do, too.) x
Thanks, Wendy! Yeah. What a life. I'm grabbing for all of it now, in a far different way. And thanks about my haircut. That's the real me. Love it and wish it always looked like that...lots of haircuts. xo
Mine’s gotten unruly. It always looks cutest just before a haircut, but drives me crazy, so it must be done. If we’re lucky (and maybe luck has nothing at all to do with it) we keep learning and growing. I might trade my body for younger me, but I’d never trade what’s inside. It was hard-earned. And I know yours was, too.
Damn right, sister. I wouldn't want to go back, for anything, I don't think. even my body. I'm staying in the present because the past isn't real. Neither is the future. I'm good with that! And yes, people start complimenting my hair right when I'm thinking I can't stand it anymore. It gets a little confusing. xo
I read a book called You are a Badass by Jen Sincero, and one of the exercises has stuck with me. I think it was called “be an alien.” In it, you imagine that you are an alien inhabiting this body, and this life. Look around—what do you see and feel? What can you do with that? For me, it was just a perspective shift of possibility.
That's cool. I started reading and doing the lessons in a A Course in Miracles. As far as I can tell so far, it's about non-attachment and love. I'm intrigued by it. It's about a major perspective shift.
I remember starting A Course in Miracles ages ago. I don’t think I got very far. Wonder if it would resonate now? Glad you’re getting something good out of it. I kind of think we respond to things when it suits a want or need now (and maybe when we’re ready for it, too).
Thank you, Jess. I'm reveling in having the life I've always wanted. I had to get out of the way to make it happen and let go of negative core beliefs that weren't true. Talk about liberation. I feel so blessed. xo
A voice is a terrible thing to loose - been there, done that. I am so happy you found yours, Nan! I especially love the statement that you are “basking in the glow of possibility” - what a powerful place to be! ❣️
Your love of writing inspires me daily, especially when I see that kid in you going down the water slide;) what a glorious account of finding your purpose, your passion, and yourself ❤️
Congratulations on being in love with you. Funny enough, I've been listening to Babs narrate her audiobook. Her writing is not great but she's fascinating, and listening to her is so addictive. Plus there are song excerpts!
Thanks, Jennifer. As much as I adore Babs, and I DO (president of one of her East Coast fan clubs––I'm the only dues-paying member), I'm not sure I can do 900+ pages of her. Especially if the writing isn't great. I'll just keep listening to Funny Girl, On A Clear Day, Yentl, and watching the clips of her singing with Judy Garland on Garland's 1960s TV show. And oh, her comedy, her timing! So talented. Truly a diva icon with a VOICE! xo
This: "The voice I speak of was the voice of agency, daring, and vulnerability. ... The dream was brewing in the ground of my being. It just needed more time to lay down roots and stretch toward the sun." Gorgeous.
Thanks, Nome. I'm proud of those sentences! And thanks about my singing voice. I guess my problem with it, is I'm not consistent when it comes to hanging on to the key I sing in, and I'm worse when I sing with others! Very impressionable. But you know I love to sing. Adore you. Let's talk soon, my dear. xo
That's different than a bad voice which you pretend to have. That's just about practice and ear training. And singing acapella is a whole different (slippery, snarly) animal than singing with accompaniment! Much harder to stay in key without the grounding of an instrument. I've heard you sing. You have a beautiful voice--sung and on the page. And yes, I'd love to talk soon! 😘
Thank you. I really do love singing. I'm usually much better at it when I'm alone. Maybe I'll start taking voice lessons again. For the brief time that I did it, I loved it so. There's nothing that compares to that feeling of belting out a wonderful show tune! xo
As my marriage ended I discovered my voice had returned. I had had some kind of episode where my diaphragm stopped allowing me to project my voice - not a good thing when you preach for a living. My ex was kind of jealous around my singing voice as well. As I began to heal from the divorce I began to sing again and have rejoined the SGLC chorus here in town. Gave me a push to start getting back out there at 69.
Thank you for the encouragement, Andrea. I LOVE singing. I was making fun of myself a bit for the sake of humor, and to make a distinction between Barbra's pipes and mine. I took some voice classes a few years ago, and it was sheer heaven. And my teacher said I was actually good at it, but I have trouble staying on key. Yes, thank you for that. Maybe that'll be the next fantasy/dream fulfilled. To be able to sing something close to my heart for a roomful of people who love the old torch songs, as I do, or some upbeat fabulous show tune! xo
Well, happiness boils down to this, doesn't it? Finding out where we can find joy and going after it. Sometimes we get it, sometimes we don't. We learn how to get back on the horse and become resilient. You're an inspiration, Nan. Keep singing!
I love you, Nan Tepper!
And I love you right back, Paulette Bodeman! xo
Yay! Story time with Nan. You ARE my sister from another mister!
(Today we had breakfast together. Seeing your gorgeous face and hearing your voice, always makes me smile.) Love Funny Girl, all things Barbra. And YOU! xo
LOVE you, Kim. You're so good for my morale... xo
You are one of my sheroes, Nan! I love your singing voice and your YOU voice. I love your storytelling and am so glad you took the leap and began writing so that we could all find you!! Big hugs to you friend. Love love love you!! Xoxo
I'm kvelling, here. Love you, sweetheart. Shero-ing all over you, too. So glad to be found. xo
I love this story! So great, Nan. And I'm sooooo happy for you. Your joy shines through your writing and your delivery. It's such a balm to see someone radiate joy even as we are collectively faced with such trouble. You uplift us all with that twinkle in your eye. I love the way you structure the whole story around the song, which lives in my audio cortex. I remember loving it when the movie came out, and singing it for myself, the way you describe. It was the defiance, the insistence on being happy, that I channeled my heart into. I'll sing it with you. I'm glad you are telling your stories of liberation. Joy is contagious. I love my life, too—precious, precious life.
Oh, wow. It's beautiful to be seen and embraced by the people I value so much. This whole experience on the platform has given me so much. My new wonderful family of friends daily makes me a better human. I'm so grateful for you. xo
I’m grateful for you, too. Immeasurably so.
"My voice is clear." It sure is. (And I liked your singing, too.) Eileen nailed it...superhero origin story. I read this and think of past you looking around at everyone else who seemed so confident. I've done this, too...for so, so long. I know now that they were (are!) scared, too. But you communicate it so brilliantly. (Cute new 'do, too.) x
Thanks, Wendy! Yeah. What a life. I'm grabbing for all of it now, in a far different way. And thanks about my haircut. That's the real me. Love it and wish it always looked like that...lots of haircuts. xo
Mine’s gotten unruly. It always looks cutest just before a haircut, but drives me crazy, so it must be done. If we’re lucky (and maybe luck has nothing at all to do with it) we keep learning and growing. I might trade my body for younger me, but I’d never trade what’s inside. It was hard-earned. And I know yours was, too.
Damn right, sister. I wouldn't want to go back, for anything, I don't think. even my body. I'm staying in the present because the past isn't real. Neither is the future. I'm good with that! And yes, people start complimenting my hair right when I'm thinking I can't stand it anymore. It gets a little confusing. xo
I read a book called You are a Badass by Jen Sincero, and one of the exercises has stuck with me. I think it was called “be an alien.” In it, you imagine that you are an alien inhabiting this body, and this life. Look around—what do you see and feel? What can you do with that? For me, it was just a perspective shift of possibility.
That's cool. I started reading and doing the lessons in a A Course in Miracles. As far as I can tell so far, it's about non-attachment and love. I'm intrigued by it. It's about a major perspective shift.
I remember starting A Course in Miracles ages ago. I don’t think I got very far. Wonder if it would resonate now? Glad you’re getting something good out of it. I kind of think we respond to things when it suits a want or need now (and maybe when we’re ready for it, too).
Such a wonderful essay, You've got me singing along and waving you on.
Thanks, Leslie! It's hard not to sing, isn't it? xo
You singing with love for your own one beautiful life has quite literally made my day. May we all find our voice with that much gusto.
Thank you, Jess. I'm reveling in having the life I've always wanted. I had to get out of the way to make it happen and let go of negative core beliefs that weren't true. Talk about liberation. I feel so blessed. xo
A voice is a terrible thing to loose - been there, done that. I am so happy you found yours, Nan! I especially love the statement that you are “basking in the glow of possibility” - what a powerful place to be! ❣️
Thanks, Cathy! You're so reliably positive. I love that about you. xo
Your love of writing inspires me daily, especially when I see that kid in you going down the water slide;) what a glorious account of finding your purpose, your passion, and yourself ❤️
ps those Fanny B dividers are CHEF’S 💋💋💋💋💋
Thanks, lovey! I'm living the best life ever. I never imagined what was possible. And I'm so grateful that I didn't give up on myself. xo
I love this Nan! Very inspiring 💜
Thanks, Rhaine! xo
Congratulations on being in love with you. Funny enough, I've been listening to Babs narrate her audiobook. Her writing is not great but she's fascinating, and listening to her is so addictive. Plus there are song excerpts!
Thanks, Jennifer. As much as I adore Babs, and I DO (president of one of her East Coast fan clubs––I'm the only dues-paying member), I'm not sure I can do 900+ pages of her. Especially if the writing isn't great. I'll just keep listening to Funny Girl, On A Clear Day, Yentl, and watching the clips of her singing with Judy Garland on Garland's 1960s TV show. And oh, her comedy, her timing! So talented. Truly a diva icon with a VOICE! xo
This: "The voice I speak of was the voice of agency, daring, and vulnerability. ... The dream was brewing in the ground of my being. It just needed more time to lay down roots and stretch toward the sun." Gorgeous.
(P.S. I disagree about your singing voice.)
Thanks, Nome. I'm proud of those sentences! And thanks about my singing voice. I guess my problem with it, is I'm not consistent when it comes to hanging on to the key I sing in, and I'm worse when I sing with others! Very impressionable. But you know I love to sing. Adore you. Let's talk soon, my dear. xo
That's different than a bad voice which you pretend to have. That's just about practice and ear training. And singing acapella is a whole different (slippery, snarly) animal than singing with accompaniment! Much harder to stay in key without the grounding of an instrument. I've heard you sing. You have a beautiful voice--sung and on the page. And yes, I'd love to talk soon! 😘
Thank you. I really do love singing. I'm usually much better at it when I'm alone. Maybe I'll start taking voice lessons again. For the brief time that I did it, I loved it so. There's nothing that compares to that feeling of belting out a wonderful show tune! xo
Love your voice, Nankins!
Thanks, lovey! Sending you a big hug. I miss you. xo
I'm so glad that you didn't let them rain on your parade. I love your writing. Keep on marching and singing in the parade. 💕
Thanks, Carla. I think I was the only one raining on my parade. No one else was telling me I couldn't. That was me, after all. xo
As my marriage ended I discovered my voice had returned. I had had some kind of episode where my diaphragm stopped allowing me to project my voice - not a good thing when you preach for a living. My ex was kind of jealous around my singing voice as well. As I began to heal from the divorce I began to sing again and have rejoined the SGLC chorus here in town. Gave me a push to start getting back out there at 69.
Anyoican sing Nan - keep on keeping on
Thank you for the encouragement, Andrea. I LOVE singing. I was making fun of myself a bit for the sake of humor, and to make a distinction between Barbra's pipes and mine. I took some voice classes a few years ago, and it was sheer heaven. And my teacher said I was actually good at it, but I have trouble staying on key. Yes, thank you for that. Maybe that'll be the next fantasy/dream fulfilled. To be able to sing something close to my heart for a roomful of people who love the old torch songs, as I do, or some upbeat fabulous show tune! xo