Barbershop Contest

It's been a rollercoaster of emotions these past couple of months. We're singing better and better. But this was the hardest contest I've ever sung. You can see it here: Charleston Sound Chorus - R9 Contest Set - May 2026  https://youtu.be/BPOCX887LMI 

Not only did I injure myself the day before, but our beloved bass section leader, Hannah Harris, died a week before contest. You can listen to David's speech and our song here: Charleston Sound Chorus - R9 Show of Champions -https://youtu.be/VSdJKGjUR5w  

Mary and Hannah

Only one of our quartets sang: Encore Quartet - R9 Contest Set -https://youtu.be/SvPZ6909-RI and they sang so beautifully. Hannah's quartet, Put a Ring on It (they sang at Dagny and Ian's wedding reception) had to withdraw. Alas, I missed all the quartet competitions because I fell in the shower and did the splits, tearing my hamstring. But God is so good--Michael came down with me and was able to care for me. In addition, our chorus has a physical therapist, a nurse, and a nurse practitioner, who are able to assess and give good advice. And many faithful women who prayed over me. Praise Him!!! I was able to procure a wheelchair and rehearse with my chorus and sing.

Below, our coaching with the Queens of Harmony, Dynasty Quartet, and another Queen, Gina Baker earlier in the year.

I had no idea that my fortune could turn in an instant... but what a reminder to stay in a state of grace.  

But I had help--so many graces were poured out on me. We'd been praying the world's oldest novena since Ascension Thursday, to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and for their fruits to be manifested in us.

We sang. We touched hearts. We learned we could do this even through heartbreak and pain. Hannah would be proud. We placed 3rd overall and 2nd in our division. All glory to God! 

It is so hard to understand why all this is happening, but we trust in God's perfect will for our lives. I truly believe and live Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." 

I had planned to go to Chicago for the Catholic Writing Conference and then to my father's memorial, but I cannot risk further injury. So I'm staying home and resting in the Lord. I find myself crying out of the blue--it reminds me a little of having mild post-partum depression. But my heart is grateful--for having this time to rest and heal, for family and friends closeby, for pictures and videos of Hannah singing. Please pray for her and her family. May God have mercy on her soul, bring her to heaven, and may she welcome us with the choirs of angels when it's our turn to go to our eternal home.

As I rest with my kitties (purrfect therapy), I run through my music for Piccolo Spoleto concert and Guest Night (posters made by the talented Laurie Yoh). Today is Pentecost Sunday. Come Holy Spirit! Come! 

Home Sweet Home

We are so blessed to live here on Daniel Island. Everything I need or want is at home or within walking distance. I lead a small life--going to church, taking care of my family, writing, singing, and reading--but feel so rich. I've written a story about contentment--it still needs a home--but when I wrote the final sentence, I felt a tremendous wholeness. I should send it out. I used to be so good about sending out my work. Now, after a couple of rejections, I return to writing. Must try to spend one writing session each week on business aspects. 

The crepe myrtles are in bloom, but I thought I'd post a picture of a painting that Dagny made in high school. And since my camera cannot capture the beautiful crescent moon, I painted it instead (on a piece of cardboard). 

We do so love making things from the bounty in the garden--dill pickles and salsa (my Mexcian stepmother, who is a great cook, gifted me Salsas that Cook by Rick Bayless and it is a GEM). I could live on chips and salsa :)

 

Piccolo Spoleto Debut

Saturday afternoon was amazing! We sang well and best of all, we stayed in tune. The chords were definitely ringing. And that space--Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul--was so lovely to sing in. It was so much fun to sing in our hometown to a very responsive audience. This is why I love performing. Thank you to all who came to support us. I loved every moment. While the quartets tested the space before our warmup, I took some pictures. 

And thanks to Laurie Yoh, pictured above, we have videos and the poster below. Seriously, I am so awed by all the talent in our chorus. It's fabulous to sing alongside them.

Our opening number tells you everything about our chorus: As Long As I'm Singing

Take a Chance I couldn't help but think of how much this also applies to the writing life, especially when we're querying and submitting. But I know that no writing is every wasted. Just ask my mewses :) 

We ended with One Moment in Time. I love this song because of all the hopes and dreams and desires I still have. May they be aligned with what our Lord dreams for me. 

 

We're having a guest night on Monday, June 9th. Local ladies, come sing with us!

How the Novel Grows--the Plot Edition

I've been singing more than writing--practicing for our newly ordained deacon's first Solemn High Mass as well as our barbershop concert at Piccolo Spoleto festival (local friends, please come!), but even so I've begun working on a new novel, a sequel/standalone to BOUND. As I got familiar with the characters again, nearly 20 years after the events that occur in Bound, I realized I needed a proper structure to tell the story. So when a writing friend from over a decade ago (we met at a Highlights workshop) came for a visit we had a chance to talk shop and the discussion turned to plotting. I promised her that I would send her my favorite resource: in nine boxes. I learned this first on Verla Kay's Blueboards (that were bought out by SCBWI, but now sadly shut down, and who knows whether they'll bother to offer that safe and friendly gathering place again online--I was a longtime moderator on the boards and miss it for its congeniality and generosity of the members). I love how organically I can think about my story and the scaffolding it needs so that all the elements fit together. This doesn't address the subplots, but typically, as my characters develop, so do the subplots. Each character will have his or her own journey through the novel.

I'm also fond of the Hero's Journey. But not being content, I took a deep dive online to see what else was there. And holy smokes I came across a compilation: 16 Narrative Structures to Plot a Book With. I love how different people think about story structures and how they might fit. 

Here's a picture of some of them all on a page. Enjoy! And let me know what's your favorite plotting method, or if you write by the seat of your pants. I did try Writing into the Dark (and in essence, that's what I've been doing these past few weeks exploring my characters), but I find that at some point I need structure to guide my writing, otherwise I end up meandering all over the place. My mewses help! 

NB: Has anyone noticed the palindromic nature of the dates beginning 5/20/25? Fun.

Books

The newest issue of The Star arrived in the mail and with it my reviews of good Catholic books for kids and grown-ups. Happy reading! I have my trusty companions for reading, writing, and meditating. 

All My Pets in the Summer Edition

So fun to see ALL my pets in the summer edition! I tell you, I'd be so sad if we didn't have the kitties. They missed me so much while we were gone that Jules has taken to sleeping with me all night long. Poor Michael, less space for him in the bed. Oh, the sacrifices he makes. Good man! We're enjoying the heat and humidity and cool ocean breezes! Isn't my shadow amazingly tall?