Living up to my not-name?

I've been practising hard for singing at Mike's cousin's wedding next Saturday. One of the things Lindsay and Ben have chosen is the Mascagni Sancta Maria from the Intermezzo to the Cavaleria Rusticana. This is lovely and very well-known, which is immediate incentive to make sure that I do it justice. However, it also happens to be a piece that my not-namesake, Katherine Jenkins, performs regularly.

I've found myself feeling vaguely competitive about this, which is quite stupid, as I'll never be in a position to be seriously compared with her on anything, let along one of her signature tunes. However, this hasn't stopped me having to resist the urge to check how she does it and make sure I do it better!

This competitive streak in me seems to get wider as I get older. I used to be a lot more sanguine about how I compared to others but no longer. I have to be doing as well as, if not better. I realised that I was taking this to extremes, when I found myself completely determined to better my own score on a Wii game the other day. To be competitive with others is one thing. To be competitive with yourself is something completely different, not to say a little bit odd......

Love and Marriage (Part 2)

Having been to almost no weddings in the last few years, we went to the second in less than a month last weekend.

What was even more bizarre was that it was another couple of friends from band who were getting married. Clearly if you want to find your soulmate, a military band, operatic society or other such activity is the thing to do!

David and Helen decided that they wanted to involve as much of their (extremely busy) musical lives in the service and the reception, which meant that I got to sing, both solo and as part of an amalgamated choir which is something I haven't done for a long time. It was absolutely great. However, the biggest part went, fittingly I suppose, to the band. They marched the bride, groom and all their guests from the church to the village hall and then played during the reception.

Not to be left out, though, David and Helen played along with the band at every possible opportunity - including the march down from the church. Not sure what the villagers made of the clarinet-playing bride who had to stand at the back of the band formation, so that her train wouldn't get stood on!

Love and Marriage

Very exciting news this week, as my sister-in-law's boyfriend proposed at the top of the London Eye. I'm relieved to say that she said yes and so we are all completely delighted! Another fab and even more special wedding to look forward to....

Momentous occasions

Lots more momentous occasions happening recently. Ian and Jill, good friends from band, got married last Saturday. Even the torrential rain couldn't dampen spirits and we all (and especially them) had a fantastic time. Even the boys scrubbed up pretty well, I reckon!

Then the newest member of the extended Rhodes clan was born late last night. A little boy - weighing in at a mighty 10lb 15oz. I always thought that my youngest was heavy at birth (around 9lb 5oz) but seems as nothing compared to this Goliath!

Now we can all hardly wait to meet him! More photos to follow, I'm sure....