For those of you who watched the Oscars, how about Lady Gaga and her medley from the Sound of Music?!

We are pretty huge fans of Julie Andrews around here. When Maddie and Moses were very small, I introduced them to The Sound of Music, and Mary Poppins, and The Princess Diaries. Julie Andrews as Maria was the one that my children ADORED. We even named our dog (you know, the fuzzy fatso as I lovingly call her) Liesl.

Well, my children are far too dignified these days. If there’s anything I’ve learned from being a serious, dignified child who acted like a super short grown up, it’s the fact that life is too damn short to be that serious all the time. Nowadays, I’ll sing along with the music in the grocery store (or just start singing a song if no music is playing) and generally make a public embarrassment of myself. Well, my children’s friends think I am “cool” and “fun.” Maddie and Moses think I’m the most mortifying human to walk the earth.

Anyway, on the weekends, I drag them hiking/jogging with me. This past weekend was no exception. The Oscars hadn’t aired yet, and we were at an actual track. The difficulty there is that jogging in circles can get rather dull. So, I gave us some extra motivation. Halfway through our second mile, I threw my arms out to my sides, and sang (loudly) “The hills are aliiiiiiivvvveeee…” and so on.

I actually began University on a music scholarship, for voice. When I sing, I do actually carry a tune. I’m not Julie Andrews, but I don’t set dogs to howling or babies crying or anything bad.

So, Maddie and Moses set a new personal best – running very fast to try to distance themselves from me. I had a double workout: running and singing at the same time.

Oh, and dancing. Don’t forget the dancing and twirling. In public.

Life is short. Sing and dance. Be wildly free.

Blessings to you all…