En route to the bus stop this morning...

Abbey: When I got on the bus yesterday, everyone was looking at me. It's like they were hypnotized.
Me: Hypnotized by your dazzling beauty?
Abbey: Yeah, like that.

*tap* *tap* Is this mike on? *tap* *tap*

So anyway, I've got this backlog of songs I've written, about a decade's worth, that have never seen the light of day. They've rarely if ever been performed when someone was listening, and with one exception have never been committed to analog tape or digital hoop-di-doo.

I've also got this cool musician-friend named Jimmy, with whom I've talked countless times about getting together and playing someday, which we would both love to do. Jimmy, in turn, has digital recording equipment, and the knowledge to use it effectively.

What we have not had, invariably, is mutually expendable free time to spend on musical what-have-yous. Today, however, we got our work schedules for the week after next, and lo and behold, we both have Wednesday, September 17 off, with no other obligations. Long and short of it is... *deep breath* ...it looks like I'm going to be recording some of my stuff in a few weeks.

If you all don't mind my saying so, I'm a trifle bit terrified. I mean, I want to do this, and have for ages. And yes, I know it's not a big public brouhaha that I'll be performing at. But this is the first time I've ever trotted this stuff out in public, and I have no idea how it'll play out to the rest of the world. I like my songs (well, some of them, anyway), but I'm not exactly listening with objective ears. Add to that the fact that my singing leaves a lot to be desired, in that if I'm hitting the right note on key at the right time, it's unmitigated coincidence. Ai yi yi...

So it looks like I'll be doing some major rehearsing between now and then, as well as editing and re-editing my playlist like the Dickens. I've got a tentative list of 13 songs (11 originals & two trad adaptations), but I'm sure that'll change a dozen times over. I've already told Jimmy that I don't want any bells and whistles on this: no overdubs, no tricks, just quick-and-dirty, live-in-the-studio, a-mike-for-the-guitar-and-one-for-me in-and-out recording. Y'know, just something I can mail my mom.

Hope I don't wimp out. *cringe*