LJI:W9 Blood Harmony
The Gingham Girls wore matching dresses
Pastel and white checks, trimmed with lace
Four young sisters, of ranging talents
Dreaming of Osmond or Partridge fame
Wholesome entertainment
The youngest one in curls
One night only
Showcasing talent on the main stage
Sweet at first glance, perhaps
But no more harmonic in front of strangers
As at home.
The photo is of me (the eldest) and my three younger sisters. The photo is dated 1976, which would make us 10, 9, 7, and 4. I have a very vague memory of singing together once on a stage, in hand-made dresses, though to be honest it is more of a recollection of a memory, very ephemeral. My sisters and I were not the best of friends growing up. There was so much discord at times, I am sometimes amazed at how (relatively) close we are now.
I did sing in school choruses. We all did, I think, at one time or another. I traded performance for academics, soon after puberty, when I slipped pretty low for a soprano, but not rich enough for an alto. It is a rare thing to hear me sing full voice any more, but I can... when I get up the nerve.