Part 1

    I was expecting a person like myself a bit rough around the edges, still struggling to become. But what I found instead is a beautiful young woman who's body is battered and a bit broken but her spirit is not. She is fully comfortable in her own skin and just who she wants to be.. The experience of her sharing spirit and loving nature shocked me to the core. Then unexpectedly a Shifted Happened in me “Something completely unexpected”. I was happy, hell I was humming. That hasn't happened in a very long time.

     “Focus damn you”, I whispered under my breath in empty seriousness. Empty because I COULD NOT be cross with anyone at this moment even myself. But I could not think about anything but how good it felt to be kissed and wanted by some one again especially by that particular wounded angel. To allow me some time to regain my composure I sent our new Aide Mary off to make sure that all of the patience's were visually checked. And to plump there pillows. I was able to do that nicely, and with a smile, which totally unnerved the kid. I do admit normally I can be quite sharp with the newbies, we are a Trauma ICU recovery floor no place for the weak of heart. A perfectly good nurse elsewhere could be completely a screw up when things got hot here. “'Damn me get my mind back onto my job.”

    This floor can be an extension of the trauma center below us when they overflowed , or if a patient suffers a set back. At that time it is up to us to keep the patient with us until we or the trauma team can stabilize them. There is no room for me to be all dreamy eyed, and zoned I have no excuse for acting like this. I know better!

     “Giggle stop it Michele,” So went my internal dialog.

    I have done things no average nurse would ever do. But most of these kids have never seen a front line in a war. Fortunately for my patients I have. My parents were missionaries and we got caught up in some very hairy circumstances especially in Peru . My family was there during an undeclared war and I had the opportunities, unofficially, to work with Doctor's with out Borders during my high school years. That training saved many lives, even those of my parents, it also showed me what I wanted to do with my life,

    When I went to nursing school in the states everyone was stunned at my medical knowledge and that I spoke French and several other languages. They were more stunned when I discovered that I was Trans. That discovery landed me here, in Canada where I was accepted enough so I could help people and be myself.

    A puff of cinnamon scented breath Startled me back to the here and now and shook me out of my “ thoughtful space 'O bother” I looked up into my charge nurse Samuel gazing face. He was staring directly in my face that Startled me back to the here and now

     “Earth to Wolfness, come in Wolfness.”

    I looked up into his deep green eyes' that no man had the right to have.

     “Yesss Ma Ma cat what have I done now.”

     “Oh nothing my trusty K9 Tonto, beside scaring the natives. That poor aid of yours is really spooked by you having that sloppy grin on your face. No one has ever seen you smile let alone hum. Soooo girl Whats up, dish.” Samuel was very sweet and we knew each other very well. I shifted into French as it was more expressive in what I could say.

     “Samuel what does my tote bag say on it.”

    Sam grinned “Shift Happens my love what ever that means? You Yanks have the strangest sayings.”

     “Sam I just had a gigantic epiphany and that shifted everything I understand about myself. You and Danny are my best friends but I need to understand this before I can really explain what just happened. But you folks will be the first who I tell when I do.”

     “Misha does this have anything to do with that patient I have seen you special-ing for? God she is so cute I would love to take her home and hug her for ever. And did you see the Goddess that is her friend wow that is some rarefied atmosphere they live in. Darling be careful not to get altitude sick.”

     “Sam get your head out of that one track rut you live in. It would be totally nonprofessional for me to get involved with a patient. You know that.”

    I was trying so hard to sound angry and innocent.

     “Misha child you are so transparent, and you would be ever so more believable if you could wipe that smirk off your face. You have to be more humane with your self, stop carrying that torch for Kathrine. That bitch dumped you and has moved on. Please before you hurt your self do the same. Find someone to break this ice you are frozen in. You are a lover my dear not a hermit. Live love and and learn to love again.”

    Sam put his soft hand on mine again looking me eye to eye “Your special baby don't let this one get away so think quickly then act decisively, seize the day. Now get out of here, the lecture is done and don't let me see you for at least two days. Go-Get- scat- now!!!.”

    Laughing at Ma Ma cat I made haste for the door before he forced me to take a vacation. UGGG. On my way out of the door I was ambushed by my friends from the ER who would not take no for an answer they were taking me out and I was going to have fun even if it killed me. All of this was under Samuels orders.

    I found my self sandwiched between Elena and Poppy with Jessica and Beth in the front seat. Jessica started by asking if we could use Elena's place to get dolled up for a pub crawl tonight. “What the hell guys I am to cheap of a drunk for this to be a good thing,” I have no party clothes and...” I never got the rest of it out before Poppy interrupted.

     “Will you please just shut up and relax we have this all under control, we have clothing and other essentials to get you ready for fun tonight you do not need to drive and according to Sam and the Personnel department you have no work for the next three days. You are officially on mercy leave so you have no good reason not to have fun... “.”

     “ That goof Sam knew this when he scatted me out didn't he, Why didn't he tell me then?”

     “Michele You would have hit him hard, you hate vacations, even when you need them. So shut up and take your medicine wolf, Dr Jacksons, your boss orders”

    Don't you just hate it when they’re right, it just burns my tail. So we all rode into the sunset heading to experiences unknowable. When I am done I am going to tell Danny and everyone that Sam likes the Spice Girls, that will fix his wagon. Then I will remind him that “Payback is a female dog or wolf in this case.”

Chapter 2 BARBIE UP.

     “Michele Get ready to Barbie up, we are giving this old frumpy hermit crab shell of yours the boot to the curb, you have so-- out grown it . “

    I was handed some drink that kicked like a mule putting me in a very relaxed mood. The gang of four then jumped into action giving me a high speed work over like a formula 1 pit crew. I was in the dark not being allowed to see myself. There was a lot of joking around laughing and teasing. I was quickly learning the fine art of getting boozed and relaxed Canadian style.

    The buzz helped me just loosen up a bit so I could enjoy them working on my feet. I was shocked at how much fun everyone was having. I was their life sized Barbie Doll, an experience I never had before having my face worked over my eyes brows plucked my hands rubbed and my nails done. For the first time in my life I was experiencing what most 17 year old girls take for granted. I was floating in a sea of just being a girl with a tribe of other girls. I was in a state of bliss.

    My nails were done beautifully, my hair trimmed and styled into a casual but nice style. My eyebrows gently shaped and a touch of makeup. Add a cute clubbing outfit consisting of a cream colored peasant top with embroidered details, a just above the knee black silk skirt, a pair of dark tan stockings, a pair of black sandals. I was ready to go but Jessica stoped my procession by stating we were going out and not to work so I needed to accessorize with some brass and turquoise earings and necklace a wooden beaded bracelets a small leather purse. A spritz of Rare Gold Perfume then at last off we went.

    The ride over to the club was fun and very high energy. We were excited and there was a lot of giggling and joke telling. I never knew these girls were so funny, but again I never was around them off work. We arrived at the club from the back of the building where there was parking available. Somehow in the procession I ended up maneuvered into the front of our group so as soon as the door opened I was catapulted into the action.

    Just as I was swept in to the room an old Nattily Merchant tune started on cue. This was followed by a vocal that sounded like a tubercular, cat drowning in a bucket. I was in a karaoke club, and I knew I had been had. Poppy knew my love of singing and addiction to Karaoke. I had my own karaoke machine at home hidden in a closet. I also had 400 + disks more than many clubs have in their libraries. And the smiles on the girls faces showed that I was safe to assume Poppy skunked me out. We were directed to a booth on an upper level overlooking the dance floor and the stage. The sound of the cat expired and the crowd cheered and and the singer struggled off stage laughing obviously having had a very good time. The DJ cheered announcing that the contest for the worse singer had been won by the last singer hands down. Everyone was having fun and a good time, and that was the point of karaoke. To have fun even at your own expense. But my problem was this was my arena of challenge. I trained my voice to sound good as a women who can sing my heart out, and I was very afraid of making a prized donkey of my self. I always saw my self as the silver lining in the storm clouds of the other tonally challenged singers.

    When we arrived at our booth and got seated a round of drinks and finger food snacks arrived, along with Ma Ma cat and his partner of 30 + YEARS Danny a very passable lady boy who Sam married while in Thailand.

    My drink was like nothing like anything I ever had before it was green and fizzy. I could not place the taste but it was really good. I was between Poppy and Sam chatting about just how hard it was to trap me into this situation.

     “Misha darling Danny asked when do I get a chance to hear you sing Poppy tells us that your fantastic, I have awaited this forever.”

     “Danny I will do my best to get into the mood I never sang in front of this large of a crowd before.”

     “Misha just drink a couple of these gesturing to drink we both were sharing and relax a bit. Trust aunt Danny and we will get you in the mood you need to cut your self loose.”

     “ How many of you guys know about this Shanghai job, or should OR SHOULD I ASK, who does not know about this.”

     “Poppy looked at me and bluntly told me only the night janitors and the linen service.”

     “You think, added Sam. They have a pool that she will chicken out. I bet against them!”

    I could only shake my head and surrender to the fact tonight was my debut as a performer. Swim, or drowned like a cat in a bucket, it was going to happen.

    The night was peppered by all sorts of performers some Ok, some modestly good. Danny made sure I had a refill or two during the evenings entertainment. Then Poppy got up and did Fire And Rain by James Taylor and was invited to do a second number but declined. Sam and Danny did Me and You by the Turtles then when asked they did a cute song called Under My Umbrella by the Hollies. The two of them were cute and so much in love it made my heart ache. The next performer started around 11PM and was a very beautiful Asian woman who dripped of confidence. Her warm up song got my attention and even for her moderate height she had a spectacular voice that had more than a touch of soul to it. Her warm up song was Blue Bayou by Linda Ronstadt

    Blue Bayou by Linda Ronstadt

I feel so bad I got a worried mind,
I'm so lonesome all the time,
Since I left my baby behind,
On Blue Bayou.

Saving nickles saving dimes,
Working till the sun don't shine,
Looking forward to happier times,
On Blue Bayou.

I'm going back someday,
Come what may,
To Blue Bayou,
Where the folks are fine,
And the world is mine,
On Blue Bayou,
Where those fishing boats,
With their sails afloat,
If I could only see,
That familiar sunrise,
Through sleepy eyes,
How happy I'd be.

Gonna be with some of my friends,
Gonna see my baby again,
Maybe I'll feel better again,
On Blue Bayou.

Saving nickles saving dimes,
Working til the sun don't shine,
Looking forward to happier times,
On Blue Bayou.

I'm going back someday,
Come what may,
To Blue Bayou,
Where the folks are fine,
And the world is mine,
On Blue Bayou,
Where those fishing boats,
With their sails afloat,
If I could only see,
That familiar sunrise,
Through sleepy eyes,
How happy I'd be.

Oh that boy of mine,
By my side The silver moon,
And the evening tide,
Oh some sweet day.

Gonna take away,
This hurting inside,
Well I'll never be blue,
My dreams come true,
On Blue Bayou.

    Her voice was sweet and full capturing the longing and the clear tones that Linda Ronstadt was noted for. I was really impressed by her skill and poise in holding the longer notes perfectly. Her phrasing was spot on and her stage presence was polished.

    Something occurred to me and I quickly scanned the room nearer to the bar and the rear entrance where I saw numerous pictures of this contestant showing her as the first prize winner from several big competitions in the past. By then she had finished her first number and the audience was showing their happiness with her performance. An over the sholder signal and the next song started up.

    One Tin Soldier
(Dennis Lambert, Brian Potter)

Listen, children, to a story
That was written long ago
'Bout a kingdom on a mountain
And the valley folk below
On the mountain was a treasure
Buried deep beneath a stone
And the valley people swore
They'd have it for their very own

Go ahead and hate your neighbor
Go ahead and cheat a friend
Do it in the name of Heaven
You can justify it in the end
There won't be any trumpets blowing
Come the judgment day

On the bloody morning after who...
One tin soldier rides away

So, the people of the valley
Sent a message up the hill
Asking for the buried treasure,
Tons of gold for which they'd kill
Came an answer from the kingdom,
With our brothers, we will share
All the secrets of our mountain,
All the riches buried there

Now, the valley cried with anger,
Mount your horses, draw your sword!
And they killed the mountain people
So, they won their just reward
Now, they stood beside the treasure
On the mountain dark and red

Turn the stone and looks beneath it...
Peace on Earth was all it said

Go ahead and hate your neighbor
Go ahead and cheat a friend
Do it in the name of Heaven
You can justify it in the end
There won't be any trumpets blowing
Come the judgment day
On the bloody morning after who...
One tin soldier rides away

Go ahead and hate your neighbor
Go ahead and cheat a friend

Do it in the name of Heaven
You can justify it in the end
There won't be any trumpets blowing
Come the judgment day
On the bloody morning after who...
One tin soldier rides away

    I remembered the movie Billy Jack and all the emotions it had for me when I was 10 years old. It was a turning point in my life and her singing the song brought it all back to me. I had a lot of the fire in my belly at that time before my life in the States kicked it out of me. I liked her performance I started to really like her. My memory flitted back to work this after noon. Jamie even broken as she was still held her fire of life and the passion, that fueled it. She was out and proud just being herself with no apologies, no whimpering. I on the other hand spent my time hiding and trying not to be noticed by others. Living in fear of being hit or hurt, I was running away from being myself even while fighting to be myself. I was out but not really living as if I was. I was proud of my accomplishments and hiding them at the same time and today I had my nose lovingly rubbed in this fact.

    I had a shudder run through me from my toes to my head. My eyes briefly watered and I gasped for breath by the suddenness and shock of my realization. My shift happened again in greater clarity and to a larger degree. I now saw that I needed to live and enjoy my life. I had only so much time to do this and I had already lived as a hermit for way to long. Then I had another flash of realization, where my life was crystal clear laying its self out in my mind like a museum of past and future still pictures where all of the dots connected with what I was feeling and experienced in my life. This flip picture book came up until this evening, in this seat, at this time, I knew everything in my life had lead up to this point in my life,this evening, and Now. All I had was to get up there on stage, then do what I know I can do. Sing for the joy of singing.

    When I finally came back into the here and now Everyone was up and cheering for our performer so I joined them in showing appreciation of a fine performance, I was being a little extra enthusiastic because of my realization. I was feeling no pain it was 11:15 I had had my third drink so I was loose enough with out being drunk to get up from the table and perform.

    I was feeling confident in my ability and my desire to make this now mine. Now is mine.

    Following the last act was a challenging one to follow. But if I was going to blow it loosing to her was no shame. I knew my first song was a warm up song and I needed a special one for that. I had been softly singing along during the other performers but not loud enough to stretch my lungs and gain my full range. Yeah I had a inspiration as I walked up to the stage and put in my request to the DJ. In a stroke of luck she had both songs I requested.

    First up was Blood Sweat and Tears - Spinning Wheel. Lucky that B.S.T. Lead vocal had a bit of a husky voice. It was also one of those songs that had a place for my rhythm vocals to really punch things out. It was just a fun song I hope to break the ice with, I cued the DJ with a 1-2-3 and went to work.

    Spinning Wheel By Blood Sweat and Tears

What goes up must come down
spinning wheel got to go round
Talking about your troubles it's a crying sin
Ride a painted pony
Let the spinning wheel spin

You got no money, and you, you got no home
Spinning wheel, spinning all alone

Talking about your troubles and you, you never learn
Ride a painted pony
let the spinning wheel turn

Did you find a directing sign
on the straight and narrow highway?
Would you mind a reflecting sign
Just let it shine within your mind
And show you
the colors that are real

Someone is waiting just for you
spinning wheel is spinning true
Drop all your troubles, by the river side
Catch a painted pony
On the spinning wheel ride

Someone is waiting just for you
spinning wheel is spinning true
Drop all your troubles, by the river side
Ride a painted pony
Let the spinning wheel fly

    I had a blast playing with this one. This was my get out of a bad mood song and I had a performance already worked out for it. The crowd ate it up, they hooted and hollered at my campy dance performance as I worked the stage for all 6 feet square of it there was of it. That got people up and clapping at the end of the song, what impressed me the most was my main competition was clapping and cheering as well. I bowed to the crowd who yelled at me for another song, the loudest was from my peanut gallery who were up and shouting and bouncing in there seats like a bunch of kids at a park ride.

    When I came to the stage I planed to do a second number if I did not bomb the first. So my second song was Queued up by a grinning DJ who shouted at me to take no prisoners, Not understanding just what she meant I waited for the crowd to quiet down a bit before and I dedicated the song to a special wounded Angel Jamie who inspired me by her example to reach out and to take life by the horns. Then I starting the lead in vocalizations singing.

    River Of Dreams By Billy Joel

In the middle of the night
I go walking in my sleep
From the mountains of faith
To the river so deep
I must be lookin' for something
Something sacred i lost
But the river is wide
And it's too hard to cross
even though I know the river is wide

I walk down every evening and stand on the shore
I try to cross to the opposite side
So I can finally find what I've been looking for
In the middle of the night
I go walking in my sleep
Through the valley of fear
To a river so deep
I've been searching for something
Taken out of my soul
Something I'd never lose
Something somebody stole
I don't know why I go walking at night
But now I'm tired and I don't want to walk anymore
I hope it doesn't take the rest of my life
Until I find what it is I've been looking for
(Three beat Pause)
In the middle of the night

I go walking in my sleep
Through the jungle of doubt
To the river so deep

I know I'm searching for something
Something so undefined
That it can only be seen
By the eyes of the blind
In the middle of the night (break)

I’m not sure about a life after this
God knows I've never been a spiritual man
Baptized by the fire, I wade into the river
That is runnin' through the promised land (Long Five beat Pause)

    I felt the words flow from inside my gut then out like a fountain. My emotions followed the words and they were real and the people around me rocked to my performance. I was being reborn. My soul was growing becoming free, blossoming. My voice felt so fluid and strong I was not trying to be a girl I was a giorl. My crazy and loving coworkers were going nuts singing and mouthing the words back at me Beth and Elena could be heard all the way up to the stage .

In the middle of the night
I go walking in my sleep
Through the desert of truth
To the river so deep
We all end in the ocean
We all start in the streams
We're all carried along
By the river of dreams
In the middle of the night

    So the song ended My high was out of this world I never experienced the energy feeding off of the exuberant audience. My coworkers were some of the loudest in the bunch. To my total surprise my competition came up to me and asked if I wanted to do a Duet. When I said yes I do , We chose Mockingbird by Carly Simon and James Tailor and Faith by George Michael. We were both keyed up and I took Carly's Part and my partner took James part.

    MOCKINGBIRD By Carly Simon & James Taylor

Mock
(yeah)
ing
(yeah)
bird
(yeah)
yeah
(yeah)
Mockin-bird,
now

Everybody have you heard
He's gonna buy me a mockingbird
And if that mockingbird don't sing
He's gonna buy me a diamond ring
And if that diamond ring won't shine
He's gonna surely break this heart of mine
And that's why I keep on tellin' everybody
Say yeah, yeah whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, uh, oh

Hear me now and understand
He's gonna find me some piece of mind
And if that piece of mind won't stay
I'm gonna find myself a better way
And if that better way ain't so
I'll ride with the tide and go with the flow

And that's why I keep on shoutin' in your ear
Say yeah, yeah whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, uh, oh

Now, everybody have you heard
She's gonna buy me a mockingbird

Yeah if that mockingbird don't sing
She's gonna buy me a diamond ring
And if that diamond ring won't shine
Yes, it'll surely break this heart of mine
And there's a reason why I keep on tellin' everybody
Say yeah, yeah no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no

Listen now and understand
She's gonna find me some piece of mind
Yeah if that piece of mind won't stay
I'm gonna get myself a better way
I might rise above, I might go below
Ride with the tide and go with the flow
And that's the reason why I keep on shoutin' in your ear...

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, now, now. baby

    The second round was taken by my partner with me being the echo. Our campy style and the jubilant crowd fed the energy we were putting out, making this a really fun number to perform. This was a great number to perform as it gave us a chance to feel out each others vocal style's and harmonies. We were very lucky that our ranges overlapped and she was really skilled in working around what I did not know about singing.

    The DJ only gave us a few moments to jump from the our last song into the next which kept out momentum up for the performance but it did strain my voice a little, another trick to learn. We worked this like a call and response with joint parts like the choruses sung together.

    FAITH By George Michael

Hers

Well I guess it would be nice
If I could touch your body
I know not everybody
Has got a body like you

My part

But I've got to think twice
Before I give my heart away
And I know all the games you play
Because I play them too

Joint

Oh but I Need some time off from that emotion
Time to pick my heart up off the floor
And when that love comes down
Without devotion
Well it takes a strong man baby
But I'm showing you the door

'Cause I gotta have faith...

Hers

Baby I know you're asking me to stay
Say please, please, please, don't go away
You say I'm giving you the blues Maybe

Mine

You mean every word you say
Can't help but think of yesterday
And another who tied me down to lover boy rules

Joint

Before this river
Becomes an ocean
Before you throw my heart back on the floor

Oh baby I reconsider
My foolish notion
Well I need someone to hold me
But I'll wait for something more

Yes I've gotta have faith..
Faith faith faith.
you gotta have faith
faith faith faith
gotta have faith

    The energy was so thick you could drink it like water but it kicked like whiskey. The two of us girls hugged and my cohort Seala told me she wanted to exchange contact information so I nodded and indicated where we were seated. The DJ announced that the competition was now closed and the voting slips were to be turned in before last call in 15 minutes My partners in crime from work made it up to me through the croud and helped me back to our table. I was really wobbly on my feet and a bit dizzy.

    The DJ started her patter for the bar and the fast approaching last call. When we were back at our table and seated I was handed a tall glass of water and a new Green Fuzzy Whatever. I was flush and out of breath like I had ran a long race but at the same time I was excited and as happier than I remember since being a kid at Christmas.

    We got back to my table and I slid in next to Danny who was all aglow and chattering with Ma Ma Cat. Both turned to me with big smiles. Beth and Elena were up talking to people they knew.

     “Misha why did you not tell me you could sing kid, I thought Poppy was just pulling my leg.” Sam bubbled then Danny chirped good God girl you rock, where did you learn to do that.”

    Poppy was quick to jump in, “Danny she is obsessed with singing by herself at home. She has a huge library of karaoke disks and her own machine.”

     “Are you that afraid of bring noticed Misha that you hide your talent away, I feel so sorry for you doing that. No woman should hide her beauty especially girls like us it can lead us to become spirit sick.” Danny admonished me.

     “No chance of that happening again” Poppy quipped with a chuckle, “The video we up loaded to my site has already had 200 hits in just these few minuets, by morning she should be well on the way to becoming a viral hit.”

    Without thinking I blurted out “Poppy please tell me that you didn't do that. I thought you were my friend. ”

     “Misha I am that is why I DID that I needed some insurance THAT others could see just how good I know you are so you can not run away and hide”

     “Poppy I can't be that good oh God was I that bad.”

     “Misha” Danny shouted “you were that fantastic, I have seen acts in Rome, from Paris in Vegas and you two could hold an audience just as well as those overstuffed heavy weights. You are a natural.”

     “Misha my love why would you think I would up load this if you were not great” Poppy was intensely looking me in the face “

    I love your singing you have been working so hard you need a little help to get moving.”

    Just then my singing partner Seala walked up and we made room for her at our table.

     “Hi Seala these are my coworkers my charge nurse Samuel and his lovely partner Danny. The women next to me is my tormenter and best friend Poppy. Next is Jessa she works ER trauma down stairs with Beth the tall red head and Elena that statutes blond standing next to her at the bar.”

     “Wow you have your own cheering section I am honored to meet you all. But you Misha Lady where did you learn to sing like that and where have you been hiding.”

     “Wow how do I put this, I am self taught I love to sing at home and I never sang like this with anyone before except at camp outs and folk fests. I am a trauma recovery nurse so I can’t hide very well but I work a lot, it's just a lark that I am here tonight with the conspiracy of all these well meaning people tricking me and my Personnel office threatening me with a vacation.”

     “In my years of singing and working this type of venue Misha I never have meet any one with such a stage presence as you have. Your passion just lit up this whole room. And you were just hacking around having fun. I am frightened at what you would be like and what you could do if you were serious.”

     “What are you talking about I am a good nurse but what you are saying does not make any sense, how can I be that good.”

     “Ma Ma Cat to Wolfness, you are a great nurse but you are a better singer and a greater performer stop selling yourself short for Gods sake. You are a person of many gifts and talents and Seala here knows talent, I have known her for 15 years and her studio has produced a large number of breakout and start up hits. And before you say it yes by God I set you up, because I love you kid, and you deserve more out of life than you have gotten so far. Also by the way shut your mouth you look like a guppy.”

    The entire table broke out in laughter I was laughing so hard I lost my breath and had to be slapped between my shoulders by Danny to jump start my breathing. Hey kid don't die on me now your ship has just came in. Choking out the last of my mirth when Seala spoke.

     “Michele my dear I have a studio that I want to get you into so we can work with that voice of yours. My equipment is state of the art and I have a voice coach that has an ear that is scary good and she would adore your voice. I just can't see allowing your talent to go to waste because you lack the resources.”

    Poppy grinned ear to ear then pumped the air with her arm. “HaZaa for you girl no more mixing sounds in your bathroom and coat closet.”

    My face went flush at the memory but my head was nodding like a demented bobble head doll. “Yes I would love that I always wanted to work with a spectrum analyzer and see what is causing my frequency drop out at”... At that time Seala put op her hands to stop my run away train excitement. “Woo girl you are all over this, I will leave the technical end to my sound engineer, the two of you can talk Scottie all you want. I just know you have talent, heart and stage presence, which is a really good mix for performers.

    The thought of being able to work in a studio was so exciting to me Poppy told me she thought I was going to blow up like the drummers in Spinal Tap.

    The first winner were announced the worst performance went to the lady who I heard when I first came in. She was given a cutely small golden bucket with some paper musical notes hanging out of it

    Seala had to use the little girls room Poppy and Danny went with her I was in a state of shock at my good luck so it took a few moments to notice Sam looking at me with a bit of a contemplative look on his face.

     “Ma Ma kat you look like the cat that got the catnip ball for Christmas. I want to thank you for being such a good friend, and for setting me up regardless where this goes.”

     “Gee don't I feel like the old master in Kung Fu setting my student off on there life's walk. Just understand one thing in all seriousness, If you get a good offer and don't take it. I will fire you, I can't have a stupid person working for me, to much liability.”

     “Sam how can I leave on a selfish lark like this, when I am making a difference saving lives . That's the bigger purpose here”

     “Michele what about your life, and saving that, if you won't or can't do that how can I trust you with the lives of other people. Something you do not know about me is my time in Thailand was because I nearly dropped the ball on myself. I was to close to checking my self out permanently all over a temporary problem. Danny was the one who saved me. She was my wake up call, my Jamie. I need to tell you, tonight was not a cheap trick to get you to have some fun but a necessary intervention, to put your little Train back on it's track. You are to close to burning out or breaking down to do nothing. Personnel had no choice but to give you some time off . Either that or my ethics would have forced me to let you go”

    I love Sam he is the best supervisor I ever had. He can be funny or as serious as a heart attack. But you always knew what was what.

    I was ashamed to admit it but he was right I was in really sad shape emotionally. In the few minutes it took to tell me this I had lost track of what was going on around me so having every one of our party in front of our table caused me to jump a bit.

     “Michele Poppy gentlily touched my arm, I think these folks have something to tell you.”

     “Seala was holding a trophy and smiling as she announced to the crowd using a microphone.”

     “Michele as the queen with the longest line of victories in this bars history it is my great honor to award you the first place trophy for the most stunningly original performance I have seen in my reign here.

    I GIVE TO YOU MY PUBLIC

    QUEEN MICHELE.

     “There is no dishonor to loosing to you as you are the better performer tonight. Long Reign Queen Michele”

    Oooo S tore H igh In T ransit what do I do now.?????

End Part One

Continued in Part 2 ‘Shift Happens “More Please” ‘

Story by Misha Nova

Edited and Posted by SamanthaK

    Authors NOTE:My gratitude and thanks goes to Bailey Summers and her generosity in allowing me to play in her sandbox of Absinthe Opium and Honor.