It is courage, courage, courage that raises the blood of life to crimson splendor. Live bravely and present a brave front to adversity. Horace

Day 96 of 365: Libby Macomber

A couple of years ago, I was invited to celebrate a milestone birthday with my old neighbor and friend, Libby Macomber. I’ll be honest, as much as I enjoy people, I really didn’t want to go to this party. Libby’s lovely. She’s a gorgeous, and I mean gorgeous mom of two as well as a terrific human. It wasn’t her that was the problem. You see, Libby’s husband, Doug, had this idea that since Libby is the lead singer of a band (so is normally the performer), it might be fun for her to hear her friends humiliate themselves for an evening. So, her band members were to be in a studio, all set to play any song from their normal set list, but instead of Libby at the mic, those of us in attendance were REQUIRED to sing. UGH!!

Here’s what you need to understand about me. I love music. I’m not shy even a little. I know a lot of songs across a very wide swath of genres. In fact, at one time, I played the guitar. As mom says, I was strictly a “religious guitarist” because the I was “voluntold” by the nuns in grade school that I would be playing the guitar at school masses. I’m fairly certain it was their way of keeping me away from the microphone…? I mean, I’m not tone deaf or anything but let’s just say my voice leaves quite a bit to be desired. Also, I don’t love humiliation.

Tom, who does not lack courage but SERIOUSLY barely knows the words to the “Happy Birthday” song was to sing this duet with me. Oh Lord have mercy, I opined! Then, it hit me. Do you know what is brave? Libby Macomber singing on stage. It’s not like she grew up with a microphone in her hand. The woman was terrified when she began with her band, Circuit Thursday. When I learned she had decided to take that leap, I thought it was bold, courageous and completely AWESOME! What the heck is wrong with me, I thought? We went to Libby’s big party and we had A BALL. We were maybe last on the docket, and by the time it was our turn to sing, I am pretty sure I had been overserved? I’m going to blame Stan Crisci…? I remember laughing a lot and I am pretty sure Tom and I owe a HUGE apology to KT Tunstall.

So last night, Tom and I ran into Libby ON HER BIRTHDAY! Therefore, it behooves me today to point out to you, Libby, that while I have always admired you for your sense of humor and the loving and compassionate way you have raised your two kiddos, what I truly have been inspired by is your witness of courage. You stepped way outside your comfort zone to try something TOTALLY NEW….and now look at you!!? You’re my ROCKSTAR friend. How cool is that? Thanks for being someone who has reminded me by your example that sometimes the best things come from one courageous act! We’ll definitely catch one of your shows this summer!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LIBBY MAC!!