It turns out that I have many things to share about music and high school. It was actually a glorious time in my life.

I didn’t want to bore anyone with my old diary entries, but I was laughing when I read them. I used to call myself JOF.

JOF stood for “Judy of the Future!” I guess when I wrote the things I did; I imagined that someday I might be reading them! It was fun to pick which pages to share, and I left things in that were embarrassing. However, because I am fifty and have the wisdom to find it funny – I’m enjoying the idea of sharing my progress to becoming a better human being.

One of my frailties as a young girl was that I was very fickle. I broke a few hearts along the way, and I do have regrets about that. I cringe while reading some of my diary entries!

I guess I wasn’t as excited about the prom as I should have been. I had so much insight at the age of 15!

My first grief experience! The death of two of my lizards. They were in my lap and I forgot. When I got up, they fell to the floor and were tossed around by my dog!

Every one of us hated the “brown gowns!”

Because there has been such a wellspring of sadness in my later life, I have chosen to spend a little time embracing the carefree, happier moments of my youth.

I was fortunate that I had those times.

A lot of the wonderful feelings that I remember about my younger, musical experiences has re-entered my adult life. Only a few short months ago, I could never have imagined that I would be taking singing lessons or playing my guitar again.

Today I played my guitar for my friend, Susan, when she stopped over. When I finished a song, she told me she was moved to tears.

Improving my singing ability has made me feel inspired.

Having music back in my life again – well, there just aren’t words for me to write about that.

Frankie can be seen on the left side. She had to wear a “brown gown,” too!

On May 4, 2010, Frankie wrote:

Dear Judy,

It is really amazing to see this itinerary after all these years. Thanks so much for forwarding it.  I guess I was a bit of a task mistress, wasn’t I?

Love, Frankie

On May 4, 2010, Judy wrote:

Hi Frankie,

I had such a nice voice lesson, yesterday. I was able to sing openly and it felt amazing. The teacher stresses very much the care involved in keeping our voice healthy. You already knew that – way back when! I see it on the itinerary!

You were not a “task mistress,” at all. I think we performed so very well because we knew you held such high standards.

I am sharing because it brings back wonderful memories!

Love, Judy

With my friends on a tour-bus break, during the S.F. trip.

Here’s a group of us girls getting a lecture on “proper behavior” in our hotel while on tour in S.F. I’m toward the center, wearing a turquoise turtleneck blouse.

I don’t remember how to play the songs which I performed at this Choir party or “Coffeehouse,” as it was called.

A diary entry regarding the trip to San Francisco. I was telling puns back then!

This entry is about graduation from high school.

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