silence

Remember when I got sick a couple of weeks ago? Well, the repercussions of that continue, sadly. I've been nursing some laryngitis since then that has kept me from singing in my true range--really unable to reach my higher notes and almost choking on them when I try.

I can feel that it's partly physical (left over from the cold) and psychological (when I get close to those notes that are pushing my voice a bit--i can actually feel my vocal chords and my entire neck "close up".) I decided last night that I have to take a real break. This includes possibly cancelling some gigs. Luckily for my throat (but not so much my bank account) November was already a light month, but I have one more Move Like Seamus 4 hour gig to get through tonight at Mick O's.

Plus, I like to talk and I need to stop the chatter to give my voice a real rest. The truly disappointing thing and depressing thing is that I love to sing. It's my most favorite way to pass the day. I walk around pretty much all day singing to myself. When I hear a song I know and/or love, I belt it out. It's been weeks since I've been able to sing harmonies to my favorite singers and when I sing my own songs and reach for those higher notes in my range, they are simply not there or my neck and vocal cords seize up at my attempt.

It's party psychological--I know that. I get close to the note and I'm afraid and so my vocal cords squeeze together. The note comes out strained, out of tune and like a transmission from outer space or like the sound of air escaping from a pinhole in the neck of a balloon.

I hate this, but I just have to wait for it to pass and I have to rest it. I've just downed 1oz of Apple Cider Vinegar in the hopes that what I've read about all the homeopathies for voice problems will work. I'm also downing Vitamin C at a rate of about 2,500mg per hour. Any other advice?

And if you know me well (and even if you don't), you know that I like to talk. But this will be a fun exercise (right, RIGHT?) in being quiet. Maybe I'll learn to choose my words more carefully. Here's hoping.