SINGING SUNDAY

by Sharron Handley

It was a sunny, warm, and pleasant Sunday as I packed things into my old 1994 Calais. I was making the last of my many trips inside the house and back to the car with items from my bedroom and wardrobe. Clothes still on their hanger were placed gently across the back seat while shoes, boxes and bags of other things were stuffed into the boot and any other free space. I usually find moving house both frustrating and sad but this time I was moving into a beautiful new home that was only a couple of kilometres from where I was currently living so small trips were easily achieved. I had already made several trips with my car this day and on this final trip I wound down the window to allow the warm December breeze to rush over me and play with my hair. I was feeling pretty good.

I soon caught the sound of a woman singing in a rather high-pitched voice and was delighted that someone had let down their inhibitions enough to sing out loudly on the street. Although I searched for her, I couldn’t see anybody, but I was so pleased by that lovely sound. “Good on her,” I thought. “You sing away and enjoy life.” I had only driven a little further down the road when I heard what seemed to be another woman singing. Well, I was simply delighted. How wonderful, all these people singing. I thought to myself, “Gee this is really great.”

Not too much further along and I heard yet more singing. I could only conclude that today must have had some special meaning that I was totally unaware of. People who were attached to this day of celebration through religion or culture or some other, were just singing or playing music loud enough for the female voices to be drifting in the wind. “How cool is that,” I thought. I do wish people would let down their guard more and sing joyously for all the world to hear. However, I was a bit perplexed at just how much random singing was occurring as I drove along. Could it just be a coincidence that I hadn’t seen anybody out on the street looking the part? I did check the radio a few times, but no, it was definitely off. I was confused but ever so happy. I was definitely a big fan of ‘Singing Sunday’. Whatever the reason behind it, I liked it!

I arrived at my new house and opened the front door, gazing excitedly once again on its fresh newness. I then went back out to the car to start unloading. Can you imagine my surprise when I opened the car boot and saw my cat, Big Puss, looking quite distressed, wide eyed and very bushy tailed sitting inside? He had obviously been accidently locked in the boot whilst sniffing around and checking things out back at the old house and had then been taken for a short and rather vigorous ride.

My confusion was now cleared up as I pieced together my perceived singing experience which I had so happily enjoyed on this sun shiny day. It was of course my very vocal pussy cat expressing his displeasure at this unrequested adventure and I had to laugh at my amazing ability to assume things. I also realised I had received great joy and was very happy about the experience even though the ladies didn’t actually exist. It just goes to show that happiness truly does come from within. Happily, curiosity did not kill the cat but just shook him up a bit. Poor puss made a full recovery, loved me all the same and went on to be just as adventurous.

I just shook my head at my silliness although I was a bit sad that people weren’t actually singing their little hearts out on the street. I thought thank goodness no one knows what just happened. However, several years have now passed and I am ready to share the story. Assumptions can easily be made, even happy, joyous ones!