Art by Matt 2009

I'm so proud of Matt. He loves music. He may not like being involved in the theatre projects, choir, chorus at this stage in his life but he appreciates it! At this time, when most of the boys his age are listening to the newest rock bands - he loves the 80s rock guitar and dance music! It is amazing to hear him sing the lyrics that I once rocked out too! We jamn in the car as we drive, laughing, singing, and playing our air guitars or hand microphones! In fact, he knows the lyrics better than I remember them.

Of course, he also loves 70s disco, Barry White, Marvin Gaye, Cole Porter, and well just about all kinds of music. He recently chose to do a powerpoint presentation on Ray Charles for Black History Month! We rented the movie Ray! He was singing along with every song.

His favorite band is The Beatles. Rubber Soul, Baby You can Drive My Car.....loves it. The lyrics are fun and simple and the music is easy to absorb. He loves John Lennon and his messages of peace and unity within the music he wrote. He told me once how he loved the fact that every person living on the planet was once a kid and listened to their music. "Their music belongs to everyone" he said.

St. Patrick's Day - I'm Irish too!

Every year, I have to pinch myself because I forget to wear green. I'm not Irish, so the day isn't important to me. Yesterday, I wore a green shirt, but forgot AGAIN! I was frustrated as I made an observation in my morning meeting that everyone was wearing green clovers. Ugggh, I purchased a cute little scarf this past summer, just so I could wear it and I completely forgot. When I married Jim, I thought - now I can celebrate too! In fact, yesterday I stopped by to give Jim and Matt little trinkets or something for this day because of the McGuigan (Tyrone county) clan connection. As I was leaving, I was just thinking how fun it must be to feel and know your Irish on the celebrated St. Patty’s Day! However, my next thought was how nice it has been to slowly unfold and find the missing links of my family. Today, I was blessed (I believe it was because of my silent prayer of thanks) I was able to find a new family lead and TA DA! I found that I ACTUALLY Am Irish (my great-great grandfather)!

(b. 1965) Barbara Bigelow (dau. of Robert)
(b. 1940) Robert A. Bigelow
(b. 1911) Robert S. Bigelow
(b. 1881) James H. Bigelow (Holyoke, PA) m. Bertha Sickman (
(b. 1857) Albert H. Sickman (b. PA) m. Mary Crossen (Canada)

- - Albert in the bottom right picture

(b. 1822) John Sickman (son of James Skehan) shows up in PA (1850 census with his parents) m. Martha Pomerene (b. PA)

James Skehan m. Johanna Power (both b.Waterford, Ireland)

Matt's 1st Ice Hockey Game

It was the University of Delaware vs. the US Naval Academy at the Newark, Delaware location. It was the last home game of the season. Several of my coworkers were going on and on about how they love the cheap seats at the hockey games. I couldn't stand it anymore. I've never been to an Ice Hockey game, but love to watch the sport especially during the Olympics. I asked Matt if he wanted to go and bring a friend along. We took his best friend, Chandler McNiel with us and had a blast. Almost 13 years old, Matt is really into sport spectatorship, and not so much into the theatre interest as in the past. The score was 5-1 with the U of D winning. He was not only happy with the score, but was surprised when a fight broke out between the two teams as the jerseys were being torn from each other. During the three hour game, we had seats right behind the players. Afterwards, we went out for a nice dinner and talked about how the players looked. I was amazed at how they could move so fast with all the padding? They were amazing athletes! Hope you are enjoying the last few weeks of winter!

Once Upon A Mattress - Rehearsal

Every year, I'm invited to be the vocal and music coach for our high schools spring musical. We start January 2 and usually rehearse through March. This year, we are doing Once Upon A Mattress on March 28, 29, 30, 31. The kids were not too excited about the show, after doing Grease last year. Last year, most of the kids/leads were green and it was their first show. They were trying to fill the shoes of the talented seasoned Seniors that gave several impressive performances of Seussical, Fiddler on the Roof, and Little Shop of Horrors. They really did do their best, but knew that if we had just another month of practice, it would've made a big difference. However hard on themselves, as most performers are, I was amazed that they persevered, let go and actually enjoyed their final performance. This year, the music is not easy. It was written in 1959 and has jazzy and syncopated rhythms. When singing, you must take breaks in the right places, or you will run out of breath! The men have to really remain in the characters as they sing in order to get the tone and feeling of the song across to the audience. I work with these kids once or twice a week for three hours. When I was in school, we used band students in the pit, and until the last four years they were hired and volunteers from local music stores, or retired school band teachers. For the last 2 years, we have an amazing accompanist, who is a student! He plays circles around me and is only 16 years old. He is already directing other instrumentalist (violin, clarinet, trumpet) to play along too. I am so lucky and blessed to have great opportunities to see these kids grow and learn. They are so willing and helpful. As usual, I do have my favorites, but love them all! I can't wait until they are all in costume!