Past Featured Author
Barb Chatman
Akron, Ohio USA
Hobbies/Interests
I enjoy being actively involved in diverse things. I teach motivation/meditation
classes around the nation. Last year I recorded 7 relaxation CD's and was one
of two drummers recorded on a Journeying CD. (Oh no, this is sounding like a
Personals ad.) I believe " life is a self fulfilled prophecy" and I am having a ball
reinventing myself.
Most Memorable Moment
Last year, when I was doing my daily meditation, I kept hearing a song run through my head, and eventually, I even heard the rhythm of the music. I ended my session and started writing down the words of the song I heard. The name of the song was "Chances are slim to none". (figure that) At that time, I had never written a song, so this was new to me. I spoke with my music agent friend, Dan, telling him the story. He asked me to e-mail the song to him. He said he was just curious.
A few days later Dan called and said he hoped I didn't mind, but he had e mailed the song to Reba McIntyre. Of course I was horrified. Two weeks after sending Dan the song, Narvel, Reba's husband and Manager called Dan. Narval said Reba loved the song and would like to consider "Chances are Slim to None" for her next album. We were told there were 60 songs in contention for the album.
Reba, her staff, and a group of musicians started the elimination process. What a roller coaster ride. Narvel called and kept us updated after every cut. The process continued for about two months and my song was still in the running. My song made it to three songs from the album. Since I am not a musician, what I wrote was lyrics only. Narvel said they were behind on their recording schedule and did not have the time for her band to put music to the lyrics. They are wonderful people, extremely conscientious and honest. I was told " you just don't know what the future might bring."
I feel very honored to have a song considered for Reba's album. It gave me incentive to keep trying. I have written many songs since that time.
Most Embarrassing Moment
Some time ago, I was teaching an adult Banking Program. My usual attire consisted of gray and navy suits. This day, however, we were going on a field trip and the dress of the day was casual. The last thing I did before leaving for work was retrieve my slacks from the dryer. Ahh, they were still warm and cozy.
As I walked into my classroom, my class started laughing. I said "what"? "what are you laughing about?" They were laughing so hard, they couldn't speak, they were pointing behind me. I turned and saw a pair of my panties lying on the floor. ( I was so glad it was one of newer purchases). So much for static cling dryer sheets.
Apparently the heat from the dryer had caused the panties to stick to the inside of my pant leg. The panties had made their appearance at the worst of times. I bent down, picked them up and put them into my pocket. We all sat and laughed for at least ten minutes. I was told, "no field trip can top that one."