Hi friends! So I’m working on music most days lately and it’s been more fun for me. I’m using a program called “Scoreclub” where I am taking classes and doing practice pieces. I thought I’d share my most recent piece. This is a very short 20 second piece, but it was good practice for me, and it was really fun to work on! I’m working on streamlining my writing process and engaging my creativity without engaging so much anxiety and overwhelm. Simplifying seems to be just what I need to be doing right now. Also, I’ve decided that it’s way more fun to write for myself, and then decide if I want to share. It’s interesting how that has changed what I create. And also- I’m having more fun! So I’m going to take that as an indication that I’m on the right track! Woohoo! This piece is entitled, “The Path.”
Hello! It’s a beautiful (HOT!) day outside and in honor of it, I wrote a practice piece called “For a Sunny Day.” I attached the pdf of the score too, just for fun. Toodles!
It is late, and I can’t hardly believe I’m still up, but I have something in my heart that I want to share. I, like you, have been watching FAR too much of the news for my good lately. No, I don’t think it’s a bad thing to be up on what’s going on in the world. And I appreciate those who are working hard to give us accurate information. But today, after reading news articles, and wondering if a grocery pickup for a few more things on Monday would be futile (likely!), and scrolling through posts on facebook and instagram for far too long and far too frequently, and and and….I sat down to read my scriptures and listen to a BYU devotional (this one: https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/janet-b-bradford/carry-on/). Wouldn’t you know it, by the time I was done, the dreary feeling that had been there only minutes before was replaced with hope and peace. Magic? Nope- even better: light.
At the end of the devotional that I watched, Janet Bradford quotes several hymns and I was (again) struck by how powerful they were; power we need in our world today! It was then that I made a resolve to add my voice to those that are sharing positive messages around the world. Have you heard them? Messages that speak of this being “our greatest hour”, of a loving God who is watching over us, of the hidden blessings that are to be found in the challenges of our day…I add my voice: peace and joy are available today and are found in Jesus Christ! “Who but thyself my guide and stay can be?” This is my very favorite line of the hymn “Abide with Me.” Who else can I rely on when chaos is both outside and inside of me? Only He can provide the deep security and help that I am looking for. I am resolving to spend more time focused on the light and less time spinning in the dark. Tomorrow, the Sabbath, is a good day to start.
He is my anchor. He is my strength. He is my source of peace. And I am so grateful for Him: Jesus Christ
This arrangement was written as an expression of my testimony after a very difficult several weeks last fall. I’m delighted to share it with you tonight. Much love, friends! (Click on the link below:)
It’s amazing how big something can seem in your brain when, in fact, the job itself is much more manageable. I figured it would be quite a process to set up a youtube channel but….it took me about 30 seconds. My first video is one that was a delightful collaboration and you probably won’t understand the words. Do you remember “Sunset” that I posted last year? Well here it is in Mandarin! 😉 (For those of you wondering why the heck I chose to get it translated into Mandarin, that’s a story for another day!)
I hope you ate plenty of turkey and pie last weekend!
Today I am still trying to get back into routine after an enjoyable break with the family, but I wanted to share a quote I heard while listening to an instructional video about arranging, composing, and publishing:
“Music is the thousanth of a millisecond between one note and another. How you get from one to the other: that’s music.” ~Joel Raney
MELODIES OF LIGHT 