Today I bent shingles. Lots of them. We calculated today, my youngest and I, how many hours we’ve put into this part of our house building project. 21 hours. Wowza. The two of us have taken on prepping shingles so that the older boys and my sweetheart can get those shingles on this big beautiful house and keep us dry all winter long. We are well into the roofing process but it’s a doozy. These shingles were supposed to be simple and easy and fast to install. Well…besides being none of those, they’re really great :).

Anyway, I’m bushed, but I wanted to share something quickly that made me stop for a minute.

I love this. It reminds me of a hymn we sing in church- the line that references “sorrows that the eye can’t see.” I wanted to pass it on to anyone that stumbles on my site. I do believe God, our Heavenly Father, is aware of us, our challenges and victories, thrills and tears, and everything in between. Those things that others can’t see- the hidden struggles- those can be especially difficult to carry. Here’s a reminder that you’re not alone. I am a witness that He sends angels our way- seen and unseen- to help us. Not just in the hardest times, but I think that’s when it’s most obvious to us.

Don’t forget to look for others who need encouragement and empathy this weekend. It’s so easy to get in our own heads and be so consumed with our own rollercoaster. But we feel so much better when we reach out. Be the person that makes someone feel just a little stronger, a little lighter, a little more loved.

Love,

Laura

Hello friends! Hope you are having a great kickoff to your week! Today I finished my Creation! Literally! I wrote a song called Creation, as I referred to last post, and here it is! I have previously gotten so bogged down in the creative process that I’m trying to go as simple as I can and still get my message across. Today it’s all about the process of creating.

The most helpful thing I discovered recently is that writing music is a lot like going to the gym to work out. I have a new gym membership so instead of being part of the Core 620 classes 3x/week, I am going to a gym and choosing what to do. Every time I go, I need to make time to warm up so I don’t require my muscles to get up and going in 10 seconds flat, I need some time to get a good workout, and I need some time to cool down and stretch. I’ve realized that I can use this same template for writing music. Warm-up. Workout. Cool-down. I can’t expect my brain to just get in gear in 10 seconds and go hard for hours. I can play around with what warms up my creativity, gradually move into deeper work, and then cool down with something inspiring, or journalling, or walking to think about what I’ve been working on…etc. I’m hopeful that I can get into a really consistent routine this summer, writing/editing/recording about an hour a day. We’ll see how it goes!

This recording was done on my phone so you actually can’t hear the lyrics real well. Maybe I’ll do a nice recording with my new microphone later. Maybe not. Either way, you can follow along with the words on the sheet music if you’d like!

Toodles!

Love,

Laura

Dandelions. I can see them out my window as I type. They could ruin my day. The yard is full of them, and they’re technically a pest. Are they, though? The other day, someone told me that the dandelions remind her of Switzerland. I’ve been to Switzerland, and it was beautiful. And I love that way of looking at it. Perhaps one of these days I’ll kill off those dandelions and my grass will be free of weeds (temporarily). Until then, I’m going to enjoy my view that reminds me of Switzerland.

Love,

Laur

Recently, we said goodbye-for-now to an amazing man. He left too early, and many mourn his loss. He is my big brother (in-law). His name is Mike Harper. There are so many things I could tell you about him, from his deep love and commitment to his family, to his profession in dentistry, to his ability to encourage everyone around him…there is much to say, but words don’t really feel adequate to express what I feel. Since music tends to come a little closer, I decided to write a song. I look forward to seeing him again- hearing his laugh, getting a big Mike hug, catching up…

We love you, Mike.