What do you think of creating? Stepping into the unknown…wishing you had some directions, wond’ring why you feel alone.
This is the first verse to my new song! This song is all about my experience with creating. It expresses the discomfort, the encouragement I need to give myself, the beautiful discoveries in the process, and the unfinished business that is music writing.
A few weeks ago, I read an article that talked about how we need to “sit chilly.” (See https://stevenpressfield.com/2011/03/sit-chilly/). I love this concept which refers to sitting on a horse and tolerating the fear without being fearful (and communicating that to the horse!). In the chorus it says “Feel the cool breeze and embrace it.” I am learning how to do that!
Some of you know that 2021 was a really hard year for me. February brought pain like I’d never experienced- physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. I had surgery pain from a hysterectomy, and a combination of the rest from a mental breakdown. Healing from those experiences has been a very challenging journey- and I still have some effects that I continue to work through. I am so grateful for how far I’ve come, and for the transformative affect it has had on my life.
The Carpenter in this song is my Savior, Jesus Christ. I have come to know his kind, gentle, steady hands better as He has guided me through my healing process. I love Him and I trust Him.
I love the thought I’ve heard various times that when we experience suffering, we have experienced a small taste of what our Savior experienced suffering for all of us, and therefore have a unique ability to succor (or run to) others who are suffering. It is partially with this intent that I share my song with you. Perhaps it can reach someone whose heart is aching and needs extra hope and comfort. If there’s two things I’ve learned it’s these: God never leaves us alone, and He ALWAYS makes beauty from ashes.
Love
Laura
(Composing, Arranging, Recording, Mixing and Mastering by Laura Harper)
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.
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…
Hey friends, I finished another song! This one is called “Strong.”
I started a membership at Cor620 (a crossfit-like gym) last June. I had run consistently through the winter, but I wanted to add strength training in to my routine and develop more endurance. I also needed a coach that could help with some frequent problem areas, like my hip and knee.
I went to the 3 introductory classes and as I attempted several different things. One of the challenges was to climb a rope that was attached at the ceiling. I had earned a gold medal (a butterscotch hard candy that Mr. Olsen used to hand out as a “medal” in gym class) for climbing highest and fastest in the 6th grade! Somehow my attempt didn’t look so pretty at 39 years old. During those first few weeks, my coach would often say, “Use your strength.” She explained to me that my strength was in my core. While I would gain muscle gradually, if I used my current core strength, I could do more than I thought I could. She was right. While my first lame attempts to pull myself up a rope ended in feeling quite silly and very almost-40, by adjusting my attempt so that I was using my strength (pulling the rope in to my chest and holding it there instead of extending my arms out, I could make a jump and hold myself up on the rope a few feet above the floor. By locking out my arms and tightening my core, I did my first adult handstand against a wall. I had built all kinds of limitations around myself, making assumptions about what I was physically capable of, and one at a time the coaches helped me tear down those limiting beliefs. It was so empowering!
I have now been a member of this gym for 9 months. There are days I feel sore, days I feel scared of hurting my body, days I feel excited and empowered, and days I’m yawning and wonder how I can get through the workout and everything in between. It’s been a beautiful journey.
This song is my tribute to the coaches at Cor620 and the community and experiences there that have blessed my life!
Here it is!
“STRONG”
Composition, Arrangement, Backup instrumentation recording, and Vocals: Laura Harper
Audio engineering wizardry (including recording my vocals, mixing, mastering, teaching, supporting…etc): Andy Rumsey at the Spokane Library.
