Hi Everyone,
I have just completed the work of setting several albums free from my grasp, and onto the internet radio for your listening pleasure and for my own self-healing.
The first one is called - “Victorian Christmas” created in 2007 to benefit a local family whose daughter was dying of cancer. Many folks that I was working with at the time, were a part of the creating the CD and distributing it around town to raise money for this family in need. It was a fun process for the kids on the CD who also created Janglers as a part of the sale to raise money for the folks.
Now many years later - close to 20 years, this CD is now on the internet radio for your Holiday listening pleasure. And the Memory of Courtney Davis lives on as her family have created a scholarship fund in her name.
I spoke to Courtney's parents recently, and have arranged to drop off a copy of the CD and a gift of money to go toward the Scholarship Fund set up in Courtney's name.
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Drop off complete - very nice chat - a few tears and heartfelt hugs.
When you loose a loved one – your job is to keep going… Keep Living…. Keep Helping Others…
The second one is called - “Classical Moments - Frozen in Time”. I added the “frozen in time” part as I don't sing those arias anymore, but back in the day, I would sing, sing, sing them over and over again. On stage, in the shower, here there anywhere.
Five pieces made it to the CD. The others were never finished because of Paul Kent passing during the project. Thankfully, he didn't pass away at my home. He was an amazing accompanist and played for many local shows, and events. After all these years have gone by, I decided to share what we did get done… and I left out anything that I didn't like the sound of. I tried to resurrect my Operatic Voice to no avail - those days are long gone, and it brings a smile to my face as I was not a fan of Opera when I was teen.
Mom took me to see Madame Butterfly. I was not used to speaking my mind, but I said to myself “That Was HEAVY!!” AND if you have ever watched that Opera – you might agree with me. Luckily, I found some comedic arias and duets to sing. I was trying to please Dad - of course – a pastime that wasn't easy at times, and eventually, I just started doing what pleased me… Not him… WE CAN NOT SPEND OUR PRECIOUS TIME HERE PLEASING OTHERS ALL THE TIME.
This transition for me has been a little rocky and dicey at times for me, cuz, I only really learned to say “yes” - which took me to many wonderful experiences when I could burn the candle on both ends… – It took me a while to figure out what I wanted and then gracefully say no.. At first, I was angry for people asking me to participate. But, a wise woman (Naudia) recently helped me to say “Thank you so much for asking, but I am not doing those kinds of projects any more.”
And another wise man (Al) said to me – “Just do you” a kind friend indeed… Yes - I like that advice. Just do me. Who that is without all the “people pleasing” is coming clear to me. I am going to do just that… The Me that is right now today…. Not the people pleaser of yesterday… So, now all of these old operatic works have been set free to the radio, as I don't need them anymore reminding me of who has passed away or what I don't do any more.
The third album we just completed is called “Sadness to Light - 5 Piano Improvisations.”
This CD was created during a very sad time of one of my friends passing away. I was working with her and her family members at the time as music students. Our now dearly departed Kathy also helped me run a summer camps, shows we put on downtown and we became friends. At the time of this CD creation, I was working out of the Grange Hall here in town.
One morning, I created these 5 songs / Improvisations for her son, Sam, and took it down to the Grange for him. We did a process of playing the music over the P.A. system and he ran around the theater acting out the sounds of the music. It was amazing to watch that young boy releasing the pain of his heart…
As a spiritual healer, I believe in the music. It works. Music is healing, Dance is healing, Expression is healing.
I decided to set this album free to the radio and allow it to be given away for free via the website for anyone who needs to hear the freedom of moving from Sadness to Light.
With these CDs now released, I feel lighter, more at ease with myself and enjoying the fond memories of the people that have passed on before me a long time ago and just recently.
I hope that you are enjoying December — Soon the Darkest Day will be here, and we will all return to the Light of Spring here in the Western Hemisphere of Planet Earth.
