It’s almost here! May 15 is the official release date for The Poets Symphony: Verses, Melodies, and Lyrical Poems! Thank you, Tara Caribou, for including my poems in this beautiful collection! Paperbacks available on the 15th.
Here is a sneak peek from my writing included in the collection.
Longevity
Picture me, almost seven Stringy hair in my eyes Sitting at the piano As Grandma smiles Hands on keys, eyes on notes Melodies flowing clear Sharing music from my heart Though young in years
Younger Me
...Scars that form
On the inside
Remain hidden
Unless shared
Don't be afraid
To express them
Through music
Through words...
Last week a piano technician came and tuned my new piano. Even though it is a beautiful new instrument, there are several reasons it needed tuning. Being moved to a new location. Sitting in a different space, with different temperatures, on a different type of floor. All factors that affect the way it sounds.
I listened as the technician worked. She listened to such tiny details. The way she would tune one note to its octave counterpart. When I played those notes together in a chord, I didn’t notice that they were out of tune. But hearing her pick them all apart, it was obvious.
The mechanics of a piano are fascinating. My explanation to students is usually simplified. Your finger presses down the key, which causes a hammer inside the piano to strike a string producing the sound.
Watching my piano being taken apart, actually viewing the insides, gave me a new perspective. Each piece has its place and must be perfectly aligned to produce a high-quality sound. Even a new piano needs time to adjust and sometimes requires a little assistance.
One thing stood out above the rest, voicing. I asked the technician about adjusting the voicing, making it a little less bright. Basically, taking the edge off of the sound. She explained that part of that process involves the felt material on the hammers.
A needle is used to soften the felt. When done correctly, it does not damage the material. It just slightly changes the way the hammers strike the strings.
Once the piano was put back together, I sat down to play. Wow! What a difference. Not only was it in tune, but it also had a much warmer tone. The sharp edge had been softened.
This experience made me think about my life. What if I’m in a new place, with new surroundings, expectations, and people? What if my reaction is one of fear or frustration? My words may sound edgy, sharp, or out of tune.
Like the felt on those hammers, something inside me needs to be softened. An adjustment might come in the form of an honest word from a trusted friend. Yes, stings for a moment. But the sting will not last if accepted with grace. The knowledge that someone loves me that much, however, is lasting.
Hopefully, as I continue playing my piano, I will be reminded to check my own tone. And will gracefully accept any needed adjustments to keep me in-tune with my husband and children, family and friends, the world around me.
“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17
Schumann Arabesque Opus 18. One of my favorite piano pieces. Only the beginning theme and the conclusion. ❤
My dad loves classic country music. Growing up, we would always listen to The Grand Ole Opry on AM radio, static and all. Sometimes, it would drive me crazy but thinking about it now makes me smile.
He also had quite a collection of 8 track tapes, all country, that we would listen to in his truck. Charlie Pride, Charlie Rich, Loretta Lynn, and Conway Twitty were some of his favorites. And though I don’t currently listen much to country music, I loved listening to it back then.
That love stemmed from two things. First, it was, and still is, great music. But more importantly, it was my dad’s music. And for that reason, it will continue to influence my life.
Music has so much variety, so many genres. Each new style influenced by the previous. Whether I like them all or not, I can appreciate them for their place in music history.
I have recently shared some recordings of myself playing favorites on the piano. They’ve included some Classical Scarlatti, Romantic Brahms, hymns and James Taylor. Honestly, no country songs crossed my mind…until now.
My mom called after listening to my latest recording. We chatted for a few minutes. As we were about to say goodbye, I could hear my dad in the background. My mom chuckled and said, “Dad says you need to record his favorite song.”
So, what is his favorite song? It is a piano solo recorded by country musician Floyd Cramer in 1960. If my dad ever has a music request for me, it is that song. I learned to play it years ago.
Why had I not thought to record this song already? I do not know.
Our Sunday evening Chinese take-out was more yummy than usual. Although the day started on the dreary side, the sun came out this afternoon. Only a few clouds and the early evening temperature was perfect.
So, what does that have to do with the take-out? Well, we decided to eat dinner outside on the deck. The fresh air felt so good. And while we ate, my feet were soaking up the sunshine. The combination helped ease the tensions of the day.
Once we were done eating, my family went back inside. I decided to linger awhile. Moving to another chair, I turned directly toward the sun. Head back, eyes closed, sweet warmth covered my face.
Those few moments alone in the sun were just what I needed. Soon, the sunshine was hidden by the clouds, so I went inside. My daughter asked if I’d like to go for a walk. Off we went.
As we walked through the neighborhood, we noticed birds singing. Ducks were swimming in a pond, and there was even a turtle sticking its head out of the water. There was a family playing frisbee. Neighbors waved from their front porches.
We rounded a corner, and guess what I felt on my face once again? That warm sunshine. And now it was beginning to set. Not only providing warmth but also beauty.
Back home, it was time for reflection. These are unsettling days. Keeping our distance, missing my friends, missing my co-workers and students. Wanting answers to questions. Wondering how long this will last. And on and on and on.
Sometimes, the simplest things make the biggest difference. Take-out on the deck. Sunshine on my face. A walk with my daughter. Food, sun, and family-It is amazing the power of a little warmth.
Oh, I almost forgot. And music-music helps, too. 😉
Fire and Rain
Won’t you look down upon me, Jesus You’ve got to help me make a stand You’ve just got to see me through another day My body’s aching and my time is at hand And I won’t make it any other way—James Taylor
Remembering Simpler times Long days When a bike ride Meant singing In full voice Unaware of Quiet melodies From birds Hiding in tall Shade trees that Lined the path A time when Playing outside Included music Blaring from a Spirit of ’76 Transistor radio The perfect Soundtrack for my Nine-year-old life Remembering Simpler times Long days Memories that Surely fade As years pass-Now, Written down to Bring a smile Before I forget
Revisiting a page Filled with notes First learned Many years ago A glance brings Faded memories Of piano keys Under my fingers Muscle memory begins To clear away Cobwebs collected In silence Words and symbols Carefully written On the page Bring a smile Valuable reminders Purposefully placed by The trusted hand Of a teacher- Oh, if only Squinting eyes Revealed someone Sitting nearby- A guide Patiently leading Beyond space And time Beyond notes And rhythms Shedding light On the mysterious Sound of Rich harmonies Surrounding Hidden melodies Listening intently as Eyes and hands Once again read Notes on a page
Excited to have works included in this beautiful collection!
I said it was coming and here they are! The Poets Symphony: Verses, Melodies, and Lyrical Poems is releasing on the 15th of May. You will find it anywhere that sells books online: lulu, Barnes & Noble, Amazon. Pre-order the e-book here. Thirty-one artists and poets came together to create this gorgeous book centered around […]
Some days an attempt to write falls flat and the words just won’t come. Today started that way. Frustrated, I decided to play the piano instead.
Sitting down at the piano, I hoped a favorite hymn would put me in the right frame of mind to write. But my playing also fell flat. There were too many mistakes. The melody sounded choppy. Not very musical.
Though tempted to give up, I played the hymn one more time. When I began to play the second time, the words were suddenly present (in my head) along with the melody.
What a difference! Musically imperfect, but a clear message. And this time, playing brought a true sense of joy.
Hmmm…maybe when words won’t come, I need to hear words that are not my own.
So, today I say, “Happy Easter” with the help of English poet and clergyman, John Newton. My prayer is that Newton’s words and a familiar melody will bring you joy and hope on this Easter Sunday.
🎶Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now am found Was blind but now I see
Through many dangers, toils, and snares We have already come Was grace that brought us safe thus far And grace will lead us home🎶
There is something I have wanted for quite a while. A material possession, but so much more. An object, but also an extension of my being.
If you are a musician, you will understand. An artist, a writer-anyone who utilizes something material to help express their innermost thoughts, emotions, and feelings-you will relate.
I am sure you have guessed by now. A piano.
I have played many pianos in my lifetime. Starting with the old upright at my grandmother’s house and then the spinet my parents bought me when I was a girl. We have had a couple of pianos in our home. The most recent, an electronic piano.
While I am thankful for the technological capabilities, I miss practicing on an acoustic piano. Due to my recent neck and arm issues, I struggle with the touch. Now that we are home for this unknown period, I desperately want to practice.
I know he will not want any recognition, but he is getting it anyway. My sweet husband understands this connection to the piano. He understands my need to play.
We had been talking about getting a new piano. Looking ahead to summer. Those kinds of plans are easier to focus on when school is not in session. Then everything changed.
Suddenly, there was no more going back after spring break. The reality that we would be home for an extended time began to set in. I began to feel restless.
After some research, we arranged for me to safely test out four pianos. The one I chose was delivered last week. My mom has already received a recording. Some friends suggested a FaceTime concert. The possibilities are endless!
No, this does not change our current world situation. However, it will bring a little joy to my corner of the world. And just maybe, that joy will spread. That is certainly my hope. On that note, here are my first couple of recordings.
Raise your hand if you’ve been in a Zoom meeting this week! If I had to guess, probably more than one. Teachers in our district are zooming in, making plans for distance learning. I’ve been part of several over the last few days.
It is nice to see familiar faces and catch up. It is also a great space for brainstorming and sharing ideas. It can also be a little overwhelming.
One thing keeps making me laugh. Every time I see or hear the word Zoom or get an invite to a Zoom, I have flashbacks to my childhood. Anyone else?
The show Zoom dates back to the 1970s. It has nothing to do with online video conferencing. Or does it?
I loved watching this show as a kid. I remember it being informational yet entertaining. It was kids talking to kids.
Today I decided to look it up and see what information I could find. Here are some of the lyrics to the original opening song:
Come on and zoom, zoom, zoom-a-zoom
You’ve gotta zoom-a-zoom-a-zoom-a-zoom
Come on give it a try
We’re gonna show you why
We’re gonna teach you to fly high
Come on and Zoom!
Come on and Zoom Zoom!
Watch the opening scene. There is music, dancing, introductions. And at one point, a screen full of faces. A diverse group of kids, working together to teach as many kids as they can reach, about all kinds of things. Sounds a little familiar.
Think about it. This idea of distance learning is new for most of us. We have different levels of comfort concerning technology. Yet, we all have knowledge worth sharing.
So, here we are, coming together, Zooming through this process together. Learning from each other as we go.
Piano Girl 