hilltop star

Hilltop Star was inspired by the Christmas star we put on our barn every year. I always loved turning at the last corner on the main road through Paradise to head south and out of town, because I knew I would be able to catch a glimpse of the star on our hill. When I was older, I would drive along 9300 South just so I could see more of the star earlier.

Our house on the hill painted by a SIL's sister
The star would go on the white barn to the right

Returning home for the holidays, after being overseas or moving away, always felt real as soon as I saw our hilltop star. For me, the star is a symbol of home and homecoming. Sailors navigated using stars, returning home safely by following the stars. If you're lost and can find the North Star, you always know which way you're headed. Wise men of old followed stars, especially a new star in the East, to home of the Christ child to worship and present him gifts. They knew, as I do, that this child was the Messiah and the only way home. Wise men and women today still follow stars and know that Christ is the true North star leading us back to our true home. 


My brother Chris and I decided to write a song together and we thought a song about our star would be fitting. We both wanted to express the sense of awe we got when looking up at the stars, and of homecoming. I think we did. The recording is from Chris's funeral in December 2003. The performance is a little shaky, but the sentiments we wanted to express are there. 


Happy Christmas.

i'm listening to christmas...

I'm listening to Christmas music a lot lately. It makes me sing. It makes me happy. It makes me smile. Here are some of my favorites this year:

A Steinway Christmas Album: Piano Music for the Season



available here

  I'm a sucker for good piano music and this is GREAT piano music. I love the arrangements. They're orchestral (yes! on a piano), and beautiful. This is great background music for Christmas dinner or reading. I just keep listening over and over. It has one of the best arrangements of Sleigh Ride I've ever heard and so here for your listening pleasure...

The Oak Ridge Boys: Christmas Cookies



available here

I'm also a sucker for a good musical storytelling and a low bass voice, and this album has it all. Great vocals with lots of personality and beautiful storytelling. Their song "Christmas Cookies" is sure to bring a smile, "Uncle Luther Made the Stuffing" will make you laugh, and "From Love to Love" will make you pause for a moment. I love the Oak Ridge Boys and this album justifies my love. (Wish I could find a preview song.)

The Colors of Christmas, John Rutter



available here

John Rutter is my choral idol. If I ever attended one of his concerts or got to sing under his direction, I would die a happy, completely fulfilled woman. The choral work by The Bach Choir on this album is gorgeous, lush and a gift for my ears. Full of traditional carols to contemporary favorites, it brings the spirit of the season in all its auditory glory. A few favorites: "Ding Dong! Merrily on High", "I Wonder as I Wander", "In the Bleak Midwinter" and "A New Year Carol". Gorgeousness abounds!


So, Merry Christmas and all that jazz! I'd love to hear what you've been listening to, so please share in the comments.



on my ipod - katie melua

Lately at work I've had to do a ton of formatting and proofreading of some very dry technical documents. I get really bored as I do it, so in order to keep focused and avoid wandering all the place, I've started listening to my iPod a lot.

This week, I'm really liking Katie Melua's album "Piece By Piece" and listened to it several times this week.  She has a new album out now, that I can't wait to get some time to really listen to.

I really like "Nine Million Bicycles". It has a rolling quality, that makes me feel as though I'm pedaling on a bike along with her.



I also like "Thank You Stars."  This invokes memories of sleeping out in the front yard with my little brothers and looking up at the stars as they talked about who God is and what makes the stars shine.  Good times.


Enjoy the songs and happy Friday!

sing!

Tonight I went to my friend's studio and sang. I am so blessed to have ML in my life and her generosity of allowing to me to come and sing once a week at her in home music studio blesses me each week.

It was a good night to be singing. Everything fell into place. I just let go and let it all come out. My body relaxed in all the right ways, and while I need to work on breath control, my voice just soared. I felt divine as I sang and practiced the piece I am singing this weekend for a church event.

Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake

To guide the future as He has the past.

Not only was it so great to feel relieved of all the stresses I had been feeling, but to internalize the beautiful message I was singing was wonderful as well. My God doth undertake to guide my future as he has my past... Okay, message received, God. Thanks for the reminder. You'd think I could remember that I had done this just the other day. It's amazing how often I have to be reminded of this and how often I think I have to be in control. I'm learning that every day I have to let go and let Him do his thing.

how firm a foundation

Lately, I can't stop listening to this. . .

In the car with the volume blasting and singing at full voice over and over on the way to work in the mornings. As I sing, the foundation seems a little surer, firmer, more there. Oh, the power of good music.

maestro

Every so often I meet an artist who is a maestro. Last night, my friend, SS, had her piano tuned and invited me over for dinner to meet her tuner. She knows my love of the piano because of my choice for book group last December.  Here are two of my recent favorites about pianos: The Piano Shop on the Left Bank and A Romance on Three Legs. SS knew I would have a good time watching and listening to a piano being tuned.

The piano tuner was bright, funny and talented. Not only could he play beautifully and tell funny stories, he could also tune a piano well. I love listening to all the tones and intervals come together in perfect harmony as a tuner works. I know I'm a little weird, mais c'est moi.

A German-made piano from the late 19th century

Pianos today aren't as fancy on the inside.

The Chilean business card on the inside of the piano,

which was put there by the piano man in Santiago who bought

and restored the piano before my friend bought it.

He used wool muting felt to mute the strings, so he could tune each one individually.

One of the beauties of a piano is how the strings interact with each other when struck.

But when tuning the piano, it's important to minimize the sounds other keys make while initially tuning individual keys. Then it's important to listen to how it all works together to create harmony.

Each of the 88 keys has three strings that must be tuned.

You do the math!

The tuning lever at the ready.

Okay, each pin manages all three strings, so it's not as daunting as it could be.

The expert at work.

By the way, he speaks four languages... Italian, Spanish, French and Portuguese

all the Romance languages; a true Renaissance man.

Now he's testing the final product. I wish I could have recorded him playing.

Once he had the piano tuned, the sound completely changed.

It was a rich, velvety, chocolate sound with so much depth, it made my heart yearn for an old piano.

They just don't make'em like they used to...

My friend, SS, always has him play the piano before he leaves.

Last night she had a special request. Her favorite hymn, Come, Thou Fount.

He played and I sang to her and her sister in Thailand on speaker phone.

It was a fun, educational evening spent in the best of company.

Thank you, SS!!!

'My idea of good company...

is the company of 

clever, well-informed people,

who have a great deal of conversation;

that is what I call good company.'

'You are mistaken,' said he gently,

'that is not good company, that is the best."

(Jane Austen, Persuasion)

p.s. today i am thankful for good friends who are the best of company

and particularly because i have so many of them.

until everything is right

if you wait to do everything until you're sure it's right, you'll probably never do much of anything. ~~win borden

This is so true. The boundaries I put around myself are so ridiculous and stifling. And when I look back, in some instances, it's with a bit of regret and sadness for allowing myself to sit and do nothing because I was waiting for everything to be right.

Here's an example: I am working on singing again. There is a part of me that says that in order to sing I need a piano, that I can't sing seriously until I have a piano and that it wouldn't be right for me to work on singing without a piano. In reality, my voice doesn't sound any better or worse with a piano. A piano is a useful tool for when I can't quite hear the notes in my head and can't get them to come out right. However, a piano could be a distraction from the singing itself, because I love to play the piano and it's easier than singing.

Singing is scary for me at times. I'm trying to work through this. It's hard to open my heart up that much and put all that naked emotion out for the world to see. I makes me uncomfortable and just a little afraid. I feel like singing is the opening of Pandora's box, and I'm not quite sure what will come out. And now I'm thinking that I don't need to be worried about what comes out, because in the end what was left in the box was hope.

But in order to find the hope, the box had to opened.

image

cat ballou

This movie just makes me laugh and sing along. Cat Ballou is a priceless little gem of a comedy.  It's full of great performances: a young Jane Fonda plays schoolmarm turned outlaw Cat Ballou; Lee Marvin's Oscar winning turn as Kid Shelleen a drunken gun fighter is priceless; and Nat King Cole's final performance with Stubby Kaye as a pair of narrating minstrels is a musical delight.

If you need a good laugh and want to watch some great talent then this is the movie to watch.

.

This is beautiful.

recipe for love - my musical history

I love this song!  And yes, I love Harry too.

This was the first song I heard Harry Connick, Jr. sing.  I think fell in love with the lyrics more than anything else, but it was the start of a love affair with Harry's music.  I even took a few months of jazz piano to learn to play like him.


the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uij5s69iEjs

waiting for my real life to begin - my musical history

When I was in Afghanistan, I felt as though I was in a bubble and that outside the bubble was the real world, my real life waiting for me to come back.  It was hard to feel so isolated, from everyone and everything that was important to me.  This song really captured my feelings then.


the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4tcRlHY-3Q&feature=related
I love this version from Scrubs. They totally got this one right.

the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcsrnT7Tv1o

o sole mio - my musical history

There is a moment etched into my memory from Venice.  I close my eyes and I'm there again.  It was one of those perfect moments that my heart and mind captured for instant recall whenever I need it. 

Perfect golden light reflecting off the dark waters of a narrow canal as I stand on a bridge, the warmth of the stone railing beneath my hands, the colors of the brick and stone homes lining the water lane, and turning the corner is an ebony gondola trimmed in gold piloted by a singing gondolier.  I don't remember what he was singing, but this song takes me back to that bridge every time. 

And I am in love with Andrea Bocelli.  I'm so gonna marry him one day, ya know. 



the link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1IZHdr23XI

primary songs - my musical history

via: homeberries.com

When I was little I liked to sing primary songs.  'I Am a Child of God' was one of my favorites and it still is.  I still sing this song.  Sometimes on days that are especially hard, I'll sing this song to myself and instantly feel His love which calms me down, brings peace and helps me focus on what's important.


link to video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv4n2qVsme4&feature=player_embedded

everybody says don't - my musical history

Everybody says don't

Everybody says can't

Everybody says wait around for miracles

That's the way the world is made

I insist on miracles if you do them,

Miracles might come true,

Then I say don't...

Don't be afraid!
lyrics to Everybody Says Don't from Anyone Can Whistle 

I discovered this song at a time when I felt that everything in my life was telling me don't.  Don't do that or you'll miss out on this.  Don't do this or that thing you really want won't happen.  Don't dare to dream that your life could be different, that I could be different.  I was restless, wanting to have adventures and aching to spread my wings. 

In my twenties, there were a lot of things that I didn't do simply because I was too scared.  I had a lot of fun and great experiences, but I remember pushing through a lot of fear in order to get there.  Fear of failing, fear of trying, fear of succeeding.  Fear of everything that I dreamed of for myself.

I needed to hear someone tell me don't be afraid to fail, it's okay, it's just part of the journey.  Maybe someone did, but I didn't listen until this song.  It went straight to my heart and empowered me to take chances, and I listened to it again and again.  I feel that because of this song I was able to work up the nerve to go off to England where some of my long held childhood dreams came true.  I remember simply telling God that I was going to England, and when it was time for me to come home I would, but I wanted this chance and I was taking it.  It was empowering to learn to take control of my life. 

Those years in England were some of the best in my life so far, and most formative.  I fell in love for the first and second times.  I learned my heart can heal after ending serious relationships and making big mistakes.  I traveled to places I had only ever dreamed of, and made friends who are still a huge part of my life today.  I learned that God truly does have a plan for me and if I listen and follow him, then I really am happier and that faith and hope replace fear. 

It's hard for me to capture sufficiently what this song did for my life.  I still struggle with being afraid sometimes, but it's easier now to let go of the fear and move forward with faith.  Life doesn't always turn out as planned.  Sometimes I do fail, but when I do, I make a noise and get right back up.  I've learned that by insisting on miracles and working hard for them, my dreams really can come true.

I say do!

Plus, it's Barbra Streisand belting this song out.  It doesn't get much better than this.

Link to the video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzBVo8W2uv4&feature=player_embedded

home to stay - my musical history

When I was living in England every day seemed like a gift, an adventure.  I remember thinking to myself on several occasions, "I'm totally living the dream."  This song embodies that feeling of living a dream come true, but also with the realization that it would come to an end and to make the most of each day.  I still try to live by this sentiment.




Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iKAmFxwsuA

america the beautiful - my musical history

I just love this song, that's all. What a beautiful prayer for our country and citizens.



here's the link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rzs52OzgWOs

simple gifts - my musical history

Yo-Yo Ma is a genius. He knows how to make a cello sing, literally.  I particularly love his version of Simple Gifts from his album Classic Yo-Yo.  His cello accompaniment to the vocals of Allison Kraus is so spare and roomy, it perfectly highlights the message of simplicity, balance and finding your own space.  For me this version is like a long, calming, deep breath of cool air, and when I listen to it I am instantly filled with peace and calm.

I also sang a version of Simple Gifts at my sister's wedding, so I have vivid memories of this song, that whole beautiful day and all the love that was present.  Even though I was struggling with having lost my voice, I still sang and by the end of the song my voice regained its strength and was true.

I remembering thinking that's how my life is.  I don't always start off strong, but bit by bit, step by step my true strength and character is being revealed.  Like the lump of clay on a potter's wheel shaped by the gentle, visionary hands of a master, I too am shaped by the Master and he helps me take on my true form, just as all of us are.  "To turn, turn will be our delight, Till by turning, turning we come round right."

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
    'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
    'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain'd,
    To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
    Till by turning, turning we come round right.
                         -by Elder Joseph Brackett, a Shaker


Enjoy.  I especially like the photos in this video.



Link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYi9Vr8bHJY

all i need is a miracle - my musical history

Whenever I hear this song I am instantly transported back in time to the summer I was sixteen years old.  I love this song!


Link to video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vf8vud4Ifjs&feature=player_embedded

This was my song when I was teenager. I remember calling the radio station to request this song and then listening all afternoon so I could then record this song and listen to it again and again. One of the best concerts I ever attended was Paul Carrack's birthday celebration at Royal Albert Hall in London with my friend Mike. Miss ya Mike!

jessica's theme - my musical history

Is there a song that takes you back in time, that defines an era of your life for you?  I thought I would start sharing some of my musical history, the songs I love that have special meaning to me.  These songs cover a wide variety of genre and loves for me, and they all have specific memories associated with them.  If I had ever had to choose an all time favorite song it would be really hard.

Here's the link to the video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_erOWnqc8g&feature=player_embedded

Jessica's Theme from Man From Snowy River was the sound track to my daydreams when I was a girl.  It was the first song I memorized for the piano and I can still play most of it to this day without sheet music.  The movie is one of my all time favorite movies, and Jim Craig was the man for me.  My best friend, at the time, and I dreamed of moving to the Snowy River Mountains, finding our very own Jim Craig and then living a blissful life in one of the most rugged mountain ranges in all of Australia.  The closest I got to the Snowy River Mountains was Brisbane, but that's another post entirely. 

Can you see why I was in love with Jim?

I would go weak at the knees whenever he tipped his hat to Jessica.  Oh, baby!

I've also been accused of being Jessica's doppelganger.  In my late twenties, I walked into Alta Muffler & Brakes on Main Street in Logan, Utah one afternoon to get some work done on my car.  The clerk behind the counter was busy with another customer and kept looking over at me.  He was obviously the mechanic there as well.  He was the epitome of a grease monkey with thick, curly dark hair framing his fleshy face and covered with a sweat stained ball cap.  A bushy black mustache covered his upper lip under a rather wide nose.  He was wearing a grey-ish, too short t-shirt which at some point was white, but now covered in greasy hand prints and other stains that didn't quite cover his large belly, and grimy red suspenders which barely held up his jeans. 

He finished with the customer, escorted him out to the newly repaired car and then came back inside to help me.  I was completely unprepared for his next move.  He stepped back behind the counter, and then leaned across it putting his chin in his hand to stare up at me, and batting his eyes with a big sigh asked, "Has anyone ever told you that you look like Jessica from Man From Snowy River?"  It was all I could do not to laugh while graciously accepting the compliment.

Yep, we do kind of look alike.

I highly recommend the movie if you've never seen it.  Great romance, good acting, well written, excellent cinematography, beautiful soundtrack and gorgeous scenery.  All the stuff a girl's dreams are made of.

loverly

It's not often in life, that a person gets a re-do.  Tonight I did.

For some of you who know me, this story might come as a complete surprise.  In highschool, I took an acting class as one of my art requirements.  One of our assignments was to prepare a lip synch routine and present it to the class.  I had recently watched My Fair Lady for the first time, and fallen in love with Eliza Doolittle and her Cockney accent.  So, I prepared my lip synch routine to her opening song, Wouldn't It Be Loverly.  I practiced in my bedroom in front of the mirror perfecting my moves, pulled together a great costume complete with a crushed hat and a basket of flowers.  I felt ready for the assignment.

The day of my performance arrived, and I froze.  I remember that I couldn't put on the costume and pretend to be Eliza Dolittle.  I just couldn't.  I didn't know why, but I was terrified to put myself out there like that.  I couldn't bring myself to do it.  I still had to do the assignment, so I found a less threatening way to complete it.  I borrowed a recording of Debbie Gibson's song Lost in Your Eyes, which was at the top of the charts that year, and I did my lip synch assignment to that song.  I stood there doing the 80s's sway and mouthed the words.  I didn't put myself out there, I just did the assignment. 

I remember looking at my grade, it was a C-, and thinking that it was exactly what I deserved.  I also knew that if I had done the routine I practiced, I would have aced the assignment.  I've been kicking myself ever since.  I think this also the point where I decided I had nothing to lose by putting myself out there as a performer.  I didn't want to have any more regrets.

Tonight, I got a re-do.  My church hosted a night of the arts with a broadway theme.  I was asked to come up with a number of some sort.  I was originally hoping to pull together a duet or a group number, but I wasn't able to due to my schedule.  So, last week I started thinking of ideas that I could do on my own.  One evening I was talking with my sister and asked her what she thought I should sing.  She told me to sing the Loverly song from My Fair Lady.

This evening, I bought some flowers and put them in a basket, got dressed up and actually sang Wouldn't It Be Loverly in front of a live audience.  No lip synching this time around.  All week long I had been telling myself that this was my chance to make up for my failure in highschool, that this was my chance to put myself out there as Eliza Dolittle, and that's exactly what I did.

I forgot myself for the most part.  I remembered all the words, improvised some dance moves and just had fun.  I did forget to acknowledge the applause from the audience at the end, but I felt like I had done okay.  I had a successful re-do.

Like I said in the beginning, it's not often that anyone gets a second chance, but when it happens you have to grab it, hold on to it and put yourself out there.  I am so thankful I did.

Me in my costume, singing away as Eliza.  Not a very Edwardian London costume, but the apron was just so darn cute, I couldn't not wear it.

Enjoy the video.