I wrote this song for my friend, Carla. It seems appropriate to publish it now in light of all the news we are hearing about the care (or lack thereof) of our veterans by the VA. Carla’s father served in Vietnam and her husband served in Iraq. I admire her courage, strength and optimism in the face of all the difficulties that she deals with every day as she cares for her husband.
I honestly have to shake myself sometimes. I am so grateful, humbled, and honored to be asked to do another ballet. Somehow I know God has my heart. When I was in high school I wanted to be a dancer. The Repertory Dance Theatre of Salt Lake City, Utah (founded at the University of Utah) was performing at Iowa State University at that time and came to Ames High School for an assembly. I was completely blown away by that performance. And KNEW – that’s what I want to do!! I had always loved dancing around the house, but had never had a single lesson. I got all the brochures for the University of Utah and was about to apply, but then… chickened out at the last minute…it was so far from home, you see. I have always wished someone had said, “You can do! Go for it!” Maybe it just wasn’t the plan for me. Instead, I earned a degree in graphic design and was involved in women’s gymnastics. Bottom line – I do feel incredibly blessed to have this opportunity to participate in something so beautiful. That kind of beauty just sweeps me away! Thank you, God!
Just received this poster from Ballet La Crosse. It’s such a pleasure to work with Kennet Oberly, the Artistic Director. If you love music and love ballet (like I do) this is a must see performance. Hope my Midwest folks can make to the Weber Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, April 17th in La Crosse, WI!
Had a great production meeting with Artistic Director, Kennet Oberly, yesterday. We finally have the ballet mapped out and the songs in place. With the exception of one song, Walking in the Air, all of the music will be songs that I have written over the years. Interesting mix and incorporation into the storyline of a young girl coming of age. When it comes to the live performance, I plan on using at least three guitars because of the various tunings I use. There just won’t be enough time between songs for tuning guitars. There are a couple songs that need interludes re-written and one that has totally new lyrics. The performance is only one month from today so it’s time to really get down to business (practice)! Find more details at: http://www.webercenterfortheperformingarts.org
This is interesting. One of my tasks for the music for the ballet “The Poems Rachel Wrote” (for Ballet La Crosse) is to re-write the lyrics to my song, “Like a Dandelion”. The goal is to modify the words in order to fit the storyline created by artistic director, Kennet Oberly. It’s a strange feeling, but a good exercise for me.
In Port Saint Lucie, Florida with my friend Lori Karas. Enjoying the sun, the shrimp, and the beach! I’m really looking forward to seeing my friends Julie Gammack and Richard Gilbert in Gulfport on Sunday, February 23rd for a house concert. Years ago, Julie wrote several extremely nice articles about me in The Des Moines Register and I am forever in her debt for being so kind and generous. I’m trying to refresh my memory so I can sing this song written for Richard and based on a poem he wrote titled My Time Now.
My Time Now
I am ever westward sailing
Endless oceans to explore
Skies are clear and winds prevailing
I am free when far from shore
There’s a cool breeze to soothe my weary brow
It is my time now
Take my time and take my treasure
Take my moments and my days
Love and laughter without measure
All I am I give away
Before I take a final bow
It is my time now
Many sunsets grace my vision
Many pleasures I have known
In my life this grand provision
Friends and family fill my soul
For all the blessings I have been allowed
It is my time now
Oh but for a faithful captain
Ships are lost and gone astray
Steady on the course I find my way
Gliding out across the bay
I am ever westward sailing
Through this hallowed passage door
Far from fear and human failing
Peaceful now forevermore
Looking out across the bow
It is my time now
I am happy to announce that I have received word in regard to funds raised at the Deanna Glass Benefit Concert at King of Kings Lutheran Church on January 31st. We managed to raise $16,000 which will help Deanna pay some of her medical bills as a result of brain surgery to remove a tumor. People who attended contributed above and beyond the ticket price and have been a huge blessing to Deanna. Thank you all so much! Your generosity amazes me!
Ever find yourself driving down the road when you happen to spy an old, dried out Christmas tree lying there in the ditch? This has happened to me several times and it always puzzles me to think about the how and why of the once beautiful tree coming to such an end as this. So, like any good songwriter, I wrote a tune about it. Originally composed on the piano, this version is with guitar.
Remember: Please always dispose of your Christmas tree responsibly. Wink and smile.
LAST YEAR’S CHRISTMAS TREE
I am last year’s Christmas tree
Lying in a ditch
And I don’t know why you tossed me here
But it’s clear that I’ve been pitched
Sad to know you’ve been let go
In such a reckless way
But life was sweet and so complete
When I was on display
No, I never saw this coming
When you wrapped me up in lights
You covered me with shiny tinsel
And I brightened up your nights
New Years came and then I went
Out with the Auld Lang Syne
But for a while I made you smile
And how you loved the scent of pine
Christmas is the reason miracles do still come true
Love is not a season, love is all year through
Maybe someday someone will stop by
And finally pick me up
Grab a limb and throw me in
A fancy pick-up truck
Take me home and cut me up
For the winter’s fire wood
And when the lights are low and my embers glow
I’ll know I did someone some good
I hope you can join us for this benefit concert for Deanna Glass. Deanna was diagnosed in January 2012 with a severe brain tumor, a benign Meningioma. invading the brain, optic nerve and temporal lobe. Deanna had extensive brain surgery followed by reconstructive surgery, nearly a month long hospitalization and two months of radiation, resulting in crippling financial medical debt. All concert proceeds will go to Deanna Glass for medical bills.
The concert will be held on Friday, January 31, 2014 @ 7:00pm at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 3275 North Center Point Road, Robins, IA – just off Interstate 380, Exit #28)
Tickets are $20 and available at: Parable-Lemstone, Family Christian, Brewed Awakenings, King of Kings Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Church and at the door. Please make checks to Deanna Glass Benefit.
And thank you to my husband, Paul, a very gifted architect, who designed and built the incredible backdrop of lights for our set. That’s 500 ft of PVC, 1,000 ft of wire, and 100 lights. He is an artist and sweetest person ever! And thanks to Jason Lester, our lighting expert, who contributed so much by using his lighting wizardry to light the lights!
