Reflecting On A New Year
Self-portrait x 2
I’ve never believed in the idea of New Year resolutions. But for some reason, in the last days of 2013, I found myself contemplating things I’d like to do in 2014. The ideas are not new to me and not one is earth shattering. In no particular order and with little commentary, here’s what I’m thinking I’d like to do in 2014.
~ study Buddhism and learn more, historically, about Jesus.
~ learn to meditate. I look forward to a greater sense of inner peace and joy through a stronger connection to The Love.
~ pray more often and more deeply for others.
~ increase the amount of time I spend outside, close to nature.
~ devote more time to my writing, including editing my third novel and completing my fourth.
~ get back into community service.
~ shift my internal clock and become more of a “morning person” and not such a “night owl.”
~ read more.
~ use my camera more.
~ establish a more exact daily routine.
~ increase my vocabulary, improve my spelling.
~ re-engage with world news by finding a source that is unbiased and commercial free and not television based, since I don’t watch t.v.
~ be more alert to true meaning when I’m listening.
~ keep the memory of my ancestors alive.
~ become more settled – it’s been three years since my divorce and other upheavals. I’m looking forward to stability.
I think that pretty much covers everything I’ve been thinking about lately. Like I said, nothing earth shattering!
Happy New Year to one and all! ♥
House Concert With Folk Musicians Martin Swinger and Connor Garvey
Friday night I enjoyed my first ever house concert. Featured folk musicians were Martin Swinger and Connor Garvey. As my host explained in his invitation, “In the folk world, the house concert is the vehicle for…recognition and I am lucky to have the opportunity to host them.”
Well, I think the guests were the lucky ones. Our host had prepared an abundance of delicious food for us to enjoy as we mixed and mingled before, during a break and after the performance. About 40 people attended, all sitting in rapt silence as these two talented folk musicians sang songs of love and life. There was a cover charge of $20 – a pittance for what the night presented to the guests.
Each of these musicians has received the 2013 “Emerging Artist” recognition at this year’s Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. And it was easy to see why.
Martin Swinger is a seasoned singer/song-writer and this is apparent in his gracious stage presence and his songs. Starting his set with Plastic Part and finishing with Music in the Rafters, Martin spoke to us about our own lives through his incredible ability to introduce a song and then to sing it, sharing through song after song the common experiences of all humans.
Other songs Swinger performed included Wooden Boy, Consider the Oyster!, Holding On, and Coney Island Lullaby. (All these songs can be heard through Swinger’s website.) When he sang Gravity as part of his encore, I was no longer conscious of where I was as I was completely pulled into the story of the song and, now, two days later, I still have vivid images in my mind that formed during that song. You’ll find recordings of these songs at Martin’s website on the Studio Recordings page. A fan favorite of Martin Swinger’s repertoire is Betty Boop and Buddha, which was also part of his encore Friday night. Lots of fun!
Connor Garvey is a young folk entertainer with boyish looks. But right out of the starting gate Friday night, this entertainer showed us his chops with Real Old. A related side-note to this song: our host did a fun thing — making name tags for his guests, he used none of our real names but put on each tag the name of a person in the music industry. For instance, I, who he’d asked to photograph the event, was given the Annie Leibovitz name tag! The rest of the guests were free to choose their name tag. Garvey chose to be Paul Simon for the night. If you listen to his recording of Real Old you can’t miss the influence of Simon in his music. He followed that song with Willow, Spark, Irish Song, The Bird and Soul on the Line.
Garvey’s ease on stage includes little, surprise bursts of humor. It is enjoyable to listen to him share his stories of creating his songs and then to watch as his demeanor turns inward while he gifts the song to his audience.
If you have a look at Garvey’s website, you’ll see that he’s been busy creating music for quite some time and he has an impressive line-up of cd’s dating back to 2002, when he was not yet 20 years old.
After a break, each of the musicians returned to do a few more songs. Garvey performed What You Walkin’ For and then a cover of Paul Simon’s Diamonds On The Soles of Her Shoes.
At times, both entertainers invited us to join in the musical fun by singing along. And fun it was! But the night took on a poignancy as it was coming to a close and Swinger asked that we hum the Pachelbel Canon as he sang song lyrics related to Christmastime. A resonant wonder filled the room – the magic that is Christmas.
I love this idea of an intimate house concert. If you are a fan of American folk music, I encourage you to contact these two artist or others you may know and invite them into your home to share with your family and friends a great sampling of where our folk music is today.
Merry Christmas from Melbourne and Leeanne Cole, photographer
Enjoy this delightful light display that was recorded by a photographer whose blog I follow here on WordPress. This remarkable light show on the face of the Melbourne Town Hall is sure to make you smile and put you in the Christmas spirit!
Leeanne Cole is not only a wonderful photographer but she shares much insight into her work through her blog and, as well, is generous about sharing the work of her fellow photographers.
Judy Collins In Concert In Bath, Maine
Judy Collins
I had the pleasure of attending a Judy Collins concert in Bath, Maine last Friday night. At age 74, Judy is stunningly beautiful – looking very much like the photo shown in this post, though her hair is now pure white. Her voice is still true and angelic – and by that I don’t mean sweet so much as powerful, clear and majestic. She (as well as her audience) was grateful for the astounding sound system at the Chocolate Church Arts Center where she performed.
I’ve heard that scent is the front-running human sense when it comes to evoking strong memory and emotion. But scent has never moved me to tears – as the sound of Andres Segovia playing guitar did when I saw him in concert nearly forty years ago and as Judy Collins’ voice did Friday night.
By her sound, I was transported to the ’70s – on a veritable magic carpet ride even though she did not sing many songs from that era.
Judy talked about the influences that set her on her course as a musician – her parents, the folk scene in New York City, her Irish heritage. I think that this talk/walk through her personal music history is her gift to her audiences. At her age, I’m sure she knows that she needs to impart on us as much as she can before she stops performing – though that day does not seem soon in coming, as she now performs 80 – 100 times per year.
Judy Collins history cannot help but include the mention of such notables as Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Leonard Cohen – each of whom she talked about Friday night among many others.
Judy was close to her parents. This song, “In the Twilight,” which she wrote about her mother resonated with me as I thought of my own mother who died in 2011. (Judy’s mother died in 2010.) The quality of Collins voice in this recording is just as it sounded Friday in concert.
I hope that John Newton somehow heard in his mind Judy Collins singing Amazing Grace, which he wrote. I cannot imagine anyone singing that song more beautifully. Friday night she invited us to join her after she sang a good deal of the song alone. Her voice was as true as it is in this 1970 recording.
For the first half of her show, Judy played a 12 string guitar. For the second half, she mostly played piano and her classical training was immediately apparent. She is so at ease at the piano.
If Judy is performing in your area, whatever your age or musical interests, please try to see her. She’s an American icon.
If you’d like to read more about Judy Collins now-a-days, here’s an article that reflects what I saw and heard Friday night.
Baked Gluten-Free Breaded Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Kale
A hearty gluten-free dinner on a chilly, rainy fall night!
Like a children’s picture book, I’m going to let photos show you the gluten-free dinner
I made and enjoyed last night!
Organic grape tomatoes around half of a skinless, boneless chicken breast. The chicken and tomatoes are from Trader Joe’s.
Aleia’s Italian gluten-free bread crumbs, which I sprinkle on all sorts of things, including fried tofu!
Aleia’s Italian gluten-free bread crumbs sprinkled (generously!) over chicken and tomatoes.
Boiled potatoes for mashing – to which I add only a touch of unsalted butter. I like to taste potato, not milk or cream.
Sautéed kale in olive oil (my favorite part of the meal!)
It was a dreary and cold day, and I think that inspired this comfort food dinner.
I can’t believe I ate (almost) the whole thing!
Here it is again!
Yummy! With lemon water and a glass of 2011 Chateau Ste Michelle Chardonnay.
Monday’s Maven – Whole Foods 365 Organic and Non GMO Berry Conserve
Delicious!
I always say that the only reason I eat toast is so that I can enjoy some butter and fruit jam!
For a long time I’ve been single focused on the Trappist line of jams, the blueberry being my favorite.
But in my endless quest for all things “organic” and now also Non-GMO, I came across Whole Foods “365” brand of “conserve,” which as far as my taste buds and toast are concerned is a jam or a preserve. (I’ve googled the difference between a preserve and a conserve and after three quick reads of three different sources, I don’t think the difference is enough to bother with here. I really can’t tease it out. But if you’re curious, here you go!)
I’m happy to say that this product is both organic and Non-GMO verified.
So, my new favorite fruit spread for my morning toast is in the photo above – 365 Organic Mixed Berry Conserve. It is so full of flavor! And I think the sugar content is a tad less than most commercial jams. It has 10 grams of sugar in one tablespoon. I had tried a Trader Joe’s mixed fruit organic spread that had 8 grams of sugar and it was kind of dull. The perky fruit flavor of the 365 brand just didn’t come through.
At a generous 17 ounces, this jar lasts me about three weeks, maybe four.
Give it a try and share your tastebud’s thoughts in a comment!
An Afternoon of Connecting With the Public and Other Authors
Me with my two books that carry themes of love: Love’s Compass and The Setting of the Sun
Well, there I am at the annual, local-author book signing and sale at the J.V. Fletcher Library in Westford, Mass.!
In reality, I sat very little in that spot and spent much more time walking around the room visiting the stations of the other authors. This year I found that I didn’t have enough time to talk with all the writers I wanted to. There were so may interesting folks there with great ideas for books. Writing creates a pretty solitary work week, so to be out among authors was a real treat.
Judy Buswick has two gorgeous books – one about slate (yes, as in the stone!) and one about quilting.
I had a wonderful conversation with Christi Guthrie of REACH! She is one of three women who have joined their highly energetic forces to help us realize how to achieve our personal and professional goals. These women also run a business my little Black Box — check it out and be sure to read all about them on their “3 Crazy Chicks” page! Their book, REACH! dream | stretch | achieve | influence will be released November 15.
I met Kyle Giroux last year – a young author who I enjoyed seeing again. His first book, Death in the City, looks great and he’s well into the writing of a second.
Sitting beside me at the book sale was Bety Cumerford who has written on a fascinating topic, Ghost and Shamanic Tales of True Hauntings. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing her tell me about her experiences with those who reside in the realm that lives alongside us – a between world where they are neither fully among the living nor fully with the dead (my rudimentary explanation!).
What comic-book-reading youngster wouldn’t love to tumble into the world on the pages in his hands! That’s just what Ansha Kotyk has written about in Gangsterland!
A former neighbor, Lynnette Hartwig, has penned two nonfiction books:
Negotiating When Money Matters: Getting a Good Deals, and
Getting the Best Price on a Used Car
David Daniel‘s collection of books, a dozen or so, scattered about his table at today’s event really humbled me! But he’s been writing a long time! David and I trade books and I’m more than half way through his collection of short stories, Six Off 66, and I have enjoyed each story I’ve read so far. David has a sparse style – he doesn’t seem to need many words to present a rich story.
I had a quick chat with David Brody with whom I shared the podium at The Westford Museum and Historical Society one evening when we each talked about our writing.
And I’m sorry I didn’t have a chance to talk with Laurie Miller who I know through Art on Main in Westford. Laurie has a book, Paint the Town! An Artist’s Perspective on Westford, Massachusetts, published in 2011. I love her paintings and she’s generous with her time instructing those interested in pursuing painting.
It was a wonderful afternoon. Oh, yes, and I sold some books as well!
Thank you to the J.V. Fletcher Library and the Westford Museum and Historical Society for sponsoring this event.
And thanks to all who participated, both the authors and the folks who stopped in to see our work!
A Different Sun: A Novel of Africa by Elaine Neil Orr
I’ve just ordered A Different Sun: A Novel of Africa by Elaine Neil Orr through Barnes and Noble online. I can’t wait for the book to arrive!
Elaine and I met a few years ago at Wellspring House writers retreat. While I was just staying a week that summer, she had settled in for a five-week stay. Elaine’s a lovely person, gifted with a mellow disposition, good listening skills, and a sweet sense of humor. She’s a Professor of English at North Carolina State University.
At the time I overlapped with her at Wellspring House, Elaine had one published book, a memoir, Gods of Noonday. I came home with a copy and enjoyed getting to know Elaine further by reading about her childhood (nearly all of which was spent in Nigeria, she being the child of medical missionaries) and how that connection to Africa helped heal her during a serious illness mid-life.
I love the jacket design of A Different Sun as it captures well the color and heat I felt while reading Gods of Noonday. A Different Sun is a work of fiction, but I imagine it will be just as satisfying.
Elaine and I remain in contact and she’s told me recently that she’s available to meet (in person or via Skype) with book clubs or any other venue on topics ranging from her two books, to addressing writers about how she went from successfully publishing a memoir to publishing a novel, how she work on two projects at once and what she thinks is important about women writing.
I’ll be posting about A Different Sun as I read it. In the meantime, please visit Elaine’s gorgeous site and enjoy reading about her and her work.
Happy Halloween from the Parkington Sisters and me
I’m sitting here at the kitchen table waiting for the knocks on the door or the buzz of the decades-old bell. It’s a rainy night but still the squeal of young voices comes in waves as children course through the neighborhood on their quest for candy and the thrill of the spooky night. I haven’t seen the Batman or Spiderman or any other recognizable character. These are the children of several generations behind me changing the Halloween landscape of my hometown.
To while away the time between Halloween visitors, I’m at my computer checking email and facebook. In my inbox is the latest update from a musical group of sisters, the Parkington Sisters, who I had the distinct (they are unique) pleasure of seeing in concert as they led in for Chris Smither at a show in Arlington, Mass. last year. The four sisters are well-trained musically and they present a unique visual style onstage – each interestingly attractive and talented in her own way.
Their music, much of which they’ve written, is described on their home page: “…combined with their individual talents – each of the sisters is a songwriter and a multi-instrumentalist – lays the foundation for their multifaceted sound. With soaring melodies, tumbling from optimistic heights to eerie lows, vibrant harmonies and intricate arrangements, their songwriting incorporates the eclectic songwriting of Joni Mitchell and Aimee Mann, the energy of June Carter and the hit potential of Mumford and Sons.”
They were present at Fenway Park last night, guests of the Red Sox and the Dropkick Murphys, who sang the National Anthem for that historical game.
To celebrate Halloween, the Parkington Sisters, in their email tonight, shared their eerie version of the American folk song, In the Pines.
Here are two songs of theirs that are favorites of mine:
Happy Halloween from the Parkington Sisters and me!
sublime days 
sublime days is growing!
I’ve added three pages to sublime days!
I’ve spent the day adding three pages to this site, pages that will tell you more about my writing and my published books.
At About My Novels you can read a bit about the books I’ve published. I’ll be adding more to that page soon, so it will include more detail about the two novels I’m working on currently – Love, Topaz and Kaleidoscope Chips.
By visiting the pages of my published books, Love’s Compass and The Setting of the Sun, you can read the opening pages of these novellas, which are available at Amazon in book form or as a download to your Kindle.
I hope to have Love, Topaz published this year and Kaleidoscope Chips should be available in the fall of 2015.
I’ll keep you posted on my writing as the year progresses!
Thanks for following me!
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