Here's to Harmony

The words “in harmony with humanity” have been going through my head. I think of them as I take a walk, call people, and just observe others throughout the day.

It’s so easy to judge. So easy to think “what a jerk,” or “such bad manners,” or even worse, pity someone. Pity is sooooo arrogant.

We watch TV and see the beautiful people with scripted lines and sculpted bodies and we subliminally interpret that as “normal” and “acceptable.” Like thinking people on the beach should look like the actors on Baywatch or something. Then you go to the beach and wonder what happened.

Being in harmony means adjusting our expectations. Looking beneath the surface. And realizing what we see is just a small part of the whole. I try to remember that someone who cuts me off on the road may be in a hurry to an ill loved one’s side. Or the checker who moves slowly may have been up all night with a crying baby. Even the lady in the park talking on her phone while her dog runs loose and terrorizes others may have a story. Or not. But she’s a human being who is more than her momentary irresponsible behavior. My being irritated at her only agitates me. I get the ulcer, not her.

My being at peace with imperfection is a much healthier state of mind and body. And it’s my choice, day by day, moment by moment. Digest the beauty. Spit out the ugly. Love unconditionally. God is watching. And He is on our side.

Memorable Musical Moments

I can’t imagine what my life would have been like without music in my heart. My mother played piano, harp, and violin, and I’m sure I heard music while in the womb. Now, there are studies that show the value of hearing music even before you are born.

I had my hands on the piano keys before I could walk. And, I probably sang before I could talk.

I took traditional piano lessons, but I was not patient with note reading. It was much quicker to watch the teacher’s hands and play by ear. I took guitar lessons and learned to read chords. From then on, I could express myself musically, and I only read notes when I had to.

My most memorable concert experience was seeing Elton John when I was 14. He ROCKED that piano! I bought sheet music and learned his songs note-for-note. I will confess that I am also a Barry Manilow fan (in this video I am playing Barry's song, "Ready to Take a Chance Again"), and I love Neil Sedaka. Y’all don’t know what you are missing! Them boyz can whip those chords around like a cotton candy machine!

In 1992, I entered a contest to sing the "National Anthem" at Dodger Stadium, and I won! That experience led me to meeting Denny Martin, a local music producer, and recording songs in his studio. He was “instrumental” in teaching me how to write my own songs. He moved his studio to Nashville, and I have loved recording with him there. The musicians collaborate and “play” off of each other. The process is very organic. And I learned expressions like “y’all” and “throw it in the deep fryer.” Somehow I became a country singer-songwriter. I guess God gave this California girl a twanger. But that does NOT mean that the songs I write are "three chords and a cloud of dust."

Denny introduced me to #1 hit songwriter, the late, great Alan O’Day of "Undercover Angel," "Angie Baby," and "Rock 'n Roll Heaven" fame, and I had the privilege of writing songs, taking piano lessons, and performing live with him. I carry his legacy forward with a renewed passion for music and a desire to encourage others to follow their musical dreams.

My husband (Bob) was my band partner for many years before we were a couple. We make music together. It brought us together and it keeps us together. And, I was just reminded today that Alan O’Day sang “At Last” for our “first dance” song. I’ll post that video one day. It’s still too soon after Alan’s passing last May for me to watch it without going into the ugly cry.

My mom and I taught my children songs on the piano. Now I teach my grandchildren. My two-year-old grandson is already composing. Ok, it’s kind of banging and making dragon sounds, but it’s a very impassioned start!

Music has been more than a lifelong companion for me. It has been a place I can retreat to when the real world is stressing me out. Music is where everything makes sense. Like any long-term relationship, sometimes it’s work. But mostly it’s a little butterfly on my shoulder reminding me, “I’m still here.” I hear you. Ok music, you have my attention. And I’m going to share you with everyone who is open to having you in his or her life.

Life requires us to take chances. Are you ready? You get what you get when you go for it! Here’s to the next step on this harmonious journey. Let's take it together!

Here's to the Whole Chicken

I think too much of my world view is formed by Facebook. Less so from TV, as I can discern pretty quickly what is going to drag me down. The black-and-white political posts on Facebook show that people care about this country, and they are passionate about fighting for it. How did that turn into fighting each other? Can we fight for our country and love each other at the same time? There must be a more loving alternative to all this right-and-left bashing.

No matter who our president is, there are many who believe he is corrupt and coming from ego, not love. A well-known blogger and author, Jim Altucher, checked into what it takes to run for a political office and could find no way to persevere without being false or lying in some way. In my experience, I've seen that in people who succeed in corporations too.

Books, movies, and television shows are rich with stories about the rare person of character who craftily navigates a sea of sharks to altruistically embody a position of power. We love underdogs who won't sacrifice their character. But how does that play out in real life? Do we really know our politicians? We know what they say, something about their behavior, how they vote, and what state our country is in. People are suffering and we want someone to blame.

I believe most Americans want to make this country better and are willing to sacrifice for the sake of the whole. I believe most of these bashing Facebook posts come from anger at injustice. We used to rely on the media to give us the facts. Now we have a much harder time getting at the truth. And it's frustrating. That is fuel for the bash-fest.

I wonder if any of these political Facebook posts have swayed anyone's opinion. I doubt it. So they say "here's where I stand."

Well, here's where I stand. I love my country. I love my fellow Americans. I believe in honesty, compassion, and respect for life. I believe in doing my part by working hard to get the facts and voting accordingly. People who do not do that, and rely on the media to inform them, are likely to be misled.

I like how one of my Facebook friends put it. "I'm not right-wing or left-wing; I'm for the whole chicken." Indeed.