The WordPress prompt today asks, “What role does music play in your life?” http://dailypost.wordpress.com
Music is one of God’s most special gifts. I cannot imagine life without music. The music of the wind, of the water, and poetry. I still read the Psalms and other poetry aloud all the time, as I believe this helps with writing. There are days when I think I can’t write a poem or any prose, and I read, and then perhaps I look out the same windows–and lo and behold, what I see presents itself in the form of a note for my gratitude journal, a haiku, tanka, or simply my own free verse style.
And it’s fine if nothing wants to form into something I would post. All in due time. REST is essential to creativity I feel. I’ve known fallow fields for long times.
I grew up at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. So my earliest memories of music are the liturgy and the hymns. I also attended church, and served as a teacher, later on, in a day care center, schools, and a nursing home. Music everywhere.
Many contemporary artists spoke to my experiences when I was young: Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, Emmylou Harris, Amy Grant, and so many others. I was searching for comfort often, as well as the sheer beauty of art. I can see reading this list that I was drawn most to the artists who write their songs. Emmylou Harris is also a great interpreter of songs–also a very special gift. I try to stretch and listen to new composers as well–many genres of music.
I remember Stevie advising young artists to write their own songs, if they wished to still be in the music business at her age. And being healthy, taking care, pacing oneself.
In Heaven, I will be able to sing. And I can sing now too…the heart matters most.
The image is from TILE DESIGNS, courtesy of Dover Publications.
Thank you all very much…
This is absolutely beautiful. Music is food for the soul. I love music too. It’s something that adds some flavour to poetry. Bless you!
Music, lovely music. We see you with our ears and hear you with our hearts.
Lovely post, Ellen
Many points of contact here. Like Margaret, I love Pachelbel’s Canon, and have a CD filled with nothing but versions of that piece. And though I didn’t grow up Lutheran, I became a Lutheran – a true theological convert after reading Luther!
On the other hand, my Methodist upbringing was filled with fine music. The Methodist hymnal is a treasure, and even in Iowa, there was such a thing as “singing and dinner on the grounds”. I have to discipline myself to find the time to post at least every six days. There’s so much to write about – including how Grandma turned the family Methodist, and how my Bible School teachers would have made today’s environmentalists proud!
A blessed day to you – we’re still hoping for some cold weather down here.
Beautiful, Ellen.
My happiest moments were alone at the piano…until my daughter took up cello and then flute. THEN I felt the beauty created by the next generation on her choice of instruments and her choice of music.
I too find inspiration in music. I always have music playing when I am creating my haiku cards. I love to sing too! Lovely post Ellen. Margie
Music always has been, is, and always will be my muse. It is a constant companion. It connects me to what is within and beyond me. What a lovely post and I thank you!
I have nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Link here http://bardessdmdenton.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/inspiration-awarded/ to see my post which contains ‘the rules’ which, of course, are for following or not as you wish. Just wanted you to know how much your creative offerings mean to me! Blessings, Diane
Music has been a big part of my life as well. I especially liked your comment about being a teacher and music being everywhere. There is a favorite song that I heard Chanticleer sing many years ago, called “I have had Singing.” In it, a man shares about his life, and says “I have had enough, I have had singing.”
It was at an Evangelical Luther Church camp, where I made my initial decision to accept Christ–interesting point of common ground! God bless you–love, sis Caddo
Yes, I agree! I grew up on classical, and studied violin for years–enjoying playing in the orchestra at Wauwatosa East (the only Wauwatosa high school at that time). I also sang in many choirs including the Milwaukee Choristers, up until my voice began to get “old”..
My mother was a classical pianist, and now piano is my daily instrument. I love my piano and enjoy George Winston’s arrangement of the Pachabel Canon, my simplified classical pieces, and Scott Joplin’s wonderful rags (the American music).
I also love listening to many genres and am drawn to the Irish–partly my roots, I guess. But lately Messianic praise music is highest on my list.
There is nothing more alternately poignant and joyous than Hebrew music! Praise to Elohim Adonai —
Have a beautiful January day, Ellen!
Love,
Margaret (staying warm and painting to music today)