Soundtrack...2011

Let me start by saying that I am not a musician. I can't sing and often forget the lyrics to songs, I don't play an instrument and have never had the opportunity to learn (aside from a brief stint with the clarinet in middle school.) I do remember knowing how to dance but years of dancing in the dark have tested my confidence and like all music lovers I do sing loudly and fearlessly in the car or in my studio. I am sure there have been many a queer stares my way as I drive down Rt. 1.

But my life has a soundtrack. I am enamored with the way music can stoke emotions. I find myself laying down songs to every significant moment in my life. My first kiss, the first dance at my wedding, the birth of my son and every time my daughter smiles. I hear these songs and I am transported back to moments that have shaped me. I can remember how things felt from the taste of chapstick and awkwardness of kissing with braces to the swish of lace and satin at my wedding. I can smell my sweet brand new baby boy and see my daughter's twinkly eyes. Magic!

This year, I have been paying attention to those songs that have inspired a reaction and I want to leave you with a list of songs that have made it onto my soundtrack. Some of the reasons are silly, some are heartbreaking but all of the moments were felt and acknowledged. Maybe your life's soundtrack is similar. Have fun listening and be sure to share some of your favorite songs in the comments. Happiest of New Years! xo

1. The silliest: LMFAO, Sexy and I know it. Please don't judge but this one cracks me up!
2. The sexiest: Ricky Martin, Juramento. People who know me, know how much this is a fantasy of mine.
3. The sweetest: Cyra Morgan, Sanctuary. Cyra is just so beautiful and I am so blessed to have her in my life.
4. The one that makes me remember: Creed, Rain. The rain, the regret, the wonder, everything all fell into place and it was important...then this song played on the radio.
5. The sentence I could not complete: Colbie Caillat, I Never Told You. I think we all have these moments when we can't say anything right.
6. The one that makes me melt: Amos Lee, Arms of a Woman. I hope to be this woman...the one that feels like home.
7. The one that fills me with HOPE: Amos Lee, Windows Are Rolled Down. Life keeps moving and the wind keeps changing but there is always a moment when you take on these changes and accept them.
8. A new friendship: Evan St. Martin: Just In Time. A new friend and incredible talent! I can't wait to see him fly.
9. The one that empowered me: Ingrid Michaelson, Maybe. Sometimes you just need to walk away.
10. The cutest by far: Zooey Deschanel & Joseph Gordon-Levitt, What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? Sweet isn't it?

Waiting for the RIGHT moment

Inspiration seems to come only when I am about to give up or right when I can't seem to be able to solve the problem. I usually wake up in the middle of the night or sit in the wee hours of the morning with a frantic need to purge. Everything I have been mulling over, obsessing about, dealing with, sweating out, pondering, placating, and praying for seems to come into focus and all of a sudden I can see! The solution was right there...all along...waiting for when I needed it the most.

I had been holding on to a story that I had written a while ago about a fellow artist whose studio I visited. On the day of my visit, it was windy and cold. We sat in the middle of her studio clutching our coffee mugs and just looked. We looked around at her supplies and student work. There were piles of papers and portfolios she had to go through. Still lives were set up in different corners of the studio, ready for her classes. Pencils and paintbrushes were on every surface. To an artist, this was where it all happened. You just had to sit and wait for it...inspiration.

Well, I left her studio feeling warmer than when I went in. I thought that the space was an ideal combination of home and work...or is it home and passion? Because what I experienced and subsequently kept to myself was a moment of quiet contemplation. These moments do not happen often for me. I usually fill my days with to do lists. I mark my time by pick up and drop off schedules, deadlines and commitments. I kept this moment just for me. I didn't share it right away for fear that the magic would disappear.

It took a while for me to let go, but the other morning it happened. I had waited long enough and I couldn't keep it to myself any longer. So here it is. My visit to artist and teacher, Julie Duba's, studio. I hope that you can understand why I guarded my experience for a while.

"Stonington Artist Teaches A Life Long Love Of Art", Dec. 12, 2011, PATCH.com

Embracing it ALL...

One of my favorite things about this time of year is the chance to gather with friends and family. At home, we began listening to Christmas music and decorated the house around Thanksgiving. The kids are jumping out of their skin with excitement as they write and re-write their letters to Santa. There are school concerts to prepare for, holiday strolls and tree lighting ceremonies, ice skating parties, and lots of shopping. The lists are long but the smiles are bright and the jingling of the Salvation Army bells outside of the local supermarket remind us that it is a season of generosity.

As I help put together the annual Holiday celebration at Above Elite Studios, I am overwhelmed by the generosity of spirit and the loyalty of the artists that participate. Some of us harvested fresh greens from our yards, others swept the stairs and hung banners. Twinkly lights were strung on branches and window sills to add sparkle and holiday cheer. With a little wine and good conversation and you've got the perfect kick off to the winter season. The show is up and ready and all we have to wait for are the guests.

The very best part of all of this is that I get to make new friends. Just today I spent the morning with singer/songwriter Evan St. Martin. We were invited on to the local radio station (WBLQ 1230AM) where Evan had a chance to showcase a couple of his original songs. I was absolutely blown away by his talent! I was also humbled by the generosity of the crew at WBLQ. They spent so much time with us and it was such a joy watching them work. Thank you to Chris Dipaola, Mark Sullivan and Brian Sullivan for welcoming us into the radio station and for embracing the arts.

I leave you with a video of the broadcast. Enjoy! Evan will be performing at Above Elite Studios on Friday, Dec. 9th. The studios will be open on Friday, Dec. 9th from 5:30-9pm and Saturday, Dec. 10th from 10-4pm. Hope to see you there.