A new friend

Over the weekend, I became the owner of another dog. He can never replace my dear Cassie, but I missed having the companionship of a loving animal around. I adopted him from the SPCA. He is a wonderful little guy who just wants attention and love.

Having adopted him on St. Patrick’s Day, we thought an Irish name would be fitting; his name is Doogan, which means “dark lad.” He is a pug/terrier/? mix, solid black with black eyes and only one small white patch on his chest. He has added joy to my life already. I’m so glad to have found him.

Music 2 Work 2

I’ve been listening to a lot of Music 2 Work 2 this week. Now that I feel better and am trying to get caught up on some of the work I got so far behind with while I was sick, I have had Music 2 Work 2 playing in the background any time I’m at the computer.

I suppose I am a little biased – after all, I wouldn’t be involved with Music 2 Work 2 if I didn’t like the music and believe in the project. But, even though I listen to the sessions over and over again, I don’t tire of them and I continue to marvel at just how beautiful the music is.

The sessions composed originally are wonderful; but, I think the ones Andrew has composed in the past year are even more wonderful - absolutely fantastic! The sessions containing more voices – strings, organ, etc. have such fullness and depth to them. I am anxious to get busy letting everyone know about Music 2 Work 2. That will come when we get some changes and improvements made to the web site. We are constantly getting more people registering on the site anyway; that’s terrific and I’m so glad they are finding us. But, I’m ready to let the entire world know about Music 2 Work 2 and share this marvelous music with them.

Oh, what I wouldn't give to be in Los Angeles tomorrow. Kelli and the Shadowmen are having a stage show rehearsal to which they are inviting a select few friends and family. I would really love to be there for that!

If you have followed the On The Big Black Bus Blog, you know how much fun they have performing together. The music is great and I'm sure it's gonna be a blast! But, I'll have to wait to catch one of their shows when they get to this side of the country. I can hardly wait!!

Have a ball y'all and head to this part of the country as soon as you can!

Change a-comin'

Several months ago, I went through a nightmare trying to change my phone and Internet service to the same company, at a price I could afford. It was pure hell. Everything went wrong; I was without phone and Internet service for days, spent an unreasonable number of hours on the phone or computer with tech support, to end up with a connection that was always bad. Everyone I talked to complained about the poor reception.

I found out a couple of weeks ago, that in addition to all this, they had just lied to me about the service that was included in the price quoted. I consider myself a fairly intelligent person and am pretty cautious about getting all the facts in situations like this. I had asked several times and of several different people exactly what was included in the price they were quoting me. Each time I was told it included everything – unlimited local and long distance telephone service and unlimited Internet access. Wrong!!

So, having found out that the cost was not what I was told, I have been looking for another company with which to have phone and Internet service. I decided on another company today and certainly hope that things go smoother this time. One rather sad part of all this is that the telephone number, which was assigned to this residence 51 years ago when my parents built the house I am living in, will have to be changed. It will be hard enough to make sure everyone who needs to be is aware of the new number; it will be even harder for me to remember it after all these years!

Growing up in the south, every Saturday night included watching one of my father’s favorite TV programs, Hee-Haw. The program was way too corny for my taste, but there was a song (actually just the chorus) as part of a regular segment on the show that caught my attention and “spoke to me.“ As a matter of fact, I used to claim it as my theme song. The words to the chorus of the song were:

“Gloom, despair, and agony on me
Deep, dark depression, excessive misery
If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all
Gloom, despair, and agony on me.”

My memory is not very good for most things, but somehow those words have remained in my mind. Thank goodness I am in a much better place in my life today then I was back then, so it doesn’t hold the same relevance for me now. I have to admit, however, that I have thought of that chorus a few times in the past several months. Since before the end of last year, I have been faced with one problem after another – loss, medical problems, major unexpected household problems and expenses – so I guess it is the part about bad luck that has made me think of it. But, I am also aware of the good luck I have now – the good luck of being a part of Music 2 Work 2.com, of having the opportunity to work with a very talented musician and friend. Being a part of Music 2 Work 2 is exciting.........and will only get better and better!

Best-laid plans

In his poem, “To a Mouse,” Robert Burns recognized that “the best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft agley,” (that's the way my partner in Music 2 Work 2 would probably say it) - - or in other words, “ the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Well, my plans for last week certainly went awry. Between recovering from extracted impacted wisdom teeth and then contracting the Norovirus, I ended up not getting to do a single thing I had planned to do.

I am hoping, as my strength slowly returns, to be able to do writing here, as well as all the things I was planning for last week. Sorry for the silence on this end.

More Changes

One of my projects for this week is to backup the data on my computer and upgrade the operating system. Having never done this kind of thing before, I'm somewhat leery, but I suppose everything will go ok.

The system I have been using is Windows ME - a really crazy edition of Windows in that it is not very compatible with any other Windows' systems or other programs. I have a feeling backing up the information that is currently on my hard drive will be the most time consuming and worse part. It will, however, be so nice to be able to once again have a system that is supported by Microsoft and that will work with other programs that will make life easier.

Changing look of the blog

In anticipation of changes we will be making to the Music 2 Work 2 web site in a few weeks, I am trying to find what changes will be best for our blog with our new look. I will probably try a couple before my partner and I decide on a definite one.

This is the first time I have customized the blog since all the many choices for everything have been available. It' s kind of fun to try the different looks and arrangements. Anyway, for a while, the blog may look different each time you view it.

We have discussed some of the changes that will be made to the web site, but I think Andrew knows pretty much exactly the way he wants it to look. I have a difficult time making decisions; he is much better at it than I am. So, I know that the blog changes will fit perfectly with the new look of Music 2 Work 2.com.

Storms approching

Having spent the morning back at the oral surgeon's office, I haven't had a chance to write about anything today - not even sure exactly what I would write about, if there was time. But, bad storms are headed this way, according to the weather forecasters - possible tornados included. So, I'm going to turn off the computer and "batten down the hatches." It's a little early for tornados in this area, but I suppose with what we have done to the environment, anything is possible now. Hopefully the tornado forecast will be wrong; torrential rain and high winds are all we have gotten so far, which is quite enough as far as I'm concerned.

Boys Bedtime Music

One of the most soothing sessions on Music 2 Work 2.com is Boys' Bedtime Music. It is a piece done solely on the piano at a rhythmic, moderately fast tempo. Listening to this piece, you can almost feel yourself relaxing and the stress melting away.

The image that comes to mind while listening to this music is that of a flower, perhaps a rose – first, as a bud, it’s petals wrapped tightly. But, with time, the petals begin to unfold. The bud becomes looser, more relaxed; individual petals become apparent, spreading out until the full beauty of the flower is revealed.

Music does help

Still not quite back up to par from dental surgery last week, but I wanted to report that listening to Music 2 Work 2 sessions following the surgery did seem to help me feel better. It didn't stop the pain......oh, how I wish it had.......but the music helped me to relax; it was soothing and calming.

Prior to putting up the Music 2 Work 2 web site, we did research about the benefits of music in various areas of human beings' lives. There were many articles that we sited attesting to ways music helps people; many studies were being done at that time. Today, about one year later, there are even more articles and studies concerning the relationship of music to health, stress, concentration, etc. You might want to check out some of the articles we have listed - - we will be adding more.

Life does get hard at times. I've got to have some oral surgery this morning and I'm dreading it like the dickens! Similar past experiences have never gone very well.......but it's one of those things that can't be avoided.

I'm sure I won't be writing anything from my "fog" after the surgery today, although it might be much more interesting than anything I write with a "clear head." I plan to try listening to Music 2 Work 2 to see if it helps with the pain that will inevitably be associated. I'll let you know the results when I'm able.

I have always liked music and enjoyed listening to it, but it has only been since becoming involved with Music 2 Work 2 that I have become aware of the extent of the power of music. One of the wonderful things about Music 2 Work 2 sessions is their versatility – they can be used in different ways........as background music to help you concentrate, music to help you relax, music to inspire you, music to make you feel good, music to help you heal.

After losing my dear dog, Cassie, listening to the music composed for her helped ease the pain and sadness I was feeling from her loss. The music changed the “video” that played in my mind when I thought of her. The image of her suffering and of her departing this life was replaced by one of her playing, enjoying life, bouncing along on her three legs as she did, as if the fourth one was never even needed. Andrew was able to capture this image of her by working whatever magic he does using significant numbers for whomever the session is composed. This is a unique gift that he possesses.

I’ve just been listening again to the music that I watched Andrew compose and play when I was in LA. A couple of pieces were themes that have been in the works for a while, that he has been developing over time. The first tracks of several brand new sessions were also recorded. Composing music seems to come as naturally to him as breathing does to me. I am grateful to be one of the beneficiaries of such great talent and powerful music, and to be able to play a part in sharing it with the rest of the world.

A different kind of music

You may have noticed one of the links on this blog - Kelli. This is a totally different type of music from Music 2 Work 2, sort of country rock, but if you like to explore different types of music, I would certainly recommend checking out this band. As a matter of fact, the composer of Music 2 Work 2 is also one of the songwriters, musicians and vocalists in this group - - what a versatile talent he is!

Kelli and her Shadowmen are preparing to begin touring soon. Listening to their music you know the live shows have got to be a blast! Just wanted to pass this bit of info on - - check them out and then watch for that Big Black Bus to come to your town!

Feeling Miserable

I think I must have picked up a “bug” on the airplane coming back from Los Angeles on Monday – sore throat, achy, headache, fever, - so I’m feeling pretty miserable today. Even though my intention was to add to the Music 2 Work 2 blog, I really don’t feel up to doing that. In stead, I’m going back to bed, armed with Music 2 Work 2 sessions to listen to, to help soothe my misery, and make me feel better. Hopefully I will have kicked this by Monday and can be back at it again then. Have a good weekend.

In the near future, we plan to make some changes to the Music 2 Work 2 web site, make purchasing a download easier and most likely add some photographs so you will know who the human being is composing this beautiful music. We are very excited about what lies ahead for Music 2 Work 2.com.

Our first anniversary is coming up and with it the launch of a newsletter for all of you who have registered on the site. We have some fun, extra features planned, as well. The number of individuals registering on the site continues to increase almost daily. And, the new music being posted is better than ever before.

Tell all your friends and family about Music 2 Work 2 – background music that can help. We’ve tried it; we work to it and find that it helps us to focus and makes the task we are involved in more pleasant. We can’t promise it will do the same for you, although we feel confident it will, but we can assure you that it is beautiful music wherever it is listened to or however it is used.

New Music Session Available

One of the new music sessions composed while I was with Andrew in LA is now available on the Music 2 Work 2 web site. Charlotte, is of course, special to me in that it bears my name. It is a beautiful melody consisting of piano and strings.

Listening to this piece, many thoughts go through my mind:

I remember my amazement at watching the piece be composed.

I think about how wonderful it is to have a friendship you know will last because it is based on mutual respect, understanding, and shared basic beliefs about life.

I also think about the way things work out, whether by accident or as part of some grand scheme - - how an extremely talented musician from Scotland, and a woman from NC with only an appreciation for good music, could possibly end up working together on a project they both believe in, Music2Work2.com, an online music distribution site.

And, I think about how it is the unlikely events, the unlikely friendships that make life exciting and interesting. I am honored to have this session bear my name.

Visit to LA

In conjunction with attending a meeting in Los Angeles last week, I was able to fly out a few days early and visit with my partner in Music 2 Work 2.com and his wonderful family. Although we have frequent communication, it was good to be able to discuss plans and ideas for Music 2 Work 2.com in person. I love going to LA - life there is such a drastic change from life in rural NC.
One of the most enjoyable and very special parts of this visit was being present while Andrew composed some new music sessions. I have always been in awe of the fact that he can sit down at the piano or keyboard and an original composition just flows from his fingertips. Actually watching this take place - hearing the clicking of the metronome guiding the tempo to which he plays, watching his fingers move across the keys producing beautiful chords and melodies - was amazing! I am even more in awe of the talent and creativity he possesses to be able to compose in this way.

The first tracks of several really wonderful new sessions were recorded that night. I can hardly wait to hear the finished products and have them available on the web site for Music 2 Work 2 fans to hear also. The music just continues to get better and better!

Late 791

Late 791 is a session on Music 2 Work 2.com that consists solely of piano tones. It is a dramatic musical piece, full of changes in tempo and mood. It begins at a slow tempo with an almost solemn sound. Further into the piece, the rhythm changes to a faster tempo and the mood becomes livelier. A dramatic change in tempo about half way through leads into a section reminiscent of Moonlight Sonata. The ending has a happy, more upbeat tempo giving it a hopeful feel.

For me this piece speaks of change - whether changes in life, changes in attitude, changes in feelings and moods. It has slow, solemn parts, sections where it is more mellow and more cheerful, one part where it is even dark and sad. But, Late 791 ends with a rhythmic, cheerful sound indicating to me that whatever the changes are about, there is hope and a possibility for peace and contentment.

Ex Er Cise clip

I suppose it is because of my appreciation of nature, and the awesomeness and majestic beauty I find in creation’s scenery, that it is those types of imagery many of the Music 2 Work 2 sessions produce for me. The Ex Er Cise clip (Sexercise) on Music 2 Work 2.com is one such piece. It is a mix of strings and piano in a slow, rhythmic tempo. It is calming and relaxing.

Listening to this session, the imagery it elicits for me is of the ocean – its vastness, the waves breaking against the shore, the water flowing across the sand and slowly receding back into the ocean........... for the action to be repeated again and again. The soothing calmness I feel when listening to the beautiful Ex Er Cise clip is the same feeling I experience when watching the ebb and flow of the water of the ocean.