Music- the love and passion are there . . .

Music runs a close second to my passion for writing. I cannot even imagine life without music. Each and every person has a soundtrack to life. You know that song that takes you back to a different time or place, or brings you to laughter or tears at a memory. . .

I have been blessed being exposed to music early in life- ironically, in both a small town church and small town tavern as well as at home. My family either listened to country music on the radio, or watched television programs such as Lawrence Welk and the Ed Sullivan Show. At church, I enjoyed the children's songs, complete with motions and little instruments, as well as listening to the grown-up hymns- although I may not have understood them at an early age.

My mother and grandmother would sometimes work in the tavern, as I have mentioned before. When there was not live music, someone was giving me coins to put in the jukebox. My favorite times were when the juke box man came to change out the 45 rpm records. If they were not too worn out, he would give those to me. I thought I was rich!

When I was in 4th grade, my grandparents bought me a clarinet. I played that throughout my school years. As an adult, I sang in a large church choir which recorded an album, and sang in televised services. I was also a member of a small group that sprung up from a Christian coffeehouse. We sang and did skits in smaller venues.

But, I am quite content to sit back and LISTEN to the music. It can touch my soul in so many ways, happy or sad. I believe it helps to fuel my creative processes, whether I am writing or working on other business. Think about the important events of life, there is always music setting the mood. Weddings, funerals, graduations, and everything in between those have music.

A very dear family friend recently died, and my son and I are each working through the grief process. He happened to mention that he thought it strange he was remembering the songs they used to listen to together. I did not find it strange at all because I was going through similar thoughts.  That proved to me that music indeed is a very important, and many times comforting, part of life.

Secrets One – The Series

Inspiration- it could be you . . .

Just as one must have a passion in life, one must also be inspired.

Inspiration is not just for writers, either. I believe every person needs to have inspiration in life. For instance, how does a beautiful sunrise or sunset make you feel? Thankful to be alive to witness such beauty? Does it make you question how that hue or color could possibly paint the sky that way?

Or, does a smile from a loved one give you that pick-me-up for your day? Another inspiration!

Children are always inspiring to me, especially my own son. They teach us the basics. When he was an infant, he liked to lie on his tummy. He would then raise his head up, which would wrinkle his forehead, and those big dark eyes would look around. That look of curiosity and wonder at such a young age would just melt my heart every time. It reminded me to look at the world in a different, more inquisitive way.

The beauty of nature, as well as the power of nature, is inspiring to me. As a person of faith, it reminds me of the awe-inspiring God who put it all in place. The simple things can sometimes be just as powerful- a garden flower, a butterfly, a rainbow. Music can have that affect, too, even changing moods and emotions.

Just as I mentioned my son, other people are an inspiration, too.  For the most part, the rich and famous are not that inspiring.  The inspiring people are the "everyday" people who make a difference, and sometimes it is the little things that make that difference. I think we all know of someone who brightens the day just by being whom they are- perhaps offering a smile, or hug, or some other thoughtful gesture. I remember one job where I was in training, tired and discouraged. However, I saw this young lady who was toughing it out with a broken arm, and always had a smile on her face, even when the fatigue and pain showed there as well. She inspired me to focus and succeed to the best of my abilities.

My co-author inspires me in a number of ways. He is one of the most talented writers I have ever worked with, or read. His mind never stops working! He inspires me to continually improve my writing by his brilliance. He also inspires others by the kind of life he leads- one of integrity, class and hard work.

These are just a small sampling of inspirations; yours can be totally different but, of course, just as meaningful. The important thing is that each of us experience inspirations to help us re-fuel, to give us that extra boost some days, or to remind us to count our blessings. They can even remind us to be inspirations to someone else!!!

Secrets One – The Series