Spontaneous Family Music Video

     Our kids aren't shy about bursting into song at the drop of a hat.  They're no strangers to the song-creating process, and it didn't take much for them to be coaxed, prodded, and bamboozled into helping out with any number of steps in the recording process..
                                             

In the kitchen, doin' our thing.  To listen, click link on first line above.

      Rick and I have been immersed in the music industry since before we met and married, and when our son and daughter came along, it was a natural progression to include them in the family business.   Along the way, we've learned much more from our kids and been introduced to ear-opening new sounds and artists.

      This week when daughter Genevieve was in town, while driving around together, she launched into the chorus of a Heart song, to which Rick automatically added a harmony.  From the back seat, I said, "Do the chorus again" and added a third part.  That night while making dinner, it was decided on the spot to record this. Son Matthew, working at the stove in charge of pasta, was asked to add another part.  Claire, daughter-in-law and a professional singer herself, was put in charge of documenting this with a smart phone.   Four takes and 15 minutes later, we were all pleased, declared it a "wrap" and sat down to eat.

My Everyday Magic

Thanks to the magic of Twitter, the Sparkle Fairy and I have become friends. The Sparkle Fairy, aka Kate Street, started a blog a few months ago with the purpose of appreciating and sharing the daily magical moments that unfold. "My Everyday Magic" opens each day with a short-and-sweet list of recent things the Sparkle Fairy is happy and thankful for. It reminds me of my gratitude journal. Then, by clicking on "comments" other visitors throughout the day add their own lists. You can also reply to any of the comments. It's a true day-brightener to read all the things people are grateful for!

In true Fairy fashion, Kate is shown in a new photo each day, and always wearing her wings. The blog heading asks: "Couldn't we all use a little more magic in our days?"
Yes!

The Sparkle Fairy and her children, I am honored to say, are now new fans of my music. And Kate has asked me to be a regular "contributer" to the blog. It seems it has taken off to the point where she is inviting a few other contributers to share the day-openers. Gifts and incentives will be offered. Hurray for Fairies and Friends, and more Magic and Music!!

Find the link for "My Everyday Magic" here with my favorite blog spots.

Mixing business with pleasure

Mixing business with pleasure and finding the right balance in your social-media efforts, is what I got from Derek Sivers's recent blog post.

Here's a quote: "It's about being honest with your intentions. Many companies' “Social Media Strategy” is about appearing to be cool and part of the conversation. But they're not really interested in anything but selling."

For me it's all so intertwined. The music, the sharing, the reaching out, the flow of creativity, the professional experience....and wrapping it all neatly up into a life style.