Tag Archives: musicians

The Dichotomy of a Practical Mind and a Dreaming Heart

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In the woods in Killarney

You already know where this post is going. I probably don’t even have to write it. Ok. Blessings, Lisa

Haha…no, I’m going to write it anyway! 🙂

My heart is always dreaming, day dreaming, night dreaming, walking around dreaming. New ideas, new adventures, new horizons.

But my troublesome practical mind puts brakes on many of these things before they can take off and leave the ground. ‘It’s too expensive….we need to save for retirement….you need to be a responsible adult….” You get the idea.

Depending on how your mind and heart is wired, you may agree with one side or the other. “It’s a good thing she has that practical mind; no telling what she’d do.” Or, “She needs to follow her dreams and take more chances.”

But what if you are a practical dreamer?

God gives hopes and dreams. God gives us sound minds. God gives us all things. I just pray that I can hear what He is saying and where He is leading.

Blessings, (again)

Lisa

The Dichotomy of a Soft Heart and a Tough Skin

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Artists, writers, musicians, dancers, or anyone in a creative field need soft hearts. They need to be able to see the beauty, the heartbreak, the story of the world with sensitivity. They need to completely feel it all. Let it soak in, and then let it out in some sort of expression.

Then these same souls have to submit their work to others for either acceptance or rejection. Is it good enough? Is it interesting to others? Will it sell? It requires nerves of steel and a tough skin when the inevitable rejections come along.

The line between that soft heart and tough skin is a tricky one to find and maintain. All I know is that I must keep trying, because creating things is what keeps me going, it is what defines me as a person that God made. So, I’m shrugging it off, laughing, and writing. It’s all part of it.

So, paint well, sing loudly, write away, dance your heart out. It is a beautiful thing.

Blessings, Lisa

P.S. Sarcastic or humorous comments welcome, as humor always helps. 😉

“So, What Do You Do?”

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Scenario 1: You are meeting people in a social situation of any kind. Someone new comes up to you and says, “So….what do you do?”

You hem and haw, and feel that strange, slightly apologetic and defensive response come forth. “I am a writer. (or singer, or composer, or artist, or fill in the blank)” You use a subdued voice, looking towards the floor slightly.

“Wow. Can you make a living with that?” Only the truly bold acquaintance will muster that, but you feel it just the same, no matter the words or expressions chosen.

“Well, I am working on a novel, or art piece, or album….” Your voice trails off and you anxiously look for the exit to this conversation. You skillfully turn it to another topic and breathe a sigh of relief.

Scenario 2: Same setting. “So….what do you do?”

You stand up straight and smile. “I am an artist. (or writer, or singer, or composer)”, said in your normal happy speaking voice. Direct eye contact.

“Wow. That’s cool. I wish I had the guts to try something like that. Can you make a living?”

You smile again, letting them know within that smile that, no, not quite yet, but yes, it doesn’t really matter at this point.

They realize you aren’t going to answer that question, as it is immaterial. “Tell me about it. Sounds awesome.”

Just a bit of encouragement to all you artists, musicians, writers, etc. out there. No apologies. You are created in the image of God, who happens to be extremely artistic and creative Himself.

Blessings, Lisa

Music, Concocted With Joy

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I’m a pretty simple person when it comes to music I like.  It makes me happy.  Super serious music (usually accompanied by somber faces set in stone whilst playing) leaves me cold.  My soul remains unmoved.  But give me a happy musician, who is obviously having fun while he/she plays, anytime.  And while I enjoy someone who is skilled musically, they don’t have to be the “best”.  Because sometimes in the quest to be the best, they forget why they started playing in the first place.  “Where morning dawns and evening fades, You call forth songs of joy.” (Psalm 65:8b)

Here is a guy who shows immense joy to me when he plays.  Tim Edey is very good at the guitar, yes….but watch his face.  He’s happy; he’s loving what he’s doing.  And there’s nothing better. (And Mike McGoldrick is totally amazing on the whistle; no need to breathe apparently!) Enjoy the music and your day.  Slainte, Lisa

What Defines You?

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Does a giraffe stop being a giraffe if he can’t stretch his neck long?
giraffe

Does a car stop being a car if it’s broken down for a time?

broken car

Does the sun stop being the sun when you can’t see it?

cloudy

Does true love stop loving when hard times come along?

monogamouspenguins

Does a musician stop being a musician if they can’t play for a while?

music3

Does God go away when you can’t feel Him for a time?

heartinsky

 

I say no, to all of the above.  The essence of what something is does not change based on changing circumstances.  Our family’s favorite expression is “It is what it is.”  That can be used to express that you can’t fight against what you can’t change.  But it also can be used to say that what God created something to be is what it basically is.  Although the thing/person can change and adapt to changes, and with God’s help, keep living life in abundance.

Rejoice in who you are, right now, with whatever God’s given you.  You are special and just right in His eyes.  Blessings, Lisa