He's Got Me Covered

(edit:  I sang melody and harmony, played guitar, and did all the instruments myself.  I mention that because someone thought Ryan did the harmony.) 

He's got me covered, even when I feel like crap and don't want to sing.
Even when I want to run away and never come back.
Even when my mind is filled with bad thoughts that I do not regret.

This is a song I wrote, and actually finished in Michigan last year.  Ryan and I had done a super quick recording of it right before we came back to NJ, but we were definitely rushed and a bit frazzled that morning.  I had never tried recording it by myself because there are some tricky chords in it that I couldn't play without tripping over my fingers. But I've been practicing A LOT, so I thought I'd give it a whirl.

And, it's not like anybody really cares what I write or sing or play anyway, so I'll do as I please.  And as with all my audios, it sounds better with headphones or ear buds.

my new studio . yay!

view from upstairs

So I got inspired today and reorganized my studio space...and it is GRAND!  I love it so much.  I moved the keyboard, the mixer, and the cool mic to my desk....I even removed the arms from my chair because I kept hitting my guitar on them....

My current goal is to record all of the songs I wrote, and then continue working on my 5th song, which has been sitting on the proverbial back burner for months.   I think by the time I finish it I'll be living in Michigan, and be a part of Ryan's worship team.  Hooray for that!  I can't imagine how nice it will be to actually be able to work with, and be supported by other musicians!  Right now, I'm basically living an isolated existence with no one to talk to, and no one to help or encourage me.  It's hard to grow and improve when you are completely alone.  I feel that every time there is a missed opportunity it eats away at my confidence...which by now is at an all time low.  Any musician worth their weight will tell you you can't sing well without confidence!  I need, as we all do, to surround myself with friends who will build up, and not tear down.   Friends who will not only take an interest in my life, but will also take me seriously as a musician, and give me some pointers on guitar, or encourage me vocally.  So Michigan sounds great right now!

I am now almost done recording one of my songs, which I will post here as soon as it is finished!  Cheers!

Ryan's songs from spring break

These are 2 of Ryan's original songs; the ones that almost brought the place down with hoots, and whistles, and clapping..

The first one is very peppy and happy, and the second one is just so soft and amazing, and Ryan has such grand control of his voice.  It was just lovely to hear him, and to see others' reactions to how wonderful he sounded.  The folks there just loved him.

Kyle's AZ spring break...

Kyle and his buddies had an amazing road trip to Utah and Arizona over spring break.  They visited Angel's Landing in Zion National Park, and they hiked down into the Grand Canyon for a night.  It was painfully difficult and physically challenging, to say the least.  But they did it and lived to tell.  Thank God, because some of the pictures we looked up on Google were terrifying.  They went other places too, but I don't remember where.  Just so thankful it's over and they are safe.

Now Kyle is preparing for his next adventure in life; graduate school, getting a solid job... getting engaged?   Where did my little boy go?

songs from last night

Songs from last night in the order I did them.

I think next time I will have George record them, since I found out later he did start recording me about halfway through.  I think his recording would sound better than my phone.   :)

Mama's Cafe Baci

I did it!!  I went to open mic all by myself.  I'm trying to learn to be independent.  I can't sit around and wait for someone to hold my hand or give me opportunities.  

It certainly was an interesting night.  When I got out of my car, the first thing I noticed was the live music streaming out into the parking lot.  I thought, "that will be my voice soon..."  Mama's Cafe Baci is a really nice Italian restaurant.  Next time I will go early and get dinner there.  It smelled so good!  

So, I met George (the man who runs the show) and his wife Lenore (sp).  They are both super nice.   I was only prepared to do 3 songs, so that is all I brought with me, but George told me to bring at least 4 or 5 next time.   

I messed up several things, but hey, that's life.  Like Zuke says, you have to forgive yourself on the spot and keep going.  Such a great lesson.   So, even though it wasn't a "10" performance, I gave myself an A+ for meeting the challenge!  I went, I sang, I played, I survived, and I got experience.  I'd call that a successful endeavor.  I will definitely go back next Monday if I can find 5 songs that are appropriate for this venue.  My songs had Christian lyrics, but not the in your face kind... I hope I can find songs to do!

I plan on hitting another open mic on Thursday, so I really need to get a collection of songs!!

happy like a room without a roof

Our wonderful son, Ryan, went back to Grand Rapids yesterday.  The house is already quiet.  He was such a joy to have around.  Here are some fun things we did:

We...

watched The Hobbit

listened to the audio book Mere Christianity

watched Mere Christianity doodles

played guitar

sang a special music at church

sang some songs at open mic

played in the snow

went food shopping

cooked together

exercised together

made almond butter

finished recording my song For You

did a guitar lesson

did some vocal work

went to Plato's Closet

watched Hallmark

Painting I did for Ryan

I don't know what else specifically, but we laughed a lot.  It was a happy week!

open mic in the winter

Ryan and I haven't done any open mics since July, so we decided to get one in while he was here this week.  We had such good time, and we both got good compliments afterwards...

Always



On my first song we took turns doing lead and harmony.  It sounded pretty legit!  (both songs sounded way better live than they do on the recordings)

My second song went good, but not great.  I could definitely use more practice with playing guitar and singing at the same time.  I just don't have the kind of confidence I need yet.

Oh Lord, You're Beautiful



Ryan also sang 2 original songs which almost brought the house down with applause.  He was amazing!  I will post those videos when they are available.

Thank you to Darryl for taking the videos!

I Lift My Hands

Yeah, so technically, we don't raise our hands to believe again... but you know, sometimes song lyrics are there to guide you... either into a truth, or into a revelation, or as a reminder... of something you already knew.  Whatever it may be.  I'm not opposed to lyrics that aren't 100% theologically accurate, as some have said about Oceans.  I feel it is a good thing, not a bad thing, to stretch our faith and to step out into unknown waters, even deep waters when we are trusting solely on Jesus Christ as our life preserver.  We don't always know what we are getting into when we follow and trust Christ.

So, obviously we don't raise our hands to "believe again" but I won't be mad at Chris Tomlin for these lyrics.  When my Dad died, it was so hard to believe that I could ever smile again.  It seemed impossible.  But then the impossible happened.  I WAS able to believe again...in the impossible, in the unlikely.  I was able to sing praises to a good and loving and compassionate God who is so far beyond anything that I can ever think or imagine.  So, for those reasons I am totally OK with the lyrics to this song.

Was it perfect?  No...but it's ok.  It went very well, and I believe that people may have been blessed by it, and God was glorified.  That is all that matters.