I am excited to share my newest venture of collaborating with a professional vocalist!

Since my fall in early April, I have continued to follow a creative path. Despite terrible pain in my pinky, I drew several new mazes. I worked with a wonderful hand therapist, and watched the miracle of healing unfold for my “pinky hero.”

I cried with joy when less than two months later I was able to play tennis again. My game was as good, or even better than it was before my fall!

I wasn’t sure if I could hold the racquet well, so I first went out to hit against a backboard.

My post title is a lyric line from my newest song named “Take My Hand.” I spent a lot of time recording the guitar tracks and a vocal. I’m especially excited that a good friend (who was a former Vegas back-up singer) is going to explore harmony for it with me.

Recording the guitar arrangement was definitely an artistic exploration. It took me three separate sessions to capture the lower guitar. I was completely inspired as I layered that track with nylon lead melodies, harmonics, strums and high finger picking.

Below is my guitar arrangement for “Take My Hand.”

I hear your voice” is a beautiful way to describe another vocalist singing one of my songs. I’m glad that I was open to collaborating with Tina Brunk, who is another Insight Timer teacher. She did a gorgeous rendition of my song “My Shining Star.”

Ironically, the line “I hear your voice” is also repeated in “My Shining Star.” Until I wrote this post, I didn’t realize that. Sometimes such coincidences are hard for me to believe!

It’s a little crowded in my bedroom when I’m recording!

Eventually, I put away the microphones in my bedroom. I am now working on a new painting. I’m grateful that I can switch from music back to art again. My pinky has definitely healed, and holding a paintbrush is easy.

I am painting asparagus!

Next week, I am performing again at Story Salon. This time, I plan to speak about my career as a food artist and I’m looking forward to it. What a blessing that at this time in my life, I can do all the things I love – without worry and stress.

Everyday is precious!