I wasn’t sure what I was hoping for after I sent my maze to Barbra Streisand’s foundation. Dreaming was fun, but I didn’t want to have high expectations and be disappointed. So at the most, I hoped my maze would actually reach her.
Well it did!!
When I received a letter from her foundation a few days ago, my heart was pounding with excitement. I didn’t rush to open it. First, I took a few deep breaths and finally I was ready.
Well, it was definitely another letter to treasure. My maze is hanging in her home office and I am thrilled thinking about it!
I’m excited to share another story-telling performance. This one was about being a food artist. I’m sure I’ll have many other stories to tell later on about my art career!
Last night, I told a short story about my art career. The theme was food – so that was perfect for a food illustrator like me. I even had my make up done professionally beforehand for fun!
I loved my ending – how after four decades my art went from being a job, to being a joy!
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.
I am excited to share a new venture. This past week, I stood up and delivered my first story at a “Story Salon” event. The other speakers were wonderful and everyone was warm and friendly.
I’m glad I wasn’t too nervous delivering my first story. The theme was related to Father’s Day and a beautiful way for me to honor my dad who has been gone eleven years now.
I fondly remember my dad and how much he loved his family. His influence and love continues to shine brightly.
My son wrote this beautiful tribute to his grandpa when he was 14 years old.
TRANSCRIPTION:
November 18, 2004
My greatest influence in my life is my grandpa. He always pushes me forward. He is very smart. He has a quote that I like very much. “Life’s a battle.”
I think that this quote means you must try hard to make a difference in life. He is very intelligent. He was a math professor and a history teacher. I don’t think he understands the difference he has made in my life.
I am glad that I’ve been open to trying new experiences, like storytelling. (I’m still trying to forget about the new experience of riding an electric scooter, however.)
My passion for several other creative projects continues. I’m currently recording guitar tracks and a vocal for my newest song composition “Take My Hand.”
I’m also collaborating with another teacher on Insight Timer, who is an outstanding vocalist. Our version of “My Shining Star” is hauntingly beautiful. It will be available as a premium track on Insight Timer and on other platforms soon – stay tuned!
My song cover for “My Shining Star” in progress.
I am very thankful that my pinky finger has healed so well. I haven’t lost my step (or grip) playing tennis, which I have wholeheartedly returned to after recuperating for 5 weeks.
Artistically, my greatest focus has been drawing and compiling new mazes for a book. When I was 14 years old, it was a huge achievement that I published a maze book. It wouldn’t have happened without the encouragement and support from my father.
My dad helped me compose over two dozen letters that I sent to book publishers. I received many rejections before one educational publisher took a chance on a 14-year-old. Below is a scan of one of those actual letters I sent out over 45 years ago!I have been creating new mazes, and each one has been very time intensive. It truly is a labor of love! This project might take me two years to finish and that truly is dedication. I imagine AI could replace me, but for now I revel in the uniqueness of each maze. I’m planning to reach out with letters to publishers in the hopes that I won’t have to self-publish my book. When I do, I am certain I’ll feel my father’s love with me!
I plan to start my pitch by mentioning that my maze of Barbra Streisand is hanging in her home office!
TRANSCRIPTION
myjourneysinsight 