Moments to savor

I spent Friday and Saturday helping to take care of my mom who is in her nineties. She is completely bedridden and has limited ability to communicate at this point. She has been an avid fan of Mystic Harmony and so I wanted her to hear what we've been working on. I played her several reference tracks from our upcoming Christmas CD. I could really see the light in her eyes as she listened and took it all in. There was a real change in her demeanor--something in her began to relax and deeply rest. And there was a lightness to it as well, her spirits really lifted for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

One of the things we always talk about in Mystic Harmony is the hope that our arrangements will bring a soothing and healing effect on the listener but it still amazes me when I see it happening right in front of me. Later, some of the hospice workers arrived and were working with my mom while the music was playing. They kept asking about the music and where it came from. One of them began to smile and dance around when our "Wassail Jig" started to play. It really tickled me to see them all enjoying it so much. My fervent prayer is that the rest of our fans will be as delighted!

Next week I'll be posting about studio time with guest artist, Tina Chancey, who will be playing several different instruments on our CD. ~Mary Anne

A Rainy Day Musing

It's been rainy the past couple of days in the DC-Metro area. I'm not sure what this type of weather does to you, but I often seem to become more reflective and introspective than usual.

Businesses going under, major declines in the stock market, Presidential campaign controversy, lost jobs, the war in Iraq lingering on and on...our world seems pretty screwed up and most of the scenarios to turn things around seem rather depressing. Thank God I was able to remove myself from the madness by going into the recording studio this week!

What is so cool for me during the recording process is the reconnection I feel to the music we have been practicing and/or performing for a long time. What feelings do the tunes and words evoke in me now, how do I express these feelings through song? The experience is thrilling and humbling all at the same time.

Yesterday I was confronted by the sheer need of the words to Angel's Prayer - an original piece we are recording for our new CD. I wrote the words several months ago after waking from a rather disturbing night's sleep. I had been tossing and turning over all of the turmoil in our world. Where was the hope? Where was the love? Where was the peace? And, more importantly, what was I doing about it?

Rest assured that no matter where you are today (physically, emotionally, financially) someone is thinking about you and praying for peace. You have my word on it!

Janice

Welcome to the harmonyBLOG

We thought we would share our journey creating music with all of our fans and friends, and give you a glimpse into the lives of Mystic Harmony. Join us here for a behind the scenes look at our recording sessions, our most recent concerts, and our thoughts about the music we love and that we are creating.