This lighthouse art is one of my favorite projects. I’ll talk more about that tomorrow. I love how the music tells the story. Today I’m feeling grateful for what is, accepting of what isn’t, and hopeful for what is yet to come.
I was sorting through my video files to clear space for the Christmas 2021 show I’m starting to film this week (are you looking forward to this year’s show? I hope so!). While sorting, I found this clip of me singing.
I was feeling overwhelmed by something that day and sang this. I no longer remember why, or why I never shared it. I will share it now, as this is my mood for today. God bless and keep you, may His light shine upon you and give you peace, this day and always.
Watch oil painting “City of Savannah” (city near me) come to life in 2 minutes, time lapse
I shared this painting here on the blog in June, in a post called “Timeless“. Today I want to share something else, not about the painting itself, but about the music I chose for the above video. I sang the song for you this morning and added the lyrics. It is an old hymn that may be familiar to you:
Natalie singing “Precious Lord, Take my Hand” (hymn used in painting video “City of Savannah“)
I knew most of the song by heart, but I had to peek at the words for the second verse. It helps to memorize comforting songs because during times of crisis, these familiar words may pop into our heads; playing a song that we need to hear. Has this ever happened to you?
It’s a surreal experience to be in an emergency or grief moment of extreme stress, and “feel” a song playing inside our head. Sometimes a song that is meaningful to us will literally play- perhaps in a grocery store while we’re picking up a few supplies during a very tragic day. Whatever is happening to us, when we are open to spiritual “music”, we will hear it.
By music, I do mean any sign of comfort. Music isn’t the only language that reaches us. But, it’s an important one, and I wanted to talk about that with you today. I hope that you are feeling strong and positive, despite these trying times. God bless you and your families.
Watch oil painting “Serenity Piano” come to life in under 2 minutes (time lapse)
I composed and played the music for that video. I wrote lyrics for it, but I’d have to dig those up because I don’t remember them. It’s something like “Life is so beautiful”, but it’s fuzzy to me now. Yesterday I had to re-arrange my space to make room for a stash of Christmas presents I need to hide until December 25th. In doing so, I cleared out the corner where my keyboard was inaccessible and collecting dust.
Before I even had everything put away, I couldn’t resist stopping what I was doing to play a little tune. I played a few Christmas carols and realized how long it’s been since I’ve last played. I’ve never learned how to properly play the piano and I’d been working on the chord method when I abandoned the project because I became busy with other things and then let my music become out of my reach for over a year.
It’s a bit of a shock to realize how quickly this sort of thing happens. I pledge now to make regular time for learning how to play the piano and enjoying making music. Is there anything that you had good intentions to learn or do, and you’ve let life clutter it up until you’ve forgotten all about it? How much time has slipped past? It’s not too late!
Watch Natalie paint this art, and all 50 oil paintings in this collection (menu below)
“Savannah loves music. Live music is a vibrant part of the city’s lifestyle, from the famous to the new, Savannah offers concerts, festivals and even small gatherings in homes. Churches also offer a variety of music, from traditional organ and piano hymn arrangements, to contemporary songs featuring electric instruments from drums to guitars. Celtic, African and Indian instruments make appearances as well.
My son saw a flyer on his college campus for a local in-home gathering. He brought his guitar. My husband and I attended with him and were among the youngest people there. The musicians were incredible! Their life and musical experiences were rich indeed. We sang together and felt as if we participated in an intimate concert with professional artists- a priceless experience!
My son has also had the opportunity to play at church. I was especially happy when he played “How Great Thou Art” on harmonica while my daughters and I sang. I’ve played my mountain dulcimer and keyboard, but I don’t play either particularly well. I mostly sing with the choir. Our playing ability isn’t what’s important though- it’s about enjoying live music in the company of people we share our home city with.”
List of Oil Paintings in this Collection, linking to their pages here on the site, and also citing physical pages in the hardcover book:
