Is there a “road less traveled” you have been inspired to investigate?  Or, perhaps you are already traveling down the road, and finding that sometimes it is like a sanctuary and at others it is like a desert? Having a perspective of “little by little” helps in making progress toward your dream. In the words of G.K. Chesterton, “The supreme adventure is being born. When we step into the world, it is like stepping into a splendid and startling trap. It is something we do not expect. When we step into a family we step into a fairytale. It is romantic, fantastic, colorful and sometimes unbelievable. Like a fairytale, it is a story. If there is a story, there is a storyteller. Each day is a new chapter.”

I had some composing time this morning to work on music for a new album. An idea that had been circling in my head was to create a unique arrangement based on the melody known as the Doxology.  It’s the one that goes “Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below.  Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts.  Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”  I knew the music was old, but I didn’t remember that it originated 460 years ago in 1551.  Wow.  It was amazing to think of what has happened in music since 1551, such as the invention of the piano by Bartolomeo Cristofori in Italy around 1700. I think I’m going to call the new arrangement “Blessings Flow.”

I could have titled this post Bach, Brahms and Beethoven, because they are getting my creative attention as concepts develop toward a new album coming in May. Whatever musical genres you love, music itself seems to be essential for the soul. I found it interesting that some of the most beautiful music by the greatest composers were inspired by life’s simple things, like air, sleep and moonlight. Today, I’m going to remember the importance of simplicity.