Pursuing your dreams requires a unique blend of tenacity and flexibility. You have to dream big while working very hard.
Tenacity
Tenacity is the determination to achieve your goals, providing the drive to stay committed even in the face of challenges, especially when it seems that dreams are slipping away.
Flexibility
Flexibility is the ability to adapt and change course when needed and is essential for navigating unexpected obstacles and seizing new opportunities. Flexibility in learning from failure and setbacks allows you to adjust your approach and continue moving forward. Overcommitment to one at the expense of the other can hinder progress and hind adaptability.
Throughout my musical journey, I've plunged into the world of music, the intricacies of the music industry, the boundless creativity it offers, and the sheer tenacity needed to persevere. It's a journey that's filled me with stories to tell, and while I may write that book someday, right now, we're in for a different treat.
Get ready to celebrate the monumental TENTH year of the Portraits of White Winter Concert. Join me on a winter journey back in time and delve into the stories behind the creation of the album that ignited the cherished holiday Christmas concert tradition. You'll witness a glimpse of 'back in the day' when the concert was a mere idea, unformed. The focus at that time was on preparing the album for release.
In my upcoming Snowy Serenades Series of videos, we'll revisit the enchanting melodies and the frosty charm of this classic album. With footage from the archives, you'll be transported to a cozy winter wonderland, where you can relive the magic that 'Portraits of White' brings to this season.
Enjoy Part 1 of the Snowy Serenade Video Series...
I have been a part of Dan Miller's 48 Days Eagles Community for over two years and the impact it's had on my life is significant.
The most recent development came from a connection I made at an Eagles' event I attended in Franklin, Tennessee, back in April. It was there that I met Isaiah Taylor, a literary scout who learned that I was writing a book about my journey with Christmas. I had been planning to self-publish my story so I wasn't seeking a publisher, but he encouraged me to submit my manuscript to a publisher. I walked away from that conversation feeling somewhat intrigued, and rather doubtful.
One thing led to another...
I was recently (and delightfully) surprised to see a post on Dan Miller's Facebook page that mentioned me and my journey, letting the cat out of the bag. Since I have been racking (and wracking) my brain trying to figure out how to share what's been happening and tell everyone the great news, I felt a sense of relief to have it come from someone else's newsfeed.
I'll let you read the post for yourself:
"For Frances Drost, the journey from dream to reality started in a difficult place—the deaths of two of her siblings. And it took a winding path from a nagging sense of loss to a creative expression of joy and togetherness.
Frances’s annual Christmas show, Portraits of White, began 11 years ago when she started reimagining what it means to be in the holiday spirit after she spent years feeling “disenchanted” with the season. This December, Portraits of White will celebrate a decade of bringing people together through music with the special release of Frances’ forthcoming book.
Whether you’re an artist like Frances or not, her story has a lot to teach us about our dreams.
1: Dreams come from unexpected places
Like many people who have been touched by loss, Frances wondered why Christmas felt so empty no matter how many years went by. One year, Frances even decided to skip Christmas all together!
Frances realized that she felt disconnected from the holiday spirit because of the grief she carried. Instead of continuing to live in that mindset of despair, she decided to turn it into an opportunity to create hope and find peace—for herself and others who have experienced loss.
Frances began writing songs about how she felt during the holiday season, and eventually started dreaming of a Christmas album.
2: Have faith in your dreams
Eventually, that Christmas album came to be. Frances called it Portraits of White and based it on what she discovered reflecting on her disenchantment with Christmas.
“I learned that holidays have a tendency to amplify the loss and the dysfunction that we have. I thought maybe by sharing my own story, I could bring hope to others.”
While the album was successful, Frances also had faith that Portraits of White could be so much more than a collection of songs.
"I had a vision to perform my songs on stage with a full orchestra. I'd never done that before. I'd always traveled as a solo artist. And so I hired a conductor from Nashville. I hired an orchestra. And we sold out the first show that year in 2014!”
3: Dream bigger than yourself
What started as an album by a solo artist trying to process her own grief blossomed into a creative project that brings together musicians and artists from around the country.
If Frances had stopped with her feeling of disenchantment—or even stopped with the album—her life, her business, and the hearts of thousands of audience members over the years wouldn’t be what they are today. Even though the dream for Portraits of White didn’t start with a goal of reaching millions or turning a profit, it grew into something that brought Frances’s goals well within her reach.
4: The path from dream to reality is not always smooth
In 2019, Portraits of White drew over one thousand people. Frances and her team expanded the project to three shows, extending the reach of her message.
And then COVID hit.
Through the turmoil of 2020, Frances persisted in sharing Portraits of White. The show was released as a DVD, bringing her message into the homes and hearts of audiences across the country. She turned what could have been a dead end for Portraits of White into an opportunity for growth.
5: Dreams are rarely accomplished alone
Frances is soon releasing a book telling the story of her journey with Christmas. The current working title of the book is Portraits of White: A Songwriter's Journey to Find Christmas.
“Thanks to the Eagles community and their connections and actually going to the 48 Days Innovate Experience in Franklin, Tennessee in April, I talked to a literary agent from Morgan James, and he encouraged me to submit my story about my journey with Christmas.”
Now Frances is on the final round of edits for the book. With the book release, sponsors, and the support of her community and audience—the 10th anniversary of Portraits of White promises to be the most exciting year since its start.
The Eagles are so proud of Frances and thankful for her continuous, active, involvement in our community. We celebrate and support all kinds of success—from traditional entrepreneurial journeys to artistic projects and more. Each and every one of the Eagles is out to transform lives, make their dreams a reality, and uplift each other along the way.
David L. Hancock (Founder and Publisher), Frances Drost (Author), Isaiah Taylor (Literary Scout) The Urban Roost in Richmond, VA June 8, 2023 Publishing Agreement Signed
Thursday - Friday, August 3 - 4, 2022 - Recording days
Kirstin and I arrived at the studio around 8:45 AM, with plenty of time to meet our producer/arranger, recording engineer and become familiar with our surroundings and get ready to capture the music.
The steps leading up to the studio had an interesting inscription in them. Kirstin said, "Wonder Woman," as she stepped up to snap a picture. It probably actually stood for Wildwood (the name of the studio), but I liked her description better.
Only a wonder woman could have managed the intricate balancing act she undertook in the days leading up to this momentous occasion. With the responsibilities of caring for three children, three non-musical feline companions, a faithful canine friend, a roster of oboe students both in her private studio and across multiple educational institutions, and her commitments as a seasoned performer in various symphonies and trios, the sheer magnitude of her achievements becomes evident. And to top it all off, she expertly crafts her own reeds.
We were warmly welcomed by Phillip Keveren, our arranger and producer. The significance of this moment as a pianist is beyond words. My familiarity with Phillip's arrangements and piano compositions had grown through my involvement with Ed Kee and the collaborative Portraits of White annual concerts. Our connection led us to incorporate some of Phillip's pieces into these events. In 2019, Double Keyed engaged Phillip to craft an arrangement of "I Wonder as I Wander," spotlighting piano and oboe.
Admiring his musical prowess and talents, I was an ardent admirer of Phillip's work. The realization that he would be arranging an entire album for us, while also serving as the producer, was nothing short of a dream actualized—a dream I hadn't even dared to anticipate. Kirstin's aspiration had unexpectedly paved the way for me to collaborate with a true idol of mine.
This experience reinforces the truth that pursuing our aspirations often extends its rewards to others. In this instance, I was undoubtedly reaping the rewards of Kirstin's bold pursuit.
Earlier that morning, prior to our arrival at the studio, I had been engrossed in a motivational message that consistently aids me in maintaining focus on my overarching life goals and daily objectives. My journal entries, captured in their unedited authenticity, mirror the notes I hastily transcribed from the impactful message—an approach I regularly follow. These journal entries also encapsulate my introspective musings during our inaugural day as Double Keyed within the studio.
🎶
Dr. David Fink, M.D., said, "Pay the price."
1. Set a goal.
2. Quit running yourself down.
3. Stop thinking of all the reasons you can't be successful and think of all the reasons why you can.
4. Trace your attitudes back to your childhood and try to discover where you first got the idea that you couldn't be successful if that's the way you've been thinking.
5. Change the image you have of yourself by writing out a description of the person you would like to be.
6. Act the part of the successful person you have decided to become.
– Earl Nightingale, The Strangest Secret
🎶
Five songs done today:
O Come, O Come Emmanuel - Gorgeous
O Holy Night
What Child is This?
I Wonder - surprised by how difficult this was - reed issues [Kirstin had cautioned me about the capricious nature of reeds, not to mention the temperamental disposition of the oboe itself. As I observed the situation firsthand, I gained a deeper appreciation for the immense pressure she must have been under while recording, solely from this vantage point.]
In the Bleak Midwinter - Beautiful!
🎶
A few comments I heard today:
"This is going to be a fun day!" - Phillip and Kent said to each other [after Kirstin and I warmed up with O Come O Come Emmanuel].
"Frances, you and that piano are talking to each other." (PK)
"This is going to be a world class project." (PK) I smiled inside - since one of my goals has been to be a world class performer. :-)
"Frances, you have really risen to the challenge." (PK) [Coming from a renowned pianist himself, I was exceptionally grateful to hear this. It was no small feat to record in front of him, while he sat in the control room listening to every note I played.]
"These two [performers] did something we don't often see – they came prepared." [PK said to Ed Kee, who stopped by the studio for a visit.]
🎶
I felt as if my practicing paid off – in so many ways. I wanted to not be the weak link. I held my own. I played in the presence of a master, and didn't fall apart.
"This piano is like a race car that doesn't want to stick with the speed limit." Steve (studio owner) liked that – they all laughed – they'd never heard that analogy... he said that was language he could understand. :-)
🎶
At the end of the two days, I reflected further:
Sat down and debriefed our experience. Looked at pictures from the photo shoot.
At first, we were having trouble remembering all the 'rules'.
Chin out... head down
(and then there were those dreaded hot flashes)
Walked around Franklin. Young group of string players serenaded us. Violinist on the corner down the street. Meat platter at Pucketts... sweet tea... Ice cream/yogurt at Sweet CeCe's.
Came back and fed the cat our [leftover] chicken.
Talked to Kim, Jack's wife. He had tongue cancer. :-( They used to live on N. Berry's Chapel [near the studio where we recorded] - bought this property later [Airbnb].
Helicopters
Turkeys
Shooting Turkeys
Deer
Georgia the cat
Hank, Diggy - horses
Chickens
Photo shoot password: fan :-) hot flashes
🎶
It was obvious that Kirstin was blown away by the whole experience... couldn't articulate all she was feeling, but I understood. It's unexplainable. Unless you go through it, there are no words. I was just incredibly grateful to be back. Never thought it would happen - and SO delightful. The music, the piano, the people – Kent and Steve [and Phillip] - SO much fun.
We're both concerned about I Wonder... and it puzzles me because that one was the least of our concerns. Oh well. They assured us that once they mix, eq and master it, it will sound amazing. [And it did... I don't know what we were so worried about!]
I cried often when they would play the songs back to us in the studio. It moves me – the lonely sound of the oboe, the richness of the English horn. I had to keep myself together. The opportunity to play this incredible piano – the best in town?! Wow!! Just wow!!
🎶
And then...
Kent Hooper's impeccable mixing and mastering skills brought our collection of classics to life, infusing them with a captivating blend of sound. Paired with Phillip's heartfelt arrangements, their collaboration transformed our project into a harmonious masterpiece.
With a title that eloquently captured our journey and an exquisite album cover that perfectly complemented the music, our artistic endeavor was truly fulfilled. The project reached its culmination, leaving us with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
On November 4, 2022, Midwinter's Gift took wings and flew into the world.
On Monday, November 14, I woke up to an email:
Hello,
Double Keyed (Frances Drost & Kirstin Myers) “Midwinter's Gift” is charting on our Classical Crossover chart tomorrow.
CD 195269192372
Also hoping you can have a copy of the CD sent to me so we can archive.
Thanks so much and stay safe.
Alex Vitoulis
Billboard Magazine
Associate Director Charts Production Manager/Archive Research Manager
Chart Manager: Blues, Classical, Comedy, Jazz, Kid Audio, Music Video, New Age, Reggae, Vinyl & World
Recaps Assistant
475 FIFTH AVENUE, 4th Floor, NEW YORK, NY 10017
Email: alex.vitoulis@billboard.com
Mobile:516-317-0552 | Twitter: @jawsfin
IM:Alex V BPI
www.billboard.com
www.billboard.com/business
In January 2023, Midwinter's Gift was nominated for Instrumental Album of the Year, receiving a 2022 Spot Award for Best Classical/Crossover from Central Pennsylvania Music Awards.
What are we going to do next?
🎶
On the heels of their Billboard-charting and award winning album, Midwinter’s Gift, Kirstin Myers and Frances Drost as the duo Double Keyed continue to delight audiences with their heartfelt interpretations of both classical and contemporary music. Their unique and contemplative sound takes the listener on a journey that resonates long after their performances.
In 2018, Kirstin and Frances formed Double Keyed when they realized that they both had a desire to not only perform together, but to touch others with their music in an uplifting way that leaves them in a reflective state of peace.
Their first album, Midwinter’s Gift, was recorded in 2022 in Nashville, TN and in November of that same year it was nationally recognized by reaching #13 on Billboard’s “Classical-Crossover” chart. A few months later, it was nominated by the Central Pennsylvania Hall of Fame for “Best Instrumental Album of the Year” and was also awarded “Best Classical-Crossover Album” of 2022.
Oboist Kirstin Myers holds degrees in both performance and education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and was also a summa cum laude graduate of Michigan State University in oboe performance. Since the year 2000, Kirstin has been on the faculty of Millersville University and York College and in 2016 was appointed to the faculty of Lebanon Valley College. She is a 26-year member of the York Symphony Orchestra and also plays with local groups like Berks Sinfonietta and the Reading Pops Orchestra. In addition, she maintains a large private music studio for oboe and piano students in both Lancaster and York counties and hosts a podcast featuring local musicians called Life Between the Notes.
Award-winning singer/songwriter Frances Drost is a pianist and concert artist who began her own company, Musical Creations, as a way to encourage people on their journey through life. Take years of life experiences distilled into “three minute messages” of lyric and melody, interwoven with story-telling in between and you get the unique ministry of Frances. As both a singer and songwriter, Frances has a unique way of presenting real-life experiences and meaningful messages that are gently woven throughout her music.
You can find more about Kirstin at kirstinmyersoboe.com and Frances at francesdrost.com.
Midwinter’s Gift is available on CD as well as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and many other streaming services. You can purchase the CD here.
When my mother started experiencing dementia, my sister suggested we create a memory jar for her. A glass mason quart jar started to fill up as we'd write down little moments we remembered and put the memories in the jar. At any moment, she could randomly select a memory and savor it.
As we approach the tenth year of the "Portraits of White" Winter Concert, I find myself reminiscing about the beautiful memories we've created together over the years. This led to an idea.
Would you help me fill a memory jar as an expression of gratitude to one of the prominent sponsors of the concert – Martin's Potato Rolls?
It Started with Sundaes and Radios
My journey as an artist has been deeply intertwined with Martin's Famous Potato Rolls. During my teenage years, Martin's Family Restaurant and Martin's Famous Pastry Shoppe (on Lincoln Way in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania), became a beloved spot for my mother and me. The moments we spent there, savoring hot fudge sundaes or pastries, became treasured memories.
Lloyd and Lois Martin, the founders of Martin's, not only delighted customers with their pastry dough (and hot fudge sundaes), but they also played a crucial role in helping minister Charlie B. Byers fulfill his vision of sharing a radio broadcast with Chambersburg. In addition to baking, the Martins had a love for music and radio.
Lloyd and Lois supported Charlie by building a studio in their home, equipped with recording equipment for the broadcast. Charlie's radio show became a cherished part of my mother's family Sundays. Between the radio broadcast and the pastry shoppe, you could say that Lloyd, Lois, and Charlie supplied nourishment to souls and tummies.
Many years later, thanks to Charlie's broadcast, I got my first chance to do an official music recording in a studio near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. That experience changed my music life – forever.
From Rolls to Flakes
Fast forward to "Portraits of White" 2017, year number four of my vision to bring my Christmas album to life on stage, accompanied by a full orchestra. Excitedly, the dream was materializing – at a hefty cost of over $50K a year. Ticket sales never covered the cost of the event so I had to find ways to make up for that deficit. To help give you some perspective, in 2022, ticket sales covered 65% of the cost of the event. In those days, I was paying for it by doing smaller concerts and working part-time at a church.
When a friend noticed the financial weight I was carrying, he suggested that I find sponsors – and in his kindness, offered to help me. He got the snowball of sponsorships rolling. Eventually, under the direction of a wealth advisor, I put together a plan that would enable me to find sponsorships to keep my dream going every year.
I eventually let go of the part-time job so I could focus solely on my dream. Merry Christmas!
Enter Martin's Potato Rolls. In 2017, Martin's became one of the premier sponsors for my "Portraits of White" event. Lloyd and Lois Martin's legacy rolls on! And once again, Martin's has agreed to be a prominent sponsor for "Portraits of White" 2023. That's seven years in a row!!
So . . . In honor of Martin's steady support, would you help me show gratitude in a special way?
Fill the Jar By:
🎵 1) Write down a fond memory you have connected with Martin's Potato Rolls. Do you fill your roll with some kind of fancy food? Snow Mellows perhaps? Let us snow!
Or, if you've never had the famous rolls, you could still thank Martin's by:
🎵 2) Writing a fond memory you have from the "Portraits of White" annual event and how it has touched you and your family.
Send your reflections to FrancesDrostmusic@gmail.com and include your first and last name.
Then, we'll compile the notes, put them on individual papers and deliver a jar of gratitude to Martin's for their many years of support!
Thank you for being a part of my Christmas journey and for sharing your memories with me and Martin's.
With a jar full of gratitude,
Frances
P.S. Feel free to share this invitation with your friends and family. The more memories, the merrier!
Here's a little video I made in 2020 when "Portraits of White" had to stay home. Since we couldn't hold the event live, I created a collection of video footage from previous years' concerts. Martin's still sponsored me that year, keeping the tradition going with the DVDwe created, even while "At Home."
Frances Drost (Piano) and Kirstin Myers (Oboe/English Horn)
ABOUT Frances & KIRSTIN
It all started when I, (Kirstin Myers / oboe / English horn) was baking Christmas cookies. Somehow, the cookies inspired the idea for a Christmas album and so here we are….announcing our first recording project as Double Keyed—an instrumental piano/oboe/English horn project with classic Christmas songs arranged and produced by Nashville’s own Phillip Keveren.
Since Double Keyed initially connected because of my (Frances Drost / piano) Portraits of White Winter Concert, we felt it would be appropriate to make our first album a collection of favorite Christmas tunes!
About Us:
Frances Drost is a pianist and concert artist who began her own company, “Musical Creations” as a way to encourage people on their journey through life. Take years of life experiences distilled into “three-minute messages” of lyric and melody, interwoven with story-telling in between and you get the unique ministry of singer/songwriter Frances Drost.
Oboist Kirstin Myers holds degrees in Music Education and Oboe Performance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and in 1999 she graduated summa cum laude as a full scholarship recipient from Michigan State University with a Masters in Oboe Performance. For the past 21 years she has been on the faculty of Millersville University and York College of Pennsylvania and in 2016 was also appointed as oboe professor at Lebanon Valley College.
In addition to her collegiate appointments, she is the oboe instructor at York College’s YCPrep Community School and maintains a private studio at her home in the Lancaster area. Her students have gone on to win positions in LLMEA County, PMEA District, Regional, State and All-Eastern Bands & Orchestras. She currently performs with the York Symphony Orchestra, Berks Sinfonietta, Reading Pops Orchestra, Trio Jolie, The Silverwood Trio and most recently began collaborating with Frances as the duo “Double Keyed” performing a variety of classical and popular selections (and if Frances asks nicely, sometimes songs Frances wrote). She has also been part of the Portraits of White Annual Winter Concert for seven years.
More about Frances…
As both a singer and songwriter, Frances has a unique way of presenting real-life experiences and meaningful messages that are gently woven throughout her music.
Frances has served for a total of over 16 years on staff as the Director of Worship at various churches and she brings that experience into her worship leading at conferences and churches. As a worship leader, she has shared many platforms with well-known author and Women of Faith speaker, Carol Kent. She has also shared the stage with Kay Arthur, Dee Brestin, Ruth Graham, Margaret Feinberg, Bonnie Keen, and Ellie Lofaro.
Frances has also been featured as a guest on the Chris Fabry Live Radio Show.
Frances is also a songwriter for Songs Of Love – a nonprofit organization that connects songwriters with terminally ill children. She has composed and recorded hundreds of songs for the families with their child as the star of the song.
Her most recent release (June 2020) is a meditative solo piano project combining music with sounds of nature woven into classic hymns and hints of classical melodies. Perfect for your meditation moments, you’ll love Sunrise Meditations.
“Portraits Of White” is a Christmas/Winter release filled with a beautiful wintery mix of familiar carols and new tunes, instrumentals and vocals. “Portraits of White” has turned into more than just a CD project; it is now a beautiful winter concert featuring a mix of songs from her winter album and beloved holiday favorites. The musical extravaganza also features other talented local musicians, including Kirstin Myers and that’s actually how they first met.
In December 2016, Frances released a pop album titled “Brand New Me”. It’s an audio-journal of the work God has been doing in her life in the past decade and challenges audiences to believe that God can still change a heart and make you into a new creation.
Frances was the winner of the 2009 Momentum Award for “Female Artist Of The Year” and was also nominated for “Inspirational Artist Of The Year” at the 2009 Momentum Awards ceremony in Nashville, TN.
Frances and her husband, Tom, love to ride their Yamaha Vstars when the weather is perfect.
Frances has 3 indoor cats and has been known to feed most outdoor strays who come to visit.
More about Kirstin…
Kirstin has been a featured soloist in a multitude of musical groups, including:
Johnstown Symphony
Berks Sinfonietta
Reading Pops Orchestra
Millersville University Wind Ensemble
IUP Symphony
New Holland Band
Lyric Band of Hanover.
Kirstin was also 1st oboist of the New Holland Band for 16 years.
In addition to her work as a freelance musician and teacher, she thoroughly enjoys spending time with her 3 musical children, 3 un-musical cats and her wonderfully supportive and great music aficionado husband, Ken.
"Are you ready for Thanksgiving yet?" the young cashier asks the shopper a few cash registers over from me.
"Yes," the customer replies confidently.
I try to mind my own business as I pay for my groceries. It's not my conversation but I somehow feel like it could be.
It's only November 5, I think to myself.
The determined cashier continues. "Well then, are you ready for Christmas?" It feels to me as if she's now trying to one-up the shopper.
"I don't do Christmas—too many expectations," the customer says, loud enough that everyone can hear her. I try to keep my head down and resist making eye contact.
Secretly, I admire her and I smile to myself. She isn't rude or obnoxious, but she clearly lets us know (because we're all listening aren't we?) where she lands when it comes to Christmas. And now it feels as if it's a public conversation.
I decide in that moment to turn around and look at the person who is being interrogated, as if to let her know that I acknowledge her and can appreciate the position she's just been put in. Someone needs to acknowledge her discomfort...at least with a nod or a smile.
We all get it. Whether it's expectations, loneliness, grief, lack of money or time, weariness in coming up with what to get someone, dread of dragging out all of the decorations, we all have buttons that get pushed during the holidays or in this case, the weeks leading up to the holidays.
I stand there feeling conflicted. While I feel sorry for the customer, I also appreciate that the cashier is just trying to be engaging. Sometimes we ask questions just to be friendly. They aren't good questions, or timed well, but we ask anyway. Perhaps that's what's happening here.
When I turn to see if I can catch the eye of the disgruntled lady, to acknowledge her strong feelings, I'm a little surprised. Her hair is done perfectly, make up looks great. She's quite beautiful for Friday afternoon grocery shopping. I don't know what I am expecting to see but she looks very put together (talk about expectations.) I expect her to look...disheveled...old...something...I don't know...
She is giving me a gift. She is giving me courage...hope. A small dose of encouragement reminding me of why I do Portraits of White. I need some of this kind of medicine at this point in the marathon.
In fact, as I get ready to post this week's video, I can't tell you how many times I've been tempted to change it, throw it out, re-do it because I am letting you see me when I'm not feeling very organized. And this was before the grocery store drama. Her honesty gives me the courage to keep the video "as-is."
I've called this week's post Cues and Shoes because one of the stressful parts of doing the show is figuring out the lighting cues. I know, you're probably thinking to yourself...REALLY? Our world has been turned upside down and you're stressing over lights?
Then there are the shoes. Somehow I was born without a hint of an arch in both feet and I have giant-sized bunions—much like my mother had. It's always been hard to find pretty yet comfortable shoes for the stage, and it only seems to get worse with age.
One year after the show, my feet hurt so bad I couldn't walk out to greet everyone. I finally figured out it was just easier if I went without shoes, so I walked out in the lobby, shoeless and it felt wonderful.
In the scheme of things, the shoes are a small part of the stress, but every little bit adds up, as you know. And though I don't actually run the lights during the show, I have to make sure that those who do are well prepared for every little detail. Spot on Doug, spot on Wayne, Frances at the piano, Frances in the center, George on timpani, Tim on a stool, trumpet feature.....Frances tripping over her dress. Oh I hope not! LOL!
Similar to all of these show details, the expectations that come with the holidays can start with tiny things but when combined, they can add up to stress. Where to spend the holidays...when to have the dinner...what to serve for dinner...what gift to buy....And some people, like the shopper lady have decided they just don't "do" the holidays anymore.
Then there's the lingering pandemic. We're all weary of what this has done to our lives. I see the strain on your faces as I'm out doing concerts. I read your notes that tell me of the crises you are facing personally. My heart breaks for you.
I don't know who that lady at the grocery store is, but thanks to her outburst, I found the courage to keep running this last leg of the race of Portraits of White. I know it will be worth it. I've been preparing, practicing, pondering, stressing...all of it. But I'm ready for December 10 and 12.
I can't wait to see you and finish this Christmas show marathon with you by my side. (Even if I end it in my bare feet.)
I've answered all kinds of Portraits of White fan questions this summer. This one made me feel furry, fuzzy and a bit...well...cattywampus.
"Do you ever consider using dogs or cats in Portraits of White?"
Just to be sure, I looked up the word cattywampus. I believe it fits this week's video purrrrrfectly.
Definition - askew, awry, kitty-corner. Cattywampus is a variant of catawampus, another example of grand 19th century American slang. In addition to “askew” catawampus may refer to “an imaginary fierce wild animal,” or may mean “savage, destructive.”
My cats would like you to paws for a moment of fun and watch THEIR video.
"There's nothing so powerful as an idea who's time has come." — Jim Rohn
Sometimes ideas can feel like little mosquitos who are pesky and want a place to land and suck your blood. At least, that’s how I feel some days. I can’t possibly carry out all of the ideas that pop into my mind or give them a place to live. BUT….in the end, ideas can be our friends. We just have to learn how to nurture, prioritize and categorize them.
When you see Portraits of White, you'll be witnessing the power of an idea.
A snowy day led to the idea for the title song, Portraits of White.
One single manger scene in a Christmas shop in 1999 sparked the idea for the song Take Another Look.
That song took me down a path of "skipping Christmas" that year so I could pay attention to the holiday sadness I often felt in December.
Skipping Christmas opened up space for me to start expressing my feelings through songwriting.
Those seeds of songs started me thinking about doing a Christmas album.
The album provided more ideas - how about a show where we "hear" and "see" the music?
It came to pass in 2014 and it will again this year! Do you have your tickets to see this show yet?
Here are 5 steps that Jim Rohn suggests for turning nothing into something:
1) Start with ideas and imagination - they aren't tangible, but they are almost real.
2) Believe that what you imagine is possible for you.
Two types of testimonials can provide inspiration for us:
"If I can do it, you can do it." (Someone else's story)
"If I did it once, I can do it again." (Our own story)
3) Go to work and make it real - make it tangible.
4) It takes the disciplined activity to make it reality.
5) Appreciate the discipline it takes to follow through and see it happen.
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