The 31-Minute Secret: Transforming Your Life

Have you ever pondered the notion of completely altering the course of your life in just thirty-one minutes and thirty-five seconds? Imagine this: dedicating that small slice of your day for thirty consecutive days. Intriguing, isn't it? 

Let me take you on a personal journey, one that began with a challenge that landed in my lap back in August 2022—a challenge that has quite literally rewritten the script of my life.

**The Challenge That Redefined My Path**

The challenge was simple: listen to Earl Nightingale's "The Strangest Secret" recording every single day for thirty days straight. I decided to take on the challenge, not fully comprehending the transformative power it would have in my life. This commitment marks the start of a remarkable shift in my existence. 

Just so you know, it wasn't always easy. There were moments when I stumbled and had to hit that "reset" button, and start over for thirty days. (You'll understand once you've listened to Earl). Yet, the message in his recording was so compelling that I not only kept listening beyond the thirty days, but I eventually bought a copy of the book so I could easily refer back to its wisdom.

Fast forward to September 2023, and the 48 Days Eagles Community, a group I've been part of since January 2021 has once again issued a challenge. So for thirty days, we will be immersing ourselves in Earl's recording. Fully aware of the immense impact it's already had on my life, I am excited to see what all transpires in my life as a result.

**The Strangest Secret Unveiled: **

As I've been anticipating listening regularly for thirty days in September, I've been reflecting on the transformative might of this message and its central theme:

**"We become what we think about."** 

These simple yet profound words hold the golden key to unlocking the boundless potential nestled within each of us.

A few sunsets ago, despite the whirlwind of life's demands, I felt an undeniable urge to sit down and write a song. What better way to reinforce this life-altering truth than through the catchy rhythm of a song?

**Gratitude and Acknowledgments**

Every song idea usually starts with a moment of inspiration and I know exactly where this song comes from! I wish to express my immense gratitude to Earl Nightingale, whose timeless wisdom continues to stir the hearts and minds of countless individuals like me. A special, personal nod also goes out to Dan Miller, who first introduced me to this life-changing message, and Sound Wisdom, for ensuring this wisdom finds its way into the hands of those yearning for transformation.

**In Closing: The 31-Minute Challenge, Frances Drost-Style**

So, my friends, I extend to you an invitation—an invitation to join me in this challenge: for the next thirty days, allocate a mere thirty-one minutes and thirty-five seconds of your day to immerse yourself in something that holds the potential to metamorphose your life. Let this be your first step toward becoming the person you've always aspired to be.

In the spirit of sharing and igniting the flames of inspiration in others, I leave you with my little tune—a musical reminder of the mind-blowing truth concealed within "The Strangest Secret." I encourage you to listen to Earl's recording (see link below) and savor this musical dessert.

Your life could be on the brink of an incredible transformation.

Helpful resources:

We Become What We Think About Song Lyric Video Link

Learn more about the 48 Days Eagles Community

Listen to Earl Nightingale's "The Strangest Secret"

"The Strangest Secret" Book

Five Essential Keys for Unlocking the Door to Your Dreams

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.

​Join the 48 Days Eagles Community and see where your dreams will take YOU!: https://www.48days.com/48dayseagles/."

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

A Tale of Growth and Grit

 Zinnias, Birds, and Jim Rohn's Wisdom: A Tale of Growth and Grit

I have been growing Zinnias for years. In late summer, (usually September or so), I pluck the deadheads, drying them in the basement during the winter season. In the spring, I pull the petals off the dried heads, separate the petals from the seeds and plant those seeds. Year after year, I have beautiful beds of Zinnias. 

But a few years ago, a strange thing occurred. I started noticing that the petals would be stripped bare before I could get to them. One day, after running errands in my van, I pulled in the driveway beside our house and more than a dozen Gold Finches dismounted from my Zinnia patch, taking flight into the air. "Guilty!!" – they seemed to chirp as they flew away. Later, standing by my window, spying on the flowers, I observed the birds pulling the petals off, one by one! I was horrified as I watched them yank the petals with their beaks. 

"Aha," I said to myself. "It's the Gold Finches who are stripping the flowers – before I can harvest them." (You must wait until they've dried completely before cutting them from the plant.)

We've had Zinnias and Finches for years and never had this problem. 

Each summer, we now have a competition: Frances Versus Gold Finches. If I can harvest the dried blooms before the Finches get them, score! If they get them... well, they rob me of next year's crop. 

Today, as I harvested more dried blooms (trying to beat the Finches), I thought about Jim Rohn and his teaching about sowing, reaping, and success, using the story of the birds and the seeds:

When the birds get your seeds, you have two options. 

1) Chase the birds. 

But when you chase the birds you leave the field which is going to distract from your future. 

2) You can just say, "Isn’t that interesting."

If you sow more, you can sow more than the birds can keep up with. 

The sower kept on sowing which was a secret to his success.

– Jim Rohn

How tempting it could be to leave the yard and go chase the birds. Instead, I just plant an abundance of seeds, ensuring that some will survive and be successful.

Seize the Moment (Part 2). Pay the Price!

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.

Seize the Moment. (Part 1)

 "The opportunity of a lifetime only lasts for the lifetime of the opportunity. 

Seize the moment." 

– Dave Hess

Dear Kirstin,

I know this week is difficult. After all, it's been exactly one year since we took a big step and hopped in the van to go to Nashville to seize the moment and follow your heart's desire to do a Christmas album. From the moment you suggested the album idea, I was ALL IN! 

And we did it. We recorded Midwinter's Gift. 

As the project was released to the world, later in November, you poured out your heart in frequent posts to help people get a sense of the monumental trek we took, geographically, musically and emotionally. I sat back and watched how unreservedly you shared your part of the story. I felt like I was a little kid who was invited to go on an adventure with you. I wanted to squeal with delight, but I let you take the lead in releasing it. 

But now, knowing how hard it can be to move on after such an experience like we had, I wanted to give something back and share with you some excerpts from my journal – from that week in Nashville. So here's my unedited version, as I wrote it that week in Tennessee. Since it's history in the making, I've decided to make it a blog post so that others can savor the memories with us.

                                                                 ♬

Tuesday, August 2, 2022: (The trip down to Nashville)

Lovely ride down in the van. Alternated drivers – made good time

Cracker Barrel for lunch. Road trip. Listened to music

Ended up at Bristol Town Hall (City Hall) while looking for Cracker Barrel

Cowboy at Cracker Barrel – looking for land and/or roadkill?

The Red House @ The White Oak Farm 

Wildwood Studio, looking at the deer (after we realized they had a surveillance camera)

Kroger's groceries

Cows in the yard

Deer P,

"We're in jail"

"We need air conditioning"

"Do you have a place we can stay?"

"The Pennsylvania van"

"Will there be crickets in the recording?"

♬ 

Wednesday, August 3, 2022:

Leisurely morning while Kirstin tried out and adjusted her reeds.

I ironed, went for a long walk, sang through the oboe parts – yet another way to connect with the music. 

Sat by the pool. 

Hard boiled eggs and salmon, yogurt and granola for breakfast around noon. :-)

♬

All the way down here, I felt rather numb. It's been over four years since I've been here. So much has happened. COVID, for one thing. 

I've aged ... and I feel it. I've lost something. 

I thought I'd never be back to this town, and I was honestly okay with that. I had a good run. I gave it all I had. 

I'm loving the new season of house concerts and being home. 

I have to let go of what was. Embrace new special moments. Make new memories. 

A new friend in my life – Kirstin. 

I don't know her well, but we seem to fit well together. It's not forced... it just slowly unfolds like a rose. I like it. Easy to work with and travel with. Forging new territory – piano and oboe. New producer, arranger, engineer, studio – it's all so different. 

I need to just let go and let be. Unfold. Build new experiences. Don't mourn the old. 

Love the little Airbnb – very quaint. Perfect for us. Out in the country... little horse farm... dogs... pool... two miles from Ed [previous Portraits of White conductor], two miles from studio and about five from downtown Franklin.

When we got near the Nashville city limits, my heart responded. When we passed exits where I've stayed, Seaboard Lane – where we did Inside Things and Fieldstone Parkway (Ed's territory) – my heart leaped. 

Yet, I realized I've moved on. I've been forced to in some ways. 

It's better to let go of what was and anticipate new things.

I never thought I'd be back. But here I am – and I love why I'm here. I love that Kirstin and I met through Portraits of White, but we're doing our own thing – like she says, it's an offshoot of the Portraits of White tree. It's not the tree, but it's a branch from it.

♬

I'm about to go do a photo shoot with Erick Anderson [and Kirstin].

Gray hair – I've kept my natural color. Tempting to color it for this, but it was pretty clear – I need to embrace my age and season in life and part of that is the gray hair.

♬

We're so happy we did the Christmas in July events. Gave us real practice. Almost feels like the fans are with us. They've been part of the journey. 

Now we get to enjoy this moment in time. Making music in August, in the town I used to love. 

 ♬

I believe something beautiful is at work here. I don't know what and I really don't care either. I'm just enjoying the ride. The music. The practicing. 

I've learned so much as I've really tried to practice and find new approaches to learning the music. I can feel the mindset shift–from being easily distracted, to learning how to focus and stay in the moment. I overcame the mental hurdle of using the AirTurn pedal to turn pages. I'm on my way to memorizing and I've loved using my 3X5 index cards with various practice approaches.

I think a big indicator of how much I've grown is the dream I had the other night where for the first time EVER, I actually played the piano in my dream and it went super well. Nothing weird happened to the instrument and it felt so natural to play. Perhaps that shows how much I have overcome mentally, as I've given myself to this project for the past six months. And oh... I've lost about 8 pounds in July!

The icing on the cake will be to walk away (or drive away) on Saturday feeling really happy with my performance the next two days... 

... and to look pretty today. :-)

Dear Kirstin, what are we supposed to be doing?

♬

Thursday morning, August 4, 2022

Photo shoot was fun! Kirstin is a natural – beautiful girl! She's just one of those... 

I love my silver hair. I'm glad I kept it.

My thoughts frequently turned to the realization that I thought I'd never be back and there I was, doing a photo shoot with a friend (who's gorgeous) – getting ready to do a beautiful instrumental project.

I just can't wait to do this and hear the final product, and see the photos...

TODAY!

Phillip Keveren

Kent Hooper :-)

Best Yamaha C7 in Nashville

Midwinter's Gift

Kirstin suggested this order for the day:

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

What Child is This?

O Holy Night

Keep Carol of the Bells, Ships and Sing We Now for Friday morning

Today I will go to the studio with a  heart to serve Kirstin and her dream. This recording is something she has on her bucket list. It's my pleasure to serve her and help make this happen AND make it great! This is about her today.

To be continued...

P.S. Midwinter’s Gift can be found on all major streaming services. Digital downloads and CDs can be purchased here.

The Memory Jar

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 DVD we created, even while "At Home."