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Classical Music Spotlight: The Waltz, Fairytale Style
I love classical music, but I’d never thought much about the Waltz until recently. To me, it was just a type of dance typically found in fairytales and historical films. And then, I followed a link that led me to a new discovery: André Rieu and his orchestra performing And the Waltz Goes On, composed by Sir Anthony Hopkins. I was touched by the music, and the boys wanted And the Waltz Goes On again and again. We watched this video something like seven times over the course of breakfast. Listening to an orchestra perform a moving piece of music is a pleasure, but watching outstanding musicians play the music is even better. My children and I watch…
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What’s Your Dream? Me, I’m Dreaming of Horses. #DreamBig
I’m a firm believer in dreaming big. Setting intention and taking steps toward the life of your dreams is the only way to live it, right? Whatever you want to make happen, no matter how large or small, a thought or vision is the first step. We bring it into intent, then into the physical through word or action. Lately I’ve been daydreaming about horses. A lot. In the interest of bringing my dream a little closer to reality (and for the simple fact that I know I’m not the only horse lover out there), here’s some horse eye candy for you. As a mother, I’ve discovered how crucial it is…
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Keeping the Fire Alive – A Discussion on Divinity, Gods and Goddesses
Saints, profits, gods, goddesses and masters of all kinds are part of the creation just as we are. They simply are operating with a much broader library of knowledge and ability than those of us journeying through the experience of humanity. Sacred fire is a common theme in the cultures of our world, both past and present, just like gods and goddesses often bridge different faiths and the cycles of time. Flame speaks of spirit, of inspiration, of light and magic, warmth and life. Today is a good day to write about gods and goddesses (although I’m all for contemplating divinity every day). This blog post was inspired on the first day…
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Getting Distance from Your Manuscript
You know it’s vital to gain perspective on your writing, but it’s hard to do when you’re the one who has slaved over the story, loved and hated it in turns, and revised it more times than you ever thought possible. How can you be objective? What I’m finding, as I edit the first two books of my trilogy—yet again—is that the more I’ve read the story, the more objective I can be with it. But that wasn’t the case a short while ago. I seemed to have reached a tipping point. Having an editor helps. A lot. Or at least someone with a writing background (not your friends or…
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Why We Love the Piano Guys: Fun, Beautiful Classical Music
The uber-talented Piano Guys play brilliantly composed songs that are moving, mind-blowing, and even comical. ~~~ Some of their best songs are sophisticated mash-ups of pop music and classical. Love them! My children and I listen to a lot more classical music because of them. Many of their videos have over 20 million views! How many of those are from people like me who can’t get enough, I wonder? It’s easy for me to put on a YouTube playlist in the background and groove along in the kitchen. If the kids look up from their play, they see pianos and cellos, beautiful nature scenery from around the world, and people who are engaged…
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All is Love – Beautiful, Relaxing Music
One of the best things about music is its ability to create feeling and mood. With very little effort, and you can go from tired to energized, or from anxiety to calm. Try this: play the video, listen and breathe, focusing on relaxation and wellbeing. Notice the change in how you feel. You can, of course, just play the music in the background and carry on with whatever you’re doing. It will still work its feel-good magic. This is one of those songs that hit me out of the blue while walking in the woods one day. The snow was sparkling, my dog was frolicking, and I didn’t have babies yet, so…
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19 Seconds to Make You Smile
Sometimes a song is only 19 seconds long, as was the case with this cheeky little ditty. I think the best part about it is the smile at the end, but the singing is not bad either. 🙂 There once was a girl who wanted the world, to kindly pass her by . . . to hell with the rules and all of the fools, she said she’d rather fly. Yeah, that’s me singing. Toque on, and party lights aglow. Please note, this doesn’t sum up my philosophy on life. It’s just one mood of many, and somewhere I think we’ve all been at one point or another. Sort of a “Dance…
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Piano Guys – Fight Song
I have an unexplainable love for Scotland. I haven’t managed to get myself there yet, but I will. Oh yes, I will. Until then, I enjoy being able to bring elements of Scotland into my life in the great wild northwest of BC, Canada. One of my favourite ways to do so is through music, images, videos, and the like. I was delighted to come across the musicians going by the name of The Piano Guys. You might be asking, “Where have you been, Katrina?” or maybe I’m turning you on to something new here. At any rate, they are outstandingly talented, and make exceptional videos for the enjoyment of their…
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Growing as a Writer, or, Why I Love Queries.
Queries, loglines, and synopsis seem to be the bane of writers seeking to publish their book. It is, admittedly, a challenge to sum up an entire novel in a few paragraphs, or just one sentence. I, however, seem to thrive on the query writing process. Composing my logline made me giddy with joy. My query letter keeps evolving as I send it off to different agents, learning more succinct ways to sell my novel in 200 words or less, and I love it! Here’s why: I can feel myself growing as a writer. Each time I’ve revised my query, I’ve felt a thrill of excitement because I’m so pleased with myself…
