I had the privilege of playing with some wonderful musicians outside tonight for about 45 minutes, and then it started to rain. The highlight of the set for me was a Brasilian tune, Velho Piano. Once it started to rain, we scrambled to put our equipment away, and then went to a jazz venue to listen to another friend of ours play solo piano. There is something very special about good friends, wine, and great music. Afterward, I met another friend for dinner. We talked and laughed as we enjoyed the wonderful food at Julian. We’re going through similar circumstances at the same time, and it’s nice to share a kindred spirit. We’ll be going to see a Beatles tribute band next week at the Starlight Theatre. Fun times!
What a Month!
August, an incredibly busy month, is drawing to a close. I sold my house, downsized and moved to a charming condo, took a week and moved my son, Matt, to NYC, then went on a four day working trip to Memphis. It’s been a month of big changes, more changes than I can share here. Suffice it to say, at times it’s been somewhat stressful. I can honestly say that I haven’t handled everything this month with the grace, dignity and peace that I would hope to have in any situation. But in the process, I’ve learned more about my strengths and weaknesses, and more about the things I still have to learn in life. I’m so looking forward to the journey. Here’s to a fun and rewarding life, filled with new experiences!
A Very Good Book by Desmond Tutu
From Desmond and Mpho Tutu’s book, Made for Goodness and Why This Makes all the Difference: “Modern culture would prefer that we move through life half asleep. We are encouraged to make selections by default, not by conscious choice. So sometimes we do not actively opt to do wrong. But because we don’t actively choose to do what is right, we slip into wrongness. The practices of goodness are practices of vigilance and conscious choice. They are habits of self-knowledge.”
This is a very good book that I’m reading right now. If you’ve wondered how bad things can happen to good people, or about how a good God can allow suffering or difficulty, or even how God works, I recommend this book. Desmond and his daughter explain the answers to these age old questions in a succinct, beautiful and biblical way, against the backdrop of the seemingly meaningless suffering of Apartheid. Beauty and meaning can be found in all of life’s lessons, and no matter what happens in life, we are never alone.
The Hammock
And so, what is the heart of the matter?
Can we discuss it together?
Talking one with the other, turning it over,
Wondering at the differences,
Appreciating the similarities,
Like two friends swaying in a hammock
Side by side
Ultimately going the same way, gently,
And leaning upon a shared smile
We learn we’re not that different, really,
And comment on calm clouds passing by
Movie Reel
So, what was it like?
Breathing in and out,
Strolling along sunlit pathways
Holding hands, the heart of life
Pattering rain nourishing the soul
The scent of delicate flowers unfolding
Easy laughter rolling ahead,
Echoing chambers, energy extends
Rapid snapshots of the bright spots
Fanned through like a movie reel
Everything feels real,
And at the same time,
Like a dream in sleep
That I can visit time after time,
Each viewing as real as the original
With You
What would you say if we stayed awhile
Then longer till the end of time
And smiled and shared a walk or two
Under a full, white, inviting moon
Divine it would be with you
What would I give to hold your hand
To talk with you of loving plans
To place my head upon your chest
And know with you I’d find my rest
Divine to be loved by you
Making Time
Last night, I met a friend at a neighborhood restaurant. We talked over drinks, getting to know one another better. It’s nice to be able to slow down in life, put aside that list of things to do, and to make time to connect. Those are the experiences that make life richer.
Spirit Side
Someday, my words will be of no consequence
Tumbleweeds speeding off into the distance
Ions separating the present from the past
My life will matter not nor last
In the physical realm
But, oh, to dwell on the spirit side
Every word and deed will be defined
And remind
And be still ever present
The way I loved and lived
Will be defended
And extend
My existence
To no end
A Morning Walk
I walked in the cool of a gentle morning,
Watching ducks glide silently
Across a comforting pond –
A center fountain sprinkling,
Pattering the surface
Sky blue peeked through holes
In the grey, brightly tipped clouds
I sighed aloud as I saw the silver lining
So often talked about
Providence
Recently, the cable guy came to hook up the internet in my new place. No TV for me, at least for a while. This new place is all about being close to art, friends and live music. It’s about being able to go out my door and walk to the neighborhood park, restaurants, shops and galleries. And when I come home, I listen to music and write. A couple of days ago, I got an idea for a short story and tonight, I wrote three pages of rough notes. I haven’t worked on a project like that in a long time, and it felt really great to start the process. The story centers on a chance meeting I had about a year ago. I met a new friend who is an artist from a different country and we have kept in touch. I’ll be able to see this friend again soon, as it just so happens that we’ll be in NYC at the same time. Providence.
About
Laura Chalk, jazz vocalist and writer, resides in the Kansas City area. She has been singing in jazz clubs, restaurants and for private parties since 2004. Her band consists of some of the most accomplished jazz musicians on the Kansas City music scene. In 2004, she recorded her debut album, My Favorite Things. In 2009, she wrote her first book of poetry, Traveling in Dreams. Subscribe to Laura’s blog to receive the latest news from Laura in your email inbox!
