The promise of spring and newness awakens in Cache Valley, Utah. Baby buds appear upon branches, lush green grass taking over the withered and brown from winter's sleep.
Even in a world full of disturbances and confusion, the vibrant beauty and sunshine bring renewed hope of things to come.
After more than a year of frequent seclusion and loneliness among many due to the worldwide corona virus pandemic, many are longing for those simple yet necessary connections between family, friend and community circles. Those in person connections surely gladden the heart , enliven the senses and bring unity and strength to one another. They are the golden moments and memories we hold onto when emotions are raw and times are difficult. To remember and know we are loved by touch, body language and by caring words and actions fuels our bodies, soothes our spirits, and helps renew our hopes and dreams. We realize in desolate times how much we have missed, or have even taken for granted experiences and opportunities with our loved ones in the past. We need EACH OTHER.
In March I was blessed to be a part of the "story" of two memorable events. Journey with me now to the bustling city of West Jordan, Utah.. and then, into the beautiful, quiet mountainous town and community of Marble, Colorado.
South Jordan, Utah:
On a Saturday afternoon/evening in early spring I was visiting a dear friend Kara who had flown out from North Carolina to visit and help her mother move into a retirment center. Several years ago our friendship had evolved into a glorious "kindred spirit" connection. We had met in our church/neighborhood when her husband was working for a nearby university. Kara and I discovered our mutual love of playing and performing music, songwriting, art, literature and and nature. We formed a folk duo called "Juniper Day." and performed for a few (mostly local) events. My first album was co-recorded with her. We both were pregnant and gave birth to two children about the same time. (And we both happened to be married to two different men named Jacob - . The similitarites we discovered were and still are magical and bonding and our friendship has been an incredible blessing and gift.
I did not want to miss the opportunity to see my best kindred spirit friend. I drove two hours to South Jordan to tag along and maybe try to be of help as she was there offering family support. The day I arrived Kara's plan was to go shopping for furniture to help furnish her mothers new dwelling "Adorned" in our attractive masks we first drove to Ikea (in her rental car) and didnt quite find what was needed there. Then drove on to TJ Maxx, where Kara found a chair she knew her mother would approve of. After purchase and hauling it out to the car, and goofing off just a little bit in the parking lot (pic) we discovered it would not fit no matter how hard we tried. It finally occured to me that we could drive back to the retirement home and swap with the vehicle I brought, which was a massive 9 seat chevrolet suburban. We left the chair at TJ Maxx, stopped for some dinner (it was around 7pm) then headed back to make the change.
By the time we got back to TJ Maxx it dark outside. We went inside, made our purchase and together carried the chair out to the parking lot for the second time that evening. As we walked I was goofing off and singing a silly
non-sensical song. Kara on the other hand wasn't paying attention. Her eyes rested upon a young uneasy looking young couple sitting on the curbside. She immediately stopped us and as we set the chair down she asked them how they were doing. The young man said forlornly, "Actually, we've been better.. " And then he proceeded to tell us that he and his partner were waiting to meet someone who was supposed to bring them money to help them purchase needed medicine. They also weren't sure they would be able to cover cost of lodging that night. I did not quite understand the full story and I don't think Kara did either. But that didn't matter. Kara felt that nudge and she heeded it. She handed them some green money and treated them like they were the most important people in the world at that moment in time. I watched as the man was taken back and how grateful and suprised he was when he saw her hand over the bill. His lovely yet tired looking companion reacted as well. We continued to walk to the suburban. The man offered to carry the chair, saying it was the least he could do. We all said our goodbyes and and both proceeded to move on with our evening and our lives.
In the car ride on the way home we were both quiet for a little while. Then I expressed to Kara how touched I was by what she did. I asked her how much money was in that bill she handed over. She said it was 100.00. I felt amazed, and humbled by this. How many times have I felt stingy or turned away from giving what I could to someone else?
She did what she was guided to do in that moment. Compassion filled her spirit and she did not ignore it. I'll always be grateful to her for what happened that night, and my admiration and love for her grew even more than before.
Marble, Colorado
In mid March my two sisters and I gathered together in Marble where Jessa oversees an
Air B & B. We planned to have some power rehearsals form upcoming gigs for our celtic/world music band "Wildwing." https://vimeo.com/472449073? (demo video)
We had a wonderful time together not only spending a few hours rehearsing in the main lodge, but also we were able to get outside and frolick a bit in the beautiful mountains surrounding the town.
Sunday morning was our last few hours all together for this trip, before my sister Amy and I were to caravan back to Price, Utah and then later for me to cache valley, Utah.
Jessa had helped set up an opporunity for us to play some of our more mellow songs for a church service. This was a multi-denominational (Christian) church, led by a regular pastor who had a modest yet lovely home just behind the church. He and his wife greeted us warmly and were very appreciative of us coming to share music for part of their Sunday morning services. We played/performed a Waltz I wrote called "Dreamer's Waltz" Amy on violin, Jessa on flute, me on piano, then one more traditional Cape Breton tune called "The Wren."
Throughout the service I was touched by the obvious friendships and bonds and service regularly given to one another in this community and appreciated the love and kindess shown by the pastor to his congregation. There was a wonderful sense and feeling of community bonding and mutual faith in God and his son, Jesus Christ.
After the service was over, by approval from the pastor, we played some upbeat irish fiddling tunes for a few in the congregation who wanted to linger and enjoy more music.
What an absolute delight to be able to share this cheer to dear people, hungry for music and dancing! The pastors wife and other adults danced, children twirled, hearts were lifted, smiles all around. Energy renewed. Gratitude expressed. How grateful I was and still am for that small moment!!
And I truly hope for many more experiences like this in the future.
Here is a link to a short video clip from this beautiful and energizing time.
One more link to facebook (public music profile) if the first link does not work:
These are just two encounters this past spring that have brought joy and gladness to my heart. To me this is all about human connection, kindness and noticing and taking hold upon those "golden" opportunities. Some are living in a situation and place where they still feel limited in attending events and being around others. My heart goes out to you. May you feel joy and peace in those small moments, even if perhaps sometimes its through an electronic device. Maybe in person visits are few and far between. Cleave, cleave to those memories that stir and warm your heart. Hang on tightly to those strong connections with others that you know are still TRUE and right.
In conclusion, I share with you a song in the making - very much about what I've shared in this blog post. May it bring happiness to you. And peace.