Song Quest Two
Poetry, Song Stuff | Posted by Jannie on 11 March 2009 @ 6:29 AM 44 Comments
A weight has lifted.
I’ve finally laid down my rucksack and rifle to drink my fill of the first water I’ve had in 24 hours. Then slept a good sleep while my socks dried out.
My belly’s full.
My comrades all made it through too.
(I’m allowing my music to flow with ease, not struggle.)
The garden where I played my guitar and sang under broad palm leaves earlier tonight was strewn with white lights. (Edit: I was just sitting and practicing.)
A girl no older than 6 insisted I take a dollar for a tip.
I’m rich now!
I skipped running yesterday and the day before. Skipped it! But am quite over that guilt now. As I mentioned, a weight has lifted. I feel reborn.
Today I will be one with the trees and the river as I walk. I will drown in the smell of the earthen mulch. Drink in the birdsong.
I might even run. All the more fun that it’s raining a bit.
The UVs will not age me!
Then I’ll get a muffin and a coffee.
I hope the muffins will be fresh (even the supermarket is skimping lately. They probably think no one notices. But I do. Still, I forgive them. Times are tough for many.)
After my coffee-muffin who knows what could happen?
I could discover Paris right here at home.
Find a cat sunning by a gate who lets me pet him.
Do a fandango in the soup aisle.
I want to write a song about….. I’m not sure.
The ukulele one unearthed itself quite quickly, thanks to the love of my peeps.
I want to write a song as good as ”Tears In Heaven,” “The Girl From Ipanema” or “The Rainbow Connection.”
(I wanted to write “Blowing In The Wind,” but Dylan beat me to it. Dang it.)
Universe, where are the words to my melody?
Where is my answer?
In me, of course.
But, where?
And what?
On 11 March 2009 at 7:08 am Dot said,
Congratulations! That sounds great! And a pretty poem too.
Dot’s last blog post..Under the Weather
On 11 March 2009 at 7:24 am Betsy Wuebker said,
Discover Paris here at home. I want to do that! Do you think I could find it under the snow in -2 degree weather? I see you dancing and skipping through the Tuileries. Spell-check wants to make that word rotisseries.
Betsy Wuebker’s last blog post..A NEW WAY TO PLAY FOR LITTLE DAISY
On 11 March 2009 at 8:06 am TheWeyrd1 said,
I used to write a lot of songs…then I got old. Actually, I went to grad school and it sucked the life out of me. I no longer bounce off the walls and song writing became lesser and lesser…and then one day I didn’t pick up the guitfiddle. I still jot down a few lines now and then…but the guitfiddle is quiet. I’m afraid to get it out now, it might scare the puppy. And it definitely needs new strings…
TheWeyrd1’s last blog post..Tuesday’s Time Waster – Proctoring Exams for Students
On 11 March 2009 at 8:10 am Chris said,
Oh, they’ll come. Don’t feel guilty about not running, I understand. I find when I run though, that words and ideas come to me – I wish I had a tape recorder.
I’m glad a “weight has lifted”. What a pretty setting in the photo!
Chris’s last blog post..Pasta Under the Piano
On 11 March 2009 at 10:03 am Lynn said,
How nice. I am so happy that it went well! Love the Paris imagery.
Lynn’s last blog post..Vacation, city lights and in touch
On 11 March 2009 at 10:07 am Talon said,
Congratulations! Is there anything finer than that feeling? Maybe one or two things, but not many! Bask and enjoy! (and spend your fortune wisely!)
Talon’s last blog post..…hieroglyphics
On 11 March 2009 at 10:27 am debbie said,
That’s wonderful that it went well. What great images.
debbie’s last blog post..College Courses of Today
On 11 March 2009 at 10:35 am Paige said,
Good news is always best when shared.
You know what you wanta write…I think you did just that.
Paige’s last blog post..Car trouble…
On 11 March 2009 at 1:02 pm Jannie said,
Thank you, Dot. I do get anxious sometimes over my music – kind of hold-over feelings of my past inadequacies so I’m transitioning right now into a place of allowing myself success. Again, sorry about your terrible escalator accident. Get better soon.
Betsy: Dancing among rotisseries sounds like a bit of risque business. Must be a French thing for sure! Have you spent much time in Paris?
Weyrd1: How old are you? A lot younger than I, I think.
I need new strings too. Our show is actually cancelled for today, a cold rainy snap came buzzing on in here, as you know. And we’re scheduled to play outdoors. boo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo.
Chris: Thanks, I do hope the words will come too. I did run an average of 3 times the past 3 weeks, not bad I guess. Yes, it’s so pretty in a setting like that on a warm night, makes you think you can do anything.
Lynn: I just put in the edit about me sitting and practicing. Kelly was playing on the near-by playground so I said “I’m gonna practice!” And I did. That little girl was so sweet to want to give me the tip. I told her I couldn’t take any more than 25 cents, but she persisted. And I caved. Best dollar I ever made.
Talon: I wonder where I should spend that fortune? Maybe fandango lessons. As I mentioned above, I’ve been all too familiar with struggle than ease in my music, but I think I’m letting go now. It might take a while longer to realize that I am worthy and deserving of success and that my voice and guitar playing actually do not suck now. It’s one thing to have dreamt what was possible and another to actually be finally be doing it, the doing can get a bit scary if I let myself go there and visualize anything less than success. So I will not let myself go there any more.
Debbie: I fear I gave the idea that I did a “show” last night. In a way I guess I did because a few people passed by and listened to me playing and singing. I TOOK THE GUITAR OUT OF THE CAR!!! Always a great step.
Paige: It is nice to have good news to share! Did I? Did I just write soemthing worth siging about? Somehow my brain keeps telling me to write about flinging my bra, which I probably will. But I’m also after another kind of a song too – something Deeply & Irrevocably Meangingful.
Jannie’s last blog post..Song Quest Two
On 11 March 2009 at 1:45 pm wade said,
A fandango. Remember the song ?
And we ate Watermelons and Mango
and we danced a Cajun fandango.
On 11 March 2009 at 5:44 pm Thomma Lyn said,
A fandango in the soup aisle sounds like fun!
And the song will come — as the melody is turning in your mind, the words will sneak into your thoughts like snatches from dreams and it will feel like they’ve always been part of the melody. I’ve found that if you’re trying hard to find them, they can be elusive, but if you turn a bit, sometimes they sparkle in your peripheral vision.
Thomma Lyn’s last blog post..More Signs of Spring
On 11 March 2009 at 6:40 pm Steve said,
Nice post!
Keep up the great work Jannie!
Steve
http://www.the-irn.com
http://www.commoncts.blogspot.com
On 11 March 2009 at 8:13 pm Momisodes said,
You’re writing always seems so effortless
Hope those words find you very soon.
Momisodes’s last blog post..30’s are the new 20’s… FAIL!
On 11 March 2009 at 8:13 pm Renee said,
Jannie, just seeing the picture and hearing you describe it makes me feel like I was in faux-Paris with you
The best things in life are simple and free (besides the cheap muffin and coffee, of course.)
XO
Renee
Renee’s last blog post..Mind Ooze of the Day
On 12 March 2009 at 4:14 am Lance said,
Hi Jannie,
That’s one smart six year old (and I have this idea I know where it comes from…). I’m adding to the tip jar too! And…I’m sending a freshly-baked muffin (oh…I guess it probably won’t be fresh by the time it gets to you…maybe I should just eat it myself…) (yum). Sorry, Jannie…it was good though.
Your words…they will reveal themselves, at the right time…
Lance’s last blog post..Finding Balance In The Jungle
On 12 March 2009 at 5:23 am sheila said,
Sometimes I find things when I sleep. Sometimes the answers are right there in your dreams, you just have to pay attention and remember them.
sheila’s last blog post..Floating a theroy about LOST
On 12 March 2009 at 5:35 am K said,
Maybe your song is about finding your song – my best words always come from passionate feelings.
I love the garden – I want to come to the next party there.
K’s last blog post..Five Years!
On 12 March 2009 at 6:32 am Lynn said,
Lucky playground to have such musical accompaniment!
Lynn’s last blog post..Ridin’ music, happy event and sandal weather
On 12 March 2009 at 8:49 am Liara Covert said,
Jannie, an aspiring singer friend of mine took the initiative to get a job in a local restaurant during highschool. She is an opera singer who created a reperatoire and came up with the idea of going table -to-table in this particular restaurant. She asked patrons for specific song requests. Musicians and singers always benefit from taking initiatives. When you detect inner passion, part of you simply knows and follows instincts. Spreading joy invites more reasons for joy to come your way.
Liara Covert’s last blog post..6 Tips to eliminate drama
On 12 March 2009 at 8:59 am Jannie said,
Wade: I can honestly say I have never heard that song, not to my recollection, anyway. Was it by The Munsters?
Thomma Lynn: I sure am waiting on those words. I had the melody for Ukulele in my head and that ended up going very well. I have two whole song melodies I’m hoping the universe will shine on me soon. Thanks for your lovely thoughts. I wish I could tape my falling asleep dreams.
Hey, Stevo. Re-sent the “Nobama” photo to you. Hope you got it?
Momisodes: You are so kind. I guess sometimes my words do flow, depends on my mood really. You are a very fine writer yourself, as I believe I have mentioned ad nauseum.
Renee: Nothing like a cheap non-fresh muffin! Austin is so pretty, was veritably warm 2 nights ago but yesterday the chilliness roared in.
Lance: You are such a ray of sunshine ALL the time. Is that hard to maintain?? I actually got a pretty-fresh muffin yesterday. Was maybe just a day old! Thanks for teh wonderful words.
Sheila: Yes, that is it! My dreams… last night they were about – what? See, lost them, boo hoo. I guess I can consciously tell myself to wake up when I’ve dreamed something good. In he past I have written whole songs in my sleep, only to not be able to remember them upon waking. But I think just the love and energy towards me from all of you willl help spur me on.
K: You are so right. Where is my passion? What am I passionate about these days? I’ve already written a song about having a wedgie – where do I go from there?
I feel that there is a place that is full of love and light, where no one goes hungry or is without love. Hmmmn.
Lynn: It was kind of fun, indeed. Little children came running at the sound of my golden guitar strings. I guess Neil Young carries his guitar with him everywhere – that’s what I think I need to do too.
Liara: Spreading joy invites more reasons for joy to come your way. Spreading joy invites more reasons for joy to come your way. Spreading joy invites more reasons for joy to come your way. Initiative. Initiative. Initiative. I will spread the joy. I will spread the joy. I will fling my request into the trees I love so much.
On 12 March 2009 at 9:02 am Glenn Buttkus said,
Gosh, I love what Thomma Lyn suggested; bit of a poet herself that one. Speaking of poets, this latest one of yours zings, and rings with immediacy and personability. It is you, all you, no omnescient eye there, just the blue-eyed Jannie enjoying her life, dancing, mothering, singing, writing poems, and getting ready for her performing. I posted your poem on FFTR to share it with others. “to drown in the smell of the earthen mulch, and to drink in the birdsong,”….good lines, wonderful imagery. With all the rainforests we have in the Northwest, you ought to bring your olfactory sense up here and really get a sniff of mulch and moss and damp earth and leaves, drenched firs and pines, wildflowers and clover, slashed through with a rushing stream filled with sweet water running straight off glaciers. Texas is OK, but Washington State is where God goes on weekends.
Glenn
Glenn Buttkus’s last blog post..Song Quest Two
On 12 March 2009 at 10:04 am Mama Zen said,
Wow, Jannie! I want some of whatever you’re taking!
Mama Zen’s last blog post..One Word: Greed
On 12 March 2009 at 1:15 pm Sara said,
Jannie,
You sound so peaceful and content in this post. I love it. I’ve no doubt that something wonderful is brewing in your music mind. I’ll look forward to when you share it with us.
Sara’s last blog post..More than just 5 words in a journal
On 12 March 2009 at 2:28 pm Patricia said,
Paige: It is nice to have good news to share! Did I? Did I just write soemthing worth siging about?
some thing worth signing about – no
soemthing worth singing about – yes
I like your poll app. and I have to leave now because my fasting does not allow for muffins – fresh or stale and my mouth is salivating…
And Tara just told everyone how lovely her skin is giving up sugar for Lent and drinking extra water….I think champagne does wonders for the skin too…
I sang in the shower this morning – I sounded so good…
Thanks for the inspiration and joy
Poor Dot…I worry about escalators..In the 60s we had all those public service commercials on TV about not leaving your roller skates on the stairs so Grandmother might fall on them and break her hip…and how we should wear something reflective at night…pity the poor soul who leaves something in the way of the stairs on my watch.
On 12 March 2009 at 4:51 pm Anonny Mouse said,
Janny: Meybe you shud writ a song aboot the Canada People. They are so cute. I seen lots Canada People and I kno they are abovt averigdge in entelligenz too.
On 12 March 2009 at 5:53 pm kimmi said,
Jannie, very nice visuals and lovely images! Love the peace you’re projecting!
hugs
On 12 March 2009 at 5:49 pm TheWeyrd1 said,
Jannie…I don’t know how old YOU are, but I suspect I might be a couple years further down the road. But maybe not…
TheWeyrd1’s last blog post..Tuesday’s Time Waster – Proctoring Exams for Students
On 12 March 2009 at 7:52 pm nikkicrumpet said,
I’m so glad to hear you’re feeling great! And it sounds like you’re ready to write your own masterpiece….
nikkicrumpet’s last blog post..~♥~ I WISH WEDNESDAY ~♥~
On 12 March 2009 at 9:37 pm Evelyn LIm said,
The words will come for sure!! I find that inspiration comes a-knocking when I take frequent breaks for meditation, hobbies or other interests. I’m not sure if these suggestions can be helpful for you.
Evelyn LIm’s last blog post..My Personal Creed
On 12 March 2009 at 11:11 pm teahouseblossom said,
Gorgeous photo. Reminds me of a courtyard of the most romantic restaurant I’ve ever been to.
On 13 March 2009 at 6:33 am Jannie said,
Glenn: Thomma Lynn is soon to be a published novelist. She is a truly unique and wondrous spirit. You have no idea how temporary Austin is. Hubby came here temporarily 25 years ago. And you also have no idea how I long to dive under mulch and perhaps never resurface. Or something like that. You must have a lovely Northwest complexion. Do you?
Mama Zen: It is totally organic, I swear!
Sara: I was indeed a lovely peaceful place to be, thanks. I hope I find myself there on a regular basis. Brewing, that’s a great way to put it. A good song percolating.
Patricia: Those polls are very easy to create – and free, via PollDaddy. I think I’ll put them up from time to time. Always a thrill to see your lovely ladybug here and hear your input.
Annony Mouse: Canada People, eh? I’ll strongly consider that, thanks.
Weyrd1: I’ll be 45 soon! (Top that.)
Kimmmi: Thank you! Peace is such a lovely place to be. I’m for sure gonna hang out there as much as I can.
Nikki: “Masterpiece.” Oooo, I like that, thanks! Gonna keep those vibes going in my brain.
Evelyn: I surely think you have hit the nail on the head. Get involved in other thoughts and activities, distance myself from the Quest and there it will no doubt be! THANK YOU!!
Teahouse: Isn’t it like… the most gorgeous place ever?! I shall re-visit it and find the words I need. But I’ll have to wait for the rain to let up first.
On 13 March 2009 at 9:41 am Lance said,
A ray of sunshine? That’s way easy here! Always!! I think it’s what you project off, shines back at you. So, this is just “you” coming rightbackatcha…
Lance’s last blog post..Finding Balance In The Jungle
On 13 March 2009 at 10:07 pm Mia said,
I’m glad it went well. That setting looks perfect!
Mia’s last blog post..When One is an Aspie and the Other is Not ~ Guest Post by Andrea at My Autism Insights
On 15 March 2009 at 6:49 am Andrea Mai said,
You make the music, I’ll dance (though I don’t know the fandango) but oh, how I’ll dance if you’ll play and sing a sweet song, whatever the words may be. Oh, and instead of skipping running have you tried just skipping? It’s glorious fun and makes you feel like a little girl brave enough to give a lady with a guitar a dollar! Try it, you’ll like it. I promise.
Andrea Mai’s last blog post..A Swift Kick for Friday, March 13
On 15 March 2009 at 10:49 am Jannie said,
Lance: More like a whole field of sunshine!
Mia: Thanks. I love a night setting like that. But seriously, who wouldn’t? It looks like a dream.
Andrea: Skipping! That’s the ticket. It’ll make me brave. I wanna skip like a child down the sidewalk. I wanna skip through the shopping mall. I wanna skip in the supermarket. I wanna skip in the hall. There’s my song!
On 15 March 2009 at 4:39 pm Heather Happymaker said,
Jannie, it sounds as though you’re definitely living YOUR life. Know what I mean? Not just existing. That is awesome!
Heather Happymaker’s last blog post..Peanut Butter War: What is it good for?
On 16 March 2009 at 12:07 am Robin said,
I loved the Paris laneway, too. Good on you, Jannie.
Robin’s last blog post..Making The Most Of Life
On 16 March 2009 at 9:32 am Cathy said,
great post about wanting to write but not know what–I have that too.
What a great place to play your guitar, btw!
Cathy’s last blog post..Insanity’s Song
On 16 March 2009 at 12:51 pm Jannie said,
Heather: Yeah after 44 years I seem to be honing in on me! And do you know Yes! magazine online?? It is so full of great things.
Robin: Paris is everywhere if we are open to it, isn’t it?
Cathy: So nice to see you again! Hope you’ve been well? Some words are coming to me but I’m not even really working on them, as I have old fish to fry first – learning to play the songs I already wrote.
On 17 March 2009 at 5:21 pm Jay Schryer said,
Hi Jannie,
Songwriting is such sweet passion! For me, it gives me such an emotional release, and such an empowering feeling, to force my thoughts and feelings into the rhyming verse and flowing chorus.
I play guitar, too, but for some reason, the lyrics I write almost never match the music I write. I think it’s because writing releases my sad energies, but playing guitar always seems to put me in a jubilant mood. On the rare occasions when the two line up properly, the result is truly magical! Well, at least it’s magical *to me*.
Can’t promise that the neighbors think it’s magical at all1 
Keep writing, and keep playing!
Jay Schryer’s last blog post..So I Quit My Job Today
On 18 March 2009 at 1:46 am SnaggleTooth said,
If a 6-year-old tosses a buck, then maybe the older dudes will throw handfuls of 20s…
SnaggleTooth’s last blog post..Blahoogha
On 18 March 2009 at 8:07 am Happy Birthday, Let’s Live Forever! — Let's Live Forever! said,
[...] the Mistress of Funsterment, often writes about singing and songwriting, while Ribbon from Perth shares her internal map of reality with us, and has been known to write [...]
On 19 March 2009 at 11:01 am Jannie said,
Hey Jay, sorry it’s taken me a bit to get back to here on this. I very much appreciate you coming by and commenting. I will look forwar to visiting our site and to more chats about songwriting. It is easier to get into mores serious lyrics, that upbeat to match the jubilant guitar.
Snag: Wow, do you really think I can expect $20s?? I figure anything short of tomatoes being thrown is a blessing.
Robin: Thanks for the link love!! And again, Happy First Birthday!
On 21 April 2009 at 5:29 pm Happy Birthday, Let’s Live Forever! | Dying Never said,
[...] the Mistress of Funsterment, often writes about singing and songwriting, while Ribbon from Perth shares her internal map of reality with us, and has been known to write [...]