Take Note Tuesday: Kensington Prairie

Summer 2016 was an amazing oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation!!!  Having said that, it is good to get back to the routine of homeschooling.

To bid farewell to summer, as well as show my gratitude for having been blessed with so much relaxation this summer, I would like to showcase a band that has had calming affect upon me over the last few weeks.

I first heard Kensington Prairie's music  when their song was played in one of the episodes of the T.V. show "Heartland".  They are a Canadian, indie, folk band from Grimsby, Ontario where they also participate in another band called Maplewood Lane.  The song I would like to share with you today is called "Open Country".

I absolutely LOVE this song!!  The lyrics are beautiful and the sound is completely uplifting and relaxing.  I would love to know your thoughts.  Please share in the comments below.

Until next time ....Happy Song Writing!

To listen to "Open Country" Here.

Tulip Field Background by Petr Kratochvil from All-Free-Download.com

Morning Thoughts:" In God We Trust"

Image courtesy of nixxphotography at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ever since I took a break from blogging in May, I have found it hard to make time to return to it, especially while trying to keep my children a number one priority during summer vacation.  But, this morning I woke with thoughts that I just had to share.  These thoughts are not set to music, yet.  But I believe they are worth sharing.  In fact, if any of you feel inspired with a tune for these words, I would love to hear.  Please share.  The thoughts came to me in the form of a poem of sorts.  Here it is:

Trust in God

by Catrina Baum

I believe in God

I believe that if I put my trust in God I will be o.k.

I believe that there are a lot of problems in our Country today.

I believe all of these problems could eventually be solved if we, as a people, honestly and truly put our trust in God.

I believe the reason this Country was born is because the Founding Fathers believed that if they put their trust in God they would be ok.

I believe that the patriotism that burns in the hearts of the people of this Country blazes because, whether they know it or not, God is the source of their flame.

I believe that those who have died for this Country have done so because somewhere, deep down, they believed that this Country stands for something of worth….

And I believe that this worth comes from valuing God in whom it is essential we trust.

Monday Memoirs: Braces, and Doctors and School Oh My

Doctors appointments, new braces, end of the school year events for public schooled children as well as my own homeschooling end of the year events, have taken over life for the moment.  I have also been spending a lot of time getting ready for the One Horizon Reunion concert next month (see post from May 9th HERE).  It seems all of my time is going in so many different directions that I don't anticipate being able to put any posts out on this blog until I am finished with the concert in June.  I hope all of you songwriters out there are having oodles of success with your creativity.  Please share your work.  Until next time.... Happy Songwriting!!!

Take Note Tuesday: Jonny Diaz

What a talented musician and songwriter!!!  Johnny Diaz is originally from Lakeland, Florida.  After heading off to college with a professional baseball player goal in mind, he felt led in a different direction.  His faith in God was a big influence in this change.  He is now an American Contemporary Christian Pop artist as a result of his change in direction.  I hope you enjoy my choice of songs here.  "Because of You" captures his feelings of gratitude for parenting.  

There are so many great songs that he has written.  I hope you check them all out.  I am so glad that I was able to find another talented family friendly musician.  Please let me know if you have any other recommendations for Take Note Tuesday posts in the future.  Until next time.... happy songwriting.

Monday Memoirs: Gearing up for a One Horizon Reunion 2016

Making music together since 2005, One Horizon has made a tradition for the past 5 years to come together, from across the country, to put on a summer concert.  We are excited to announce that the location for this year's reunion performance, Tuesday June 21st, will be at the  Brigham Young Historical Park in Salt Lake City Utah!!!  Thank you Temple Square for working with us and providing such a wonderful location for us to share our music.

Because this performance is just a little over a month away, my next few blog posts will be focused on this songwriting event.  This year all three vocalists, including myself, will be sharing original songs that warm the heart and uplift the spirit.  It should be a great experience for all ages.  Please come and check out One Horizon June 21st at 7:30.

Take Note Tuesday: Anthem Lights

Hailing from Nashville, Tennesse, Chad, Caleb, Spencer and Joey are talented musicians that release cover songs on youtube regularly.  They also write their own music.  The majority of their earlier compositions were Christian based.  However, their later work seems to have become more mainstream.

What a great family friendly band!!  Check out one of their original song, "On Top of the World" below:

Take Note Tuesday: Boyce Avenue

Cover songs have a way of bringing unknown bands into the spotlight, but their own original songs are what keep them there.  Boyce Avenue happens to be one of those bands with a knack for doing cover songs.  One of their latest original songs, "Be Somebody" is at the top of my list of favorites, though.  I think it has a good message.  I myself am encouraged to be bold in pursuit of my dreams and goals as I listen to this song.

This band of brothers was formed in 2004 after all three of them finished pursuing their educational goals.  Daniel, Fabian and Alejandro are from Sarasota, Florida.  They are currently scheduled to tour cities across the United States in September and October of this year.  Check out their video collaboration for the song "Be Somebody" below.