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Possibilities & Plans; A New Year

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Possibilities & Plans; A New Year

Fresh snow has blanketed the transition into 2017 as we begin a new cycle of possibilities.  Trees laden with cotton-balls of snow adorn the thick lined branches. The hares have broken the snow, weaving around the trees leaving their tracks. The New Year came peacefully as I played guitar & drank tea.

I am happy to leave behind the things that are no longer serving me.  Much clearing has taken place and I am simplifying my life to focus on what really matters. I have done another layer of purging to create some space around me for expansion and creativity.

The new possibilities are exciting. This year the emphasis will be on my visual art, music and writing.

Visual Art

In January, watch for a painting a day, five days a week, starting today, Monday January 2, 2017. Check later today when I will post a link here.  All paintings will be postcard size and available for sale. I will let you know a secret. My little paintings go very quickly. I will also be posting them on my Facebook Page if you would like to connect with me there. They often contain as much effort as a large piece and I will be selling them for a reasonable price.

I have not taken many photographs this year, for the first time in a long time. I would like to take a road trip. Some new territory to explore will surely inspire more pictures this year.

Music

Writing an album of music is one plan I intend to complete. The ideas have been in gestation for a long time. The music and melodies come easier than the words for me. It was not always that way. I intend to play more live music gigs. If you would like to host a house concert, let me know. It is easy to do and I will help you on how to set it up. I am still teaching piano and guitar and have a few select openings for new students. Have a look here.

I took a Berklee Jazz Improvisation course on piano and here is one of my assignments; a short improvisation. My jazz improv scale choices for Memories of Tomorrow by Keith Jarrett.

Writing

I am preparing to journal again this year. I have journalled for many years, but I have had a long sabbatical. Exercises for the soul are the mainstay of keeping a journal. Digging deep, becoming aware of all my inner workings to stay conscious of where I am on the journey. I have the three novels (or novellas) to finish, a book of short stories that I will edit. 

Healing

My healing journey is now showing some results.  I am feeling better than I have felt in a long time. Yoga, meditation & proper diet have been instrumental to my well-being. As well the inner work I have committed myself to for a very long time is now producing fruit.  Results do not happen overnight. It is an ongoing process to uncover one’s aspiration and authentic self, however well worth the effort.

A quote from The Tao of Healing which resonates for me:

To penetrate the hardest armor
Use the softest touch.
Yielding melts resistance
Density is filled by light
Good work is accomplished without effort.
In silence the teachings are heard;
In stillness the world is transformed.

~Jampolsky, M.D.

May we all experience health, wealth and joy in 2017! We have set out intentions. Now it is time to dig in and make it happen. This year will be a year of action. Please leave a comment and share what possibilities you see for yourself in this new year. I would love to hear from you.

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New Creations

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New Creations

inglewood-urban-sketchSpent a casual Sunday afternoon doing some urban sketching. We met in Inglewood chatting over coffee with sketchbook and portable watercolour sets in hand.

It was hot and sunny and a welcome luxury. Some randomness is a breath of fresh air. This image is one of the drawings I did that day. Inglewood is such a beautiful area and one of the oldest in the city.

Art is not my hobby, it’s how I earn my living.

New creations are appearing, in between the business obligations. Professional artists need to be hardworking and it is passion that drives us. Patrons are so appreciated. I see everything I do as art. Besides creativity there is a whole bunch of business, planning, submissions & getting out there. I recognize that in putting myself out there I am vulnerable & vulnerability is a virtue. I go almost non-stop to try to get everything in. Hence the luxury of a sketching afternoon.

Here is a video I made and composed the soundtrack to. If you like rain, I think you will like this. I listen to a lot of background music, meditations and ambient while I am working. Sometimes there is no need for words. Enjoy.

I don’t have high end recording facilities, but you get the idea. This was done on the minimal requirements for recording. Having it documented is the main thing until I am able to make a more refined version.

I am taking registrations for fall piano & guitar lessons. If you are interested please visit my Music Lessons page.
If you know anyone who would like a website built, I have room for a new Web-design client. Get a new website here.


Music

Sounds

Sounds

Songs & Albums
music
I am writing a new album of sounds, but I need to tell you precisely what is coming, so you will have to wait and see. A lot of deep thought and planning goes into the process before the songs are written, performed and recorded.
Birthing new music is complex. Some ideas pop out and others can take years to incubate. Many bits and pieces exist here, and I need to discern that which is important to share. What message do I want to put out there?
Besides the songs, the signature sound must come together. I am trying to sort out my home recording situation. I am trying to find the optimal way to get my ideas down. So far, my iPhone is the best tool I have for that, but the sounds are not studio recording quality.
As much as I would like to rush the process, it is impossible. Stay tuned. I promise it will be good. Subscribe for updates. Find out more about my musical background here.
NEW

Original “Warm Summer Breeze” Instrumental Jazz

From my Vintage Jazz collection, one of my originals; “Rot Blues ‘n’ Junk Streets”. Recorded in Yellowknife, NWT.
Deborah Robinson; Composer, Keyboards, Vocals | Pat Braden; Stand Up Bass | James Milligan; Saxophone | Norm Glowach; Drums Producer; Pat Braden

An original soundtrack I recently composed.

 

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Life is a Series of Transitions

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oct-memorialdrive-walkThe smell of decaying leaves nauseated me. Though decay and death is an opportunity for rebirth, it feels daunting. The nights are ever so quiet, stars brightly lighting the pathways of the galaxy.

Winter is inevitable. This is one of the last pictures I took before the snow arrived, it’s presence unwelcome and awkward as it delivered it’s harsh reality. I pass the hours practising music, working intently on my voice. I feel new songs incubating so I carry my notebook everywhere. I catch glimpses of the butterfly, yet the caterpillar is still present, not completely transformed. Life is a series of transitions and and the purpose is the journey which only exists in this moment.

I am setting up for NaNoWriMo once again for the third year in a row. I am not entirely sure what I will write about yet, being a pantser. In other words, flying by the seat of my pants in no uncertain terms. However for the last two years I have succeeded in writing 50,000 words in the month of November and I shall try for 3/3.

Would my time be better spent doing something else? Perhaps, but really, I recently read what I wrote last year, and was startled. What I had written read better after putting it aside for almost a year.

sunflower-oil

Sunflowers Oil on Canvas
16 X 20
$300 CAD

I have an abundance of paintings which I would like to move as I am trying to sustain my life form on this planet. Motivated to sell, please make me an offer if you are so inclined and feel free to share my website with your art loving friends. A great opportunity to purchase original art at very reasonable prices. If you are interested, please contact me. A deposit will hold your piece and shipping will be extra. Local pickup or delivery is available.

I began teaching at a art/music studio in NW Calgary. My first art class is two young children and I enjoy doing it. I would be pleased to find a few more students. If you are looking for a teacher for art, piano or guitar in Calgary, AB, get in touch.

On November 23, 2013, I will be at Caprice’s Fine Arts & Crafts Sale in Inglewood. Drop by and see the amazing array of artisans and musicians who will be displaying and selling work. Join the party and come by my booth at the Inglewood Community Centre on November 23, 2013 and say hello.

I will have an assortment of smaller pieces, ideal for gift giving as well as larger paintings. Live music and food-trucks will be part of the scenario. Donations will be accepted for the Calgary Humane Society at the event. Hope to see you there Calgary!

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Spring Rumblings

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early-spring

It was early spring when I began this post. I love new beginnings and the fresh crisp feel of new adventures. Some adjustment is required as all of our bodies are waking up to new life. I have been doing a lot of soul searching to arrive at this point.

Redesigning my life, as in a sculpture, what needs to remain is slowly being revealed. I leave behind that which not longer has a place in my life. The road ahead is open and freedom is at my command, though embarking is taking much longer than I had envisioned. All things happen in their own time. I am beginning to achieve clarity. The vision of what I want to create is slowly coming into focus.

I knew all along on some level what direction this was all taking. However what was lacking was belief in myself, belief that this world could support me to do what I love to do. Some doors are closing now, so that new channels may open. I have to do what I love and was designed to do. The message from the universe is clear.

It’s about being stuck for a very long time. The longer one is stuck, the more difficult it is to muster the confidence to pull oneself out. It feels like I have hit bottom, the bottom of this vortex I had been sucked into. I am going to move forward and I may need a bit of help.

spring-pink

I have exhausted my resources. I am trying to raise money for my living expenses. If you feel so inclined, please visit my website and make me an offer on one of my available paintings. I am looking for fair market value. Let’s talk! I intend to offer healing arts services, such as Reiki.

In my path to revive my music, I played a showcase at The Nickelodeon in Calgary, AB in April. Now I am looking for paid gigs in Calgary, offering piano guitar, vocals, instrumental and am available for weddings, restaurants, lounges, and corporate gigs.

I am working on creating my own business offering web design and social media services. I attended Calgary’s first WordCamp this past weekend, which is about WordPress, the content management system for websites. I intend to base my design services on this amazing software so that clients can update their own website, if they so desire.

In this process I am re-branding myself which will involve integrating all of my talents under one website. Stay tuned for the launch of my new website.

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Vintage Jazz by Deborah Robinson

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my-piano-hands

Hello all. I am excited that I am finally releasing a recording done some time ago. This song was five years in the writing, one day it finally popped out, my personal favourite. Inspired my my days of being down and out many years ago, I emerged from the lower East side of Vancouver to create a new life. Soon this will be made available for download.

Credits:
Deborah Robinson; Composer, keyboards, vocals | Pat Braden; Stand-up Bass | James Milligan; Saxaphone | Norm Glowach; Drums | Producer; Pat Braden

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Happy Solstice

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Happy Solstice~Merry Christmas~Happy Holidays and welcome to the age of Aquarius. Who ever thought we would have made it this far?

ice-fog

We have had a a lot of icy fog and hoar frost this year and it is beautiful. Occasionally the sun breaks through.

And though I would like to be out taking more pictures, however other things have taken priority.

At the moment it seems I am going from deadline to deadline, pacing myself and somehow it all gets done. Everything I need comes to me, miraculously.

yellow_sm

I am getting bits and pieces of time in the studio in an attempt to finish some work. This is one of several oils I did late this summer, all 12 X 16. They are almost dry, still a bit wet in the darker areas.

A couple of weeks ago, I auditioned for a band and the experience was great. I felt good about the energy I took there, and was relaxed and calm. Feeling good about being in my element though it had been a long time and an opportunity to perform. It did not turn out to be the right situation but it feels like a bridge. A couple more situations are just on the horizon.

icy-trees

Currently I am writing new music, on piano mostly. My goal is to create an album, a CD, and once I have done that I will find a way to record it.

So I am carrying my notebook with me everywhere, as I always did before. The music is coming quicker than the lyrics. That has not always been the case. Creative thoughts must incubate before we can birth them. Much growth has been taking place under the surface.

I am spending this time to set intentions for the New Year, and to prioritize. Included in the repertoire will be lots of art, music, web design and writing. I am re-branding myself to integrate all that I do, and am determined that will provide me a way to sustain myself. In the meantime, let’s set an intention to make 2013 the best year ever!

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Fast Track: Writing, Music, Art

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Participant-180x180-2

N A N O W R I M O is happening for me again this year. It’s novel writing month, and I will attempt to write 50,000 words in the month of November. You can view my progress in the sidebar. Last year I met my goal and I found it truly stimulates all areas of my life.

I only decided two days ago, and I am going to let my intuition lead the way. I have done very little planning, if any, so I am going to have to channel this thing.

Staying focused on my creative work, while shopping for inspiration, I have actually started to paint in oils. The one below is the first one I did. I am infatuated with the sensuality of the paint and have done a number of small works, mostly landscapes and flowers for a show at Waves Cafe in Springborough in December.

Leighton OilLeighton View
12 X 16
Oil/Canvas

I will also be selling at an artisan fair on December 8, at the Bridgeland Community Centre through What the Craft. A new series of energy paintings which I have designed is a collaboration of art, gemstones and Reiki and will be included in the show & sale.

Great holiday gifts, even if you decide to shop for yourself, as I am making some smaller pieces. I plan to have some art cards available too. Working on a mixed media abstract with lots of texture, gold and silver leaf. Experimenting and stepping out on a limb is a great way to bring in new energy.

I am writing more original music. Once I can demystify this recording challenge, I will have something for you to hear. Enjoying GoGirlsMusic, a networking group for women in music, which I have joined. We have a Thursday night Twitter chat and I have met some amazing women musicians. I was out jamming some blues last weekend. Getting my musician back on and who knows, maybe some gigs are just around the corner.

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Chaos & Creativity

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Crow-mtn

The mighty Bow River is high and wide, swollen to it’s maximum, breaching the banks in some areas. We have had heavy rains, and the large mountain snow-pack is still melting. I was in Canmore recently, and some of the paths we walked on have been closed due to flooding.

I started this blog post many times, and was unable to complete it until now. This is primarily due to a challenge in what Maslow’s hierarchy of needs refers to as satisfying lower level basic needs before progressing on to meet higher level growth. I have proven progress is often disrupted by failure to meet lower level needs. Oh to become fully self-actualized. My Master Level Reiki training will have to wait until I can stabilize my income.

perspective

I am still undergoing major life transition. Despite the amount of chaos going on, I have decided my current position is advantageous. It is like the perfect storm for creativity. It is exciting to see what will happen next. My whole life has been a bit like this, but this feels bigger than what I have gone through before.

Still, I try to tie the invisible threads together to understand what is really developing here. I have a sense that I am on the right path, but not a clear picture of how things will transpire. One of the barriers may be that I think I need to know how to get where I am going. All that is really required is vision and desire. It is slowly formulating, like a pressure cooker builds up steam. I have discerned the precise details of how, are most likely not up to me.

Stampede-Clinic

stampede-horse_sm

The centennial of the Stampede was bigger than ever and has come and gone. A celebration of western heritage, it is a tradition here. Attendance records were broken. I painted another set of Stampede windows. Most stampede windows are very cartoon like, but I try to add a little something different in mine. I love the closeup of this horse. Too bad it’s not permanent.

Window painting is fun, though challenging to paint on glass and it also fills in the gaps financially. What I would really like to find is a mural job. Also, I am looking for someone to collaborate with musically. I did perform at a wedding, and just last weekend at a party. Both were well received, and now I will go to some jams and open stages to connect with others. I have been using positive affirmations and so I am saying, “The perfect job finds me.” I am intent on following my heart, and trusting the process to set me on the correct path.

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2012 … It’s Been Here a While Now

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newyears2012-trees

2012 is well underway, and I started this blog post in January. Hopefully some of you are still out there, and have not given up on me.

My feeling is that it will be a good year. So much is shifting and changing and I am going with the flow.

I have been striving to check off the unfinished tasks I began the year with. Tasks which I never imagined would have carried on so long. As I complete these, I move forward.

foothills

We have had a mild winter so far. A photo excursion to the Leighton Ranch was refreshing,former home of the artists A.C. Leighton, and his wife Barbara.

What a spectacular viewpoint of the mountains from the foothills! The Chinook winds were pounding me, a few pools of snow between trees in sheltered areas was the only evidence of winter.

I completed my Reiki Level One training, and I am slated to do Reiki Level II on the last weekend of March. So far, a permanent job has not shown up for me. I never dreamed I would be out of work so long, thinking my two year stint as Director of the Music Academy would help me to slide into another position easily. However that was not the case, and apparently I have not found my people or where I can add most value yet.

I have been taking this abundance course through the Daily Om. This course employs many Feng Shui cures, and assists one in shifting the energy to make way for new and wonderful things.

I have had time to study and meditate. Some of my time has been spent practicing my music and regaining my confidence as I intend to perform in the near future. I am teaching a couple of students privately. I am working on a painting that I did not finish in time for my last show, two years after the fact. Better late than never.

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Already December

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winter river trees

The river is not frozen over and we are well into December. I am overjoyed with the mild temperatures. Time to celebrate and decompress. If you want to find me on Christmas, I will be in the Rockies, soaking in the mineral springs, and dining in Banff.

As you can see by the meter on the left I finished NaNoWriMo a day early. I am planning to finish the book in January. This month has been busy, as I had a one month contract to take me through until the holidays. In one week I managed to manifest that, plus another car, and another interview. Still looking for work to start in January.

I have rented a keyboard, and hope to record some music for you soon. Have piano will travel. I have one gig booked for June and hope to find more. If you are looking for some blues-jazz for your function, please contact me.

The days are shorter now, and I find myself stumbling around in the dark quite a bit. The days will now begin to lengthen. Best wishes to all for the holidays and the coming year! I will leave you with one of my favourite Christmas songs.

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Transitions

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moonrise-feb

Several moons have come and gone and the non-existence of time has proved itself once more. Look at this beauty, almost full. My new camera captures a lot of detail and I am looking forward to getting out a bit more.

As I detach from the walls here, the surroundings shrink into tomorrow’s memories. Packing has begun, with the help of a friend. Next month at this time I will be in a new environment. I will be in a whole new neighbourhood, near the river, some shops, a bakery, cafe and grocer. Fresh surroundings will be good for me, and for my creativity.

taichishoes

All things change. Even my old soft leather jazz dance shoes have been transformed into Tai Chi shoes. Who knew they would be the perfect choice? The Taoist Tai Chi is helping to shift the physical energy. This practice is very good for someone who is regaining their health and I fall into that category.

fireside guitar

I have stepped back from painting since my last show which has given me a chance to re-evaluate the process and to find an appreciation for the work my gifts and talents have produced.

In the meantime I practice observation while allowing the creative energy to build. I have been dabbling with my music here and there. Hoping to get set up for some recording so I can share my music with you soon. Watch for some new surprises sometime this spring.