It's been four weeks ago today that we packed our bags, hugged necks, said our goodbyes, got email addresses to keep in touch, drove home, boarded airplanes, missed flights (don't ask), and plopped down in our living rooms weary, but inspired from being around such a great group of writers!
So....what have you been up too? Are you still humming the songs you wrote at retreat? Have you tried to explain a thousand times what it was like to people who just nod and smile that i'm-sure-you-had-a-great-time-but-it-makes-no-sense-to-me smile? Have you been on a "writing roll" since you got back, or did life overwhelm you and you just had to play catch up for a while? Have you been pitching songs or does it seem like everything is coming to a stand still?
Do you need some encouragement, or maybe some news you could share would encourage someone else? Just a few thoughts this afternoon as i sit in Starbucks for my weekly Sunday afternoon writing session with me!
I hope that you'll take a second to post and let us all read what you've been up too!
Donna N
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6 comments:
I wouldn't say I've been on a "writing roll", but I'm chuggin' along. I laid down the first tracks for my next cd that I will put out for my friends, family, and church this Fall. That will occupy much of my creative energies this summer. I'm enjoying Wedny's cd in my car right now. Nothing has really come of the stuff I worked on at the retreat this year, but one I was a part LAST year has just now found its place! But I'll let Phil talk about that good news. :)
Hello all!
I played "catch up" for at least the first two weeks. Running,(driving) to New Jersey to see my brother (who is improving daily)Praise God!
One of the songs I was blessed to be a part of with Ben and Trish is seeing a bit of activity. I got a demo from George for the song that He and Lyn and I wrote and I love it! George and I are about to finish another song and I've got some thing I'm getting ready to work on with Helga.
When you said Donna that four weeks had passed I thought, is that all it's been. It seems like it was way too long ago and like next year will take forever to get here! :o)
Keep writing everyone and God bless your endeavors this year!
Karen
Yeah, Dave Clark landed an Easter Musical I wrote last week at Lillenas, Dave Willamson will arrange it.
Two songs from the retreat are in it..."We Will See God" from last year written with Kristie and Maurice Carter and "What a Great Morning"...my birthday song written with Sean Smith this year:) Also last year during Joel's master class co-writing time at WAJ Steve Marshall, Donna Brooks and I (retreat alumni) sat in little chairs in a gradeschool classroom and wrote. "To Save" also planned for the musical.
Yea team!!!
Phil Mehrens
I am still on the mountain! What a wonderful time of writing, sharing, meeting new friends and hugs from our extended co-writing family. Everytime I look back I experience another moment...
Driving home that Sunday night, my GPS took me down another path that I never would have tried. I was on the back of the back roads in Georgia. It was late, the street was a 2 lane road and I don't recall ever seeing another car on that winding country "short cut". The sky was clear when I approached a cross road and stopped. I looked up and I was just taken back by the beauty of the stars. The city lights in jacksonville always hide so much...I was the only person on the road so I turned off the headlights, stepped out of the van and had an amazing experience in the middle of no-where. At that very moment, I realized that the chorus to the song Tricia, Terry and I finished, "Let God Be God" was playing on the CD. It was a beautiful God Thing as I just stood there with a tear in my eye. WoW...
As for "What Since".....
Life, Work, Vacation at a lake House, emails to my fellow co-writers, fine tuning "What I Would've Said" with Sean and Ed, WordSmithing "Closer Than Yesterday" with Lee and Steve.
Just for the record, I try to check this BLOG site every day for updates. Knowing everyone is busy but I still have high hopes I'll see someone post a hello or an update on a song. I miss you all!
Brian
It's great to see all of this! I have been feeling much BETTER than when I was at the retreat. (I am pregnant with #3, and the retreat was the start of the morning-sickness.... thanks to all for helping me live in blissful ignorance!) The prepared meals and fresh air and walks were great too!!
But the daily grind of motherhood and summer fun has caused the writing to slow down. I've been working hard to learn and play my retreat songs so I can relive them in my living room. It's always a challenge for me to learn my songs when I wasn't sitting at the keys during the cowrite. The music is always better that way though!
Hoping to get back in the groove of long-distance co-writing. I got iChat figured out on my Mac, so I'm up for anyone who wants to initiate me on a video-write.
Allie
Helga, Phil, and I did get a hold on "Living Here Forever" so we'll see if it sticks!
Wow Allie, I didn't know! Congrats.
I love our song we wrote with Don. I hope you are learning that one. I love listening to your vocal on it and I think it will bless others when you sing it out!
I've been writing some but I just got back from youth camp. Oh the band that I have a song on their cd, are coming to stay with me on Monday. They are recording some segments with "Wally" on total axxess (way fm) on Wed. the 2nd, then playing a concert for our youth. The radio station segments should air on thurs. the 3rd or Friday the 4th. You can find a station near you or just listen online if anyone is interested. The band is Rough Draft and I think the website for the station is www.totalaxxess.com I may have some news about something soon but won't know for a few weeks. Miss all of you sooooo much!
Allie, I would love to try and use my ichat if you are ever interested. I've only used it once with Bev. I need the practice.
Blessings to all of you and don't be strangers if you are in town!!
Ericka
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